Taiping rift 425. Xiling shows weakness

On this day, Licheng was particularly lively. The last time it was so lively was when Mr. Qingyun held his birthday banquet a year ago, but most of the guests who came to the birthday banquet at that time were here to inquire about the situation or have ulterior motives. But this time, everyone had a different mood. A mixed feeling of awe and admiration, as well as a vague desire to show goodwill.

In the past year, both the Dingwang Mansion and the whole world have undergone earth-shaking changes. Anyone with eyes can see that there is no one in the world who can compete with Dingwang now, at least, not in the next ten years. And everyone can't help but start to worry, when Dingwang Mansion recovers, will it send troops to fight all over the world again, and who can resist the iron cavalry of Dingwang Mansion at that time. If the three-nation coalition had not just defeated it, if the surnames and power were not so different now, I'm afraid it would be another new siege by the coalition of all countries. But now, since there is no strength to fight head-on, we can only show weakness.

This time, the banquet was held in Prince Ding's mansion. Because it was just the first birthday banquet of the two children, Prince Ding's mansion did not invite guests lavishly. The guests were only envoys from various countries and civil and military officials of Prince Ding's mansion. Other celebrities and wealthy people from various countries were not invited, so naturally there were not many guests. However, the people of Licheng were still very excited as if it was a festival.

In the inner courtyard of Prince Ding's mansion, the two babies woke up early in the morning and put on new exquisite clothes. They were held by Ye Li and played with Hua Tianxiang and others who had already arrived. The two Madams Xu and Qin Zheng were busy with the banquet, so the children could only be left to the care of the girls who were still waiting to be married.

"Mother...Mother..." Xin'er was wearing a pink dress embroidered with hibiscus, an exquisite necklace and a longevity lock around her neck, and silver rings on her hands and feet. She sat in Mo Wuyou's arms, looking as delicate and beautiful as the jade girl beside the Goddess of Mercy in the painting.

Wuyou touched Xin'er's little face with a smile and said, "Xin'er, mother is busy, I will come to see you in a while." Xin'er was unhappy that she didn't see her mother when she woke up early in the morning, "Mother, mother..."

Lin'er, who was standing next to her, heard his sister calling her "mother" and started to make noises. And Lin'er was obviously more active than his sister, he climbed up from the soft floor and was about to walk out. Hua Tianxiang quickly hugged him back, "Lin'er, be good, mother will come to see you in a while. Good baby, play with your sister first."

Hearing the word "sister", Lin'er immediately tilted his head to look at Xin'er. When Hua Tianxiang put them together, the siblings were so bored that they forgot to look for their mother. Seeing the siblings sitting on the wide couch and babbling in words that adults couldn't understand, everyone couldn't help but smile.

"Xin'er, brother is here to see you!" Outside the door, Mo Xiaobao, Xu Zhirui, Leng Junhan, and Qin Lie rushed in excitedly, stretching out their arms to hug Xin'er. Xin'er obviously liked Mo Xiaobao as her brother, and immediately stretched out her little hands for a hug.

Mo Xiaobao happily held his sister in his arms, and looked at the other children as if showing off. However, he was extremely disgusted with his younger brother, and thoroughly followed the glorious tradition of Ding Wangfu that girls are treasures and boys are weeds. Mo Yufeng, who was just one year old, also disliked his brother. When he saw Mo Xiaobao taking away his sister who was with him every day, he immediately became furious, "Little Bao, you are bad! Sister...sister!"

Mo Xiaobao's handsome face darkened when his younger brother called him by his nickname. However, his heart turned around to look at his younger brother, and then looked at his brother who was holding him. He was embarrassed for a moment, but he still reached out his little hand to his younger brother on the couch, "Brother, brother..."

Helplessly, Mo Xiaobao had to put his sister back on the couch. Then the two little kids hugged each other again, and Mo Yufeng stared at Mo Xiaobao with his big watery eyes, as if the person in front of him was a bad guy who wanted to separate his siblings.

Seeing Mo Xiaobao's face twisted with anger, everyone laughed out loud.

"Why did the young master come here?" Mo Wuyou asked with a smile covering her lips. Mo Xiaobao had a good relationship with Mo Wuyou since childhood. When he heard her question, he smiled and said, "She is very busy outside. Mother thought we were in the way, so she asked me to come and see my brothers and sisters."

Mo Wuyou nodded. It was indeed a busy day today. Moreover, the Princess of Nanzhao had gone missing and had not been found yet. The busyness of Prince Ding's Mansion might not guarantee safety. In comparison, the inner courtyard, which was heavily guarded and not allowed to be entered by outsiders, was much safer. Mo Wuyou smiled and said, "That's great. Young Master, you can take care of Lin'er and Xin'er with me and Tianxiang Yunge."

Mo Xiaobao glanced resentfully at his brother and sister-in-law who were hugging each other on the couch. Was he really not the wicked mother-in-law who wanted to break up the couple?

No matter how bustling the front yard of Prince Ding's mansion was, the study in the inner courtyard was as quiet as usual. As the host, Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li did not go out to receive guests, but sat leisurely in the study reading. With the current strength and status of Prince Ding's mansion, there were only a few guests who could be personally received by them, and the truly distinguished guests generally did not arrive early.

Mo Xiuyao was leisurely flipping through some unofficial history, half lying on the couch, his head resting on Ye Li's legs. His snow-white hair was casually spread on Ye Li's knees, with a few strands hanging on the ground.

"Your Highness and Princess, the Queen of Nanzhao has entered the city." Zhuo Jing reported calmly at the door.

Mo Xiuyao flipped a page of the book and replied calmly, "I know. Send someone to keep an eye on them. Rescue the Queen of Nanzhao in time, and tell them not to act rashly and do their best to ensure the safety of the Queen of Nanzhao."

"As you command."

Ye Li frowned slightly and asked, "Where is the little prince?"

Qin Feng was silent for a moment, then said in a deep voice: "It's a good thing that we didn't see the little prince. However, we have already deployed spies in all possible places in Licheng where people might be hiding, so... I suspect that Mo Jingli may have hidden the little prince in some place that we would not suspect."

Ye Li was silent. She certainly understood who Qin Feng was referring to. She looked down at Mo Xiuyao. Mo Xiuyao half-closed his eyes and said leisurely, "Whatever needs to be done, we must rescue the little prince of Nanzhao. Nanzhao is very important to us now." What is important is not Princess Anxi and the little prince, but their identities. In recent years, the Ding Palace has no plans to send troops again, but even so, Xiling and Da Chu must be restrained by someone. And Nanjiang, located in the south and with a tough folk custom, is naturally the best choice. At least in the next few decades, Nanzhao will be an ally of the Ding Palace.

"I understand. I'll take my leave." With Mo Xiuyao's statement, Qin Feng naturally had no scruples and turned around to go out to do his work.

In the room, Ye Li said calmly: "Mo Jingli definitely has more than just Mo Jingyu under his control." Mo Jingyu had just arrived in Li City not long ago, and he had no roots in Li City. Mo Jingli went in and out of Li City without a trace, which was definitely not something Mo Jingyu could do. There must be someone who was very familiar with the environment and various things in Li City who secretly helped him.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly and said, "Of course. In this world... there are always people with ulterior motives who are ready to turn against us at any time. If it weren't for catching these annoying bugs, why would I have kept Mo Jingli for so long?"

"Will Mo Jingli be able to tell that you're letting him go?" Ye Li asked with some concern. If that were the case, Princess Anxi and the child would be in danger. Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "If Mo Jingli still wants to do something today, he will come regardless of whether he can see it or not. Besides... I guess he has already been blinded by hatred. Even if I let him go right under his nose, he won't be able to see it."

"You do understand him." Ye Li frowned. In fact, in Ye Li's opinion, Mo Jingli's hatred for Mo Xiuyao was a bit inexplicable. On the battlefield, victory and defeat are commonplace, and you have to bear the consequences of your victory or defeat. It is unimaginable that Mo Jingli hated Mo Xiuyao so much that he lost his mind. Moreover, shouldn't Mo Jingli's current situation be attributed to the betrayal of Queen Mother Chu and the royal family, and the use of him by Xiling? Ding Wangfu should not be ranked at all.

Mo Xiuyao smiled faintly. Of course he would not tell Ah Li what he had done to Mo Jingli.

"The subject Chen Xiufu requests to see the prince and princess." A voice was heard outside the door. Mo Xiuyao sat up and said coldly, "Come in." The door of the study was pushed open, and Chen Xiufu walked in and greeted respectfully, "I have seen the prince and princess."

Ye Li smiled and said, "Mr. Xiuting, there's no need to be so polite. I've just arrived in Licheng and I'm already dealing with so many trivial matters. Thank you for your hard work, Mr. Xiuting."

Chen Xiufu bowed and smiled, "Princess, you are too kind. It is my duty, so I dare not complain." Chen Xiufu's life has not been easy these days. He even regretted that he was fooled by Xu Qingbai and followed him back. As soon as he arrived in Licheng, Prince Ding immediately announced that he would be appointed as the left prime minister. The famous families of Da Chu, who were originally polite to him, immediately changed their faces. Yes, the power of the military generals in Prince Ding's mansion was in the hands of the Mohist army generals who were loyal to Prince Ding, and the two highest positions representing civil officials were occupied by the eldest son of the Xu family, and the other was taken by him, an outsider from Xiling. How could it not make the people who had been scheming and calculating secretly these days angry? However, they were disciplined by Prince Ding these days, so naturally they dared not discuss Prince Ding's nepotism, so all their dissatisfaction was directed at him, the left prime minister. A strong dragon cannot defeat a local snake. Although Chen Xiufu has good abilities and means, he is an outsider who has just arrived in Licheng. You can imagine how he has been these days.

Chen Xiufu sometimes even had to doubt that Prince Ding appointed him as the left prime minister in order to suppress these old and famous families of Da Chu, and at the same time to prevent him from colluding with these people as the left prime minister. But no matter why Prince Ding did this, Chen Xiufu knew that he would accept the position of left prime minister. Not for power, nor under pressure from Prince Ding, but because only by standing higher can he realize his ideals and ambitions.

"What's the matter, Left Prime Minister?" Unlike Ye Li, except for people like Xu Qingchen who are close to him or the trusted old ministers of Prince Ding's mansion, Mo Xiuyao always calls people by their names or titles. This makes people feel the difference between close and distant people, which may make people feel uncomfortable at first, but it will also make people more cautious. Because it means that the prince has not yet regarded you as a real confidant, people with ambitions will naturally work harder to make progress, and those who want to get by will be more restrained. More importantly, this also shows the high status and power of Prince Ding, which makes people involuntarily want to submit.

Chen Xiufu nodded and said, "Your Majesty, the King of Xiling Zhennan wants to see you."

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows, "Lei Tengfeng, what is he doing here now?" Just as he finished speaking, Mo Xiuyao's heart moved and said, "Murong Shen and Nan Hou..." Chen Xiufu smiled and said, "Not bad, congratulations, Your Majesty. I just received news that General Murong and Nan Hou have been advancing like a hot knife through butter and are now approaching the border town bordering Xiling. The Xiling army has also been completely withdrawn."

After hearing this news, not only Mo Xiuyao, but Ye Li's mood also became better. He smiled and said, "It is indeed good news." If it were other officials, they would inevitably flatter them at this time and say that such good news came from the first birthday banquet of the young master and the little princess, and that the young master and the little princess were blessed with great fortune. But Chen Xiufu would not do that. First, his personality would not allow it, and second, Chen Xiufu was originally from Xiling. It would be a bit cold and heartless for him to say such flattering words. So Chen Xiufu just waited silently for Mo Xiuyao and Ye Li's decision.

Mo Xiuyao stood up and said with a smile: "Well, please ask the King of Zhennan to come in. Speaking of which... Ah Li, send a message to Da Chu and ask them to send someone to discuss the issue of the 300,000 troops." Although it was the troops of Da Chu who drove away the troops of Xiling, Mo Xiuyao did not intend to give the land north of the Yunlan River to Da Chu. If it were not for Murong Shen and Nan Hou, the mere 300,000 people would just be delivering food to Xiling. Since I have contributed, there must be benefits. Although Da Chu now has Mo Jingyu here, but in Mo Xiuyao's eyes, Mo Jingyu is almost dead, so Da Chu naturally needs to send someone else to negotiate.

Ye Li nodded and said, "I understand."

"Prince Ding, Princess, Mr. Xiuting." Lei Tengfeng stepped into the flower hall outside the study and nodded to the two of them calmly. His calm expression did not reveal that he had just received the news that Xiling had been defeated again.

Ye Li smiled and nodded, "No need to be polite, King Zhennan, please take a seat."

Lei Tengfeng sat down and looked at Chen Xiufu, who was sitting on the left, with a complicated look. This man was originally one of the best scholars in Xiling, with top-notch abilities, intelligence and ideas. Unfortunately, he did not get important positions in Xiling for decades, but he did not expect that within a few years after the fall of Xiling Imperial City, he had already been promoted to the position of Left Prime Minister of the Royal Palace. Should we say that Mo Xiuyao really appointed people based on their merits, or that others were blind?

"Does the King of Zhennan have any important matters?" Mo Xiuyao leaned back in his chair and asked leisurely.

Lei Tengfeng smiled bitterly with some helplessness in his heart. Compared with Mo Xiuyao, his momentum was already weaker. Moreover, he was the one who needed help now. He was even more inferior to Mo Xiuyao if he came to him on his own initiative. But thinking of the news just sent back from the battlefield, Lei Tengfeng knew that he had to put down his face. Now there were only more than 300,000 soldiers and horses of the Chu and Murong Shen and Nan Hou on the border of Xiling. But you have to know that the war in the Central Plains has been settled. If Mo Xiuyao is willing, he can send the iron cavalry and generals of the Mo family army to the south to reinforce Murong Shen and the others at any time. It would be a real disaster for Xiling at that time.

After bowing his hands, Lei Tengfeng said in a deep voice: "To be honest, I came to bother the prince and princess today because I want to ask for a truce between our two armies. The prince and princess must have received the battle report from the front. The Xiling army has withdrawn to the border between Xiling and Da Chu before the war."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and frowned, saying, "A truce between the two armies is naturally a good thing. The people in various places have suffered terribly from the continuous wars in the past few years. I am very happy that the King of Zhennan wants to quell the war. However, the troops fighting Xiling are from the Great Chu. I am afraid that this matter...cannot be settled until I meet with the King of the Great Chu, Yu."

Lei Tengfeng raised his eyebrows, looked at Mo Xiuyao and said seriously: "Why does Prince Ding have to do this? You and I both understand... Although the troops fighting are from Nanchu, whether to fight or make peace is still up to Prince Ding. What's more... I'm afraid Prince Yu will not have the opportunity to discuss this matter with you and me. Xiling is busy with state affairs now, and I can't wait until Nanchu sends out an envoy. Please forgive me, Your Highness Prince Ding."

Mo Xiuyao looked at Lei Tengfeng with interest for a while, then smiled and said, "It seems that King Zhennan is really well-informed."

Lei Tengfeng smiled calmly and said, "Prince Ding also knows the relationship between the Xiling Royal Family and Cangmang Mountain, so he naturally has some special channels of information."

Mo Xiuyao nodded nonchalantly and said, "Since the King of Zhennan is so sincere, I naturally don't want to cause any more trouble. However... there are still some things we should clarify in advance." Lei Tengfeng frowned slightly, "All our troops will withdraw from the territory of Da Chu. In addition, the information I have about Da Chu and Mo Jingli can also be handed over to King Ding. I wonder if His Highness King Ding has any other requests?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his eyebrows and smiled, "Well... of course I have to compensate. The south is rich, and Xiling has benefited a lot from the Central Plains in recent years. Has the King of Zhennan never thought about compensating the people of the Central Plains?" Lei Tengfeng looked at Mo Xiuyao's leisurely face in silence. In fact, it is really unfair to Lei Zhenting and Lei Tengfeng to say that Xiling treated the people of the Central Plains. After all, Xiling and Beirong are different. Although they belong to two different countries with Da Chu, they are of the same origin. Moreover, Lei Zhenting has always regarded the place where he stands as his own territory. Lei Zhenting's ability is not comparable to Mo Jingqi and Mo Jingli, so in general, these people are not living badly.

However, as the defeated party, and the first to invade, Lei Tengfeng had no position to refuse the victim and victor's request for compensation. Taking a deep breath, Lei Tengfeng lowered his eyes and said, "Xi Ling can compensate Ding Wangfu with 30 million taels of silver."

Mo Xiuyao shook his head, "80 million taels. Most of Xiling's silver mines are in the south. Xiling should be able to afford this little bit of silver, right?"

Lei Tengfeng's face changed, and he shook his head and said, "At most 40 million taels." Mo Xiuyao certainly understood the principle of asking for a high price and then paying it back. He tilted his head and smiled at Ye Li, then raised his hand to Lei Tengfeng and said, "70 million."

"No, 45 million taels. Prince Ding, Xiling can't afford a higher price. If it's really not possible... I can't do anything about it." The implication was that Prince Ding's price was too high. If Xiling couldn't afford it, then it would be better to fight to the death. Mo Xiuyao looked at Ye Li and Chen Xiufu with some regret, and smiled, "Okay, let's round it up to 50 million taels."

Lei Tengfeng's face turned pale, and he said in a deep voice: "Okay, pay it in three years."

Mo Xiuyao actually had no shortage of money, and three years was not a long time, so he was not in a hurry. He nodded with satisfaction and said, "No problem, then I thank the King of Zhennan for his consideration. I will immediately order Murong Shen and Nan Hou to withdraw their troops. I hope Xiling can also abide by the agreement?"

"Of course." Lei Tengfeng said in a deep voice.

Lei Tengfeng agreed readily, and Mo Xiuyao was in a good mood. He nodded with satisfaction and said, "Great. In that case, let the people below discuss the remaining details. Let's leave this matter to... let the left prime minister be in charge."

Chen Xiufu was stunned, and quickly stood up and said, "I obey your command." Chen Xiufu understood that this was a trust in him, but also a test for him. The negotiation with Xiling was handed over to him, who was originally from Xiling. Even if Prince Ding expressed his trust in him and entrusted him with important tasks to the officials of Licheng.

Lei Tengfeng was stunned for a moment, looked at Chen Xiufu, and nodded, saying, "In that case, I'll have to trouble Prime Minister Chen. Today, the Ding Palace is busy with affairs, so I'll take my leave first."

Chen Xiufu said calmly: "Prince Zhennan is too kind."

Mo Xiuyao nodded and said, "Then I will not accompany King Zhennan. Left Prime Minister, the affairs of Xiling are completely handed over to you."

"Yes, King Zhennan, please." Lei Tengfeng and Chen Xiufu said goodbye and left the flower hall one after another.

Ye Li looked at the empty doorway and said lightly, "Lei Tengfeng... is still a little tender compared to Lei Zhenting." Mo Xiuyao smiled and said, "It's not bad. It's impossible for him to be the second Lei Zhenting in Biancheng once Lei Zhenting dies. And... he can't become Lei Zhenting. But, being able to endure... is very good." Lei Zhenting was born out of the many princes of the previous emperor of Xiling. Although he didn't sit on the throne, he took over the power after the previous emperor of Xiling passed away. This ability is not something that Lei Tengfeng, a proud son of heaven who has been pampered and protected by Lei Zhenting since childhood, can have. Lei Tengfeng can stabilize his position at critical moments and be able to endure when he should be patient. It's already very good. Given time, he should become a good lord who can maintain the status quo. But it would be difficult for him to be as powerful as Lei Zhenting was when he was here.

"Why should we care about him, Ah Li? Let's think about... how should we spend the 40 million compensation from Xiling." Mo Xiuyao hugged Ye Li and laughed softly. 40 million is definitely not a small amount for both Ding Wangfu and Xiling. Otherwise, Lei Tengfeng would not insist on paying it back in three years. With this money, Ding Wangfu has basically made up for the losses in the wars in the past few years. Not to mention the territory under Ding Wangfu now, nearly four-fifths of the original Da Chu territory and one-third of Xiling territory. The area of ​​Ding Wangfu is now larger than the existing Xiling and Da Chu combined. Now everything is temporarily settled. All the benefits have been taken by Ding Wangfu.

Ye Li looked at Mo Xiu Yao curiously and asked, "How do you want to spend it?" The war compensation was naturally deposited into the public treasury of Prince Ding's Mansion, and it was obvious that there was no room for Mo Xiu Yao to spend it as he wished. Ye Li and Mo Xiu Yao always kept a clear distinction between public and private affairs. Even though the entire Prince Ding's Mansion belonged to them, the two of them would never use the money in the public account for personal use. Fortunately, neither of them liked extravagance, so they never had to worry about money.

Mo Xiuyao was playing with Ye Li's hair, thinking about what Ye Li said and feeling helpless, "I want to build a beautiful palace for Ah Li." Seeing his frustrated look, Ye Li couldn't help but smile and said, "A few days ago, you said you would accompany me to travel in a few years. When your palace is built, who will live in it?"

Mo Xiuyao raised his head and looked at her, saying seriously: "I want to give Ah Li the most magnificent and exquisite palace, the most beautiful clothes and jewelry, and the most exquisite delicacies. As long as Ah Li wants it, I will find it for her."

Ye Li looked at him with a smile, and said with a faint smile: "I didn't know that I still had the potential to be a fallen queen. It would cost the people money and property. I just want our family to be together in peace and happiness. It would be good to be able to do what we want to do. After so many years, I can see that we can live a stable and happy life. I feel... what I want, I have already got it."

"Ah'li never told me what she wanted." Mo Xiuyao said with some regret. Ah'li had no extravagant desire or desire for power, fine clothes or jewelry. Even Mo Xiuyao was sometimes unsure what she particularly liked or disliked, which always made Prince Ding feel uneasy.

"Because you have already given me what I want." Ye Liqian smiled.

"Give it to you?" Mo Xiuyao was a little confused.

Ye Li leaned in his arms and whispered, "One life, one generation, one couple. This is the only thing I want."

Mo Xiuyao was stunned, raised his hands and tightly wrapped them around her slender waist, and whispered: "One life, one generation, one couple... In this life, Mo Xiuyao is only with Ah Li." There was no curse or oath, Mo Xiuyao just said it lightly, as if it was just a simple statement, but it made people feel more at ease than any oath. Ye Li nodded slightly, "I know. Me too."

Chen Xiufu accompanied Lei Tengfeng out of the courtyard of the study, and the two walked side by side. Lei Tengfeng looked at Chen Xiufu beside him and couldn't help but smile and said, "It seems that Mr. Xiuting is highly valued by Prince Ding and the Princess in Prince Ding's Mansion?"

Chen Xiufu said solemnly, "I am deeply grateful to the prince and princess for their kindness." Lei Tengfeng pondered for a moment and asked with a smile, "If the king is willing to appoint you as the prime minister of Xiling, would you be willing to condescend to return to Xiling and assist the king?"

Chen Xiufu looked at him calmly for a moment, shook his head and said, "A loyal minister does not serve two masters. Chen Xiuting does not dare to claim to be loyal, but he is not a two-faced and wavering person. Chen Xiuting does not dare to accept the kindness of the King of Zhennan."

Lei Tengfeng was just testing him, and naturally did not expect Chen Xiufu to defect and return to Xiling so easily. However, he was rejected so cleanly by Chen Xiufu, and Lei Tengfeng felt a little uncomfortable. He stopped and looked at Chen Xiufu and asked, "I wonder if Mr. Xiuting has any advice on the current situation in Xiling? This... I think you can tell me."

Chen Xiufu hesitated for a moment, and finally spoke: "The king is not a king, the minister is not a minister, or the minister is strong and the king is weak, it is not a long-term solution. King Zhennan should make plans early." Lei Tengfeng was stunned and wanted to ask more, but Chen Xiufu didn't mean to say anything else. He turned sideways and raised his hand to Lei Tengfeng and said: "King Zhennan, please."

Lei Tengfeng had no choice but to suppress the question in his mind and nodded, "Prime Minister Chen, please."