Xiao Xun received him in the Imperial Study, with Xin Jiuwei, Xin Yunzhou, and Qi Huaihe also present.
Agula respectfully said, "Your Majesty, Your Majesty the Empress, we are deeply honored to have witnessed the splendor of the Celestial Empire during this tribute mission. The other day, during the horse race, Prince Borigu was outmatched and has deeply reflected on his actions. Princess Qiqige is young and ignorant, and if her words offended the Duchess of Zhenguo, we hope Your Majesty and Your Majesty will forgive her."
Xiao Xun said calmly, "Your Highness is too kind. It's common for young people to compete and lose. As for the princess, the Empress has already taught her the etiquette and manners of the Great Liang. I don't wish to bring up the past again."
"Yes, yes, yes." Agula nodded repeatedly, hesitated for a moment, and then said with a forced smile, "But... regarding the marriage alliance between the two countries, to forge a lasting bond of friendship..."
Xin Yunzhou immediately said coldly, "I have already sworn that I will only have Xin Kui as my wife in this life and will never take a concubine. There is no need to discuss this matter further!" His attitude was resolute.
Xin Jiuwei also said, "The friendship between Daliang and Beidi should be based on equality and mutual benefit, not on a forced marriage. Princess Qiqige is of noble status, so it would be better for her to choose another suitable match. There are many talented young men in Daliang. If the princess is interested, I can also look for one for her, but it must be a mutual love and a proper marriage."
Having said all that, Agula knew there was no room for negotiation, so he could only awkwardly reply, "Yes, Your Majesty, I understand. Thank you for your kindness."
At this moment, Xin Kui, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke, her voice calm yet clear: "Prince Agula."
Everyone looked at her.
Xin Kui stood up, gave Agula a slight bow, and then looked at Xiao Xun and Xin Jiuwei: "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should say it."
"Speak freely," Xiao Xun said.
Xin Kui turned her gaze to Agula, her tone neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Highness, please return and convey this message to the King of the Northern Di. Although I am of Northern Di origin, my heart belongs to the Great Liang. The Great Liang gave me a new life, Her Majesty and Her Majesty bestowed upon me honor, and my husband gave me true love. I will never forget this kindness and affection. If the Northern Di are truly willing to befriend us, I am happy to see it happen and am willing to do my part. However, if anyone tries to use me as a bargaining chip, or attempts to destroy my family, or to sow discord between the two countries, do not blame me for disregarding the last shred of blood ties. Though I am insignificant, I know how to protect my homeland and will not yield an inch of land. I hope the King of the Northern Di will consider this carefully."
Her words, though gentle, were firm, expressing her stance and bottom line, while also subtly warning others and elevating personal grievances to the level of national and familial responsibility.
Agula was shocked. Looking at the woman in front of him, who had a calm demeanor but an unwavering gaze, he suddenly realized that the "bastard" who had once been ignored in a corner of the royal court had been transformed into a dazzling pearl embedded in the Great Liang, shining brightly and not to be trifled with.
He finally put aside all his ulterior motives and bowed, saying, "I will certainly relay your words to His Majesty without missing a single one."
The Northern Barbarian delegation finally left Chang'an in disgrace.
As the storm subsided, Xin Yunzhou held Xin Kui's hand tightly and whispered, "Well said. My Kui'er is priceless."
Xin Jiuwei smiled and put her arm around her shoulder: "Now they should finally give up. From now on, we can live our lives in peace."
Xin Kui leaned against the two people she loved most, gazing at the azure sky outside the palace, her heart filled with clarity and peace.
The winds of her homeland could no longer blow away her heart, for her true home was here, in the city she had protected with love and loyalty, beside the man who cherished her with his life, and under the protection of the queen who regarded her as a sister.
A pearl, when cleansed of dust, will only shine ever brighter.
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