The atmosphere at the banquet was tense.
Everyone thought that this was a request for peace from the Western Plains, but after the Western Plains envoy proposed a marriage alliance, the whole room was in an uproar.
The ministers immediately split into two factions and started a heated debate.
"Ridiculous! They're clearly asking for peace, yet they're still asking our princess to marry far away!" An old minister's hands trembled slightly beneath his official robes, his voice filled with anger and resentment. "Now that the battle in Xiyuan is losing ground, they should be coming with generous gifts to apologize!"
"Exactly!" another young minister immediately echoed, a sneer of contempt on his face. "Our army has won victory after victory in recent years. The Western Plains are only suing for peace because they can no longer hold on."
The Xiyuan envoy's face was stern, a hint of anger flashing in his eyes. He said in a deep voice: "I'm afraid you have all forgotten the great battle last year? Your country was defeated like a mountain."
He narrowed his eyes slightly, his tone a warning, "Our two countries have been at war for years, leaving our people homeless and their bones exposed in the wilderness. If it weren't for the people, how could we easily agree to peace?"
"Continuing this war will only result in mutual destruction." The envoy paused, his tone softening slightly. "If the princess agrees to marry into Xiyuan, she will be queen. We are willing to offer a thousand fine horses as a betrothal gift in exchange for a hundred years of peace between our two countries."
As soon as these words were spoken, a buzz of discussion suddenly broke out in the court.
The ministers were whispering to each other, some were frowning in thought, some were shaking their heads, and arguments were heard one after another.
"Enough!" The handsome young emperor slammed the armrest of the dragon throne, shocking all the civil and military officials in the court.
He had a gloomy face and swept his eyes over everyone: "Shut up!"
After calming the commotion, the emperor looked at the princess sitting beside him, his eyes tentative: "My sister...what do you think?"
The princess stood up, her eyes filled with disdain, a sneer curling up at the corner of her lips. "In my opinion, Xiyuan has no sincerity. If they really want peace, let them offer a thousand fine horses every year. Otherwise..." She deliberately dragged out the last word, a cold gleam in her eyes as she glanced at the two princes of Xiyuan, "then fight to the bitter end!"
"Your Highness!" An elderly civil servant stumbled forward, his face filled with anxiety and heartache. "Please prioritize the greater good! Years of war on the northwest border have left countless civilians dead and wounded, leaving nine out of ten houses empty!"
As he spoke, his eyes turned red and his voice choked up: "If the fighting continues, how many more families will be destroyed and killed?"
Another minister stepped forward, clasping his fists. His expression was solemn. "Your Highness, although Xiyuan has been defeated repeatedly, they are still fighting. If we insist on going to war, I'm afraid it will only lead to more casualties. A marriage alliance to achieve peace is the best strategy."
At this moment, someone suddenly shouted loudly: "I have a memorial!"
An official strode forward, holding a memorial high in his hand, a sinister glint in his eyes. "I intend to impeach the princess for spreading rumors and attempting to disrupt the government!"
Immediately afterwards, several more people came out and handed in memorials.
"I accuse the princess of violating the moral code by privately opening an academy and teaching women the art of statecraft! This is the testimony of the academy's female students and teachers. Your Majesty, please consider this!"
"I accuse the princess of colluding with the theater and selling drugs banned by the previous dynasty! This is the account book seized from the theater. It records that a sum of money is deposited into the princess's residence on the 15th of every month. This amount of money is consistent with the monthly sales of 'Sai Shenxian' at the theater!"
The chief eunuch beside the emperor came down, collected the memorial, and presented it to the emperor.
The emperor grabbed the memorial and flipped through it quickly, his expression becoming increasingly gloomy.
"Royal sister, what else do you have to say?" He threw the memorial to the ground and glared at the princess.
The princess straightened her back and looked calm and composed. "Your Majesty, have you not yet conducted a thorough investigation, and yet you are so easily persuaded by slanderous accusations?"
She glanced at the ministers who were impeaching, her eyes filled with scorn. "These are trumped-up charges, nothing more than fabricated accusations."
"Your Highness, there's no need to quibble." The Right Prime Minister stepped forward, a meaningful smile on his face. "Without real evidence, how could we dare to speak so recklessly?"
Below the stage, Li Sisi anxiously tugged at Xiao Yunchen's sleeve: "What should we do? Think of a way to help the princess!"
Xiao Yunchen looked calm and lowered his voice slightly: "My lady, please be patient."
Li Sisi was so impatient that she leaned close to Xiao Yunchen and whispered, "Didn't you say everything is under control?"
Xiao Yunchen sighed softly, "I did expect them to impeach me, but I didn't expect them to do so at this critical juncture. I miscalculated."
"What's the point of saying this now!" Li Sisi said anxiously, "The most important thing now is that we have to find a way to help the princess!"
Xiao Yunchen looked around, confirmed that no one was paying attention, and whispered to comfort him, "Don't worry. This matter needs to be thoroughly investigated by the Dali Temple. It won't be easy to convict in a short time. We still have time."
After saying this, he stood up and said in a calm and steady voice, "Your Majesty, this case is of great importance. I request that you personally conduct the trial."
The Right Prime Minister said in a cold tone, "Lord Xiao is no longer serving in the Dali Temple, and our dynasty is not yet at a point where there is no one available. I will not trouble Lord Xiao with his concerns."
The Emperor waved his hand and said, "The Right Prime Minister is right. The Dali Temple will conduct a thorough investigation of this matter. Sir Xiao, just do your job."
The Second Prince of Xiyuan suddenly stood up and said, "I admire your Highness's actions. We in Xiyuan don't have so many rules for women. Since you think your Highness's actions are inappropriate, why not let her marry and redeem herself for her crimes?"
The Third Prince stood up immediately afterward. "Although Her Royal Highness was born and raised in Anyang Country, her temperament is more similar to that of us Xiyuan girls. It seems this is fate destined for us!"
He bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, my second brother and I have come here to seek marriage. If the princess agrees, we will not only offer a thousand fine horses as a betrothal gift, but we will also sign a contract promising a hundred years of peace between our two countries."
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