In the days that followed, Yechao indeed ushered in a period of peace and prosperity.
However, beneath the calm surface, undercurrents were surging.
One day, an urgent report came from the border that the Huiyi Dynasty had suddenly assembled a large army and was frequently moving around the border, seemingly with the intention of invading.
Chen Xiao urgently summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. Xu Qian suggested sending envoys to investigate the situation first, and at the same time strengthening border defenses.
Chen Xiao adopted his suggestion and sent Qi Yanyun as an envoy to the Huiyi court.
Qi Yanyun was entrusted with a mission to represent the Night Dynasty to go to the Huiyi Dynasty.
Qi Yanyun rode his horse along the winding mountain road toward Huiyi.
The journey was filled with magnificent scenery, but also harbored hidden dangers.
Birdsong could be heard from time to time in the mountains and forests, as if telling of unknown dangers.
On his journey, he encountered an old man in tattered clothes.
The old man's eyes revealed a sense of vicissitude. Upon seeing Qi Yanyun, he took the initiative to speak to him: "Young man, are you going to the Huiyi Dynasty? Be careful, the journey is not peaceful."
Qi Yanyun frowned slightly and asked, "Grandpa, is there any danger on this mountain road?"
The old man sighed and said, "In recent years, the situation in Huiyi Dynasty has been turbulent, and many bandits have been appearing in this area. They will do anything to rob people of their property."
Qi Yanyun thanked the old man and continued on his way.
Finally, Qi Yanyun arrived at the border of the Huiyi Dynasty.
The city gates were tightly closed, and security was tight.
After identifying himself to the guards, he successfully entered the Huiyi Court.
Stepping into the Huiyi Dynasty palace, one sees a luxurious palace with carved beams and painted rafters, yet the atmosphere is solemn.
Emperor Huiyi of the Huiyi Dynasty, Gong Huilan, sat gracefully on a high-backed chair in the palace, exuding elegance and nobility.
She wore a magnificent robe embroidered with exquisite patterns, which highlighted her noble status.
The neckline was adorned with a band of dazzling gemstones, which shimmered brilliantly under the lights.
Her hair was styled into an elegant bun, with a few strands falling beside her cheeks, adding to her charm.
Gong Huilan's face had beautiful features, and her skin was as white as snow, as delicate as mutton fat jade.
Her eyes were bright and deep, like stars twinkling in the night sky, exuding a mysterious aura.
His eyebrows were long and thick, slightly arched, as if he possessed an innate sense of majesty.
Her lips were full and red, slightly upturned, giving off a half-smile that made it impossible to fathom her thoughts.
His chin was slightly raised, displaying an arrogant posture.
Her neck was long and elegant, and the jeweled necklace she wore further accentuated her noble air.
Her hands were as white as jade, with slender and long fingers. She gently rested her hands on the armrests of the chair, and every move she made exuded a unique charm.
Overall, Gong Huilan is like a fairy who stepped out of a painting, possessing both stunning beauty and awe-inspiring majesty.
At this moment, the fairy in the painting is sitting in a high-backed chair, her gaze freely sweeping over Qi Yanyun.
Qi Yanyun spoke with neither arrogance nor servility, earnestly expressing the Ye Dynasty's desire for peace and its willingness to engage in friendly negotiations with the Huiyi Dynasty.
Gong Huilan listened and a smile appeared on her lips. She said, "I've heard that you are exceptionally talented. Why don't you stay and serve me? You'll surely enjoy wealth and honor."
Upon hearing this, Qi Yanyun felt a chill run down his spine and cupped his hands, saying, "Your Majesty, as an envoy of the Night Dynasty, I bear the mission of the nation and cannot betray my country."
Gong Huilan did not give up. She got up and walked to Qi Yanyun, gently stroking his cheek with her hand. Her eyes were full of admiration and desire. She said, "As long as you agree to stay by my side, I will not only withdraw the troops from the border, but also give Yechao many benefits."
Qi Yanyun's expression was serious. He took a step back and replied firmly, "Your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your appreciation, but my heart belongs only to the Ye Dynasty. I hope you can prioritize peace and not let the people of both countries suffer the pain of war."
Seeing his resolute attitude, Gong Huilan's expression darkened slightly, and she waved her hand, signaling the guards beside her to take Qi Yanyun away.
Qi Yanyun was taken to a magnificent palace, with walls inlaid with dazzling gems and soft carpets covering the rooms. However, the doors were tightly closed and heavily guarded.
Qi Yanyun paced back and forth in the room, pondering a solution.
Not long after, the door opened and Gong Huilan walked in.
She walked up to Qi Yanyun, a hint of amusement in her eyes, and said, "I'll give you time to think it over. As long as you're willing to submit to me, everything is negotiable."
Qi Yanyun frowned, looked at the Empress, and said, "Your Majesty, I cannot betray my country. Doing so will only plunge our two countries into the abyss of war."
Gong Huilan sneered and said, "Do you think I care about these things? If you don't agree, I'll imprison you here forever."
Qi Yanyun remained silent for a moment, then said with a firm gaze, "I believe Ye Chao will find a solution, and I also believe you will make the right choice."
Gong Huilan's face darkened, and she turned and left, leaving Qi Yanyun in the room to continue thinking.
During the two weeks of her imprisonment, Gong Huilan frequently visited Qi Yanyun's room.
On one occasion, she sat opposite Qi Yanyun with a glass of fine wine and said, "Look how luxurious this palace is. As long as you are willing to submit to me, all of this will belong to you."
Qi Yanyun said with a firm gaze, "Your Majesty, my heart belongs only to Yechao, and I will not be swayed by these temptations."
Gong Huilan added, "Don't you want to fight for more benefits for Yechao? Stay by my side, and you can achieve many things."
Qi Yanyun shook his head and said, "I strive for peace and tranquility for the Night Dynasty; that is the true interest."
On another occasion, Gong Huilan brought a scroll painting depicting the beautiful scenery of the night court.
She said to Qi Yanyun, "Look how beautiful Yechao is, don't you want to protect it? As long as you agree to cooperate with me, I can make Yechao even more prosperous."
Qi Yanyun looked at the painting and said, "My love for Yechao will not change because of your temptation. I believe that Yechao will achieve prosperity through its own efforts, not through this method."
During these two weeks, Qi Yanyun remained steadfast in her beliefs and did not succumb to Gong Huilan's various temptations.
He knew that he bore the mission of the Night Dynasty and could not easily compromise.
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