When he was leaving, Zi'an told Murong Jie that the emperor had kept Yuan Cuiyu in the palace.
After hearing this, Murong Jie said, "It's just a small trick, you don't have to worry."
"Mammy has analyzed it with me." Zi'an was silent for a while, "I think the emperor seems to have changed a lot."
"Change?" Murong Jie smiled. "This is his nature. When he was sick, he compromised a lot, but now that he is healthy, he has no choice but to take everything into his own hands."
"If you knew this long ago, why are you so loyal to him?" Zi'an was really puzzled.
"He has always been very good to me. This is the first reason. Second, I am loyal to the Great Zhou Dynasty, not to him."
"Before, you brothers always had a good relationship." Zi'an couldn't help but feel regretful.
"Our brotherly relationship is indeed good. When he was sick, he was my brother, not the emperor. But he is the emperor now. Zi'an, you are even more unable to detach yourself from this role than I am. When the roles are switched, you also have to detach yourself from it, otherwise, you will be easily confused by emotions."
Zi'an couldn't help but feel ashamed. Indeed, she didn't even see things as clearly as he, the person involved. Perhaps, she always hoped that the emperor could give her the feelings of a brother rather than an emperor.
He has never had the love of his family.
Since he came back, he never asked about the noble concubine, and she didn't intend to tell him. He should know everything.
Zi'an actually hoped what he said, because it was impossible for him to have no feelings at all. He was used to forbearance and keeping everything in his heart, which was not a good sign.
When she walked into Jufulou, the shopkeeper and the doctor inside recognized her, and Murong Jie automatically stood behind her like a guard.
The shopkeeper personally selected a room for her, a small elegant room in the garden on the first floor.
Light the agarwood shavings and light the candles. It's a little chilly in April, so there's no need for a charcoal stove. Open the window a little bit, and the wind blows in, making the candlelight sway and the curtains flutter, which adds a bit of romance.
The doctor brought in the wine, which was a mellow aged osmanthus wine. Zi'an ordered three dishes. After the dishes were served, the doctor left.
Murong Jie poured himself a drink. Zi'an wanted to drink, but he said, "Don't drink. You're not feeling well."
"It's okay, just drink a little." Zi'an wanted to drink with him.
"Just one cup!" Murong Jie gave in.
Zi'an laughed and said, "You know drinking is bad, but why do you keep drinking?"
"I'm used to it. It's just a hobby that I really can't give up."
Zian clinked glasses with him, "When are you going back to the battlefield?"
This question is inappropriate to ask. At least, it should not be asked in such a warm occasion. It will ruin the atmosphere.
"Whether this war can be fought remains to be seen. Now there is an opportunity that may facilitate peace talks." Murong Jie explained to her that this was the purpose of his return.
"Really?" This was the best news for Zi'an.
Murong Jie said: "This king has met Qin Zhou once."
"Hmm?" Zi'an looked up at him, "You've met her? How was the conversation?"
The two countries were at war, and before the battle officially started, the marshals of both sides could actually meet? This was really new.
"It was Prince Qi who facilitated this meeting. It was a secret meeting. The Emperor didn't know about it, and neither did the Emperor of Beimo."
"Will Qin Zhou agree to a ceasefire? Isn't she a warmonger?" Zi'an asked in confusion.
"Under normal circumstances, Qin Zhou would certainly not agree to a ceasefire, but Beimo is now in a national disaster. A month ago, an earthquake hit Beimo, killing more than 30,000 people and triggering a plague. Beimo's medical technology is backward and it is helpless against the plague. A large number of people die from the plague every day. Prince Qi found me and asked me to persuade old Prince An Ran to go to Beimo. If old Prince An Ran can go, there is a possibility that the war will stop."
"So, you are going to see old Prince An Ran tomorrow?" Zi'an asked.
"Yes, but there are some disputes over border issues between Beimo and Daliang, and old Prince An Ran may not be willing to go." Murong Jie was worried about this.
"You can ask King Ye to invite the old prince. There's no need for you to come back in person. As a marshal, if you return to the capital privately, it will be very serious if people find out." Zi'an certainly hopes that he will come back, but he is only considering the risks involved.
"No, this matter still needs my help. There are too many issues involved. It is not easy for the two countries to cease fire. Moreover, Prince Qi has proposed that if old Prince An Ran cannot be invited, he will send a letter to the emperor to invite you to go. I cannot let you go to the Northern Desert. There are many people in the Northern Desert with wolfish ambitions. I am worried."
"Me?" Zi'an was stunned.
"Yes, Bei Mo also knows that you cured the zombie disease and highly respects your medical skills."
If the war could be stopped, Zi'an would be willing to go, but, as he said, it was not such a simple matter of going. She knew nothing about the plague in Beimo and so on. Moreover, it was hard to say whether Beimo would really withdraw its troops after the plague was cured.
How can people trust a country that lacks integrity
"Then the reason why Qin Zhou retreated thirty miles was because of the earthquake?" Zi'an asked.
"Yes, most of the Northern Desert army was dispatched to deal with this war, and the earthquake required soldiers to rescue. Qin Zhou retreated thirty miles, which was actually a strategy to lure the enemy. She wanted to cut the Gordian knot quickly. In the face of national crisis, the Northern Desert army must be in high spirits. If we attack, we will definitely be defeated. Therefore, I had no choice but to say that the post horse was robbed and did not receive the imperial edict."
"Then why didn't Qin Zhou attack directly?"
"Because our Great Zhou army is in a very advantageous position. If she attacks rashly, the chances of winning are low and the battle line may be extended again and again. She doesn't want to disperse the army, so she retreated 30 miles, which actually forced our army to advance and give up the advantageous terrain."
"Qin Zhou is good at fighting, and she has enough patience to force you to attack like this. It seems she really can't wait any longer." Zi'an said.
Murong Jie nodded, "Yes, Beimo is in crisis now, and the news will soon reach the capital. I believe that many officials in my Great Zhou will persuade the emperor to stand aside and watch this matter, and think that this is the best time to attack Beimo."
Zi'an nodded, "Yes, Beimo is an enemy country. The crisis of Beimo is a good opportunity for my Great Zhou."
"Yes." Murong Jie nodded, "Do you think so too?"
"From the perspective of the game between major powers, it is true. However, I am a doctor, and those who are suffering are not politicians, but ordinary people." Zi'an said softly.
Murong Jie sighed softly, "That's right."
If they wait and see for a while, Qin Zhou might take the initiative to attack, or they might partially withdraw their troops and leave some to stalemate with Da Zhou.
However, as the regent of a country, he always hoped that there could be peace between the two countries. Although peace might not be permanent, no peace would be permanent. Even if they fought this battle and defeated the Northern Desert army, would they have permanent peace
No, the ambition is still there and they will attack again.
But at least, if the Great Zhou lends a helping hand to Beimo at this time, the pro-peace faction in Beimo will be able to come to the fore, and the people will also oppose the war. In the long run, this will be beneficial.
(End of this chapter)