Jiang Wang shot a sharp glance at the utterly disobedient Qiao Lin, then waved his hand, signaling him to quickly take his leave. General Qiao, having actively pursued a task only to receive no reward, departed in a huff. This companion Hou was truly like a companion monkey, his moods too mercurious, shifting between joy and anger in an instant.

“Ha!” In the room, Jiang Wang looked at Yu Wen Duo with a touch of awkwardness. “What a coincidence, wouldn’t you say?”

Yu Wen Duo’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Quite a coincidence indeed… When did Hall Down Zhao Tu come?”

“Just this morning. He spoke with me for a while and even gifted me a horse,” Jiang Wang chuckled dryly. “It was only then that I realized he was merely jesting with me last time.”

Yu Wen Duo wore a wounded expression. “How could you do this?”

“Do what?”

“You face-to-face with me call brother, and yet privately, privately…”

“Hey, hold on, don’t make it sound like I did something untoward,” Jiang Wang interrupted. “As an envoy, engaging with the prince of your esteemed country is a perfectly reasonable matter, is it not?”

“Then why didn’t you tell me?”

“…I assumed with Brother Yu Wen’s intelligence and capability, few words would be needed.”

“This isn’t about capability, it’s about attitude! It’s about closeness! It’s about whether or not you’re willing to be forthright with me!”

“That I don’t understand. Do you and Prince Zhao Tu have a conflict?”

Yu Wen Duo said plaintively, “Marquis, when you first arrived on the grasslands, I personally went to welcome you.”

Jiang Wang replied, “The next time you come to Qi, I shall also welcome you.”

Yu Wen Duo said, “I also took you to the Heaven Mirror.”

Jiang Wang said, “Thank you.”

Yu Wen Duo said, “I also helped you secure the opportunity to visit God En Temple.”

Jiang Wang said, “I didn’t go.”

“I am friends with Ru Cheng!” Yu Wen Duo said through gritted teeth.

“Cough.” Jiang Wang set down his tea bowl. “You mentioned earlier, you hoped I would promise you something?”

Yu Wen Duo sulked for a while, then said, “I wish to send you a gift.”

“What kind of gift requires such roundabout methods?”

“People.”

Jiang Wang appraised him for a moment.

“My fief is quite small, likely not enough space for Brother Yu Wen to play…”

Yu Wen Duo, too lazy to engage in further pleasantries, simply shouted, “Bring them in!” A moment later, a group of exquisitely dressed women, chattering like orioles and swallows, entered the courtyard. The soldiers of the Tian Fu army, who were practicing their saber techniques, stared in stunned silence.

There were nine individuals in total, each as beautiful as a flower, their figures graceful. They swayed as they walked, one after another, into the room, instantly filling it with a fragrant aroma.

They all stood before Jiang Wang and performed a collective salute, their bosoms rising and falling like distant mountains, their voices a chorus of warbles. “Greetings, Marquis!”

Jiang Wang looked at Yu Wen Duo. “These are?”

Yu Wen Duo said with great reluctance, “These are treasures I painstakingly brought from the lands of Chu. Each can sing and dance beautifully, fully embodying the elegance of Chu. I heard the Marquis is still unmarried, and to avoid a cold and lonely manor, I have gifted these beauties to you. I hope the Marquis will treat them well.”

Giving and receiving courtesies were sometimes unavoidable. Marquis Jiang now enjoyed a high salary and could certainly afford to keep a few people in his manor.

However, from the God En Temple to these singing and dancing girls, Yu Wen Duo’s constant efforts made one feel that Ru Cheng’s stay in Mu country would sooner or later turn sour.

He felt a slight headache. “I was saying… why the sudden gift like this?” Yu Wen Duo had prepared many excuses, but after thinking it over, he finally said, “Actually, it is Hall Down Yun who is concerned about the Marquis’s daily life, so she asked me to send these people over.” Upon hearing the three words “Hall Down Yun,” Jiang Wang immediately felt relieved.

Such a good woman as Yun Yun, what bad intentions could she possibly have?

“Ah, so that’s it.” He smiled radiantly. “Then I shall humbly accept.” He then turned to the row of women before him and said, “I hope you can get used to living in Qi.” The nine beauties, of course, actively expressed their assent, some demure, some playful, some laughing, some seductive, making Yu Wen Duo’s heart grow increasingly bitter.

Jiang Wang waved his hand, instructing the guards to escort the beauties and make arrangements. The Min He Temple had ample space; it could accommodate the two hundred soldiers of the Tian Fu army, and adding nine beauties posed no problem.

“Hall Down Yun truly values the Marquis highly.” As soon as the singing and dancing girls left, Yu Wen Duo eagerly began to sow discord. “In comparison, Hall Down Zhao Tu may not be as sincere towards the Marquis. He sent you a horse this morning, and this afternoon he’s already gone to watch a play with Huang Bu Dong!”

“Oh?” Jiang Wang’s interest was piqued. “Has Huang Bu Dong of Qin also arrived?”

Yu Wen Duo ground his teeth in frustration.

Was the key point Huang Bu Dong?

He couldn’t help but ask, “Is Brother Jiang interested in this person?”

Jiang Wang answered honestly, “Ji Zhao Nan of Great Qi, Cang Ming of Mu country, Huang Bu Dong of Qin country, Ye Lan Er of Chu country, Murong Long Qie of Jing country – in Dao Li Three Nine One Nine, they were the strongest heaven’s pride of the younger generation. The biggest regret I had back then was being unable to witness their strength at the Yellow River Meeting, leaving me ignorant of the heights they reached. Only Ji Zhao Nan had a single bout, and even that was like a dragonfly skimming water, unsatisfying.”

Yu Wen Duo regarded him with renewed solemnity. Marquis Wu An possessed a fighting spirit!

And what was truly terrifying was… he didn’t feel anything was amiss.

Thinking carefully, how many years had passed?

The former leader of the inner mansion realm was now actually qualified to contend with those god-descending realm heaven’s pride of that era.

Without distinguishing inner mansion, outer building, age, or adding any prerequisites, a direct comparison!

He had always known the distance between himself and the absolute top heaven’s pride. Ru Cheng Yai, who was perfect in his eyes like a divine child, had repeatedly reminded him of this.

But it was only by truly sitting down and reflecting like this that he was shocked to realize that he seemed to be living in a completely different world from those individuals.

Although he had only recently cultivated more after visiting God En Temple, he had cultivated diligently as usual. How had the gap widened so much?

“The Marquis specifically mentioned that year, then…” Yu Wen Duo said, “In Dao Li Three Nine Two One, who is the strongest heaven’s pride of the younger generation?”

Jiang Wang answered with a serious face, “With Li Yi Yi’s emergence, the myriad stars fade.”

“Besides that?” Yu Wen Duo asked again.

This time, Jiang Wang did not answer, only saying, “Brother Yu Wen’s visit today is perfect. Please lead the way and take me somewhere!”

As a first-rate theatrical troupe within the highest Wang Court, the performance of Yuan Hua Ling was naturally exquisite.

In the Ming Luan Perform Building, the Qin country envoy’s attendants, several guards, were all watching with relish.

Seated in the VIP box, Huang Bu Dong’s listless old man face flickered between light and shadow.

Ying Zi Yu, a descendant of Great Qin’s imperial family, Emperor Qin Huai, was now in Mu country, under the protection of Great Mu’s Imperial Princess, He Lian Yun Yun, and had integrated into Mu country’s officialdom. He had performed outstandingly during the Jing-Mu War, repeatedly achieving merit. After the war, he had even entered E Er De Mi directly under the special decree of the female emperor and had not emerged since.

Mu country’s E Er De Mi was analogous to Qi’s Ji Xia Academy and Qin’s A Fang Palace – a place of great significance.

Ying Zi Yu being allowed to cultivate there for so long held a strong political meaning, causing considerable dissatisfaction among the people of Qin country.

Today’s Son of Heaven of Qin, Ying, having won the River Valley War, was at his zenith. His position was naturally stable, the world was united, and with both military and political power in his hands, no one could shake him. His several princes and princesses were also exceptionally talented, ensuring capable successors.

A descendant of Emperor Huai could not stir up any significant waves on his own.

But when this orthodox descendant of Qin’s emperor fell into the hands of another dominant country, Qin country had to face the worst possible scenario.

How did Emperor Wu of Qi restore his country that year? Under whose support did he win? How many such instances were there in history?

Ying Zi Yu, who became famous at the Watch River Terrace and shocked the world by drawing the Tian Zi Sword, now represented Mu country in the competitive arena and had formally joined the Mu country system. Thus, Zhen Yu Si’s secret pursuit of him could no longer succeed.

The Ten Great Si Yu Chang of Zhen Yu Si, though their names were renowned, would not even cause a ripple if thrown onto the grasslands.

As contemporary dominant countries, Mu country dared to confront even Jing country fiercely, and had even proactively launched a war. Why would they care about a national letter from Qin country?

After the Yellow River Meeting, Qin country had several private contacts with Mu country. But without exception, Mu country firmly refused to trade Ying Zi Yu and showed no inclination to negotiate. The key figure in this stance was none other than Hall Down He Lian Yun Yun.

Huang Bu Dong was originally unwilling to bother with these matters.

Being an envoy was the most troublesome task. Every word and action was scrutinized. Even a yawn could damage the country’s image and lead to impeachment by the imperial censor… Since the Qi country envoy was Jiang Wang, wouldn’t it have been more fitting to send Qin Zhi Zhen? If Qin Zhi Zhen was unavailable, sending Gan Chang An would also have been acceptable.

“Eight-year-old Chang An” – what kind of genius was that? Sending him abroad would demonstrate their strength.

As a result, those old men kept saying that Qin Zhi Zhen had lost to Jiang Wang and Gan Chang An had lost to Chong Xuan Zun, causing them to lower their heads. Finally, they pointed at him—

You send a big, round person to compete with someone of the same age, and you won’t have to lower your head?

He didn’t understand.

But he had to harden his resolve and set out.

For Qin country, Ying Zi Yu was a thorn in their side. Currently, he posed no major obstacle.

Perhaps he didn’t cause much pain, and couldn’t even be called a “threat.” But if he was always ignored, there was a chance it could lead to widespread decay. A great country, a land of ten thousand li, naturally needed to prevent disasters before they occurred.

For He Lian Zhao Tu, Ying Zi Yu’s talent had already been showcased at the Watch River Terrace, and he had been even more outstanding during the great Jing-Mu war. He was undoubtedly the sharpest young person on He Lian Yun Yun’s side, akin to a swift blade in her hand.

In Huang Bu Dong’s view, there was a basis for cooperation between the two sides.

So, he naturally wanted to clearly support He Lian Zhao Tu.

Even his support for He Lian Zhao Tu could be used as a bargaining chip to probe He Lian Yun Yun’s attitude—of course, this Great Mu Imperial Princess’s attitude was already very clear, leaving no room for maneuver.

Coming to the grasslands this time, he wanted to gain a clear understanding of the situation on the grasslands and gather as much intelligence as possible. He also wanted to socialize with envoys from various countries, simultaneously expressing Qin country’s will and understanding the attitudes of other countries. Every word and action must not lose Qin country’s dignity, and more importantly, he needed to find a way to bring Ying Zi Yu back to Xian Yang…

Worrying about too many things would make one age quickly.

Huang Bu Dong, before becoming god-descending, had profound experience in this regard.

Thinking of this, he felt even more sorrowful.

On stage, they were performing a play about the Red Evil Tiger and White Rose Fox. The singing was desolate and romantic, easily immersing people in the scene. It was said that this play was adapted from the story of Emperor Mu Huan, containing many elements, but the characters were highly relatable.

He Lian Zhao Tu watched the stage and spoke softly, “Why does Mister Huang look so sorrowful? Is this play not to your liking?”

Huang Bu Dong replied, “The play itself is excellent, but I have many things that make me sorrowful. For instance, I am clearly in my prime, yet everyone calls me ‘Mister’.” He Lian Zhao Tu laughed, “Mister Huang is very humorous.”

Huang Bu Dong sighed, “But my personal sorrow is nothing. I am concerned for the friendship between Qin and Mu! The relations between our two countries have existed for many years, though sometimes distant and sometimes close. Once a rift is formed, it is difficult to heal. Alas.”

“How do you say this?” He Lian Zhao Tu asked.

“Dare I ask Hall Down,” Huang Bu Dong said, “if Princess Yun Yun were to reside in Xian Yang and not return for a long time, would Hall Down miss her?”

“That joke is not very funny,” He Lian Zhao Tu said.

Huang Bu Dong said, “Just a casual metaphor, forgive my rudeness… But this situation is equally regrettable. An emperor’s descendant wandering abroad, how can it not worry the people of the country and make the clan elders hang their hearts? My emperor sometimes thinks of this and cannot help but sigh. My heart is heavy; it is a minister’s concern for his monarch!”

He Lian Zhao Tu was unmoved. “The descendant of the original Emperor Huai still counts as an imperial descendant?”

Huang Bu Dong said generously, “My country’s Son of Heaven personally acknowledged him at the Watch River Terrace, how can he not count? If Ying Zi Yu were to return to the country, he could even be an imperial heir. Emperor Huai had no virtue in the past, thus losing his reign. But his child is innocent, why harm later generations? My Great Qin’s Son of Heaven reigns over the six directions and looks upon a state of ten thousand years; he can certainly accommodate the bloodline of Emperor Huai as a king.”

He Lian Zhao Tu only smiled. “Xian Yang has such goodness. Listening to this, this person should indeed return.”

In Huang Bu Dong’s view,

Mu country, having lost the Jing-Mu War, needed strong support. Bringing up the matter of Ying Zi Yu again should be natural. It was simply a matter of give and take, a few rounds of negotiation, and agreeing on a suitable price.

After a pause, he continued, “When I set out as an envoy this time, at Ba Bridge, an old man blocked my carriage and asked me very seriously, ‘What is Mu country? Is it an enemy of my Great Qin? Why do you forcibly detain an imperial descendant, actually teaching this wanderer not to return home?’ To be frank, Hall Down, I truly did not know how to answer.”

“This word ‘detain,’ I truly do not know how to explain,” He Lian Zhao Tu frowned. “There are no prohibitions or shackles, he is free to come and go as he wishes, all by his own will. How can you say ‘detain’?” Huang Bu Dong said, “Hall Down aspires to a high position, and your art of governing people is certainly profound. You should know that people’s hearts are foolish and prone to self-deception. They need to be guided, to be governed, then they become living water, then they become a vast current! Ying Zi Yu is still very young; he doesn’t understand many things. His free will is not necessarily truly free, because he doesn’t have enough understanding of this world. He still doesn’t understand what is correct. He needs guidance from a famous teacher and teaching from elders.”

He Lian Zhao Tu said, “It seems your esteemed country is very confident in establishing correct cognition for this person.”

“Correct cognition certainly includes being friendly with Mu country,” Huang Bu Dong turned his head and looked at He Lian Zhao Tu. “If the wanderer is allowed to return home and the emperor’s blood enters Xian Yang, then Qin and Mu will cultivate eternal goodwill. Is this not a joyful matter?”

He Lian Zhao Tu laughed. “I believe the friendship between Qin and Mu will not be influenced by some insignificant matters… Very well, I invited Mister Huang here today to watch the play. Let the mountain wind and bright moon not affect your enjoyment of the performance.”

Huang Bu Dong pointed at the stage and said, “The fox in the play is also waiting for someone to return.”

Seeing his persistence, He Lian Zhao Tu smiled, his tone becoming more serious. “Anyone who enters Mu country can be a person of Mu. Regardless of whether he was originally a beggar, a commoner, a duke, a marquis, or even a prince. Mister Huang speaks in a complex manner, but your question, to me, is only one question—will Mu country abandon a brave person who fought for the country?”

Huang Bu Dong was silent for a while, then turned his head back to the stage and only said, “The play is very good.”

But listening to the singing on the stage, the voice sang—

“My love, my love, do you know, what inspired my poem? I do not know if my love’s heart will return, the rain knocks on the tent late into the night…”

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