Chapter 9, Transactions
In yesterday's confrontation, both parties ultimately reached a compromise. Lian Junru agreed to make every effort to understand the overall situation of the world and to influence the Huawang Jiang Li based on future circumstances. Meanwhile, Wu Xingyi and others would ensure the safety of Lian Junru and his family while fully assisting the Zhongzhou royal family, and would provide all possible support. As for Lian Junru, he could meet his parents every ten days as a form of compensation. Of course, in public, all commands would regard Lian Junru as their master, and the previous situation resembling surveillance would no longer occur, which greatly satisfied Lian Junru. Regardless, for the sake of his and his parents' lives, he could not allow outsiders to harbor any doubts.
Lian Jun returned to the Qinzun Hall as if strolling leisurely in a garden. Inside, the Grand Tutor Zhang Qian and three carefully selected scholars quickly bowed in greeting. This was the second time Zhang Qian had met the esteemed envoy, so the look of restraint on his face had long since faded, while the other three hardly dared to raise their heads in reverence. Among the envoys throughout history, those of humble origins made up the majority, yet this did not diminish their noble status in the slightest. Compared to ordinary individuals, these gifted individuals often progressed rapidly. Beyond serving the royal army, they were also indispensable aides to the King of Hua, a presence that commanded respect from the four nations. The three had already learned about Lian Jun's situation from Grand Tutor Zhang Qian. The progress of a mere mountain folk could earn Zhang Qian's admiration, and they could not help but feel a glimmer of hope for the storm-tossed Central Plains for the first time.
Due to the numerous attendants assigned by Jiang Li who were present beside them, his demeanor became increasingly respectful. Noticing that Lian Jun had no objections, he stepped forward again, pointing to a young girl dressed as a maid behind him, and lowered his voice to say, "Your Highness requires someone to attend to your daily needs, as ordinary maids are not up to the task. This is Kong Yi, who not only possesses exceptional martial skills but is also loyal and reliable. She will certainly not allow Your Highness to fall into danger. With her attending to Your Highness, I will no longer have to worry every day."
"Father, Mother!" The couple, the Lian family, who were still in a daze, finally heard a familiar voice and immediately turned their heads in astonishment, their eyes wide open. "Junru!" As soon as they called out, they saw Lian Junru rushing forward, grabbing their arms. Although Lian Junru understood that their warmth and affection were directed solely at the original owner of this body, he could not help but develop feelings of attachment. For him, who had been almost entirely abandoned by parental love in his previous life, familial affection was the most precious thing and his only support. Although Lian Junru understood that their warmth and affection were directed solely at the original owner of this body, he could not help but develop feelings of attachment. For him, who had been almost entirely abandoned by parental love in his previous life, familial affection was the most precious thing and his only support.
The couple, Lian Yunfei and his wife, have been under house arrest in the Yiyou Palace on the south side of the Qinzun Hall for a full six days. Despite wearing exquisite brocade garments and having their hair neatly arranged, their faces are as pale as death. Since being brought to this luxurious prison-like chamber, they have not had a single peaceful night's sleep, and even when faced with fine wine and delicacies, they find no taste in their food. Having witnessed their son covered in blood that day, how could they possibly feel at ease? Thus, even though Wu Xingyi assures them that Lian Jun will be safe and sound, they still endure each day as if it were a year, anxiously awaiting news. Since being brought to this luxurious prison-like chamber, they have not had a single peaceful night's sleep, and even when faced with fine wine and delicacies, they find no taste in their food. Having witnessed their son covered in blood that day, how could they possibly feel at ease? Thus, even though Wu Xingyi assures them that Lian Jun will be safe and sound, they still endure each day as if it were a year, anxiously awaiting news.
Lian Yunfei and Jin Yang carefully observed their son, and were astonished to find that there seemed to be something indescribable between his brows, causing a pang in their hearts. In just a few brief words, Lian Junru conveyed his current situation. To reassure his parents, he did not disclose his identity or circumstances, merely stating that he had caught the attention of Wu Xingyi and would be staying in Huadu to study. He said nothing about the plight of Zhao Village. Since Wu Xingyi intended to keep two people as hostages, it was better for his parents to remain completely unaware. He did not realize that the deep gloom on his face had already been noticed by his parents, but the understanding Lian Yunfei and Jin Yang chose not to press further. Their son was already grown, and they did not wish to interfere with Lian Junru's choices.
The great door of the palace was gently pushed open, emitting a series of creaking sounds, yet the Lian couple had long since lost their curiosity. In recent days, apart from the trusted attendants and maids who had entered to serve under the secret orders of Wu Xingyi, only Wu Xingyi and his eight companions occasionally came to check in, also inquiring about Lian Junru's situation. Over time, they no longer hoped to see their son soon, but instead silently prayed for Lian Junru's safety.
"There is no need for excessive formalities among the four of you." After Lian Junru nodded in greeting, he gestured for them to take their seats. Although it was considered a lecture, there were more than just these few individuals in the palace; beneath every intricately carved column stood a servant, seemingly to highlight the distinguished status of the envoy. "Yesterday, the Grand Tutor mentioned that the four nations are to be enfeoffed, all honoring the Son of Heaven, which is indeed the court's regulation. For the past five hundred years, there have been no wars; is this truly the case?" After everyone was seated, he could not help but ask.
Lian Junru reluctantly walked out of the Yiyou Palace, watching as the grand doors closed behind him. It felt as though the only crack in his heart had also been tightly shut. In front of Wu Xingyi, he maintained a completely calm and composed expression. "Wu Xingyi, when my parents left that day, they left behind a precious box at home, hoping you could retrieve it. Now, my parents can only reside in the Yiyou Palace, and I hope you can fulfill their only wish."
The Lian couple is not an ordinary family of hunters. Although Lian Yunfei has never received formal education, he traveled extensively among various states in his early years and even made a name for himself with his bow and arrow until he met Jin Yang. Jin Yang was originally the illegitimate daughter of a wealthy family, but after the death of her father, she was driven out of her home and nearly ended up on the streets, fortunate to be rescued by Lian Yunfei. After they met, they fell in love at first sight and settled in Zhao Village, but their lives became increasingly difficult, and Jin Yang lost the radiance she once had. Despite this, their knowledge is not inferior to that of ordinary mountain folk and illiterate peasants; they could tell from the demeanor and speech of the servants attending them that what they were witnessing this time was anything but ordinary.
Wu Xingyi secretly laughed coldly, yet respectfully bent down and said: "Your Highness, rest assured, this minor matter will certainly be handled properly by me. Additionally, His Majesty has already appointed the Grand Tutor and three esteemed scholars from Zhongzhou to come and teach Your Highness about the trends of the world and other necessary subjects. As for the texts you previously mentioned to His Majesty, if needed, you may also visit the royal palace to peruse them at any time"
Lian Junru trembled slightly upon hearing this; he had not expected Wu Xingyi to resort to such a lowly tactic, allowing a dignified envoy to undertake such a menial task. However, he had long known that Wu Xingyi would not fully trust him to act independently, so he merely nodded indifferently and then glanced at the maid a few times. Unlike before when she was veiled in black, Kong Yi now appeared particularly charming, but her face was covered in frost, clearly dissatisfied with this arrangement
However, Lian Junru's current performance is still commendable. During his last lecture, the Grand Tutor of Zhongzhou, Zhang Qian, praised Lian Junru's perceptiveness without reservation, and after returning to court, he greatly promoted him, which also provided significant assistance to Wu Xingyi's plans. Among the ministers of Zhongzhou, many have been bought off by the powerful nobles of the four kingdoms. Once the news spreads, it is likely that the previously inactive lords of various states will converge upon Huadu. As Wu Xingyi contemplated this, he clenched his fists; after wasting several decades of precious time, he finally had the opportunity to take a bold step forward. Among the ministers of Zhongzhou, many have been bought off by the powerful nobles of the four kingdoms. Once the news spreads, it is likely that the previously inactive lords of various states will converge upon Huadu. As Wu Xingyi contemplated this, he clenched his fists; after wasting several decades of precious time, he finally had the opportunity to take a bold step forward
"Junru, it seems that neither I nor your mother will be leaving here for the time being. We were in too much of a hurry when we came, and that box has not yet been brought. Could you discuss with Lord Wu and see if he could help retrieve it?" Lian Yunfei sighed deeply, clearly troubled. "Although Brother Huo has been out of touch for many years, this is after all the only token he left behind, and I cannot simply discard it." Jin Yang, who was beside her, initially wanted to speak up to dissuade her but ultimately remained silent. In her view, the now fallen Lian family was hardly worthy of the daughter of the Huo family.
Lian Junru, however, did not wish to go against his father's sole wish. Although their time together had been brief, the overflowing warmth and love in his memories still made him feel as if he were experiencing it firsthand. Having been able to experience genuine parental affection in this lifetime, he felt temporarily satisfied. After the three of them enjoyed their rare time together, an untimely knock echoed from outside the door, and what appeared before them was none other than Wu Xingyi. Lian Junru looked at the insincere smile on the other's face and could only strive to control the resentment in his heart.
"Well, since you have no major matters, I shall return to the Qinzun Hall first. Do not keep His Majesty's envoy waiting for too long." Lian Junru called out to Kong Yi as he turned back, then left amidst a throng of attendants. Wu Xingyi had already keenly noticed several suspicious figures among that group of attendants, and could not help but reveal a mocking smile. It was truly absurd that Prince Hua, Jiang Li, professed to trust Lian Junru so completely, yet still transferred his long-serving confidants from the palace. It was indeed laughable.