Four

"Undoubtedly, the one supporting Lü Shouyu from behind is Liang Qiushong." Tuo Ba Shanyue retorted, "Does the monarch think that Liang Qiushong has invested such tremendous manpower and financial resources in Lü Shouyu, only to let this fruit fall into our hands?"

This matter has come unexpectedly, and I understand that you currently feel unsettled. However, a man's wedding is ultimately a joyous occasion. I will select a wife for you, and she will undoubtedly be a lady of the highest caliber from the Tang dynasty or even the entire Eastern Lu Empire, possessing both beauty and talent that will not disappoint the heir. When you see her in person on another day, you will surely be pleased

We support Lü Shouyu as the great ruler? Bai Li Jinghong gazed directly into Tuoba Shanyue's eyes

"Returning to the dust... I dare not." Lu Guichen lowered his head.

The teachings of the sovereign, I, Tuoba, dare not forget

Bai Li Jinghong waved his hand: "It's urgent, I see he is very hesitant about the marriage alliance. We need to push him a bit. If he does not marry into the Tang family, does he still expect to leave the city gates of Nanhuaicheng? By the way, how certain are we about the news of Lu Song's death?"

Baili Jinghong did not expect such an intense reaction from him, and could not help but frown, revealing an extremely displeased expression: "What does the heir mean by saying this?"

The sovereign is wise

Why did the sovereign suddenly decide to inform the heir apparent of this news

The grace of the sovereign... Lu Guichen had just settled onto the stool, yet he could not help but stand up again

"Thank you, Lord Xie, for bestowing the name." Lu Guichen once again expressed his gratitude with great reverence

Last year, Hanzhou experienced heavy snowfall, and it should have only recently begun to thaw. Our people have not yet been able to bring back firsthand news from Beidu; the current information comes from an insider report from the Chun Kingdom Palace. Although Liang Qiusheng is not a warrior, he has always excelled in intelligence work. This news should have an eighty percent certainty.

Baili Jinghong smiled and waved his hand: "This is nothing. I know some people say I am merely a scholar and a nobleman. However, they do not understand the effort I have put into military and political affairs. Back in the day, when we sought to establish a brotherly alliance with the Qingyang tribe, there was considerable dissent among the old ministers. It was I who refuted them in the court with my own strength and insisted on sending General Tuoba northward. Prior to that, I had devoted three full months to studying the customs and characters of the barbarian tribes."

The afterglow of the setting sun illuminated the deep purple glazed tiles of the Zihuan Palace's grand hall. The evening clouds were ablaze, resembling a fire. The palace attendants placed agarwood into the bronze tortoise and crane, igniting it, and the ethereal smoke billowed from the mouths of the tortoise and crane, gradually dispersing. In the distance, the sound of striking cloud boards echoed from the high pavilion.

I want to marry Ah Yan to this Northern Region heir!" Bai Li Jinghong sneered, a hint of ferocity lurking in his expression, "If Lu Song dares to wager his most beloved son against me in this game, I am not afraid to place my bet either!

The opportunity for negotiation?" Bai Li Jinghong's voice turned cold, "You think Lu Shouyu would not easily cooperate with us, do you?"

"Are you afraid of our country?" Bai Li Jinghong raised an eyebrow.

Is that so? Bai Li Jinghong chuckled, "The heir has already become a hero who rides into battle, he is now a man of stature. The ladies of our Tang have been praised by the various countries of the East Land for their grace and charm. Since the heir has arrived in Nanhuai City, has he made any acquaintances? Is there anyone among them that he is particularly fond of?"

Lufuzi stated that Guichen's foundation is weak, and he should practice writing instead of rashly discussing calligraphy. Lv Guichen humbly responded as a young noble of the Eastern Land should.

Tuoba Shanyue pondered for a moment and said: "If I am not mistaken, Prince Lu Shouyu has already taken control of Beidu City, but he does not dare to announce the death. Firstly, he has not been able to intimidate the various factions, and secondly, he is still wary of our country's response"

Baili Jinghong smiled: "For the Crown Prince, the Eastern Land is, after all, a foreign place. Sooner or later, the Crown Prince will return to the Northern Land. Life in a foreign land, even within the royal palace, has its discontents. However, this is a good opportunity to temper one's integrity. Filial piety is the most crucial aspect of human relationships. The Great Lord is very affectionate towards the Crown Prince. I have heard that there were once expectations of the 'Longevity King.' If the Crown Prince keeps the Great Lord's expectations in mind, then all current discontents will be trivial matters."

"Returning to Dust..." Lü Guichen stood there with his mouth agape, lost in thought. What could he possibly say? He himself did not know.

His gaze was somewhat evasive, not daring to meet Bai Li Jinghong's eyes, and he couldn't help but turn his head to look at the clouds and rosy hues outside the window

Baili Jinghong graciously accepted this compliment: "This is the backup plan. The first step is that if Lu Shouyu is willing to obey our orders, we will support him in inheriting the position of the Great Lord"

Bai Li Jinghong waved his hand to let him rise: "It was an unintentional mistake on your part, and I do not blame you. However, this discarded piece has moved just right!"

The soul returns... He recalled that Master Lu had once taught him this term. When that person's soul returns, he has actually already departed forever.

It is indeed so! I believe that the envoys from the State of Chun have now arrived in the Northern Capital. They will also make an offer to Lu Shouyu. If we do not send our own envoys, Lu Shouyu will completely side with the State of Chun. Once we make an offer, it will be difficult for the State of Chun to easily succeed. The barbarians only desire the iron smelting techniques of the Eastern Continent. Lu Shouyu has already taken control of the Northern Capital; all he needs are allies from the Eastern Continent, whether it be us or the State of Chun, it does not matter. We can certainly inform Lu Shouyu that we will fulfill the conditions we previously promised to Lu Song. The barbarians only desire the iron smelting techniques of the Eastern Continent. Lu Shouyu has already taken control of the Northern Capital; all he needs are allies from the Eastern Continent, whether it be us or the State of Chun, it does not matter. We can certainly inform Lu Shouyu that we will fulfill the conditions we previously promised to Lu Song. Even if Lu Shouyu may not be willing to abandon his dealings with the State of Chun for us, at least we can continue with the current alliance. I propose that we immediately send capable envoys to set sail from Qingshi Port, heading north with the wind; it will only take two months to reach the Northern Capital. Based on this estimate, we should have definite news by August.

With every step taken, there cannot be just one plan; the pieces laid out are actually for future offensives. As the enemy changes, so do we, yet we remain in control amidst all transformations. The three sons of the Qingyang clan, Lü Yingyang, Lü He, and Lü Guichen, are all born of the mother of the Shuo Bei clan. Now, although Lü Yingyang has been demoted, it does not necessarily mean he will submit to Lü Shouyu; he still possesses strength. I believe Lü Yingyang is not one to bow his head in submission; he must be eager to kill Lü Shouyu at the earliest opportunity!" Bai Li Jinghong smiled, and with a slight shift in tone, he retracted his harshness, "However, Lü Yingyang has been demoted, his strength is insufficient, and he has limited opportunities. At this moment, if our Tang soldiers were to land at Nanwang Gorge with the heir Lü Guichen, Lü Yingyang would undoubtedly be the first to rush over and kiss Lü Guichen's boots, supporting him as the great lord! Just like Lü Yingyang's sentiments, those on the grasslands who do not submit to Lü Shouyu will also gravitate towards us. Why should we compete with the Chun Kingdom for this ally position? By then, we will march towards the Northern Capital and seize it! We will hold the barbarian cavalry firmly in our own hands!

There is no need to say more," Baili Jinghong suddenly waved his hand, "This step is not only for the Crown Prince, but also to establish the blood ties between our two nations. In the future, the Crown Prince will not only be the ruler of Qingyang, but also the son-in-law of our Lower Tang, with an unlimited future ahead. The weight of this matter and its gains and losses should be decided by the Crown Prince himself. Please escort the Crown Prince to rest!"

According to your plan, we will instead support Lü Shouyu, and Lü Guichen will merely be a pawn. Bai Li Jinghong cast a cold glance at Tuoba and then shifted his gaze away, saying, "Did Tuoba Qing perhaps overlook something when he chose this young child as a hostage that day?"

When Gui Chen traveled south, he was only nine years old. In the northern regions, the custom is that boys can be betrothed at the age of twelve, so there was no discussion of marriage.

The person behind the silk screen has stepped out, quietly waiting at the foot of the steps. His light brown face is marked with scars reminiscent of being hewn by knife and axe, and a four-foot-long Pixiu knife hangs at his waist. He is Tuoba Shanyue, the commander of the three armies of the Lower Tang.

With Lü Shouyu's longstanding thoughts, he considers himself the heir to the throne. He currently controls the Northern Capital and, given his willingness to support Young Master Fu Chen's ascension, there is likely little opportunity for that. However, lacking the support of various factions, he may not dare to openly offend the Lower Tang, which is why he is preparing without announcing a period of mourning. The Northern Grasslands are vast, and the herdsmen move according to the water and grass, so Lü Shouyu must be conveying messages and convening a new Kurultai, intending to establish his position. Before this occurs, we still have a chance for maneuvering.

The return to dust is remembered

Baili Jinghong cleared his throat: "Recently, the affairs of state have been quite busy, and I have not had the time to inquire into the daily life of the Crown Prince, which is indeed my oversight. However, both Master Lu and General Xi have mentioned that the Crown Prince has made significant progress in both literature and martial arts, unlike my own unworthy child. Last year, during the defense of Shangyang Pass, the Crown Prince followed General Xi and achieved military merit, which brings me great comfort. When the Great Lord entrusted the Crown Prince to me, he wrote to remind me to ensure that the Crown Prince studies the culture of the Eastern Continent, and I have not failed the Great Lord's expectations. This piece of calligraphy is presented to the Crown Prince, and I hope he will make further advancements."

Tuoba Shanyue knelt on one knee and said: "I, your servant, acknowledge my crime"

Does the heir look down upon the appearance of women from the Lower Tang? Does the heir believe that the status of distinguished young ladies from the Eastern Land is not sufficient to be worthy of his attention? Or does the heir think that this public does not have sincere intentions? Bai Li Jinghong pressed forward step by step

The Diao Wolf Meeting is a method used by wealthy families on the grasslands to select a son-in-law, aiming to choose the strongest and bravest young man among the surrounding youth to continue the family lineage. His father, Lü Song, married the daughter of the Chao family, Ai Han, at the Diao Wolf Meeting. However, the nobility of Qingyang has not pursued a life of herding and grazing for several generations, making the use of the "Diao Wolf" method for selecting a son-in-law quite rare, and Lü Guichen had only heard of it. Bai Li Jinghong, a duke from the Eastern Land, carries the pride of Eastern nobility in his demeanor, and his tone reflects a certain indifference towards the barbarian tribes, yet he unexpectedly reveals a thorough understanding of the customs of the grasslands, leaving Lü Guichen astonished. However, the nobility of Qingyang has not pursued a life of herding and grazing for several generations, making the use of the "Diao Wolf" method for selecting a son-in-law quite rare, and Lü Guichen had only heard of it. Bai Li Jinghong, a duke from the Eastern Land, carries the pride of Eastern nobility in his demeanor, and his tone reflects a certain indifference towards the barbarian tribes, yet he unexpectedly reveals a thorough understanding of the customs of the grasslands, leaving Lü Guichen astonished.

Bai Li Jinghong nodded and said: "An alliance is a significant matter for both countries, akin to marriage; once one steps out, there is no turning back. Our covenant with Qingyang is meant to last a lifetime, so I have been reflecting recently. The Crown Prince, being far from home, must feel quite lonely, and I, being busy with state affairs, have shown less concern. Since the Crown Prince is no longer young and is to enter into a lifelong alliance, it would be better to first establish a lifelong marital bond. I intend to arrange a marriage for the Crown Prince with a prestigious family from Xia Tang."

The cuisine of the Eastern Region differs from that of the Northern Region, so perhaps it may take some getting used to? I have already instructed the kitchen to procure some lamb, and there is a chef skilled in preparing lamb chops and lamb jelly; I will arrange for him to cook for the heir.

Baili Jinghong took pride in his own authority, which subdued the suddenly stubborn little barbarian, and thus his expression softened slightly: "I understand that since the Crown Prince is the Young Master of Qingyang, he should also have a barbarian consort. However, with the alliance between the Tang and Qingyang, should we still differentiate by bloodline? If we speak of bloodlines, back in the day when the Fengyan Iron Cavalry marched north, your esteemed princess Lu Shun also accompanied Emperor Fengyan back to Tianqi City. If it weren't for Emperor Fengyan's early demise and Lu Shun not having given birth to a prince, perhaps our Emperor of the Eastern Land would also have barbarian blood in his lineage."

Bai Li Jinghong smiled and said: "It is only natural to understand affection as one grows older. I have heard that in Beilu, there is a saying about the 'Wolf-Grabber Society.' When the daughters of wealthy families reach marriageable age, they set out wine jars, roast yellow sheep, and recruit brave young men from all directions. After getting drunk, the host releases a fierce wolf, and whoever can ride and capture the wolf is praised as a true man of the grasslands and can win the heart of a beautiful woman, is that not so?"

Baili Jinghong set down the ink stick, picked up the purple brush, and paused the brush tip on the paper, remaining still without moving. After a moment, he began to move the brush vigorously, the strokes fierce and powerful, exuding the spirit of a warrior wielding a sword. Just as Lü Guichen's curiosity was piqued and he stretched his neck to take a look, Baili Jinghong had already thrown the brush into the celadon brush washer and let out a long breath. The inner court official carefully lifted the scroll of paper and approached to present it before Lü Guichen

Lü Guichen's heart raced a few times: "Guichen is still young and does not dare to express his admiration."

Seventeen

Gui Chen ... ... "Lü Gui Chen raised his head, his gaze hollow.

"To bind a lifetime of marriage," upon hearing these words, Lu Guichen felt a jolt throughout his body, as if thunder were rumbling in his ears. He did not know how to position his hands, extending them out as if to wave in refusal, or merely shaking them in a meaningless manner. There were certain thoughts he was reluctant to entertain. For instance, he longed to return to the Northern Lands, where vast grasslands, soaring eagles, and fragrant otter meat awaited him, yet there were no eaves there, and thus, Yu Ran would not be sitting high above, singing carelessly. Therefore, he was unwilling to think about the day he would inevitably return to the grasslands. His two companions, Tie Yan and Tie Ye, occasionally spoke of the prince nearing the age of marriage, discussing among themselves that if they were in the Northern Lands, the prince would have long been married, perhaps even with children by now, yet they remained trapped as hostages in this Southern Huai City. As they debated, they began to complain, completely oblivious to the fact that Lu Guichen was always expressionless at that moment, staring blankly at some distant point. Lu Guichen was envisioning a scene: he sat in a golden tent, a girl seated before him, and he took this person's hand to walk out of the tent, surrounded by people who called out for the great lord and the consort. At that moment, he turned to look at his wife; were her eyes deep red?

Grandson?" Tuoba Shanyue was taken aback

He suddenly stopped, turned around, and smiled at Lu Guichen: "Does the young master have any research on calligraphy?"

The internal guards hurriedly carried the unconscious Lü Guichen away. Baili Jinghong stood by the door until their figures disappeared at the end of the path before turning back to the study. He was not anxious about Lü Guichen's fainting; he had merely been watching silently the whole time. However, he felt restless, as the news of his father's death had such a significant impact on this young man. This gave him the impression that the youth had many things on his mind, and that negotiating terms in the future would likely require considerable effort.

Baili Jinghong coldly smiled: "National affairs are nothing more than a game of chess. Tuoba Qing, do you remember our matches? You lost nine out of ten. I once said that your mid-game killing power is as strong as that of a national master, but unfortunately, you cannot see the bigger picture"

The sovereign... has no intention of marrying yet!" Lu Guichen suddenly stood up. He could discern the meaning behind Bai Li Jinghong's words, and a sense of urgency burned within him, leaving no room for subtlety.

What does the term "sovereign" mean

Lu Guichen had heard that Baili Jinghong was proficient in calligraphy, regarded as one of the renowned masters of the Eastern Continent, yet his bestowed characters were rare and difficult for ministers who were not trusted confidants to obtain. A piece was hung in the Xi Yan Hall. He was unaware of why he had received such an honor, and could not help but feel awkward, hastily standing up to bow deeply, respectfully accepting it. As he reached out his hand, the inner court official immediately withdrew it, holding it high above his head, and went to have it framed. In the study, only Baili Jinghong and Lu Guichen remained.

Liang Qiushong is a figure akin to a vulture; he has supported Lü Shouyu for ten years, a duration sufficient for the establishment of trust between them. However, Lü Shouyu must also weigh the pros and cons, as we are nominally still allies of the Qingyang tribe. Offending us at this juncture would yield him no benefits. Therefore, we must promptly dispatch an envoy to demonstrate our support for him as the great lord of the steppe, thereby maintaining the covenant between us and the Qingyang tribe

Tuoba Shanyue was momentarily taken aback: "The sovereign is wise!"

He sighed and said loudly to the back of Lu Guichen: "At this point, there is no need to hide it from the Young Master. According to our intelligence, the Young Master's father, His Highness Lu Song, passed away last winter, but the news has been concealed and the mourning has not yet been observed"

Your Highness, please! The inner eunuch hurriedly entered the study, standing in front of Lu Guichen and blocking his view of Baili Jinghong.

Indeed, calligraphy is also a discipline that cannot be comprehended in a day. Baili Jinghong nodded, "What I just used is the Stone-Cutting Script. The three current styles are Luo Huiyang's 'Huiyang Script', the royal calligraphy teacher Chen Li's 'Poyun Script', and Xie Zhanshi's 'Stone-Cutting Script'. The Huiyang Script is graceful and elegant, the Poyun Script is free-spirited and unrestrained, while Xie Zhanshi, as a military advisor wielding a sword in his left hand and a brush in his right, has a Stone-Cutting Script that strikes like a knife cleaving through a giant rock, scattering fragments everywhere. His writing embodies the heroic spirit of a battlefield sunset, where heroes wield their weapons with fervor. The Emperor also admired calligraphy and held Xie Zhanshi in high regard during his lifetime, saying he 'best understands a man's courage and resolve.' The heir must learn his spirit."

If not, how strange it is!

Returning to dust is understood

And when I wrote the four characters 'Diligent in Study and Filial to Parents', does the heir know the intention of this public official?" Bai Li Jinghong's tone suddenly shifted.

"Indeed! I did not expect that these rulers are all aware of this." Lü Guichen expressed some surprise

It is quite common for a man to have three wives and four concubines. When the heir returns to the Northern Lands in the future, it is only natural for him to take a new bride from there as well," Bai Li Jinghong said leisurely, yet he left no room for negotiation, "This matter has already been planned by me, and the heir need not decline it!

Lu Guichen did not respond. In an instant, he was stunned; he suddenly realized that he had grown up, that he was seventeen years old, no longer a child. Some things, once lost in growing up, can never be found again for a lifetime.

Seventeen?" Baili Jinghong nodded slightly, "In our Eastern Land, it is the age for marriage. Did the heir have any marriage arrangements while in the Northern Land?"

How old is the heir apparent

Is a lifetime of marriage just about looking into someone else's eyes and slowly growing old together

It is indeed so! However, if a contingency plan is adopted, I am only concerned that with Lu Guichen's condition, he may not be able to endure for long. I have heard the reports from the doctors; despite the numerous renowned physicians of the Tang Dynasty in the East Land, no one has been able to truly discern the cause of his illness. What the doctors can do is merely to suppress the chaotic blood flow with medicine and stones. Some say that the outcome of this illness could be sudden death; one may appear to be in good health, yet may suddenly be unable to continue.

"Chun Guoliang's autumn ode has always been considered a tricky matter," Bai Li Jinghong said with a slight nod, "Please share your plan."

Baili Jinghong smiled and waved his hand: "A discarded piece, having been utilized to this extent, has exhausted its value; let it fend for itself. It does not matter if Lu Guichen is incapable; I want him to provide me with a grandson of the Qingyang bloodline"

Four bold and emaciated characters on the paper: "Cultivate Morality and Filial Piety"

Lü Guichen sat down once again. The unease in his heart grew stronger, sensing that something was about to happen. Bai Li Jinghong's gentle tone and meticulous care were different from usual. The two fell silent, with Bai Li Jinghong pacing by the desk, hands behind his back, and the only sound in the study was the "crunching" of his footsteps.

He felt that he had heard that sentence in a dream. He still remembered a few days ago, one afternoon when he took a nap, he vaguely sensed that someone was sitting at the head of his bed. He could not see the person's face clearly, but he knew it was his father. Suddenly, he felt as if he had returned to a time when he was very small; his father's figure was towering compared to him, and he had to stretch out his hand to grasp his father's warm hand. Then they walked along the streets of Nanhuai, strolling in a realm of light, where everything around them was obscured by a halo, and the only thing he could see clearly was his father's hand. He suddenly felt as if he had returned to a time when he was very small; his father's figure was towering compared to him, and he had to stretch out his hand to grasp his father's warm hand. Then they walked along the streets of Nanhuai, strolling in a realm of light, where everything around them was obscured by a halo, and the only thing he could see clearly was his father's hand.

Baili Jinghong nodded: "Lu Song is dead, yet there has been no public mourning... What is the current situation in the Northern Capital? What measures do you have to respond?"

There is no need for so many formalities, let us sit and have a chat. " Bai Li Jinghong waved for him to take a seat, " The heir resides in the Eastern Palace, which is somewhat remote. Is there any inconvenience regarding food and accommodation?

Lü Guichen clasped his hands within his large sleeves, maintaining an upright posture as he sat quietly on the steps, watching the national ruler grind ink at the table, feeling a vague sense of unease in his heart. The ruler of the Xia Tang, Bai Li Jinghong, had urgently summoned the Deputy Commander of the Zhi Jin Wu, Chi Haonian, from outside to bring him into the palace for an audience, which was a rare occurrence. As a barbarian hostage, he was at most considered a guest in Nanhuai City, and Bai Li Jinghong had no time to meet him. He had only seen the ruler's esteemed face during the New Year when he, along with the Chu Wei Princess Xiao Zhou and the Xia Tang Young Master Bai Li Yu, entered the palace to receive a reward. However, upon hastily arriving here, it seemed there was nothing of importance, as the eunuchs asked him to sit for a while on the steps while Bai Li Jinghong continued to grind ink.

The Zihuan Palace is renowned for its luxury, yet this study is simple, with white paper covering the four walls, adorned with ink brush paintings by the previous sovereign of the Wenrui Kingdom. A few sea blue silk screens stand in place. There is only one eunuch in attendance, holding down a roll of white cotton paper spread out on the desk.

Baili Jinghong turned around with his hands behind his back, facing the silk tapestry, and fell silent.

Lu Guichen looked down at his feet, feeling as if the voice of Bai Li Jinghong was floating, seemingly close at hand yet also far away in the distance. In truth, he had not absorbed any of those words; his mind was a blank, within which there was a glimpse of a roof eave and a shadow swaying its legs, sitting in the midst of the enormous setting sun

At this moment, a cry of a wild goose echoed across the palace, and Lü Guichen suddenly turned around

Lu Guichen gazed at the plump, pale face of the eunuch, which wore a false smile, for a long time. He silently rose and bowed deeply to the back of the sovereign. The eunuch held up a lantern, guiding him to exit through the side door with small steps. Baili Jinghong walked slowly to the side door, coldly watching Lu Guichen's retreating figure. The pathway in the palace was wide; this young man walked alone, his loose robe billowing in the wind, making his silhouette appear somewhat frail

Baili Jinghong felt a slight stir in his heart

Everything is well. Everyone in the Eastern Palace takes good care of me, and the commander Fang Shan of the Imperial Guards comes to see me once every ten days.

Do not do this, Bai Li Jinghong said with a faint smile, "We agreed to sit and talk."

I hope for the guidance of the national leader

He felt a strong, sweetish odor surging up from his heart, bursting forth from his nostrils and mouth, and then everything went dark before he lost consciousness