Several days later, in front of Weiyang Palace.
The court officials removed their swords and shoes, while Ning Que was fully dressed in his crown and robes. As a Prince, he was entitled to wear a sword and shoes into the hall, not to rush when entering the court, and not to be named during salutations.
"The Western Liang envoy delegation is arriving today."
"I wonder if Prince Ning has confidence?"
"It's alright."
"'Alright' won't do." Tian Zhongxun glanced at him, sneering, "You and I have made a bet. If you lose, your princely title will be stripped, and you'll be reduced to a commoner!"
"Prince Qi should prepare the ledger in advance."
"Haha..."
Tian Zhongxun sneered repeatedly.
Ning Que won't shed tears until he sees the coffin!
He's fallen into a trap without knowing it.
He had already sent someone to secretly meet with the Western Liang envoys.
He informed them of all of Great Feng's conditions one by one.
He instructed them absolutely not to agree!
As long as Ning Que was removed, Gu Yuan could be elevated to power.
This was a classic case of using an external force to achieve one's goal.
As for national honor and disgrace?
They simply didn't care.
Tian Zhongxun only cared about power!
As long as Ning Que could be removed, everything else was negotiable.
To get Western Liang to agree, he promised great benefits.
Once Gu Yuan was in charge of the peace talks, he could make appropriate concessions.
In short, Western Liang would definitely not suffer a loss.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Now Western Liang already knew Great Feng's bottom line.
Presumably, they had made full preparations.
Tian Zhongxun's eyes were cold and sinister, as if he were looking at a dead man. Now both the imperial court and Western Liang were on his side. What did Ning Que have to fight him with?!
"Enter the Hall—"
Ning Que straightened his attire and calmly entered the hall.
Emperor Feng was already seated on the imperial couch.
"Your subjects respectfully greet Your Majesty!"
"Long live Your Majesty, long live Great Feng!"
"My lords, be seated."
"Thank you, Your Majesty—"
Emperor Feng looked at Ning Que and said faintly, "Prince Ning, the Western Liang envoys are already outside the palace, led by the First Princess Samuer. You and Prince Qi have signed a contract for your wager. Do you have confidence in successfully concluding the peace talks?"
"Your subject will not fail his mission."
"Good!"
Emperor Feng then nodded.
He did not continue to press the matter.
Because he trusted Ning Que.
Employing someone means trusting them; if you doubt them, don't employ them.
This was his consistent approach.
He glanced at Chief Steward Hu beside him.
The latter immediately flicked his whisk.
"Announce the Western Liang envoys for an audience—"
"Announce the Western Liang envoys for an audience—"
"Announce the Western Liang envoys for an audience—"
The calls echoed, relayed from one person to the next.
All the officials looked towards the door, waiting quietly.
They also wanted to see Ning Que's abilities.
Whether he could live up to the title of Prince!
A moment later, a graceful figure entered the door.
She was tall, about seven feet.
Her long hair flowed freely, with braids on both sides.
A necklace of agate and precious stones hung on her chest.
Speaking of which, those gems were really big and white!
Behind her followed several other Western Liang People.
However, their appearances were all rough; each one was a muscular brute, with arms as thick as thighs. All of them had full beards, and their chests were open, revealing chest hair.
What kind of act was this?
Beauty and the Beast?
Ning Que frowned.
"Western Liang Special Envoy Samuer, greets Emperor Feng."
"Princess, you are a guest from afar. Grant her a seat!"
"Thank you, Emperor Feng!"
Samuer rose and took her seat.
Her cunning eyes stared directly at Ning Que.
Is this the newly ascended Prince Ning?
She was the First Princess of the Western Liang Kingdom.
When she was young, she had heard her grandfather mention the Prince Ning of Great Feng.
He said that although he was an enemy, he was a true hero.
In the battle of Yumen Pass, Prince Ning's marching route was leaked. His retreat was cut off, and both his left and right flanks were annihilated by the Western Liang main force. Finally, thirty thousand wounded and crippled soldiers were trapped in Hulu Valley, yet not a single one surrendered. In such a desperate situation, Old Prince Ning was still able to lead his personal guards to repel more than ten charges from the Western Liang main force.
Her grandfather had said that Western Liang could have trapped them to death at that time.
However, Western Liang's morale also completely collapsed.
Hulu Valley was filled with dismembered limbs, like a living hell. When their food ran out, Old Prince Ning drew his sword and resorted to cannibalism. Eating raw meat in large bites broke the psychological defenses of countless people.
Moreover, what if Great Feng's reinforcements arrived?
If they let the tiger return to the mountains, all their efforts would be in vain.
Therefore, he had to kill Prince Ning at all costs!
Finally, they won!
Prince Ning and three young generals died in battle!
All the main force of his personal guards died in battle, not a single one survived.
However, Western Liang also paid an extremely heavy price.
...
Ning Que likewise scrutinized the beauty before him.
After all, she was a princess from the grasslands.
She had a very unique wildness that made one want to tame her.
Of course, he dared not underestimate her. He had long heard of Samuer's deeds. Samuer was very intelligent from a young age and was favored by the Western Liang King. She also had a Feng people teacher who taught her about the elegant language and customs of Great Feng. Samuer was eloquent and quite talented.
"Greetings, Princess."
"This time, I shall represent Great Feng in the peace talks."
"Several months ago, Great Feng crushed Western Liang's main force. Western Liang suffered a defeat, and since you've come for peace, you naturally must show some sincerity. Western Liang must formally declare itself a vassal and submit to Great Feng from now on. You must pay tribute annually to demonstrate your sincerity."
"Wait." Samuer stood up without a hint of fear, saying calmly, "My Western Liang believes in the law of the jungle, survival of the fittest. If you want my Western Liang to submit, then Great Feng must also show its capability."
With that, the warriors behind her all stepped forward.
Bang!
Many military generals simultaneously rose to their feet.
It seemed as though they were ready to fight if a single word was amiss.
Ning Que raised his hand, gesturing for them to retreat, and sneered, "Western Liang's main force has suffered heavy damage, and I fear it no longer has the strength to invade the pass. And my Great Feng is vast and rich in resources. As long as Western Liang does not surrender, Great Feng can continue to fight."
"The grasslands are vast, Prince Ning can also try." Samuer said indifferently, uncaring, "My Western Liang has no fixed abode, moving with the water and grass. Both men and women, old and young, are skilled in riding and archery. How long can Great Feng maintain a stretched-out battle line to attack the grasslands?"
Emperor Feng listened with interest.
It had to be said, Samuer indeed had some capability.
Great Feng's national strength was beyond doubt, capable of overwhelming Western Liang. But the problem was that Western Liang had no fixed abode and no cities.
Sending small elite groups risked being encircled and annihilated.
If a large army was sent, it could easily be dragged down.
Western Liang was well-versed in the essence of guerrilla warfare: fight if you can win, run if you can't. They would even occasionally send scouts for night raids, shooting and then fleeing, which was incredibly annoying.
Therefore, Great Feng's current strategy against Western Liang was defensive counterattack. They built Great Wall fortifications to guard against Western Liang. If scouts discovered Western Liang's main force gathering, then they would launch a full-scale assault.
"You are wrong."
"Oh?"
Ning Que smiled faintly, "After the cold winter passes, it will be spring, and many Western Liang women and livestock will become pregnant. If Great Feng dispatches troops at that time, you will only be able to exhaust yourselves running for your lives. What do you think the outcome will be?"
"You?!"
Samuer's face changed.
At this moment, the entire court gasped in surprise.
Ning Que was a venomous strategist!
He could even consider such things!
This was equivalent to grasping Western Liang's lifeline!
Every winter, Western Liang men would rest at home. When well-fed, lust naturally arises, and they would certainly do things conducive to the reproduction of their tribe. They might be able to control themselves, but what about the livestock?
Livestock have their mating seasons.
If they miss it, there won't be another chance.
In the spring, many livestock are still pregnant.
If they are forced to make long-distance treks, they will surely miscarry!
Emperor Feng narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing Ning Que.
He didn't expect this young man to consider such things!
Not bad, he has a future!
"Princess, are you sure you won't submit?"