Chapter 90 |
Emperor Chongzhao's heart tightened. He took two or three quick steps to the bedside, sat down, and grasped his son's chubby little wrist. "Are you feeling unwell somewhere?"
Qu Dubian started whining and complaining, gesturing and exaggerating the story.
"Father! You have no idea how despicable Duke Lu looked at the time. He bullied me and mocked me, didn't take me seriously at all. He also bullied a very pretty young girl, saying that since he bought the people of Great Zhou, they were his to treat however he pleased..."
Even though Emperor Chongzhao already knew the whole story, seeing his youngest son complaining to him so aggrievedly still made his anger flare up.
"I couldn't stand it anymore right then! My Imperial Father is the sovereign of Great Zhou, I am a prince, so by extension, the people of Great Zhou are our family. If we let him bully them, where would our dignity be?"
"So right then I threw a left hook! Then a right hook! A sweeping leg! I pounded him to the ground. But alas, the opponent was also highly skilled in martial arts and had a weapon, while I was unarmed. In the end, I narrowly lost!"
He sighed with great regret, then little tears welled up in his eyes as he raised his hand. "Father, they really bullied me too much."
"..." The corner of Emperor Chongzhao's mouth twitched slightly.
The first part made some sense, but the later part... there was no such intense fight.
Forget it. Children care about face; he probably couldn't accept being knocked down by just a push.
Right now, he needed to stroke his fur the right way.
"Yes, it was truly outrageous. My son showed great bravery and martial prowess, which greatly comforts my heart. That utterly disrespectful Duke Lu, I have already punished him severely."
Qu Dubian leaned in, clinging to him and not letting go.
"Father, do I get a reward? That Thousand-Warmth Incense, Gold-Sinking Inkstone, Jadeite Bodhi Bead Bracelet, Dragon-and-Phoenix Filigree Fan from your place..."
His tone grew increasingly covetous.
Emperor Chongzhao was torn between laughter and tears. "Is that all the ambition you have!"
"My ambition is huge," Qu Dubian waved his fist. "I am the first prince in the imperial family to open his dantian! Imperial Father, you might not even be able to beat me."
Emperor Chongzhao: "It seems you have cultivated some real skill."
He wasn't too concerned about Qu Dubian opening his dantian. Without talent and perseverance, this ability only meant being a bit stronger than ordinary people, with no other special qualities.
In his view, from a position where one could command hundreds and summon the realm's top experts as guards, it was unprofessional for imperial offspring to spend time delving into and practicing internal cultivation techniques.
Moreover, if vital energy rushes the dantian recklessly, one could easily become crippled.
He didn't want to see his children ruined by this.
Emperor Chongzhao: "This time you were lucky to get through the danger safely. But remember well, from now on, be careful when practicing martial arts. Otherwise, I will definitely have people watch you to stop you from continuing."
Old man.
He would indeed say something like that.
But still, it was good. From now on, his possession of vital energy was officially acknowledged. No one would say anything if he became engrossed in martial arts practice later.
Qu Dubian: "Okay, okay, all good. Imperial Father, how did you punish Duke Lu?"
He guessed his vomiting blood and fainting would aid Great Zhou's negotiations. However, Duke Lu was, after all, an envoy and a royal relative; he certainly couldn't be executed.
Emperor Chongzhao smiled slightly and patted his head. "You're still too young. The intricacies of such matters aren't convenient to discuss with you."
He then pinched his wrist.
"Three days unconscious, you've gotten thinner from hunger. I'll have the Imperial Kitchen prepare special meals for you these next few days to build you back up properly."
"Alright," Qu Dubian replied thoughtfully.
His cheap father was visibly in a good mood. How many good things had he managed to extort from Nanning using this opportunity?
A moment later, he suddenly realized something and was heartbroken.
Oh no! His consecutive check-in streak was broken!!!
-
Great Prince's Residence.
The Great Prince was sulking in anger.
"If it weren't for Little Seven's coincidence this time, could Third Brother have negotiated this matter? What's he secretly gloating about? Seeing his face puts me in a bad mood."
Great Princess Consort Shu Wenxin said, "Still, Your Highness shouldn't have shown it in court."
"After all, he was the one negotiating. Now that it's settled, it's only right for His Majesty to reward him somewhat."
Great Prince: "Father should be rewarding Little Seven!"
Shu Wenxin: "Your Highness, don't be angry. There will be plenty of time ahead; just wait patiently for opportunities. You are His Majesty's eldest son, your status in His Majesty's heart is surely different. If you lose your composure over this and Third Prince seizes the chance to complain, wouldn't you risk displeasing His Majesty?"
Great Prince: "What you say is right, but I'm just feeling stifled."
Shu Wenxin smiled and changed the subject: "We can invite Seventh Prince to our home for a visit later. I have a few signature dishes."
Seventh Prince was a worthwhile target to win over. Third Prince surely thought the same. Moreover, Seventh Prince was still young and his disposition not yet fixed, making it a good opportunity to build goodwill in advance.
"Does Your Highness understand?" Shu Wenxin felt she had explained quite clearly. Her husband had ambitions for the heir position, and she was an absolutely supportive helpmate who would never hold him back.
Great Prince nodded: "Understood. Little Seven loves to eat, I know."
A long pause followed, with no further comment.
Shu Wenxin: "...And?"
Great Prince was puzzled: "And what?"
Shu Wenxin took a deep breath. A few seconds later, she reached out and pinched the soft flesh at the Great Prince's waist. Amid his pained yelp, she smiled slightly and said:
"Let me explain it to you in more detail."
-
Another three days passed.
Qu Dubian bargained with the simulator and finally, on the grounds of special circumstances, spent 1 lifespan point to snag five make-up check-in cards, fixing his attendance streak.
During this time, he received get-well gifts from the Great Prince, Second Prince, and Third Prince respectively.
Among them, the Great Prince and Third Prince gave rare curios that looked immensely valuable at first glance, while Second Prince's gift was a standard get-well present.
He roughly understood the intentions of these three elder brothers. He accepted the gifts and picked three unobjectionable items to send back in return.
Only after repeatedly assuring everyone he was truly fine and even demonstrating by performing several sets of fist techniques on the spot was Qu Dubian allowed to return to the academy.
At the academy, he couldn't avoid another round of solicitous inquiries from the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Princes.
After classes, evading the affectionate concern of his fourth and fifth brothers, he asked them to give their gifts to Zhiyi. Then, using the excuse of working hard to catch up, he for the first time proactively pulled Grand Tutor Fang to a side hall for a supplementary lesson.
Grand Tutor Fang: "No hurry, no hurry."
"You've just recovered. Here, have some tea."
Qu Dubian held the teacup to warm his hands.
Grand Tutor Fang then recounted the full picture of the recent negotiations between Nanning and Great Zhou: "This time, you inadvertently countered a clumsy scheme from Nanning."
Qu Dubian understood and was shocked: "Someone was trying a setup!"
Grand Tutor Fang: "It was Nanning's Second Prince. During the very first negotiation session, he made himself fall and bleed from the back of his head."
A ruthless man.
Qu Dubian thought silently.
Grand Tutor Fang shook his head with a smile: "The scheme was clumsy. Both sides knew it clearly, but that's precisely what made it tricky. Great Zhou still cares about saving face. His Majesty was already prepared to remove two cities from the negotiation table when you provided an excellent handle."
"This negotiation has resulted in the Great Zhou reclaiming a total of eighteen cities, at least four of which are credited to your efforts. The reparations in silver have been doubled from the original amount, totaling two million taels of silver, along with a quantity of gold, silk, and jewels."
"Though compared to the cities, the latter items are practically just throw-ins."
Qu Dubian said cheerfully, "That Prince Yuruo must utterly despise me now."
Grand Tutor Fang replied, "Who knows? It's not even certain he can return."
"This second prince of Nanning is quite capable, yet he lacks favor. His mother is from the Northern Frontier, without even a formal consort rank. Born to a servant, his life has been difficult. If there are future conflicts between Nanning and Great Zhou, he would be the first to be executed as a sacrificial offering before battle."
Qu Dubian said, "Though ruthless, his actions were also to spare his own people suffering. I rather admire his willingness to be so severe, even with himself."
In contrast, if Nanning were full of people like Duke Lu, it would be a wonder if the kingdom didn't fall.
Grand Tutor Fang nodded, "However, our positions are naturally opposed. He is destined to stand on the opposite side."
"Now the negotiations are concluded, the treaty is signed, and the Nanning envoys have already departed. In a few days, once things settle, the New Year festival will be upon us. His Majesty will undoubtedly host a banquet for him then."
Qu Dubian stroked his chin.
Such a hostage prince, if he were to grow and later return to Nanning, would surely become a formidable opponent for Great Zhou.
The question is, whether he'd be an opponent for his 'cheap father' or for one of his elder brothers.
Qu Dubian said, "I rather look forward to meeting him."
-
Outskirts of the capital.
Duke Lu had visibly shrunk a full size.
He bore no physical wounds—Great Zhou wouldn't let itself fall into the same trap twice—but there are many ways to torment a man. He now appeared dazed, his spirit having endured severe devastation.
He couldn't even ride a horse, lying in the carriage like a dead pig.
Yuruo stood nearby, bidding farewell to the officials in the envoy party. Behind him, Great Zhou soldiers followed closely.
From this moment on, he would have no more freedom to speak of.
Yuruo's expression was cold. "Go back and tell the Empress and His Majesty that since they are now aware of every single thing Duke Lu has done in Great Zhou, they should consider how to deal with him."
The envoy wiped his sweat. "Yes."
Yuruo continued, "Can his one life possibly compensate for what Nanning has lost?"
The carriage curtain was pulled aside a crack. Duke Lu's gloomy face peered out from within, looking like a ghost.
"Enough talk! Hurry and leave! Nanning is not for you to criticize."
Yuruo gave a faint smile. "I hope the Duke can remain as carefree as ever upon his return." He turned his head back to the envoy. "Also tell His Majesty that during the days the Duke was detained, he conversed quite amiably with Great Zhou, toasting back and forth. He may have divulged many interesting little stories. They should question him thoroughly upon his return."
"Preferably by detaining him again for the questioning."
The Great Zhou soldiers exchanged glances.
Is this how all you Nanning people talk—laced with barbs and sarcasm? It's entertaining to watch. Great Zhou approves; please keep it up.
Finally, their exchange concluded, and Great Zhou saw off Nanning.
The Vice Minister of Rites, tears in his eyes, bid a reluctant farewell: "Duke Lu! You must take good care of yourself! Nanning cannot afford to lose a talent like you!"
You must live to a ripe old age, so you can keep gifting land to Great Zhou, the more the better!
The Nanning envoys' faces turned ashen, nauseated by the other's cloyingly sweet tone.
They led their newly exchanged carriages and left the Great Zhou capital without a backward glance.
Heading south.
After traveling over a hundred li.
The envoy party stopped for a brief rest.
Duke Lu got down to drink some water, trying to ease his nausea from the carriage ride.
However, as soon as he sat down and raised the water bowl, a cluster of sharp arrows shot from the distance. With a thwack!, one shattered the bowl in his hands, then embedded itself firmly into the carriage body.
"Whoa—"
The horses startled, growing slightly restless.
"Assassins! Assassins!" Duke Lu screamed in panic, scrambling and crawling back into the carriage. "Go! Hurry, go!"
"Protect the Duke!"
The guards closed ranks tightly, shielding both sides of the carriage as it sped away. The envoy party quickly accelerated, fearing the assassins would give chase.
In the distance.
Beside an ancient tree.
A young man seated in a wheelchair slowly lowered his bow.
Xu Tingfeng asked, "Are the men positioned along the route?"
Xue Letian replied, "Rest assured, all set. We don't have many skilled hands at our disposal, but their loyalty is certain. One every fifty li. It's secure."
Xu Tingfeng said calmly, "We can't kill him outright just yet. Let him have a taste of what it's like to live in constant fear, unable to sleep at night."
This man really is protective to the point of holding grudges and seeking revenge.
Xue Letian shrugged with a smile. "Alright, alright. Consider it collecting a bit of interest for our nephew. Let's hope his nerves are strong enough not to be driven mad by fright along the journey; otherwise, it wouldn't be as fun. That shot of yours just now was impressive, your aim hasn't diminished from the old days."
Xu Tingfeng shook his head with a faint smile, looking at his own hands. "Confined to this wheelchair for years, the true energy within me lingers for shorter and shorter periods." One day, he would even lose the martial prowess he once took pride in.
"Look on the bright side."
Xue Letian pushed Xu Tingfeng's wheelchair back the way they came, offering casual comfort.
"You never know, a turning point might come soon."