The Emperor Changwu, having grasped the entire situation, saw through his thoughts at a glance. It was a rare opportunity, so why would he agree? "Lord Fu, I know you are worried about the situation in the Northern Territories. However, Prince Rui has already led his troops there. He has considerable seniority in the army and is certainly capable of defending Dinghai Pass."
"Your Majesty, although Prince Rui comes from a military background, naval warfare in Jiangnan is entirely different from land battles. Moreover, the northern frontier is harsh and cold. I worry..."
Emperor Changwu glanced at him and said, "Lord Fu, you truly understand my heart. Prince Rui has already signed the peace treaty with Huige. There will be no war at Yanmen Pass for the time being. How about letting young General Fu lead another fifty thousand troops to Dinghai Pass?"
Duke Cao's vision went black. After steadying himself, he said, "Your Majesty, my son Fu Yu lacks experience and may not be up to the task. This matter should be reconsidered after I have thought about it carefully."
Emperor Changwu curled his lips in mockery and agreed.
Hmph, everyone knew that military power was a good thing. He had harbored designs on military power for years, but for the sake of balance, he had never dared to act rashly.
Now that Xiao Qi had finally taken the lead and taken a bite, how could he possibly spit it out?
Xiao Qi was truly impressive. Emperor Changwu was overjoyed, and even the Crown Prince's dark expression couldn't dampen his good mood. After the court session, he wrote a letter, sealed it in a fire-lacquered envelope, and had it sent to the Northern Territories at once.
Seeing the dark guards take the sealed letter and retreat, Li Furui said, "Your Majesty, the Huige princess who was sent for marriage, how should she be handled?"
"How else? Currently, only the position of the main consort in Prince Ning's mansion is vacant among the princes. Tomorrow, we will hold a banquet to welcome the Huige envoy, and then bestow marriage."
"Then Prince Ning is to be congratulated."
There were many who inquired about Huige's situation. Emperor Changwu did not hide it and publicly announced the peace treaty early on.
Looking at the "specialties" worth five million taels a year and the princess listed on it, everyone took a sharp breath. Their gazes towards the Fu family changed. Duke Cao had spoken of guarding the borders diligently for over a decade, costing a considerable amount in military pay and supplies each year. Yet, Prince Rui, after only a month, not only ended the war at Yanmen Pass but also brought back so many good things.
Tsk, Duke Cao had truly been "diligent and meritorious" over the years.
It was just unknown how much water was mixed in.
The Crown Prince trembled with anger, but he had to maintain his composure and would vent his frustration once he returned home.
Along with the peace treaty between the two countries, Gu Rong also brought back the peace agreement signed by Duke Cao and the old King of Huige. Emperor Changwu, having a good understanding of the situation, did not fly into a rage. He merely set aside the agreement with regret. With wars breaking out everywhere, even if Huige was dealt with, it would not be wise to move against the Fu family.
If he were to retaliate in his dying moments, a civil war stirred up by one hundred and fifty thousand troops would not be something the current court could easily handle.
The gossip from the court soon spread, providing the people of the capital with more topics of conversation. Lu Nianfu, clutching thick banknotes, hurried to donate incense money to various temples and filled her dressing box with peace amulets for Situ Yan.
The next day, a banquet was held in the palace to welcome the Huige envoy.
Lu Nianfu then learned that her husband had not only successfully negotiated peace but had also brought a princess for marriage to the court, named Aisha, ranked seventh, the most beautiful flower of Huige.
The banquet opened with Princess Aisha's dance.
Her dancing was graceful, her figure elegant. The wind gently lifted her veil, revealing a face of exquisite beauty, a great beauty full of exotic charm. But when Emperor Changwu announced the imperial decree of marriage, Prince Ning, who was to embrace the beauty, was not happy at all.
In Da Yin, lineage was paramount. A child with half Huige blood, no matter how exceptionally talented, could never ascend the throne.
Was bestowing this Huige princess upon him as his main consort any different from publicly declaring that he had no chance of becoming king?
Consort Jian fainted on the spot.
Emperor Changwu calmly waved his hand and had her dragged away.
Aisha knelt on the ground to thank the Emperor for his grace. Even though Situ Jue was extremely unwilling, he did not dare to defy the imperial decree in public. However, his expression was one of suppressed endurance. He even dared not look at Aisha's face, for he feared he might not be able to control himself and would strangle the woman who had ruined his chance at the throne.
The Empress and the Crown Prince were also not happy.
Because they had realized that neither the Crown Prince nor Prince Ning could compare to Situ Yan's standing in the Emperor's heart. Ever since he had been recognized as a member of the royal family, the reputation and influence of the Crown Prince and Prince Ning had declined, while Situ Yan's had steadily risen.
In Emperor Changwu's heart, he had clearly found a new successor.