"Messenger, this is not the attitude that should be adopted in negotiations," Minister Qin stepped forward, squinting his eyes.
"You are mistaken. You should know that in the several hundred years of our Wei Dynasty's history, there has never been an initiative for a marriage alliance. Now, our Wei Kingdom is willing to send a princess for a marriage alliance to maintain the alliance between our two countries. This shows that our country approaches these negotiations with the utmost sincerity."
"If you want negotiations, I have never seen the side that lost on the battlefield demanding things like a bold lion. We have always known that the people of your Wei Kingdom have no shame, but I never knew they were so shameless. Believe it or not, I can make sure you come with your lives and leave without them," a hot-headed military general couldn't hold back and stepped forward, drawing the large sword from his waist, threateningly.
The opposing military general was not one to be trifled with either. He stepped forward, protecting his men in front of the Dayi Kingdom's military general, saying, "You should be afraid of us."
The tension between the two sides escalated.
King Ye did not speak to intervene, and everyone nervously watched the confrontation between the two groups.
After a while, just when everyone thought they were about to start fighting, a young envoy from the Wei Kingdom stepped forward and smiled at the Dayi Kingdom's military general, saying, "General, there's no need to be so angry. People from our Wei Dynasty speak straightforwardly. In the case of a marriage alliance, it is a matter of great importance between our two countries, and on a smaller scale, it is a matter of marriage between a man and a woman. Our request is merely a 'bridal gift.' However, as Wei Kingdom's 'dowry,' we will refrain from invading the Dayi Kingdom for ten years. I believe this dowry is not a loss for your country."
The ministers of the Dayi Kingdom once again witnessed the shamelessness of the people from the Wei Kingdom. Did they take them for fools? With an attitude like this, it was clear that the princess was being sacrificed to protect themselves. As soon as the hostage was returned to the Wei Kingdom, they would tear up the alliance.
The crown prince came forward with a smile that was not a smile and said, "Oh? Envoy, don't you know that it was your country that suffered defeat? And the two princes are still 'guests' in our Dayi Kingdom?"
The emphasis on the word 'guests' carried a hint of threat.
However, the young envoy was not concerned by the other side's threat. He smiled and said, "Crown Prince, honest people don't speak in riddles. Although our Wei Kingdom was ultimately defeated, your country also suffered a great defeat, even more devastating than our Wei Kingdom."
"Moreover, your country experienced a plague before this, and now you are going through an internal turmoil. I believe the other three countries are already eyeing your country eagerly. What your country needs most now is time. Tell me, if the Dayi and Wei Kingdoms have another conflict, will the other three countries stand by and do nothing?"
The Wei Kingdom was taking advantage of the situation, but they were also genuinely holding the Dayi Kingdom's lifeline. Even if the Dayi and Wei Kingdoms negotiated peace, the Wei Kingdom would still be the greatest threat to the Dayi Kingdom.
"It is widely known that your Wei Dynasty is the least trustworthy. How can we believe that you will not invade our Dayi Dynasty within ten years?" the Dayi envoy showed no offense by the other side's words.
"Then it depends on whether your country is willing to take that risk," the young envoy replied without being bothered by the other side's words.
The crown prince looked coldly at the young envoy from the Wei Kingdom, as if he could see something in his eyes.
Unfortunately, the other party was like a fox, cleverly concealing any expressions.
The atmosphere in the hall became tense, until King Ye spoke, "We will carefully consider your proposal. We will give you a response in due time."
"Thank you, King Ye. We will await good news," the envoy said calmly.
King Ye immediately changed the topic and said to the princess of Wei, "Haha, Princess of Wei, these are my unmarried princes. You can get to know them first and let me know which one you like. I will ensure that you marry a satisfactory husband."
With that, he signaled the princes in the hall with his eyes.
The princes received the signal from King Ye and approached one by one, bowing to the princess of Wei. "We are honored to meet Your Highness, the princess."
"Greetings to all the princes," the princess of Wei replied softly, returning the courtesy.
The envoy from Wei, seeing that he had achieved the desired effect, no longer pressed the matter and gave them time to consider.
After the court session, King Ye summoned the officials of the second rank and above to stay for a discussion. Qin Chuyuan, as the Grand Minister, was also asked to stay.
"Everyone, let's discuss your opinions on the matter of the marriage alliance with Wei."
The ministers looked at each other, and the Ministry of Revenue was the first to express their opinion. Former Minister of Revenue, Zhou, was suspended from office and is under investigation due to his close ties with the Lin family. He is temporarily replaced by the Deputy Minister of Revenue.
"Your Majesty, due to the war and natural disasters this year, the reserves of the Ministry of Revenue have suffered significant losses. Although the autumn harvest is approaching, it will only replenish the empty treasury. Moreover, with the harsh winter approaching, we need to prepare for food shortages and potential snow disasters in various parts of the country. The demands from Wei are too much, and it is impossible to meet them."
"From what I know, there is fierce competition among the heirs within the Wei Dynasty, and King Wei favors his second son, who currently resides in our Changle Palace. Now it depends on which side these three envoys belong to," Qin Chuyuan said.
"If they belong to the faction of the second prince, they can use the issue of food and supplies to make it difficult for our Dayi Dynasty. When we hesitate, they can change their demands, give up on the food and supplies, and then we will happily release their prince and the tens of thousands of captives from the border," Minister Qin added, continuing Qin Chuyuan's words.
"If they belong to the opposing faction of the second prince, they can stubbornly hold onto the issue of food and supplies, causing our Dayi Dynasty to detain the faction of the second prince. This will eliminate their opponents and provoke the anger of Wei," another minister said.
"No matter what we do, they will be the ones benefiting. They are quite cunning," the Crown Prince sighed.
"If their relationship falls into either of these two categories, how should we respond?" one minister asked.
"If it's the first category, we not only have to release the prince of Wei, but also provide them with the food and supplies they need," Qin Chuyuan replied.
"How can we do that?"
"That's right."
"Your Excellencies, considering the ambitious nature of Wei, there will inevitably be a future war. And what the envoy from Wei said is correct. Our Dayi Dynasty currently needs time. We need to recruit soldiers, train them, and even send envoys to other three countries to persuade them to form an alliance against Wei. We can release their prince, but as for the food and supplies, we will decide how and when to provide them. We need to send them in batches and gradually," Qin Chuyuan explained.
"What if it's the second category?"
"Then we will cooperate with the second prince of Wei and ensure their safe return to Wei. I believe they won't refuse."
"You are still as cunning as ever," the Crown Prince said with a smile to Qin Chuyuan.
Turning his head, he addressed King Ye, saying, "Father, I, your son, believe that what Lord Qin said is quite reasonable."
The other ministers nodded in agreement, considering it feasible.
"In that case, have the Crown Prince send someone to investigate the three envoys from the Wei Dynasty," King Ye instructed.
"I will carry out your command," replied the Crown Prince.
"You may all leave now."
"Yes, we take our leave," the ministers replied.
Meanwhile, after Gong Xiaohua finished her morning court duties, she walked behind the group of generals.
The three envoys from the Wei Dynasty, led by the young envoy, approached Gong Xiaohua. The young envoy bowed and said, "I presume this is General Gong?"
Gong Xiaohua halted and turned to face the person in front of her. "What is it?"
"The female general of the Dayi Dynasty, renowned far and wide, I have long admired and wished to meet you. Now that I see you in person, your graceful bearing and extraordinary presence truly match your reputation."
"If you're only here to exchange pleasantries, I'm afraid I have no time for it. Goodbye," Gong Xiaohua said as she turned and headed towards the palace gate.
"So, this is the female general who defeated our Wei Dynasty? She doesn't seem as sturdy as the ordinary girls from our Wei Dynasty. Could the information be wrong?" whispered a Wei Dynasty general to the young envoy beside him.
The young envoy looked at the general beside him, who seemed simple-minded and physically fit. Considering that they both served under the Second Prince, the young envoy gave him a word of caution, "I warn you, don't provoke her unless necessary. She's the one who even defeated the Ghost General."
"Is she really that formidable?"
"No matter how skilled she is, she is still just one person. There's no need to fear her. Her true strength lies in her military talent. She will be an indispensable formidable adversary on the future battlefield," the young envoy said, gazing at Gong Xiaohua's figure with a deep look in his eyes.
