readytorunbook Chapter 50: Prince, we have to keep things a secret from Song Pu!
Chapter 50: Prince, we have to keep things a secret from Song Pu!
Gu Jingzhi followed the eunuch of the Eastern Palace to the main hall, and greeted the Crown Prince upon seeing him.
The prince supported his hands and said, "Master Gu, there's no need to be so polite. It's only been an hour since we last met, and I don't know what happened that would require you to come all this way in person."
"It's nothing important. I'm just bored staying at home all day, so I decided to go out for a walk!"
Seeing Gu Jingzhi's expression that said, "I'm just visiting because I have nothing to do," the Crown Princess suddenly burst out laughing.
"???"
Gu Jingzhi then realized that there was someone else here. He pointed and asked in confusion: "This..."
"This is my Crown Princess..."
The prince introduced the Crown Princess, then pointed at Ajiu and said, "Ajiu is my sister, the current Princess Lehuang!"
"..."
Wow, a Crown Princess and a Princess!
"Your servant, Gu Jingzhi, greets Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess... and Princess Le Huang!"
Gu Jingzhi immediately greeted the Crown Princess and bowed to Princess Le Huang.
Ah Jiu simply nodded, while the Crown Princess appeared more enthusiastic, saying, "Master Gu, please don't be polite. I've heard of your reputation for a long time. You're the new top scholar... and also the first secretary of our dynasty. You're a rare young talent in our Great Xia!"
This is said of a man who is both the first and a young talent.
Although they are all official words, they sound comfortable to listen to.
Gu Jingzhi immediately exchanged pleasantries, then said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, it was my fault for being negligent earlier! I expect His Majesty will inquire about today's negotiations at tomorrow's morning court..."
"Master Gu, do you have any concerns?"
"Ok!"
Gu Jingzhi nodded and said, "There are many people in the court who favor Li Yue now. Your Highness must not reveal the details of our negotiations tomorrow!"
Although he will definitely have to perform before the emperor tomorrow, that will only be in the imperial study.
The negotiations between the three countries have attracted great attention from both inside and outside the government. Emperor Xia will definitely inquire about this matter as a routine matter, and how to answer in the court at that time will be very important.
The prince immediately understood after hearing this: "Master Gu is afraid that this matter will be leaked?"
"Ok!"
Gu Jingzhi said, "Things are accomplished through secrecy and ruined by leaks; plans are made through thinking and ruined by following the crowd! There are many officials in the court with many different opinions, and Baili Gongshu is a shrewd and calculating person..."
"Don't worry, Master Gu, this matter is a solitary matter!"
The prince did not feel that he would appear stupid because Gu Jingzhi came to remind him...
After all, in court struggles, often an unintentional remark may give the enemy an advantage.
Although Gu Jingzhi only mentioned Baili Gongshu, the prince knew very well in his heart that what Gu Jingzhi was most worried about was Song Pu.
Although Song Pu is the prime minister of Daxia, his political view is to support Li Yue. If he knew about the plans of others, he might secretly make trouble. After all, in his opinion, Daxia would not suffer any loss by forming an alliance with Beili.
This would not only strike a blow to the Crown Prince and Gu Jingzhi, but also add a strong stroke to his resume.
The reason why Song Pu didn't say it out loud was probably because he took into consideration the presence of the Crown Princess and Ajiu. Such matters should never be said openly unless necessary.
After the two men finalized the matter, the prince thought for a moment and said, "Although today's negotiations haven't yielded much success, we already have the initiative. Sir Gu, why don't you seize the opportunity and finalize this matter sooner rather than later?"
"Your Highness, don't rush this matter!"
Gu Jingzhi quickly intervened, "In the current situation, our dynasty is sitting on the Diaoyutai, and the two warring parties are not our dynasty. If we act too proactively, it will arouse the vigilance of both countries!"
"The autumn harvest is just one month away, and they will surely be eager to talk to us!"
"We've put forward the conditions today, and they'll definitely need time to digest them. If we're too hasty, they'll become suspicious!"
"Look! I'm getting anxious again!"
The prince spread his hands and teased his wife.
The Crown Princess smiled and said, "It's normal for Your Highness to be concerned about state affairs! However, Lord Gu has been tasked with handling the negotiations, and he must be quite knowledgeable about the envoys from both countries. Your Highness only needs to focus on the overall situation!"
Gu Jingzhi raised his eyes and looked at the Crown Princess in surprise. This woman has high emotional intelligence!
The Crown Princess noticed him looking over and immediately asked with a smile, "Just now, Your Highness spoke of Lord Gu's demeanor at the negotiation table. I was very curious. Lord Gu's words were so strong. Isn't he afraid that Beili and Liyue will be angry?"
"Haha! Princess, you're worrying too much!"
Gu Jingzhi replied with a smile, then said proudly, "When Great Xia was first established, the nation was like a young man full of vigor and vitality, like the rising sun! But Beili is getting old... more like the setting sun, beautiful to look at, but gradually setting!"
"We have Daxia backing us up. If we don't even dare to say a few words, we will be looked down upon!"
Even though he always dislikes Song Pu, although this guy is a bit selfish, from his standpoint, he is not biased and still attaches great importance to national interests.
Although they were born into a noble family, it was only a few years since they conquered the world. The stronger Da Xia was at this time, the more profit they could make.
When the prince heard this, his eyes were filled with relief.
The Crown Princess also looked very satisfied!
Ah Jiu, standing nearby, had a glint in her eyes. She asked, "Lord Gu is truly dedicated to the public good, and Le Huang deeply admires him! Just now, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince mentioned that, in addition to the territorial issue, the conditions for your negotiations with the two countries specifically emphasized the need to bring the Zhao thief back to their country for punishment. I wonder why?"
"???"
That's it?
Gu Jingzhi asked curiously, "Is this question difficult to understand?"
"Sir Gu, not to mention Jiuer, I am also very curious!" The Crown Princess echoed.
Gu Jingzhi said, "In the past, Yun State submitted to Da Xia, so the land and people of Yun State are now the land and people of Da Xia! Zhao Zhongli betrayed Yun State and massacred the royal family of Yun State. This act is equivalent to slaughtering meritorious officials of Da Xia!"
"In the early years, he was always protected by Beili, and Daxia couldn't do anything to him! But now it's different. Since we have the opportunity, we must naturally escort him back and let him face trial under the law of the land!"
"This move will reassure our northern generals, and secondly, it will tell the world!"
"Although we in Great Xia value benevolence and justice, we know the heart of humanity! For those who submit to Great Xia, we will treat them as relatives and friends. However, those who dare to betray or offend Great Xia will not be spared, no matter where they are!"
"Even for a thief like Zhao, I can only say one thing...although late, it has arrived!"
"It's a late arrival... Today has been an eye-opener. Master Gu's ideas are truly extraordinary..."
With tears in her eyes, Ajiu held a cup of tea and said, "Ajiu lends the Crown Prince a cup of tea. Regards, Master Gu!"
"???"
Gu Jingzhi took the tea handed to him by the Crown Princess and looked at the scene in some confusion. The Crown Prince just smiled and nodded.
"Princess, what's this?"
"Jiu'er is the only orphan of the royal family of Yun State. She has been raised by her mother, the Queen Mother. Few outsiders know about this..." The Crown Princess explained gently.
"what?"
Gu Jingzhi was dumbfounded!