A storm is brewing
After the morning court session, Tang Feng and Zhou Ziliang walked back side by side. Just as they were about to discuss where to eat, Li Yunye called out to them, "Tang Feng!"
When Zhou Ziliang turned around and saw Li Yunye standing behind them, he turned around and asked, "Your Highness, is there something you need?"
"I have something to say to Tang Feng."
Zhou Ziliang glanced at Tang Feng, who had already boarded the carriage, and seeing him nod in agreement, he lifted the curtain and said, "Your Highness, please."
Tang Feng knew exactly what Li Yunye wanted to say, but he hadn't spoken yet, wanting to hear what Li Yunye had to say. So he moved aside to make room for Li Yunye.
"Why did it turn out like this!" Li Yunye was confused. This opportunity was something Tang Feng had secured for him, but after several visits, the Qiang and Hu delegation hadn't budged an inch, inevitably causing him anxiety. Adding to his frustration was the fact that Li Yunyu had just borrowed the right to negotiate from the Emperor, making him even more agitated. Tang Feng tilted his head, asking meaningfully, "Your Highness, what are you worried about?" "Of course, it's because Ninth Prince stole the show in the main hall today. Were you distracted during the morning court session?" Li Yunye was clearly anxious, but before he could finish speaking... Only then did he realize his rudeness, but he didn't apologize to Tang Feng. He just looked out the window and didn't speak again. Tang Feng was silent for a moment, then smiled. "So that's what it is. I thought it was something else!" Seeing that Li Yunye didn't move, Tang Feng continued, "What you can't accomplish, the Ninth Prince might not be able to accomplish either. Isn't it a bit premature to worry so much now?" Li Yunye looked at Tang Feng's eyes full of doubt and asked in confusion, "Why do you say that?" "Do you think the delegation is targeting you? They just want the terms of the contract. Even if the Ninth Prince can..." "His attempt to negotiate with them at the banquet only gave him a chance to negotiate. If he can't come up with a solution that satisfies both sides, the Qiang and Hu people will naturally not give up easily." Tang Feng finished speaking and turned to Li Yunye. "Don't you understand? It doesn't matter who goes if they can't come up with a solution." Tang Feng's words were like a reassuring pill, putting Li Yunye at ease. Seeing this, Tang Feng smiled and said, "Ziliang and I are going to have dinner later. Would Your Highness like to join us?" Li Yunye waved his hand. "I won't, but I still want to thank you this time. Another time..." "My Prince's Mansion is hosting a banquet, you must come!" "Definitely, definitely!" Not long after Li Yunye alighted from the carriage, Tang Feng peeked out from behind the curtain. Zhou Ziliang, seeing Tang Feng sitting in the drafty spot, tried to shoo him back. "What are you doing out here? It's windy outside." "I wanted to discuss what we should eat." Tang Feng wasn't hungry, but going straight home after court felt too stuffy; he wanted to go out for a walk. "Alright, I'll take you to Taibai Tower, you go in first." Zhou Ziliang readily agreed, afraid Tang Feng would catch a cold.
Taibai Tower wasn't far, and they arrived in no time. Zhou Ziliang helped Tang Feng down from the carriage and asked, "What would you like to eat?" Tang Feng glanced at the Taibai Tower signboard, sighed, and said apologetically, "Actually, I don't really know what to eat. I just don't want to stay home." Zhou Ziliang, of course, understood what Tang Feng meant. Since Xu Fengyan's death, Tang Feng's appetite had diminished considerably; he wouldn't eat more than a few bites even when coaxed. How could he possibly bring up eating today? "But since you're here, eat something."
The two found a seat by the window and ordered three dishes and a soup. Tang Feng leaned on the table, staring at the scenery outside for a long time before slowly speaking, "The Ninth Prince has grown up." "Little Feng, you already told me that yesterday," Zhou Ziliang put down his teacup and smiled, "If the Ninth Prince has grown up, you can save yourself a lot of trouble." Tang Feng buried his face in his arms and sighed, "Then I'll really have to burn incense in gratitude. I just hope nothing bad happens in the next few days." Upon hearing this, Zhou Ziliang's expression became more serious. "Little Feng, the Third Prince..." "So, what are you going to do about that?" Caught off guard by Zhou Ziliang's question, Tang Feng suddenly didn't know how to answer. He hadn't really thought much about what to do after this step. Shen Qinghang said he wanted to eliminate Li Yunye, but he hadn't said how. Would he kill him himself, or would Emperor Yun kill him, or would he be imprisoned in the Prince's Mansion for life? "It seems... I need to go see Shen Qinghang." Tang Feng, unsure of anything, naturally chose to discuss it with others. He knew that sometimes you can't go down a dead-end road; listening to opinions might be helpful.
On the day of the state banquet, Tang Feng shouldn't have been present. According to the rules, only Emperor Yun, the princes, and the Minister of Rites were allowed to attend. As the Grand Tutor of the princes, Tang Feng wasn't qualified to go. However, the day before the banquet, Emperor Yun sent Eunuch Feng to deliver a message that all officials of the third rank and above should attend. Tang Feng knelt to receive the imperial decree and was helped up by Zhou Ziliang. He then looked at Eunuch Feng and said, "Eunuch, you've worked hard. Why don't you come to my residence for a while?" It was the height of summer, and the heat was unbearable. Eunuch Feng naturally didn't refuse and followed Tang Feng. Upon entering the main hall and taking his seat, he asked, "Grand Tutor, how have you been lately? You seem to have lost quite a bit of weight." Tang Feng smiled, "Still the same as always. Thank you for your concern, Eunuch. I didn't know you were coming today, so I didn't prepare any fine tea. Please don't take offense." "Ah, don't mention it. I didn't expect His Majesty to invite ministers other than those from the Ministry of Rites." Eunuch Feng put down his tea, and then a servant brought over some refreshments. "His Majesty has really given the Qiang and Hu people a lot of face this time." Tang Feng chuckled softly, picked up his teacup, and heard Eunuch Feng say, "If it's this..." "That would be good. This old servant thinks that His Majesty is probably worried about the Ninth Prince." Tang Feng suddenly realized that Emperor Yun had never truly trusted Li Yunyu, only him. Inviting so many officials was merely a cover for himself, so that he could help Li Yunyu if he made a mistake. Tang Feng frowned instantly, pondered for a moment, and then remembered that Eunuch Feng was still present. He smiled and said, "Eunuch, I'm sorry, I'm not feeling well and may have to excuse myself." Eunuch Feng also stood up at this moment, somewhat worried. "Please take care of yourself. The summer heat is unbearable, but you mustn't overindulge in coolness. Everyone has witnessed the Ninth Prince's growth; it's all thanks to your guidance. When you wrote that frontier poem in Xiling, I immediately recognized your extraordinary talent. Well then, I'll take my leave now. Please rest well." After seeing Eunuch Feng off, Tang Feng returned to his room, a chill creeping into his heart. If Li Yunyu made a mistake, and he helped him, Li Yunye would become estranged from him. If he didn't help him, and things went wrong, Emperor Yun would be unable to utter a single word against him later. On the bright side, if Li Yunyu handled things well, it would prove to Emperor Yun that even without help, he could succeed. Tang Feng had a headache and didn't know whether to worry about himself or Li Yunyu. He lay motionless on the table. Zhou Ziliang came out of the study and saw that Eunuch Feng had left and Tang Feng was nowhere to be seen, so he guessed that Tang Feng had probably gone back to his room. As soon as he entered, he saw Tang Feng lying on the table. Ever since Tang Feng vomited blood while lying on the stone table last time, Zhou Ziliang had developed a psychological aversion to it. He gently patted Tang Feng's arm, "Xiao Feng, are you feeling unwell?" Tang Feng straightened up, looked at Zhou Ziliang, and shook his head, "I was thinking about something, it's about the Ninth Prince." Tang Feng couldn't shake his worries. As the envoy of the Qiang and Hu tribes, Dahexi would naturally benefit the Qiang and Hu tribes if he agreed to his suggestions. He didn't know... Whether Li Yunyu's proposed plan would satisfy Dahexi was a question. Ideally, Dahexi and Li Yunyu wouldn't have too much friction at the banquet. "No, I have to go see Dahexi!" Tang Feng suddenly stood up, startling Zhou Ziliang. Seeing Tang Feng about to leave, Zhou Ziliang quickly grabbed him. "Xiao Feng, Xiao Feng! Don't rush! If you go now, won't that expose your identity? I'll send someone to fetch him." Tang Feng then realized his earlier rashness and smiled apologetically at Zhou Ziliang. "I... I forgot, I was too hasty just now." Zhou Ziliang sighed, pulling Tang Feng down to sit before speaking, "You told me not to be nervous, but aren't you anxious now? Are you worried about the Ninth Prince again?" "This time, it's not just about worrying about Li Yunye; Tang Feng is worried about himself. But he's afraid of upsetting Zhou Ziliang, since Zhou Ziliang would never let Tang Feng take such a risk. After grumbling for a while, he finally resignedly nodded, 'Fine...'" "Fine?" Zhou Ziliang raised an eyebrow, lifting Tang Feng's chin and forcing him to look at him. "Little Feng, what mischief are you hiding from me again?" Tang Feng's cheeks burned under Zhou Ziliang's gaze. He wanted to push away Zhou Ziliang's hand on his chin, but he didn't have the strength. He could only explain softly, "Oh, why are you so inquisitive! It's about Li Yunye, and... about me..." Zhou Ziliang patiently listened to Tang Feng's seemingly evasive explanation. "So that's what it is. I thought it was something else," Zhou Ziliang said, seeing Tang Feng's bewildered expression. He raised his hand and rubbed Tang Feng's forehead, chuckling, "What's wrong? Even our mighty Tang Taifu of Xiling has moments of such disarray? What you're worried about may indeed exist, but it's not unavoidable. Just meet with Dahexi, and settle any contractual terms privately. Then, when it's brought up in public, there won't be any unclear issues." Tang Feng pushed Zhou Ziliang's hand away somewhat defiantly. Thinking about it carefully, it was indeed as Zhou Ziliang said. Danger was real, but not unavoidable. Tang Feng pressed his temples, which were aching slightly. Perhaps he had been too busy these past few days and had become confused.
Tang Feng met with Dahexi again. This time, Tang Feng didn't say much, but listed the conditions that Li Yunyu had personally stated, wrote them down on a piece of paper, and handed them to Dahexi. "Please take a look at this contract first. To be honest, these conditions are good for both the Qiang and Hu peoples and Yanyun."
Dahexi read the letter carefully from beginning to end, placed it on the table, and looked at Tang Feng, saying, "Won't doing this just make the two countries more and more entangled?"
"This is the will of Prince Yan Yun."
"Can you, Prince Yan Yun, represent His Majesty?" Dahexi clearly didn't believe Tang Feng. Everyone knew about the relationship between Haqiya and Tang Feng, and Dahexi would give them some face. But on top of that, he was still an envoy of the Qiang and Hu tribes.
Tang Feng propped his head up and pointed to the contract. "Whether or not we agree is Yan Yun's business, and whether or not the contract is signed is your Qiang and Hu's business. I am a subject of Yan Yun, and everything I do is for Yan Yun's benefit. However, I will not offend the Qiang and Hu. Putting aside the princess's previous relationship with me, Yan Yun does indeed need the Qiang and Hu. If they didn't, do you think they would have been able to see His Majesty? Look carefully at the terms of the contract. If you agree, nod; if you disagree, raise your objections, and I can revise them. As for whether His Majesty will agree at the state banquet in a few days, that is our business." Although Tang Feng's voice was not loud, he spoke with great certainty. Seeing his confident demeanor, Dahexi slowly said, "The treaty is acceptable, and we are indeed..." "It's also done with sincerity. We know a 30/70 split like before is impossible, but we also hope for a 50/50 split. The terms you've offered this time are quite generous, I agree." Tang Feng stood up, took the contract from Dahexi's hand, put it in his pocket, and said calmly, "If that's the case, I'll have to trouble you at the banquet. As long as the treaty is successfully renewed, I will fulfill my promise." Seeing Tang Feng about to leave, Dahexi quickly stopped him, then smiled, "Tang Feng, you're not good enough to be negotiating with this prince. You've come several times, but haven't discussed anything with me, and have turned your back on me several times. If it weren't for giving you face, I would have reported you to the Qiang and Hu tribes long ago." Tang Feng turned around, his brows slightly furrowed, "What do you mean?"
"I was just thinking, you're so invested this time, you're probably involved in some palace turmoil! You're so smart, you wouldn't be supporting that prince, would you?"
After listening, Tang Feng lowered his head, unable to suppress a smile. "Do you think I would assist him?" Before Dahexi could recover, he walked out. Zhou Ziliang and Haqiya were waiting outside in the corridor. Seeing Tang Feng emerge, Haqiya ran over, saying petulantly, "Our busy man is finally out!? Ah! Yes, yes, I, a woman, cannot be involved in state affairs. He kept everything from me, how despicable!" Tang Feng glanced at Zhou Ziliang, seeing his helpless expression, knowing that Haqiya had already tormented him. He could only gently comfort him, "Well... you wouldn't listen anyway, would you? You don't like the intricacies of scholarly discussions. If the princess insists, let Ziliang take you to the horse farm for horseback riding." Haqiya's eyes lit up at the mention of horseback riding. "Then let's go!" She grabbed Tang Feng, but Tang Feng interrupted, "Princess, I have other matters to attend to. Let Ziliang accompany you."
Haqiya thought for a moment, then nodded. "Okay! Zhou Ziliang, I'll wait for you downstairs." Seeing Haqiya go downstairs first, Zhou Ziliang went over and playfully tapped Tang Feng's forehead, scolding, "You sold me off just to avoid it?" "What do you mean by sold me off! You make it sound so awful. I already had things to do." Tang Feng pushed Zhou Ziliang's hand away, saying as he walked, "I have to go to the palace. I'm very busy. Besides, aren't you my good wife?" "Good wife?" Zhou Ziliang tilted his head, looked at Tang Feng, and pulled him into his arms. "Then what is Xiao Feng? The head of the household?" Tang Feng nodded. In the end, Zhou Ziliang gave in and sighed helplessly. "Just this once. The princess is too fiery. I can't get along with her. Besides, if word gets out that I'm with her, wouldn't that ruin our relationship?"
"What are you afraid of? I'm always reasonable." Tang Feng looked around to make sure no one was watching before tiptoeing to kiss Zhou Ziliang on the lips. He then whispered, "Consider this payment." Before he could finish speaking, Zhou Ziliang leaned down and returned the kiss, until Tang Feng's cheeks were flushed and he was breathless. Only then did Zhou Ziliang slowly stand up and say, "Then consider this an apology." Catching his breath, Tang Feng glared fiercely at Zhou Ziliang, turned, and walked away. "He's really taking advantage of my kindness."
Tang Feng went to Li Yunyu's place simply because he was worried. However, he didn't expect that when he arrived, the palace servants would tell him that Li Yunyu had gone to Yunlan's place. Tang Feng wanted to leave, but remembering the importance of the matter, he turned around and said to the palace maid, "Then tell Consort Yun that Tang Feng has something to discuss with the Ninth Prince."
When the palace maid returned, Tang Feng didn't see Li Yunyu come out with him. Just as he was about to speak, the maid said, "Grand Tutor, Her Highness invites you to go to the Misty Forest Garden." Tang Feng didn't quite understand Yunlan's meaning, but he didn't ask further. He followed the maid to the Misty Forest Garden. As soon as he entered, Tang Feng saw Yunlan sitting at a stone table, with several elegantly dressed women standing in front of her. Li Yunyu stood to the side, somewhat flustered. Looking up and seeing Tang Feng, she hurried over as if grasping at a lifeline, "Grand Tutor... I..." Tang Feng didn't understand the situation either, but despite his confusion, he still respectfully bowed to Yunlan, "Greetings, Her Highness Yun."
"No need for formalities, Grand Tutor, please sit down." Yunlan was very approachable and helped Tang Feng up before inviting him to take a seat. "I'm currently choosing a princess consort for Yunyu, but I can't make up my mind right now. Yunyu also lacks assertiveness. Since you're here, you can help me take a look." Tang Feng was a little confused. It was natural for him to be in charge of Li Yunyu's studies, after all, he was Li Yunyu's Grand Tutor, but how did the matter of marriage and having children fall on his shoulders?
"Um... Your Highness, isn't this a bit inappropriate?"
"Besides me, who else cares about Yu'er as much as you do? Please don't refuse anymore." Yun Lan spoke sincerely, and even though Tang Feng was unwilling, he could only agree. He sat down and roughly looked at the girls in the selection. "Your Majesty, where did these girls come from?"
“Yu’er wasn’t favored much before, and the girls sent to him were either of poor background or moral character, so I didn’t agree to their requests. Now His Majesty is thinking of Yu’er and has had Eunuch Feng select a few good girls, some are princesses, some are daughters of merchants.” After listening to Yun Lan’s explanation, Tang Feng glanced at the girls again. They were pampered and privileged, and didn’t seem like the type to endure hardship. Tang Feng gently shook his head, “I just feel like something’s missing…”
Yunlan looked at Tang Feng, not understanding why he said that. "Grand Tutor, please speak your mind. There's no need to be so formal."
"This..." Seeing that Tang Feng remained silent, Yun Lan knew he might be concerned about the crowd and gossip in the front courtyard. She instructed Su Xi to lead the others away first. Once everyone was gone, Tang Feng spoke, "Your Majesty, these girls are indeed all quite beautiful and of good birth. However, His Highness the Ninth Prince is a prince destined to vie for the throne, a path fraught with peril. It might be inappropriate for the women around him to be pampered." Yun Lan pondered Tang Feng's words carefully, then looked at Li Yunyu, "Yu'er, among those girls, do you have a favorite?" Li Yunyu shook her head, "I have no particular preference; it's entirely up to Mother."
Just as Yunlan was pondering how to find a princess consort for Li Yunyu, Ning Wan approached with tea. "Your Highness, this is tea I just brewed. Please try some... Grand Tutor? What brings you here today? Is the Third Prince alright?" Tang Feng smiled at Ning Wan. "He's fine. The Third Prince is currently preoccupied with the contract and has no time for anything else... Ning Wan?" Tang Feng stood up and pulled Ning Wan to Li Yunyu's side. "I remember you've been serving the Ninth Prince for some time now." Ning Wan nodded blankly. "So, what do you think of the Ninth Prince?"
Ning Wan, unsure of Tang Feng's meaning, looked at Yun Lan, somewhat at a loss. "The Grand Tutor asks you a question, just answer. The Grand Tutor is Yu'er's teacher, don't you know his temperament? Don't be afraid." Ning Wan lowered her head and whispered, "His Highness is very good to me, takes good care of me, and is ambitious and eager to learn. His Highness is very good."
Tang Feng seemed to have been waiting for Ning Wan to say this. After sitting down, he looked at Yun Lan and asked, "What are Your Majesty's criteria for choosing a prince's consort?"
"A virtuous, gentle, and intelligent girl is all I need. I don't have many requirements; as long as Yu'er is happy," Yun Lan had already guessed Tang Feng's meaning and frowned. "However, given her humble origins, I'm afraid... it might be difficult to say to His Majesty."
Tang Feng thought for a moment and then spoke again, "If the two are in love, an arranged marriage is possible. Your background is indeed a problem, but it's not unsolvable. We can simply fabricate a background for you." Then Tang Feng looked at Li Yunyu and asked, "Your Highness, choosing a wife is a major matter. What do you think of Ning Wan?"
Li Yunyu had never imagined getting married so soon, but after Emperor Yun brought it up a few days ago, Yunlan began making preparations. Compared to the heavily made-up princess, Ning Wan appeared more gentle and beautiful. "It's all up to Mother to decide."
Just as Yunlan was about to agree, Tang Feng quickly stood up and said, "Your Majesty, we should ask Ning Wan's opinion."
"Look at my memory, I forgot everything in my excitement," Yun Lan said, looking at Ning Wan. "Child, do you like my Yu'er?" Ning Wan was flustered, then knelt down and said, "Ning Wan is lowly, how can she be worthy of His Highness the Ninth Prince?" Tang Feng pulled Ning Wan's arm and said softly, "Get up first, and tell me whether you are willing or not. If you are willing, your background is not a problem."
Ning Wan hadn't expected to be used as a marriage proposal today. But considering her humble origins as a maid, if Yun Lan truly intended to betroth her to Li Yunyu, she couldn't really resist. Thinking of Li Yunyu, she remembered how he had been diligently studying recently, and how she had been with him. She figured if things continued this way, it would be fine. Ning Wan's cheeks flushed slightly, and she nodded to Tang Feng. Tang Feng breathed a sigh of relief. Li Yunyu's future princess consort couldn't be chosen casually. Ning Wan was, after all, one of his own, and he knew her background well, which was better. However, Tang Feng worried that if Ning Wan didn't like Li Yunyu, she would be wronged and become a political sacrifice. Seeing that Ning Wan had agreed, Tang Feng finally relaxed and stood up, saying to Yun Lan, "This matter is not convenient for me to handle. I'd appreciate it if Your Highness could find Ning Wan a good match. I need to discuss matters with His Highness today; could I borrow him for now?"
Yunlan then remembered that Tang Feng needed to speak with Li Yunyu, and quickly stood up. "I'm so sorry, sir, for taking up so much of your time. Yu'er, go with the Grand Tutor now."
The two remained silent until they reached Li Yunyu's residence, at which point Tang Feng spoke, "I agree to your suggestion." Li Yunyu's eyes brightened upon hearing this. "Thank you for mediating on my behalf, sir." Tang Feng paused for a moment, then smiled and shook his head. "I really didn't say anything this time. It was Your Highness's method that was good. His Majesty doesn't want to suffer losses, but he also doesn't want to give up Ayi Harbor. I suppose this method is already a good outcome for His Majesty."
"But I didn't... secure any additional benefits for Yan Yun. Would Father Emperor agree to that?"
"It probably won't work at first, but your third brother has been laying the groundwork for so long, His Majesty has long since lost patience. I think things should go smoothly on the day of the banquet."
The state banquet was scheduled for the evening after Tang Feng and Li Yunyu's meeting. Tang Feng straightened his court robes and turned to Zhou Ziliang. "You don't have to see me off. Everything went smoothly; nothing will go wrong today." Zhou Ziliang put down his teacup and smiled. "It's not that I'm worried about that, but I feel that after today's commotion, the Third Prince will definitely be unhappy and might take his anger out on you."
Does he blame me?
"It's not that he's blaming you, he'll probably just confide in you and take you to a restaurant for a good drink."
"So you went to see me off to help me avoid being drunk?"
Zhou Ziliang was stunned for a while before saying helplessly, "I went to pick you up so you could go home earlier. I've noticed you haven't been sleeping well these past few nights, and I'm afraid your illness has worsened. It's better for you to come home and rest earlier."
Tang Feng straightened his cuffs before saying, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Ziliang."
Although Emperor Yun postponed the state banquet by half a month, the etiquette and pomp were still very respectful to the Qiang and Hu delegation. Tang Feng knew this the moment he entered the Hall of Longevity. Because of his status, Tang Feng had to sit next to Li Yunyu. Li Yunye watched Tang Feng's every move throughout the banquet, so Tang Feng had to be careful with his words and actions at this banquet.
Dahexi, representing the Qiang and Hu peoples, presented Yanyun with over a dozen cartloads of gold, silver, and jewels, demonstrating his sincerity and easing the Yun Emperor's expression considerably. Dahexi rose, bowed to Emperor Yun, and then pulled out the contract from his waist. "Your Majesty," he said, "we have traveled thousands of miles to Yanyun to renew the Ayi Port agreement. If possible, please take a look." Emperor Yun frowned, then said, "The delegation seems very sincere, but the prince I sent is insisting on sticking to your contract terms and even demanding that Yanyun and the Qiang and Hu share the ship costs on top of the original terms." Dahexi lowered his head and smiled. "That wasn't my original intention, Your Majesty. You represent Yanyun, and I, coming from the Qiang and Hu, represent them. I naturally won't let the Qiang and Hu suffer losses in the treaty. However, you have seen my sincerity. Since I've come to renew the agreement, it's a matter between the two countries. I don't need to strain relations over a contract. However, this prince has proposed two or three contracts from the beginning to the end of the negotiations, and none of them are satisfactory to me. Of course, I cannot agree to them."
Then Dahexi glanced at the assembled ministers below and said, “We Qiang and Hu people have always been straightforward. I have brought the contract with me today. If anyone can reach an agreement with me on the terms, we can sign it immediately. Your Majesty, is our sincerity not enough?”
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