Chapter Twenty-Six: The Northern Rong Propose Marriage
Her words were gentle, yet relentlessly pressing. Dunluye, being of humble origins, was no match for her shrewd and astute nature. Knowing full well the trap hidden in her words, he didn't know how to respond and quickly gave a wink to a follower dressed as a strategist. The follower understood, nodded slightly, and said, "This young lady's words are indeed formidable, but why hide behind a curtain and play tricks? Why not stand openly in the open and see who is better?"
Gu Xiaobai objected, interrupting, "Damn it, what do you mean by hiding behind a curtain and playing tricks?"
Dunluye recognized him and said, "Young Master Gu, please don't be offended. My attendant here is unfamiliar with the etiquette of the Central Plains and does not know that women should not show their faces in public."
Gu Xiaobai sneered and said, "Being in the Great Zhou, you think you can do whatever you want just because you don't know the etiquette of the Central Plains? You're not here to pay respects, you're clearly here to cause trouble. What kind of heroes are you to humiliate a weak woman right from the start? If you're so capable, come to the training ground and we'll see who's better."
Dunluye said solemnly, "I've long heard that Young Master Gu is skilled in riding and archery, and I'll definitely ask him for a lesson another day. Today, I've come with sincere intentions to offer my condolences, but I never expected this misunderstanding to arise..."
Before he could speak, Ruan Bi interrupted him: "Sincere and righteous? The general brings weapons to offer condolences, is that sincere and righteous?"
Dunluye remained silent for a long time before saying, "I was born and raised in the military, and even when I return home, I carry my weapons with me."
"General, you have forgotten that this is not your home, but the territory of the Great Zhou."
The strategist quickly said, "It is precisely because of the territory of the Great Zhou that our general must carry weapons. Besides, even your emperor allows our general to carry weapons, so what does it have to do with a mere woman like you?"
"Though I am a frail woman, I know that every citizen has a responsibility for the rise and fall of the nation." After a pause, Ruan Bi said, "I have heard wise men say that where the heart is, there the body is. A general never leaves his weapon behind, which shows that he never forgets the threat of war. How can someone who harbors thoughts of war truly come to seek peace?"
Gu Xiaobai's heart stirred, and he glanced thoughtfully at Guo Luye.
Dunluye broke out in a cold sweat. It turned out that all her rambling was for that last sentence. After a moment's thought, she laughed heartily and said, "I never understood the meaning of 'If you want to condemn someone, you can always find a reason,' but after hearing your words, I'm enlightened." She paused, her smile fading, and said, "You truly have excellent eloquence and cunning, but even your emperor hasn't questioned my intentions. Do you perhaps think you're more insightful than the emperor?"
This sentence was also full of murderous intent. Gu Xiaobai looked at Ruan Bi with worry, fearing that a wrong answer from her would bring about her death. But she heard her say softly, "His Majesty is a wise and benevolent ruler who loves all the world and helps all people. How could he pay attention to cockroaches and fleas? I am just a village woman with narrow eyes. I cannot tolerate demons and monsters."
Dunluye was secretly impressed. No wonder Chai Xi was so fond of her; she truly had a heart as pure as Bi Gan. Knowing he wouldn't get the better of her with words, he changed the subject, laughing heartily as he said, "If you were a village woman, then that's a compliment. I've long heard that the daughter of the Ruan family is worth a fortune, and seeing her today, I can confirm it's true. Your voice is so beautiful; you must be as lovely as you are. I long to meet you and hope to have the opportunity to see your true face."
Ruan Bi, naturally not allowing him to change the subject, said, "General, look at what's in front of you, and then look at what's under your feet."
Dunluye looked in front of him, then at his feet, puzzled, and asked, "What do you mean, young lady?"
"Before me is my mother's mourning hall, beneath my feet is the land of my Great Zhou. General, for both public and private reasons, I swear I will never let you go."
His words were neither loud nor hurried, yet Dunluye was deeply moved and immediately burst into laughter, saying, "Why must you be so absolute, young lady? You should know that we may meet again someday." He clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Miss Ruan, until we meet again."
Ruan Bi's heart sank; he had indeed come for her.
Dunluye led his men out of the Ruan residence. After mounting his horse, he glanced back at the Ruan family's gate plaque adorned with a white cloth ball and said, "Meida, did you see that? The woman Chai Xi has his eye on is just as troublesome as he is. Should we still proceed according to plan?"
The strategist chuckled lightly and said, "She is indeed difficult to deal with, but even the most fiery woman is the same in bed."
Dunluye laughed heartily, patted his horse's rump, and strolled slowly from Huai Shu Lane into the main street. The bustling scene was immediately apparent—shops lined the streets, carriages and horses filled the air, and people came and went with peaceful and serene expressions. He looked around, his eyes wide with admiration, and said, "Meida, if we don't take over this city, we've wasted our lives."
Meda said, "As long as Jiaozhi holds off Chai Xi for three months, this city will surely be ours."
As they spoke, they arrived at the embassy on Zhuque Avenue. Dunluye dismounted, and his attendants came to greet him, took the reins, and whispered in his ear.
Seeing his serious expression, Meda asked, "What's wrong?"
"Chai has finally arrived." Dunluye said in a low voice, then walked into the hall with a smile on his face. He saw the emperor sitting by the window in plain clothes, watching the commotion outside, surrounded by several eunuchs and guards in plain clothes. "Your Majesty is coming. Why didn't you inform us beforehand?"
"I just happened to be strolling around and ended up here." After a pause, the emperor asked, "I heard you went to the Ruan residence to offer condolences?"
"After all, I had known Madam Ruan for a time, and her death was somewhat related to me. I feel uneasy, so I burn incense and pray that she may soon go to heaven."
"I didn't realize you were so kind and righteous," the emperor said, frowning. "The death of Lady Ruan... it makes me quite angry."
Dunluye had already received the news that the Emperor was displeased after the Empress Dowager imprisoned the Fourth Princess in the Cold Palace, and the two had a falling out. He chuckled inwardly, but said aloud, "The Empress Dowager is only concerned about His Majesty's health; it's understandable."
The emperor said with a hint of indignation, "I am not a three-year-old child. What's the big deal about a few drops of blood from my nose?"
Dunluye laughed heartily and said, "It is a rare honor for Your Majesty to grace us with your presence today. Please give Dunluye a chance to offer Your Majesty a cup of wine."
The emperor, longing for the fourth daughter but unable to have her, was feeling restless. He nodded and said, "Very well, let's drink until we're drunk tonight."
Dunluye led the emperor into the flower hall, where wine and dishes were served, and then a group of dancers were summoned. The lead dancer was about seventeen or eighteen years old, with full breasts and a plump bottom, beautiful eyes and eyebrows, and a remarkable appearance. However, the emperor's harem was filled with women of all shapes and sizes, from the Fourth Princess and Consort Xie, who were as beautiful as crabapple blossoms, to the more understated and elegant Du Menghua, who was as plain as a chrysanthemum. Therefore, although the lead dancer had a somewhat exotic charm, he only glanced at her.
After a few rounds of drinks, a nameless restlessness suddenly arose, and erotic thoughts took flight. Looking at the lead dancer again, he was immediately struck by her captivating charm in every smile and gesture. The Emperor, still lucid, stared at Dunluye in astonishment. Dunluye smiled, leaned closer, and whispered, "Your Majesty is feeling restless. I've had the prescription improved. This time, the medicine is gentle and nourishing, ensuring Your Majesty's health remains even amidst your ecstasy." With that, he clapped his hands, and the other dancers discreetly withdrew. He himself followed suit.
The feeling of being intimate with the Fourth Sister after taking the medicine that day was different from before, and the Emperor had been thinking about it ever since. Now, with his blood surging, that feeling resurfaced, and he immediately looked at the lead dancer with a wicked glint in his eyes. The lead dancer was named Sang Mei, and she had been specially trained to seduce him. Naturally, her behavior was extremely bold and unrestrained, displaying various techniques and poses.
The harem was full of respectable women, none of whom had ever tasted such wild pleasures. They soared to the heavens several times, only to fall back to earth again. After such an ordeal, a whole night had passed. The emperor felt utterly empty, his limbs weak. Returning to the palace, he hadn't slept soundly when it was time for the morning court session. He forced himself to rise, sat in the Golden Phoenix Hall, and felt dazed.
"Your Majesty, the Khan of Ji Nuli admires the culture of the Central Plains and deeply understands the importance of kinship. Hearing that the Fifth Miss Ruan of the Ruan family in Jingxi has been practicing at the Yuxu Temple for three years for her mother, he deeply admires her and wishes to offer 100,000 fine horses as a dowry to marry the Fifth Miss Ruan as his concubine, so that they may be forever united in friendship and the two countries may be as close as lips and teeth. Please grant His Majesty's permission."
The emperor snapped out of his daze and looked at Dunluye, asking, "General, what did you just say?"
Dunluye repeated it again.
In the past, the emperor would have refused without hesitation. But after a night of passionate lovemaking, he was in a daze this morning, his mind unclear, and he was momentarily at a loss for how to react.
The civil and military officials whispered among themselves, noting that 100,000 horses was no small sum. The Great Zhou only had the Sixteen Prefectures of Youyun suitable for horse grazing, but the number was limited, and many warhorses were purchased at great expense from small kingdoms in the Western Regions. To acquire 100,000 horses through a marriage alliance—and not even from a member of the royal family—was a very worthwhile deal from the perspective of the nation's stability and well-being.
Therefore, a minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, a marriage alliance between the two countries will bring peace to the borders. This is a good policy that benefits the country and its people. Please make a decision as soon as possible."
Several other ministers echoed this sentiment.
The emperor frowned, looking at the silent Shen Yun, and asked, "Prime Minister Shen, what is your opinion?"
Although Ruan Bi's marriage to the Northern Rong would secure Shen Hua's marriage, Ji Nuli's marriage proposal clearly had ulterior motives. Shen Yun quickly decided not to rush into a statement. "Your Majesty, it is inconvenient for me to speak on this matter. Please allow me to recuse myself."
The emperor pondered for a moment and said, "Never mind, let's discuss it another day."
After the morning court session ended, I went to pay my respects to the Empress Dowager, as was customary.
Upon seeing him, the Empress Dowager asked, "Your Majesty, I have heard that Dunluye is asking for Ruan Wu's hand in marriage on behalf of Ji Nuli. This is absolutely unacceptable."
The Emperor was displeased that news of court affairs had reached her ears so quickly. In the past, the Empress Dowager often interfered in politics, but at that time, mother and son were of one mind, and he didn't find it inappropriate; on the contrary, he relied heavily on her opinions. But now, harboring resentment, he felt she meddled in everything, making him feel like a puppet. He had initially hesitated, but now he said, "A marriage alliance benefits the country and its people; what's wrong with it?"
"A marriage alliance is acceptable, but the person chosen cannot be Ruan Wu."
"She is unmarried and a citizen of our Great Zhou, so what's wrong with that?"
“Your Majesty, Ji Nuli’s actions clearly harbor malicious intentions. Xi’er has the lives of tens of thousands of Northern Rong people on his hands, and they hate him to the bone. They only came to ask for his hand in marriage because they know that Ruan Wu is the woman he loves. If Your Majesty grants his request, I’m afraid it will break Xi’er’s heart and damage the bond between brothers.”
The emperor shook his head and said, "Mother, you are overthinking it. Brothers are like hands and feet, while women are like clothes. My sixth brother and I have been brothers for over twenty years. How could we let a mere woman damage our bond? If brotherhood is so easily damaged, then we might as well not have it at all."
He had never said these words before. The Empress Dowager was startled and looked up at him.
"...Sixth Brother, as a member of the royal family, you should be working hard for the country and its people. If you can't even bear to part with a woman you like, what face do you have to be a member of the Chai family?"
The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment and said, "Your Majesty, you know Xi'er's character very well. He would give up his life for the country, let alone a woman. However, Ji Nuli's actions are not aimed at Ruan Wu, but at Xi'er. Even if they were to ask for a daughter of our imperial family, they would not need so many horses as a dowry."
"The reason Ji Nuli is so eager for a marriage alliance is because he wants to raise an army to quell the rebellion of the three northern tribes. Admittedly, his request to marry Ruan Wu is somewhat related to my sixth brother. But that's only natural." The emperor paused, then said with a hint of sarcasm, "My mother has been worried about my sixth brother's marriage, and has repeatedly asked me to issue an edict forcing him to marry the daughter of Prime Minister Shen. With Ruan Wu marrying far away, his marriage will naturally follow. Why is my mother unhappy about it?"
The Empress Dowager said, "I am worried that the Emperor has fallen into the trap of treacherous people."
The emperor was displeased and said with a hidden meaning, "Mother, have you forgotten? I am no longer a three-year-old child. I am the ruler of a country."
The Empress Dowager's heart sank, and she looked at him sharply.
The atmosphere in the room suddenly became heavy.
Just then, the sound of footsteps could be heard, and a eunuch rushed in and said, "Your Majesty, Consort Xie is about to give birth."
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