Chapter 126 Ye Family Banquet
After leaving the palace that day, Lou Yan went to Princess Arno's location to inquire about the reason.
Princess Arno knew they were coming and had already prepared tea and snacks.
Only one lamp was lit in the hall, casting a dim, yellowish light.
“Your Highness, Mr. Yu.” Arno rose to greet him, his tone calm.
Lou Yan didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point: "Princess, why should I and Bei Chen be the envoys to Nanzhao?"
"When it comes to understanding the Shadow Serpent and being familiar with the situation in the southwest, King Jin far surpasses me. The princess has gone to great lengths to send me, so there must be a convincing reason."
Yu Beichen stood quietly to the side, but his very presence carried an invisible pressure.
Arno met Lou Yan's scrutinizing gaze without panicking; she simply sighed softly.
"Your Highness speaks frankly, so Arno cannot hide anything from you."
She first looked at Yu Beichen and gave a slight bow.
"First of all, I earnestly request Mr. Yu to come, for two reasons, both of which are true."
"Firstly, you saved my father many years ago, a debt of gratitude that the royal family of Nanzhao has never forgotten. If you come, many old ministers who are already dissatisfied with my uncle Wumeng's actions will surely give us more support out of consideration for this debt of gratitude, greatly reducing the obstacles to our actions."
Yu Beichen nodded slightly, tacitly acknowledging this past.
“Secondly,” Arno’s tone became serious.
"I have just received a secret report from the country that an unknown epidemic has indeed appeared in the capital and several surrounding cities. It is spreading very rapidly and causing widespread panic."
Her words were earnest, and her eyes even welled up with tears, clearly showing that she was genuinely anxious about the matter.
Lou Yan's expression softened slightly; he couldn't refute this reason.
He then asked, "Then why me? As you should know, my strength lies in military affairs and political maneuvering, but I am not an expert in any particular area."
Arno turned his gaze back to Lou Yan, his eyes becoming somewhat complicated, with a hint of apology: "I do have my own reasons for asking Your Highness to go."
She paused, organizing her thoughts: "The last marriage alliance was a conspiracy orchestrated by my uncle, who has since been executed. However, it was ultimately done in the name of His Highness, causing quite a stir, but in the end, nothing came of it."
"With Nanzhao facing internal and external troubles, Arno needs strong external support. However, if we directly request His Highness King Jin to take action again, it will be too conspicuous and attract attention. It will also inevitably make some forces in Nanzhao think that I am overly dependent on Dasheng, which will provoke a backlash."
“But inviting Your Highness is different,” Arno explained.
“Officially, I can say that I have invited Your Highness to visit Nanzhao in a private capacity to express my gratitude for the marriage alliance that failed to materialize last time.”
"This sounds more like a personal exchange rather than a formal intervention by the Dasheng court. It can leverage His Highness's prestige while minimizing unnecessary trouble and hostility."
Lou Yan listened and remained silent for a moment.
She did choose a path that seemed roundabout, but was actually more efficient.
"Your Highness has considered everything carefully," Lou Yan finally spoke, acknowledging her reasoning. "However, the situation in Nanzhao is volatile and unpredictable, and the plague is even more ruthless. Is Your Highness confident in your ability to manage this?"
Arno straightened his back, his eyes resolute: "It's all up to human effort. If Your Highness and Mr. Yu can help me, Arno is willing to do everything in my power to fight for a better future for Nanzhao!"
Lou Yan and Yu Beichen exchanged a glance, both seeing the decision in each other's eyes.
"Very well." Lou Yan said in a deep voice, "I understand. Princess, please rest early. The imperial decree will be issued soon."
Lou Yan told Lou Jin about this, "She gave several reasons, which were all reasonable."
After listening, Lou Jin pondered it carefully and had to admit that Arno's considerations were indeed thorough.
"I see..." Lou Jin's doubts vanished, replaced by a hint of admiration. "This princess's meticulousness and skillful balancing are truly extraordinary."
Lou Yan nodded: "Given her circumstances, she wouldn't have survived this long without some skill, let alone planned for the future."
"This trip to Nanzhao may seem like helping her, but in reality, it is also to completely stabilize the southwestern border of our Great Sheng. If this matter is successful and Nanzhao submits, its significance will far exceed that of a war."
Lou Jin understood the implications and said solemnly, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. In that case, I will remain in the capital and wish Your Majesty and Mr. Yu a successful trip!"
He looked at Lou Yan and Yu Beichen, his tone filled with concern, "The situation in Nanzhao is complicated, and the epidemic is merciless. I urge you, my brother and Mr. Yu, to be extra careful."
Lou Yan patted him on the shoulder: "Don't worry, I'll leave everything in the capital to you and Xunyang."
Yu Beichen said calmly, "Your Highness, rest assured, I will take good care of His Highness."
As I left the Prince Yan's residence, night had already fallen.
As soon as Lou Jin stepped out of the mansion, he saw a familiar figure leaning against the carriage; it was Ye Xunyang.
"Your Highness." Ye Xunyang stepped forward, a relaxed smile on his face.
“I reckon you should be out of the Emperor’s place by now. My father and mother sent word that they’re hosting a family banquet at the manor today. They’ve been busy settling things in and meeting His Majesty these past few days and haven’t had a chance to eat. Today they finally have some free time and want to treat us all well, especially my second brother and Miss Anar.”
Upon hearing this, Lou Jin's cold and stern expression softened.
"Okay, we'll head over now."
Inside the general's mansion, the lights were on and a lively scene was unfolding.
Although General Ye still had a stern face, the satisfaction and relaxation in his eyes were hard to hide.
Madam Ye was busy running around, her face beaming with satisfaction, constantly instructing the servants to serve the dishes.
Ye Xunqin and Anar sat on one side.
His injuries had not yet healed, and his face was still somewhat pale, but his spirits were still good.
Anar, dressed in Dasheng attire, looked elegant and graceful.
The two appeared somewhat reserved during the meal, especially in front of Ye's parents, younger brother, and King Jin.
Ye Xunyang felt that the two of them were acting strangely. Last time they came back, they were arguing and bickering. This time, ever since his second brother went to rescue Anar, the two of them have been trying their best to keep their distance, but it was clear that their relationship was not ordinary.
Just like now, Ye Xunqin would quietly move the dishes that Anar liked to eat in front of her. Anar's cheeks flushed, and she finally glanced at Ye Xunqin unintentionally. The tenderness in her eyes was almost overflowing.
Ye Xunyang watched all of this with a mixture of amusement and curiosity. What exactly had happened between the two of them?
After several rounds of drinks and several dishes, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.
General Ye took the initiative to chat with Lou Jin about military affairs in the Southwest. Although his tone was still firm, his attitude showed that he regarded Lou Jin as one of his own.
Madam Ye held Anar's hand and asked her about the customs and traditions of the Southwest, her eyes full of affection.
After the banquet, everyone moved to the flower hall for tea.
Seizing the opportunity, Ye Xunyang stepped forward and grabbed Ye Xunqin's arm without saying a word when Ye Xunqin went to the corridor to get some fresh air.
"Second Brother, come with me for a moment!" Ye Xunyang lowered his voice, but his tone left no room for refusal.
Ye Xunqin was taken aback: "Xunyang? What for?"
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