Family banquet, state banquet

Seeing that Li Yunyu seemed to understand, Tang Feng felt relieved. Just as he was about to catch his breath, a metallic taste rose in his throat. Tang Feng instinctively covered his mouth, but blood still dripped from between his fingers onto the table. Tang Feng's actions terrified Li Yunyu, and Li Yunye quickly got up, patted his back, and then called out, "Quickly summon the imperial physician!" Tang Feng spat out the blood, slowly took out a handkerchief from his pocket, wiped his mouth, and said in a hoarse voice, "Don't bother calling. It's all the same result anyway. At most, they'll just prescribe some medicine. I already have mountains of medicine at home, so don't bother." Then Tang Feng slowly stood up, bowed slightly to Li Yunyu, and said, "Your Highness, I'm sorry, but I'm not feeling well. I'm afraid we have to stop here for today." Li Yunyu had calmed down by now. With Li Yunye present, he could only stand up, bow to Tang Feng, and leave. Seeing that Li Yunyu hadn't asked Tang Feng much throughout, Li Yunye was somewhat displeased. "You're becoming more and more unruly." Tang Feng, however, wasn't angry. He calmly wiped the blood from his hands, looked down at the indelible red stains on his palms, and smiled. "Isn't it good that we parted ways? It's already quite remarkable that he hasn't tried to kill me again." Li Yunye thought Tang Feng's words upset Li Yunyu, so he patted his shoulder and then said, "Tell me about that thing you just mentioned." Tang Feng followed Li Yunye out, lightly... Tang Feng said, “I originally intended to discuss this matter with you privately. The Qiang and Hu issue is significant; in our great nation, it's unnecessary for the Emperor to personally intervene. Yet, it's also not insignificant; Li Yunrui did indeed become Crown Prince based on this very contract. Therefore, this matter is complex. I asked His Majesty to send someone to negotiate because I didn't want Yan Yun to lose face. However, if we actually send a minister, it seems like we're treating the contract lightly. So…” “So you want the prince to go?” Li Yunye understood Tang Feng's meaning and began planning what to do the next day. To show Emperor Yun his stance and send him to negotiate, Tang Feng, seeing that Li Yunye had taken the bait, added fuel to the fire, "If things go well with the Qiang and Hu, you can turn the tables on His Majesty. After all, His Highness the Ninth Prince is no match for you in eloquence." Hearing Tang Feng's praise, Li Yunye was naturally pleased, but before he could finish his sentence, Tang Feng interrupted him, "However..." "However, what?" Li Yunye frowned, seeing Tang Feng's troubled expression. "I originally wanted to tell you this privately, but today you asked me in front of His Highness the Ninth Prince, indeed..." "I'm getting impatient. What if His Highness steals the spotlight from His Majesty tomorrow?" Hearing Tang Feng's concerns, Li Yunye didn't seem to care, chuckling lightly, "What's there to be afraid of? In terms of seniority and hierarchy, I'll naturally go first. You don't need to worry." Tang Feng didn't reply, following Li Yunye to the palace gate. After stopping, he smiled, "Your Highness, I look forward to your performance tomorrow. If necessary, I will lend a helping hand." After saying this, Tang Feng bid farewell to Li Yunye, then turned to see Zhou Ziliang, who should have already returned, sitting not far away. Waiting for him in the carriage, Zhou Ziliang walked over. "Why didn't you go back?" Tang Feng asked, untying the belt of his cloak. Zhou Ziliang moved aside to make room for Tang Feng. "I was worried you'd come back too late and wouldn't be able to walk back on your own." Tang Feng felt a pang of guilt upon hearing this, and tried to hide his bloodied hand behind his back, but Zhou Ziliang quickly grabbed his wrist. "What are you hiding for? Do you think I don't know your body?" Seeing Tang Feng's guilty look, Zhou Ziliang was amused and exasperated. "Now you're scared? Go back." "Go back and take your medicine." Upon hearing this, Tang Feng immediately softened, climbing onto the carriage and snuggling into Zhou Ziliang's arms, softly protesting, "Who knew I'd vomit blood while we were talking... Ziliang, I don't want to take my medicine." Zhou Ziliang pulled a hand from Tang Feng's arms and tapped his forehead. "No, everything is negotiable, but not this. What? You want to scare me while you're lying in bed?" Seeing Zhou Ziliang start the carriage, Tang Feng knew he couldn't escape taking the medicine today, so he propped himself up and gently kissed Zhou Ziliang's cheek. Zhou Ziliang turned away... "Head up," Zhou Ziliang chuckled, "Little Feng, are you trying to flatter me?" Tang Feng sat up, leaning against the carriage, nonchalantly replying, "No, I just accidentally bumped into it when I got up." "Really?" Zhou Ziliang knew Tang Feng was embarrassed immediately. A slight smile played on his lips, his eyes crinkling with amusement. He propped his chin on his hand, watching Tang Feng with amusement. "If it was an accident, then forget it." Tang Feng's cheeks flushed slightly. He pulled out a ceremonial tablet from his robes and threw it at Zhou Ziliang. "You're threatening me now! Cough cough cough, you bastard!" Seeing Tang Feng cough, Zhou Ziliang stopped teasing him. Helping him catch his breath, Zhou Ziliang picked up the official tablet that had been thrown at him. "Alright, alright, I won't tease you anymore. Look at your health, why aren't you taking your medicine?" Having waited a while and Tang Feng remaining silent, Zhou Ziliang assumed he was angry again and quickly comforted him, "Angry again? Why are you so angry? I was just teasing you. I'll make you..." Looking up, he saw Tang Feng had already fallen into a deep sleep against the carriage. Zhou Ziliang took off his cloak and covered Tang Feng with it, then took Tang Feng's slightly cold hand. "I'll make you fish soup when we get back."

When Tang Feng woke up, it was already night. He rubbed his eyes, and seeing no one in the room, he sat up, put on a robe, and went outside. The study was dimly lit by candlelight. Tang Feng pushed open the wooden door and saw Zhou Ziliang sitting at his desk reading military texts. "What time is it? Aren't you going to sleep?" Tang Feng pulled his robe tighter, went inside, and lit another lamp, placing it on Zhou Ziliang's desk. Zhou Ziliang put down his military texts and smiled. "I calculated the time; you should be awake by now. I had them warm some fish soup for you in the kitchen; I'll bring it to you now." Zhou Ziliang got up and left. Tang Feng sat down opposite him at the desk and began reading Zhou Ziliang's military texts page by page. When Zhou Ziliang brought the fish soup and placed it beside Tang Feng, seeing him engrossed in his reading, he asked, "Reading so intently, Xiao Feng, are you learning martial arts?" Tang Feng chuckled, closed the book, and looked at Zhou Ziliang. "I was just thinking about something from the past. Back then, I was being chased by the Sixteen Riders of Yanshan. Because I was so scared, I begged Mo..." "He taught me martial arts, but who knew he was just a novice? In the end, he even took me to see Yang Fei, but I still didn't learn anything." Zhou Ziliang sat down opposite Tang Feng and tidied up the messy books on the table. "Martial arts are for strengthening the body, and it's good to learn some when appropriate." Tang Feng couldn't help but tease him, "What if I really mastered martial arts and then beat you up when I got home? You're just a minor marquis, wouldn't that be embarrassing?" But Zhou Ziliang didn't seem to care and shook his head. "My father was a fierce general who served in the founding of the dynasty, a veteran of many battles, and he still got chased and beaten by my mother every day." "So you want me to become like my mother?" Zhou Ziliang just smiled and didn't reply. Then he saw Tang Feng flipping through his book again. "Should you tell the Qiang and Hu people about the Third Prince's matter?" Tang Feng, with a spoon in his mouth, looked up and smiled. "No rush, let's wait until Li Yunye takes the bait. Tomorrow in the main hall, I will definitely help him."

The next morning, Tang Feng saw Li Yunye waiting for him at the palace gate. He walked over and bowed slightly, "Greetings, Your Highness." "Ah, let's set aside the formalities for now. This morning at court, Father asked about the Qiang and Hu people. I will naturally handle it and try my best not to let Ninth Prince steal the spotlight. However, I will need you to say a few words for me and cover for me." Tang Feng took out his ceremonial tablet from his robes and nodded slightly. "Of course, it is my duty." Tang Feng followed Li Yunye into the main hall and stood waiting for Emperor Yun. Zhang Mobai stood behind Tang Feng, his mouth covered by the ceremonial tablet, and asked softly, "Are you feeling better? I heard you came yesterday?" Tang Feng nodded and turned to Zhang Mobai, saying, "If I hadn't come, I would have missed the show."

"What good show?"

"Just watch closely, this is a grand scheme of mine. If I win, I'll treat you to dinner," Tang Feng said ambiguously. Zhang Mobai listened for a long time but still couldn't figure out his meaning. Just as he was about to ask again, Emperor Yun arrived. As usual, he talked about some trivial matters: the southern dike was damaged, and the western caravan was attacked. However, Tang Feng wasn't in a hurry. He knew that compared to these, the Qiang and Hu affairs were more important. Even if no one mentioned them, Emperor Yun would bring them up himself. Now that Emperor Yun had finished discussing today's matters, he brought up old issues, leaning back on the dragon throne and asking slowly, "What have you all thought about yesterday's Qiang and Hu matter? Who will go?" The once noisy hall fell silent instantly. After all, although this matter was not large, if it wasn't handled well, it would be difficult for both sides. Seeing that no one was willing to take on this task, Emperor Yun's voice turned colder. "What? You're all so afraid of the little Qiang and Hu?" Li Yunye glanced at Tang Feng, and seeing Tang Feng nod at him, he took a deep breath and stepped forward. "Father, I am willing to try," Emperor Yun and his court officials all turned to Li Yunye. Li Yunye said, "Father, I am willing to negotiate with the Qiang and Hu delegation to settle a matter of concern for you." Everything was proceeding as Tang Feng had predicted. Seeing that Emperor Yun was very satisfied with Li Yunye's words, Tang Feng knew that the matter was settled. He was about to go out and add fuel to the fire for Li Yunye. "Your Majesty," he said, "I believe that it would be more appropriate for the prince to negotiate than for me. Yan Yun has a strong army and considerable strength." "The Qiang and Hu are merely subordinate states, so it's indeed unnecessary for Your Majesty to personally intervene. However, if a few courtiers were to handle the matter between the two countries, it would be somewhat lacking in decorum. Sending a prince is the most appropriate course of action." Emperor Yun looked at Li Yunye, his eyes filled with approval. "Then let Yunye go. After all, you are the eldest son and should be capable of handling this." Li Yunye bowed his head and accepted the order, unable to suppress his joy. He thought that Tang Feng had been a great help this time and he should properly thank him.

After the morning court session, Li Yunye found Tang Feng in the crowd. Tang Feng was talking to Zhang Mobai. Seeing Li Yunye approach, Tang Feng smiled and said, "Congratulations, Your Highness." Li Yunye waved his hands repeatedly, "I still want to thank you. I just haven't understood why, with your talent, even Li Yunrui holds you in such high regard, my ninth brother is so ungrateful. He's still young and can't distinguish right from wrong." Tang Feng was taken aback at first, then lowered his eyes and smiled, "Perhaps we're not on the same path, and ultimately can't be together. Although neither of us knows who's right or wrong right now..." "But once the winner and loser are determined, history is always written by the victors, and then the distinction between high and low, noble and base will naturally emerge," Tang Feng said, pausing before taking a step back and bowing to Li Yunye. "Your Highness, I should go back to take my medicine. I won't keep you company today." Li Yunye nodded and reminded Tang Feng to take care of his health. Zhang Mobai followed Tang Feng until they were out of Li Yunye's sight before whispering, "Why is he suddenly so concerned about you?" Tang Feng couldn't help but sneer. "He's afraid that if I die, no one will help him, so of course he cares more about me."

"Brother, the chess game you mentioned, it wouldn't be about the Qiang and Hu people, would it?" Zhang Mobai had also figured it out by now. Seeing Tang Feng nod, he pulled Tang Feng to his side. "How dare you be so bold? You even dared to involve the affairs of a neighboring country?" Tang Feng quickly covered Zhang Mobai's mouth. "Keep your voice down... Transactions between two countries are always about calculations. If we don't scheme against them, they will scheme against us. I just came up with a win-win solution: to use them to suppress Li Yunye, and then use Li Yunye's words to improve relations between the two countries." After hearing this, Zhang Mobai knew that he couldn't persuade Tang Feng no matter what, so he could only sigh. "Alright, alright, I understand. You're very strategic and confident. So, what's your next step?"

"Next step... next step is to collude with the envoys and form cliques for personal gain." Tang Feng patted Zhang Mobai's shoulder to comfort him, seeing the worry on his face. "Alright, alright, I'm just going to meet the Qiang and Hu delegation. Don't worry, why are you worrying like Ziliang?" "Ziliang? I don't think Ziliang would worry! He'd be inseparable from you, going wherever you go." Zhang Mobai stubbornly refused to look at Tang Feng, but couldn't bear it, turning around to urge him, "Take care of yourself, don't get into any trouble, you hear me? Don't think you can get away with this by joking around with me. I haven't been able to sleep well for days since you were shot with an arrow and what happened with Xu Fengyan." "Jue, before, when you were in the Tang residence, I could at least hear what was going on. Now that you live in the Marquis's mansion, several streets away, how am I supposed to hear what's going on with you?" Zhang Mobai said, sounding somewhat distressed. He left Tang Feng behind and boarded the carriage alone. Tang Feng lowered his head and thought for a moment. Before the coachman whipped the horse away, he grabbed onto the window of Zhang Mobai's carriage and whispered, "Little madman, thank you for Xu Fengyan's matter. I knew that as long as I didn't leave Xiling City, you would always protect me." As soon as Tang Feng finished speaking, Zhang Mobai lifted the curtain, his eyes red, and said, "Bullshit! Haven't I protected you at Lishan Academy? Little brother, I'll say it again: always leave room for maneuver, act carefully, and don't be reckless."

After returning home, Tang Feng sent a letter to Dahexi, informing him that everything went smoothly and hoping that he would cooperate fully during the negotiations. On the day of the negotiations, Li Yunye wanted to invite Tang Feng to go with him, but Tang Feng declined, citing his health, as he didn't want others to see their close relationship. It was already early summer, and Tang Feng lay in a rocking chair, covered with a thin blanket. Although it was a bit hot, Zhou Ziliang repeatedly told him to make sure he was well covered and not to catch a cold. Tang Feng watched the servants at the door distributing watermelon and drinking chilled mung bean soup, and he felt a little hungry. He looked up at Zhou Ziliang, who was peeling grapes for him, and asked softly, "I want some too..." Before Tang Feng could finish speaking, Zhou Ziliang fed him a grape, then wiped his hands. "I peeled the grapes for you, what else do you want?" "I want to eat that chilled watermelon..." "No! You won't be able to handle something that's so cold. Listen to me, I'll cut you a room-temperature watermelon to quench your thirst later." Tang Feng leaned back in the rocking chair, pulled the blanket down a bit, and fanned himself. "I should have gone to negotiate with Li Yunye, then I could have gotten some advantages. Following you, I've gotten nothing." Hearing Tang Feng mention negotiations, Zhou Ziliang was puzzled. "Since there are negotiations today, why didn't you go with us? Are you so trusting of Dahexi?"

"I'm not reassured about Dahexi," Tang Feng said, his eyes closed and his hand absently fanning himself. "I am reassured about Li Yunye. He's not suited to be an emperor; he lacks flexibility and is too dull. He might be fine as a leisurely prince, but he's no match for usurping the throne. However, he's different from the Ninth Prince. He listens to all the advice around him, but he has no ideas of his own. He's practically a hopeless case."

At this moment, Li Yunye saw the delegation enter and stood up, walking over to them. Dahexi crossed his arms and bowed to Li Yunye. "Your Highness," he said, "I am Dahexi, the envoy of the Qiang and Hu tribes. I have brought the Qiang and Hu treaty; please review it." Having heard Tang Feng's words, Dahexi drafted a new contract and handed it over, saying, "When Lord Tang came to the Qiang and Hu tribes, he was full of sincerity. We agreed to the trade treaty for Ayi Port because of his promise of a 30/70 split of profits. Now I have come to Yanyun to renew the contract. Our Han Dynasty hopes to expand the port and increase the number of ships, thus increasing the frequency of trade. Of course, since these are stipulated in the contract, we also hope that Yanyun and the Qiang and Hu tribes can share the economic burden of ships and port expansion." Li Yunye, after listening, exchanged glances with the accompanying ministers and said in a deep voice, "After expanding the port and increasing the number of ships, how should the additional profits and future wealth be divided?" "?" Dahexi pulled out the contract that Tang Feng had sent years ago and pointed it out to Li Yunye. "This is the contract that Tang Sicheng sent back then. Naturally, it's still the old way of splitting it 30/70. We get 70%, you get 30%." Only then did Li Yunye realize that Dahexi had come to provoke him. He picked up the contract, glanced at it, and slammed the paper on the table. "Outrageous! You, a small neighboring country, dare to make such unreasonable demands! We split it 30/70 with you back then to establish relations. Now that you've received the benefits, you're not only ungrateful, but you also demand that we fund your port and fulfill the conditions of the original contract!" Dahexi stood up at this moment. "If you don't want to sign, that's fine. Anyway, it's a matter between two countries. You, a prince, shouldn't be here to negotiate. No matter what Tang Sicheng was like in our Qianghu region, it was the Han Dynasty that personally negotiated with him back then. You only sent a prince. Are you looking down on our Qianghu delegation?" Li Yunye trembled with anger. He glanced at Dahexi, said nothing, and left.

At the Marquis's residence, Zhou Ziliang was feeding Tang Feng medicine when a loud banging of the door startled Tang Feng, causing the wooden door to creak. Tang Feng jumped in fright, as did Zhou Ziliang. Turning around, Tang Feng saw Li Yunye standing at the door and knew he had failed. He beckoned to Li Yunye, "Your Highness... what are you doing? I'm not fully recovered yet. If you frighten me again, I won't be able to leave the house for another month." Li Yunye angrily walked to the bed, pulled up a stool for himself, and sat down before saying, "It's not that I meant to scare you, it's just that Dahexi is too arrogant! He's simply... simply outrageous!" Tang Feng chuckled softly, "Your Highness, this is a matter between two countries. Everyone will act according to their own..." "From the perspective of the nation's interests, why don't you try again? Try to secure as many benefits as possible for Yan Yun." Li Yunye frowned and pondered for a moment, then looked up at Tang Feng. "Alright, I'll take a good look at this contract today, and then we'll negotiate again." After seeing Li Yunye off, Zhou Ziliang closed the door and turned to look at Tang Feng, who had already sat up. "Since he's already willing to give up, why bother reminding him?" "I can't just stay silent, can I? Besides, I've negotiated so many times and failed, while my brother succeeds on the first try. Wouldn't that be even more humiliating? His Majesty can naturally see who deserves to be promoted." Seeing Tang Feng sit up and pick up his clothes from the rack, Zhou Ziliang went over to help him tidy them up. "Going out?"

I need to go to the palace to see the Ninth Prince.

"Isn't it a bit inappropriate to be so blatant?"

"Li Yunye is extremely anxious right now, he doesn't have time to care about me. It's alright," Tang Feng straightened his clothes and looked at Zhou Ziliang. "Later, please call Lin Siwen over for me. I need to talk to him about something." Zhou Ziliang nodded and saw Tang Feng onto the carriage. "Don't worry, I'll take care of everything."

Li Yunyu was surprised that Tang Feng would swagger into the palace to see him. He hurriedly went out to greet Tang Feng, "Grand Tutor, what brings you here?" "Why can't I come?" Tang Feng handed Li Yunyu several ancient books. "Is there anything wrong with me coming to teach my students?" Li Yunyu shook his head and followed Tang Feng into the room. "I just didn't expect... After all, my third brother has been keeping a close eye on things lately." Tang Feng took out a contract from his sleeve and handed it to Li Yunyu. "This is the contract I sent to the Qiang and Hu tribes back then. However, since I copied it, it may not be exactly the same word for word. Your Highness, please take a look." He then sat down and pointed at the contract. "In a few days, Li Yunye will be going to negotiate for the second time. Be prepared. Today I want to discuss the specifics with you. Now, please look at this contract." Li Yunyu took the contract and carefully read it through. He looked up at Tang Feng. "Grand Tutor, this contract is too unfair. How could my elder brother have allowed you to take this contract to the Qiang and Hu tribes back then?" For Yan Yun, the gains and losses are completely disproportionate, no wonder Father Emperor is unwilling to sign again. Tang Feng was very pleased with Li Yunyu's growth during this period and gradually became more willing to share his thoughts and past experiences with him. "The affairs in the palace are nothing more than vying for favor, fighting for the throne, and ascending to the throne. His Majesty has many princes, and he is a wise ruler, so he naturally has to be cautious about choosing an heir. As for Ayi Harbor, it was indeed a last resort. First, Pu Yuan has been eyeing Yan Yun since the founding of the country. Although Shang Han is on good terms with our country, it is only for business and economic exchanges. If war breaks out, they probably won't come to our aid. Although the Qiang and Hu are not many people, they are all brave and good at fighting. At that time, this was the best choice. However, the Qiang and Hu are arrogant, and it will be difficult to appease them without showing some sincerity. Second, Ayi Harbor is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Yan Yun does not have its own port. If they want to send goods out to earn more money, they can only use this harbor. So your elder brother drafted..." "Although you feel this contract is somewhat insulting to Yan Yun, I don't think so. If this matter can really be overturned and renegotiated, it will be a good thing for us as well." Li Yunyu stared at Tang Feng for a long while before finally digesting the information and asking, "Then how should I negotiate with the Qiang and Hu delegation?" Tang Feng was also stunned. "I'll let Your Highness think for yourself. You can't keep asking me!" Li Yunyu stared at the contract for a long time without speaking until Tang Feng lost patience and tried to guide him. Then he said, "Sir, I think we should find a win-win solution. If everyone wants more, then we can each collect our own money. The Qiang and Hu can collect the silver they earn from exporting goods, and Yan Yun can collect the silver earned from exporting goods transported by Yan Yun. On top of that, we can give the Qiang and Hu an additional 10% port fee. In return, the commercial ships provided by Yan Yun will be paid to the Qiang and Hu delegation." "We can collect 10% of the cost, and that way, we won't need to split the profits anymore." Tang Feng pondered for a moment, then looked up and smiled at Li Yunyu, before taking the contract from his hand. Li Yunyu thought he had said something wrong and quickly asked, "Grand Tutor, is there something amiss?" "No, you're right. I'm very pleased with your recent growth. Leave the rest to me. Although I won't be present for the Qiang-Hu negotiations, you don't need to worry. Just explain everything I told you today to the Qiang-Hu delegation in detail." Tang Feng hadn't expected that Li Yunyu had grown so much during his recovery period, coming up with a solution that was appropriate for both sides. Tang Feng stood up and bowed to Li Yunyu. "Your Highness, I'm very pleased. If you can grow so quickly, then everything is still possible. Let's end the lesson here for today. Please stay; there's no need to see you off." Seeing Tang Feng leave, Li Yunyu also bowed deeply in the direction Tang Feng had gone.

Just as Tang Feng had predicted, Li Yunye's two visits yielded the same result. Dahexi and Tang Feng had previously discussed the matter, so Dahexi remained adamant about the previous terms, infuriating Li Yunye who complained to Tang Feng several times. Emperor Yun also seemed quite displeased; the delegation's demands were exorbitant, and Li Yunye's repeated failures to negotiate a satisfactory agreement caused the Emperor to erupt in anger in the main hall. If it were a subject, it might have been tolerable, but Li Yunye was the Emperor's son, and his repeated failures were causing the Emperor to lose face. Tang Feng waited quietly for the Emperor to speak, to see what the next step would be. The Emperor then said, "The Qiang and Hu delegation has been in Xiling for over a month, and I have yet to hold a banquet for them. If word gets out, it will be inappropriate. In a few days, I will hold a banquet for the Qiang and Hu delegation in the Changsheng Hall." "Let's hold a banquet for the delegation." Upon hearing this, Li Yunyu, fearing that the Emperor would then require him to speak with the envoys, stepped forward, knelt down, and said, "Father, I have something to report." Seeing that the Emperor did not object, Li Yunyu continued, "Father, the Qiang and Hu delegation is unwilling to compromise on the treaty, probably for their own benefit. However, I am willing to try on the day of the state banquet. Before that, I will devise a method that weighs the advantages and disadvantages of both countries. Father will be present that day, and you can point out any problems." Li Yunyu's performance greatly surprised the Emperor. He hadn't expected him to proactively request to be allowed to negotiate with the envoys. But then, thinking about it, and looking at Tang Feng standing below, he probably guessed something. Although the Emperor felt that Li Yunyu couldn't handle such a big matter, since Tang Feng was there to back him up, he agreed. "Alright, I grant it."