Chapter 336: Regarding the matter of marriage, it is better to change two candidates
Upon hearing this, Prince Nanhuai laughed several times.
The wind blew through the mountain mist, and there was a rustling sound of the wind and the chirping of insects and animals. The voices were mournful, like the cries and howls before death, and like helpless resignation to fate.
In fact, he was not willing to give up everything and submit to others, but he could not protect himself.
Prince Nan Huai laughed for a moment, then asked, "You said the conditions have changed. I wonder what they are?"
Shangguan Tong said, "Regarding the previous events, Nanhuai and Beiyan jointly attacked Xiling. Beiyan can accept this. After Xiling is destroyed, Nanhuai will surrender to Beiyan. These will not be changed."
"As for what I promised Nan Huai, there is one thing I disagree with, and I would like to add two more."
"Two things need to be added. First, the land held by powerful clans must be distributed to the common people. In a state, 60-70% of the land belongs to the common people and is cultivated by them. This is the case for the four states of Northern Yan, Pingzhou, Yuanzhou, and several other states. The three states of Southern Huai cannot be an exception."
"Secondly, since you want to surrender to Northern Yan, you need to show some sincerity. The people have been suffering. When you get land in the future, you just need to pay 30% tax according to the rules. However, the clans in the three states must give a portion of money and food as military funds."
In short, Northern Yan wanted the clans of the three southern Huai states to hand over their possessions, the land to be returned to the people, and Northern Yan wanted money and food.
Prince Nan Huai's face darkened: "Aren't these demands too much?"
Shangguan Tong said, "Money is something external to the body. How can it compare to life? Just think of this money as a safety fee. Give it to Beiyan. Beiyan will definitely protect them and their wealth will be preserved. If the Xiling army arrives, they won't just ask for military funds, but will kill and confiscate their property."
"If they disagree, that's fine. Let them leave on their own. But I'm going to make it clear: once they leave, all these lands, shops, and houses will belong to Beiyan. Any purchases made before they left will also be disowned by Beiyan."
The corners of Nanhuai King's mouth twitched: "Are you bandits?"
Cui Jing said: "Don't say it so harshly. This is for the great cause of the world. Everyone should contribute money and manpower."
Prince Nan Huai glanced at him and asked, "Is the Cui family also like this?"
Cui Jing smiled and said, "Since you ask this, I have to brag about myself. In Pingzhou, 60% to 70% of the farmland is in the hands of the people. As for those who have money to donate, the clans in Pingzhou have also donated a lot to the Northern Yan army."
In the year when the Northern Yan army marched south, the Pingzhou clans, led by the Cui clan, gathered a lot of money and grain, paid taxes in the autumn of that year, and lived a stable life.
King Nanhuai fell silent. He had heard about how the Pingzhou clan and the people had jointly defended Pingzhou. He had to admit that the Cui family was truly capable.
Cui Jing said: "In fact, as long as the family assets are still there and this place is peaceful, it will only take some time to make back the money. Besides, the world has suffered from war for a long time, so spending some money to buy peace is also a good thing."
Prince Nan Huai asked him, "Do you think Northern Yan can win?"
Cui Jing continued, "Look at what you said. I stand on the side of Beiyan, so I naturally believe that Beiyan can win. You stand here, so don't you think the same way?"
That’s true.
Shangguan Tong said, "Bei Yan is helpless in this matter, and there is a precedent. If you surrender, you should follow this rule."
Prince Wu asked, "What if he doesn't surrender?"
Shangguan Tong said, "Since the Northern Yan army has come to our door, we will confiscate our property."
The Prince of Nanhuai and his son were choked and speechless for a moment.
Shangguan Tong continued, "If the King of Nanhuai doesn't believe it, he can also refer to the Xie family of Laizhou. Although the Xie family surrendered when the enemy was at the gates of the city, since they had already sent troops, it naturally cannot be counted as surrender. The Xie family was able to save little."
"Before I came here, I discussed this with the Lord. He said that the King of Nanhuai was the first of the kings willing to surrender to Northern Yan. As long as the Wu family took the lead, pooled money and food with the clans of the three states, and returned 60% to 70% of the farmland in the three states to the people, the Lord would allow the Wu family to retain an army, which would be led by the Wu family in the future."
Prince Nan Huai's eyes flickered slightly: "How many people?"
"Twenty thousand."
Prince Nanhuai fell into deep thought.
Only by keeping the army can the Wu family have the power to protect themselves and create a future for themselves in the upcoming war. If they have nothing and the army is incorporated into the Northern Yan Army, then the Wu family will be like meat on the chopping board, at the mercy of others.
After thinking for a moment, King Nanhuai agreed: "Okay, I will see to it."
Shangguan Tong added, "Although this army is led by the Wu family and the Wu family personally selects its personnel, it still belongs to Northern Yan. If Northern Yan issues an order, it must not be disobeyed."
"Of course, the army belongs to the imperial court." King Nanhuai understood this clearly. The Wu family could lead the army, but it was not his Wu family's private army.
"Then it's settled." Shangguan Tong's expression eased a lot after hearing this, but when he thought about what he was going to say next, he couldn't smile anymore.
"There's one more thing. The plan you and General Shen had previously agreed to have Princess Wang marry into our family has been rejected by the Lord, and Beiyan doesn't agree. So, let's just drop the matter. What do you think?"
King Nanhuai was slightly surprised, then looked at Shen Sui.
Shen Sui frowned and said nothing.
Cui Jing said: "King Nanhuai, what are you looking at him for? Look at me, look at me."
Prince Nanhuai frowned and looked over, not understanding what Cui Jing meant.
Prince Wu reminded him, "Father, Mr. Cui is Cui Liuniang's elder brother."
Prince Nanhuai: “…”
Yes, he remembered that this person was a member of the Cui family. Princess Cui Liuniang of Northern Yan was a member of the Cui family.
So he wanted to marry the girl as a concubine, and someone came to him.
Prince Nanhuai's expression was subtle and somewhat embarrassed.
Although taking a few young concubines was not a big deal for someone of his status and position, the Cui family was no ordinary family. Asking their legitimate daughter to be a concubine was really an insult to them.
And he's so old...
Prince Nanhuai was more measured than Crown Prince Wu, and within a few moments he had come up with a plan: "This prince is aware of Mr. Cui, but this matter is actually a safeguard for the Wu family. The Yan family has no daughters, but your sister is the princess of Northern Yan. If a marriage is to be arranged, your sister is the best candidate."
"For the sake of the world, I have no choice but to let your sister suffer."
Cui Jing chuckled, "Prince Nanhuai's words sound nice, but that's not what Crown Prince Wu said just now. He said it was General Shen who proposed it, and you agreed."
Prince Nanhuai: “?!”
He looked at Prince Wu.
Prince Wu said helplessly, "Father, Dalang is in his hands, and even Si Niang and Wu Niang are in his hands."
Prince Nanhuai: “!!”
Cui Jing blinked, his eyes full of smiles. "Prince Nanhuai, I'm not someone who doesn't consider the overall situation. I also know that General Shen and Prince Nanhuai's proposal is for the peace of Northern Yan."
"General Shen's loyalty to Beiyan is something I admire, but it's a pity that our Cui family can't compare to him. I've thought about it for a long time and feel that we should choose two different candidates for marriage."
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