Shanhe Festival 292. The benefits of standing aside

After sending Mo Jingyu away, Mo Xiuyao was in a good mood. He pulled Ye Li into his arms, sighed with satisfaction, and said with a smile: "Ah Li, what do you think those old men are thinking? They knew I would never agree, but they still had to send people to lobby me?"

Ye Li leaned in his arms and smiled: "Why do they know that you won't agree? I think they originally thought that you would agree." After all, the idea that Ding Wangfu has been loyal to Da Chu for hundreds of years is deeply rooted in everyone's mind. Although Mo Xiuyao had previously stated that he would sever ties with Da Chu, after Mo Jingqi issued a confession of guilt, many old officials thought that this was a complete misunderstanding. Now that the truth has been revealed, Ding Wangfu is still the Ding Wangfu that protects Da Chu.

But they didn't think about it. Mo Jingqi could apologize in front of the world, but no one stipulated that Ding Wangfu and the Mo Army must accept it and choose to forgive. From this point of view, perhaps Mo Jingli saw it more clearly. At least Mo Jingli would never ask Mo Xiuyao for help, whether because he knew that Mo Xiuyao would not agree or for his own dignity.

Mo Xiuyao snorted and smiled faintly: "Well, let them give up completely this time."

Ye Li raised her head. "The envoy from Xiling?" Mo Xiuyao said indifferently, "Let him wait a little longer. He is also an acquaintance of ours."

"Lei Tengfeng?" Ye Li only needed to think about it for a moment to understand the identity of the visitor. If the King of Zhennan wanted to negotiate with Mo Xiuyao, it would be impossible for him to send a cat or a dog. Although the Zhennan Palace is now in power in Xiling, they are still very wary of Lei Zhenting and his son, who are members of the Xiling royal family. Therefore, the only one who can be trusted and has this ability is Lei Tengfeng. Ye Li asked curiously, "How do you plan to restore Lei Tengfeng?" Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows in surprise and smiled, "Why should I reply to him?" Ye Li blinked, "Don't you think the King of Ding wants to know what conditions the King of Zhennan has offered?"

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly, and a cold light flashed in his eyes. "No matter what conditions he offers... Lei Zhenting will regret it."

After drinking half a cup of tea, the two leaned against each other and talked for a while before ordering someone to invite Lei Tengfeng over.

Lei Tengfeng came before Mo Jingyu. Although Mo Jingyu arrived soon after, Mo Xiuyao chose to meet Mo Jingyu first. This made Lei Tengfeng a little hesitant about the negotiation, which he had some confidence in. What was worse was that after Mo Jingyu left, Mo Xiuyao did not meet him immediately, but made him wait for about half an hour. Such treatment made him feel a little more depressed, but the experience of these years was not in vain. Lei Tengfeng has never been an impulsive person, so when Zhuo Jing was ordered to invite him, he still sat calmly and drank tea.

"I have met Prince Ding and Princess Ding. They are even more charming than before after we met in Xiling last year." Lei Tengfeng couldn't help but sigh in his heart as he looked at the two people sitting side by side on the main seat. These two people... Prince Ding's single-minded devotion to Princess Ding is enough to make people jealous. Of course, if one could have a wife like Princess Ding, I believe anyone would be willing to be single-minded. Although Lei Tengfeng himself has countless concubines, he couldn't help but feel a little jealous when he saw these two people always walking side by side and supporting each other.

Ye Li smiled and said, "Prince Zhennan, please take a seat. It seems that you are still as charming as ever since we last met. By the way, I haven't congratulated you on your promotion to the title of Prince of a County. From now on, you should be called Prince Rui of a County, right?"

Lei Tengfeng was startled. He was named a prince only after Xiling sent out troops, and there was no publicity. He didn't expect Ye Li to know about it. Princess Ding's information channels are indeed not to be underestimated. Although he was surprised, Lei Tengfeng remained calm and said with a faint smile: "My little prince is ashamed. Princess Ding is too kind."

"Then...I wonder why Prince Rui has come all the way here?" Ye Li asked.

Lei Tengfeng glanced at the white-haired man sitting next to him, smiling at Ye Li. It was obvious that Mo Xiuyao had no intention of speaking. It seemed that he had handed the matter over to the princess. Although he already knew that Princess Ding's status in the Ding Palace was the highest among all the princesses in the past dynasties, Lei Tengfeng was still surprised that Mo Xiuyao would even hand over such an important matter to her.

Facing Ye Li's calm and graceful eyes, Lei Tengfeng gathered his thoughts and said seriously: "Prince Ding's Mansion is well-informed. I guess Prince Ding and Princess Ding have already known about Xiling's dispatch of troops to Da Chu?"

Ye Li nodded, smiling without saying anything.

Lei Tengfeng sighed in his heart and said, "The current situation in the world must have been clearly seen by the king and the princess, so I dare not teach them how to do it. Now there are the Northern Border and Beirong in the north of Great Chu, Xiling in the west, and even pirates in the east from time to time. Although Great Chu has a large territory and a large population, it may not be able to withstand the siege of the three kingdoms even if it has soldiers but no generals. I am here to ask His Royal Highness Prince Ding for advice on my father's orders. Regarding this war... I wonder what Prince Ding's plan is?"

Mo Xiuyao turned his head and glanced at him calmly. This glance made Lei Tengfeng feel like an idiot. Of course, he knew that Mo Xiuyao would never tell him what the Mo Army was planning, but facing these two stubborn people, he had to start with a topic, right? Facing these two people, being straightforward was undoubtedly the best way.

Ye Li pretended not to notice Lei Tengfeng's embarrassment and said with a smile: "I wonder what the King of Zhennan means? How about the Ding Palace intervening in this war? What about not intervening?"

Lei Tengfeng said, "The Ding Palace and the Great Chu have already severed their friendship. My father believes that His Royal Highness Ding is a man of his word. If the Mohist Army is willing to divide the Great Chu with the three kingdoms, it would be the best. Everyone has their own abilities. If the Ding Palace does not move and takes down the Great Chu, Xiling is willing to give two states near the northwest as a gift."

"King Zhennan is very generous." Ye Li praised with a smile. The northwest now has only four states and thirteen cities. King Zhennan's export is two states, which is equivalent to half of the current area of ​​the northwest, and the Mohist army does not need to send a single soldier. If it is a normal business, this is definitely a good business with only profit and no loss.

Lei Tengfeng smiled and said, "This is also the sincerity of my father and Xiling. As long as the Mo family army does not help Da Chu, everything will be fine. In addition, Xiling and Northwest can also sign an agreement, and both sides can coexist peacefully forever? I wonder what the princess thinks?" Ye Li frowned and thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "The conditions proposed by Prince Rui are indeed very tempting... But I'm afraid I can't make a decision on this matter for a while." Ye Li looked helplessly at Mo Xiuyao who was sleeping on his legs and signaled to Lei Tengfeng. If His Royal Highness Prince Ding doesn't want to work, no one can do anything about it.

Lei Tengfeng could only smile bitterly, of course he understood that Ye Li was not really unable to make a decision for a while, but that the chips they offered were not enough. Gritting his teeth, Lei Tengfeng said: "I remember that many minerals in the northwest were purchased from various countries, especially from Xiling. As long as His Royal Highness Prince Ding can agree not to interfere in this matter, all payments before this year will be waived."

Seeing the sleeping Mo Xiuyao turned his head to the side and raised his eyebrows but still didn't open his eyes, Lei Tengfeng's face almost turned green. He gritted his teeth and said, "There is a mine at the border between Xiling and the three countries of Northwest and North Rong. It belongs to Xiling. From now on, it will be handed over to Prince Ding's Mansion."

It's not that Lei Tengfeng couldn't bear to give up the mine. After all, since it could be included in the conditions originally expected, it was not something that could not be given up. Moreover, the mine was located in the northwest of Xiling and the border of Beirong. It was often harassed by Beirong people, so it was impossible to mine with peace of mind. The annual output of ore was not even a fraction of the total output of Xiling. Once Xiling took over Dachu, even if it was not all, Xiling had a geographical advantage and did not need to compete with Beirong in the north. As long as the south was conquered, the richest place in the whole Dachu would belong to Xiling. With such huge benefits, they were willing to invest in one, three or five mines.

It's just that the conditions he proposed now are the bottom line he can offer. After all, Mo Xiuyao doesn't have to do anything to get so many benefits. If there are more, it's not up to him to decide.

Ye Li's eyes flickered slightly, and she smiled and said, "Prince Rui is indeed very generous. In this case... this concubine and the prince really need to think carefully about it."

Lei Tengfeng said anxiously, "Princess, please forgive me. I really don't have time to stay in the northwest for long."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Don't worry, Prince Rui. I can give you an answer tomorrow morning at the latest. Prince Rui must have been very tired after coming all the way here. You should rest for a night before setting off again, right?"

Lei Tengfeng hesitated for a moment, but still nodded. He had rushed to Xiling at full speed because he was afraid that Da Chu would get ahead of him. He was indeed very tired. "In that case, thank you very much, Princess." Ye Li nodded and smiled, summoned Zhuo Jing who was waiting outside the door, and said, "Send Prince Rui to the embassy to rest."

Hearing this, Lei Tengfeng secretly breathed a sigh of relief. If Ye Li had asked him to stay in Prince Ding's mansion to rest, he would have been worried. After thanking Ye Li again, Lei Tengfeng followed Zhuo Jing and left.

The hall was quiet. Ye Li leaned back in her chair, looked down at Mo Xiuyao, who was still resting his head on her legs and closing his eyes, and smiled softly, "It seems that Lei Zhenting has made up his mind to take down Da Chu this time." Mo Xiuyao said calmly, "Lei Zhenting is almost sixty years old."

Ye Li was slightly embarrassed. Although Lei Zhenting was over fifty, he was still a little far from sixty, right? But this did not prevent her from understanding what Mo Xiuyao meant. Lei Zhenting was already old. Although he was equally skilled in martial arts, no one was sure that he could live to Murong Xiong's age. Moreover, even if he could live to Murong Xiong's age, Mo Xiuyao was too young compared to him. Especially after taking the antidote made from the blue sky flower, Mo Xiuyao's poison and old injuries were all healed, and even his appearance did not change much. After these years, Mo Xiuyao, who is now over thirty, still looks like a young man of twenty-six or twenty-seven.

At least in the next twenty years, Mo Xiuyao will be at his peak while Lei Zhenting will only get older and older. To put it bluntly, even if Mo Xiuyao is exhausted, Lei Zhenting can be exhausted to death. However, Lei Zhenting's pride will never tolerate him being defeated by Mo Liufang and his son, so he can't do nothing. Since Mo Xiuyao can't be touched for a while, he can only strengthen Xiling and then deal with Mo Xiuyao. The fastest way to strengthen Xiling is to get the rich and vast Da Chu, which is why he abandoned Nanzhao and attacked Da Chu.

"You said... Lei Zhenting finally found out about your plan? Would he be mad to death?" Thinking of someone's evil intentions, Ye Li couldn't help but ask with a curious smile.

“No, Lei Zhenting will not die so easily. Even if he is going to die…” There was an imperceptible chill in the lazy tone of the man who closed his eyes and rested his mind. “He will also die on the battlefield.” Die in this king’s hands!

Shaking her head, Ye Li sighed, "With the continuous wars, I wonder what will happen to the world..." Ye Li had to admit that she was still a little uneasy. She had never seen a real war. Even when Xinyang was massacred by Xiling a few years ago, it was only a short-term war. And now, it was almost possible to see the world in chaos and the people living in misery...

Mo Xiuyao fumbled and held her hand, "Ali, don't be afraid..."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Well, don't be afraid. No matter what, I will be with you."

The next morning, Lei Tengfeng left Xiling with Mo Xiuyao's promise and the agreement he signed personally. Once Xibei decided to stand aside, the imminent annihilation of Dachu could be imagined. In order to ensure that Xiling's efforts would be rewarded, Lei Tengfeng could not wait to announce the news to the world as soon as he left Licheng. This news was definitely good news for the armies of various countries that were fighting against Dachu, but it was no different from adding insult to injury for Dachu, which was struggling to resist. When this news spread throughout the world, the dignitaries of various countries clapped their hands in celebration and were ready to take action, eyeing the huge empire that was already crumbling not far away, while countless officials and people of the Great Chu could only cry loudly.

At the Broken Snow Pass in the south, Murong Shen only sighed when he heard the news reported by his subordinates, and waved his hand to let them leave. Standing on the tower of Broken Snow Pass and looking north, the famous generals could almost see that the entire Great Chu was slowly collapsing at a speed visible to the eyes. However, they were powerless. Those who had the ability to save the Great Chu had been driven away from the Great Chu by the prince who sat on the dragon throne many years ago. The Great Chu abandoned them, and when the Great Chu encountered danger, they would not support it as much as they once did.

At the Chujing Huaguo Mansion, the gray-haired Huaguo Duke looked at the exhausted Mo Jingyu and turned away. His wrinkled face showed a trace of sadness and helplessness, but also a bit of firmness and determination.

"Come here, I want to go to the palace." After a while, Duke Hua said in a deep voice. The grandson who was waiting beside him asked worriedly: "Grandfather, what are you doing in the palace at this time?"

Duke Hua said in a deep voice: "I want to fight. There is no one to defend the northern border... Although I am old, I can still move."

The grandson of the Hua family's eyes turned red, "How can I do that? Grandfather is so old and should be enjoying his old age. I will go to the palace to ask for permission. I am willing to stop the Northern Rong army on behalf of grandfather!" Thinking of this, he couldn't help but secretly hate himself for being weak. The Hua family was originally a family of generals, but because the king was jealous, everyone from grandfather onwards had to learn literature. Even if I wanted to go to the battlefield...what would it be of any use?

"Grandfather...my aunt and sister are in the northwest, why not invite them..."

"Nonsense!" Duke Hua said in a stern voice, "They are all girls and shouldn't be involved in these things. Besides... Prince Ding's Mansion has its own way to go, and the Hua family has its own way to go!"

"Yes, Sun'er knows his mistake."

"Forget it, get ready to go to the palace."

Zijing Pass in the north

In the general's mansion in Zijing Pass, Leng Huai sighed deeply as he looked at the battle report that had just been delivered to the table. He made his move, and Leng Qingyu and Mu Yang looked over. Leng Qingyu frowned and asked, "Dad, what's wrong?" Leng Huai closed his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Prince Ding has refused to send troops to help Da Chu, and agreed to Xiling's request. He will not interfere in Da Chu's affairs anymore." Although the Leng family and Prince Ding's Mansion are not on the same side, Leng Huai himself has no ill will towards Prince Ding's Mansion. It's just that their positions are different. But it must be said that, like all the people of Da Chu, Leng Huai still has hope for Da Chu at this time. But now everyone has to face reality. The Mohist Army is really no longer the elite division that protects Da Chu.

Leng Qingyu frowned and said, "Prince Ding would actually do this! Isn't he afraid of being pointed at and poked in the back by the people of Da Chu?"

Leng Haoyu, who was sitting and whispering to Murong Ting, raised his eyebrows, sneered and said lightly: "Why can't Prince Ding do this? Prince Ding's Mansion and Da Chu have no connection for several years. Why do you think that Prince Ding's Mansion must send troops to help Da Chu? Prince Ding's Mansion has protected Da Chu for hundreds of years and no one is grateful to them. Now that something happens, they are unwilling to help. Is it a heinous crime?"

Leng Qingyu frowned, looked at Leng Haoyu unhappily and said, "No matter what, the Mohist Army are all subjects of the Great Chu, and the children of the Mohist Army are all citizens of the Great Chu. What's the difference between Mo Xiuyao standing idly by and taking advantage of someone's misfortune? Moreover... the late emperor has already issued an edict of guilt and restored all the glory of the Dingwang Mansion. The Dingwang Mansion is naturally still a subject of the Great Chu."

Leng Haoyu sneered disdainfully, "Who said that Prince Ding must accept the late emperor's order? Who said that an apology must be forgiven? Big brother, if I accidentally stab you, you will be generous enough to forgive me. Right?" Seeing Leng Qingyu's face suddenly turn pale, Leng Haoyu shrugged and said, "Look, we are brothers, but you are unwilling to forgive me, not to mention that Prince Ding and the late emperor have been related for who knows how many generations."

"Enough, is it time to argue now?" Leng Huai glanced at the two brothers who never got along with each other with a headache, and said to Leng Qingyu: "Your second brother is right, don't say these things in the future." Leng Qingyu's face was not good to begin with, and now it was even gloomier. He was not used to his father speaking for Leng Haoyu. Since this time when Leng Haoyu brought Murong Ting to the battlefield and saved Leng Huai who was almost injured by random arrows, his father seemed to have something more to his younger brother.

In fact, although Leng Huai said this partly in agreement with Leng Haoyu's point of view, it was more for the good of his eldest son. After all, he had also experienced the foundation and secret guard capabilities of the Ding Wang Mansion. Now that the late emperor was gone, they were no longer in a completely opposite position to the Ding Wang Mansion. There was no need to offend the Ding Wang. As for this youngest son who never raised his eyes... Leng Huai looked at Leng Haoyu, who was sitting in a chair and laughing with his wife, with some doubts, and a trace of contemplation flashed in his eyes.

Leng Huai actually did not care about the illegitimate son. At least compared to Feng Huaiting's indifference to Feng Zhiyao, he was still willing to discipline Leng Haoyu. But the older Leng Haoyu got, the worse his character became. He indulged in eating, drinking, whoring and gambling. Gradually, he became completely disappointed. As for when Leng Haoyu suddenly said he wanted to do business, although he was not happy that his son wanted to do business, he did not stop him. At least compared to the dandy boys who only eat, drink and have fun, being a businessman is still a serious business despite his low status. Moreover, Leng Haoyu was a illegitimate son. He could not get any title and it was not easy for him to get an official position. If he did business, at least he would not lack food and clothing, and he would have the support of the General's Mansion. At least no one would dare to bully him.

It was not until this time that Leng Huai realized that he had always misjudged his son. Leng Huai still remembered the battle on that day. The attack of the Northern Army was unprecedentedly fierce, and the top of the city was almost covered by a rain of arrows. Standing on the top of the city to supervise the battle, Leng Huai watched several sharp arrows shot at him. But suddenly, the second son appeared on the top of the city and swung a long sword in his hand to form a sword net, which actually blocked all those arrows like a rain. When he came to his senses, Murong Ting, who had followed behind, had pulled him under the battlement. Just by looking at the almost impenetrable sword net that was casually drawn and swung out, Leng Huai knew that the skills of this second son were definitely better than those of the eldest son who had always made him proud.

Thinking back to the news about the Feng family that came from the capital last month, Leng Huai had always known that Feng Zhiyao was the confidant of Prince Ding. And his second son had always been close to Feng San...

Leng Haoyu naturally noticed his father's thoughtful gaze. He gave Leng Huai a nonchalant smile and turned around to continue chatting and laughing with Murong Ting.

Mu Yang looked at the father and son and shook his head helplessly. He was the only son of the Marquis of Muyang and had no half brothers or sisters, so he naturally couldn't understand the intrigues. Although he was always closer to Leng Qingyu because of his status, he also had a good relationship with Leng Haoyu, so he naturally couldn't say much at this time. He could only ask: "General Leng, is there any decree from the court?"

Leng Huai shook his head and said calmly: "We are guarding Zijing Pass, so we can't let the people from the northern border step through Zijing Pass. What kind of decree do you need?"

The two young men were surprised and said, "The general is right."

"That's what my father said."

Leng Haoyu curled his lips in disdain in a place that could not be seen. To guard Zijing Pass... that also requires the court in the rear to hold on. Otherwise, once the military supplies in the rear are cut off, the soldiers in Zijing Pass will die even if they fight desperately.

Sitting in the main seat above, Leng Huai's brows were slightly wrinkled, and a not-so-unnoticeable worry flashed in his eyes.