"Princess, what did Nan Shiying mean by that?"
Leaving the King's mansion's tent, Baolan asked with confusion, "What did she mean?" The other party had not clarified what she wanted their princess to do until the very end. Could she truly be helping out of goodwill?
"What did she mean?"
Princess Hui’an gave a cold laugh, wondering what Ji Hong had been thinking to let Ji Jinmo marry a wife with such cunning. Ji Hong's reign on the throne was truly precarious.
"To contain Da Li!"
"What?"
Baolan blinked, not understanding.
"The current Lin Yuan is plagued by internal strife, with the court officials divided. Furthermore, forces like Xiliang and Miaojiang lie in wait in the shadows, coveting our land. In contrast, although Da Li also experiences royal infighting and internal struggles, with a foolish king and incompetent officials, the current situation is actually better than Lin Yuan's."
"Now that Minister Qin has died in Lin Yuan, it is bound to ignite disputes between Da Li and Lin Yuan. If the situation escalates uncontrollably, Lin Yuan might collapse before Da Li, which would then benefit Xiliang and Miaojiang."
"But if you send me back," Princess Hui'an paused, "with the power struggles and the poisoning by relatives, I must turn Da Li upside down. Then, Da Li will have no time to deal with Lin Yuan, and they will not truly go to war with Lin Yuan." Nan Shiying was betting that she would indeed initiate a power struggle. She disliked Nan Shiying's calm, indifferent, yet assured demeanor, but she had to admit that if she returned to Da Li, the first thing she would do was seize power. Only by ending the internal strife and rectifying the court could Da Li truly become strong. At that time, if Lin Yuan was still in such a chaotic state, it would be Da Li's best opportunity to invade Lin Yuan. However, at this moment, rather than opposing Lin Yuan, they should be eradicating the remnants of Xiliang and Miaojiang.
"How about going back?" Baolan pressed.
Princess Hui'an did not answer. Baolan watched her retreating back, her eyes flickering with unspoken thoughts.
"Princess!"
Back in the tent, the Da Li envoy hurried forward, a worried expression on his face. "The death of Minister Qin this time is quite strange. If Lin Yuan..."
"Lord Wang, please rest assured. Our Da Li is not a subordinate small country to Lin Yuan, nor is it Java. Minister Qin is dead, and there is still room for maneuver. But if something happens to this princess, then Lin Yuan and Da Li will have an irreconcilable feud. At present, it is not us who should be worried, but Lin Yuan. Ji Hong is probably more concerned about my safety than you are."
As she spoke, the sound of footsteps echoed from outside the tent. The footsteps were neat and powerful, clearly belonging to a well-trained troop of soldiers.
"Princess, we are here under the Emperor's orders to protect you!"
"See!" Princess Hui’an smiled slightly at Lord Wang and then shouted towards the outside, "Thank you, generals. I hope you will convey my gratitude to the Emperor."
"You are too kind, Princess. We will certainly convey your gratitude," the soldiers outside replied loudly.
...
Everyone quickly packed their belongings. Those who had arrived in high spirits now wore somber expressions. Following the carriages were flatbed carts, carrying not goods, but bodies covered in white cloth. The bodies were to be transported back to the capital for burial and absolution.
The procession was grand. They set off in the afternoon and traveled at a rapid pace, returning to the capital by the hour of the酉. The deputy commander of the Imperial Guard had already returned to the capital and, with several hundred Imperial Guards, was waiting at the city gate to welcome the imperial carriage.
The citizens of the capital soon heard about the assassination incident at the hunting grounds, and rumors began to spread. Although it was unclear who was responsible, a theory suddenly emerged: the assassination was orchestrated by the Regent, Ji Jinmo. Nan Shiying heard this and could not help but scoff repeatedly. Were they afraid that their King's mansion would not be able to find the mastermind? She had just been wondering where to start, and now someone had delivered such a gift. The Xuan Guards and Shadow Guards were dispatched together to investigate the source of the rumors.
...
The news of the death of Chief Envoy Qin quickly reached Da Li and the ears of the Da Li Emperor. In the imperial court, officials were indignant upon hearing the news. The Da Li Emperor closed his eyes slightly, leaning on the dragon throne in a feigned slumber, completely ignoring the clamoring officials. He allowed the warmongers and appeasers to bicker, their arguments escalating from stating their personal opinions to cursing each other's ancestors. The princes stood to the side, heads bowed, none daring to join the fray at this moment. Minister Qin's death was an event, but not a major one. If the warmongers wanted to use this incident to launch a war against Lin Yuan, it would be absolutely impossible, unless... their ambitious sister (or cousin) died. However, even if all the Da Li envoys died in Lin Yuan, she might not necessarily die.
"Enough!"
Just as the officials' noisy arguments threatened to shake the very beams of the hall, the Da Li Emperor, who had remained silent, finally spoke. The ministers, hearing the Emperor's reprimand, did not immediately fall silent, but the clamor subsided considerably. The Grand General and the wise ministers continued to argue.
"Wage war? Do you military men not know the current situation of Da Li? Since the Imperial Army was completely defeated by that damned Ji Jinmo, how much fighting strength is left? Da Li's most pressing need now is to recuperate, stock up on troops, and raise horses. To engage in war with Lin Yuan at this time? What, were your brains kicked by a donkey when you were riding horses?"
This wording, "brains kicked by a donkey," was tantamount to saying they were brainless and mistook donkeys for horses. These civil officials were so sarcastic even when they cursed. The military men retorted no less vehemently, shouting, "Bullshit! You paper-pushing weaklings who only know how to strategize on paper, all you do is flap your mouths. What recuperation? What stocking up on troops and raising horses? I think you are all just cowardly and afraid of death! You sent Princess Hui’an to Lin Yuan, but what was the result? They still haven't decided on a candidate to marry our princess. Princess Hui’an, so gentle and intelligent, has been so neglected by these despicable Lin Yuan people. Is this the achievement of your appeasement faction? Bah! I say, let's take advantage of Lin Yuan's unpreparedness and directly lead our troops to attack Mo City. I don't believe Ji Jinmo will leave the capital to defend the border now."
Ji Jinmo and Ji Hong were currently tearing each other apart, so how could they easily leave the capital? This was the opportune moment for Da Li to raise troops. If they missed this chance, and after Ji Hong and Ji Jinmo decisively concluded their struggle, and Lin Yuan consolidated its power, would Da Li still have a chance to reclaim Mo City? Did these civil officials who only sought survival understand the concept of anticipating the enemy's moves? A bunch of useless trash who could do nothing but cause trouble!
"You don't believe it? Your disbelief means that Ji Jinmo won't lead the Demon Hunting Army to launch a surprise attack? If you dare guarantee now that Ji Jinmo will not lead his troops after taking Mo City, then I will agree to let you lead the troops to take Mo City."
"I..." The military man's heart leaped with joy, and he was about to guarantee when he heard the old cronies continue, "If he comes, I will make your entire family pay the price."
Damn it!