"Han envoy, do you miss Han?"

Tan Shihuai glanced at Chu Qian, who was lost in thought at the table, and assumed that he was engrossed in the dancers. He couldn't help but ask him a question, his intention being to subtly criticize Chu Qian for only caring about enjoying himself and forgetting his own status.

Tan Shihuai's sudden voice startled Chu Qian, who was standing to the side.

Chu Qian smiled slightly, "I was born and raised in Han land, and my ancestral temples are all in Han land. Although I am now living in a foreign land, I have never dared to forget my mission!"

Then Chu Qian glanced at Han Sui, who was sitting next to Tan Shihuai, seemingly unintentionally.

Chu Qian's words made Han Sui frown. His words not only implied that he had betrayed his ancestors, but also sowed discord between him and Tan Shihuai. He was indeed a difficult person to deal with.

"Haha~, the Han envoy speaks well! But we have a custom on the grasslands, which is to 'live wherever the water and grass are.' We go wherever life is good! It's not too late to go back to our hometown when things are better in the future!"

After all, the land doesn't move; we can go back anytime. Wouldn't you agree, Han dynasty?

Tan Shihuai's words not only covered up Han Sui's past mistakes, but also intentionally or unintentionally revealed their intention to enter Han territory at any time.

"Hehe~ The grassland is the grassland. Our land is for growing grain, not grass. The soil there is soft, and horses will fall over if they run on it!"

Chu Qian simply smiled and retaliated without leaving a trace.

The people inside the tent listened to Tan Shihuai and Chu Qian's conversation with completely bewildered expressions, unable to understand what they were saying at all.

Tan Shihuai's expression turned quite unpleasant. This Chu Qian was neither humble nor arrogant, and his words were impeccable. He was truly a tough nut to crack.

A murderous glint flashed in Tan Shihuai's eyes. Such a talent could not be used by him. If he were released back to the Han Dynasty, he would surely become a troublesome opponent in the future.

Chu Qian, standing to the side, paid no attention to Tan Shihuai's gaze and turned his head to continue watching the women's dance.

"These women should be from official families, yet they suddenly appeared here. Were they abducted, or did they arrive through some other means?"

The official residences were mostly located in the heart of the Han territory, making it highly unlikely that the Xianbei could plunder them.

The most likely reason is that they were bought. But how were they bought? And where did they come from? Who would dare to secretly sell a Han woman to the Xianbei?

Moreover, most of the women in the official residence were literate and well-mannered, and had a good understanding of life in the Han Dynasty. Tan Shihuai's purpose in bringing them here was definitely not as simple as just liking their beauty.

Looking at the women before him, Chu Qian was overwhelmed with emotion.

Upon noticing Chu Qian staring blankly at the women once again, Tan Shihuai turned to look at Han Sui beside him, only to see Han Sui shake his head slightly at him.

Then Han Sui approached Tan Shihuai and said softly, "The young emperor of the Han Dynasty has sent an envoy here this time, surely for the matter of the Xiongnu in the north."

The leader can use this opportunity to ally with the Han Dynasty, utilize the Han, seize the chance to annex the Xiongnu and expand his power, and then unify the entire Xianbei. Within five years, he can consolidate the entire grasslands, at which point he can march south and conquer the Han Dynasty as easily as taking candy from a baby!

"Mr. Han is right!"

Listening to Han Sui's perfect strategic blueprint, Tan Shihuai couldn't help but nod with a gleam in his eyes.

As musicians and a group of dancers entered the Yingchun Hall, everyone inside put down their wine cups and chopsticks.

Although many people in the hall had seen the performances by the troupe, this was a rare sight in an era lacking in entertainment.

The "song and dance" performance by the troupe was undoubtedly very attractive.

Even Chen Fan, Hu Guang, and some elderly men listened to the beautiful music and watched the dancing girls in the arena with rapt attention.

Of course, there are exceptions. For example, Dian Wei, who was standing next to Liu Hong, started to eat heartily after letting go of his initial restraint, without even glancing at the dancing girls in the hall.

Looking at the mountain of bones piled up in front of Dian Wei, Zhang Rang, who was serving him, couldn't help but swallow hard. It was the first time he had ever seen someone who could eat so much.

On the other hand, Liu Hong, standing to the side, was amused by Dian Wei's hearty way of eating and burst out laughing.

"Dian Wei, eat slowly, there will be more good food at midnight!"

Thinking of the dumplings that would be served last, Liu Hong smiled and waved to Dian Wei.

"Oh, is that so? Then I'll eat later!"

Upon hearing from the Emperor that there would be more delicious food, Dian Wei put down the half-eaten lamb leg he was holding.

"Your Majesty... I would like to have a couple more drinks..."

Looking at the half-empty flask of imperial wine not far away, Dian Wei looked at the emperor expectantly and whispered.

Liu Hong smiled slightly, then leaned close to Dian Wei's ear and whispered, "I see~ Then you should drink it secretly, without letting them find out..."

"Yeah!!"

Dian Wei nodded slightly, and while everyone was focused on watching the song and dance, he secretly reached out and took the wine pot from a short distance away.

Then, using the bones in front of him as cover, Dian Wei secretly began to drink.

Seeing Dian Wei's appearance, Liu Hong couldn't help but chuckle and shake his head.

Zhang Rang, standing behind Liu Hong, was shocked to see the subtle interactions between the Emperor and Dian Wei. He had never imagined that the Emperor would dote on Dian Wei so much.

"Clang~ Clang~ Clang~"

As the bells rang three times outside the hall, it was midnight.

Everyone in the hall rose and bowed to Liu Hong.

"The second year of Jianning has arrived. We wish Your Majesty a peaceful and healthy new year, and we wish the Great Han Dynasty a prosperous new year!"

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