novelraw Chapter 816 - 794: Entering the Palace
Chapter 816 - 794: Entering the Palace
Since Xie Jue’s lineage was revealed, the Sannan High Priest has continually kept an eye on news about Xie Jue, and even sent people to Ningzhou and West State to explore Xie Jue’s attitude toward Sannan. Unfortunately, the people around Xie Jue do not change often; he is accustomed to those who have been with him since childhood, making it difficult for others to approach him, and he does not trust any outsider. The High Priest’s spy once orchestrated a play in Ningzhou to win Xie Jue’s favor by saving his life, and greatly admired him, hoping to serve him closely. Yet, they were ultimately driven away and couldn’t come close, leaving only his manner of handling affairs to gauge his character.
If the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry were a ship, Xie Xun would be the ship itself, its soul, while Xie Jue would undoubtedly be the helmsman who determines the direction of the vessel.
Xie Jue also understands the role he plays, having silently assisted Xie Xun for many years. Yet the world would question, since they are brothers and share authority, is he truly willing? Is he genuinely content with bowing to his brother? The High Priest also had such doubts and hence insisted on meeting to understand Xie Jue’s stance, but nothing from their conversation could reveal Xie Jue’s true attitude.
Ambiguous as reality, truth and falsehood intermingled; perhaps only he knows his true thoughts.
"Our Sannan has been independent for nearly sixty years. Although our culture and customs are similar to Jiangnan in Beining, there are differences. We have our own culture, heroes, territory, and faith. Our King is willing to be a vassal state of Beining just to ensure the people can enjoy peace and autonomy. But the ruler of Beining does not think this way and insists on inciting chaos and devastation."
"High Priest, those words are biased. We have no intention of waging war against Sannan, but Sannan sought conflict by itself. If it weren’t for the King of Sannan’s sudden attack on the twelve states, this chaos could have been avoided. We brothers also remember Sannan’s years of supplying provisions; if I’m not mistaken, when your King dispatched troops, the Priest Court didn’t intervene. Having taken such a gamble, you must accept the consequences, especially since you nearly seized the twelve states."
"Indeed, we made a rash decision that year to mobilize against the twelve states. Our King regrets this deeply and strove to make amends, yet Beining’s ruler doesn’t accept reconciliation!"
"Not accepting!" Xie Jue replied, "We in Beining hold the richest land, the strongest army, and the most battle-ready generals. Having been struck, naturally, we must retaliate. The world respects strength; with sword in hand, justice prevails. If Sannan wishes to avoid war, then let’s talk peace. If the King of Sannan neither wants war nor peace, then he’s putting me in a difficult position."
"Understood!" The High Priest nodded graciously. "I will strive to negotiate a plan with our King. However, there’s one matter I wish to ask you, Your Highness."
"Please go on."
"If our King abdicates and you ascend, becoming Sannan’s new King, will you truly hand over Sannan’s territories to your brother?" The High Priest inquired, echoing a rumor circulating in the streets.
Xie Jue’s lineage was suppressed by Xie Xun in Beining, but intentionally spread in Sannan, known to almost everyone as the son of the Crown Princess, making him Sannan’s rightful heir. Sannan’s people are thrilled, believing that as Prince Yan, Sannan and Beining are brother nations, with no more war, no more surrender, and likely peace talks with minor silver compensation.
Sannan’s citizens are extremely optimistic, even betting in the streets whether Prince Yan will hand over Sannan if he takes the throne. Most people bet that Xie Jue will not yield the land to Xie Xun after ascending, but Sannan will see a new horizon. However, if the King of Sannan is unwilling to abdicate, it’s widely believed Xie Jue will ensure Sannan’s surrender, hence the public also voices the call for the King to return the throne to Xie Jue — and it is not a small cry.
"State affairs have no assumptions, High Priest!" Xie Jue said calmly. "The human heart is volatile and changes with time, constant in its variations."
"I understand, Your Highness, we shall meet in the palace."
"Safe travels, High Priest!" Xie Jue sent someone to escort the High Priest to the door, then Fang Chuning emerged from the shadows; the manor’s reception hall was designed cleverly, allowing Fang Chuning and the Shadow Guards to hide in the darkness.
Fang Chuning remarked, "The High Priest came, but said nothing."
"No, he said everything."
"What do you mean?"
"As expected, the King of Sannan will meet us tonight."
As anticipated by Xie Jue, less than two hours after the High Priest departed, Han Ziqi arrived with orders from the Sannan King, summoning Xie Jue and the delegation to meet in the palace. The Sannan King had arranged a grand banquet in the palace to welcome the delegation.
"You truly have foresight," Fang Chuning admitted in awe. In games of power and psychological warfare, Xie Jue reads them better than anyone. Perhaps the King of Sannan has other plans, but after the High Priest’s meeting with Xie Jue, he could no longer endure.
Han Ziqi didn’t inquire about the conversation with the High Priest, coming punctually to escort Xie Jue and others to the palace. Only select members of the delegation were allowed entry. Xie Jue brought Fang Chuning and Zhang Boxin, while Lin Xiao led the guards at the palace gate; the Shadow Guards had already scattered within for protection, including Ying Yi in the palace, assuring Xie Jue and Fang Chuning no harm from the Sannan King — the King must know peace is the best route.
The King of Sannan met Xie Jue for the first time, having seen the Crown Princess once in his youth, where they even played together, being of the same lineage, their relationship wasn’t bad, and in terms of seniority, he and the Princess were peers. Xie Jue and Han Ziqi were peers too, making the Prince Yan and the King of Sannan equals.
However, Xie Jue respectfully offered the courtesy of a younger generation to the King of Sannan, thereby extending diplomacy. The King felt assured, realizing Prince Yan wasn’t as arrogant and rude as rumored.
The King of Sannan cheerfully said, "Prince Yan, graceful and dignified, General Fang, commanding and composed, both are handsome young men - the land of Beining truly nurtures fantastic people, a sight to envy!"
When Xie Jue first handled affairs in Ningzhou, he was not adept at diplomacy, rarely speaking polite formalities. But after three years of experience, he learned well, now able to engage in mutual flattery with the King of Sannan without expression, praising Sannan as a land of outstanding talents.
Fang Chuning couldn’t help but snicker, thinking how amusing Ting Feng seemed!
Still able to speak such pleasantries without a change in expression, the King of Sannan was delighted, and after the delegation settled, exchanged numerous courtesies. Fang Chuning also noticed several young men seated opposite; they were the King’s sons, besides Han Ziqi, including the Crown Prince, Third Prince, Fifth Prince, and others, the younger ones at the end, apart from the Crown Prince and Third Prince, others curiously eyed Xie Jue, aware of his identity.
Xie Jue had promised Han Ziqi he wouldn’t pursue the assassination attempt en route, genuinely meaning it. Yet the king of Sannan, whether from guilt or another agenda, voluntarily brought up the matter.
"Prince Yan journeyed from afar to Sannan, yet encountered a poison attack on the way; I accept the responsibility for poor care. Please, rest assured, Prince Yan, I will extensively investigate this incident to provide you with an explanation."