novelraw Chapter 808 - 786: Neglect
Chapter 808 - 786: Neglect
King of Sangnan, though past the age of knowing destiny, maintained himself well, with kind eyebrows and eyes and a handsome face, vaguely reminiscent of the elegant and charming man he was in his youth. Han Ziqi entered the palace and went straight to the Imperial Study for an audience, without any pleasantries between father and son. King of Sangnan immediately asked, "What is Xie Jue’s attitude?"
"Father, what we are scheming might be in jeopardy. Xie Jue is impervious to persuasion, seemingly uninterested in Sangnan. I tried to appeal emotionally, but he remained unmoved, just like a piece of wood. If we want to persuade Xie Jue, we might need to offer more." Han Ziqi looked at his respected father and spoke candidly.
The father and son shared a very close relationship; Han Ziqi was born to the King of Sangnan’s favorite woman and raised with care. Despite having a capable and valiant eldest son and a strategically gifted third son, he favored the Princely Heir the most.
Han Ziqi did not disappoint the King of Sangnan’s hopes, diligently working over the years, excelling in both literary and martial arts. He independently managed all diplomatic relations with Beining, responsible for opening the grain routes in Lanning. The relationship between Ningzhou Iron Cavalry and Sangnan was originally very close because Han Ziqi frequently escorted grain supplies, whether forced or intentionally befriending, Sangnan had a good relationship during the Yuwen Dynasty.
"He’s so greedy, even with the throne abdicated to him, he’s still not satisfied. What does he want?" King of Sangnan was somewhat displeased.
Han Ziqi said, "He hasn’t clarified."
"If he candidly states specific demands, we could negotiate. If he refuses to say anything, then he’s constantly testing our limits. This Xie Jue... really holds his nerve, worthy of being Ningzhou Iron Cavalry’s think tank."
"Father, there’s another matter: Xie Jue was poisoned en route."
"What!" King of Sangnan’s face changed drastically, "Who did it?"
"I don’t know. The person committed suicide with poison after being discovered. All the people in the manor have been cleared by Fang Chuning, worried about a repeat poisoning incident." Han Ziqi detailed the poisoning incident, "Father, Xie Jue almost consumed the meal: it was Thousand Soul Powder, fatal upon contact with blood, with no antidote. Fortunately, he averted disaster. Otherwise, we’d have gone to war with Beining, and everything you’ve planned would turn to dust. I urge you to investigate closely to uncover whoever dared to sabotage the peace talks, dragging Sangnan’s citizens into the flames of war. Xie Jue and Fang Chuning insist on finding the real culprit, asking our royal family for an explanation. Without one, there’s no need to continue the peace talks."
King of Sangnan listened, trembling yet extremely angry, "Are you suggesting... the eldest did it?"
"Without conclusive evidence, I dare not make baseless accusations. Father can summon elder brother for questioning. Fang Chuning and Xie Jue are both very angry; they have removed all our people from the manor, leaving us blind and deaf in the mission. The peace talks haven’t even begun, and already there’s discord. It’s a bad omen, Father."
"That foolish thing, I’ve repeatedly urged him not to let personal vendettas override the bigger picture, but he’s blindly obstinate. I understand now. You go ahead and investigate; I will uncover the truth."
"Father, elder brother has always been dissatisfied with me. If I investigate, he may become disgruntled, feeling I’m accusing him. I ask you to choose another capable minister for this investigation."
"Besides you, who else can undertake this matter?" King of Sangnan frowned but also nodded, "Your suggestion is logical. If you investigate, it’ll cause dissent. Fine, let your third brother investigate this."
"Father is wise. I hope third brother can promptly uncover the truth, giving Beining Mission an explanation. Otherwise, Xie Jue may refuse to negotiate with us."
"Such foolishness! Back then, due to a lapse in judgment, we sent troops to twelve provinces, leading to North and South Beining’s division. Never thought Jiangnan’s military would block us, giving Ningzhou Iron Cavalry time to recover. Beiman has been ineffectual against Xie Xun. Now we’ve suffered defeat and can only wait for others’ mercy. That foolish brat dare to act recklessly; I’ve indeed been too indulgent all along."
"Father, don’t worry. There remains a blood connection between us and Xie Jue. There’s still hope in this matter," Han Ziqi clung to a thread of hope. "Father, since he’s willing to risk coming here alone, it indicates there’s hope. Otherwise, why risk his life?"
"What you say makes sense. I understand the matter now."
Xie Jue and Fang Chuning were unaware of the conversation between Han Ziqi and King of Sangnan. They expected that after resting for a day, King of Sangnan would arrange a meeting, yet after two days without any action from the palace, Xie Jue felt confused, and Fang Chuning couldn’t help but ask, "What is King of Sangnan up to? We are the victorious side; it should have been them visiting Beining, summoned by the Emperor. Now we are in Sangnan, yet not summoned by King of Sangnan. What does this mean?"
Xie Jue also found it illogical; Han Ziqi had already expressed their willingness for peace talks, so why such negligence? If they’re not sincere in negotiating, it would have been unnecessary to engage those discussions en route. Even though Shadow Guards have wide-ranging connections, they can’t discern the private conversation between King of Sangnan and Han Ziqi.
"If they won’t meet, let it be. Your recovery is improving; we can go explore the capital, experiencing the local life of Sangnan."
"Wasn’t the experience enough in Shuilan City?"
"Shuilan City is a border area of Sangnan; the capital is their most prosperous and central place, naturally distinct. Their city is beautifully constructed, and the roads aren’t congested. Lin Xiao went out shopping yesterday and praised their city planning, unlike our Capital City, where major roads get crowded during festivals. We should learn their strong points!"
Xie Jue knows well what Sangnan people excel in; Ying Yi had informed him beforehand. Perhaps due to their affluent living, Sangnan people love researching aesthetically pleasing yet impractical things.
For instance, women’s sachets, jewelry, various incense, etc.
Sangnan women’s jewelry is innovative in style, diverse, extremely luxurious and unique, unmatched even by Beining Imperial Palace’s craftsmanship; their brocade embroidery is complex and renowned.
Sangnan youths prioritize opulence, aligning unexpectedly with Fengyu’s tastes. She would be delighted if she came to Sangnan.
Xie Jue and Fang Chuning accepted the circumstances, agreeing with Fang Chuning’s assertion that since King of Sangnan hasn’t arranged a meeting, there’s no need to rush. It’s Sangnan who needs the peace talks, not Beining; he just needs patience.
"Come on, let’s go out for a stroll, as you wish, and admire Sangnan Capital’s scenery!"