Secret competition

“What benefits would the Qiang and Hu tribes receive? This concerns both countries. You can’t just tell me, out of friendship, that I should instruct Dahexi to do this. He’s an envoy; he has to consider the interests of the Qiang and Hu in everything. If you want him to cooperate, you need to show some sincerity, just like you did with the Qiang and Hu tribes.” Haqiya neither refused Tang Feng nor immediately agreed, giving an ambiguous answer, probably waiting for Tang Feng’s attitude. “The benefit is that we can successfully renew the harbor agreement. Over the years, the Qiang and Hu tribes have taken a lot of benefits from the harbor. Although I’m not with the Qiang and Hu tribes, I drafted the treaty and sent it there, so I’m very clear about their interests. Besides, your willingness to renew it says everything. But His Majesty might not want to renew it. After all, the Qiang and Hu tribes receive much more from this treaty than Yan Yun. If both countries want to continue this treaty, one side will have to make concessions. However, for the Qiang and Hu tribes, being able to…” "Isn't signing this treaty a benefit?" Tang Feng rested his chin on his hand, quietly waiting for Haqiya's reply. After a long while, Haqiya finally responded, "I will go and tell Dahexi about these things, but I have never been involved in state affairs and I don't understand anything. Even if you tell me these things now, I don't know if Dahexi will agree." After hearing this, Tang Feng knew that Haqiya had given in, and a smile appeared on his face. "No rush, then I'll leave it to the princess." At this moment, Zhou Ziliang and Agula came in with the food. Seeing Tang Feng and Haqiya chatting happily, Agula joked, "No wonder the Khan said that Tang Feng almost kidnapped our princess back then. Looking at it this way, it is indeed possible." Haqiya glared at Agula fiercely, "Why bring up the past? I was only a teenager back then. What's wrong with liking heroes? Tang Feng was known as the 'Eight Blessings' among the people of Qianghu back then." Tang Feng awkwardly stepped inside. He shifted his position helplessly and interrupted, "Princess... don't gossip about the past... don't mention Bafuli, I was almost killed by your general in Qianghu." Zhou Ziliang walked over and asked softly, "Can you get up? Come sit down and eat. Although you need to rest in bed, you can't stay lying down all the time." Tang Feng, supported by Zhou Ziliang, got up and said, "It's okay, I'm alright today, just a little tired. Let's eat." Tang Feng walked to the table and looked at the dishes on it, jokingly saying, "This looks like a distinguished guest. I haven't had this bamboo shoot and duck soup much before. It's a specialty of Xiling, you should try it." Haqiya glanced at the table. "No mutton?" Zhou Ziliang added a piece of food to Tang Feng's plate and replied, "Thanks to Qianghu, Xiao Feng now feels nauseous at the mere mention of mutton, so naturally there won't be any at home." Agula, who was standing to the side, didn't understand, but Haqiya knew very well what he meant. Haha, trying to smooth things over, said to Tang Feng, "We're staying at the post station now. If you feel better, come find me there. I'll definitely relay what you said to Dahexi." Tang Feng thought for a while and shook his head. "My current status might not be suitable for entering and leaving the post station. Although I can't go in, Dahexi can come out. If there's anything you need, I'll send someone to deliver a message." Haqiya nodded, then suddenly glared at Tang Feng and said fiercely, "You'd better remember what you promised me. If you lie to me again, I'll chop you up and drag you back to the Qiang and Hu tribes to be cured! I'll lock you up with the sheep!" "Yes, yes, I remember, I remember," Tang Feng reluctantly agreed, then put down his chopsticks. Zhou Ziliang saw that Tang Feng wasn't eating and was a little worried. "Eating so little? Are you feeling unwell?" Tang Feng waved his hand to reassure him. "How could I be hungry when I'm lying down all day? Don't worry too much, maybe I'll eat more tomorrow."

With Hachia and Agula by his side, Tang Feng's gloomy mood from the past few days improved somewhat. As the moonlight deepened, Agula carried the already drunk Hachia on his back before bidding Tang Feng farewell. After seeing them off, Zhou Ziliang returned to find Tang Feng not lying in bed, but sitting by the candlelight, lost in thought. Remembering how Hachia had touched a raw nerve that morning, he assumed that with Hachia gone and things quieter around him, Tang Feng would start overthinking again. "Little Feng, the little princess speaks without thinking, don't take it to heart." Tang Feng paused for a moment, then smiled. "That matter... I didn't blame her. Ignorance is no excuse, it's nothing." "Six, you're right, after all these years, what should be let go shouldn't be clung to too tightly. But I wasn't thinking about that just now. I plan to go back to court in a few days." Zhou Ziliang frowned, looking somewhat displeased, but ultimately didn't say anything to stop Tang Feng. "Okay, I understand, but why do you suddenly want to go back? You should tell me. Also, did you promise Haqiya something during dinner today?" Tang Feng nodded, then said half-jokingly and half-seriously, "Fortunately, His Highness the Ninth Prince is tough enough, otherwise they would say I'm a jinx." "You want to take Li Yun..." "Kill him at night? Now?" Zhou Ziliang lowered his head and pondered for a moment, then seemed to have thought of something and quickly said, "You want to use the Qiang and Hu to get rid of Li Yunye?" Seeing Tang Feng nod, Zhou Ziliang sat down and sighed, "Xiao Feng, you're getting bolder and bolder. No wonder Mother told me to keep an eye on you. State affairs are not child's play. What if negotiations between the two countries go wrong and war breaks out?" Tang Feng knew that Zhou Ziliang wouldn't go along with him without limits; he had his own bottom line. But Zhou Ziliang seemed to have misunderstood him, so he quickly explained, "That's not what I meant. Don't be angry. I just wanted to let the Qiang..." "Hu is just giving me a boost," Zhou Ziliang said without speaking, listening carefully to Tang Feng's explanation. After Tang Feng finished speaking, Zhou Ziliang thought for a moment before expressing his concerns: "You've taken too risky a move. I'm worried that too many people are involved." His tone softened considerably, and he said gently, "But if you really want to do it, then go for it. If anything goes wrong, I'll be there for you." Tang Feng hesitated for a moment, then sighed, "Don't keep saying that, it's putting a lot of pressure on me... But don't worry, I'm 100% confident this time, because I know Li Yunye well enough."

The next day, Haqiya relayed Tang Feng's message to Dahexi. Dahexi listened with a furrowed brow, then couldn't help but laugh out loud. "This Tang Feng hasn't changed at all. He's really scheming, even targeting my Qiang and Hu tribes!" Dahexi stood up and walked to the window, asking, "Princess, you just said Tang Feng wants to see me?" Haqiya nodded. "Judging from his tone, it seems the sooner the better." Dahexi pointed to the window, thought for a moment, and said, "Then let's delay him for two days, lest he try to trick me the moment we meet. A few years ago in Qiang and Hu, he played us for fools. As the old saying goes, 'A fall into the pit, a gain in your wit.'"

After Haqiya relayed these words to Tang Feng, Tang Feng wasn't in a hurry. He simply took a sip of tea and chuckled, "Princess, it seems it's not just Yan Yun who knows how to play hard to get; you Qiang and Hu people are quite adept at it too." Haqiya glanced at Tang Feng, "Who said that! We Qiang and Hu people don't do that! So what do we do next?" "We'll just wait for Dahexi to come to me." Seeing Tang Feng's nonchalant attitude, Haqiya crossed her arms, glaring at him with displeasure, "Then why were you in such a rush that day? You lied to me again!" Tang Feng stood up, walked unhurriedly out the door, then turned to Haqiya, "But you need to make it clear to him. It's fine if he's not in a hurry, but this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If we can't reach an agreement on the contract and don't get the generous terms, don't blame me when we return to the Qiang and Hu Han. Anyway, I'm not in a hurry."

Tang Feng's words did indeed work. The next day, Dahexi instructed a servant to arrange a time with Tang Feng, so Tang Feng became busy for the next few days. Seeing Tang Feng frequently entering and leaving the Zhou residence, sometimes returning only after half a day, Madam Zhou wanted to speak with him several times, but Zhou Ziliang stopped her each time. Dahexi and Tang Feng couldn't meet privately and could only exchange messages, so by the time they set a date, it was already three days later. Zhou Ziliang, in the room, helped Tang Feng fasten his cloak and sighed, "Next time you go out, don't swagger out like that. Mother has looked for you several times, and although I stopped her each time, I can see she's getting more anxious each time." Tang Feng paused in adjusting his clothes, then looked at Zhou Ziliang, "Then I have to go out through the front gate no matter what... You want me to climb over the wall now? I really can't." "I know your..." "You have your reasons, but you also need to take care of your health," Zhou Ziliang said, pulling Tang Feng's hand as they walked. "If you get sick again while you're busy, we'll both get scolded." Just then, Madam Zhou called from the main hall, "Xiao Feng, why are you out again?" Zhou Ziliang looked at Tang Feng, shrugged helplessly, and then pulled him over, saying, "Mother, Xiao Feng is craving fish from outside." Madam Zhou looked at Tang Feng and scolded, "Wanting to eat is a good thing, but the cook at home can make fish. If you're picky, I can cook it myself. You're not well; you were seriously ill a few days ago. What if you catch a cold?" Tang Feng smiled sheepishly and quickly reassured her, "Mother... it's nothing, I just wanted to go for a walk with Ziliang. We'll be back soon." Seeing that Tang Feng had already said that, Madam Zhou didn't press the matter further, uttering a harsh remark before letting it go.

Tang Feng and Zhou Ziliang emerged from the Marquis's mansion. Tang Feng finally breathed a sigh of relief. "Mother, she's too strict! She interrogates us so thoroughly about everything we do." Zhou Ziliang, walking beside him, shook his head helplessly. "If my child were this sick, I naturally couldn't let him out either." Tang Feng scoffed. "Your child... well, I'm really sorry, I can't have a child for you." "For example, how could I really expect you to have a child for me?" Seeing Zhou Ziliang smile at him, Tang Feng snorted coldly. "We need to finish things quickly in Dahexi, otherwise we'll be interrogated for ages when we get home." The two walked for a while and arrived at the agreed place. It was Taibai Tower that Tang Feng had booked, thinking that Haqiya had missed out on eating there last time because of him, so he decided to make up for it today. When Dahexi saw Tang Feng enter, he stood up and cupped his hands, "Master of the Palace, it's been a long time." Tang Feng nodded to Dahexi, "I'm no longer the Master of the Palace, Master Dahexi, I'm now the Grand Tutor." Dahexi had served in the palace for so many years, and he had never heard of such a young Grand Tutor. His lips twitched, "Master Tang, you've climbed the ranks quite quickly, but there's one thing I don't understand, why are you emphasizing this?"

"I'm telling you, if you want to go back with a satisfactory contract, listen to me," Tang Feng said, sitting down and picking up his chopsticks to serve himself a piece of fish. "Don't try anything I can't see. Although I have no connection with the Qiang and Hu people, your princess is a close friend of mine. Naturally, I wouldn't harm you because of my own affairs." Dahexi's lips twitched even more as he listened to Tang Feng finish speaking without batting an eye. Good lad, after all these years, he's become even more adept at scheming. Dahexi knew that when Tang Feng's delegation was trapped, the Qiang and Hu people had made things difficult for them. He was already quite fortunate to have some freedom in Xiling this time. "Of course," Tang Feng replied, glancing at the princess. "You are a close friend of the princess, so naturally you wouldn't do anything detrimental to us Qiang and Hu people. Whatever you command, I will do." Zhou Ziliang glanced at Haqiya, then stood up and said, "Princess, if Xiaofeng and the others continue, it will become state affairs. Please bear with us and come out with me to wait. We'll go back in after we've settled things." Haqiya looked down at Tang Feng, her face full of displeasure. "Did you order Zhou Ziliang to do this? I was so supportive of you just a couple of days ago, and all that weight you've lost has gone to your heart!" Tang Feng sighed after Haqiya left, then said seriously, "I think... you probably understand what I'm going to say." Dahexi leaned back in his chair, looking at the table full of food, and broke off a duck leg for himself. "This old man doesn't understand. When your delegation was trapped back then, I was the one who put in a good word for you in front of the palace. Just don't try anything funny this time." Tang Feng smiled, about to speak, but coughed and choked back his words, covering his mouth and coughing for a while. After a while, catching his breath, he said, "Actually, it's not a big deal. I just wanted your help so we could all benefit. The renewal of the Ayi Harbor contract will most likely be negotiated between you and the prince. The Third Prince is honest and kind, so you can ask for more." Dahexi was confused and put down his food, quickly asking, "Stop, stop, stop! I want the contract to be successfully renewed, and then you want me to ask for more conditions? Previously, Yan Yun proposed a 37% share of the benefits to get the Qiang and Hu to agree to the contract. Now, with the renewal, the entire contract's benefits are biased towards the Qiang and Hu. I don't think such an exorbitant negotiation method will get Emperor Yun to agree to this contract." Tang Feng nodded. "I also think His Majesty can't agree, so you need to be strategic. The Qiang and Hu are Yan Yun's neighbor no matter what. Even if His Majesty doesn't want to renew, he still needs to consider the Qiang and Hu's feelings and seize the opportunity..." "Don't worry, if the terms don't go well, another prince will come to negotiate with you. Lower your demands a little then, and I believe Yan Yun will agree," Dahexi frowned, scrutinizing Tang Feng. "I say, are you a subject of Yan Yun? Are you teaching a Qiang-Hu delegation how to maximize their benefits in a contract?" Tang Feng put down his chopsticks and wiped his hands. "I, Tang Feng, never do anything useless. Since I've brought this up today, it means I have a plan. Don't worry, it's not just the Qiang-Hu who will benefit. I'll give you a day to consider this. Once you've decided, I'll start making arrangements." Tang Feng finished speaking and got up to leave, but Dahexi stopped him. "Wait, Lord Tang, no need to consider anymore. I agree. You owe me a favor in Qiang-Hu; you wouldn't try to trip me up here. I agree to your terms."

Seeing Tang Feng emerge, Zhou Ziliang asked, "Is everything resolved?" Tang Feng fastened his cloak and nodded. "It went smoothly. There's no need to worry about the rest. I'll handle it at court tomorrow." He then looked at Hachiya, "Princess, I'm so sorry you went hungry. The dishes on the table are probably cold. Have the waiter remove them and order again. Put the bill on my tab; it's on me." Seeing Tang Feng about to leave, Hachiya quickly called out, "Aren't you going to stay and eat with us?" Zhou Ziliang turned back, smiled, and gently declined Hachiya's offer. "No, thank you. If we stay here, Lord Dahexi inside probably won't feel comfortable."

As soon as Tang Feng stepped out of Taibai Tower, his throat started to itch. He bent over and coughed lightly. Zhou Ziliang took out a handkerchief and handed it to him, patting his back. "You must be tired. Let's go back. I'll cook you something to eat." Tang Feng took the handkerchief and wiped the blood from his mouth. He straightened up and waved his hand. "No need. We said we were going out to eat, but if you go back and then go into the kitchen, how will you explain it to Mother? Let's just find a restaurant." Zhou Ziliang found a restaurant near the Marquis's mansion, ordered two dishes according to Tang Feng's taste, and dismissed the waiter before looking at Tang Feng. "What's wrong? You haven't said a word. Is there some difficulty tomorrow?" "Not really. It's just that I've been a bit too busy these past few days. Now that I've finally stopped, I suddenly feel like time has flown by too quickly." Tang Feng rested his chin on his hand, smiled at Zhou Ziliang, and said, "You've been a bit too tense lately. Although this matter is somewhat dangerous, it's not without its risks. Don't worry too much."

Zhou Ziliang sighed helplessly, "Was I worried about that? I was worried about you. Putting everything else aside, your disobedience to medical advice is enough to worry me for days." Tang Feng, of course, knew what Zhou Ziliang was implying, and chuckled, "Oh well, anyway, nothing serious happened in the end, so don't worry so much. Being sick... it's normal to be unwell. Besides, Wu Hezou isn't a miracle doctor; you don't necessarily have to listen to what he says." "You absolutely mustn't let Old Wu hear that, otherwise, the Marquis's mansion won't be peaceful!" Zhou Ziliang had barely finished speaking when the waiter... The dishes were served, and Zhou Ziliang picked up his chopsticks and added a few pieces of fish to Tang Feng's plate. "What are your plans for tomorrow?" "As for Li Yunye, I probably don't need to say much. He'll fight for it himself. It's just that I need to discuss things with His Highness the Ninth Prince." Since the spring hunt, after Li Yunye learned that Tang Feng and Li Yunyu had fallen out, Li Yunyu hadn't contacted Tang Feng again. Although they exchanged two private messages, Tang Feng's recovery from injuries and illnesses delayed many things, and with no major changes in the court recently, they eventually lost contact. Tang Feng knew that Li Yunyu had matured a lot since Wanliang returned, but he still needed to make things clear to him. Although he was confident this time, Zhou Ziliang had also said a lot. National affairs were not child's play; he couldn't just trust him and let him do it.

The next morning, Tang Feng went to court with Zhou Ziliang. Li Yunyu was clearly doing very well lately; as soon as Tang Feng alighted from his carriage, several courtiers rushed over to flatter him, addressing him as "Grand Tutor" repeatedly. Fortunately, he hadn't allowed Li Yunye to spread the news of Li Yunyu's arrow wound; otherwise, he would have been torn apart and accused of treachery today. Seeing Li Yunyu surrounded by people in the distance, while Li Yunye had few entourage, Tang Feng walked up and bowed to both of them. Li Yunyu wanted to ask Tang Feng how he was feeling, but remembering that Li Yunye considered them estranged, he remained silent, simply nodding. Li Yunye, seeing Tang Feng approach, eager to demonstrate Tang Feng's allegiance to him, quickly asked, "How have you been lately? They said your wound is almost healed." "Why are you sick again?" Tang Feng nodded, chuckled, and waved his hand. "Thank you for your concern, Your Highness. It's just a minor injury and illness. Now that I'm feeling better, I can't stay home any longer." He then looked at Li Yunyu. "Ninth Prince, I'm truly sorry. I haven't been feeling well these past few days, which has caused you to miss your lessons. If you have time after the morning court session this day, I will come and tutor you." Li Yunyu knew that Tang Feng's words had a hidden meaning, but with Li Yunye present, he could only nod coldly. "Alright, I will wait for the tutor in the palace."

Li Yunye watched the entire conversation between Tang Feng and Li Yunyu. Although Tang Feng had been shot in the chest by Li Yunyu's arrow during the spring hunt, it was hard to say whether Tang Feng had used this as a ruse. Was Tang Feng trying to use the lesson to tell Li Yunyu something else? Tang Feng gave Li Yunye a meaningful look and said, "Your Highness, it's time to go in." In the main hall, just as Tang Feng had expected, nothing major happened. The only thing that troubled Emperor Yun was the mess left by Li Yunrui. The reason Emperor Yun had agreed to this at the time was mainly because Yan Yun was strong and well-equipped, but Pu Yuan was always restless. If they didn't make peace with the Qiang and Hu, Pu Yuan could easily catch them off guard if he rebelled in the future. Signing the Ayi Harbor agreement could be considered a sacrifice to make peace. But now it was different. Yan Yun had suffered from disasters for several years and needed economic relief, so it was impossible to do so again. The score was 37 points, just like before. Emperor Yun sat high above and asked, "Do you have any ideas regarding the Qiang and Hu delegation's re-signing of the trade agreement for Ayi Port?" Tang Feng listened quietly below as someone stepped forward and said, "In my opinion, the Qiang and Hu are small and insignificant countries, not worth fearing. They want to trade with Yan Yun just because their territory is large. Judging from the benefits that Yan Yun has received over the years, it's better not to sign this contract. We may occupy their port, but all our goods come from Yan Yun. Without our goods, how can they make money and develop themselves?"

"Lord Wang, you are mistaken. I admit that this treaty was originally intended to appease the Qiang and Hu tribes, so the terms are very unfavorable to Yan Yun. However, you cannot deny that Yan Yun's treasury has been empty in recent years. Furthermore, Pu Yuan is eyeing us covetously. Beset by internal and external troubles, we cannot afford to antagonize the Qiang and Hu tribes any further." Tang Feng sighed, realizing he had been rambling on without getting to the point, wasting time. He then stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, both of you are quite right. However, I believe this treaty should still be signed. After all, the delegation came with sincere intentions to renew it. If we simply return, it could damage the harmony between our two countries. Moreover, we must establish our authority in front of the Qiang and Hu tribes, letting them know who is in charge and who is in charge in this treaty, and who is responsible for their current rewards and favors. Furthermore, I believe everyone needs to go back and carefully consider this matter, as it is not a trivial one." Emperor Yun pondered Tang Feng's words and nodded. "Very well, then we will discuss this matter again tomorrow. You should all go back and think of a solution."

After the court session, Tang Feng rubbed his legs, which were a little sore and numb from standing, and followed Zhou Ziliang out of the main hall. He then told Zhou Ziliang to go back first, saying, "I need to see the Ninth Prince later, so I'll be back a little late. Don't wait for me for lunch." Zhou Ziliang nodded in agreement, but didn't forget to remind him, "Take care of yourself. If you feel unwell, say so. Also, when you go to see the Ninth Prince, don't let the Third Prince see you, or he might become suspicious." Tang Feng put away his official tablet and smiled, "Don't worry, I'm quite capable of handling Li Yunye."

Li Yunyu waited for Tang Feng, who arrived late, in the palace academy. As soon as Tang Feng entered, Li Yunyu hurriedly asked, "Grand Tutor, are you feeling any better? That day my arrow..." Tang Feng pressed Li Yunyu down and waved his hand, gesturing for him to sit down. "Your Highness, let's not talk about that now. I have something to tell you..." Just as Tang Feng finished speaking, he heard footsteps at the door. Turning around, he saw Li Yunye standing there with a smile. Tang Feng bowed slightly to Li Yunye. "Your Highness, what brings you here?" Li Yunye stepped forward and said, "My ninth brother is such a blockhead. While you were away, he drove away countless..." "Grand Tutor, you've just recovered from a serious illness today. I'm afraid he might upset you again." Tang Feng knew that his words today had aroused Li Yunye's suspicion, but he didn't show any displeasure. He generously made way for Li Yunye, then took out a ruler from his sleeve, knelt down in front of the table, and said, "Ninth Prince, let's begin today." Li Yunyu knelt opposite Tang Feng, flipping through the books Tang Feng had chosen for him, while Li Yunye sat to the side listening. Tang Feng didn't make any unnecessary movements towards Li Yunyu from beginning to end, only keeping his head down and reading, occasionally looking up to ask Li Yunyu if there was anything he didn't understand. Li Yunye looked at Tang Feng. After a while, Tang Feng wanted to test him, so he asked, "What you said in court today was that you wanted Father Emperor to leave the negotiations to someone else?" Tang Feng was stunned after hearing this. He first glanced at Li Yunye with a hint of confusion in his eyes, then looked at Li Yunyu somewhat helplessly, as if he felt that Li Yunye's words were somewhat inappropriate. Li Yunye's gaze towards Tang Feng softened, and he was about to speak when Tang Feng's ruler struck the corner of Li Yunye's table. "Your Highness, how many times have I told you? This cannot be written like this, so you must listen carefully to what I'm saying." Seeing Tang Feng's seriousness, Li Yunye responded in agreement. Then he heard Tang Feng speak to Li Yunye, "Regarding the renewal of the Ayi Harbor agreement with the Qiang and Hu tribes, I intend to have His Majesty delegate authority. However, His Majesty should still choose the negotiators himself. After all, I am merely a Grand Tutor, holding the second rank but with nothing to offer." "What real power?" Tang Feng pointed out, and Li Yunyu and Li Yunye roughly understood what he meant. Tang Feng was paving the way for them. Tang Feng didn't continue, and seeing Li Yunye deep in thought, he pointed to Li Yunyu's textbook. "Your Highness, bring me the questions you didn't understand a few days ago, and I'll explain them to you." Li Yunyu took the textbook and sat down in front of Tang Feng, pointing to it. Tang Feng pointed at the textbook with two fingers and tugged at Li Yunyu's sleeve. "Your Highness, the saying 'the nail that sticks out gets hammered down' means that those who take the lead are easily targeted. Please remember this, and never act rashly in the future."