Chapter 7, Meeting
Without waiting for Jiang Li's instructions, Zhao Yan promptly closed the door, and no sound emerged from within. The pavilion of letters was designed and built by the first generation of the Three Rights of Zhongzhou (Tai Zhu, Tai Gong, Tai Bu). Its interior arrangement draws upon celestial mechanisms and is grounded in earthly energies. Even those outside with the ability to reach the heavens and penetrate the earth would find it difficult to discern the true nature of what lies within, making it an excellent place for discussing significant matters.
Jiang Li finally turned back to examine this seemingly ordinary youth, and his heart was already stirred by tumultuous waves. Throughout his life, he had encountered countless people and believed he could discern their true nature at first glance, yet he had met with failure in the case of Lian Junru. Before the Qinzun Hall, the reason he unsheathed his sword to bestow it was not merely to win the hearts of the people, but also as a form of testing, and Lian Junru provided him with the best answer. This time at the Xinting Conference, he aimed to probe the other’s character, only to receive a response that was completely unexpected. "Wu Xingyi, you have made an extraordinary choice, but who truly knows who the victor is?" Jiang Li pondered for a moment, then slowly nodded, raising his hand with a smile and saying, "Very well, I shall agree to you, let us strike our palms as a vow"
Lian Junru could already feel the piercing gazes of the eight envoys behind him, stirring something within his heart. The officials ahead, who were desperately flattering him, wisely stepped aside, knowing that the King of Hua intended to discuss matters of great significance regarding the nation's future with the envoy. Lian Junru nodded slightly and proceeded forward in silence, only to find that all eight envoys followed closely behind him, instantly igniting a sense of annoyance. Before he could express his displeasure, Zhao Yan turned around as if foreseeing the situation and deeply bowed to Wu Xingyi and the others, saying: "Esteemed officials, His Majesty wishes to have a private discussion with His Highness the envoy. I kindly ask that you all remain outside the letter pavilion. His Highness the envoy bears the weight of the nation, and His Majesty will certainly not raise any unreasonable requests. I hope you all understand this clearly!"
Lian Junru's face finally revealed a smile, and he subsequently raised his right palm. After a crisp sound, the two suddenly burst into laughter, their laughter filled with complex emotions that even the two involved could only vaguely comprehend.
He noticed that Lian Jun's expression did not change in the slightest, and he could not help but feel a bit anxious and displeased. Nevertheless, he continued, "Now that Lian Qing has emerged in the capacity of a messenger, he can certainly assist me in creating an unprecedented achievement. Alas, if it were not for the lack of ambition among the previous messengers, how could the Central Plains have fallen to its current state?"
"The heavens have no two suns, and the people have no two rulers." This phrase suddenly surfaced in the mind of Wang Jiangli, but it was quickly dismissed and vanished without a trace. He noticed that the eight envoys were tightly surrounding Lian Junru, seemingly reluctant for the ministers to engage with this esteemed envoy. His brow furrowed involuntarily, and he turned to Zhao Yan beside him, giving a few instructions. The eunuch Zhao Yan bowed respectfully and then hurried a few steps to kneel before Lian Junru, reporting: "Your Excellency, His Majesty has said there are important matters to discuss with you, and requests that you go to the letter pavilion."
In the Qinzun Hall, Lian Jun appeared before a strange minister from wwwhetushu.com, feeling a deep sense of helplessness rising within him. Nevertheless, he forced himself to muster his spirits, unwilling to show even the slightest fatigue in front of Wu Xingyi. The words he had just spoken in front of King Hua, Jiang Li, were indeed imposing, but they were merely a momentary surge of passion. At that time, under the silent pressure of Wu Xingyi's aura, his anger had accumulated to its peak, and he had seized that opportunity to let it all out.
Your Majesty, I cannot provide you with any definitive answer. Lian Junru pondered for a long time before finally rising to respond, "The Central Plains have been weak for a long time; it cannot be restored merely by my status. You say you are constrained by many factors, but am I not in the same situation?" After much contemplation, he decided to reveal a hint of his thoughts, "Although all matters in the world are man-made, they cannot all be controlled by oneself. I have only recently entered the world, and I have not even comprehended some of the most basic concepts, so how can I possess the ability to govern the country and benefit the world? If Your Majesty permits, please appoint capable individuals from the nation to teach me about the overall situation of the world, and I will then study various texts. Since Your Majesty has grand ambitions, even though I, Lian Junru, possess only limited talent, I will do my utmost to assist you with my meager abilities"
He changed to a friendly demeanor and gestured for Lian Junru to sit down on one side before standing with his hands behind his back, the signs of aging on his face completely vanished. "Since my ascension to the throne, I have constantly sought to restore the glory of Zhongzhou and to have the people of the world submit to the royal way. However, the four nations are in conflict, and despite possessing nearly eighty percent of the land of Shenzhou, my royal decree only extends to Huadu, and even in other parts of Zhongzhou, there is only pretense of compliance. Over time, the constraints have become increasingly severe, and I find myself more willing than able. The current situation is even more critical than I had imagined."
Hua Wang Jiang Li sat alone in the pavilion, his fingers gliding over the brush and inkstone on the table, suddenly letting out a cold snort. The Central Plains spanned merely 3,000 miles, far less than the combined 10,000 miles of the territories of the four kingdoms. In a place burdened by deep-rooted issues, how could the emergence of a noble figure possibly reverse the situation? However, regardless of the circumstances, he had to make an attempt. Ten years ago, on that very night, everything had already begun to unfold; nothing could stand in the way, not even so-called fate! His old, murky eyes suddenly widened, and in the fleeting glimmer, there was unmistakably a surge of ambition.
Except for Wu Xingyi, who could maintain his composure, the other seven were visibly taken aback. Just as they were about to voice their objections, Lian Junru turned his head and calmly instructed, "Since it is the Emperor's command, you should comply. Although I have not been to the Xinting, this place, having been chosen by the Emperor, should also be a secret location. You may wait outside and ensure my safety." As soon as he finished speaking, not only was Zhao Yan in front surprised, but the eight others behind him were almost in disbelief. Wu Xingyi's piercing gaze locked onto Lian Junru's eyes, and after a long moment, he lowered his head and replied, "Since Your Highness has given the order, we will all comply."
In that brief moment of eye contact, Lian Jun felt a wave of dizziness, his teeth clenched tightly, and only after a moment did he manage to hold on. He understood that it was Wu Xingyi's silent warning; however, if he did not even possess this little bit of freedom, then this puppet would likely never see the light of day. Since he had already vowed not to be a puppet without substance, he must find a breakthrough with Wang Jiangli; otherwise, he would have no conditions or leverage left to negotiate with Wu Xingyi.
Jiang Li felt a tightening in his heart, and the belief that had already wavered became even more unclear. He awkwardly turned his head away and suddenly let out a long laugh: "Lian Qing, you are overthinking it. I have no intention of avoiding the eight envoys; it is you who misunderstood. However, it is indeed best that there are no outsiders present when discussing confidential matters, as has been the practice with all past envoys who have assisted the king."
Lian Junru was digesting Jiang Li's words sentence by sentence, feeling utterly bewildered. Upon arriving in this world, apart from the scant memories in his mind, he had no understanding of the situation among the various nations, and how could he possibly make a promise? Although the young emperor before him appeared passionate, how could he guarantee that he did not harbor ulterior motives like Wu Xingyi? After all, there was very little that a thirteen-year-old boy could actually do.
Lian Junru had already fastened the sword bestowed by the King of Hua at his waist. The long sword hilt seemed quite disproportionate to his short stature, yet no one dared to underestimate him. Lian Junru's loud call before the Qinzun Hall still resonated like thunder in the hearts of the ministers, including those with ulterior motives. At this moment, no one could afford to doubt or question the authenticity of this esteemed envoy; they only knew that soon, in the central hall of Zhongzhou, there would be another person capable of issuing commands.
As he passed through, all the ministers bowed down, their faces displaying a semblance of genuine or feigned respect. Once he had walked a few steps further, everyone followed suit. When the envoy leaves the Hall of Revered Respect, no one else is permitted to linger within; although the Hall has been unoccupied for many years, these officials, well-versed in the laws of the Central Plains, still dare not act recklessly. The Pavilion of Trust is located on the eastern side of the Hall of Revered Respect and has been the site of secret discussions between envoys and the Huawang throughout the ages, having been nearly abandoned for hundreds of years. Should it be activated today, one can only wonder what changes might occur among the various nations.
"Your Majesty, His Highness has arrived!" A respectful voice from outside the door announced. Jiang Li concealed the various expressions on his face and personally stepped forward to open the grand door. As he expected, Lian Junru entered, followed by the eight envoys standing in a neat row. Although their faces were covered with black veils, he could sense their unease. However, only Lian Junru stepped inside, while the others merely bowed from outside the door and did not advance further. Jiang Li observed Lian Junru's indifferent and composed gaze, a trace of doubt flickering in his heart. Could it be that the information he received was incorrect? However, only Lian Junru stepped inside, while the others merely bowed from outside the door and did not advance further. Jiang Li observed Lian Junru's indifferent and composed gaze, a trace of doubt flickering in his heart. Could it be that the information he received was incorrect?
Your Majesty, you should know that I was merely a commoner from the countryside before, and I have no understanding of the so-called grand situation. I have followed your instructions and left all eight edicts outside. I wonder what urgent matters require my solitary presence here for discussion?" After bowing respectfully, Lian Jun straightened up and asked with a calm expression.