In the Golden Palace, the Utuo envoy Maninbu stood respectfully aside, waiting for the followers behind him to continuously present gifts to the Emperor of Wei.

A pomegranate tree made of gold, a pair of white peacocks, two ivory tusks, fist-sized glowing stones... Emperor Wenxuan looked at them with great interest, looking very satisfied.

"This is the sincerity of the people of Wutuo towards Your Majesty." Maningbu bowed respectfully and performed a great salute to Emperor Wenxuan.

Emperor Wenxuan felt extremely relieved.

The late emperor had several sons, and he was the one with the most mediocre qualifications. But because he was the eldest son and the prince, the late emperor passed the throne to him. After Emperor Wenxuan succeeded to the throne, he really did not make much achievements in political affairs as he did when he was a boy. If it were not for Xu Jingfu's help, he would not even be able to sit on the throne.

Over the years, he went from being ambitious at first to having to admit that he was an ordinary person, and then he finally felt that there was nothing wrong with that. From the time he took the throne to now, he had finally done something good and enhanced the prestige of the Wei Kingdom, which was a merit worthy of being recorded in history.

"You, the Wutuo Kingdom, previously took the opportunity to invade the territory of the Great Wei Kingdom. How can this small amount of compensation be counted?" Emperor Wenxuan said in a deep voice.

Ma Ningbu lowered his head in fear: "Your Majesty, this is all a misunderstanding. Wutuo is a weak country, how dare it be compared with Wei? Even if Wutuo had a hundred guts, it would not dare to invade. It's just the past, it's useless to talk about it in the future. In addition to these gifts, the king also asked me to present a compensation gift to your majesty." He looked at Emperor Wenxuan, "That is, to allow Wutuo merchants to open a market in Wei."

Emperor Wenxuan frowned: "Opening a market in the Great Wei territory is obviously beneficial to you, how come it is regarded as a compensation? You are so cunning, Wutuo people!"

The prince stood aside and said, "Father, why not listen to what he said."

Maningbu knelt down and said, "Your Majesty, the people of Wutuo have absolutely no intention of invading Wei. Opening a market will only benefit Wei. Your Majesty, do you remember the history books that recorded that the wise ruler of the previous dynasty sent envoys to Xiyue to open a market, and learned horse breeding skills from Xiyue. Later, the country had many war horses and brave cavalry." He paused, "The people of Wutuo are poor. If we can open a market in Wei and exchange what we have with Wei, the people of Wutuo will no longer have to live a life of hunger as before. And every year, Wutuo is willing to give 50% of the harvest from the market to Your Majesty."

If the flattery mentioned earlier only made Emperor Wenxuan feel comfortable but did not make him fall in love with her, then Maningbu's last words hit the mark exactly on the emperor's mind.

You know, the treasury has been empty in recent years. Because of the battle between Huayuan and Rundu, a lot of silver was spent. Maintaining an army is very expensive. Why did Emperor Wenxuan accept the peace request from Utuo? In addition to his dislike of war, he was also short of money.

After a battle, I don't know how long it will take to recover. Besides, how can I fight without money? Now that the market is open, I can receive 50% of the dividends every year. The Wei Kingdom is so big, and there are many merchants in Wutuo Kingdom... It sounds like a good deal.

Emperor Wenxuan subconsciously looked at Xu Jingfu beside him.

He still trusted Xu Jingfu. If it weren't for Xu Jingfu's support, he wouldn't have been able to sit in this position so safely for so many years.

Xu Jingfu just stood aside with a smile, and did not say anything. Emperor Wenxuan understood immediately, and said: "I can accept the request for peace. However, the establishment of the market is a serious matter. I am the emperor of Wei, and I cannot respond to you casually. I will give you a reply after I have thought it through."

Maningbu was not disappointed. Hearing this, he knelt down in gratitude and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness."

The Wutuo envoys behind him knelt down together and shouted long live the emperor. Emperor Wenxuan was in a very good mood, but the crown prince standing on the side had a somewhat unpleasant look on his face. He glanced at Xu Jingfu, and his eyes were full of gloom.

After the Wutuo envoy left, only Xu Jingfu and the emperor were left in the palace. The eunuch beside him helped Emperor Wenxuan walk to the back hall. Emperor Wenxuan asked: "Prime Minister Xu, what do you think about opening a market in Wei?"

"Although Maninbu has offered to give 50% of the profits to Your Majesty, I think it is better not to jump to conclusions on this matter." Xu Jingfu said, "In the current confrontation with Wutuo, Wei has the upper hand, and we cannot let Wutuo people lead us by the nose. And now we say 50%, but Wutuo people are cunning. If the time comes and the profits are concealed, Your Majesty will find it difficult to verify them one by one. So, now is not the time."

When Emperor Wenxuan heard this, he also felt that what Xu Jingfu said made sense. He nodded and sighed, "Prime Minister Xu, you are the only one around me who can share my worries now."

"I believe you."

Xu Jingfu smiled slightly, "It is the duty of a minister to share His Majesty's worries. This is what I should do. I am willing to sacrifice my life for His Majesty."

…

As soon as the prince returned to his residence, he kicked over the table in front of him in anger. The maids and servants around him were startled and immediately knelt down. No one dared to step forward. Only a maid in red came out. She ignored the prince's rage, walked up to him, and spoke softly: "Why do you lose your temper as soon as you return home? Did you meet someone you hate outside?"

Guangyan looked at the beauty beside him. In the whole mansion, when everyone was afraid of him, only this woman was not afraid of anything and walked over as usual. But this fearlessness did not make people hate her. Instead, it made people feel that she was really concerned about him.

"I met a disgusting person." The prince walked into the palace with Yingxiang in his arms, saying as he walked, "How dare Prime Minister Xu, that old man, ruin my good deeds!"

He sat down in front of the bed, took the wine pot and poured a glass of wine to calm his anger. Ying Xiang snuggled in his arms and said with a smile: "Why is it Xu Xiang again? Recently, just from what I heard, Xu Xiang has been making His Highness unhappy for several days."

"You're right," Guangyan snorted, "That old man now relies on his age to meddle in my affairs. I can see that before long, he'll even meddle in my backyard. I think God thinks he's meddling too much, so he's going to kill him off in this lifetime!"

These vicious words made Ying Xiang giggle. She also stretched out her delicate hand, took the wine cup from the prince's hand and took a sip. She smiled coquettishly and said, "Of course, someone like Your Highness will surely have many children and great fortune in the future."

"What are you hinting at?" Guangyan pinched her cheek, and the beauty dodged with a smile, which made the anger in his heart turn into lust. Just as he was about to pull her over for a kiss, someone outside said, "Your Highness, someone wants to see you."

"Who is it?" Guangyan was disappointed and asked impatiently.

"Mr. Manimbu, the Uto messenger."

The prince was startled, then put down his wine glass, frowned and waved his hand, saying: "Let him in."

Ying Xiang also stood up, straightened her dress, and stood up to serve the prince.

Manibou walked in.

He had a typical Uto look, short and strong, looking simple and amiable, but when his eyes moved, he looked a little cunning and sly. He walked to the side of the prince with a smile and bowed: "Your Highness, we meet again."

When the prince saw Maningbu, his annoyance in the palace was aroused again, and he just said, "Sit down."

Manimbu sat down opposite the prince.

"You have also seen the opening of the market." Guangyan said, "It's not that I won't help you. I have already done my best."

Manningbu was still smiling, not showing any annoyance at all. "Your Highness and the King have already agreed to help Utuo Kingdom open a trading market in Wei. Utuo Kingdom will help Your Highness get everything you want. Could it be that..." He spoke slowly, "Your Highness has given up that position?"

"Nonsense!" Guangyan said angrily, "What do you know!"

"There are many people in the Wei Dynasty who secretly support the Fourth Prince. The Crown Prince and General Feng Yun have always had a feud, and the Emperor of Wei favors the Fourth Prince... No matter how you look at it, Your Highness is in a disadvantageous position."

The prince gritted his teeth and said nothing.

Although he was the crown prince, he would not be able to sit still as long as Emperor Wenxuan did not issue an edict to pass on the throne. It was difficult to drive Xiao Huaijin out of Shuojing, but he did not expect that the battle of Jiyang would make him famous again.

How can we be willing to let Guangshuo, that wimp, sit on the throne?

"This is not your fault," Ying Xiang muttered, "it was clearly Prime Minister Xu who was obstructing it. Our Highness is also willing to help the Wutuo Kingdom open a trading post in the Great Wei."

Manningbu couldn't help but look up at the person who was speaking. Seeing the maid's beauty, he couldn't help but be surprised for a moment.

But soon, he came back to his senses from the beauty, and he said, "Xu Xiang? Xu Xiang has been obstructing us recently. It was because of him that the news leaked out during the battle in Jiyang. Your Highness," Manningbu smiled and said, "Are you sure that Xu Xiang is on your side?"

"What do you mean?" Guangyan asked alertly.

"Nothing," Manningbu smiled, "I just think that Xu Xiang is a smart man. Xiao Zhongwu died at Xu Xiang's hands. As a smart man, he would never reveal his cards to others. Why do you believe that Xu Xiang's support for you is real support for you?"

"Don't try to sow discord between me and Prime Minister Xu!" Guangyan sneered, "How could I fall for your trick, you cunning Wutuo?"

"It's fine if Your Highness doesn't believe it." Manningbu smiled and said, "However, I still have to say one more thing. If Your Highness is just reluctant to give up the connections and relationships in Xu Xiang's hands, and is not overly concerned about Xu Xiang himself, there is no need to be so embarrassed. Because..." Manningbu said softly, "In the Shuojing of the Great Wei, Xu Jingfu is not the only one who can help Your Highness. Just as Xiao Zhongwu can be replaced by Xiao Huaijin, Xu Jingfu can of course be replaced by someone younger. With the same means and connections, a young eagle is easier to train than an adult venomous snake, isn't it?"

Guangyan looked at him thoughtfully, but Ma Ningbu laughed and stood up. "Your Highness, you don't have to reply so quickly. It won't be too late to reply to me when Your Majesty hosts a banquet to entertain the envoys of Utuo in a few days." He instructed the followers behind him, "I will go back first. I will hear good news from Your Highness in a few days."

Manibou left.

Only Ying Xiang and Guang Yan were left in the hall.

Guangyan looked uncertain, thinking about what Manningbu had just said. Although he had stated righteously at the time that he would not be provoked by the other party's words, he was still a little shaken in his heart.

Xu Xiang is a smart man. He has been contradicting himself recently on the matter of Wutuo people. He knows that if he doesn't do what Wutuo people say, he may lose everything, but he still does it willfully regardless of his position. I thought he was getting more and more unreasonable as he got older, but now... Guangyan is not sure.

Could it be that Xu Xiang had been bribed by Guangxiao a long time ago?

…

The He family has been bustling these days.

Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing came to visit again a few days ago. They were talking about the marriage of He Yan and Xiao Jue. As everyone knows, at the celebration banquet, His Majesty granted marriage to Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting, and He Yan and Xiao Jue, and Chu Zhao and Xu Pingting will be married next month. After Bai Rongwei asked an expert to calculate the wedding date of Xiao Jue and He Yan, two dates were confirmed.

One is the seventh day of the Lunar New Year, and the other is the tenth day of the Lunar New Year, both of which are auspicious days for marriage.

He Yan was not at home. Although he was an official with no real power, he still had to do things every day, even if they were all trivial matters. When He Yunsheng heard Bai Rongwei's words, he immediately frowned and said, "Then there is only more than a month to prepare. Isn't it too hasty?"

He Sui was originally very happy, but after hearing what He Yunsheng said, he felt that something was wrong.

"Don't worry, Mr. He," Bai Rong said with a smile, "Rubi and I have already started to prepare for Huai Jin's marriage two or three years ago. But Huai Jin has never had a girl he likes, so even if we have prepared one, it can only be put aside. Now that His Majesty has granted the marriage, and Huai Jin likes Miss He very much, there is naturally no need to delay. I will have someone in the palace deliver the betrothal gift list tomorrow."

"Two or three years ago?" He Yunsheng was still skeptical. "You don't even know who the person that Governor Xiao likes is, how can you prepare a betrothal gift?"

This time, it was Xiao Jing who spoke up. Xiao Jing said seriously, "In the Xiao family, marriage is not based on family background. As long as it's a girl Huai Jin likes, she will definitely be the best. So the betrothal gift will definitely not be small."

"Yunsheng is not good at talking, please don't be offended, Mr. Xiao." He Sui glared at He Yunsheng, "We are not complaining about the betrothal gift. Yanyan is my daughter. My wife passed away early, and I raised Yanyan. Although our family is not rich, Yanyan has been spoiled since she was a child. I don't care about other things, but..." He looked at Bai Rongwei, and his always easy-going and honest face became more serious. "The man my daughter marries will definitely love her, just like I do for her. The betrothal gift is for others to see. Yunsheng and I don't spend much money on weekdays. I don't care. What I care about is Yanyan's life in the Xiao family."

He smiled, "I'm a rough man, I don't know how to talk, I know the Xiao family has a very high status in the Wei Dynasty, and my family is marrying up, but... I'm not bragging, looking at the whole Wei Dynasty, my daughter is also unique. I just want to know..." His tone was unusually sharp, "After Yanyan enters the mansion, will Governor Xiao take concubines? If so, I don't mind waiting another year or two to marry my daughter off. If not, I have no objection on the seventh or tenth day of the first lunar month."

He Yunsheng looked at his father in surprise.

He had always looked down on He Sui's kindness to the Xiao family, and always felt that it was like he was trying to get close to them. Even though the marriage was arranged by His Majesty, He Yan was a girl, so of course she had to be more reserved. If people thought that the He family was easy to control, wouldn't they be able to control He Yan in the future? Not to mention these high-ranking families, even if they lived in the alleys of ordinary people like them, they could hear rumors every now and then that the husband's family would bully the new daughter-in-law.

He thought He Sui would follow Grandma Xiao's words and quickly agree to the marriage between He Yan and Xiao Jue, but he didn't expect He Sui's question to be so sharp.

Their family was poor, and when He Sui married, even after his wife died, he never thought about remarrying or taking a concubine. This was natural. He Yunsheng didn't think there was anything wrong, but it was the same for all poor families. It was not easy to support one more person. But it was different for the rich and powerful families. Since He Yunsheng entered the academy, many of his classmates from well-off families had concubines at home.

This is the case for wealthy families, not to mention the children of noble families.

It's not that He Yunsheng hadn't thought about this, but every time he thought about it, he would deliberately avoid it. Because the marriage arranged by His Majesty cannot be changed, and that's how the world works. It's normal for rich and powerful people to have three wives and four concubines. If they don't, the mistress will be scolded for being jealous behind her back.

But now, He Suisi said it directly without any disguise. And in this sentence, there is a bit of threat that if Xiao Jue dares to take a concubine, she will not marry her daughter to him. What if His Majesty arranges the marriage? To put it bluntly, His Majesty is not young anymore, and He Yan is just in her prime. At most, she will live for a few years and pass away. Who cares whether the marriage is arranged or not?

A new emperor appoints new ministers, who knows what tomorrow will be like? Rules are rules when there is no choice, but when there is a choice, they are bullshit!

Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing looked at each other. After a moment, Bai Rongwei chuckled and said, "Master He, you are joking. The Xiao family has never had the rule of taking concubines."

"When my father-in-law and mother-in-law were alive, there were no concubines in the mansion. I have been married to Ruby for many years, and there has been no one else in between. Huaijin should be like this."

Xiao Jing also said: "Mr. He's words may be too contemptuous of Huai Jin. It is precisely because Miss He is the only woman in Wei that Huai Jin has deep feelings for her. As the eldest brother, I know Huai Jin's character very well. Once he makes up his mind about something, he will never look at anyone else. I dare to swear on the entire Xiao family that Huai Jin will never have other women in his life except Miss He. If Mr. He doesn't believe me, you can ask Huai Jin again in person. However," he smiled and said, "Oaths are like things. People who don't keep their promises will still break them no matter how many times they have said them. People who really value their promises will keep them in their hearts, needless to say."

He Yunsheng looked at Xiao Jing and thought to himself, just like how he protected He Yan, Xiao Rubi seemed to be protecting Xiao Huaijin. The two brothers had such a good relationship, so their family tradition must be pretty good.

The two young masters of the Xiao family, one is as gentle as a spring breeze, the other is as calm as autumn water. They are both outstanding among men and they can always do what they say.

He Sui laughed loudly: "No need, I trust the eldest master, and I also trust Governor Xiao. Whether it's the seventh or the tenth, I have no opinion!"

Bai Rongwei also laughed, "That's great, I will start writing the post from today, so as not to miss the auspicious time."

After discussing the marriage with He Sui for a while, Bai Rongwei and Xiao Jing got up and left. After the two of them left, He Yunsheng looked at He Sui and asked, "Dad, Young Master Xiao just said that Governor Xiao will not take a concubine in the future. How much do you think this is credible?"

He Sui said, "Fifty percent."

"What?" He Yunsheng almost jumped up. "Didn't you just say that you trust those two brothers? You said it so firmly that I actually believed it!"

"I didn't grow up with them. I've only heard about this kind of people. How do I know whether what they say is true or not? Lu Yao knows that time will reveal a person's true character. I've only seen them a few times. Do you think your father can read minds?" He Sui scolded.

"and you……"

"I just want a guarantee from them, and let the Xiao family know that although we are poor and not an official family, we are not easy to bully. If Yanyan is wronged by their family, I will not let them off easily even if I risk my life."

"Come on," He Yunsheng didn't believe it. "Even if we risk our lives together, we may not be able to touch them even a finger."

He Sui slapped him on the head, "Why do you try to boost others' ambitions and destroy your own prestige? When can you learn from your sister?"

"What are you learning? Learning how she smiles when she sees Governor Xiao?" He Yunsheng sneered, "Besides, if Governor Xiao really wants to take a concubine in the future, we'll be so anxious here that maybe He Yan, that stupid girl, doesn't care and will just foolishly help others count money."

"She won't."

"What?"

He Sui lowered his head and smiled, "Yan Yan won't."

"This child looks very proud, but she is not a bad person at heart. She is a little stubborn sometimes. Xiao Rubi said that once his brother is determined on something, he will not look at anything else. Yanyan is no exception," he said nostalgically, "When I took her to the market to pick out skirts when she was little, she would take the most beautiful one she liked. She would not take any other more expensive or better ones."

"I said those things just to scare the Xiao family. If Yanyan really wants to get married, I won't stand in her way. I can see that Yanyan likes Xiao Huaijin. The way she looks at Xiao Huaijin is just like the way your mother looked at me back then."

He Yunsheng was initially moved by He Sui's words, but when he heard the last sentence, his emotion disappeared immediately. He said bitterly, "Don't talk about this. Besides, don't say He Yan is so stubborn. Before, she loved that guy named Fan to death, but now I don't see her mentioning him again."

There was one more thing He Yunsheng didn't dare to say. When Fan Cheng died, He Yan was as calm as an ant that died on the roadside, without even shedding a tear.

He Sui: "How can it be the same? Fan is not a human being."

He Yunsheng: “…”