Having many children brings many blessings; the struggle for power begins with marriage.

Chapter 358 Negotiations Begin

After the Da Wu delegation arrived in the Northern Kingdom, Lu Chen did not meet with them for more than half a month, leaving the Da Wu delegation there to linger as if they did not exist.

Wu Ming wasn't in a hurry. He was waiting for news from the Great Wu Dynasty and his father's decree. If he could send Wu Yunwan to the Northern Kingdom as a hostage this time, it would be worth it for him to stay there for as long as possible.

at the same time.

North Palace.

Lu Chen sat at his desk, processing official documents while listening to Wang Qingci's report beside him.

Wang Qingci has now taken over the work of Tingyulou again. Although Tingyulou has been exposed and all the major dynasties know that it is the power of the Northern King's Mansion, the major dynasties do not dare to easily take action against Tingyulou because the Northern Kingdom easily defeated the Great Wu this time.

Now, Tingyulou can openly gather information in various dynasties, including the one in Dawu. Tingyulou has even established a branch in the capital of Dawu, but the Dawu dynasty dares not do anything to Tingyulou.

For Lu Chen, the intelligence gathered by Tingyu Tower supplemented the intelligence collected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Of course, there were also Embroidered Uniform Guard spies in Tingyu Tower, but these were two separate systems.

Intelligence gathered by the Embroidered Uniform Guard was reported to its superiors, while intelligence gathered by the Listening Rain Pavilion was reported to its superiors.

Wang Qingci said with a smile, "Your Highness, it seems that it won't be long before that great beauty from Da Wu becomes your plaything."

Hearing this, Lu Chen put down his pen, glanced at Wang Qingci, and said indifferently, "Qingci, I think you haven't been disciplined by me in a long time, and you're itching for a beating, aren't you?"

Hearing this, Wang Qingci sighed softly and said, "Alas, Your Highness has changed. Ever since you met that Murong Xue'er, Your Highness has lost interest in me."

At this point, Wang Qingci raised her slender hand and wiped away non-existent tears from the corners of her eyes, putting on the appearance of a delicate woman.

Lu Chen chuckled. "That vixen."

The next moment, Lu Chen raised his hand and used his spiritual power to pull Wang Qingci's soft and delicate body into his arms.

Just as Lu Chen was about to do something bad to Wang Qingci, a maid's voice suddenly came from outside, "Your Highness, Commander Liang requests an audience."

Lu Chen then released Wang Qingci. Seeing that Lu Chen had let her go, Wang Qingci felt a little reluctant. She was about to be dealt with by Lu Chen when someone else arrived.

It's getting harder and harder for her to get intimate with Lu Chen in the study. Just as she thought, as the Northern Kingdom grows stronger and more powerful, Lu Chen will have more and more things to do in the future, and he will have less and less time to spend with women like them.

Right now, Lu Chen only has less time to rest in his study. But as he gets more government affairs to attend to, his sleep time will be taken up by those affairs. And with so many women around him, they will have even less time to spend with him in the future.

Wang Qingci knew this was bound to happen, and there was nothing she could do about it; after all, she had chosen to be with this man.

Wang Qingci then stood aside and stopped trying to seduce Lu Chen.

The next moment, Liang Zong entered the room and reported on all the information collected by the Embroidered Uniform Guard regarding the various dynasties.

The intelligence reported by Liang Zong overlapped significantly with the intelligence collected by Tingyu Tower, but there were also some that Tingyu Tower had not been able to find out. Lu Chen did not feel that this was a waste of resources.

Having two intelligence agencies is actually a good thing for Lu Chen, because these two agencies can check and balance each other and supervise each other. Although Lu Chen has not yet learned the art of managing people like an emperor, he has gradually developed his own methods for employing people.

After listening to Liang Zong's report, Lu Chen thought that since the Great Wu court had been reached, it was time to start negotiations. However, there was one more thing to do before the negotiations began.

Lu Chen then said, "Issue the military order to have Mu Changtian lead 200,000 soldiers south and station them in the border area between Youping County and Lingdu County. They can fire cannons and exercise when they have nothing else to do."

Liang Zong instantly understood Lu Chen's meaning. Lu Chen was trying to put pressure on Da Wu, thereby forcing Da Wu to pay more compensation.

Liang Zong then replied, "Yes, Your Highness."

……

At this moment.

The Great Yue Dynasty.

The Empress Yue, dressed in a phoenix robe, was meditating on her phoenix bed when a gentle breeze blew into her palace, causing the red curtains to sway in the wind.

At this moment, a female soldier appeared outside the red curtain. She took out an envelope, knelt on the ground, and said, "Your Majesty, the Great Wu Princess has agreed to go to the Northern Kingdom as a hostage."

Upon hearing this, the Empress Yue, who had been keeping her eyes closed, immediately opened them. The next moment, she waved her hand, and the intelligence report in the female soldier's hand flew directly into the Empress Yue's hand.

Empress Yue tore open the envelope, her beautiful eyes sweeping over the information on the letter. She said with some disbelief, "Strange, why would Yunwan agree to her father's request?"

Wu Yunwan is a proud woman. Emperor Yue has been with her for many years and knows her personality. Given Wu Yunwan's personality, she definitely cannot tolerate being made a hostage.

Emperor Yue originally planned to have Wu Yunwan brought directly to Dayue, but unexpectedly, Wu Yunwan herself agreed to go to the Northern Kingdom as a hostage.

After a moment, the Empress Yue reacted instantly. She smiled slightly and said, "It seems that Yunwan hasn't given up yet."

Emperor Yue had basically guessed what Wu Yunwan was planning to do. Her decision to go to the Northern Kingdom as a hostage was most likely aimed at the mysterious weapons and secrets of the Northern Kingdom.

If Wu Junwan could uncover the secrets of the Northern Kingdom and obtain the blueprints for its weapons, perhaps she would have a chance to turn her life around.

only……

At this moment, Emperor Yue's face showed a worried expression.

The Northern King is a lecherous man. My good sister is as beautiful as an angel. If I send her to the Northern Kingdom as a hostage, I'm afraid the Northern King will develop some feelings for her.

The Empress did not want to see her good sister defiled by that little man.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yue asked the female soldier kneeling on the ground outside the curtain, "What has Xue'er been doing lately?"

The soldier immediately replied, "Your Majesty, Lady Murong has been frequently visiting the Northern Prince's residence recently, but she always returns in the evening."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yue's face showed a hint of displeasure. "Going back tonight?"

In Yuehuang's view, if she wanted to control the Northern King, the Northern King would have to have a sexual relationship with Murong Xue'er. However, Murong Xue'er went home that night, which meant that she did not get into the Northern King's bed and she still had not controlled the Northern King.

In Yuehuang's mind, she assumed that matters between men and women should only take place at night. Therefore, she believed that Murong Xue'er and Lu Chen had not done such a thing. However, in order to realize her plan, Murong Xue'er had to sacrifice herself.

At this moment, Emperor Yue said, "Send a message to Xue'er by carrier pigeon, and tell her to find a way to get into the Northern King's bed."

Her best friend was about to leave for the Northern Kingdom, and she had to control the Northern King before Wu Junwan left, in order to prevent him from having any designs on Wu Junwan.

If Lu Chen and Murong Xue'er sleep together, Lu Chen will fall completely in love with Murong Xue'er and lose all interest in other women. In this way, as long as Murong Xue'er is kept under control, the Northern King can be used by her.

Upon hearing Emperor Yue's words, the kneeling soldiers in the palace immediately replied, "Yes, Your Majesty! This servant will immediately send a message to Lord Murong via carrier pigeon!"

The Emperor said coldly, "Go down."

"This servant takes her leave!"

The female soldiers then got up and left the palace.

At this moment, Emperor Yue muttered to himself, "I hope my curse mark will work. As long as there are no celestial beings in the Northern Kingdom, this curse mark should remain undiscovered..."

a few days later.

North.

In the council hall.

The Da Wu delegation waited in the Northern Kingdom for almost a month before finally meeting the Northern King.

Unlike the last time the Great Wu envoy came to the Northern Kingdom, this time the Great Wu envoy came to the Northern Kingdom without a seat and could only stand in the middle of the hall. Even Prince Wu Ming was the same, because they were the defeated country.

Wu Ming stood in the middle of the hall, looking at Lu Chen on the throne, feeling extremely distressed. He couldn't help but clench his fists.

He was, after all, a prince of a dynasty, and a future candidate for crown prince. Yet now, facing a vassal king of a dynasty, he could only stand there. When had he ever suffered such humiliation?

Despite his displeasure, Wu Ming did not do anything impulsive or say anything rash.

Lu Chen could see that Wu Ming was feeling very upset, so he smiled and said, "Your Highness Wu Ming, I didn't expect to see you again so soon. It feels like just yesterday that you left the Northern Kingdom. I've been looking forward to meeting and chatting with Your Highness Wu Ming again."

Upon hearing this, Wu Ming sneered and tried to control his emotions, saying, "It seems the Northern King is unaware that our Great Wu delegation has been in the Northern Kingdom for some time. If he knew, he would have already come to see us."

Lu Chen said calmly, "Sigh, there's just been too much going on lately. There's nothing I can do. Your father sent troops to attack the Northern Kingdom, causing enormous damage. Now, everyone is busy rebuilding."

Wu Ming immediately understood Lu Chen's meaning: the negotiations were about to begin.

Wu Ming then said, "King of the North, let's not beat around the bush. Just tell me directly, what would it take for the North to end this war and abandon its counterattack against Da Wu?"

Before Lu Chen could speak, Li Rui, who was inside the hall, said, "Your Highness Wu Ming is indeed an impatient person."

Negotiations don't require Prince Lu Chen to speak up personally; the Northern officials in the main hall can simply negotiate.

If Lu Chen were to personally negotiate the price, it would lower his status. Lu Chen would only need to say "yes" or "no" to the outcome of the negotiation.

Li Rui continued, "The Great Wu attacked our Northern Kingdom, causing the deaths of many soldiers and destroying many of its cities, resulting in enormous losses and displacement of its people. If the Great Wu truly wants to negotiate peace, it must show sincerity."

Wu Ming then said, "My Great Wu is willing to offer ten million taels of silver as compensation."

No sooner had Wu Ming finished speaking than the Minister of Revenue of the small court stepped forward and said, "Your Highness Wu Ming, are you kidding us? Ten million taels of silver probably wouldn't even be enough to pay the pensions to our fallen soldiers!"

At this moment, an envoy from the Dawu delegation stepped forward and said, "The Northern Kingdom didn't lose many people, so why would it need so much compensation?"

As soon as the words were spoken, an official from the Northern Kingdom's Ministry of War stepped forward and said, "We haven't even disclosed how many soldiers the Northern Kingdom has suffered casualties, so how could your Great Wu possibly know how many of us have been killed or wounded?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the Da Wu envoy continued, "The Northern Kingdom possesses such terrifying weapons. Our soldiers were defeated before they even got close to the Northern Kingdom's army. How could the Northern Kingdom have suffered such heavy casualties?"

Although it was a shameful thing, in order to minimize the amount of compensation, the members of the Da Wu delegation had no choice but to bring it up.

As soon as the envoy from Da Wu finished speaking, the officials from the Northern Kingdom began to retort. The entire hall then became a place for the members of the Northern Kingdom delegation and the ministers of Da Wu to bargain, as noisy as a vegetable market.

Lu Chen sat on the throne, just watching, as if none of this had anything to do with him.

After an unknown amount of time, Wu Ming finally spoke up: "Twenty-five million taels of silver—this is Great Wu's bottom line!"

Upon hearing this, the entire hall fell silent. Whether they were members of the Great Wu delegation or officials from the Northern Kingdom, they all turned to look at Lu Chen on the throne.

Lu Chen's lips curled slightly upwards as he said, "Twenty-five million taels? It seems that Great Wu doesn't want the two hundred thousand Great Wu soldiers who surrendered."

Upon hearing this, Wu Ming and the members of the delegation were taken aback.

They definitely want to take back these 200,000 Great Wu soldiers. They are the elite of Great Wu. Even though they were defeated by the Northern Kingdom, they are still the elite of Great Wu. Their defeat this time was only because the Northern Kingdom's weapons were too advanced, and it had nothing to do with these 200,000 soldiers.

If these 200,000 soldiers do not return, the strength of the Great Wu Dynasty will be greatly weakened.

Wu Ming asked directly, "Your Majesty, why don't you just tell me how much silver you need?"

Lu Chen didn't waste any words and said directly, "Thirty million taels of silver."

Hearing this, Wu Ming and the members of the Great Wu delegation breathed a sigh of relief. It was only an increase of five million taels of silver. Although thirty million taels was a lot, it was already very worthwhile to exchange five million taels of silver for those two hundred thousand soldiers.

Just as Wu Ming was about to say something, Lu Chen continued, "Plus five million taels of gold!"

Upon hearing this, the members of the Great Martial Envoy Group instantly erupted in uproar.

Five million taels of gold?

Are you kidding me!

In this era, five million taels of gold was equivalent to fifty million taels of silver. Adding the previous thirty million taels of silver, the total value was eighty million taels of silver.

Moreover, gold is a scarce currency. If the Northern Kingdom is compensated with five million taels of gold, then the Great Wu Dynasty's treasury will not have much gold reserves left.

The Great Wu Dynasty's annual tax revenue is so small. If it were to pay nearly 80 million taels of silver in compensation all at once, the Great Wu Dynasty would probably not have a good life for the next few years.

Wu Ming, his face darkening, said, "King of the North, don't you think the Northern Kingdom's appetite is a bit too great?"

Just as Lu Chen was about to say something, a Jinyiwei soldier suddenly entered through the main gate of the hall, then walked around to Lu Chen's side and whispered something in Lu Chen's ear.

Lu Chen smiled slightly.

Seeing this, Wu Ming and the members of the Great Wu delegation became even more solemn, and they knew that something must have happened.

Just then, a soldier outside spoke up: "Your Highness, the Great Martial Envoy requests to enter the palace."

The Great Wu delegation was large this time, but not all of them went into the main hall to negotiate with the Northern Kingdom officials. Some stayed outside to wait for news that the Great Wu might arrive at any time.

Upon hearing that it was members of their delegation wanting to enter, Wu Ming knew that something must have happened in Da Wu, otherwise the Da Wu delegation would not have requested to enter the hall at this time.

Lu Chen then smiled and said, "Approved!"

The next moment, a member of a large martial arts delegation entered the hall. He first bowed to Lu Chen on the throne, then quickly walked to Wu Ming's side and handed him an envelope.

Wu Ming quickly took the envelope and checked it. Upon seeing it, Wu Ming's face turned deathly pale.

A few days ago, the Northern Kingdom sent 200,000 troops to camp in the border area between Lingdu County and Youping County, creating thunderous sounds from time to time.

Opposite the Northern Kingdom's military camp was the Northern Kingdom's heavy cavalry camp. Originally, the Northern Kingdom had no intention of attacking, but a certain general of Da Wu went mad and thought that the Northern Kingdom had relaxed its vigilance. In addition, there was flat ground in front of them, so they directly led their heavy cavalry to launch a surprise attack on the Northern Kingdom's military camp under the cover of night.

However, not only did the sneak attack fail, but Da Wu's 20,000 heavy cavalry were also defeated, and the Northern army took the opportunity to move south and occupy several cities in Lingdu County.

After reading the contents of the letter, Wu Ming couldn't help but crumple the entire letter into a ball.

He couldn't help but curse inwardly, "Idiots, what a bunch of idiots!"

Who gave them the courage to fight against 200,000 with only 20,000?

Don't they know that the Northern Kingdom possesses such terrifying weapons?

Now their negotiations were once again at a disadvantage.

Lu Chen then said with a smile, "Your Highness Wu Ming, you don't look too well?"

Wu Ming immediately said, "Your Majesty, I am not feeling well today. How about we discuss the peace talks again tomorrow?"

Lu Chen agreed without hesitation: "Since His Highness Wu Ming is not feeling well, let's call it a day. Wu Ming should get some rest."

Wu Ming cupped his hands and said, "Thank you, King of the North!"

Then Wu Ming and the members of the Great Wu delegation turned around and left the main hall.

Seeing their retreating figures, Lu Chen chuckled and stood up. The Great Wu people are truly "full of martial virtue."

I thought it was from that era!

In the old days of cold weapons, it was indeed possible for 20,000 heavy cavalry to charge into a camp of 200,000 infantry at night, given the advantage of armor.

Unfortunately, times have changed.

Moreover, there was another reason why the Great Wu heavy cavalry's sneak attack failed this time: the cautiousness of its commander, Mu Changtian. If the Northern soldiers had really been lax, there was actually a certain probability that the Great Wu's 20,000 heavy cavalry would have been able to kill the Northern soldiers and leave them in disarray during the night raid.

However, Mu Changtian thought that this was the most critical moment for the peace talks, and Da Wu would definitely try to increase their bargaining chips, so they would definitely cause trouble. Therefore, he had been on guard against Da Wu, and as a result, Da Wu did send troops to attack the camp.

(End of this chapter)