After my inner voice was eavesdropped, I became the favorite of the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 62

After hearing this, Su Xiaomei and Yang Tianxiong nodded solemnly. They knew that the outcome of this struggle was not only related to Li Qingge's fate, but also to the future of their entire clan. Therefore, they had to go all out and not allow any mistakes. After receiving the order, the two of them went their separate ways.

In the previous dynasty, Yang Tianxiong made three harsh compensation demands to the Qing Dynasty on the grounds that Emperor Qianlong imprisoned the relatives of the Queen of Dayan for no reason. He stood in the hall, with an upright figure and a loud voice, and every word he said revealed an unquestionable firmness. The three demands were: first, to hand over the ungrateful man Jin Aicai; second, to compensate 10 million taels of silver; third, the Queen was fond of literature and calligraphy, and heard that the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty had a rich collection, so she wanted three calligraphy works in the Sanxi Hall to entertain herself.

These three demands were undoubtedly a major challenge to the Qing Dynasty. After hearing this, Emperor Qianlong was so angry that he almost fainted. He did not expect that Dayan would be so arrogant and dare to make such harsh demands on him. He glared at Yang Tianxiong and wanted to explode, but due to the overall situation, he had to endure it temporarily.

At this time, the harem was also in chaos. After the queen learned of Li Qingge's plan, although she felt a little reluctant, she also knew that this was the only way out. She sat in front of the mirror, looking at her slightly haggard face, and an inexplicable sadness surged in her heart. She knew that as a queen, she had to consider the overall situation and could not affect the interests of the entire country because of a momentary emotion.

After Emperor Qianlong woke up, he hurriedly summoned all the civil and military officials to the Qianqing Palace to discuss the compensation of Dayan. He sat on the dragon throne with a solemn look, and his eyes swept among the officials. He knew that the victory or defeat of this struggle was not only related to his face, but also to the safety of the entire Qing Dynasty.

Emperor Qianlong was extravagant and face-conscious by nature, and what he feared most was unstable rule. He thought that all problems could be solved with money. However, the compensation demands made by Dayan were too harsh for him to accept. It was easy to hand over Jin Aicai, a pariah, because his life and death were insignificant to the Qing Dynasty. However, the two demands of compensation of 10 million taels of silver and the calligraphy works of Sanxitang gave Emperor Qianlong a headache.

He knew that these two things were treasures of the Qing Dynasty. If they were lost, it would be a major blow to the culture of the Qing Dynasty. He looked at the ministers, wanting to find a way to have the best of both worlds, but he knew that this was almost impossible. He was caught in a dilemma, and his heart was filled with helplessness and anxiety.

At this time, Li Qingge was sitting quietly in the room, sipping tea and admiring the scenery outside the window. She was full of confidence and calmness. She knew that her plan had begun to bear fruit. As long as she received good news from Japan, she could start closing the net and firmly grasp the victory of this struggle in her hands.

She recalled the scene when she first entered the palace. At that time, she was just a simple girl and knew nothing about the power struggles in the palace. However, as time went by, she gradually learned how to survive in this cruel land and how to use her wisdom and means to fight for what she wanted.

She knew that the struggle was far from over, but she was fully prepared. No matter what difficulties and challenges she would encounter in the future, she would face them bravely until she achieved the final victory.

In this palace turmoil, the Queen's anger and Li Qingge's plot are intertwined, jointly performing a thrilling palace struggle. The outcome of this struggle will also determine their respective destinies and futures.

The Chess Game in the Deep Palace: The Contest between Li Qingge and Qianlong
Ten million taels of silver, this figure weighed heavily on the Qing government's finances like a boulder, bringing unprecedented pressure to the already shaky treasury. However, in the court, the ministers were surprisingly unanimous, thinking that the money was worth spending. If it could bring about peaceful coexistence between the two countries, avoid wars and the displacement of the people, then in the long run, this would undoubtedly be a wise move.

"Perhaps, we can temporarily alleviate the court's difficulties by increasing taxes." A minister made a cautious suggestion. His voice echoed in the empty hall, sounding particularly heavy. "Although this will cause the people to suffer, the rise and fall of the country is the responsibility of every citizen. If we grit our teeth, we can get through it."

Emperor Qianlong sat on the dragon throne, looking deeply at the ministers below. His face looked a little old, but his eyes still revealed an unquestionable majesty. He was silent for a moment, and finally nodded slowly, tacitly agreeing to the proposal.

However, when the topic turned to the three requests made by Li Qingge, Emperor Qianlong could not help showing a hint of displeasure on his face. Especially the third one - asking for the calligraphy of Sanxiting, which was even more difficult for him to accept.

Sanxiting Hall is a sacred place in the heart of Emperor Qianlong. Although it is only one of the smallest rooms in the Forbidden City, the treasures collected in it are priceless. In ancient Chinese, "xi" and "xi" are synonymous, so Sanxiting Hall is actually a place where three rare treasures are collected. Emperor Qianlong was the most elegant emperor in the Qing Dynasty. He collected countless calligraphy and paintings by celebrities, each of which is a national treasure. The ones that he picked out and placed in Sanxiting Hall are definitely treasures among treasures, so precious that they cannot be described in words.

The Three Rare Hall contains masterpieces of calligraphy: Wang Xizhi's "Kuaixue Shiqing Tie", Wang Xianzhi's "Zhongqiu Tie", and Wang Xun's "Boyuan Tie". Each work contains a profound historical and cultural heritage and is a treasure of calligraphy art. Especially the "Kuaixue Shiqing Tie", although it has only 28 words, Emperor Qianlong wrote 63 words on it and stamped more than 170 seals on it, which shows how much he cherished these treasures.

When Li Qingge asked for these three treasures, Emperor Qianlong could not help but feel angry. This was not a kind word at all, it was simply a lion's mouth! He wanted to immediately reject Li Qingge, but he had no choice but to take the overall situation into consideration. He could only suppress his anger and sent Heshen to negotiate with Yang Tianxiong.

He Shen was a close minister of Emperor Qianlong. He was very witty and good at communication. He came to Yang Tianxiong's residence and after some pleasantries, he directly stated Emperor Qianlong's intentions: "We can agree to the first two requests, but the third one is too difficult. The emperor suggested that we could discuss it. How about changing the conditions? For example, we don't want the calligraphy of Sanxitang, but other famous people's calligraphy and paintings. We can pick any thirty pieces."

However, Yang Tianxiong was stubborn and insisted on having the calligraphy of Sanxitang. He said firmly: "Sir, this calligraphy of Sanxitang is the favorite of our Queen of Dayan. She doesn't care about other things. Please go back and talk to the emperor and make sure we get what we want."

He Shen shook his head helplessly, knowing that this negotiation was destined to be difficult. In this way, the two sides went back and forth, and no one could convince the other, and the deadlock continued.

At this time, in Li Qingge's bedroom, she was playing chess with Su Xiaomei. The black and white chess pieces were going back and forth on the chessboard, and they were having a great time. Li Qingge held the white piece and gently put it down, with a faint smile on his face: "Xiaomei, you see, this chess game is like life, every step needs to be cautious. If you are not careful, you may lose the whole game."

Su Xiaomei nodded. She held the black piece in her hand and after thinking for a moment, she also placed a piece. "Your Majesty is right. But I think that sometimes taking a risk may bring unexpected gains."

Li Qingge smiled when she heard this, but didn't say anything more. Her eyes fell on the chessboard, but in her heart she was thinking about another, bigger chess game.

At this moment, Yang Tianxiong hurried in. He said solemnly, "Your Majesty, the Japanese minister Ono Nande is here. He said that the situation over there is urgent and they need our assistance urgently."

Li Qingge just said "Hmm" indifferently, indicating that she understood. She picked up the pear flesh with a silver stick in her hand and said slowly: "Don't worry about them, let them do whatever they want. I guess that old man Qianlong doesn't have the courage to really send troops. If he really dares to come, I will deal with him too."

After hearing this, the person next to him couldn't help but ask worriedly: "Your Majesty, aren't you worried? What if a fight really breaks out in Japan..."

Li Qingge smiled and said, "What are you worried about? The strength of our Great Yan navy is there, with powerful ships and cannons. How can those Japanese dwarfs withstand the bombardment? I deliberately let Marshal Meng let Ono Nande come to ask for help. Everything is under my control."

Yang Tianxiong was stunned when he heard this: "Your Majesty, you mean... all this was arranged by you on purpose?"

Li Qingge nodded and said, "You are not that stupid. Now the time is almost right, it is time to close the net. Go back and tell Heshen to tell Qianlong that our conditions remain the same and are still the three treasures. Also, send someone to Japan to tell Ono Nande to do what he wants without any worries and boldness, and we will support him secretly."

Yang Tianxiong took the order and left, and he was even more impressed by Li Qingge's wisdom and courage. He knew that Li Qingge had the upper hand in this contest, while Emperor Qianlong was in a passive position.

In the following days, Li Qingge began to secretly plan. She sent envoys to keep in touch with Japan while paying close attention to the developments of the Qing court. Emperor Qianlong was still worried about the Sanxitang calligraphy. He summoned Heshen many times to inquire about the progress, but each time he returned empty-handed.

Finally one day Heshen brought good news: "Emperor Yang Tianxiong has relented and said that he can discuss other conditions, but the calligraphy of Sanxiting is still necessary."

Emperor Qianlong frowned upon hearing this. He knew that he was already at a disadvantage in this contest. However, the calligraphy of Sanxiting was his favorite and he was reluctant to let it go.

At this time, a eunuch hurried in and reported: "Your Majesty, there is news from Japan saying that they are willing to submit to us and are willing to offer a large amount of gold, silver, jewelry and rare items as a token of sincerity."

Emperor Qianlong's eyes lit up when he heard this, and he knew this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. So he immediately summoned Heshen and Yang Tianxiong to discuss countermeasures.

After some discussion, Emperor Qianlong finally decided to agree to Li Qingge's terms and give her the calligraphy works of Sanxiting. However, he also made his own request: "Li Qingge must come to the capital in person to take away these three treasures and pay her respects to me in the court."

He Shen and Yang Tianxiong took the order and left. They knew that the contest was about to end. Li Qingge also received the news from Emperor Qianlong. She smiled slightly and said to herself, "Qianlong, Qianlong, you still lost to me after all."

On the appointed day, Li Qingge brought Su Xiaomei and Yang Tianxiong to the capital. She walked into the court in gorgeous clothes and pearls. When she saw Emperor Qianlong, she simply bowed and said, "Thank you for your generosity in giving me this Sanxitang calligraphy. I will accept it."

Emperor Qianlong looked at Li Qingge and could not help but feel a complex emotion in his heart. He knew that he had completely lost in this contest. But he also knew that Li Qingge was a rare talent, so he said: "Li Qingge, you are a smart woman. I hope you can serve the Qing Dynasty and benefit the people."

Li Qingge smiled and said, "Your Majesty, I appreciate your kindness. But I am the queen of Da Yan and my duty is to protect my country and my people. But please rest assured that I will not let Da Yan and Da Qing become enemies. Our two countries can coexist peacefully and prosper together."

After saying this, Li Qingge left the court with the calligraphy of Sanxiting. Emperor Qianlong looked at her from behind and secretly sighed in his heart: "Li Qingge, Li Qingge, what kind of woman are you?"

The contest ended with Li Qingge's victory. She not only successfully obtained the calligraphy of Sanxitang, but also won more benefits and dignity for Da Yan. Although Emperor Qianlong was unwilling, he also knew that Li Qingge was a rare talent, so he began to secretly pay attention to her every move and looked forward to the day when he would fight her again.

The grand plan behind the chess game

The sunlight shines through the carved wooden window, scattering on the quaint chessboard. The black and white chess pieces interweave, as if containing endless wisdom and strategy. Su Xiaomei gently places a black piece, her movements graceful and calm, with a meaningful smile on her face. She looks up at Li Qingge opposite her, her eyes gleaming with inquiry and expectation.

"Your Majesty, is this move a move to set up a larger plan?" Su Xiaomei's voice was soft but sharp. She tried to catch a clue from Li Qingge's expression.

Li Qingge smiled slightly, her smile was full of confidence and wisdom, her eyes seemed to be able to penetrate time and space and see the distant future. She gently picked up a white piece, slowly put it down, and replied: "That's right, this is a big game of chess. Every step needs to be carefully planned, and every piece needs to fall at the key point."

"Then when did this game of chess start?" Su Xiaomei's curiosity was completely aroused. She stared at Li Qingge, trying to find more information from her words.

Li Qingge's eyes became deep, as if she had returned to the moment when she received the threatening letter from Emperor Qianlong. Her voice was filled with a hint of firmness and determination: "Ever since I received the threatening letter from that old fox Emperor Qianlong, a grand plan has been conceived in my heart. I want to let the Qing Dynasty know that I, Li Qingge, am not an ordinary person, and I will not be manipulated by others."

Although Su Xiaomei had doubts in her heart, she knew that Li Qingge's visit to the capital was not just to recognize her relatives. She looked at Li Qingge's determined eyes and couldn't help but feel admiration in her heart. However, she still couldn't fully guess Li Qingge's true intentions, so she asked again: "I am stupid, but I dare to ask Your Majesty, why did you do this?"

Li Qingge lowered her eyes, with a gentle smile on her lips, which contained infinite longing for the future. She said slowly: "I want to annex the Qing Dynasty without bloodshed, recover the north, and realize the great cause of unifying the land of China. This is not only for me, but also for our country and our nation."

Su Xiaomei and Yang Tianxiong couldn't help but gasp when they heard this. They were shocked by Li Qingge's grand ambition, and they felt an indescribable excitement and awe in their hearts. They knew that Li Qingge had always had great ambitions and extraordinary talents, but it was still a little unbelievable to hear her true intentions at this moment.

Su Xiaomei exclaimed: "Your Majesty, you have always remained calm and sober, which is really admirable! I was originally worried that you would give up the idea of ​​unifying the world because of personal feelings, but I didn't expect that recognizing your relatives was just one part of your plan. Your wisdom and courage are really beyond the reach of me."

Li Qingge smiled slightly and turned her gaze to Su Xiaomei, her eyes full of admiration and trust. She asked, "Why don't you ask me about the specific strategy?"

Su Xiaomei smiled and replied, "Your Majesty, this game of chess was carefully planned by you, so there must be no mistakes. If you wanted to tell us, you would have told us long ago. Why hide it until now? Since Your Majesty has such an ambition, we only need to assist you with all our strength, without asking any more questions. I believe that under your leadership, we will be able to realize that grand plan."

Li Qingge smiled as brightly as a flower. She nodded repeatedly and praised: "Xiaomei, you are really smart and clever. You are really a heroine and a female prime minister! With capable ministers like you and Yang Tianxiong assisting me, why should I worry about not accomplishing great things?"

Su Xiaomei sighed again and said with emotion: "Although I am talented, if I had not met a mentor like Your Majesty, I would probably have died in obscurity in a horse trough like a thousand-mile horse. As the daughter of a Suzhou embroidery family, although I am full of poetry and books and extremely intelligent, as a woman, even if I have talent, I can hardly escape the constraints of the disputes between wives and concubines in the backyard. Fortunately, Your Majesty recognized my talent when attacking Suzhou and allowed me to assist the world. This favor of recognition will be unforgettable for me forever."

Hearing this, Li Qingge felt a warm current in her heart. She knew Su Xiaomei's talent and difficulty, and she cherished this rare relationship between the monarch and her subjects. She held Su Xiaomei's hand tightly and said firmly: "Xiaomei, don't worry. I, Li Qingge, will never let anyone's talent be buried, and I will never let anyone embarrass you. As long as we work together, we will be able to realize that great dream." Yang Tianxiong, who was watching the conversation between the two women, was a little confused at first. But gradually, he understood. It turned out that the real purpose of Her Majesty the Queen's visit to Beijing this time was to seize the country of the Qing Dynasty. This layout is so profound and the strategy is so far-reaching that it is really unpredictable! He couldn't help but admire Li Qingge even more, and at the same time he was proud to be a member of her command.

Just as the three were immersed in their own thoughts, a burst of hurried footsteps broke the silence in the room. A guard hurried in and reported: "Your Majesty, the Japanese envoy Ono Nantoku wants to see you."

Li Qingge frowned slightly when she heard this. She didn't expect the Japanese envoy to ask for an audience at this time. However, she quickly regained her composure and said to the guard, "Let him in."

Soon, Ono Nande appeared in the sight of the three people. He was pale, his clothes were messy, and he was short, as if he had just escaped from the brink of life and death. He knelt on the ground and pleaded in a sad voice: "Please ask His Majesty the Emperor of the Great Qing Dynasty to send troops to help us and save our Japan!"

As soon as these words came out, everyone in the room was shocked. Su Xiaomei and Yang Tianxiong both looked surprised. They didn't expect that the Japanese envoy would ask for help in such an unruly way. Li Qingge remained calm and composed. She looked at Ono Nande quietly, waiting for his next words.

Seeing that the three did not respond, Ono Nande became even more anxious. He continued, "We in Japan have recently encountered a great disaster, with pirates running rampant and the people living in poverty. We are unable to resist those brutal pirates, so we can only ask for help from the Qing Dynasty. Please ask His Majesty the Emperor of the Qing Dynasty to send troops to help us. We in Japan are willing to become a vassal state of the Qing Dynasty and submit forever."

Li Qingge couldn't help but sneer when she heard this. She knew that Japan's request for help was not sincere, but was forced. At the same time, she also saw that this was a great opportunity. So, she slowly said: "Japanese envoy, please stand up. I deeply sympathize with the difficulties you are facing. However, sending troops to help is not an easy task. I need to think carefully before making a decision."

Ono Nande felt a little relieved when he heard this. He knew that the Qing emperor did not immediately reject their request for help, which meant there was still hope. So he kowtowed to express his gratitude and left the room.

Li Qingge looked at Su Xiaomei and Yang Tianxiong, with a meaningful smile on her face. She knew that this game of chess had gained another important chess piece. And her grand plan would be more perfect because of it.

In the following days, Li Qingge began to make secret plans. She kept in touch with Japan to understand their specific situation and needs; at the same time, she secretly mobilized troops and was ready to send troops to help at any time. At the same time, she also sent Su Xiaomei, Yang Tianxiong and others to various places to secretly contact those forces and people who were dissatisfied with the Qing Dynasty, so as to make full preparations for future actions.

Emperor Qianlong was very surprised and confused by Japan's request for help. He didn't know why Japan suddenly asked for help, and he didn't know what kind of scheme Li Qingge had set up behind the scenes. However, he did not immediately agree to Japan's request for help, but sent Heshen and others to Japan to understand the specific situation before making a decision.

However, after Heshen and his team arrived in Japan, they found that the situation was much more complicated than they had imagined. Pirates were rampant, people were living in poverty, and politics was corrupt... These problems gave Heshen and his team a headache. They didn't know how to solve these problems, let alone how to report to Emperor Qianlong.

Just when Heshen and others were in trouble, Li Qingge's reinforcements quietly arrived in Japan. They quickly attacked, successfully repelled the pirates' attack, and helped Japan stabilize the situation. This move made the Japanese people full of gratitude and admiration for Li Qingge, and also made Heshen and others feel unprecedented threats.

When Emperor Qianlong heard the news, he was filled with anger and anxiety. He didn't know what Li Qingge was up to, and he didn't know why she suddenly sent troops to help Japan. He realized that he had to take action as soon as possible, otherwise the consequences would be disastrous.

However, just as Emperor Qianlong was about to take action, Li Qingge had already started her next plan. She used the Japanese request for help to successfully stir up conflicts and disputes within the Qing Dynasty. Those forces and figures who were dissatisfied with the Qing Dynasty began to rise up in rebellion and tried to overthrow the rule of the Qing Dynasty.

This move put Emperor Qianlong in an unprecedented dilemma. He didn't know how to deal with these rebellions and uprisings, let alone how to keep his country and throne. He realized that he had to seek help from external forces, otherwise the Qing Dynasty would face a catastrophe.

Therefore, Emperor Qianlong began to secretly contact those countries and forces that had friendship with the Qing Dynasty, trying to seek their help and support. However, he found that these countries and forces all expressed neutrality or refused to provide help. This made him feel very disappointed and helpless.

Just when Emperor Qianlong was in despair, Li Qingge sent an envoy to seek peace. She expressed her willingness to coexist peacefully with the Qing Dynasty, respect each other, and develop together. This move surprised and delighted Emperor Qianlong. He didn't know what Li Qingge was up to, but he knew it was a rare opportunity.

Therefore, Emperor Qianlong decided to negotiate with Li Qingge. During the negotiation, Li Qingge put forward his own conditions and demands: the Qing Dynasty must recognize the status and sovereignty of the Great Yan Dynasty; must give up the invasion and threat to the Great Yan Dynasty; must establish peaceful and friendly diplomatic relations with the Great Yan Dynasty...

These conditions and demands made Emperor Qianlong feel very embarrassed and dissatisfied. But he knew that he had no choice. So he finally agreed to Li Qingge's request and signed a peace treaty with her.

This move caused an uproar within the Qing Dynasty. Ministers and generals who were dissatisfied with Li Qingge protested and opposed it. But Emperor Qianlong insisted on his decision despite all objections. He knew that this was a difficult choice, but also a necessary one.

The situation behind the chess game

The sun shines through the towering eaves of the Forbidden City, scattering on the magnificent palace, adding a bit of warmth to the solemn palace. The emperor sat on the high dragon throne, his face slightly gloomy, his deep eyes seemed to be able to see through people's hearts. He asked in a deep voice: "The Qing Dynasty and Japan are neither vassal states nor formal diplomatic relations. Why do you ask for our assistance for no reason?"

Ono Nande knelt on the ground, not daring to raise his head, feeling an invisible pressure like a mountain pressing on his heart. He explained in a trembling voice: "We are here to ask for help on the orders of our Lord. Our country has recently suffered a great disaster, pirates are rampant, and the people are living in poverty. The Lord is deeply worried, so he sent us to ask for help. If your country is willing to lend a helping hand, our Lord is willing to establish permanent friendly relations with the Qing Dynasty, open trade, mutual benefit, and jointly promote economic prosperity."

The emperor thought to himself, but his face showed no sign of it. He sneered and thought: These Japanese people have a good plan. They want to use the Qing Dynasty to solve their internal problems, but they don't want to pay any substantial price. What a fantasy!

When Ono Nantoku saw that the emperor did not respond immediately, he became even more panicked. He kowtowed like crazy, and the sweat on his forehead mixed with dust, making him look particularly embarrassed. "Your Majesty, our lord is really coming to ask for help sincerely. If your country can help us through this difficult time, our country will definitely remember your great kindness and will never forget it!"

At this time, the Qing Dynasty was implementing a policy of seclusion to prevent foreign invasion. In the hall, Emperor Qianlong and the ministers were silent after hearing Ono Nande's words. They thought, how dare a small barbarian country talk about economic exchanges? Our Qing Dynasty is vast and rich in resources. Why should we seek outside?

Emperor Qianlong's governing philosophy coincided with that of the Edo Shogunate, both of which were based on seclusion and defense. In their view, opening up the economy was like inviting a wolf into the house, which was the root of the disaster. He glanced coldly at Ono Nande and said, "My Great Qing is the Celestial Empire, with everything we need. How could we be interested in your things from Japan? It is extremely stupid for you to use this as a condition for asking for help! Come on, drive him out of the hall!"

Following the emperor's order, several guards stepped forward quickly, ready to drag Ono Nantoku out of the hall. Ono Nantoku did not expect that his words would offend the emperor, and he kowtowed and begged for mercy: "Your Majesty, please calm down! Your Majesty, please calm down! Our king is really sincere in asking for help, please show mercy!"

However, Emperor Qianlong was not moved at all. He watched coldly as Ono Nantoku was dragged out of the hall, and an inexplicable irritation surged in his heart. He knew that Japan's request for help was not without reason, and there must be some unspeakable hidden reasons. But the national policy of the Qing Dynasty was here, and he could not ruin the overall situation because of a momentary pity.

Just as Ono Nantoku was about to be dragged out of the hall, he suddenly shouted, "Your Majesty! If your country is willing to send troops to help, our lord is willing to regard Japan as the suzerain of the Qing Dynasty, pay tribute every year!"

When this statement came out, everyone in the room was shocked. When Huang Taiji conquered the Korean Peninsula and made Goryeo surrender, he also wanted to include Japan in his territory. But Japan is located in a remote area and is prone to disasters. Earthquakes, typhoons, and volcanoes occur frequently. If you are not careful, your ship will be destroyed and people will die. Therefore, the sea has become a natural barrier, allowing Japan to avoid becoming a vassal state of the Central Plains. The Ming Dynasty failed to make Japan surrender, and Huang Taiji did not get his wish. If Japan could surrender during the Qianlong Dynasty, what a glorious empire it would be!

When Emperor Qianlong heard this, he could not help but feel a surge of ambition. He thought of Emperor Taizong's unfinished ambitions, and the situation of the confrontation between the Qing Dynasty and the Great Yan Empire. The Great Yan Empire was extremely powerful, and looking around, only the Qing Dynasty could compete with it. If the Qing Dynasty could accept Japan as a vassal state, then its strength would surely rise to a higher level, and it would be more confident in its confrontation with the Great Yan Empire.

However, Emperor Qianlong thought of the military might of Da Yan and Li Qingge's peerless martial arts. He could not help but feel sad, and an indescribable worry surged in his heart. He knew that although Da Qing was powerful, there was still a certain gap compared with Da Yan. If he rashly accepted Dongying as a vassal state, if it caused dissatisfaction and interference from Da Yan, the consequences would be disastrous.

Emperor Qianlong was too proud to admit that the Qing was weaker than the Yan. Therefore, he hesitated and did not immediately answer Ono Nande's question. He asked instead: "First, tell me how the Yan attacked your country. How could the Japanese be defeated when they had the sea as a barrier?"

Ono Nande felt a little relieved when he heard this. He knew that although Emperor Qianlong did not immediately agree to their request for help, he was at least willing to listen to their explanation. So he quickly told them everything about the Great Yan's attack on Japan.

It turned out that the Great Yan Empire had been expanding its power in recent years, and the surrounding small countries had surrendered one after another. Although the East Japan was located in a remote area, it could not escape the invasion of the Great Yan Empire. The Great Yan Empire's army came across the sea by ship. Although the East Japan's army fought hard, they were ultimately no match for the Great Yan Empire's advanced weapons and powerful forces. After a fierce battle, the East Japan army was defeated and the country fell into crisis.

After listening to Ono Nande's narration, Emperor Qianlong could not help but feel angry. He did not expect that Da Yan would be so arrogant and domineering, and would not even let go of a small country like Japan. He secretly made up his mind to teach Da Yan a lesson and let them know that the strength and majesty of the Qing Dynasty could not be violated.

However, Emperor Qianlong thought about the national conditions and strength of the Qing Dynasty. He knew that although the Qing Dynasty was vast and rich in resources, it had also faced many problems and challenges in recent years. If he rashly went to war with Dayan, the consequences would be unpredictable. Therefore, he had to consider carefully and not make a decision easily.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn and tense. Emperor Qianlong was silent for a long time, and finally said: "Go back and tell your king that the Qing Dynasty will consider your request for assistance. However, the Qing Dynasty also has its own national policies and principles, which cannot be easily changed. If you want to get the assistance of the Qing Dynasty, you must show enough sincerity and pay a price."

Ono Nantoku was overjoyed when he heard this. He knew that although Emperor Qianlong did not immediately agree to their request for help, he at least gave them a chance. He kowtowed and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace! Our Lord will definitely show enough sincerity and pay enough to thank the Qing Dynasty for its assistance!"

After saying that, Ono Nantoku left the hall under the supervision of the guards. He walked out of the gate of the Forbidden City, looked back at the towering city walls and golden glazed tiles, and an indescribable feeling welled up in his heart. He knew that although the road to seeking help this time was difficult and tortuous, as long as there was a glimmer of hope, he had to persevere. Because the survival of Japan was hanging by a thread at this moment.

Emperor Qianlong sat on the dragon throne, staring at the end of the hall. He was filled with an inexplicable irritability and worry. He knew that the future of the Qing Dynasty was full of unknowns and challenges. As the king of a country, he had to shoulder this heavy responsibility and lead the Qing Dynasty to a more glorious tomorrow.

At this time, the Great Yan Empire was also paying close attention to the movements of the Qing Dynasty and Japan. Li Qingge sat in front of the window of the study, staring at the distant sky. She had an inexplicable premonition in her heart, as if something big was about to happen. She knew that the Qing Dynasty and Japan's request for help might just be the beginning, and a bigger storm was waiting for them.

Li Qingge took a deep breath and tried to calm her inner waves. She secretly made up her mind that no matter what happened in the future, she would stand firmly on the side of Da Yan and protect the land and people she loved deeply. At the same time, she was also looking forward to the confrontation and competition with Da Qing and Dongying, because she knew that only through constant challenges and tempering could she become stronger and more mature.

In the days ahead, the disputes and conflicts between the Qing Dynasty, the Yan Dynasty and the East Japan will become more intense. Li Qingge, Emperor Qianlong, Ono Nantoku and others will also play important roles in this historical storm. Their fate and choices will determine the future and direction of the three kingdoms. In this magnificent historical picture, they will write their own legends and glory.

The Gathering of Storms: Japan Seeks Help

Inside the Forbidden City, sunlight shone through the clouds, dappling on the magnificent palace. Ono Nantoku knelt on the cold ground, his heart beating like a drum. He looked up at the emperor, his eyes full of fear and helplessness.

"Your Majesty," Ono Nantoku said in a trembling voice, "It's not that our Japanese warriors are not brave enough, it's just that the naval warships of Dayan are too powerful. It's simply frightening to the core..." There was a deep tremor in his words, as if the horrific scene appeared before his eyes again.

The emperor sat on the dragon throne, his majestic eyes swept over Ono Nande, his brows slightly frowned. He motioned Ono Nande to continue, so Ono Nande described in detail the scene when the Great Yan Navy approached.

"That day, the sea was foggy. Suddenly, rows of warships were lined up, like giant black dragons, rushing out from the sea fog. The deafening sound of artillery fire made the people of Japan suffer terribly. Everywhere was in ruins, houses collapsed, people were killed and wounded, and it was a mess." Ono Nantoku's voice was choked with sobs, as if the terror of that day had once again strangled his throat.

When the emperor heard this, his face suddenly changed and he was furious. He slammed the dragon table and shouted, "You are talking nonsense! How can steel float on the water when it is so heavy? Are you kidding me?"

Ono Nande was so frightened that his whole body trembled, and his voice shook: "How dare I deceive Your Majesty, this is indeed the truth. The shipbuilding technology and artillery power of the Great Yan Navy are unparalleled in the world. Their soldiers have already caused heavy casualties to our warriors before they even landed. The port is stained red with blood, and those black steel behemoths are terrifying just to think about them."

The emperor saw that he was serious and didn't seem to be making it up, and his brows were so tight that they could pinch a fly to death. He pondered for a moment, and an indescribable panic surged in his heart. If it was really like Ono Nande said, Da Yan could build such a large warship with steel and easily destroy the city with artillery, then how powerful their military must be!
In the hall, the ministers were discussing the issue. Some were surprised and said, "Is the Great Yan Navy really that powerful? They were able to defeat Japan so quickly and capture four islands in a few days?" Some were skeptical and said, "Look at Ono Nantoku's embarrassed look. He doesn't seem to be lying." Others praised directly, "If this is true, then the Great Yan Navy is simply a group of tigers and wolves!"

Of course, some people did not believe it: "Da Yan was founded not long ago, how could it have such a powerful army? It must be fake." Someone else mentioned: "I am not trying to boost others' ambitions and destroy my own prestige, but the Qing Dynasty and Da Yan have fought so many times, and have we ever gained an advantage?"

The reputation of the Great Yan Navy spread inside and outside the court. The atmosphere in the court became heavy, like a dark cloud pressing down on the head. Everyone was thinking about what the rise of the Great Yan meant to the Qing Dynasty.

After retiring from court, the emperor came to Sanxiting Hall alone, where he usually meditated. He took out his three treasured calligraphy works - Wang Xizhi's "Kuaixue Shiqing Tie", Wang Xianzhi's "Zhongqiu Tie" and Wang Xun's "Boyuan Tie" to appreciate them. These three treasures were his favorites for many years. Whenever he was upset, looking at these calligraphy works would always calm him down.