Qining took a deep breath and finally understood that Gongzashi and others regarded this box as a treasure, probably because of the pearl in the white clam.
Qi Feng's words just now made Qining suddenly enlightened.
Since clam meat is a medicinal material that can cure diseases, the medicinal effect of such a rare white clam is naturally of great importance. If Gongzhaxi and others came all the way to Dongqi to find a panacea, it would not be incomprehensible.
But if this is the case, who is this white clam treating
Qi Ning thought that since Dharma King Zhuri was one of the five great masters and had superb martial arts, his physique was naturally extraordinary. Naturally, these white clams were not for Dharma King. That meant that Gongzhaxi and others had gone to Dongqi through all the trouble. Maybe it was for the ancient elephant royal family.
However, there are high mountains and long roads between Qinghai-Tibet and Eastern Qi, and the Tuyuhun people rarely set foot in the Central Plains. How did they know that there are white clams in Eastern Qi that can cure diseases? How can we be sure that white clams can definitely cure the disease there
If this problem cannot be explained, it is not certain that Gongzhaxi and others brought back the white clams for the purpose of curing diseases.
Qi Ning originally thought that he could find out whether there was any involvement between the Ancient Elephant Kingdom and Dong Qi from this box, but now he was a little disappointed to see that it was just a white clam.
However, provoking the conflict between Gongzashi and the Northern Han people was an unexpected gain. I thought that behind Gongzashi was the Dharma King Zhuri. This time, I unintentionally provoked the Northern Han Dynasty to enmity with the Dharma King Zhuri. This gave the Northern Han Dynasty an extra Dharma King Zhuri. Having such an enemy as the Guxiang Kingdom is of course a great good thing for the Chu State.
If this had not happened, Qin Ningdao would have really wanted to secretly return the white clam, but since it could provoke a fight between the two sides, the white clam cannot be returned.
It's just that he doesn't know how to breed white clams. He knows that the white clams will die soon. Although he feels it is a pity, there is no other way.
He knew that the box was not safe if it was placed in his house. If Gongzhaxi really found out that he had stolen the white clams, it would be a big trouble. He immediately used the cold blade to gouge out two floor tiles in the corner of the house. , dug another hole, put the box in, covered it with floor tiles, and kept it as it was. After dealing with the remaining soil, I felt a little relieved.
At dusk the next day, the Prime Minister's Office indeed sent someone to invite him, and it was the manager of the Prime Minister's Office. When Qi Ning saw that the person Linghu Xu sent was not an official, but his own manager, he knew in his heart that this was a family banquet. Not really formal.
The Prime Minister's Mansion prepared a car, and although Wu Dalin was also invited, Wu Dalin was worried about what might happen here, so Wu Dalin decided to stay. Qi Ning took Qi Feng and several other entourages and a group of guards to the Prime Minister's Mansion, and he also Regardless of the Northern Han envoys, when they arrived in front of the Prime Minister's Mansion, Qining got off the carriage and saw tall flagpoles on the left and right of the vermilion gate, two ferocious and majestic jade lions sitting cross-legged beside the gate, and a row of white jade steps leading to the front door. The hall is quite majestic.
In the middle of the gate were written the words "Prime Minister's Mansion", written in a dragon-snake style, with extraordinary momentum. Qi Ning saw it and thought that the majesty of the Prime Minister's Mansion also reflected Linghu Xu's status in Eastern Qi.
At this time, I saw the carriage following behind also stopped. Prince Yu and Beitang Feng got out of the two carriages one after another. Lord Vulcan and several guards followed Beitang Feng.
Suddenly he heard the sound of drum music, and saw a man with his hair tied up in a high crown, wearing a red robe and a jade belt around his waist, rushing out to greet him. Qining took a look and saw that the man was over fifty years old, with a dignified appearance and a rather elegant air. , with a smile on his face and a loud voice: "When a distinguished guest comes to my door, I will be lucky for three lifetimes. I will be lucky for three lifetimes."
Qi Ning knew that this person should be Linghu Xu, and he and Prince Yu stepped forward together. They handed over their hands almost at the same time. Linghu Xu smiled and said: "Prince Yu is very talented and knowledgeable. I have heard about it for a long time and have thought about it for a long time." I am able to see my true beauty today, and my long-cherished wish has been fulfilled. It is truly a joy for my life."
Prince Yu said with a smile: "Prime Minister Linghu is overrated. Prime Minister Linghu governs the country and brings peace to the country. He has the ability to navigate the world, which is really a blessing to Qi."
Linghu Xu laughed, looked at Qi Ning, with a solemn expression, he cupped his hands and said: "This must be Jin Yihou, a formidable young man. Jin Yihou is young, but he is entrusted with important tasks by the Chu State, which shows Jin Yihou's talents. If it had not been for Jin Yihou, His Royal Highness would have been in danger, and everyone in our country is grateful for Jin Yihou's kindness."
Prince Yu is a little confused. King Taishan is plotting a rebellion. Naturally, Dong Qi is trying its best to control the spread of the news. Prince Yu still doesn’t know the clues.
Linghu Xu obviously knew that this kind of thing would be known to others sooner or later, and had no intention of hiding it. He sighed: "My lord does not know something. King Taishan raised an army to rebel. He wanted to lead his troops to attack and kill the prince while he was hunting. Fortunately, Jin Yihou acted righteously, which saved His Highness the Crown Prince from danger. Jin Yihou is a young hero, and he is really admirable."
Prince Yu changed his expression slightly, and Beitang Feng, who came up from the side, was even more surprised when he heard Ling Hu Xu's words.
The Northern Han envoys came this time because they had learned about the actions of Southern Chu. They were worried that Chu would really form an alliance with Qi, so they immediately sent out envoys to compete with Chu Guo. It would be best to marry Eastern Qi. But even if they can't get married, they definitely can't let Chu State succeed.
But what Linghu Xu said at this time made Prince Yu and Beitang Feng feel their hearts sink.
When King Taishan rebelled, Qin Ning rescued the crown prince of Eastern Qi, which meant that he was the first to show kindness to the Qi State. If the crown prince was grateful for Qi Ning's kindness and favored the Chu State, this matter would be extremely troublesome.
Prince Yu's expression changed, and he still said with a smile: "Sure enough, a hero comes from a young age, and the Jinyi Hou is worthy of being a member of the Jinyi Qi family."
Beitang Feng's expression was full of joy and anger. Naturally, he was not as good at hiding it as Prince Yu, and his face was extremely ugly.
"Prime Minister Linghu, this is the second prince Beitang Feng." Prince Yu introduced to Linghu Xu: "The second prince came to Qi in person to meet the king of your country in accordance with the emperor's order."
Only then did Beitang Feng calm down, forced a smile, stepped forward and said with cupped hands: "Junior, pay homage to Prime Minister Linghu!" He also seemed polite, Qi Ning remained calm aside, knowing that Beitang Feng was like this To do it, Prince Yu naturally had an explanation beforehand.
Linghu Xu had a kind face and said with a smile: "The younger generation is to be feared, the younger generation is to be feared." He raised his hands and said: "Come on, come on, the banquet has been set up in the flower hall. Prince Yu, Jin Yihou, and the second prince, let's take a seat first. Everyone, today It’s just a family banquet, it’s quite shabby, so don’t laugh at me, the emperor will personally summon you soon, and then the emperor will host a state banquet for you.”
Several people were polite to each other, and Linghu Xu led everyone to the flower hall. Although Linghu Xu did not stop them, the Chu and Han countries also knew the rules and would not bring all the entourages in. Beitang Feng led them. He led Lord Vulcan and a huge guard into the house, while Qi Ning led Qi Feng and Li Tang.
After walking for a long time through the corridors and around the painting building, Qining arrived at the flower hall. Along the way, Qining saw that the furnishings in Linghuxu's mansion were very elegant. Although they were rich, they did not have the smell of gold, silver and bronze. There are all kinds of calligraphy and painting, thinking that this person must have high attainments in literary talent.
The flower hall of the Prime Minister's Mansion is really not small. As soon as they entered the flower hall, they saw many officials waiting inside. When they saw Linghu Xu coming back, the officials all stood up from their seats and handed over to Qi Ning and others.
Although Chu and Han came this time to seek help from Dong Qi, these two countries were far beyond what Dong Qi could match in terms of territory and strength. In the eyes of Dong Qi, whether it was Southern Chu or Northern Han, , are both powerful countries that are stronger than Eastern Qi. Now that envoys from the two countries have come, the officials do not dare to lose their etiquette.
Qi Ning knew in his heart that he was not representing an individual at this moment, but the country of Southern Chu, so he smiled and returned the gift with his hands, appearing humble and generous. Prince Yu also returned the gift with his hands, and Beitang Feng followed behind Prince Yu. Although he also bowed his hand, he obviously rarely saluted others, and his movements even seemed a bit stiff and unnatural.
Qining glanced at it and saw that Gongzhaxi was sitting there. Everyone stood up. Wei Gongzhaxi was sitting at the table with his hands clasped together, but his eyes were fixed on Beitangfeng. Beitangfeng Feng obviously also saw Gongzhaxi. He had Lord Vulcan beside him. Seeing that Gongzhaxi had no helpers around him, not to mention that this was the Prime Minister's Palace, Gongzhaxi didn't dare to do anything to him. He raised his neck slightly and asked Gongzhaxi. Tashi passed by and snorted provocatively.
Gongzashi's eyes were filled with anger, but he remained unmoved.
Everyone sat down. Prince Yu and Qi Ning were today's distinguished guests. They sat at the top of the seats on both sides. Linghu Xu naturally took a seat at the main seat and took the lead in holding a cup and said: "Everyone, it is rare for the envoys of Chu and Han to come to this country. , after a tiring journey, let’s toast the envoys of the two countries with this glass of wine!”
Everyone raised their glasses and drank it all in one gulp. Only Gongzashi looked at his eyes, nose and heart, like a stone sculpture.
Linghu Xu put down his wine glass and said with a smile: "Everyone, you must have heard that Prince Yu took the exam anonymously and ranked first. There are many talents in the north, and Prince Yu is at the top. Such literary talent makes people admire. ." He raised his hand and pointed at Qining and said with a smile: "As for the Jinyi Hou, everyone knows that the Jinyi Qi family is a martial arts family in Southern Chu, but do you know that the literary talent of this young Marquis is unparalleled. I wonder if you have ever heard of the Jinghua Book Club?"
An official immediately said: "Master Xiang, the Jinghua Book Club is a grand gathering of Chu State's literary circles. It is said that the eight major academies of Chu State participate in it, and they are all top talents in Chu State's literary circles."
Linghu Xu nodded and said with a smile: "Yes, the young Marquis ranks first in the Jinghua Calligraphy Association in terms of piano, chess, calligraphy and painting, and is called the number one scribe in the Chu Kingdom. Do you know?"
Qi Ning's heart trembled, thinking that Linghu Xu knew a lot about him, but she didn't know why he suddenly mentioned it at this time.
Linghu Xu smiled and said: "Prince Yu, Jin Yihou, actually I have been puzzled by several questions recently and have never been able to solve them. Today, you two happened to come to my humble residence and I was about to ask you for advice!"
…