Chapter 90 The Proposal for a Marriage Alliance... This is impossible, Great Khan...
Inside the carriage, Jin Tong looked regretful: "It's all my fault for being careless. Could the Great Khan have already discovered your identity?"
Chu Yueyuan frowned as she recalled her interactions with Erhe: "I'm not sure if he noticed. He's a Canglang person after all. Even if he knows I faked my death and escaped, he probably won't make a fuss as long as it doesn't harm his interests. But..."
She sighed softly as she said this.
The fact that Prince Anxian dared to assassinate someone in the hunting grounds suggests that, aside from the Duke of Fengguo's mansion, there is likely a third force lurking in the shadows. Pei Muwei and Chu Yueyuan both believe that this matter is inextricably linked to Erhe. However, Prince Anxian is dead, and there is no evidence to suggest that the two had colluded.
The alliance between Daqi and Canglang is almost finalized, with only the ownership of a few border cities remaining to be discussed in the final stages.
During this period, Pei Muwei was busy purging the remaining followers of Prince Anxian, leaving Erhe out in the Sifang Pavilion. On the surface, it seemed like he was deliberately neglecting him, but in reality, it was to warn Erhe and temper his arrogance so that he could gain the upper hand in the negotiations between the two countries.
If Erkh discovers her true identity, he will inevitably use this as leverage to gain more advantages during negotiations.
Sigh, if she had known this would happen, she should have stayed obediently in the Prince's mansion.
After this experience, Chu Yueyuan completely lost interest in strolling around.
Xie Nianzhi understood her feelings and offered to let the coachman take her back to the Prince's Mansion to rest first, while he went to Fuxiang Pavilion to buy incense pills.
Chu Yueyuan felt guilty about this: "I'm really sorry, because of my matter, I have disturbed the princess's mood today."
Xie Nianzhi took all the blame upon himself: "It's my fault for not thinking things through. If I had taken you upstairs to try on clothes together, we wouldn't have run into the Great Khan."
Chu Yueyuan hurriedly said, "This is not the princess's fault. It can only be said that fate is unpredictable. Besides, I should thank you for helping me out of that predicament."
Xie Nianzhi gazed at the woman's sincere and bright eyes, a faint smile appearing on her lips: "Your Highness helped me many times back when we were in the palace. Now that we are destined to be sisters, I will certainly repay all the kindness I owe you..."
Just then, Lin Mu dispatched another carriage.
Chu Yueyuan asked Lin Mu to allocate half of his guards to protect Xie Nianzhi, but Xie Nianzhi politely declined with a smile.
“These guards were specially sent by my cousin to protect my sister. My sister’s current status not only concerns the lives of the entire Prince’s Mansion, but also affects the political situation of the previous dynasty. Fuxiang Hall is only two streets away. I can go there with my maid.”
Seeing Xie Nianzhi's resolute attitude, and still feeling lingering fear after witnessing Erhe's incident, Chu Yueyuan did not insist any further.
Watching the blue-curtained carriage disappear around the street corner, Xie Nianzhi boarded another carriage and calmly instructed the driver:
"Let's go to Sifangguan."
Sifangguan is located outside Zhuque Gate. It was built to receive envoys from foreign tribes. It is adjacent to Honglu Temple to the east and the West Market, where foreign merchants gathered, to the west. A gilded plaque with the imperial inscription "Qiji Yaolin" hangs between the eaves and brackets.
When Erhe returned to his quarters, one of his generals came forward and reported to him: "Great Khan, a man from Daqi requests an audience."
Erhe took off his wolf-fur cloak and casually tossed it to a Hu maidservant beside him. He seemed to be in a very good mood, with a smile on his lips: "After keeping me waiting for so long, it was finally him who couldn't hold back anymore."
The general quickly shook his head and said, "Great Khan, she is not from the palace, but... a very beautiful woman from the Great Qi."
The smile on Erhe's face vanished abruptly, and a glint of light flashed in his green eyes.
Could it be a beautiful woman from the Great Qi Dynasty?
No, that woman is clever and cunning; she would never walk into a trap unless absolutely necessary.
Pei Muwei had a high opinion of herself and disdained using her beauty to seduce him.
Who could it be?
Erhe slowly fiddled with the agate thumb ring on his finger, a hint of curiosity in his eyes: "Let her in."
————
Inside the Imperial City, at the Hall of Diligent Governance.
The furnishings in the Imperial Study remained unchanged, with a peony-embroidered ivory screen still separating the two desks. However, the graceful figure sitting quietly behind the jade curtain would never appear again.
Occasionally, cabinet ministers would glance at the small rosewood table by the window and feel a pang of regret for the woman who had tragically died.
Since ancient times, the balance of Yin and Yang has been emphasized. However, the Imperial Study has lost that touch of Yin energy, resulting in an excess of Yang energy.
The ministers would often quarrel and get into heated arguments over political differences, sometimes even resorting to physical violence. At such times, there would be no gentle, breeze-like voice from a woman to ask the ministers if they wanted to try her newly blended flower tea.
Although the young empress dowager had no opinion on politics, a beautiful woman is like a pleasing and delicate flower. Even if she only blooms quietly in a corner, the fragrance she exudes is enough to make people feel refreshed.
Without the embellishment of delicate flowers, the aloof and cold Lord Jiaolong became even more lifeless, and his actions became even more swift and decisive. In just over a month, under the pretext of purging the remaining cliques, he uprooted those officials in the court who had formed factions and engaged in corruption.
For a time, the atmosphere in the court and among the people was tense and everyone was on edge. The officials were always worried that when they went to court the next day, the name of the Great Qi might have changed. They wished they had two sets of congratulatory messages in their pockets, one wishing the Great Qi to prosper for ten thousand years and the other welcoming the new emperor.
Just as the officials were mourning the young empress dowager, a voice from the eunuch's office suddenly rang out from outside the hall:
"The Great Khan of the Azure Wolf Clan has arrived!"
The ministers couldn't help but tense up.
Due to the dispute over the ownership of several border cities, the Regent deliberately left the Great Khan waiting at the Sifang Pavilion, refusing to even give him a greeting. Today, the Great Khan took the initiative to visit the palace. I wonder what his true intentions are.
Erkh was brought down by the Imperial Guards outside the palace gates.
The deputy commander of the Imperial Guards reminded him to remove the curved sword he was wearing at his waist before entering the palace for an audience.
Erkh's fingers rested on the scabbard inlaid with magnificent jewels, his narrow eyes slightly narrowed, and he sneered contemptuously: "This crescent blade of mine is never separated from me, even when I am in bed. Your Great Qi king is so cowardly. I dared to enter his capital city alone, but he became timid and hesitant!"
The deputy commander of the Imperial Guards was furious and about to argue with him when Eunuch Wang quickly stepped forward to smooth things over, his whisk draped over his arm, and said with a smile:
"Oh, Great Khan, your arrival is just in time. The Regent and the Grand Secretaries have just finished their court meeting and were just about to send someone to the Sifang Pavilion to invite you to the palace. Please follow this old servant inside, Great Khan."
Erhe strode into the main hall with his head held high.
The interior of the hall was elegantly furnished. Erhe followed behind the obsequious eunuch, passing through three layers of carved doors made of pine, bamboo, and plum blossoms. The Persian carpet under his feet was as soft as clouds, and the air was filled with a faint sandalwood scent mixed with the ink of books, exuding a sense of Zen.
Inside the study, the man sat behind a rosewood desk with cloud and dragon patterns. Sunlight streamed through the carved window, casting slanting rays onto his dark brocade robe with python patterns. The delicate dark patterns shimmered with a luxurious golden light, making his aloof features appear even more otherworldly.
The cabinet ministers, dressed in vermilion official robes, stood respectfully on both sides with their heads bowed, showing absolute submission to the man at the head of the table.
Erkh's gaze darkened slightly, a faint hint of fierceness flashing between his brows.
In the past, on the vast grasslands, he and the man were known as the "Two Wolves of the North," fighting fiercely on the battlefield, evenly matched.
After he became the Great Khan of the Canglang tribe and successfully ruled over all the tribes, Erhe believed that he was superior. After all, he was the rightful overlord of the grasslands, not like a man hiding behind a callow young emperor, acting as a powerful minister who held the emperor hostage to command the princes.
But at this moment, seeing the noble and composed man before him, he felt as if a thorn had been plunged into his heart, for he realized that the man was not only a bloodthirsty wolf, but also an elegant lion. That innate nobility was already ingrained in his very bones, and even without a title, his kingly status was beyond question.
Pei Muwei leaned back in his chair, his long fingers slowly and deliberately stroking the translucent sandalwood prayer beads on his wrist, his voice clear and cold: "Someone, offer the Great Khan a seat and serve tea."
Eunuch Wang and two eunuchs worked together to move a huanghuali wood armchair and, according to palace rules, placed it on the lower right side of the desk.
Erhe raised an eyebrow, effortlessly dragging the heavy chair to the center with one hand. He sat down with an air of superiority, took a sip of the tea offered by Eunuch Wang, and then looked up at the man behind the desk, saying lazily:
"Thank you for your kindness, Regent."
The cabinet minister in the study frowned upon seeing this scene, inwardly cursing: "Bah, these uncouth barbarians have no manners!"
Pei Muwei remained calm, seemingly unconcerned about Erhe's provocative actions, and asked in a low voice, "Has the Great Khan been settling in well at the Sifang Pavilion these past few days?"
Erkh chuckled: "The Four Directions Pavilion is quite magnificent with its carved beams and painted rafters, but I am used to living in the Wolf King's tent and prefer life on the grassland."
He then went straight to the point: "The reason I have come to the palace this time is to reach an alliance with the Regent as soon as possible, and to select a gentle and virtuous woman from among the noble ladies of your Great Qi for marriage, so that the friendship between our two countries may last forever."
"What a coincidence! The Great Khan's intentions are exactly the same as the Regent's!"
Xie Yu took out a draft of the alliance document, his eyes crinkling with a smile, and said loudly:
"These are the terms of the alliance that Xie and the Canglang envoy negotiated several times. I urge the Great Khan to review them. If there are no objections, they can be sealed and the alliance will be finalized. From now on, the two countries will be on good terms, trade will be conducted between them, the border city will be free from the threat of war, and the people can enjoy peace and happiness."
Erkh took the alliance document and quickly read through its contents. During this time, his subordinates behind him tried to say something, but he stopped them by raising his hand.
He closed the scroll, a slight smile playing on his lips: "I can see that your Great Qi is very sincere this time. Since that's the case, then I won't fuss over the details. Zeldor, bring me my seal."
Negotiation is like a business transaction, where both sides need to weigh their respective bargaining chips. The Great Qi and the Canglang tribes have been fighting over territory for nearly a century, but now times have changed. The Great Qi is sweeping away the old system and implementing new policies, while the Canglang tribe has just quelled internal strife among its various tribes, and its situation is equally unstable.
The two countries are like people recovering from a serious illness, in dire need of a period of peace to regain their strength.
Border cities are often built in strategically advantageous locations, serving as impregnable strongholds, hence the saying "losing one city endangers half the country." Daqi and Canglang held roughly equal bargaining chips, which is why their officials fought tooth and nail for every inch of territory during negotiations.
Erhe's voluntary concession surprised not only Xie Yu, but also the other ministers, who were all dumbfounded and had nowhere to release the arguments they had prepared in advance.
Pei Muwei paused slightly with his long fingers that were fiddling with the sandalwood prayer beads, but his expression remained unreadable. He gestured for Eunuch Wang to present the cinnabar inkpad and said in a calm voice, "Since the Great Khan has no objection, then let us affix our seal as a pledge."
Seeing Erhe personally affix the imperial seal, the ministers in the study immediately lowered their guard, and their expressions softened considerably.
Hmph, although the barbarians are crude and uncouth, they still know their place.
Erkh raised his cup and took a sip of tea, coldly observing the expressions of the Qi officials. Then, he smiled faintly and said, "As I mentioned earlier, I had two matters to attend to at the palace today. Now that the first has been settled, let's discuss the second..."
The Minister of Rites, with a gentle smile, stroked his long beard and said, "Does the Khan wish to inquire about the selection of a consort? I have already visited all the prominent families in the capital and selected forty-eight noble ladies. These ladies come from distinguished families, are beautiful, dignified, and well-mannered. I will soon send their portraits to the Four Directions Pavilion for the Great Khan to choose the woman he desires."
The northern border is characterized by biting winds and harsh environments. The Canglang people live a nomadic life, following the water and pastures, and their customs are vastly different from those of the Central Plains. Although the noble ladies of the capital secretly admire the Great Khan's handsome appearance and extraordinary bearing, they are naturally unwilling to marry him off to such a harsh and cold land.
The truly powerful and influential families in the capital would never send their carefully raised daughters to a harsh and desolate place for the sake of a hollow reputation of "marriage alliance".
The Minister of Rites was well aware of this, so most of the women on the register were unfavored concubine daughters from various households, who were just using the title of legitimate daughters to fill the quota.
The fact that the Great Khan of the Azure Wolf wants to marry a woman from the Great Qi is merely a bonus to the alliance between the two countries. As for whether the woman is a phoenix or a sparrow, once she marries into the northern border, she will never fly back, so there is no need to worry about it.
Erkh took out a scroll from his sleeve and handed it to the Minister of Rites, saying readily, "No need. I already have someone in mind. This is the list of betrothal gifts I have prepared."
The Minister of Rites took the scroll with a curious look, slowly unfurled it, glanced at it a few times, and was immediately so shocked that his beard stood on end, clearly astonished by the value of the betrothal gifts.
He hurriedly asked, "May I ask... which family's daughter has the Great Khan taken a liking to?"
Erkh clasped his hands in a fist salute, looked up at the aloof man behind the table, a meaningful smile playing on his lips, and slowly said:
"The other day, I went to Jinxiu Manor and unexpectedly bumped into a woman from the Great Qi. For some reason, I felt she was strangely familiar, as if I had seen her somewhere before. This feeling is probably like the line from your Book of Songs, 'There is a beautiful woman, graceful and charming...'"
Pei Muwei met Erhe's provocative gaze with a cold and stern expression, devoid of any extra emotion, except for a chilling glint in his eyes, which were like an icy pool.
Pei Muwei learned of Chu Yueyuan's unexpected encounter with Erhe at Jinxiu Manor that very day, and he wasn't worried about her discovering the secret. The death of the Empress Dowager of Daqi was already a foregone conclusion, and the royalist faction in the court was no longer a force to be reckoned with; the words of a foreigner couldn't stir up any trouble.
However, Erhe still harbored designs on Chu Yueyuan, and Pei Mu felt as if his cherished treasure was being coveted. His gaze suddenly turned cold, revealing his murderous intent.
Their gazes collided in mid-air, unleashing a fierce spark.
Finally, Erkh looked away first. He stood up and walked to Xie Yu. He placed one hand on his chest, lowered his head slightly, and said solemnly, "I have fallen in love with Princess Nianyi at first sight. I am willing to marry her with the three letters and six rites as betrothal gifts, and stay with her for life. I implore Prince Xie to reluctantly give up his love and marry your sister to me."
Upon hearing this, Xie Yu was shocked and blurted out, "This...this is impossible! Has the Great Khan mistaken me for someone else?"
A glint of light flashed in Erkh's green eyes, and he raised a thick eyebrow slightly: "Oh, then who does the prince think the woman I met at Jinxiu Manor was?"
Xie Yu paused for a moment, then immediately realized he had misspoke and corrected himself:
"Great Khan, there must be some misunderstanding here. Nianyi has only recently lost her husband and, according to custom, should observe three years of mourning for him. It would be inappropriate to discuss marriage at this time. Furthermore, Great Khan is the ruler of the grasslands, with an unparalleled noble status, while my sister is a newly widowed woman. I dare not presume to marry her. I humbly request that Great Khan choose another lady from a different family."
"Any woman I choose, whether from a noble family or a widow, can become a revered Khatun on the steppe, if I so desire. I'm sure the Regent and I share this sentiment..."
At this point, Erhe deliberately glanced at the man at the head of the table, his voice suddenly turning deep:
"In order to marry the woman I desire, I have already made concessions in the alliance to show my sincerity. However, the Prince is making excuses. Does he look down on me? Or does he look down on the Canglang tribe? Humph, you people of Qi are so arrogant and rude. How can I keep my promise?"
The ministers in the study fell silent. Those who had originally wanted to speak up for Prince Chun were silenced by Erhe's words.
Sacrificing a mere princess in exchange for a century of peace for the Great Qi Dynasty—it's a worthwhile deal no matter how you look at it!
Even Xie Yu, who is usually eloquent, was rendered speechless by Erhe's "diplomatic principles" and was unable to respond for a moment.
Just as the atmosphere became tense, a few light taps were heard on the table, and everyone looked up at the head of the table.
Pei Muwei put down the document in his hand and turned his dark eyes to Erhe: "Great Khan is overthinking it. Prince Chun is reluctant to let his younger sister marry far away. It is not that he disrespects the Khan. It is just that the princess is weak and sickly. The capital is thousands of miles away from the northern border. With the princess's health, I'm afraid she will not be able to make it to the Canglang tribe."
"If the Khan is willing to change his mind and choose another noble lady for the marriage, I am willing to give him the same gifts that Princess Wenxi received when she got married."
Princess Wenxi was a renowned princess of the previous dynasty, deeply favored by the emperor from a young age. When she married into the Turkic Khaganate at the age of fifteen, the emperor prepared an extremely lavish dowry for his beloved daughter, including gold, silver, jade, Buddhist statues and scriptures, crafts and books, medical texts, grain seeds, silk, ironware, and more. This dowry not only improved the lives of the Turkic people but also spread Central Plains culture to the northern border.
The ministers' eyes lit up, and they all thought the regent's proposal was excellent. The Great Khan of the Azure Wolf wanted to show his sincerity, and the regent's suggestion to send Princess Wenxi as a bride was a true demonstration of the Great Khan's sincerity.
Just when everyone thought the Great Khan would readily agree, Erkh waved his hand and said:
“Nianyi County suffered from a multitude of illnesses in Daqi, perhaps due to the unsuitable environment. Once she marries into the Canglang tribe, riding horses with the Khan during the day and gazing at the vast starry sky in the Gobi Desert at night, she might just recover and all her ailments will disappear.”
Seeing that the Great Khan was so stubborn, the ministers present cursed him inwardly.
Tsk, those barbarians are short-sighted and insatiable!
Pei Muwei looked at Erhe, his deep eyes filled with a hint of inquiry. After a long while, he spoke in a low voice: "The alliance between the two countries is a matter of great importance to the future of the nation and requires careful consideration. The Great Khan may wish to return to the Sifang Pavilion to rest for the time being. Once I have discussed the matter with the cabinet ministers, I will send someone to inform them."
Erkh looked somewhat impatient and gave a cold sneer:
"I'm not unaware of Sun Tzu's Art of War. Does the Regent think I'm some kind of easily fooled little emperor, using the delaying tactic of 'waiting for the enemy to tire themselves out'?"
Xie Yu regained some of his composure and bowed, saying, "I am grateful for the Khan's favor towards my sister. However, marriage requires mutual affection between the two parties to ensure a harmonious and loving marriage. I will convey the Khan's intentions to Nianyi... If she is unwilling, I ask the Khan to respect her opinion and choose another suitable person."
Xie Yu was determined not to let his sister go on a political marriage, but since the two sides were deadlocked, he had no choice but to appease Erhe for the time being.
As for what happens next, at worst we can just say that Nianzhi has decided to become a nun, and have Zhu Niang send her to the Buddhist temple to avoid trouble. Once Erhe leaves Daqi, we can find a reason to return to secular life.
Erkh raised his thick eyebrows slightly, revealing a confident smile: "Very well, I am not one to force people. If Princess Nianyi is unwilling, I will not force her!"
———
Although the palace tried its best to suppress the news, the fact that the Great Khan Canglang had specifically requested to marry Princess Nianyi still spread like wildfire throughout the capital.
Many noblewomen discussed the matter during the banquet, outwardly expressing their sorrow for Princess Nianyi, but inwardly they were secretly gloating.
Back then, Princess Nianyi returned to the capital in a grand and glorious manner. Even though she had been married once, she was still the unforgettable beauty in the hearts of countless princes and noblemen. Some even went so far as to divorce their wives.
Now, seeing the bright moon about to fall into the land of barbarians, these noblewomen who had been on guard day and night were naturally refreshed and clapped their hands in delight.
If Princess Nianyi were to kill the Great Khan, according to the terrifying customs of the Canglang people, she would still have to stay in the Canglang tribe to serve the next Khan, and would be destined never to return to the Great Qi.
Meanwhile, rumors also indicated that Prince Chun strongly opposed Princess Nianyi's marriage alliance and frequently went to the Sifang Pavilion to negotiate with the Great Khan.
Amidst the various speculations, an imperial edict suddenly arrived from the palace, granting Princess Nianyi the privilege of bathing in the hot springs of Lishan.
The hot springs at Lishan were built in a palace on the outskirts of Beijing and were reserved for the emperor and empress throughout history. Ordinary members of the royal family were not allowed to enter without imperial decree.
In early spring, the green mountain mists and milky white fog blend together at the mountain peaks, creating a natural ink painting. In the natural hot spring pool built of white marble, the gurgling spring water steams, and the faint, low whimpering sounds of cats echo in the tranquil mountains.
A mountain breeze swept by, parting a corner of the thick fog, revealing two overlapping figures by the misty pool. The woman's head was slightly lowered, her black hair cascading down like a waterfall, water droplets winding down her slender white neck, like a pink jade statue immersed in water, her whole body shimmering with a rosy glow.
The water in the pool rippled, wave after wave, creating ripples between the two. The woman felt weak and powerless, almost sinking with the current. If it weren't for the man's strong arms holding her slender shoulders firmly, she would have almost slipped into the pool.
A round squirrel, its fluffy tail swaying, stealthily leaped onto the misty white marble pool platform. Its beady black eyes darted around warily a few times before it stretched out its little paws and swiftly stole a grape covered in water droplets from the glass dish.
Having tasted the sweetness, the little guy gradually became bolder and even squatted down, using both paws to stuff one after another into his bulging cheeks.
Suddenly, a wave surged in the hot spring pool, accompanied by a soft murmur. The splashing water drenched the little squirrel that had been stealing food, turning it into a wet little ball of fur. The startled creature tucked its tail between its legs and darted into the grass.
After a while, the surface of the pool gradually returned to calm.
In the rising steam, the man's slender fingers picked up a grape from a glass plate, his deep voice revealing a hint of satisfaction: "It's still early, let's eat something first, so we don't get too full later."
Chu Yueyuan's breathing was disordered, her chest heaved slightly, and her cheeks were still flushed. Upon hearing the man's implied meaning, she immediately slapped him across the face.
"Are you... are you even human?"
Pei Muwei gazed at the woman's charming face, which was both shy and annoyed. His long, narrow eyes curved upwards as he slowly ate a grape, then pinched her chin and lifted it up before leaning down to kiss her.
The sweet fruity aroma melts on the lips and teeth, flowing like honey into the heart.
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