“We pay our respects, Your Highness!”
“What do you want to do?”
Ning Que’s eyes were cold.
He raised a hand, signaling Iron Bull to enforce strict security.
The house guards all stepped forward.
They used their sword scabbards to firmly separate the common people.
Ning Que was not usually high and mighty.
Even humble old farmers, he would greet.
He was known in Chang'an City for being close to the people.
It was just that Samuer was also present now.
He was afraid someone would try to harm her.
The national treaty had not yet been formally signed.
Samuer could not have any mishaps.
If she were assassinated, Western Liang would surely go to war!
The alliance, so difficult to achieve, would all be in vain.
“Iron Bull, protect the princess well.”
“Understood!”
Ning Que walked forward.
His gaze swept over them one by one.
Finally, it landed on Lin Chao.
Why did this fellow run out again?
He really wouldn't shed tears until he saw the coffin.
“Your Highness, are you really going to give Western Liang grain?”
“We won the battle, why should we give them grain?”
“If we give it, didn’t we fight for nothing?”
“Your Highness, many of us died at the hands of Western Liang. My father fought on the battlefield and had both his legs crippled by the Western Liang people, now he can only lie in bed. Fighting for the country, we have nothing to say. But now you want to give one hundred thousand piculs of grain to Western Liang, why not give it to us Feng people?!”
“Exactly, are we inferior?”
“Not helping the Feng people, but helping Western Liang?!”
He really wouldn't let him have peace!
Ning Que looked helpless.
He didn't even need to think; someone must have instigated this in secret.
He signaled Iron Bull to escort Samuer back first.
Entering the inn would be safer.
“Do you all think this way?”
“Yes, we all disagree!”
“Your Highness must give an explanation today!”
Lin Chao had no intention of hiding.
He was here to cause trouble for Ning Que.
Besides, what were they afraid of if they were in the right?
He simply didn't believe Ning Que could do anything.
Ning Que looked at the agitated crowd and patiently explained, “That’s right, this Prince is indeed going to provide Western Liang with one hundred thousand piculs of grain, and also five thousand catties of immortal tea. But, do you know why this Prince is doing this?”
Actually, he didn't need to explain at all.
These commoners dared to cause trouble?
Did they think the Patrol Inspectorate was just for show?
No need for much chatter.
First, three strikes, then see if they still cause trouble.
They didn't even consider their status, daring to question a Prince?
To put it mildly, they were just resentful and out of control.
To put it seriously, that was disrespect to Emperor Feng.
In broad daylight, attempting to assassinate Prince Ning!
This alliance matter was not something Ning Que alone could decide.
Without Emperor Feng’s tacit approval, he couldn't make the final decision.
“I ask you, is Western Liang a weak country?”
“No!”
“It’s good that you know.” Ning Que looked at them and sighed, “I hate Western Liang more than any of you. My father and brother both died in the Battle of Yumen Pass. Western Liang and Great Feng have fought for Jiuquan for hundreds of years, and countless brave warriors have shed blood on the yellow sand.”
“This Prince has expended great effort this time and finally facilitated peace talks. From now on, Jiuquan will be a mutual market, and the two countries will exchange goods. Western Liang will submit as a vassal and send a hostage, while Great Feng will be able to garrison troops in Lingnan.”
“Western Liang is also a strong country; they are well-armed and have battled Great Feng for hundreds of years. Every year, they would raid the pass, causing countless casualties. This time, in signing the alliance, they have repeatedly made concessions. Great Feng giving one hundred thousand piculs of grain is merely a reward. After all, Western Liang has developed Jiuquan for many years, so it can be considered an investment. This Prince believes it is reasonable and fair.”
Iron Bull couldn't hold back.
He was a rough man and didn't understand grand principles.
Therefore, his temper was often impulsive.
Looking at the agitated common people, he cursed, “You blockheads, you don’t understand His Highness’s painstaking efforts at all. Do you think His Highness doesn’t want to attack Western Liang and avenge himself? What did His Highness personally negotiate for?”
“Damn it! War means death!”
“Have you ever seen dead people?”
“Do you know what it feels like to have comrades die beside you?”
As Iron Bull spoke, he choked up a little.
He was originally from Western Liang.
He knew Western Liang’s capabilities too well.
When two countries fought, it was hard to destroy either.
Even if Western Liang couldn't win, they could run.
If Great Feng pursued, it would stretch the battle line.
If they accidentally got lost, it would be even more dangerous!
These past years, Western Liang had always held the initiative.
They would attack once and then run.
They would never linger.
Even if Great Feng pursued, it was difficult to destroy their main force.
As long as Western Liang wanted to run, Great Feng would find it hard to catch up.
It was quite rare for Gu Yuan to severely wound their main force this time.
That's why he received such praise and rewards from Emperor Feng, ranking first grade.
After Iron Bull’s angry scolding, they finally quieted down.
“Speaking of which, it seems okay?”
“The Western Liang cavalry is not simple…”
“One hundred thousand piculs of grain is actually not much.”
They exchanged glances and also realized.
Was one hundred thousand piculs of grain a lot?
Based on an army of two hundred thousand.
With people and horses consuming, it would last at most ten days.
This was even under frugal conditions.
If there was a war, Great Feng would have to pay ten or even a hundred times more!
Moreover, they might not necessarily regain Jiuquan.
Yes, Great Feng had briefly captured Jiuquan before.
But Western Liang simply wouldn't confront their main force.
If they sent few people, they would harass them every now and then.
If they sent many people, they would find opportunities to cut off the supply lines.
Without lasting two years, Great Feng decisively withdrew to Yumen Pass.
Was it that they couldn't win?
No, it was that Western Liang simply wouldn't fight!
Great Feng simply couldn't afford to exhaust itself…
Moreover, Western Liang and Liao were also very close.
Whenever Great Feng gained an advantage, Liao would exert pressure.
If Great Feng didn't withdraw its troops, it would surely face enemies on two fronts.
The diplomatic situation of the three warring states was very complex.
This was not something that could be explained in a few words.
“Don’t make it sound so noble.”
“You facilitated peace talks because you were afraid of losing the bet.”
Lin Chao stood in the very center, angrily rebuking, “Our Great Feng only has warriors who die standing, never cowards who live kneeling. Even if our blood is spilled on the battlefield, it is a worthy death. You are now giving grain for peace talks, which is betraying the country and aiding the enemy, disgracing Prince Ning’s Manor.”
Ning Que had no good temper for Lin Chao.
His eyes hardened, and he cast a cold glance over.
“You really are like a toad on a foot, not biting but disgusting. Iron Bull, take him down directly and send him to Dali Temple.”
“Understood!”
“What do you want to do?”
Looking at Iron Bull, Lin Chao finally knew fear.
Although his martial arts were not bad, he was no match for Iron Bull.
Moreover, Iron Bull was incredibly strong.
His grappling technique had him completely subdued.
“Stop!”
“Everyone stop!”
A startled cry came from behind.
Iron Bull didn't care about any of that.
He only obeyed Ning Que.
As for what others said, he treated it all as nonsense.
He leaped into the air with a kick, knocking Lin Chao down.
He forcibly twisted Lin Chao’s hands behind his back.
He bound him tightly with one hand.
“Ah ah ah!!!”
“Let me go!”
“You all let go of my elder brother!”
Lin Xianhong hurried forward.
Looking at Ning Que, her heart was filled with immense anger.
“Aren’t you doing all this just out of spite?”
“Besides, was my elder brother wrong?”
“Do you dare say that you didn't make a deal with the Western Liang people in private? On the surface, it’s giving one hundred thousand piculs of grain, but what about in reality?!”
Huh?
Ning Que was stunned.
How did Xianhong know about that?!!