Chapter 355 Unexpected Opponent
These disturbances in Teizhou City will not affect the progress of the Yamato delegation.
Now they were outside the city, but Ye Lanxin still didn't know that her brother-in-law and his family had returned.
At this palace banquet, the Ye family's position was further back. When they were marquises before, they always sat in the front. Now that they can participate in the palace banquet, it is already a sign of the emperor's good mood.
The morning court session continued as usual, and many people in the court made different suggestions regarding the Yamato delegation's imminent entry into the city.
Gu Congyun just thought it was ridiculous. They were about to enter the city, and the Ministry of Rites had already prepared everything, but these people were still reminding them what they needed to pay attention to, and they could not show weakness or lose their composure.
It seemed like the so-called elders came to remind the groom to dress up properly, but they also had to consider their dignity when the bride was about to enter the house.
These people are used to being idle and doing nothing, and they think that just saying a few words will complete their mission for today.
The emperor has been watching the performance of these people. As for who he is satisfied with and who he has opinions about, he will definitely not express it directly.
He always knew what was going on in his mind. After all, he was not a foolish ruler who would allow these ministers to deceive him.
Moreover, the people he trusted were all capable ministers and generals who were loyal to the emperor and patriotic.
There are civil officials headed by Grand Tutor Mo, and military generals headed by Gu Congyun.
Listening to these people's chaotic but irrelevant remarks, the emperor asked directly, "There are rumors that the Yamato Imperial Master is here to seek a daughter of the Great Yao for marriage. Do you have any opinions?"
The crowd who had just been nitpicking about insignificant matters immediately quieted down. They did not dare to speak lightly about such a major issue concerning the relationship between the two countries.
If something goes wrong in the future, no one will be responsible.
This is the doctrine of the mean that more officials in the court believe in today: don't try to stand out, but follow the trend.
Those who like to take the lead will bear the risks, but the credit will be shared by everyone.
The emperor's words made the atmosphere in the hall even more tense.
Although Gu Congyun was not directly involved in these important state affairs, he was very angry when he saw these officials who liked to quibble with others and make things difficult for no reason were silent.
"Why are those people so quiet now, knowing that the Minister of Rites had already completed the preparations and was about to use the short time between court dismissal and the arrival of officials and their families in the palace to revise the arrangements? They usually love to find fault with others, but when it comes to actually offering advice, they're not used to it, are they?"
Gu Congyun's words were obviously a satire on those ministers who were always nitpicking but could not come up with any ideas at critical moments.
The ministers looked at each other with embarrassment on their faces, but no one dared to refute.
Master Mo watched from the side and nodded secretly in his heart. Although Gu Congyun was a military general and his choice of words just now was a bit awkward, what he said was indeed reasonable.
Seeing that no one spoke, the emperor continued, "The arrival of the Yamato Imperial Master to propose marriage is a major event. I hope that all of you, my dear ministers, can work together to share my worries."
Grand Tutor Mo came out and said, "Your Majesty, I think this is not a good idea. After all, Yahe is quite far from our Dayao. If we were to travel in a straight line, we would have to pass through Dashun, an island nation on the sea. If the daughter of Dayao were to marry there, she would probably never be able to return home."
After he finished speaking, Gu Congyun also said, "Your Majesty, I also think that the marriage should not be agreed to. The spy my daughter caught earlier was sent by Yamato to infiltrate Dayao to obtain information. Now that the spy has been eliminated, although they are willing to marry, they may not have other ambitions. We must be on guard. I am afraid that a marriage will sacrifice the life of a noble lady. Behind every noble lady is one or more families, and the future will be extremely far-reaching."
With the two of them taking the lead, others immediately echoed: "I also think that what the Grand Tutor and the Duke have said is very true. The people of Dahe are corrupt and disorderly. I'm afraid that the noble lady of Dayao will find it difficult to adapt..."
Zhou Zhili, who had not dared to speak, frowned slightly after hearing this. He lowered his head and quietly glanced around the court, as if weighing everyone's opinions.
After all, he and the Lu brothers and sisters had discussed sending Gu Ruanci away. If there really was no marriage, the plan would be ruined right from the start.
He spoke slowly, "I dare to speak frankly. This matter is of great importance, and Your Majesty requires careful consideration. Although Yamato and our Great Yao are far apart, a successful marriage would have a significant impact on the diplomatic relations between the two countries. However, as you have said, there are risks involved that must not be overlooked."
He tried to make his remarks appear impartial, but he clearly put benefits first.
The Ye family heard this but had no way to say anything to help. They were in an awkward position now, and their special relationship with Zhou Zhili made them even more restricted.
After hearing this, some ministers nodded in agreement and began to make their own plans in their minds.
"How about Marquis Jing'an elaborate on this and tell us how much benefit there would be if the marriage were successful..."
Gu Congyun was not polite. Although his daughter didn't say anything after she came back yesterday, Lu Enyan sent someone to convey the message that the Gu family already knew Zhou Zhili's plan.
Zhou Zhili was stunned for a moment, then used what he had learned from others to explain, "Although Yamato is an isolated island in the sea, its geographical location also allows it to produce some unique products that are rare for the people of Dayao. If our two countries form a marriage alliance, it will open up trade routes, allowing the people of Dayao to enjoy Yamato's specialties and promote economic exchanges between the two countries. Furthermore, Yamato has been focusing on military strength in recent years. If Dayao forms a marriage alliance with it, we can use its military power to deter other countries, ensuring peace on our borders and a peaceful life for our people. Of course, there are risks involved, but if handled properly, the benefits of the marriage will outweigh the risks."
He finally couldn't help but say it out loud, and Gu Congyun almost couldn't help but snort coldly.
However, he still chose the method he had thought of in advance: "Since there are so many benefits, and Marquis Jing'an feels that the risks are not too great, and it just so happens that Marquis Jing'an's own daughter has reached the age of marriage, she can marry him."
When Zhou Zhili heard this, he was secretly delighted. "My Lord, I would like to facilitate this matter, but my daughter has already been betrothed to the Third Prince, so naturally, she cannot marry anyone else..."
Finally, the Third Prince Lu Enrui, who had been silent all this time, spoke up: "Father, if my cousin can bring stability to Dayao and Yamato, I am willing to give up this marriage. After all, my cousin will be the legal wife, and her father is the first minister in the court to support the marriage. I believe Yamato will definitely treat my cousin well."
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