Discussions about children naturally led to many topics.
Especially the Emperor and Empress of Dingbei Liao, they were very similar to Zhao Jiaqi's couple. Their families were harmonious, and they spoke very casually.
Baili Kaien, standing to the side, felt deeply frustrated. He watched them chat animatedly while he was left out, his expression growing increasingly sullen.
So, the moment he spoke, he immediately interrupted them: "I say, the children are still missing. Can't you be serious? Finding the children is the priority!"
Oh, he finally spoke, Zhao Jiaqi mused, wondering when he would be unable to hold back any longer. She hadn't expected it to be so soon.
Since the other party was getting anxious, she couldn't stall any further. She told him the latest situation of the children. Upon learning that the children were in Purple Crystal Town, Baili Kaien was so excited that he immediately got up, ready to go find them.
"Then what are we waiting for? Let's go find them!" He was in such a hurry, it was as if he wished he could sprout wings and fly there.
The moment he stood up, his eyes swept over the three of them. He noticed that no one was cooperating with him, which made him suspect that perhaps only his son was missing, and the children from the other two families were not.
Zhao Jiaqi looked at him calmly, her cold eyes devoid of any ripples. She said, "Emperor Xuanyuan, I have already sent people to search. If you are not at ease, you are welcome to send your own people. However, I advise you to reconsider your actions!"
Helian Zhicheng also felt that sending more people to search would be futile. After all, within the inner city, outsiders would not be able to stir up trouble easily. Therefore, the thousand soldiers he brought were arranged elsewhere, and could be deployed if needed.
He stood up and faced Baili Kaien, saying, "Let's remain calm. Princess Yumeng, my son is with your son. And the latest news reports that they are safe. There is no mistake about this. If the Princess were to deceive us with such matters, she might gain temporary benefits, but in the long run, it would be disadvantageous to her!"
Helian Zhicheng spoke at length, his meaning very clear.
First, deception might work for a while, but not forever.
Second, if they were deceived, the consequences would undoubtedly be a joint assault, and the inner city would surely suffer.
This was undoubtedly a show of strength and a warning to Zhao Jiaqi.
However, Zhao Jiaqi was not easily intimidated, nor had she grown up under threats. She was not afraid of their threats.
She stood up, walked over, and looked directly into the eyes of the two emperors, speaking calmly: "It is possible that saying your sons are safe is a deception. However, your sons' guards are also with the Prince searching. You can privately inquire with them. If what I say does not align with the information you receive, then you may do as you please to pursue, threaten, or intimidate me, and I will accept it."
After speaking, she smiled faintly and looked up at the blue sky outside the window, saying softly, "For now, I can only say the children are safe. But facing the assassins who are pursuing them, the future is uncertain."
"Let me be upfront. If anything were to happen to the children, it would be beyond our control. At that time, you may seek revenge however you wish, and I will accept it."
Her words made their expressions turn solemn again.
Then, Zhao Jiaqi continued, "Whether you attack us jointly or disperse and attack my inner city, no matter what you do in the future, I can guarantee that during your stay in the inner city, your safety will be no problem. I can even send people to escort you back to your country. As for what happens later, that is another matter."
The ultimate outcome could be described in four words.
The winner takes all.
After she finished speaking, Helian Zhicheng and Baili Kaien exchanged glances. Despite their dissatisfaction, they did not vent their anger, as what she said was the truth.
Until the children were seen returning, anything could happen. They had only themselves to blame for those assassins. If not for their appearance, the children might be safe right now.
Furthermore, this incident occurred at the border between Zongsheng Country and the inner city, not within the inner city itself. It would be unreasonable to deliberately blame the inner city.
Especially since their own sons had voluntarily jumped off the cliff to save others, they could not be blamed for this.
Helian Zhicheng was relatively rational. His sole focus now was on rescuing his son. However, seeing Zhao Jiaqi's unconcerned demeanor, his suspicion gradually grew.
Could it be that Princess Yumeng was truly fine, and it was his own "Koi Prince" and Crown Prince Baili who had met with an accident?
But then he thought again, that wasn't right. The messenger sent by his son's guard had reported that his son was alive and safe.
However, it hadn't mentioned anything about being in Purple Crystal Town. Could there be some unspeakable matter here?
Realizing this, he immediately turned and asked Zhao Jiaqi, "Princess, can you tell me the Prince's plan? I am asking this as a father, and it has nothing to do with other matters."
Talking to intelligent people was incredibly satisfying; a hint was all that was needed for them to understand. Talking to a stubborn blockhead... Zhao Jiaqi glanced at Emperor Xuanyuan and shook her head imperceptibly.
She looked at Helian Zhicheng and said, "The Prince's intention is to capture all the assassins and then bring the children back."
Speaking of this, Helian Zhicheng was silent for a moment, then felt that the Prince's plan was sound.
Although it was a bit risky, the assassins were always an uncertain factor. As long as this factor was eliminated, the children would be safe in the future.
"I support it. I have brought a thousand elite soldiers. Do you want to send them to assist the Prince?"
Baili Kaien, unwilling to be outdone, chimed in, "I've also brought a thousand, each capable of fighting ten men."
Hearing this, Zhao Jiaqi's face twitched slightly. Each capable of fighting ten men?
And the other was elite soldiers?
It seemed that those outside were also skilled individuals. This was a reconnaissance mission; if the results were favorable, they would retreat.
If the results were unfavorable, they would engage in battle on the spot!
Zhao Jiaqi raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Certainly, I have no objections."
Seeing smiles appear on their faces, she added, "This search for them involves people from Zongsheng Country, as well as people from the inner city, and in addition to your two countries' people. I believe we will be able to bring the children back safely soon."
Helian Zhicheng and Baili Kaien both knew that Zongsheng Country was involved this time. However, Zhao Jiaqi's statement at this moment was clearly pointing out something to them.
Zongsheng Country and the inner city were in league. Even if their two countries joined forces, the inner city would not be afraid.
Helian Zhicheng had to admit that the Princess of the inner city was not empty-headed, and her courage was also greater than that of ordinary people. If she were a man with greater ambition, she would likely conquer the world sooner rather than later.
The three parties, each with their own hidden agendas, were thinking about their own matters. To expect genuine trust would be pure fantasy.
They were merely maintaining appearances. Matters unrelated to politics could be discussed and enjoyed, but as soon as politics were involved, they became mutually antagonistic.