"Won't."
Gongshan Liqun's face was deathly pale but calm. He uttered only two words.
Gongshan Liqun was not in good condition after undergoing a minor surgery. In this era, there was no anesthesia, so he had to endure the pain during the bullet removal process. It takes real courage to persevere.
"Is that so? I don't really trust the people of the Northern Region. Let's wait for you to send over the betting agreement first. But I can remind you of something: the guns used in the competition are only one type. There are other types in Seven Locust Counties. If the Northern Region insists on starting a war, I don't mind bringing out those things."
Gongshan Liqun did not answer directly, but instead asked in return: "You have been hiding these things from the Empress and the ministers. It seems that you do not trust Daqing very much. Why are you unwilling to follow us back to the Northern Region to become the prime minister? You will have greater power. With your help, the Northern Region can also conquer the world. At that time, your power will be immense. Wouldn't that be better than staying in Qihuai County as a small county magistrate?"
Even now, Gongshan Liqun is still trying to win over Tang Huan.
The only response he received was Tang Huan's smile.
Gongshan Liqun knew that the other party had refused again, and he asked in confusion, "Why?"
“Without me, you can’t even beat Daqing, let alone conquer the world. When I become prime minister, I don’t know how many things I’ll have to do. I don’t have the energy to play your nonsense. You’d be better off staying in Qihuai County and enjoying your life.”
"That remote and underdeveloped little county town?"
Tang Huan glanced at Gong Shanliqun and said, "If you say that, it means you definitely haven't been there in person. It's now a paradise-like place, but also a huge and sturdy fortress."
Gongshan Liqun remained silent. "We'll go and take a look when we have the chance."
That's what they say, but Gongshan Liqun knows he probably won't have that opportunity.
He continued, "You stayed in Daqing and did so much for them, but in the end, all you got in return was one assassination attempt after another. Was it worth it?"
"You didn't do it?" Tang Huan retorted.
Gongyang Tingbai said with a sullen face, "The people of the Northern Regions would disdain such methods; only the treacherous and cunning people of Daqing would do this."
Tang Huan scratched his head. "What you said makes sense. Compared to external threats, internal troubles are more serious, so I should hurry up and hide in Qihuai County. That would be the safest place."
Gongshan Liqun's words reminded Tang Huan that he needed to inform the Empress before returning to Qihuai County for the winter, which would also help him avoid trouble.
After all, the mastermind behind the latest assassination has not yet been found. If there is a first time, there may be a second.
Tang Huan believed she was safe, but the feeling of being watched was unpleasant.
When will you leave?
"I don't know. We need to wait until the general's injury has healed a bit to avoid problems during the journey."
Tang Huan thought for a moment, "In that case, I will return to Qihuai County in one or two days at the shortest, and five or six days at the longest. The princess can come back with me then."
"You want me to go back to Qihuai County with you?" Gongyang Tingbai looked at Tang Huan. "Could it be that you've really fallen in love with me?"
I'm not joking; I genuinely suspect this.
“If the princess is willing to stay in Qihuai County and have a few children for me, I will naturally not refuse. However, I invited you to Qihuai County for cooperation.”
"Cooperation?"
Tang Huan nodded, "Trading some common items from our Seven Locust Counties for furs and leathers from the Northern Regions would benefit both sides, and we could each make a lot of money from it."
These things are very common in their own country, and the prices are very low.
In other countries, this would be a hot commodity, with prices potentially several times higher.
Of course, before doing this, one needs to consult with the Empress and obtain her consent.
"It's uncertain whether this matter can be done, but since the general still needs to recover from his injuries, the princess can also go and relax. It won't cause any problems."
“Okay,” Gongyang Tingbai readily agreed.
Tang Huan did not stay at Wanfuji any longer. Since Gongshan Liqun's injuries had been properly treated, he could not profit from it.
Then just leave.
After devising the Wanfu Plan, he had Li Daikui drive the carriage towards the imperial city.
Having already hidden for most of the day without even seeing Li Lianying, it wouldn't be good to hide any longer, as the Empress might not be pleased.
Since no one else could enter the palace, Tang Huan wandered around the palace by herself as usual.
The palace maids and eunuchs who used to just glance at him when they passed by now stood there staring at Tang Huan for a long time, and some even greeted him directly.
This was something that had never happened before. It was clear that the competition in the square had greatly boosted his prestige, and even the eunuchs and maids in the palace knew about it.
Before long, the Grand Eunuch Li Lianying rushed over. As soon as he saw Tang Huan, he couldn't help but say, "Oh, Lord Tang, you've finally arrived! His Majesty has been waiting for so long."
Tang Huan gave the other party an apologetic smile, "I heard that Eunuch Li also came to my residence? I'm so sorry I couldn't entertain you. Today's battle has taken a heavy toll on my health, and I really don't have the energy to see any guests."
“I understand. You’ve done so much for Daqing this time, no one can find fault with you.” Li Lianying walked beside Tang Huan, her expression more ingratiating than usual.
As a chief eunuch, Li Lianying was unmatched in his ability to read people's expressions and adapt to changing circumstances. After the competition, everyone knew that Tang Huan would receive a huge reward, and he naturally understood this as well. He no longer dared to regard Tang Huan as just a favorite of the emperor as before.
Now, he is not just a great poet, but also a savior of Daqing.
As I was walking, a group of people suddenly came towards me.
The leader, with a gloomy expression, bowed respectfully to Tang Huan.
Tang Huan recognized the other person as Zhao Kai, Xiao Yuanshan's deputy general, who was also an imperial guard.
Zhao Kai bowed, and the others accompanying him followed suit, showing great respect.
After these people had gone far away, Li Lianying sighed and said, "In the past, these people were arrogant and only respected General Pang. This time, Xiao Yuanshan suffered a humiliating defeat in the competition, while you won two matches. They have begun to admire you from the bottom of their hearts."
In the past, the imperial guards who entered the palace did look down on him, but knowing that he had the Empress's jade pendant, they would not take the initiative to cause trouble.
"How is Xiao Yuanshan?"
Li Lianying shook his head, "The injury is quite serious, and he will need to rest for several months. I don't know if Zhao Kai will temporarily serve as the Grand Commander for the next period of time, or if His Majesty will find someone else."
After saying that, Li Lianying gave Tang Huan a meaningful look.
Tang Huan hesitated, as if thinking of something, and asked, "Do you think His Majesty might appoint me as this commander?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
