Chapter 443 Faction War

"If Father Emperor had no intention of sending Xiao Ba, he wouldn't have summoned him today."

"I know, I will protect Hachi."

On the quiet palace path, Yinzhen and Yinreng walked side by side.

Yinreng's face held a hint of sarcasm and understanding: "To him, the Qing Dynasty is important, the emperor's face is important, but his son is not important at all."

This was not a pleasant topic. Yinzhen pursed his lips and said coldly, "We all know, but Xiao Ba doesn't."

That's why Yinzhi stepped forward when his father seemed to be in a difficult position. The more Yinzhen thought about it, the more heartbroken he felt for Yinzhi.

Yinreng shook his head: "Don't underestimate Xiao Ba. He's so sensitive and tender. He's not doing this for Father Emperor, but for the people of Jiangnan."

Yinzhen was taken aback, then his expression softened: "Xiao Ba has a heart that is devoted to the country and its people."

Yinreng looked up at the clear sky, as if commenting on the pleasant weather, and casually remarked, "He's suited to be emperor, isn't he?"

Yinzhen gazed into the distance in agreement: "Indeed."

As if speaking offhand, or as if making a silent promise, the two soon parted ways at the end of the palace road.

Inside the prince's residence, Yinzhi, unaware that he was now wearing the halo of righteousness, sat leisurely under the eaves, tending to the flowers and plants, showing no sign of the panic and worry that he had been chosen to go to the peace talks.

"Myna, myna..."

The shouts and footsteps of Yin Tang and Yin rang out at the same time.

Yinzhi lifted the kettle, and the words "Zhu Chongba (Narcissus)" on the shimmering card vanished into thin air along with the water.

"Eighth Brother, are you going to negotiate with the Lingbo Sect?"

Panting heavily, Yin Tang and Yin Chong rushed to Yin Si's side, catching their breath as they stared intently at him.

"yes."

Yinzhi pulled his two younger brothers into the house and sat them down, pouring them a cup of tea: "Why are you running so fast? I haven't left yet."

"But that Zhu Chongba has ill intentions!"

Yinmeng gulped down a mouthful of water, his face flushed with worry.

"Does he really have to go?" Yinzhen was calmer, but he couldn't hide his worry. "Can't someone else go? Father..."

“Father Emperor agreed,” Yinzhi interrupted him, preventing him from saying anything unpleasant. “It was I who volunteered.”

"Don't worry," Yinzhi said gently, patting his two younger brothers on the head. "Nothing happened in the game last time, and it won't happen this time either. Besides, I'm not going alone."

“But Zhu Chongba is so strange,” Yinzhen frowned with disdain when he thought of Zhu Chongba. “It’s hard to believe that he’s mentally sound.”

Yinzhi met Yintang's gaze with unwavering eyes: "If you don't believe him, believe me. I can do it."

A flush rose on Yinzhen's face, and he nodded vigorously: "I will always believe in Eighth Brother."

"Me too!" Yin also joined in and loudly proclaimed.

"Then just wait patiently for me to come back."

Yinzhi extended his hand, and Yintang and Yin's small hands placed on it. The three hands clasped tightly, conveying strength to each other.

...

Led by Suo'etu and Mingzhu, Yinzhi, Yinzhen, and Yinti arrived in Jiangnan and entered the room where they were negotiating with the Lingbo Sect.

Inside the room, the two protectors of the Lingbo Sect, Jinzhan and Yintai, stood upright on either side, while the leading saintess, Yu Linglong, had an exquisite face and extraordinary temperament.

Their clothes were all embroidered with lifelike daffodils of various colors, which added a touch of mystery under the candlelight. Moreover, they were all handsome men and beautiful women, making them a sight to behold.

It makes one wonder if the Lingbo Cult's recruitment criteria include appearance.

Soetu, his face cold and his gaze piercing, spoke first, his tone full of pressure: "His Majesty is benevolent, mindful of the people of Jiangnan, which is why he is willing to negotiate with you. But where is the sincerity of your Lingbo Sect? Is the leader of the Lingbo Sect someone who cannot be seen in public? Why has he not shown himself yet!"

Yu Linglong simply smiled gently, her expression remaining calm, and said softly, "My lord, please don't panic. Our sect leader has been waiting for you for a long time. However, the guest he is willing to wait for is not you, my lord."

Mingzhu quickly put on a stern face, stepped forward, and said gently, "We have naturally invited the guests that the leader wanted to see. But the way you are welcoming guests makes it seem like the leader is not sincere."

At this moment, Jinzhan, who was standing behind Yu Linglong, suddenly took two steps forward and whispered a few words in Yu Linglong's ear.

Yu Linglong nodded slightly, then gave everyone a perfectly timed smile and said, "You are all very polite. Please follow me. The sect leader has prepared tea and refreshments next door."

Having said that, she took a graceful step and turned to lead the way, with Jinzhan and Yintai following closely behind. Yintai gave the crowd a provocative smile: "The people of the imperial court wouldn't be so cowardly as to not dare to come, would they?"

The crowd remained unperturbed by Yintai's petty tricks, exchanging glances to confirm Yinzhi's intention to continue before cautiously following him.

"Long time no see, I've missed you so much, Hachi!"

Dressed in bright red, Zhu Chongba leaned against the main seat, waving to Yinzhi with a smile, completely ignoring everyone else present.

"Are you planning to come and seek refuge with me, Hachi?"

Ignoring the surprised and scrutinizing looks from others, Zhu Chongba continued speaking.

"People should respect themselves."

Yinzhen held Yinsi's hand behind him, and looked at Zhu Chongba with a cold face.

Zhu Chongba sat up abruptly, looked at Yinzhen, clicked his tongue twice, and said indifferently, "Where did this little ice-cold face come from? It's really not cute."

Yinzhi stepped forward, pulled his two younger brothers behind him, and coldly said, "Is this the attitude of your Lingbo Sect towards peace talks?"

"It's just greeting a friend I hit it off with immediately, why are you so nervous?"

As Zhu Chongba spoke, he leaned back again, looking relaxed and carefree, showing no sign of being intimidated by Yin Zhi's attitude.

Yinzhi squeezed Yinzhen's hand reassuringly, stepped forward, and asked, "You asked me to come, how do you plan to talk?"

"Wow, Xiao Ba, aren't you going to say a few more words to me? I'm so sad."

Zhu Chongba made an exaggerated expression, clutching his heart as he looked at Yinzhi. Seeing that Yinzhi remained unmoved, he chuckled softly and teased, "What should I do? I like you even more now. Even the cold-faced Little Eight is so cute—"

At this moment, everyone in the Qing army looked at him no differently than they would look at a freak.

Yinzhi remained unfazed and retorted, "So, are you willing to submit to the Qing Dynasty for my sake?"

"If you scheme against me like this, I'll be heartbroken," Zhu Chongba said, but he still looked at Yinzhi with a smile. "However, for Xiao Ba's sake, I can be a little more lenient with the conditions."

Zhu Chongba extended his little finger and gestured.

"What are the conditions?"

The more Yinzhen looked at him, the more annoyed he became, so he pushed Yinsi further behind him.

"Let's make a bet."

Zhu Chongba gave a strange smile. "Let's bet on which side will clear the 'Grand View Garden' game first."

"etc……"

Noticing Zhu Chongba's movements, Yinzhen had already pulled Yinsi back, but they were still not as fast as Zhu Chongba. He took something out of his pocket and threw it into the air, which instantly burst into a dazzling light, enveloping everyone in it.