Not to mention the eunuchs, palace maids, and servants, even Emperor Ganwu's three concubines were puzzled. Even Li Ganrou and Li Ganxue hesitated for a moment, unable to answer the question for a long time. In the end, they could only look back at Li Gancheng, hoping to get his answer.

If Liu Jin hadn't brought up the issue, they really hadn't considered it from that perspective, simply believing it to be a matter of etiquette between nations.

But upon closer reflection, it seems that's not the case, and it's not as simple as it appears.

That makes sense...

The reason why small foreign countries pay tribute every year is that they send envoys to offer congratulations on any important occasion.

That's because they were protected by Da Gan, or to put it bluntly, they were conquered and terrified by Da Gan. If they didn't submit, they would definitely face another round of war.

The actions of these small foreign states are easy to understand, after all, they have established diplomatic relations and friendship with Daqian.

The alliance between the Great Xia and the Great Gan is also within the normal range.

But the situation is different for the Great Zhou and the Great Song; these two countries are currently at war with the Great Gan.

Both sides should regard each other as enemies. Their sending of envoys to pay tribute is like a weasel paying respects to a chicken.

And upon closer reflection, it seems that it wasn't just His Highness the Crown Prince's wedding that required them to send people.

It seems that they exchanged letters and gifts with Emperor Qianwu of the Great Gan Dynasty during festivals and holidays.

They knew some of this scattered information, but since they were not Emperor Ganwu himself, they did not know the specifics; they were simply curious about the issue.

I wonder why that is?

Crown Prince Li Gancheng naturally noticed that everyone had this question, so he began to explain the matter with an arrogant expression.

"What's there to doubt?"

"War is war, and diplomacy is diplomacy; they are two different things."

"The purpose of war is diplomacy. Regardless of whether the two countries are at war or have a history of enmity, diplomacy is indispensable. Do you understand what I'm saying?"

Li Gancheng shrugged and said to Liu Jin beside him.

Seeing Liu Jin shake his head as if he understood but not quite, Li Gancheng then looked at the concubines of Emperor Ganwu, Princess Changle Li Ganrou, and Princess Taiping Li Ganxue standing to the side.

To everyone's surprise, they showed the same expression as Liu Jin. Whether they really didn't understand or were pretending not to, the topic had at least been brought up to this point, and Li Gancheng could only helplessly continue to provide supplementary explanations.

"war……"

Unexpectedly, before Li Gancheng could finish speaking, another voice, replacing him, rang out at that moment.

Who among them didn't recognize that voice?

"The reason why wars of the same kind can be so moving is not because they are aimed at genocide, but because they are hegemonic means of plunder and monopoly launched for the sake of national resources and national interests!"

"Therefore, the purpose of war is never to kill, much less to create enmity, but to protect national interests and rights!"

"War is merely a means to an end; it is only a process, not an outcome, and is simply a means to increase one's chances of success in diplomacy!"

"No matter which country it is, no one will start a war unless absolutely necessary, because it will not only lose a lot of money and food and national strength, but also cause countless people to lose their lives."

"As the saying goes, the best strategy is to attack the enemy's plans, the next best is to disrupt their alliances, and the worst is to attack their cities. This is the principle behind it."

"Therefore, regardless of whether there is war between countries, necessary diplomacy cannot be stopped. The two complement each other and depend on each other."

"May I ask Your Highness, is what I said correct?"

Upon seeing the newcomers, everyone's eyes lit up, sparkling with excitement. Their expressions alone couldn't hide their joy!

Not only Crown Prince Li Gancheng, but also Princess Changle Li Ganrou, Princess Taiping Li Ganxue, and even several of Emperor Ganwu's concubines who were seeing him in person for the first time.

To elicit such a reaction from everyone upon their appearance is something that probably only a handful of people in the entire industry can achieve.

The person who arrived at this moment was none other than General Fenwei, Marquis of Hanting, Sun Jian!

To be able to appear in the main hall of the Eastern Palace without prior notice is something even the six powerful ministers probably couldn't do!

Since Sun Jian himself was the Crown Prince's tutor, just like Liu Jin and Li Zigeng, he only needed to be led by a eunuch and did not need to be announced when he came!

Because if Crown Prince Li Gancheng were to ascend the throne one day, then apart from Liu Jin, people like Li Zigeng, Li Zibing, Li Ziyin, and even Sun Jian would all be considered important ministers in the Prince's residence, or they could be said to be military officials who had followed the new emperor since the Prince's residence.

In addition, after the locust plague, Sun Jian now feels almost at home whenever he goes out.

Who doesn't know that Crown Prince Li Gancheng and Sun Jian are practically inseparable now?

After explaining his views on diplomacy and war, Sun Jian walked over to the group.

"Brother Sun, you've arrived!"

“Sun Jian…”

"This servant greets Your Majesty..."

In a short time, various names and titles emerged one after another.

The happiest person here, besides Li Gancheng, is naturally Princess Changle, Li Ganrou. Of course, if you observe carefully, Princess Taiping, Li Ganxue, who is standing next to her, is not much less fond of Sun Jian than Li Ganrou. However, Sun Jian's favorability system is only bound to Li Ganrou and not Li Ganxue.

Those present were mostly members of the royal family, including the crown prince, the princess, and the three concubines.

Given his status, Sun Jian was, after all, a subject, so it was inevitable that he would have to be the first to offer the proper greetings.

At this moment, Sun Jian first cupped his hands to the Crown Prince and spoke.

"Your humble servant Sun Jian pays respects to Your Highness the Crown Prince!"

"Greetings, Your Highness, and the Three Eminent Women!"

Everyone nodded in satisfaction upon seeing Sun Jian's respectful demeanor, especially the three concubines of Emperor Ganwu.

Although this was their first time seeing Sun Jian, they had heard so many stories about him in the palace that they were practically tired of them.

They were naturally curious about and admired Sun Jian, and when they saw him in person, their eyes were filled with undisguised joy.

Although Sun Jian paid homage to His Highness the Crown Prince first, the three concubines of Emperor Qianwu were actually the most noble among them.

Therefore, Crown Prince Li Gancheng did not speak immediately, but waited for the three empresses to tell Sun Jian to get up.

"Lord Sun, there's no need for such formalities. We're all family."

The leading lady smiled and quickly told Sun Jian to rise. She then praised him, saying, "Lord Sun is indeed a handsome and dignified man."

After she finished speaking, the two concubines following behind her also spoke.

"Indeed, it is said that Lord Sun is a genius who is only seen once in a hundred years, and seeing him today, I can confirm it."