In today's world, it seems that the world is divided into three parts, but in fact it is still two heroes standing side by side. Everyone in the world knows that whether it is the Northern Han Dynasty or the Southern Chu Dynasty, both land and population are far above Qi. These two powerful countries If any country really wants to attack Qi with all its strength, Qi will be unable to resist.
The survival of Qi State is due to the balance of opposition between Han and Chu. It is not easy for Chu and Han to easily conquer each other, but once Qi is involved, they will instantly gain the upper hand.
The purpose of Chu's alliance with Qi was to use Qi's navy to control the river channels and advance simultaneously on land and water during the Chu army's Northern Expedition. The strength of Chu's army was comparable to that of Han's. If the waterways are controlled, the Han State will immediately be at a disadvantage, and conversely, the same is true for the Han State.
When Qin Ning heard that the prince offered to use the Dong Qi Navy to assist the Chu State, this really surprised him, as if a big pie fell from the sky and fell into his hands.
If everything goes too smoothly, it may not be a good thing.
Qi Ning was suspicious in his heart, but smiled on his face and said: "Your Highness's plan is naturally what our country of Chu wants. However, the two countries are joining forces to attack Han. This is a major military matter, and foreign ministers have no right to decide. They must inform the emperor. The Emperor’s decision will be made.”
The king of Dong Qi suddenly smiled and said: "I have also seen your little emperor of Chu. When I appointed the crown prince, he was only the prince of Chu. Although he is not old, he is calm in his work. This young man is too Being too calm may not be a good thing, as it lacks the drive to move forward.”
The King of Eastern Qi's evaluation of the Emperor of Chu was somewhat disrespectful. Qin Ning smiled lightly and said: "The Emperor is considerate in everything and thinks twice before acting. This is also the blessing of Chu."
"In prosperous times, there is nothing wrong with being cautious and thinking twice before acting." The monarch of Dong Qi put down the wine cup he had been holding and stroked his beard and said: "But in troubled times, sometimes you still need some courage. Jin Yihou, in your opinion, does your little emperor dare to join forces with Qi to attack Han this time?"
"Back to the emperor, the foreign minister cannot guess the emperor's thoughts." Qi Ning said: "But the foreign minister thinks that most of the civil servants and generals of the Chu State will not miss such a good opportunity. As long as most of the people in the court If you support joining forces to send troops, the emperor will not miss the opportunity."
The king of Dong Qi smiled lightly and said: "Your Chu country is full of civil and military officials, but in fact it is still no match for your Jin Yihou."
Qi Ning immediately laughed and said: "Your Majesty is ridiculous. Although Jin Yihou is one of the four hereditary marquises of Chu State, the foreign ministers are too young and have little experience in the court. There are many pillar ministers in Chu State, but the foreign ministers are not. It doesn’t count.”
"Jin Yihou is being humble." The prince had already waved for someone to take the map down. He raised his hand and made a gesture of invitation, asking Qining to sit down first. He walked over to the table and said, "If it wasn't for being honored by the noble How could the emperor of our country send you to Qi if he is so relied upon?"
Qi Ning thought that it would be better for him not to speak at this time. Besides, the young emperor Longtai did not think highly of him. It seemed that the person sent to Dong Qi this time was an idler. This was like looking down on Dong Qi.
The King of Dong Qi slowly said: "I know that your little emperor has just ascended the throne, and you always have to wear out the old and bring out the new. This time you can bring the Jinyi Hou to our Qi Kingdom, so naturally I think very highly of you." He pondered for a moment, and then said: "You If you give me advice, your little emperor will naturally not turn a deaf ear."
Qi Ning heard the meaning of the words of the king of Eastern Qi, and seemed to want to persuade Longtai to join forces to send troops. He only felt that the situation in the world was really changing. The state of Chu had always hoped that the state of Qi could help send troops. Now after the Qinhuai War between Chu and Han, , were all recuperating, but Qi State began to propose a coalition with Chu State to attack Han Dynasty.
"The Qi family in Jinyi represents the military in Chu State." The prince stared at Qining and said with a smile: "As long as the young marquis is willing, this alliance of troops will be successful."
Qi Ning thought that you thought too highly of me, and said with a smile: "Your Highness is serious. In fact, things are different now. Your Highness should have heard a little about it. Foreign ministers don't have much military power now."
"The Jinyi Qi family has commanded the Qinhuai Army for several generations." The prince said: "The Qinhuai Army's military power today is inseparable from the Jinyi Qi family. In fact, everyone in the world knows that even the current commander of the Qinhuai Army It’s Yue Huanshan, but Yue Huanshan was promoted by the Qi family single-handedly, and Yue Huanshan will not fail to listen to the Jinyi Qi family’s words.”
Qi Ning frowned and said: "Your Highness, please forgive the foreign minister for being presumptuous. The Qinhuai Army is the army of the Chu State, not the Qi family. Your Highness said this, putting the foreign minister in a position of disloyalty."
The prince smiled and said: "Don't worry, Lord Jin Yi. My father held a banquet today and did not invite any of his ministers to attend. I wanted to be honest with you. It's okay not to say those high-sounding words."
Qi Ning said "Oh", and the prince continued: "To tell you the truth, we have a little understanding of Jinyihou's current situation. The Jinyi Qi family is based on martial arts. If Jinyihou takes the lead in sending troops this time, the entire Qinhuai Army will Although I fully support the Marquis, once the Marquis takes this opportunity to make meritorious deeds, he will inherit the unparalleled prestige of the Jinyi Qi family, and I believe that the young Marquis will be even more popular in the Chu Kingdom in the future."
Qi Ning picked up the wine cup, smiled slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Your Majesty, Your Highness, such a big matter always requires the two countries to discuss it together, but it cannot be too public. If we really want to join forces to attack the Han Dynasty, we can't Let Han be prepared in advance."
"That's right." The prince said with a smile: "My father means the same thing."
Qi Ning put down the wine cup without taking a sip and said: "In that case, the foreign minister has an idea. When the foreign minister returns to the capital, he will naturally inform the emperor of your wishes. The Qi State will send the princess to the Chu State. At this time, it just so happens that we can send someone to discuss this matter secretly."
The king of Dong Qi and the prince looked at each other. The king gently stroked his beard, and the prince already asked: "When does the marquis think it is appropriate for Tianxiang to go to Chu?"
Qi Ning laughed and said: "The foreign minister is here to try his best to facilitate this matter. Naturally, he hopes that the sooner the better."
"That's fine." The King of Dong Qi pondered for a moment, and then said: "I have sent people to make preparations. You can be on the road in three days at most. I sent the prince to send Tianxiang to Chu State, and I just happened to set off with you, Jin Yi What do you think?"
Qi Ning was taken aback and said in astonishment: "Three days?"
The prince smiled and asked: "Do you think the time is too long, or is it too short?"
Qi Ning never thought that things would go so smoothly. When he entered the palace, he vaguely felt that Chu State might really have a chance to marry Princess Tianxiang. However, after entering the palace, the Lord of Dong Qi quickly gave the answer, which made Qi Ning was already a little surprised. At this moment, the king of Dong Qi actually agreed that the prince would send the princess directly to Chu State three days later. This was something Qi Ning never expected.
Qi Ning originally thought that it was such a big event. Even if Qi State agreed and many matters were prepared, I was afraid that one month was too short. Chu State would probably send someone back to welcome the bride. After all, the princess marrying far away from Chu State should not be careless and cumbersome. There are too many things to do, and if we can confirm the marriage this time, it is already a success.
However, the decision of the King of Eastern Qi was really beyond Qining's expectation. The King of East Qi seemed to be eager to make the marriage relationship between the two countries a reality as soon as possible.
No matter what the other party's plan is, if Princess Tianxiang can be brought directly back to the Chu Kingdom this time, the result will be far beyond his imagination. I am afraid that the entire Chu Kingdom will not be able to imagine such a success. Qining immediately stood up, cupped his hands and said: "Your Majesty is wise, and I would like to thank you for your kindness in marriage. It's just...!"
"Just how?"
"Your Majesty, it's like this. Princess Tianxiang has golden branches and jade leaves. I, the Emperor of Chu, am also the proud son of Heaven. This marriage can be regarded as the best marriage in the world." Qi Ning said: "Your Majesty, I also hope that the princess will arrive as soon as possible. In our Chu country, the time is just too short. Even if the foreign ministers immediately send people to rush back to Jianye to report, and Jianye immediately starts to deal with it, I am afraid that there will be many shortcomings. If the princess is neglected in some place, the foreign ministers will Sir...!"
The king of Eastern Qi didn't wait for Qi Ning to finish speaking, waved his hand and said: "The two countries have a good alliance, so I won't care about the red tape." He said to the prince: "Prince, when you arrive in the Chu country, you don't have to worry about everything. From now on, Qi and Chu will Our country is a country of in-laws, so we should be considerate of each other in everything."
The prince stood up and cupped his hands and said: "My son, I have received the order!" He turned to Qining, raised his hand and said: "Master Marquis, I am going to the Kingdom of Chu, so I would like to ask you to take care of me."
Qi Ning immediately raised his hand and returned the courtesy: "Your Majesty, you're welcome, I have to work hard for you this time."
Although the purpose of this trip was successfully achieved, Qin Ning always felt a little strange in his heart. The king of Dong Qi did not stay too long, drank a few glasses of wine, and left first. The prince never mentioned the alliance again. He just asked Qining very considerately whether he could adapt to the climate in Dongqi.
After the meal, the prince personally escorted Qi Ning out of the palace. Qi Feng and others had been waiting outside the palace. They were relieved to see Qi Ning come out safe and sound.
Back at the post house, Qi Ning called Qi Feng and Wu Dalin and said, "The King of Dong Qi has promised that in three days, the Crown Prince of Dong Qi will personally escort Princess Tianxiang back to Chu with us."
Both Qi Feng and Wu Dalin looked surprised. Apparently they did not expect that things would go so smoothly. The two looked at each other and soon showed excitement. Qi Feng clapped his hands and said: "Master Hou, this Now we can go back with dignity. I have been worried that the people of Dong Qi will see the Northern Han people ceding land and asking for marriage, so they will send the princess to the Northern Han Dynasty. It seems that these Dong Qi people have some brains. "
Wu Dalin said: "Master Hou, could it be that because of the disappearance of Bei Tangyu and the others, the Eastern Qi people have changed the direction of the trend?"
Qi Ning said: "I'm also a little surprised why they agreed so happily. But in any case, our mission for this trip was successfully accomplished. Leader Wu, in three days, the Dong Qi Crown Prince will definitely bring the Dong Qi Guards. You and Brothers, please tell me that there should be no conflicts on the way, and we can escort the princess to Jianye safely, and we are done." He smiled and said, "You have done a great job this time. After I go back, I will definitely ask the emperor to help you. achievement."
Qi Feng smiled and said: "Master Marquis, two princes from Dong Qi have just died. The funeral has not yet been held, so the happy event has been held first."
Qi Ning glanced at it and said, "Don't talk nonsense." He stretched and suddenly heard a voice from outside: "Leader Wu, Leader Wu!"
Wu Dalin frowned and went out. He came back soon with a letter in his hand and said: "Master Marquis, someone sent a letter to Master Marquis." He presented it to Qi Ning, who took it. When I saw that there was no signature on the letter, even the words "Your Majesty Yourselves" were not written on it, I felt a little strange and asked, "Who sent it?"
Wu Dalin said: "It was one of our patrolling brothers. He said that he met a Dong Qi official in the post house and gave him a letter, asking him to give it to the Marquis. After that, he left."
Qi Ning nodded slightly, feeling strange in his heart. He opened the letter and glanced at it for a few times. His brows tightened and his eyes showed surprise. Then he let out a sigh of relief and said with relief: "That's it!"