If that were the case, it would be almost like treason. Hong Yu was still a member of the Huangfu family after all, and Wang Yanzhou was just trying to embarrass her. Also, why did this person talk so complicatedly? Couldn't he just say it directly?
Seeing that Hong Yu had agreed to his request, Tang Chen quickly took her hand and said coquettishly, "In that case, I'll have to trouble you, young lady!"
Hong Yu thought about it. No matter what, because of her promise to Li Xinzhai, the time and energy she had spent far exceeded her initial imagination. If she continued to selflessly dedicate herself to this, it would be a bit excessive. "No, I'm at a huge disadvantage. Let's put it this way, I've helped you so much, but what benefits have I gained?"
When Tang Chen heard Hong Yu asking for benefits, she suddenly became nervous. It wasn't that she was reluctant to take the money or anything, the key point was that she was afraid that she didn't have what Hong Yu wanted, which would be awkward. "We have such a close relationship, it would be awkward to ask for benefits."
Faced with Tang Chen's shameless flattery, Hong Yu said firmly: "Even brothers have to settle accounts clearly, I can't let myself be at a disadvantage. I'm only asking for benefits now, which is already very respectful."
Yan Shaoqing said, "Miss, what you said makes sense. How about this? After the matter is successfully concluded, you can go to the treasure house of Qingliang Valley and choose three treasures at will."
Wang Yanzhou was stunned for a moment after hearing this, and said with some surprise: "Young Master Yan is really not stingy at all."
Yan Shaoqing said with a smile: "Isn't this also a gift from the Buddha? I think His Majesty won't say no, right?"
"It's natural."
Hong Yu held her chin in her hand, pondering for a moment before expressing her distaste for things like gold and silver. She also admitted that jewelry, antiques, calligraphy, and paintings, the Huangfu family's legacy spanning millennia, might not be something she'd admire in Qingliang Valley. However, she heard that Empress Wang Zhen had collected numerous treasures from all corners of the world and hidden them in the valley, so she might find something she liked. "What if I choose something I shouldn't have, and you regret it?"
Wang Yanzhou then assured her, "Don't worry, young lady. A gentleman's word is as good as his bond. If you're worried, I'll have the clerk write it up as a notice and post it everywhere. How about that?"
Hong Yu nodded and said, "Okay, deal. I heard that the treasures hidden in Qingliang Valley are even more than those in the Liang Kingdom Palace. This time I'm going to broaden my horizons."
...Qingliang Valley's reply was much faster than Shi Zairong had imagined. Although the content of the letter was similar to what he had expected, there were still some things that made people laugh and cry: "Wang Yanzhou is really a fox. He actually wanted me to go to the peace talks in person and even asked Princess Qingliang to receive me. He is really sincere."
Xie Zhuangshui was shocked to learn that if Shi Zairong were to encounter any mishap in Qingliang Valley, the Nanyue army in Liang would be left without a pillar of support. If Xiahou Qing were to exploit this opportunity, it would lead to widespread chaos. "Grandmaster, absolutely not! Qingliang Valley's request is clearly a sign of ill intent. I'll go."
Shi Zairong had actually already made preparations to go there himself, so he said, "General Xie still needs to guard the army, Military Advisor Xiao needs to help monitor the movements of Tianshu Tower, and the other generals also have their own things to do. So, it would be more appropriate for me, a free man, to go."
Xiao Liang also said, "Grand Master, do you want to discuss this matter again?"
Shi Zairong said, "That's unnecessary. The incident with the living dead was caused by my momentary lapse of judgment. Now that Qingliang Valley is willing to help, we must make a quick decision. If we drag on, I'm afraid we'll give Xiahou Qing time to act."
After all, isn't it all because of Tianshu Tower and Xiahou Qing's affairs? Xie Zhuangshui thought that since Xiahou Qing wasn't with them now, no matter how they defended themselves, it would be a futile effort. It would be better to just write down his affairs and submit them back: "Grand Master, isn't there Lord Lin Feng in Qinghe County? The Tianshu Tower matter can actually be handed over to him for now. Besides, if His Majesty knew about Xiahou Qing's current behavior, he would definitely not let him go."
Shi Zairong was now in a state of confusion as he explained, "Lin Feng is powerless right now. He's lucky to be able to monitor Xiahou Qing's every move. Furthermore, if we want to indict Xiahou Qing, we need evidence. I can't satisfy those who want me to step down as Grand Tutor. Therefore, Xiahou Qing's affairs must be kept secret."
Xiao Liang added: "Then, do you want to send some more people to help?"
Shi Zairong said, "Not yet. While I'm in Qingliang Valley, you must ensure the safety of Huangfu Xiong and the woman. Whatever Huangfu Xiong needs, even if you don't have it on hand, you must buy it for me on the black market. As long as everything goes well for him, Xiahou Qing's leverage will only be limited to the chessboard."
"I obey your orders!"
The peace talks between Qingliang Valley and Nanyue were conducted in secret, but due to the current alliance with Beimo and to show Wang Yanzhou's sincerity, when they discussed the results and wrote back to Shi Zairong, they also sent a copy to Hudu Khan using Tang Chen's crow express.
When Shangguan Bing'er got the news, she hurried to find Hudu Khan and said, "Khan, I heard there's news from Qingliang Valley that they're going to negotiate peace with Nanyue?"
Hu Du saw her coming and hurriedly helped her sit down. He subconsciously looked at her belly and said softly, "Yes, according to what the letter said, it was Nanyue who gave in first."
Shangguan Bing'er asked expectantly, "If everything goes well, then there won't be any need for war?"
Hu Du shook his head slightly. War meant a redistribution of interests. Things had already developed to this point. Win or lose, neither he nor South Vietnam wanted the conflict to end so easily. "That's still unknown. The ceasefire and peace talks are probably because the undead issue is gradually slipping out of South Vietnam's control. They can't let the situation continue to develop, so they have this idea. Maybe once the undead issue is resolved, the situation between the two countries will return to the same state as before."
Shangguan Bing'er's eyes flashed with disappointment before she pressed on, "So, what does the Khan intend to do? Should we continue to wait and see, or should we send someone to Qingliang Valley to investigate?"
Hu Du patted the back of her hand gently and said, "I have my own plans for this matter. Your most important thing now is to take good care of your pregnancy and give me a plump, fair-skinned son."
Shangguan Bing'er looked down at her still flat belly and asked with a smile, "What if it's a daughter? Would you be unhappy?"
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com
