Feng Jin spoke directly, stating that the situation had reached a critical point and could no longer be delayed, demanding a swift resolution.
Murong Jinyun’s heart skipped a beat. She knew with certainty that Feng Jin and the others had discovered something, though she was unsure how much.
“You… you haven’t…?”
“We are fully aware of everything Xi Liang has planned, including the true purpose behind this marriage alliance.”
Without further hesitation, Feng Jin admitted to everything.
“So… so you knew all along.”
Murong Jinyun's emotions were remarkably calm. She had long suspected these things, and their confirmation brought her a sense of relief.
Her gaze finally settled on Gu Beichen, who remained silent: “Did you know too? Then… then you about me…”
“My feelings for you are genuine. Even knowing your ulterior motives, I cannot control my heart from loving you.”
Gu Beichen confessed his heartfelt sentiments, speaking the words that had occupied his thoughts day and night.
With that single sentence, the wall between them crumbled, and they were finally able to be honest with each other.
“I have been incredibly conflicted these past few days. On one hand, there is my father and Xi Liang; on the other, there is you. Both are the most cherished people in my life. Whichever side is hurt, I feel immense pain, yet… I don’t know what to do.”
“Only peace… peace between the two nations, is the best choice.”
Feng Jin’s words were a revelation to Murong Jinyun. Indeed, peace was the only way for the people of both nations to live safely.
During her time in Dong Chu, she had gradually realized that her previous perceptions were entirely different from what she had witnessed firsthand.
“You are now the only one who can change this situation. The lives of countless citizens in Xi Liang and Dong Chu all rest in your hands. Whether it leads to war or peace is entirely up to you to decide.”
Feng Jin’s words registered in Murong Jinyun’s ears, every syllable. After a long period of silence, she finally made a firm and unwavering decision: “I choose peace.”
“That is good. If peace is the choice, then there are ways to achieve it. It depends on whether you are willing to act.”
“Let’s be frank. Young Madam, please speak directly. As long as I can do it, I will spare no effort.”
Having made up her mind, Murong Jinyun’s tone was resolute, without any hesitation.
“Since that is the case, I will be straightforward.”
Feng Jin poured herself a cup of tea to moisten her throat, as this was not a matter that could be explained in just a few words.
“Actually, it’s quite simple. It primarily depends on whether the princess is willing to let go.”
“The most critical element lies with General Baili. General Baili’s actions today were intended to provoke war between the two nations, all to vindicate his Baili family and make the Xi Liang imperial family even more reliant on them…”
In fact, these were all things Ling Mohan had meticulously briefed her on the previous night, ensuring she would be better prepared to negotiate with Murong Jinyun today.
As expected, these words struck a chord with Murong Jinyun.
The Xi Liang imperial family, the Murong clan, was completely overshadowed by the Baili family. Throughout history, emperors had been so beholden to the Baili family’s leaders that they would heed their every word.
This marriage alliance was a scheme orchestrated by the Baili family, and in order to secure their support, the emperor had no choice but to acquiesce. If this situation could be used to thoroughly suppress the Baili family’s influence in Xi Liang, it might be the emperor’s best opportunity to consolidate his power.
At this moment, Murong Jinyun’s heart was completely swayed, and she eagerly awaited what Feng Jin would propose next.
“All you need to do is write a letter, clearly outlining the advantages and disadvantages, and present it to the Emperor of Xi Liang. When the truth is revealed to the world, the Baili family will face widespread opposition, and Xi Liang will finally achieve lasting peace, allowing His Majesty to wield absolute power.”
“It’s as simple as me writing a letter?”
If it were truly that simple, why had the Baili family dominated Xi Liang for so many years, their foundations proving so difficult to shake? Even though emperors of past dynasties had been deeply dissatisfied, they still respected and deferred to the Baili family, ultimately finding themselves helpless.
“The rest of the matters, we will handle accordingly.”
Naturally, this would involve Ling Mohan’s painstaking planning; her role was merely the effort of speaking.
Although Murong Jinyun found Feng Jin’s proposal agreeable, she also harbored some unspoken concerns. She neither agreed nor refused outright, falling into deep contemplation, offering no response for a long time.
Feng Jin, with her astute perceptiveness, easily discerned Murong Jinyun’s reservations.
A faint smile played on her lips as she continued, “Princess, you can rest assured. While Xi Liang is dealing with its internal affairs, Dong Chu will not take advantage of the situation. If you do not believe me, we can sign a ten-year armistice agreement.”
This was also a bargaining chip provided by Ling Mohan, which she was confident would persuade Murong Jinyun. After all, the Baili family had deep roots in Xi Liang, and uprooting them would not be an easy task, inevitably leading to a period of turmoil. During such times, national stability was paramount, making this chip the most likely to sway Murong Jinyun.
Ten years… ten years of stability was the most crucial aspect for Xi Liang. Without further hesitation, Murong Jinyun agreed to Feng Jin’s proposition.
“Alright… I will do as Young Madam suggests.”
Murong Jinyun immediately penned a letter, detailing all the events that had transpired and their associated complexities.
“Young Madam, the letter is finished. I will have someone send it to Xi Liang as soon as possible. As for the rest…”
“The remaining matters, I will handle. Princess need not worry.”
Feng Jin breathed a sigh of relief. She had finally completed the task assigned by Ling Mohan.
“Then you two can talk at your leisure. I will take my leave now.”
Having accomplished her mission, she did not wish to be a third wheel, an unwelcome presence. It was best to depart quickly.
Feng Jin left with great speed, leaving only Gu Beichen and Murong Jinyun in the room.
“What happened before was my fault. My primary objective upon arriving in Dong Chu was to find you. As for… as for…”
“Don’t say it. It’s all in the past, and it’s not important anymore. There’s no need to discuss it.”
Gu Beichen reached out and pulled Murong Jinyun into his embrace. He now knew she loved him, and everything else was insignificant.
He had previously worried that Gu Beichen might hold a grudge, but now he could finally relax: “I will only love you in this lifetime.”