At this time, at Wanyan Zongyi's mansion in Kaifeng City, Wanyan Yan was playing with a group of female companions by the lake. They were chasing each other and their laughter continued to spread far and wide. In the shade of a tree not far away, Wanyan Zongyi sat there quietly watching them play, with a gentle and doting smile on his face. He knew that his sister lived happily and freely in the Song Dynasty, which was exactly what he wanted to see. However, he also knows that this kind of happiness and freedom is based on the peace and friendship between the two countries. Once the relationship between the two countries deteriorates, this kind of happiness and freedom will no longer exist. Therefore, although he was happy for Wanyanyan, he was also slightly worried. At this moment, a guard hurried over and reported to Wanyan Zongyi that Han Fang had returned from the palace, and it seemed that the negotiation had failed. Wanyan Zongyi's heart sank when he heard this. He knew what it meant, but he did not show it immediately. Instead, he asked the guards to retreat and wait until he returned. He stood up and walked to the lakeside. Looking at Wanyanyan playing, he couldn't help but feel helpless and bitter in his heart. He knew that his sister might soon be involved in the dispute between the two countries, but he was powerless to protect her. Although he was unwilling to do so, he could only sigh helplessly and turned around to walk out of the mansion.
As night falls, the city of Kaifeng is shrouded in a light layer of fog, and the number of pedestrians on the street gradually becomes fewer and fewer. Only the occasional sound of a watchman knocking on the clapper and a dog barking break the tranquility of the night. Han Fang quietly arrived at Du Chong's mansion in the darkness with boxes of gold and silver jewelry. Although Du Chong's mansion is not grand, it still reveals a bit of majesty in the night. Han Fang stood in front of the door, feeling a little uneasy. He knew that he came to visit Du Chong this time in the hope of opening up relationships with the courtiers of the Song Dynasty through him, and then persuading Zhao Yingluo to return Wanyan Yan. Although this was a dangerous road, he had no choice. Han Fang took a deep breath and knocked gently on the door. After a while, a glimmer of light came through the crack in the door, and then the door was slowly opened. A servant stuck his head out and asked, "Who is visiting at night?" Han Fang hurriedly saluted and said, "My Excellency, Han Fang, is here to visit Mr. Du. Please let me know." The servant looked at Han Fang and then at the big boxes behind him, with a hint of surprise in his eyes. He did not dare to neglect and said quickly: "Master Han, wait a moment, I will report it right away." After saying that, he turned around, closed the door, and hurriedly walked into the house. After a while, the servant returned and respectfully invited Han Fang to enter the house. Han Fang felt a little relieved and followed the servant through the winding corridors and into the hall. At this time, Du Chong was already waiting there. When he saw Han Fang arriving, he quickly came forward to greet him and said, "Master Han is visiting late at night. He is really a rare visitor! Please take a seat." Han Fang bowed and saluted and said, "You're too polite, Mr. Du. I'm interrupting you late at night because we really have something important to discuss." As he spoke, he waved his hand and asked his followers to carry up the gold and silver jewelry. When Du Chong saw this, a glimmer of greed flashed in his eyes, but he concealed it immediately. He pretended to be surprised and asked: "Master Han, what do you mean?" Han Fang smiled and said, "These are just my little thoughts. Please accept it, Mr. Du." Du Chong finally accepted the gold and silver jewelry after pretending to refuse.
He was secretly proud in his heart, but asked calmly on his face: "Master Han came to visit late at night and gave you a generous gift. I wonder if there is anything important that needs Du's help?" Han Fang was relieved when he saw Du Chong accepted the gift. He knew that his first step had been successful. So he stopped beating around the bush and directly stated the purpose of his visit: "To be honest, I came here this time in the hope that Mr. Du can help negotiate with the court and let the Song Dynasty return Princess Wanyanyan." Du Chong heard this. He was shocked, he didn't expect Han Fang to make such a request. After pondering for a moment, he said: "This matter is not a trivial matter. Although Du has some connections with the DPRK and China, this matter involves a major matter of diplomatic relations between the two countries. I am afraid it will not be so easy to handle." He paused for a moment before continuing, "But since Master Han is so sincere, Du is also willing to give it a try." Han Fang was overjoyed after hearing Du Chong's words. He quickly bowed and saluted, "Thank you so much, Mr. Du! If this matter can be successful, I will definitely reward you generously!" Du Chong waved his hand and said with a smile: "Master Han is so polite, so Du should do his best." At this point, he changed the subject and said, "However, this matter needs long-term consideration and should not be rushed." Han Fang nodded in agreement but was secretly anxious. He knew that Wanyan Zonghan was impatient with waiting, but he also knew that there was no rush and could only wait patiently for news from Du Chong. So he chatted with Du Chong for a few more words and then stood up and left. After sending Han Fang away, Du Chong returned to the hall and looked at the gold and silver jewelry, feeling secretly proud of himself. He knew that he had made a fortune this time, but he also knew how difficult this matter was. He was thinking about how to use these gold and silver jewelry to open up connections and persuade Zhao Yingluo to return Princess Wanyanyan. However, he also knew that this was not an easy task and required careful planning. Du Chong was sitting in the study room of his mansion, playing with the jewelry sent by Han Fang in his hand, but his thoughts were ups and downs in his heart. Although these dazzling jewels were tempting, he knew that the real battle was not with these yellow and white things, but in the power struggle deep in the palace. He suddenly thought of the Supreme Emperor Zhao Gou in the deep palace. Although this former emperor abdicated, his desire for political power has never diminished. The brother-sister relationship between Zhao Gou and Zhao Yingluo was complicated and subtle. Du Chong knew that if this relationship could be used skillfully, he might be able to open a breakthrough in Princess Wanyanyan's matter. He decided to use these jewels as a generous gift to the Supreme Emperor Zhao Gou to express his goodwill to him and ask him to put pressure on Zhao Yingluo regarding Princess Wanyanyan. Thinking of this, Du Chong couldn't help but feel a little excited. He hurriedly summoned his servants and asked them to pay close attention to Zhao Gou's movements, especially when he traveled to Bianhe River. The servants followed the order and left, while Du Chong sat in the study and began to carefully plan the next action. One morning a few days later, the sun shone on the Bianhe River, making the waves sparkle. A gorgeous painting boat slowly sailed out of the palace and swam towards the depths of the Bian River. Zhao Gou stood on the bow of the boat, admiring the scenery on both sides of the strait, but he had another thought in his heart. Since his abdication, although he is nominally the Supreme Emperor, his power has actually been ousted by Zhao Yingluo. His desire for power became stronger and stronger, and his resentment against Zhao Yingluo became deeper and deeper. At this moment, a small boat quickly approached the painting boat. Du Chong stood at the bow of the boat with several of his entourage, and gave a deep salute to Zhao Gou. Zhao Gou was a little surprised when he saw this and didn't know what Du Chong's purpose was. Du Chong smiled slightly, took an exquisite box from his entourage, held it in both hands and presented it to Zhao Gou and said, "Your Majesty, I am here to offer you a treasure." Zhao Gou opened the box in confusion and saw that it was filled with bright jewelry.
His eyes suddenly lit up, but then calmed down again. He knew that although these jewels were precious, Du Chong must have something to offer when he came to offer them. So he asked calmly: "What does Du Qing's family mean?" Du Chong bowed and said: "His Majesty the Supreme Emperor is aware of everything. I really have something to ask for here." He paused and then continued, "I hope that His Majesty the Emperor can put pressure on the Queen to return the princess to the Kingdom of Jin regarding Princess Wanyan Yan."