Joy of Life: I, a man, became the Queen of Northern Qi?

Chapter 174 The transaction with Emperor Qing.

"Why does Master Langtao have to say such angry words?"

Xin Qiwu laughed and said, as if he meant something: "As far as I know, although Miss Si Lili is a spy from your country, she is still a concubine in the palace. If you kill her and you can't bring her back alive, it will surely damage the reputation of the Northern Qi Kingdom, and you will be punished by your emperor, right?"

"so!"

Xin Qiwu shook his head, very satisfied with the feeling of controlling the other party, and said: "I will use Si Lili to exchange for 5,000 soldiers, and your country's more than 1,000 soldiers will be exchanged for one. We will add two and one to make five, and then round it off, so we will remove the decimals and only calculate the money of the 10,000 soldiers. How about it?"

Lang Tao was not blind to the gazes of the envoys from Northern Qi, but as the chief envoy of this delegation, although Lang Tao was not good at negotiation and knew the bottom line of His Majesty and His Majesty, he still wanted to gain more benefits for the Great Qi.
This is Master’s lifelong wish, and also his own intention.

Although the Nanqing official's words were confusing, he was right about one thing.

That is, Si Lili's identity really represents the face of His Majesty. At that time, Queen An had not yet appeared in the public's sight. His Majesty had already confirmed this person's identity as a concubine, and with the restraint of her brother, he was relieved to let her go to Nanqing to gather intelligence.

If such a concubine died in an enemy country, it would not be a good thing to tell others about it!

Suddenly, Lang Tao nodded and responded: "What the lord said is indeed reasonable. It is okay to exchange Si Lili for your country's captured soldiers, but the number is not 5,000!"

"One concubine is not worth five thousand?"

Without waiting for Xin Qiwu to ask any questions, Fan Xian, as the deputy envoy, naturally had to cooperate, so he spoke first.

He had dealt with Si Lili many times before. She was the best in terms of both wisdom and courage. People in the Northern Qi Supervisory Council were reluctant to let such a woman return to the country, but when they thought about getting back 5,000 soldiers, Fan Xian felt that neither side had gained any advantage. Lord Xin's words were pertinent.

"Does this young Master Fan know the Empress of our dynasty?"

Lang Tao was not angry at Fan Xian's rudeness, but just asked softly.

Fan Xian frowned, not knowing why this person asked this question, and said suspiciously, "Of course I know. Queen An's name is known to all countries. She has the cultivation of a great master and is also very talented. She is admired by everyone!"

"Then do you know how many concubines there are in my harem?"

"This"

Fan Xian and Xin Qiwu were stunned.
Yes!

I heard that Empress An was jealous and would not tolerate other people filling the harem to compete with her for favor. Although she did not say anything explicitly, the young emperor of the enemy country never took in any beautiful girls after letting Empress An enter the palace. Doesn't this explain something?

Is it that the little emperor is not lustful?

Who would believe it if I told you?
What if Queen An was determined to let Si Lili die in Nanqing and not let her return to the Northern Qi Palace to be an eyesore? Thinking of this, although Si Lili has the status of a concubine, her value and importance have been greatly reduced!

Xin Qiwu nodded, agreeing with Lang Tao's point of view. As subjects, they all had some empathy.

He raised his hand to stop Fan Xian's movements and said, "Although Master Langtao's words are a bit blunt, it is indeed true." Staring at the other party firmly, not afraid of the combat power of Langtao's top three ninth-rank warriors, Xin Qiwu just said, "With your country's captives and Si Lili, our dynasty can provide another 1,000 good horses, even if we remove the small amounts, how about that?"

".This is also our dynasty's bottom line!"

"can."

"As for the last ten thousand soldiers, not counting their armor and weapons, our dynasty is willing to pay one hundred taels of silver per person in exchange."

"One million taels?" Lang Tao sneered, "Master Xin, do you know that our dynasty's initial asking price was not just for these soldiers!"

Indeed, there was an intention of the victorious country to demand compensation from the defeated country, which was why Lang Tao asked for a high price of 10 million taels of silver. Otherwise, why would Dongyi City be willing to pay such a high price to choose to calm the storm?
A soldier, no matter how much he tries, is not worth a thousand taels of silver.
As the initiator of the war, Xin Qiwu also knew the difficulty of this negotiation, so he pointed out the cause of the matter: "The war happened because Cheng Jushu of your country first assassinated Mr. Fan next to me! You represent the Emperor of Da Qi, you should understand this, right?"

"Your Majesty did explain this to me."

Lang Tao waved his hand expressionlessly, and an official holding a wooden box came up to him and placed it on the table. Lang Tao explained with blood on his lips, "Everything has been investigated clearly. The assassination of Master Xiao Fan was the idea of ​​the former general Shang Shanhu. Now his head is here. Master Xin and Master Xiao Fan can check it out!"

This stuff is very bloody. Even though it has been processed and it was cold winter, one can still smell a slight hint of rust.

Coupled with people's psychological effects, how could Xin Qiwu, who had always been timid and tactful, resist these strange feelings? He immediately shrank his neck, turned his head back with a pale face, and dared not look any longer.

Fan Xian, on the other hand, opened the box and checked it with a normal expression, then compared it with the information in his mind and nodded slowly.

Needless to say, this head is really valuable. Negotiations will be difficult now.
"Master Langtao, please wait for a moment. I am feeling a little unwell and need to rest. Please forgive me!" Fan Xian had no choice but to use the tactic of procrastination to deal with it. He wanted to go downstairs to discuss it with Xin Qiwu first, and then continue after reporting back to the palace.

Knowing that the two of them couldn't make the decision, Lang Tao nodded indifferently.

When the two retreated to the side hall, while sending someone to pass the news to the palace, Xin Qiwu said with a headache: "We underestimated the value of Si Lili. Not only did this negotiation fail to reduce the amount of money, but it also cost us a thousand horses!"

"Looking at this situation, it will be difficult to negotiate compensation for the remaining prisoners~"

Who made them the defeated party?

The key to negotiation is to know yourself and your enemy. Now, your side has let the enemy take advantage of you. They can't see what Northern Qi really wants, so it's hard to make a decision for a while. No one believes that Northern Qi really needs the money for this negotiation.

The purpose is either to capture people or to protect land.

But his performance today, it is hard to say, after the peace talks, his position as the Junior Secretary of the Honglu Temple will be over.
Unlike Xin Qiwu who sighed, Fan Xian's eyes lit up and he offered an idea: "Perhaps, we can look at the problem in a different way!"

"Yeah, then Master Xiao Fan, please tell me quickly?"

"We don't have to discuss the captives, the land, and Sean separately. We should negotiate with Northern Qi together!" Fan Xian thought of Zhuang Mohan, who had not yet appeared, and added, "Why don't you ask His Majesty to ask the Supervisory Council to find out the connections behind the Northern Qi delegation and find out their bottom line?"

"The most important thing is Zhuang Mohan. What kind of status does he hold in the hearts of scholars all over the world? If it is not necessary, how can he go to Qing Kingdom as an envoy to negotiate peace?"

"I think the breakthrough lies in him!"

What he said was indeed reasonable. The officials of Qing State were in awe of the Supervisory Council, so Xin Qiwu did not think of asking the Supervisory Council to solve the problem at the first time.

He was also a member of the imperial examination system, so he naturally understood Zhuang Mohan's importance and became suspicious.

Perhaps figuring out why Zhuang Mohan came here could really help them.
By the way, isn’t this young Master Fan in front of us the Director of the Supervisory Council?
Thinking of this, Xin Qiwu bowed to Fan Xian and said with a smile, "Then I'll have to trouble you, Master Fan! Although the files prepared by the Supervisory Council were very detailed, the Emperor Wenzong did not give a specific reason for his visit to our country, which makes people confused for a while. If the talks continue like this, I will have no choice but to go to His Majesty and cry and beg."

Fan Xian responded calmly.

For some reason, he always guessed that Zhuang Mohan's visit might have something to do with the eldest princess Li Yunrui.

Regardless of whether there is any cooperation between the two or Zhuang Mohan needs something from the other party, only by understanding this clearly can they strive for the greatest benefit for Qing Country in the peace talks between the two countries!

Fan Xian just didn't believe that this time, as the deputy envoy for the peace talks, Li Yunrui could really resist making trouble for him?

"Although I am the director of the Overwatch Council, I cannot see the important information in the Council whenever I want. I will go to see Dean Chen again tonight and ask him to come to the palace to ask His Majesty's will. What do you think?"

Xin Qiwu thought for a moment and said gently, "Then shall we suspend the peace talks for now?"

"It's up to you, my Lord!"

"That's fine!" Xin Qiwu tightened his fists in his sleeves and gritted his teeth, "Negotiations are not a one-day job. It's really unusual for Dongyi City to finish the talks with Northern Qi so quickly. Let's continue tomorrow!"

When he had some free time, Xin Qiwu left the hall on the grounds of feeling unwell.

Fan Xian apologized to Lang Tao, saying that the two countries would continue the discussion tomorrow, and then he smiled and bowed before leaving. The negotiations were over and temporarily stopped.
-
That night, another wooden box with a familiar shape was sent to the Supervisory Office. The person who brought it was none other than Taoist He.

Fan Xian, who was lying on the eaves in the darkness, also saw all of this, silently waiting for the movement of the Northern Qi envoys in the distance. After just a few breaths, Lang Tao was led out by Uncle Wu Zhu, and Fan Xian, as if weightless, floated towards the envoys' posthouse to investigate the situation.

Time passed by minute by minute, and when Wang Qinian, who was guarding the periphery, was getting anxious, Fan Xian's figure finally returned from the inn.

"Sir, what have you gained?"

Fan Xian felt heavy in his heart, and just shook his head and said, "No one is inside!"

"How is this possible?" Wang Qinian was incredulous and muttered, "I have been watching the posthouse these days! How could Zhuang Mohan, who can't lift anything with his hands or shoulders, avoid our eyes?"

Seeing that the situation was strange, Fan Xian smiled and said, "This really makes me realize that things are not simple."

"Wang Qinian, you have been in the academy for many years. Do you know the details of Taoist He?"

Wang Qinian recalled for a moment and provided very limited information.

Fan Xian asked again: "Do you know who in the courtyard has a history with him?"

"I haven't heard anyone say they know Mr. He, let alone know if they are old friends."

"What about Dean Chen?"

Wang Qinian didn't dare to guess anything, but just said: "What the adults mean is..."

"Haha." Fan Xian said leisurely, "Maybe we need to ask our dean for the key information of this negotiation!"

Deep in the palace, Xingqing Palace.

Xin Qiwu knelt respectfully at the palace gate and was looked up and down by Gong Dian. He twisted his butt uncomfortably, but fortunately, the huge official hat blocked it, so he looked less embarrassed.

"Stand up and answer."

Xin Qiwu stood up obediently, bent his waist, and dared not move at all. He knew that even though there was no eunuch here, the deputy commander would report his every word and action to the emperor truthfully.

Although the weather was still very cool and comfortable, beads of sweat the size of beans still appeared on his face, and he didn't dare wipe them off.

The sound of flipping papers could be heard, and after a moment, Emperor Qing's voice rang out again: "That Lang Tao is indeed a talented person. His words are well-reasoned and not easily refuted by others."

"correct."

Li Yunqian's tone was full of weirdness: "How did Minister Fan's son behave today?"

Xin Qiwu didn't think much about it and responded respectfully: "You are quick-witted and thoughtful, which is commendable!"

"Hmm." Emperor Qing's approving attitude in the palace was not concealed at all, but his behavior could be regarded as a way of controlling his subordinates. Even if people heard this attitude, they would not be able to help but think more, and it would be difficult for people to see through the deep meaning for a while. "The fault of today's negotiations is not yours. Tomorrow, you will still be the leader and negotiate for the country."

"I have just told you my bottom line. The amount of money is not important, but the land must be discussed in detail."

The sound of Li Yunqian flipping the pages of the book rang out again, and the frowning face of the other party appeared in people's minds. "There is only one thing you have to understand. Yan Bingyun sacrificed his life for the country and hid in the north. He is a great achievement. He is also the pillar of hope for the future of our Qing country. He must be exchanged back safely! As for Xiao En, I have never taken him seriously. Since they want it, I will give it to them!"

"If you can't talk it out"

Xin Qiwu was sweating profusely after hearing this and could only respond obediently.

"Go down, you don't have to go to the prince's place."

Xin Qiwu bowed respectfully to Xingqing Palace before turning around and walking out of the palace. He knew his situation and his relationship with the prince was out in the open. This was not called forming a party, because His Majesty knew it in his heart.

Tonight, not to mention that His Majesty did not allow him to go to the Crown Prince for instructions, even without this reminder, he had no intention of informing His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of the detailed progress of the peace talks.

What's the point of knowing so much?
Those who don't keep their mouths shut will not have a good end.
He hadn't walked far when he saw a wheelchair passing by and entering Xingqing Palace. In his haste, Xin Qiwu seemed to see the wooden box containing the head of Shangshan Tiger in the daytime, held in the arms of Dean Chen.

That's not right. Wasn't the box temporarily returned to Lang Tao, the envoy of Northern Qi? How did it appear here?
Just as he was wondering, suddenly, Xin Qiwu heard the deafening and furious voice of His Majesty:

"Ridiculous! This is really ridiculous!"

"Why should the Qing Kingdom pay for the fight between the Northern Qi Emperor and the Queen Mother? Xin Qiwu! Xin Qiwu? Someone, stop the Junior Official of the Honglu Temple and tell him to get back here!"

Xin Qiwu didn't know why His Majesty was so angry all of a sudden. He was panicked and turned back, shouting, "Your Majesty! I'm here, I haven't gone far yet!"

When he reached the entrance of the palace, it was Eunuch Hou who came out.

The latter whispered, "Sir Xin, His Majesty has ordered you to go all out in the peace talks tomorrow and not give in to any conditions or do anything that would harm our Qing Kingdom! Do you understand?"

"I understand! Thank you, Eunuch Hou, for your reminder!"

"Master Xin is joking."

Eunuch Hou looked at the night sky above and said with a smile, "It's getting late today, Lord Xin should leave the palace early!"

"Yes Yes."

The palace was becoming more and more terrifying and dangerous. Xin Qiwu dared not stay any longer, fearing that if he walked too slowly he would cause another disaster. He did not let the eunuch lead the way, and fled out of the palace.
Inside Xingqing Palace, Emperor Qing looked at Ye Liuyun's head, raised his eyelids and asked Chen Pingping:
"One is asking me for someone, and the other is also asking me for someone, but he's asking for a dead person. Chen Pingping, tell me, what will I do?"

Sitting in the wheelchair, Chen Pingping just smiled and lowered his eyebrows and said, "The Demon Queen took the lead in offering Ye Liuyun's head as a token of sincerity before the transaction, so she will not worry about Sean being able to return to Northern Qi alive."

Li Yunqian glanced at the wooden box with a hint of contempt and said softly, "A person like Xiao En can't cause any trouble in the hands of a grandmaster. She is just doing this for the Queen Mother of Northern Qi and all the officials in the court to see!"

"Your Majesty is wise."

Chen Pingping said this without any skill, and responded with a worried look: "But after this incident, Northern Qi will have an excuse to attack our country at any time!"

"Mobilize troops? I would love to do that!"

"But I need to think about whether to fulfill her wish or not." Li Yunqian looked into Chen Pingping's eyes and sneered, "How did the demon queen contact you?"

Chen Pingping kept smiling, tightened the blanket on his legs, and said with a distressed look, "This is a coincidence. Such a big favor was easily repaid by the other party. It was the deputy envoy of the delegation, He Daoren, who brought the information and the head to the Supervisory Council."

Perhaps He Daoren himself did not know why this action could repay his favor.
"Humph, even your confidants are controlled by outsiders? It seems that the Queen Mother of Northern Qi is completely powerless in front of this person."

"This Li An'er is really confident that he can take advantage of the great victory to completely swallow up the three states and get rid of Sean to achieve his goal?"

Emperor Qing seemed to be intrigued, his brows slowly furrowed, and he became serious.

Chen Pingping had been facing Emperor Qing for many years and was accustomed to the emperor's power. He sighed in a low voice as if adding fuel to the fire: "Perhaps, the other party is not sure that His Majesty will agree to this deal. She just believes in Zhuang Mohan's weight and..."

"The eldest princess will just choose to take action!"

(End of this chapter)