"This matter, I will certainly report the reasons to His Majesty, as for this marriage, it must be reconsidered."
"The marriage was decided by the Emperors of both countries. How can it be decided by your few words? General Ling, I advise you to take back the dowry and let the matter be resolved with minimal fuss."
This marriage was planned by His Majesty for a long time, and it was on the verge of success. It absolutely cannot be abandoned at this point.
"Since it was decided by the two Emperors, then today's events will be decided by them."
Ling Mohan said coldly, "Lu Shi, return the dowry and close the city gates."
"Yes, Young General."
Lu Shi ordered the people behind him to deliver all the dowry to Baili Xuan's side.
"I, Xiliang, absolutely do not accept the returned dowry. Today, you must accept this dowry whether you like it or not!"
Baili Xuan put away his gentle demeanor, his eyes filled with killing intent, his hand already on the sword at his waist.
"Even your grandfather was no match for me, do you think you can defeat me with your abilities!"
Ling Mohan didn't take Baili Xuan seriously at all. If it were Baili Xi instead of him today, perhaps he would have been capable of fighting him.
"Today, I will experience the prowess of the God of War!"
Baili Xuan drew the sword at his waist, and the followers behind him also drew their swords.
Fan Shun, whose home was in the middle, was so scared that cold sweat covered his back. He knew better than anyone that if a fight truly broke out today, let alone his wealth and glory, even his life would be hard to save.
"Both of you should not act impulsively. A single move can trigger a chain reaction. You should be cautious."
As soon as Fan Shun finished speaking, the sound of horse hooves accompanied by the neighing of horses echoed from a distance.
Everyone's gaze shifted towards the source of the sound. The yellow sand flew, obscuring their vision. After half a moment, a troop of horsemen could be seen approaching Yuncheng.
Compared to the confusion in everyone's hearts, Ling Mohan was confident. After such a long delay, they had finally arrived.
A moment later, Chu Chenyi, the leader, appeared before everyone in armor, looking travel-worn.
Baili Xuan panicked instantly and quickly asked, "Why has Dong Chu dispatched heavy troops to the border? Could it be that they intend to take advantage of our weakness and start a war!"
"The border region is also Dong Chu's border. Do our Dong Chu soldiers need to report to you, Xiliang, for coming here!"
Chu Chenyi sat on his horse, looking down at Baili Xuan with a condescending air.
"Your Highness King Jing, the border relations between the two countries have long been established. I am merely stating facts. Why does Your Highness King Jing have to be so aggressive? Doesn't it make you look like you have something to hide?"
"Lord Bai Li truly has a silver tongue. With a few words, you've twisted the situation. Ling is truly impressed. However, if your Baili clan could all abandon the military for literary pursuits like you, your lifespan would surely be extended indefinitely."
Ling Mohan's words were designed to pierce the heart, knowing full well that more than half of the adult males of the Baili clan had perished on the battlefield.
And now, if his guess was correct, the only adult males remaining in the Baili family were Baili Xi and Baili Xuan.
These two naturally bore the responsibility of the family, maintaining its honor, and more importantly, continuing the lineage.
After Baili Xuan came of age, he had never lacked concubines and maids in his chambers. He had brought in one after another, but to this day, none of those concubines or maids had produced offspring.
Therefore, there were many rumors. Some said Baili Xuan had problems in that regard. Others even involved superstitions about gods and spirits, saying that the Baili family had committed too many atrocities, incurring the wrath of gods and ghosts, and that their lineage was destined to be cut off. The only way to break this curse was to accumulate merit and resolve the bloodshed.
However, this would require them to lay down their swords and cease all acts of violence.
Thus, the Baili family devised an excellent plan: Baili Xi would continue to serve in the army, while Baili Xuan would abandon the military for literary pursuits and undertake the crucial task of procreation.
Baili Xuan detested it the most when people brought up his inability to go to battle.
After all, the Baili family had served Xiliang with distinction for generations, producing only military commanders, never civil officials. And it was starting with him that the men of the family were to pursue literary careers.
From childhood, he had diligently practiced archery and military strategy, hoping that one day he could take to the battlefield, serve the country, and achieve unparalleled merits. But all of that was ruined by those illusory matters. His life was destined to be spent amidst books and ink, and how could he be content with that?
"Your Highness King Jing, General Ling, the matter of the alliance is of great importance. The peace between the two countries for centuries hinges on a single moment. All of you should prioritize national affairs and consider carefully before acting."
Baili Xuan said in a calm tone, his expression even more grim.
"This matter is of great importance. We should report it to the Emperors of both countries before making a decision. Lord Baili, please return!"
Ling Mohan wanted to postpone the marriage alliance, to drag it out as long as possible. He would not let go of such an excellent opportunity.
"Lord Baili, this matter will be decided after I report to His Majesty. It is also inappropriate for the dowry to remain here. Lord Baili, please take the dowry and return first."
Chu Chenyi followed Ling Mohan's words, also understanding that Ling Mohan's actions were aimed at delaying the marriage alliance.
In the capital, ever since Ling Mohan had left, Baili Xi had acted as if he had no constraints, engaging frequently with court officials. If the two countries were to form an alliance,
and Murong Jinyun were to marry into Dong Chu, it was likely that the entire capital would be filled with Xiliang spies.
If things were to reach that point, Dong Chu would be in grave danger, and the day of the city's fall and the family's ruin would not be far off.
Despite Baili Xuan's eloquent arguments, he was defeated in his confrontation with Ling Mohan and Chu Chenyi. Moreover, the disparity in their military strength had already determined who held the advantage in their words.
After a pause, Baili Xuan still led his men and the dowry back.
Fan Shun truly began to fear now. If it were only Ling Mohan, he could still find some reason to muddle through. But this was the current King Jing, the Emperor's second prince.
No matter how bold he was, he dared not lay hands on a prince. Furthermore, he would be held accountable for any harm, however slight, to Prince Jing.
"Your Highness, General, it's getting late. Why don't we go to the residence for a simple meal?"
Fan Shun interjected at an inappropriate moment, interrupting their conversation.
Chu Chenyi cast an displeased glance at Fan Shun. This man was truly oblivious to the situation, not seeing that he was speaking with Ling Mohan and yet insisted on inserting himself at this moment.
"Your Highness, your subordinate is Fan Shun, the commander of Yuncheng." Fan Shun said with a fawning smile.