Chapter 136: Diplomacy = Eating melons?!
The wheels rolled over the vast grassland and headed towards the next piece of the puzzle in Yan State's diplomatic map - the Ulolan tribe.
Unlike the capital of Rongnan, the royal court of the Ulolan tribe is more like a tribal gathering place extending around a huge golden-roofed royal tent. It is dotted with felt tents and herds of cattle and sheep, full of a rough and primitive atmosphere.
Dongfang Yuning sat in the "King Yong Fuxing" and looked at this strange land curiously through the glass window.
She was still thinking about the little Princess Ainasha from Rongnan who had just awakened and was about to marry here.
[118] What kind of person is the legitimate son of Wuluolan whom Aisha is planning to marry? Don't let him be a violent person. Then Aisha will just be out of the wolf's den and into the tiger's den.]
She asked the system worriedly in her heart.
System 118's voice immediately sounded, with the excitement of a professional melon eater:
[Beep! Host! High-energy melon fields ahead! The Ulolan tribe's "Favoring Concubines and Killing Wives" + "Civet Cat Substituted for Prince" + "Chronic Poisoning" series is now airing! Please fasten your seatbelts! (The system plays the "Game of Thrones" opening theme music)]
Dongfang Yuning perked up: [Tell me quickly! Is the melon ripe?]
System 118: [Ripe! Guaranteed sweetness (poison)! Protagonists: King Bater of Ulolan (looks burly, but is actually a bit frail), Queen Wu Yunzhu (the marginalized first wife, mother of the legitimate son), Concubine Narentuoya (the pinnacle of scheming green tea bitch), Legitimate son Sukhbaru (Ainasha's future husband, the scapegoat), Bastard son Bayar (Narentuoya's biological son, a true ambitious man)!]
[Plot summary: The bitch Narentuoya, relying on Bater's favor, madly suppresses the queen Wu Yunzhu and her son Sukhbaru!
She spread rumors everywhere, saying that Sukhbaru was violent, bloodthirsty, and unworthy of the throne! But what was the truth?
Sukhbaru is a quiet but honest boy with a powerful fighting ability! The real violent person is her spoiled son Bayar!
Dongfang Yuning: [Fuck! They're confusing right and wrong! And that old bastard Bater actually believed it?]
System 118:
[Believe it! Why not! Narentuoya's pillow talk is stronger than the wind on the grassland! And! Here comes the point! (System voice excited) In order to completely control Lao Wang, this vicious woman has already given him a slow-acting poison!
It's in the milk tea he drinks every day! The drug's properties are subtle, slowly eroding his sanity, making him irritable and angry, and finally... hey, you know what's going on!
Dongfang Yuning: [Hiss! So poisonous! So her purpose is...]
System 118:
[She helped her son Bayar take the throne! Once the old king died (or was completely abolished), she would say that the old king was angered to death by the "violent" Sukhbaatar!
Then, naturally, she could push her son to the throne! Ainasha marrying in? That's perfect! A princess from outside, without any roots, wouldn't she be at the mercy of them? Maybe she could even leverage Rongnan's power! Kill two birds with one stone!]
Dongfang Yuning: [Damn! I heard this plan back in Yan Country! So what's Sukhbaru's current situation?]
System 118: [Miserable! Very miserable! Suspected by my biological father, framed by my stepmother, hostile by my younger brother, misunderstood by my clan! I have all the power, but I'm like an eagle trapped in a cage!]
Host, don't you think that marrying him would be a bit... uncertain for this little princess? But, Sukhbaru is a truly good person, he just lacks opportunity and brains...
[Hmm… he has good character… how can he be saved?! ]
Dongfang Yuning touched his chin and fell into deep thought.
The key is to help him gain a foothold on this grassland and tear off the false masks of that mother and son! Only then will Aisha have a good life after marrying into this family, and the trade cooperation between our Yan Kingdom and Uluolan will be stable...
Just as she was concentrating on systematically analyzing Sukhbaru, this wonderful person, the tension around her suddenly dropped! A strong, icy jealousy spread.
Nangong Ye was originally resting with his eyes closed, when he heard his little wife's comments about another man, such as "good character", "salvation", and "established", with a bit of "curiosity" and "concern", and he suddenly felt like he had drunk a jar of century-old vinegar, so sour that his teeth were about to fall out!
He suddenly opened his eyes, a dangerous undercurrent surging in his deep irises. He stretched out his long arms, irresistibly embracing the distracted woman in his embrace. His warm lips almost touched her earlobe, his scorching breath punitively spraying across her sensitive neck. His voice was deep and magnetic, yet shrouded in murderous intent:
"Baby...what are you looking at? Is there anything interesting outside? Hmm?"
Dongfang Yuning was having a heated discussion with the system when he was suddenly pulled back to reality. He looked into Nangong Ye's eyes that were so deep that they seemed to suck people in. He felt the jealousy and dangerous aura that was almost turning into reality, and his heart skipped a beat!
[It's over! I'm jealous again! 118 You're hurting me!]
She wailed inwardly.
System 118:
[Ding! High concentration of jealousy detected! Source: Prince Yong! Target: Sukhbaru (unintentionally targeted)! Host, wish you the best! This system has entered 'melon field stealth' mode! (System muted instantly)]
Dongfang Yuning's desire to live instantly exploded! She immediately raised a smile that was so sweet that it could kill people, and her soft body, like a boneless body, drilled into Nangong Ye's arms. She wrapped her arms around his neck and called out in a delicate voice that could squeeze out water:
"Husband~~~"
This sound, with its twists and turns and hook, instantly softened Nangong Ye's tense jawline a little, but the darkness in his eyes did not completely fade away. He just raised his eyebrows, indicating her to continue.
Dongfang Yuning struck while the iron was hot, and with her red lips close to his ear, she quickly told him the shocking news revealed by the system and her own plan in a soft, warm voice that only the two of them could hear:
"...Husband~ Look, that old Wang Bater has been poisoned by his concubine and is dying! The concubine wants to help her bastard son ascend to the throne, and she's spreading rumors and slandering the legitimate son, Sukhbaru...
If Ainasha marries here, wouldn't that be like walking into a tiger's den? Furthermore, if they and their son were in power, they would definitely make trade in our Yan Trade Zone very difficult! Why not..."
Her eyes flickered with a cunning gleam.
"... Let's help that Sukhbaru? Help him take power! Let him become our Yan Nation's most loyal ally on the grasslands!
This way, Ainasha will have a backer, our trade will be worry-free, and we can also get rid of two troublemakers! Kill three birds with one stone! Isn’t that good, husband~~~"
As she spoke, she drew circles on Nangong Ye's chest with her slender fingertips, acting as coquettishly as she could.
Nangong Ye listened to her clear (and calculated) analysis, and felt the warm and soft beauty in his arms throwing herself into his arms. The jealousy in his eyes was finally replaced by a hint of interest and admiration.
He lowered his head, and placed his thin lips close to her sensitive earlobe. His warm breath teased her, and his voice was filled with temptation and a hint of subtle teasing:
"Ning'er's plan... is very good. But..."
He paused deliberately, and squeezed her waist with his big hand, neither too hard nor too soft.
"...Helping another man get to the top, Ning'er plans...how to repay her husband?"
Dongfang Yuning's face flushed red, and she naturally understood the deep meaning of the reward. She punched his chest in embarrassment and said in a voice as soft as a mosquito:
"Hate it...you're so mean!"
Nangong Ye chuckled softly, his chest vibrating as he hugged her tighter. He rubbed his chin against the top of her soft hair, his voice deep and firm, filled with unparalleled doting and possessiveness:
"As long as Ning'er likes it... your husband will only be 'bad' to you."
That night, the Ulolan Royal Court was shrouded in a strange atmosphere.
Old Wang Bater was persuaded by Narentuya to rest early on the grounds of feeling unwell. The banquet was hosted by Narentuya and her son Bayar. They were extremely flattering to Nangong Ye and his wife, and their words often tried to test Yan Guo's attitude towards the heir.
Nangong Ye's expression was cold and impassive.
Dongfang Yuning wore a perfect diplomatic smile, and in his mind he was madly complaining to the system about Narentuya's poor performance and Bayar's unconcealable frivolity and arrogance.
After the banquet, under the clever arrangement of Nangong Ye's secret guards, a tall and burly young man with a resolute face but a bit of melancholy, like the most alert lone wolf on the grassland, avoided all ears and eyes and quietly sneaked into the felt tent where the Yan Kingdom delegation was staying.
It was the marginalized legitimate son - Sukhbaru.
Inside the tent, candlelight blazed brightly. Nangong Ye sat at the head of the table, his presence imposing as a mountain. Dongfang Yuning sat beside him, curiously observing the legendary tyrannical prince.
He was extremely muscular, with bronze skin, facial features as deep as if they were chiseled by a knife or an axe, eyes as sharp as an eagle, and the toughness of a grassland warrior, but there was an indelible gloom and depression between his brows.
He is indeed not as manic as rumored. Instead, he has the forbearance of a lone wolf forced into a desperate situation.
"Prince Sukhbaru,"
Nangong Ye spoke directly, his voice cold and clear.
"Your father has been deeply poisoned and will not live long. Narentuoya and her son want to eliminate you and put Bayar on the throne. Are you aware of this?"
Sukhbaru's whole body trembled, and he suddenly looked up at Nangong Ye, his eyes full of shock, anger, and a hint of... sadness that was finally revealed.
He clenched his fists, his knuckles turned white, and his voice was hoarse:
"...How did you...find out?"
He did not deny it, and it was obvious that he was not completely ignorant of his father's condition and the ambitions of the mother and son. He was just suffering from the lack of evidence and power.
"You don't need to ask."
Nangong Ye's tone was indifferent, with the pressure of a superior.
"I only ask you, do you want to live? Do you want to take back everything that rightfully belongs to you? Do you want to...protect your mother, Queen Wuyunzhu, from being bullied? Do you want to...provide a stable support for Princess Ainasha, who is about to marry you?"
A series of questions struck Sukhbaru like a hammer. His eyes instantly blazed with a fierce desire to survive! He knelt on one knee, his right hand touching his chest, performing the most solemn etiquette of the grasslands. His voice was sonorous and powerful, filled with a determination to burn his boats:
"I want to ask His Royal Highness Prince Yong for guidance! Sukhbaru swears by the Eternal Heaven that if his wish is granted, the Ulolan tribe will be the most loyal ally of the Yan Kingdom for generations and will never betray us! In matters of trade, we will follow the Yan Kingdom's lead!"
[Wow! Such aura! Such determination! He's truly the eagle of the steppe! Ayin'asha deserves to marry him!] Dongfang Yuning internally praised him.
Nangong Ye glanced at her lightly, his eyes narrowed slightly:
"Um?"
Dongfang Yuning immediately sat up straight: "Ahem... I mean, my husband is wise! The negotiations went smoothly!"
Nangong Ye retracted his gaze and said to Sukhbaru:
"Very good. I will help you. You only need to do one thing: three days from now, on the day your father prays for blessings, Narentuoya will personally serve you special milk tea.
You must find a way to make her publicly admit to poisoning and expose the fact that Bayar is not your father's biological son."
A fierce look flashed in Sukhbaru's eyes:
"Don't worry, Your Highness! My mother has...evidence!"
It turned out that Queen Wuyunzhu was not completely unprepared. She had been holding back and just waiting for the opportunity.
Three days later, the Uluolan tribe’s most important ceremony of offering sacrifices to heaven and praying for blessings was held in front of the golden-domed royal tent.
The leaders of various tribes gathered together and the scene was solemn and dignified.
Old Wang Bater was supported by Narentuya and sat in the main seat. His face was pale and his eyes were cloudy. It was obvious that the poison had penetrated into his bones.
Narentuya was dressed in gorgeous clothes and jewels, with a compassionate and pious expression on her face. She personally carried a bowl of steaming hot prayer milk tea and walked towards Bater.
"King, please enjoy the blessed tea. May the Eternal Heaven bless you with good health and may the Ulolan tribe prosper forever."
Her voice was as gentle as water.
Just when Bater was about to take the tea bowl with trembling hands!
“Wait!”
A roar resounded like thunder! Sukhbaru pushed his way out of the crowd and strode into the center of the arena, followed by the haggard yet determined Queen Wuyunzhu, several tightly bound Narentuya's trusted maids, and a trembling tribal witch doctor!
"Father! You can't drink this cup of tea!"
Sukhbaru's voice was loud and clear, echoing throughout the entire venue.
"This tea has been poisoned for three whole years by your bedmate, Narentuoya!"
The whole audience was in an uproar!
Narentuoya's expression changed drastically, and she shrieked:
"Sukhbaru! You are slandering me! You... you are jealous of the king's favor towards us mother and son, so you dare to slander me during the ceremony of offering sacrifices to the heaven! King! Please punish him immediately!"
Bater looked at Sukhbaru with his cloudy eyes, then at Narentuya, in shock and confusion.
"slander?"
Sukhbaru sneered and pointed at the witch doctor and the maid.
"Here are the witnesses! And there are also physical evidences!"
Queen Wuyunzhu stepped forward and took out a small medicine bottle and some parchment with strange words written on it.
"This is the poison we found in Narentuoya's tent! This is the recipe and poisoning record confessed by the witch doctor! Father!
She's been mixing this mind-eroding, body-destroying poison into the milk tea you drink every day! Your temper and physical weakness in recent years are all because of her!"
The evidence is irrefutable! We have both witnesses and evidence!
Narentuoya's face turned pale instantly, and she tried to argue:
"No! They framed me! King! You have to believe me!"
"Believe you?"
Sukhbaru pressed on step by step, his eyes like knives,
"Then tell father! Bayar! Whose son is he?!"
When these words came out, it was like a bolt of lightning! Even Bartel's eyes widened suddenly!
Narentuoya was struck by lightning and panicked:
"You...you're talking nonsense! Bayar is of course the king's son!"
"Yeah?"
Sukhbaru looked at the ashen-faced witch doctor. Under the gaze of the crowd, the witch doctor trembled and spoke:
"…It was…it was Madam Naren…who made me…made me fake the time of conception…Prince Bayar…was actually…the son of Madam Naren and…the former tribal warrior Hasen…Hasen…Hasen was silenced by Madam Naren’s men ten years ago…"
"boom--!"
The truth was like the cruelest hail, hitting Bater hard on the head!
He doted on the concubine for over a decade, even neglecting his legal wife for her and becoming suspicious of his legitimate son. Not only did she poison him, but she also made him a living cuckold for over a decade, raising bastards for others?!
"puff--!"
Bater was so angry that he suddenly spat out a mouthful of black blood! He pointed at Narentuoya and the equally frightened Bayar beside him, his eyes bloodshot:
"Bitch! Bastard! Kill... Kill them!!"
“Father!!”
Bayar screamed in horror.
"King! Spare my life!"
Narentuya rushed over crying.
However, it was too late.
A cold glint flashed in Sukhbaru's eyes, like a long-dormant eagle finally baring its sharp claws! He suddenly drew the scimitar from his waist with lightning speed!
Before everyone could react, two cold lights flashed!
“Puff!”
“Puff!”
Two heads, with expressions of disbelief and terror, rolled to the ground! Blood splattered on the carpet in front of the golden-roofed king's tent, a shocking sight!
Clean! Sharp! Ruthless!
The entire place was in a dead silence! Everyone was stunned by this thunderous move!
Bater watched as his beloved concubine and son were beheaded in an instant, and then looked at his legitimate son holding a bloody scimitar, standing like a god of war. Thinking of his own stupidity and poisoned body that had been played with in the palm of his hand for more than ten years, he was completely overwhelmed by the huge grief, shame and regret.
“Uh…uh…”
He made a few meaningless hoarse sounds from his throat, his body twitched violently a few times, and finally his head tilted, his eyes wide open, and he died completely!
[Holy crap! What the hell! With a single swipe of his sword, the head fell to the floor! This Sukhbaru... is so ruthless! So decisive! Did Lao Wang just die of rage?! This ending... is so dramatic! 118, did you record this? This is even more exciting than the storybook!]
Dongfang Yuning was stunned and his mind was scrolling wildly.
System 118:
[Ding! The HD recording of the 'Grassland Version of the House Fight Finale' has been completed! Keywords: Blood test (fake), public beheading, Lao Wang's death! Drama level: SSS!
Host, new script material +1! Suggested title: "My Days as King on the Grasslands: Killing the Green Tea Stepfather and Getting Furious"! (System displays a Q-version image of Sukhbaru holding a knife, with a "ruthless" label above his head.)
The dust has settled.
With the support of his mother, Queen Uyunzhu, and the "witness" of Prince Yong of Yan State and his wife, Sukhbaru used thundering means to eliminate the remaining forces of Narentuya and quickly took control of the situation.
The leaders of various tribes were shocked by his ruthlessness, the power he displayed, and the support of the Yan State behind him, and they all surrendered to him.
The atmosphere inside the golden-roofed royal tent was solemn.
The newly crowned King Sukhbaru of Ulolan shed his previous gloom, and his brows were filled with firmness and majesty.
He personally presented a parchment scroll embroidered with an eagle totem in gold thread to Nangong Ye with both hands.
"Your Highness Prince Yong, Your Highness Princess Fuxing! This is an alliance between the Uluolan tribe and the Yan Kingdom, establishing everlasting friendship and mutual trade!
The Uluolan tribe is willing to be the most loyal ally of the Yan Kingdom! All pastures and trade routes are open! Yan Kingdom caravans enjoy the highest priority and tax exemptions within the Uluolan territory! In addition…"
He paused, looked at Dongfang Yuning, his eyes filled with gratitude and solemnity,
"I hereby promise to treat Princess Ainasha with kindness and cherish her like a treasure, and never let her suffer even the slightest injustice! This promise is witnessed by heaven and earth, and by the Eternal Heaven!"
Nangong Ye took the agreement and glanced at it. The content was generous and far exceeded his expectations. He nodded slightly:
"King Sukhbaru is a man of great righteousness. Yan Nation will also be Ulolan's strongest backing."
Dongfang Yuning also added with a smile:
"King Sukhbaru, remember what you said today!"
She deliberately didn't finish her words, but the meaning in her eyes was very clear.
Sukhbaru said solemnly:
"Don't worry, Princess! Sukhbaru will keep his word!"
[Done! Another big order! The trade terms are amazing! Aynatha finally has a reliable home! Perfect! 118, throw some flowers! Play "Good Days"!]
Dongfang Yuning cheered inwardly.
System 118: [Ding! Diplomatic KPI hits a new high! 'Grassland Tyrant' Sukhbaru successfully ascends to power! 'Vicious Mother and Son' dies!]
Old Wang is furious and leaves! New script material has been added to the database! Host, you and the prince are amazing with this move! (The system plays "Good Luck Comes" and rains down virtual gold coins)]
On the return carriage, Dongfang Yuning happily flipped through the golden covenant, with a look of wealth written all over his face.
Nangong Ye looked at her money-loving appearance, his eyes full of doting. He grabbed her with his big hand and held her on his lap again.
"Happy?"
He lowered his head and rubbed his nose against the top of her hair.
"Um!"
Dongfang Yuning nodded vigorously, turned around, hugged his neck, and took the initiative to give him a sweet kiss.
"My husband is the best! This is your reward!"
Nangong Ye's eyes darkened, he held the back of her head, deepened the kiss, and said in a vague voice:
"This little reward...is not enough. Ning'er promised me the 'repayment'...it's time to fulfill it."
The felt tents swayed and the wheels rolled.
Yan Guo's investment promotion CP is once again loaded with the fruits of victory, a new bloody script, and the increasingly deeper and hotter bond between each other, heading towards the Yan Trade Zone, heading for the next stage full of challenges and opportunities.
The story on the Uluolan grassland also opened a new chapter with the rise of a new king and a princess who came from afar.
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