novelraw Chapter 807 - 785: Mudan City
Chapter 807 - 785: Mudan City
Han Ziqi was not afraid of Fang Chuning’s unpleasant expression. Indeed, he had no evidence, but he dared to say such things without fear of what Fang Chuning or Xie Jue might say. He was a rogue in matters of the heart and had seen all kinds of tactics. Even if there was a good relationship between brothers, it wouldn’t be this good. He also knew that Beining was very sensitive to such matters, and among the high and noble clans, this would be a scandal. However, in Sannan, it was much more tolerated, and once Xie Jue ascended the throne, as long as he could persuade the High Priest, no one could stop him from doing what he wanted.
Han Ziqi said, "General Fang, it was my slip of the tongue, do not be angry. If there was anything abrupt, I sincerely apologize, but I mean no harm to my cousin or to you. Please believe that."
"If the Princely Heir comes with such ambiguous matters to discuss, then there’s nothing to talk about. Take care on your way out, I won’t see you off." Xie Jue issued the order to leave, unwilling to be further involved with him.
Han Ziqi didn’t persist, for Fang Chuning and Xie Jue would never admit such a thing unless caught in the act. Besides, it was their private affair, and he only brought it up as a bargaining chip for Xie Jue staying in Sannan. He didn’t believe Xie Jue hadn’t thought of it at all.
He also understood the fiefdoms of Beining’s princes, and Sannan was equivalent to the fiefdoms of six princes—wealthy, powerful, and autonomous. If Xie Jue wanted to be independent, Sannan was the best choice. Comparing hearts, if he were the elder brother, would he willingly submit to his younger brother, allowing his descendants to be inferior? Han Ziqi had competed with his brothers since childhood and couldn’t be so noble. He believed Xie Jue couldn’t either!
If they truly wanted to retire to the countryside for peaceful living, they wouldn’t have rebelled in the past, and Xie Xun wouldn’t have ascended the throne.
After Han Ziqi left, Fang Chuning sat next to Xie Jue and said softly, "Han Ziqi’s attitude likely reflects the King of Sannan’s intention. He would rather hand over Sannan to you than surrender. It seems peace talks will require some persuasion."
"Not everyone in the Sannan Royal Family wants to surrender. The faction of the First Prince prefers military resistance, even if it leads to mutual destruction," Xie Jue sneered. "He is truly blind. On what basis does Sannan believe it can contend with Beining? Insisting on war, dragging the people into rivers of blood, simply betting that we wouldn’t dare to launch a strong attack. Sannan has been independent for decades, and the people are accustomed to identifying as Sannan citizens. To them, we are the aggressors. Even if we take Sannan, it will take time to pacify, and rebellions among the populace will need quelling. He is betting that we won’t dare."
"Then he has won his bet!" Fang Chuning chuckled. It wasn’t that Xie Xun didn’t dare; he simply didn’t want to! They were children of families of military generals, more aware than anyone of the horrors of war.
The Marquis Zhenbei Mansion was once thriving with people, but eventually, only Xie Jue and Xie Xun remained, just as only the lineage of the Great Marshal remained of the Fang Family, originally a flourishing family.
Therefore, if Sannan can be resolved peacefully, then it should be resolved peacefully.
If it weren’t for Sannan initiating an attack on the Twelve Provinces and suffering defeat, Xie Xun wouldn’t have resolved the Sannan matter so quickly. They needed to find another opportunity. Their attack on the Twelve Provinces gave Xie Xun the opportunity.
"This is definitely not Sannan’s trump card. When we get to the capital, we’ll watch and see."
"Understood!" Fang Chuning chuckled, "I don’t like talking with the Princely Heir either. If there’s to be a discussion, it should be with someone who has authority."
After experiencing an attempted poisoning, Xie Jue’s security was greatly strengthened. The Shadow Guards followed him closely, inspecting his food meticulously, and spies hidden in the Sannan Army had no opportunity to act, not even to approach Xie Jue’s carriage.
Before entering the capital, Xie Jue’s injuries had mostly healed.
The capital of Sannan is called Mudan City.
It is a city filled with flowers, rich and vibrant, unbelievably beautiful. When the mission entered the city, crowds thronged, the streets were packed, and people competed to witness the Beining Mission’s elegance. People filled the buildings on both sides of the street, amiable and harmonious, with no resentment or chaos due to the mission’s arrival.
Xie Jue and Fang Chuning thought Yangzhou and the Capital City were already very prosperous cities, but surprisingly, Mudan City was even more so. The streets were lined with shops, bustling, with high buildings, red walls, and green tiles glistening in the sunlight, throngs of people in fine clothes and jewelry. The picturesque boats amidst willows painted a scene like heaven on earth.
Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin were dazzled. The King of Sannan truly seized the best region of Jiangnan; this was the most magnificent city they had ever seen!
Xie Jue and Fang Chuning, relatively composed, were still overwhelmed by the splendor of Mudan City. Compared to the opulence of Fox City, this was the most habitable and beloved city among Beining’s scholars and poets.
Romantic and graceful!
The posthouse was unlike those in Beining; it was an estate with Jiangnan charm, occupying a vast area capable of accommodating thousands, sufficient for the entire mission.
Fang Chuning intervened to have Han Ziqi remove everyone from the estate. The mission’s members would manage the estate, handling food, clothing, housing, and transportation themselves. Following Xie Jue’s poisoning incident, they were apprehensive and dared not entrust outsiders. With hundreds serving the mission in the estate, diverse and unidentifiable, they opted to dismiss everyone and take over the estate themselves.
Han Ziqi was somewhat at a loss, "The mission comprises soldiers, dealing daily with meals, laundry, and tedious chores. It would be more convenient to leave them here."
"No need; I don’t trust them."
"If something happens, I’ll take responsibility."
"How will you take responsibility?" Fang Chuning asked gravely, "If Xie Jue was poisoned, would you also consume the same poison, sharing the hardship?"
"General Fang, you really are..." Han Ziqi sighed, "Fine, since you request it, I shall comply."
He would see how, with the daily needs of over five thousand people, these rough men would manage!
"Prince Yan is seriously injured and needs rest. I will report to father; no hurry for a meeting. Rest well, and we’ll meet at the palace."
"Farewell, Princely Heir!"
Lin Xiao and Zhang Boxin escorted Han Ziqi out of the estate while all the servants were taken by Han Ziqi. The estate’s steward was uneasy, "Princely Heir, really leaving the estate to them, with more than five thousand? How will they manage?"
"Ignore them. Let them be. Han Ziqi cynically laughed, as he expected the mission to fumble, waiting to enjoy the spectacle.
Fang Chuning wasn’t worried about the logistical needs of thousands. As this was a diplomatic mission, thorough preparations were made. The Ningzhou Iron Cavalry was self-sufficient along the journey, so managing in Mudan City shouldn’t be a problem.