In today’s world, the rulers of all nations only rejoice over seizing mere inches of territory from other countries, never contemplating the grand ambitions of unifying the realm under one rule. This barely maintains Jin’s position as the dominant power. If Great Yan were to dispatch troops to destroy Wei, it would certainly make this chaotic world even more turbulent, causing other nations to fear for their safety, inevitably leading to… a coalition against Yan.
Unless this time… Jin could also be drawn into the conflict.
Coincidentally, Princess Zhenguo’s severe injuries were now known to everyone. The Crown Prince surely couldn’t send Bai Qingyan to lead troops against Great Liang, so he wouldn’t need to worry too much about Bai Qingyan’s safety.
Thinking of this, Xiao Rongyan called out loudly: “Yue Shi…”
Yue Shi entered upon hearing the call, clasping his hands in salute: “Master!”
“Send someone to Beirong with a message. Have Beirong dispatch envoys to Great Liang, using Jin’s numerous troubles to prevent Beirong from reclaiming Nanrong, and seeking revenge for the late Empress Mingcheng as justification, requesting Great Liang to send troops to assist the Rong in attacking Jin. Also send people to have all our trading houses in Great Liang spread rumors everywhere… saying that Great Liang and Jin signed a ceasefire treaty, but Great Liang has been delaying the handover of the promised territories, causing Jin’s dissatisfaction and secret troop movements toward Great Liang’s borders!” Xiao Rongyan’s fingers rubbed against the armrest of his chair, his voice pausing before continuing, “Also, have Master Guan, who remains in Great Liang’s capital, go meet with Great Liang’s Fourth Prince, suggesting he station troops at the Great Liang-Jin border as a precaution.”
“Yes!” Yue Shi acknowledged and left to make arrangements.
Not only that, Xiao Rongyan feared he would also need to make a trip to Great Liang to ensure Great Liang couldn’t spare forces to attack Yan.
Xiao Rongyan pressed his lips together, stood up and called out: “Prepare the carriage, we’re going to the Crown Prince’s mansion.”
·
The Crown Prince had truly been entangled in tedious governmental affairs these past few days, feeling extremely vexed. When he heard that Xiao Rongyan had come calling, his heart immediately felt much lighter. He quickly set down his brush and had someone escort Xiao Rongyan to the main hall, saying he would be right there.
Quan Yu saw the Crown Prince’s tightly furrowed brow finally relax, his features also carrying a smile as he handed the Crown Prince a damp cloth: “Your Highness, please wipe your hands. Every time Master Xiao comes… Your Highness becomes particularly happy.”
The Crown Prince’s smile deepened: “Rongyan and I have different statuses. He’s a merchant… who has traveled throughout the world, with broad horizons and entertaining conversation. Conversing with Rongyan… always inspires me or lifts my spirits.”
“Your Highness, as the Crown Prince of a nation, bears heavy responsibilities and naturally cannot travel freely among the kingdoms like Master Xiao! It truly is hard work for Your Highness!” Quan Yu took the damp cloth the Crown Prince had used to wipe his hands.
Xiao Rongyan sat in the front hall, and before he had finished even one cup of tea, the Crown Prince arrived. Xiao Rongyan quickly set down his teacup, stood up, and bowed deeply to the Crown Prince: “I greet Your Highness, the Crown Prince!”
“Rongyan, you need not be so formal with me! Please sit!” The Crown Prince waved his hand at Xiao Rongyan, smiling as he took his seat in the place of honor. “You’ve been back in the capital for several days, but you rarely come to the Crown Prince’s mansion. What brings you here today?”
Xiao Rongyan smiled as he spoke with the Crown Prince: “His Majesty has entrusted all governmental affairs to Your Highness. I knew Your Highness must be overwhelmed with duties, so how could I dare to frequently disturb Your Highness? I’ve come today to take my leave of Your Highness, as I depart for Great Liang tomorrow.”
Quan Yu took small steps around the lacquered pillar to the Crown Prince’s side, serving him tea.
The Crown Prince smiled as he accepted the teacup, sighing with a voice tinged with envy: “I truly envy you… being able to travel north and south throughout the world.”
“Your Highness is Jin’s heir apparent, supremely noble, and your safety concerns Great Jin’s future! How could you move about freely like I do? However, whenever I come to the capital, I will certainly come to pay my respects to Your Highness and tell you about the strange tales and anecdotes from various countries. If I encounter beautiful scenery, I’ll have artists paint it for Your Highness, so that… Your Highness will be as if you had traveled together with me!”
“Rongyan is so thoughtful!” The Crown Prince smiled and nodded.
“I’ve come with one matter to request Your Highness’s guidance!” Xiao Rongyan smiled as he cupped his hands toward the Crown Prince. “After the recent battle between Great Liang and Jin, with Great Liang ceding territories and borders redrawn, this journey to Great Liang requires passing through Hong Queshan… I just don’t know which official Your Highness has dispatched to take over Hong Queshan. I’d like to know so I can establish proper relations.”
Previously, when Xiao Rongyan said such things, the Crown Prince understood… Xiao Rongyan wanted him to give advance notice so his merchant caravan could pass through smoothly.
The Crown Prince raised his hand to rub his nose bridge, saying: “Although Great Liang was defeated and agreed to cede territories, to this day they haven’t handed over the land contracts or household registers. Moreover, the border people of Great Liang, adjacent to our Jin, have suffered deeply from the warfare between our two nations and naturally harbor deep hatred toward Jin. We cannot forcibly subjugate them. This matter remains unresolved, which is quite troublesome.”
Xiao Rongyan showed a shocked expression: “But… since the treaty was signed, shouldn’t Great Liang quickly count the population and submit the household registers to demonstrate their sincere intention for peace and cessation of hostilities?”
The Crown Prince’s brow furrowed tightly. Mentioning these matters filled him with indignation: “That Emperor of Great Liang is just like a mangy dog. When Jin’s envoys went to press the matter, the Great Liang Emperor claimed illness and refused to see them, pushing everything onto that Fourth Prince Wei Qiheng. But that Wei Qiheng is simply a complete scoundrel!”
Xiao Rongyan stared at the Crown Prince in bewilderment, pressing his lips together: “I received news that… my mother Kingdom Wei will join forces with Great Liang, attacking Great Yan from both north and south. Your Highness could take advantage of this opportunity to send envoys to Liang demanding Hong Queshan and other territories. With Great Liang unable to spare attention… they would naturally obediently return them to Jin!”
The Crown Prince was startled: “Rongyan is indeed from Wei, with such well-informed sources.”
Xiao Rongyan smiled: “I naturally care about my mother Kingdom. But… I have established a friendship with Your Highness. If Great Liang’s Hong Queshan and other areas become Jin territory, my trading will become much more convenient, so naturally I hope for Jin’s prosperity too!”
The Crown Prince pointed at Xiao Rongyan: “You! Still a merchant at heart! However… what you say makes sense. Now that Great Liang and Wei are attacking Yan, it’s indeed a good time for our Jin to demand those territories!”
Xiao Rongyan sat briefly at the Crown Prince’s mansion before rising to take his leave, saying he needed to bid farewell at Princess Zhenguo’s mansion. The Crown Prince immediately summoned Old Fang for consultation.
Upon hearing this, Old Fang nodded with a smile: “This Master Xiao truly shows a merchant’s nature. Knowing that Jin is currently a strong nation… a great power, he cultivates friendship with Your Highness and offers counsel. Naturally, his future trading will be much more convenient!”
“What does Old Fang think about Master Xiao’s suggestion to send envoys to Great Liang demanding the territories? Is it feasible?” the Crown Prince asked Old Fang.
Old Fang nodded: “It is certainly feasible! That Master Xiao could speak these words to Your Highness brings this old minister great comfort, showing that Master Xiao has not disappointed Your Highness’s regard for him. These words truly consider our Jin’s interests… consider Your Highness’s interests! However, Master Xiao is from Wei after all and still considers his mother Kingdom’s interests. He only gave Your Highness this suggestion, but couldn’t speak more thoroughly with Your Highness. This old minister will elaborate for Your Highness to hear – please consider it.”
“Please speak, Old Fang!” The Crown Prince sat upright with proper posture.