Chapter 595: Going to the Palace with a Sword (Part 1) [Seeking guaranteed monthly tickets at the beginning of the month]
As expected, the conflict on the front line broke the winter tranquility of the capital.
No one expected that the war would break out again when the peace talks were already underway. As the battle reports and military dispatches from Xiping and Tieguan arrived at the Empress's desk over thousands of miles, the peace talks situation in the Honglu Temple suddenly underwent a subtle change.
The situation on the front line did not halt the peace talks, but instead prompted the three parties to enter a fierce battle at the negotiating table.
Zhao Duan did not participate in the specific peace talks, but the latest progress of the talks would be delivered to him every day.
And time continues to approach the end of the year in this subtle atmosphere.
This winter is also exceptionally cold, with more intense winds and snow.
…
early morning.
At the Zhao family's dining table, Zhao Duan stepped into the dining room again and saw that his aunt and sister were already waiting.
However, compared to the relaxed atmosphere in the past, the two women in the family looked worried today.
"What's wrong? Are you worried?"
Zhao Duan sat in the main seat, picked up the bowl of porridge, and said jokingly with a smile:
"Or is it the end of the year, and I'm worried about all the arrangements for welcoming and seeing off guests during the holidays?"
Eugene Hua forced a smile, hesitant to speak. On the other hand, Zhao Pan was less hesitant and said crisply:
"Yesterday, my mother and I met with the wives of some officials in the capital. We talked about the peace talks and heard that they weren't going well. Is that true?"
Although the Yu Kingdom had a female emperor, the civil and military officials' families still followed tradition and rarely participated in government affairs.
Therefore, there is a certain information lag.
"It's not going smoothly," Zhao Duan put down the bowl of porridge.
"The two vassal kings of Hejian and Yanshan are very greedy and are demanding that the imperial court openly and legally allow them to seize a large area of land before they will cease fighting. The imperial court will not agree, so the situation is at a stalemate."
Cede land?
Eugene Hua and Zhao Pan looked at each other, both beauties looked worried, which was consistent with the news they knew.
Although Zhao Pan was a young girl, and now she was dressed as an elegant lady, she had a wild nature in her bones. She snorted coldly:
"You wish! A bunch of rebels still dream of ruling the country with Your Majesty? Not to mention that this matter cannot be agreed to in the first place, I am afraid that if you give in, the other rebel kings will follow suit. Since Your Majesty has given the go-ahead legally, won't they all agree?"
Eugene Hua sometimes appeared dignified in front of her daughter, but at heart she was a little woman. She said worriedly:
"If you don't respond, do you want to fight?"
Zhao Duan sighed:
"If we only look at Xiping and Tieguan, the imperial court is not afraid of going to war with them. The reason they are willing to negotiate is that they are still concerned about the overall situation."
He analyzed:
"Especially in Xiping. If the Prince of Hejian is determined to fight the imperial court to the death despite the cold winter, it will inevitably weaken the western border defenses. A few days ago, Duke Tang reported that the countries in the Western Regions were not stable... They took advantage of this and used the Western Regions and Prince Jing to coerce Your Majesty into submission.
If the northwestern frontier army continues to weaken, the Western Regions invaders next spring. By then, the imperial court will have to deal with Prince Jing, as well as threats from the west and even the north, and will be unable to split its forces...
Oh, when I met Xu Wenyan that day, I wasn't sure what the bargaining chip he was talking about was, but now I know for sure it's a means of coercion."
Zhao Duan was also in a heavy mood.
Because this is an unsolvable problem and the real reason why the peace talks have been stuck in a long-term deadlock.
The empress was absolutely unwilling to recognize the other party's law and cede land.
But if we don’t give it, the situation we have worked so hard to build this year will be ruined.
In the final analysis, the deceased emperor left behind a mess that had to be cleaned up by future generations.
The meal felt heavy and depressing.
Finally, Eugene Hua said softly:
"The wife of Governor Ning next door asked me to help deliver some items to Governor Ning. They are all New Year's goods, including clothes sewn by his wife and daughter."
Only then did Zhao Duan come to his senses.
As the New Year approaches, many officials who are on the front lines this year are unable to return home to reunite with their families.
He said seriously: "I will arrange someone to take care of this matter."
Not only Ning Zechen, but also the families of other important officials must have similar demands.
He planned to talk to Zhenbao later and ask him to find some manpower to do the job.
…
After leaving the Zhao family, Zhao Duan took many detours and came to an alley, where he saw his secretary Qian Kerou and other subordinates standing in front of several large trucks waiting.
"grown ups."
Everyone saluted, Zhao Duan said "yes" and stepped into the car: "Let's go."
Then, several carts led by him drove towards the east of the city.
Winter is coming, and according to custom, Zhao Duan will send some winter supplies to several charity halls such as the orphanage in the east of the city.
However, the scale of supplies has expanded significantly this year.
Because a few days ago, when Zhao Duan's soul returned to Jingchuan Town, Jin Jian found him. The stingy and charming girl generously pushed a bulging little purse to him and asked him to help deliver it to the charity hall in the east of the city.
In the small purse, in addition to the several thousand taels of silver that Zhao Duan rewarded Jin Jian for the last assassination of Xu Jingtang, there was also the remuneration for Jin Jian's work in Taicang Prefecture, and the silver that the young priestess earned from "odd jobs" in the past year, after deducting her own needs.
That's a lot of money indeed.
Whenever he thought of the scene when Jin Jian gave him the money, he had a look of distrust on his face and repeatedly warned him, "If you dare to embezzle, I will return to Beijing to investigate and tell Master."
Zhao Duan wanted to laugh out loud.
This silly little girl still doesn’t know that Zhao Duan does the same thing every year.
Jiguyuan in the east of the city.
After getting off the car, Zhao Duan took off his mask, changed into a scarf to cover most of his face, and then changed his appearance slightly.
Then he knocked on the door of the charity hall.
A year passed, and Dean Wu, who was lame and leaning on a wooden crutch, had aged a little. When he saw him, he was stunned for a moment, and when he heard the voice clearly, he said in surprise:
"Mr. Lin?"
Zhao Duan nodded, pointed at the face towel and explained with a smile:
"I caught a cold and I'm afraid of infecting the children."
Dean Wu suddenly realized what was going on and eagerly invited him in. Qian Kerou and other subordinates disguised as servants began to bring in cotton clothes, charcoal, food, etc. from the car.
Zhao Duan used the excuse of catching a cold to avoid meeting the orphans in the orphanage. Instead, he chatted with Dean Wu and explained which of this year's grants were sent on behalf of Jin Jian.
Dean Wu was very surprised. He didn't expect that Mr. Lin also knew the girl who came to donate in previous years.
He also asked about Princess Wenzhu who had come with Zhao Duan last year, and just nodded when he learned that she had left the capital.
Then it was Zhao Duan's turn to ask questions, mostly about people's livelihood.
"This winter is particularly difficult. Everything in the city is getting more expensive. If there is no funding, I don't know what to do." Dean Wu sighed.
Zhao Duan remained silent and could only comfort her by saying that things would be better after the war subsided next year.
During this period, Dean Wu, a retired veteran, asked about his old boss Zhao Shixiong, and lamented that even a figure like General Zhao could be deceived, but fortunately he realized his mistake and turned back. He then praised "General Zhao" highly.
"That Governor Zhao has a bad reputation. Many scholars call him a traitor. You haven't even met him, so how come you admire him?" Zhao Duan asked with a smile.
Dean Wu said with a stern face:
"Anyone who can win a battle is a hero. I, Old Wu, may not have been educated, but I know that achievements can't be made with words. In my opinion, those scholars who slandered Governor Zhao are the ones who are bringing disaster to the country and the people."
"If Governor Zhao knew, he would be happy." Zhao Duan said with a smile.
Dean Wu suddenly said worriedly:
"Mr. Lin, you come from a distinguished background. I'm sure you're aware of the court's peace talks. What are they like? I heard the rebels want to cede territory. Is Your Majesty willing to compromise?"
Zhao Duan's expression changed slightly: "Who told you this?"
Dean Wu shook his head and said:
"I don't know where it got the word out, but it's all over the place. If you're curious, Mr. Lin, you can go to some taverns and ask. But if you go up there, in those expensive restaurants, I'm sure the respectable gentlemen wouldn't dare to say such a thing."
"...I understand. The peace talks have not yet come to any conclusion, and Your Majesty will not compromise." Zhao Duan said.
"real?"
Old Wu smiled and said:
"That's good, that's good."
…
After leaving the orphanage, Zhao Duan felt increasingly bad.
"Sir?" Qian Kerou noticed that he was in a bad mood and asked softly.
Zhao Duan stopped and said to her:
"Distribute the remaining supplies according to the list I've prepared. Also, remember to inform the Red Flower Society and tell them to behave themselves. If they dare to covet these supplies..."
Qian Kerou smiled and said, "Don't worry, sir. I understand."
Beneath the secretary's round face, there's also a murderous side.
"Yeah." Zhao Duan nodded and watched his subordinates leave. He turned around and walked on the snow alone towards the nearby tavern.
No high-end restaurants were chosen.
He chose an affordable restaurant, ordered some food, and sat down in an inconspicuous corner.
Gradually, more and more customers came to the tavern, and without asking, this group of people started discussing the topic of "peace talks" on their own.
"Have you heard that His Majesty might give in and make concessions in the peace talks?" a small businessman whispered.
The people at the table were shocked. "How could that be? Didn't the delegation insist on 'occupying the mountain and becoming king'? If they agree, wouldn't that create two 'countries within a country'?"
"Hey, logically they won't retreat, but the armies on the frontline have already started fighting, what can we do? It's winter now, and they still want to fight. How determined are they?" Another person joined the discussion.
"But there are still border troops..."
"If the border troops are so powerful, why haven't they been able to be wiped out? Why haven't they reached the stage of peace talks?"
"But we still have Commander Zhao and Marshal Xue."
"Oh, that Commander Zhao is indeed powerful, but he's only one man after all. He's still afraid to move west of the Huai River. Who knows how much more troops will be needed to pacify Yunfu. But don't forget, there's also Prince Jing. If we don't have enough manpower, won't we have to compromise and admit defeat?"
"Bang!" Amidst the discussion, a poor drunk scholar suddenly slammed his hand on the table, making a loud noise. He staggered to his feet and said angrily:
"Today we cede one city, tomorrow we cede ten. The rebel king is plotting treason, and countless lives are being lost. Governor Zhao is winning victory after victory. Just like that eldest son Dong, he even gave up his pen and joined the army, rushed to the western front, and finally killed King Heng and King Mu. But now he wants to cede land and retreat?
Where does this bullshit come from? How can we be worthy of the soldiers who died and were injured on the front lines? If this is really the case, the emperor might as well abdicate..."
At first everyone was listening attentively, but later their faces changed color.
The bartender was even more shocked, and angrily walked up to pull the drunk scholar away.
Is it possible to say such things?
However, although they knew that some things could not be said, the faces of the guests in the tavern did not show any opposition to the scholar's words. Instead, there was a sense of agreement.
All of this was seen by Zhao Duan who was sitting in the corner.
He stood up silently, paid the bill, and left the tavern.
In the next few hours, Zhao Duan walked around the taverns and teahouses in the city, quietly listening to public opinion.
Waited until the afternoon.
After he paid the bill again and walked out, he returned to the imperial yamen first and found that Qian Kerou and others had completed what he had instructed.
"Sir, it's done. This is a record of the supplies needed by different charity halls." Qian Kerou handed him a document.
This is just the first batch of supplies. Giving too much at once would be a disaster rather than a blessing. Furthermore, procurement of supplies must be tailored to the specific situation.
Zhao Duan nodded, flipped through it briefly, put it down, and said:
"Send someone in plain clothes to investigate the source of the recent rumors circulating in the city that His Majesty wants to surrender and cede territory."
Qian Kerou was surprised and nodded solemnly:
"Yes. I'll do it right away."
After giving the order, Zhao Duan set off again, this time heading straight for the palace.
…
Relying on the offering badge, Zhao Duan successfully passed through the imperial city and the palace city and entered the Hall of Mental Cultivation.
Finally, he met the empress in the familiar imperial study.
"Coming?"
Xu Zhenguan was reviewing memorials and said without raising his head.
In the warm and bright study, the charcoal stove and the incense burner combine to create a warm fragrance in the air.
The empress in white with long black hair moved her slender wrist following the movement of the pen.
Zhao Duan took off his mask, pulled a chair and sat down in front of her, and talked about delivering New Year's goods to Ning Zechen and other civil and military officials on the front line.
Xu Zhenguan put down his pen, listened carefully, and nodded:
"That makes sense. I'll have someone do it."
Then she looked at Zhao Duan's expression and said softly:
"Just say whatever you want to say."
Zhao Duan said: "I went to the east of the city today..."
He slowly described what he had heard and seen today.
Unconsciously, Xu Zhenguan also frowned:
"Do you think someone is spreading these rumors?"
"Maybe, maybe not." Zhao Duan shook his head.
"The peace talks are open to everyone, and the final outcome is difficult to conceal. It doesn't really matter who promotes what."
Xu Zhenguan stared at him: "Are you asking about the current trend in the court?"
Seeing Zhao Duan nod, the empress sighed softly and said:
"As expected. After the fighting began on the front lines, more and more ministers in the court expressed interest in compromise. I saw it all, and I know that some of them must be secretly connected to the Prince of Hejian and the Prince of Yanshan, but at the same time, I'm afraid some of them have no selfish motives."
Zhao Duan also sighed:
"We've seen this coming, haven't we?"
The empress also fell silent.
From a big picture perspective, a temporary compromise may be the lowest-risk counterinsurgency solution.
If it doesn’t retreat, the situation next year may become unclear again.
"What does Your Majesty think?" Zhao Duan asked.
He had asked this question before the peace delegation arrived, and this was the second time.
Xu Zhenguan looked at him calmly with his dark eyes and said:
"I never change my mind."
"The enemy is more ruthless than expected. Being too strong will only lead to failure."
"Do I have a way out?"
A slight smile appeared on Zhao Duan's lips. He stood up and said, "I understand."
After saying that, he turned around and was about to leave.
Suddenly, the Empress's voice came from behind:
"Recently... I've tried a few more times, but I still can't crack the password to open my phone."
It's rare that you still remember this... Zhao Duan exhaled, turned his head and smiled:
"I have a feeling I'm about to reach the highest level of the human world. Although it won't change anything in the human world, it will be a step closer to becoming a celestial being."
After thinking about the Heaven Realm, the two realms were balanced again... The empress's cheeks were slightly hot, she exhaled and said, "Go away."
"Okay."
…
…
Time continues to pass by little by little.
The peace talks are still in a difficult tug-of-war, and the latest battle reports sent back from the front from time to time will be immediately put on the negotiating table.
Similarly, as both sides refused to give in, the two armies in the front also started a certain range of fighting from the initial confrontation.
Public opinion in the city was intensifying.
Zhao Duan still did not participate in the peace talks at the Honglu Temple. Every day he sat in the Pear Blossom Hall, reading the two reports sent to his desk by his subordinates, one corresponding to the peace talks entering the city and the other to the observation of public opinion.
He went to the Tianshi Mansion alone and accepted Gongshu Tianyuan's transformation of this substitute.
In this depressing atmosphere, the New Year is getting closer and closer, but there is no joy in the city as it should be.
Everyone is watching the final outcome of the peace talks.
Finally, the scheduled deadline was reached, and according to the latest report, the two sides still failed to reach an agreement.
According to the procedure, Xu Wenyan and Xu Xuelian will go to the palace to meet the emperor again. In other words, the final result will finally come.
…
In the early morning, when a ray of morning light illuminates the eastern sky.
Inside the inn, the obese prince Xu Wenyan burned incense and took a bath, then changed into the gorgeous clothes in his luggage that represented his status as a prince.
I pushed the door open and walked out of the room, then walked down the stairs. I saw that the courtyard was already full of people. The one leading them was Mr. Feng.
"Your Highness."
Everyone saluted.
Xu Wenyan raised his hand and held it there, his face devoid of any foolishness. He scanned the faces calmly and said, "Let's go."
In silence.
Xu Wenyan got on the carriage and headed towards the palace under the protection of everyone.
Inside the car.
Mr. Feng looked at the dozing prince beside him and said softly, "Your Highness, today will determine the outcome. Can you..."
Xu Wenyan opened his eyes and smiled:
"Everything can proceed as usual. I understand your concerns, but in my opinion, this peace negotiation has a good chance of success. The latest news is that the Buddhist ancestral temple has issued a decree, stating that once spring arrives, the Western Regions will make further attempts to invade Xiping Road. The Empress must have been aware of this news."
After a pause, he continued:
"Besides, there will be many court officials in the Golden Palace today trying to negotiate. Even if the Empress is unwilling, she will have to consider the overall situation.
Well, judging from the empress's past style of doing things, she is decisive in desperate situations, but as long as the situation does not force her into a desperate situation, she will tend to deal with it in a softer, calmer and less confrontational way.
This was how they dealt with the old ministers in the court, and this was also how they dealt with the Eight Kings by opening the market... This cannot be said to be a weakness, but it is indeed the empress's personal style.
The situation wasn't desperate yet, so she couldn't make up her mind to completely break off the talks.
Mr. Feng listened to the prince's detailed reasoning and breathed a sigh of relief, saying with a smile:
"The prince sees things clearly."
Xu Wenyan smiled and said:
"This negotiation, ultimately, isn't with the officials from the Honglu Temple, but with the one in the Golden Throne Hall. As long as we understand the Empress's personality, many things will be easy. When I came here, the person I was most worried about was Zhao Duan..."
Mr. Feng was surprised: "Zhao Duan?"
"Well," Xu Wenyan's eyes were deep:
“Although I have never met this person, looking back at his past behavior, I can see that he appears calculating and ruthless, but he is also very strategic.
But I can see that this person is different from the Empress. Beneath his seemingly meticulous personality, he doesn't care much about gains and losses. The Empress follows the rules, but this person doesn't. This kind of person is the most terrifying. Even if giving in can win, he may still overturn the chessboard.
Mr. Feng was surprised again. He didn't expect that the prince had such a clear understanding of Zhao Duan. He smiled and said:
"Fortunately, this person is not in the capital."
Xu Wenyan nodded and let out a breath: "Yes, fortunately this person is not in the capital."
As they were talking, the carriage arrived at the entrance of the imperial city.
Xu Wenyan got off the carriage and happened to see the Yanshan Palace team led by Xu Xuelian arriving shortly thereafter.
The domineering princess has been much more low-key since being spanked by Zhao Duan, and she did not ride the white wolf today.
The two sides looked at each other, exchanged glances, and then went towards the palace together.
The morning court is about to begin.
…
…
In Gongshu Tianyuan's workshop in the Tianshi Mansion.
As Zhao Duan's soul sank, the transformed stand-in opened his eyes.
"How does it feel?" Gongshu Tianyuan rubbed his hands excitedly, as if he wanted to put his big face against Zhao Duan's.
Zhao Duan stood up and stretched his limbs. He felt the surging mana stored in the crystal boiling in the "Qi Hai" of his new substitute, and his brows relaxed.
"Excellent."
Gongshu Tianyuan smiled happily, admiring his masterpiece:
"After the transformation, your body is now comparable to the Divine Chapter Realm. Well, that's assuming the mana in your body isn't exhausted."
"That's enough." Zhao Duan said this, raised his hand and picked up the black cloak and Ji Si's sword placed aside.
He grabbed the white mask again and covered his face with it.
"Thank you, Brother Gongshu. I have to go now."
Gongshu Tianyuan said eagerly:
"Don't you want to have a meal together? Uh, I forgot you can't eat. So, can you please come and bask in the sun?"
"...No need, I have something important to attend to today." Zhao Duan walked out.
Important matters? Gongshu Tianyuan was stunned for a moment, thinking that Brother Zhao was strange today, and shook his head. He went to the dining hall of Tianshi Mansion for his stomach.
During the meal, he stopped a priest and asked, "Do you know what important things are happening in the city today?"
The young priest looked at the Tianshi disciple who had been staying in the workshop all day, oblivious to the world outside, and bowed respectfully:
"Brother, if I may ask you something important... well, the peace delegation is going to the palace to see the emperor today, so that should be considered one of them."
Gongshu Tianyuan was stunned.
…
At the same time, Zhao Duan was wearing a white mask, a black cloak, and a sword hanging from his waist.
Walking alone in the snow-covered capital city.
Walking along Zhuque Street, I headed north while being stared at by people around me.
That's the direction of the palace.
——
ps: Please help fix typos
(End of this chapter)
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
