Chapter 679: Chapter 676: Love and Loyalty_1

Nowadays, the monarchs of various countries are content with seizing a sliver of another nation’s land, not aspiring for the grand ambition of unifying the world under one rule. This has barely maintained Jin Kingdom’s dominance. If Yan were to dispatch troops to annihilate Wei Kingdom, it would plunge the chaotic world into further disorder, causing other nations to feel threatened and inevitably… unite against Yan.

This time, unless… the Jin Kingdom is also dragged into the war.

Coincidentally, the serious injuries of the Princess of Zhen are known to all. The Crown Prince would not readily send Bai Qingyan to fight against Daliang. Thus, he need not worry too much about Bai Qingyan’s safety.

Thinking of this, Xiao Rongyan called out loudly, “Yue Shi…”

Yue Shi responded and came in, hands cupped in salute, “Master!”

“Send someone to Beirong with a message. Let Beirong send an envoy to Daliang, using the pretext of Jin Kingdom’s turmoil hindering Beirong from reclaiming Nanrong and avenging the late Princess Mingcheng, to request Daliang’s assistance in attacking Jin. Also, send people to spread rumors in all our trading houses in Daliang, saying that Daliang and Jin Kingdom have signed a non-aggression pact, but Daliang has delayed ceding the promised cities, causing Jin Kingdom to secretly mobilize troops to the Daliang border!” Xiao Rongyan’s fingers rubbed the armrest, his voice pausing for a moment before continuing, “Then have Mr. Guan, who stays in the Daliang capital, go see the Fourth Prince of Daliang and suggest he station troops at the Daliang-Jin Kingdom border as a precaution.”

“Yes!” Yue Shi responded and went out to make arrangements.

Xiao Rongyan also planned to go to Daliang himself to ensure that Daliang could not divert attention to attack Yan.

Xiao Rongyan pressed his lips together and shouted outside, “Prepare the carriage, to the Crown Prince’s Mansion.”

The Crown Prince had indeed been entangled in tedious government affairs these past few days, feeling extremely vexed. Upon hearing that Xiao Rongyan had arrived, he immediately felt relieved, quickly put down his pen, and had someone invite Xiao Rongyan to the main hall, saying he would be there shortly.

Quan Yu saw the Crown Prince’s furrowed brow finally relax, now with a smile in his eyes. He handed a wet towel to the Crown Prince: “Your Highness, please wipe your hands. Every time Mr. Xiao comes, Your Highness is particularly happy.”

The Crown Prince’s smile deepened: “Rong Yan and I are different. He travels far and wide, has broad horizons, and engaging conversation. Talking with Rong Yan… always enlightens or cheers me up.”

“Your Highness, as the Crown Prince of Jin Kingdom, bears great responsibility and naturally cannot roam freely like Mr. Xiao! It’s truly burdensome for Your Highness!” Quan Yu took the wet towel from the Crown Prince after he had wiped his hands.

Xiao Rongyan sat in the front hall, not having finished his tea when the Crown Prince arrived. Xiao Rongyan quickly put down his tea cup, stood, and bowed deeply to the Crown Prince: “Greetings, Your Highness!”

“Rong Yan, there’s no need for such formality with me! Sit down!” The Crown Prince waved a hand and smiled as he took his seat, “How many days have you been back in Dadu City? You’ve seldom come to the Crown Prince’s Mansion. What brings you here today?”

Xiao Rongyan smiled and said to the Crown Prince, “His Majesty has entrusted all government affairs to the Crown Prince. I know the Crown Prince must be extremely busy and would not dare to disturb you frequently. I came today to say farewell, as I leave for Daliang tomorrow.”

Quan Yu, taking small steps, circled the lacquered pillars to serve tea to the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince sighed with a trace of envy in his voice as he accepted the tea cup, “I truly envy you… able to travel extensively.”

“Your Highness is the Crown Prince of Jin Kingdom, of immense value. Your safety is crucial to the future of Jin. How could you roam freely like me! However… whenever I visit Dadu City, I will certainly come to see Your Highness, narrating tales from different countries. If I encounter beautiful sceneries, I will have them painted for Your Highness, so… it will be as if we traveled together!”

“Rong Yan, you are thoughtful!” The Crown Prince nodded, smiling.

“I have one matter to inform Your Highness of during this visit,” Xiao Rongyan smiled, cupping his hands to the Crown Prince, “After the last war with Jin, Daliang ceded cities and borders have changed. Passing through Hongque City on the way to Daliang, I was curious which official Your Highness appointed to take over Hongque City. Knowing this will help smooth my interactions.”

In the past, when Xiao Rongyan said this, the Crown Prince understood… Xiao Rongyan wanted him to give advance notice to ensure his caravan passed smoothly.

The Crown Prince touched his nose, saying, “Though Daliang was defeated and ceded cities, the deeds and household registrations have not been handed over yet. The border people, suffering from the war, naturally harbor deep resentment toward Jin. We cannot forcibly take over now. This matter remains unresolved, causing great headache.”

Xiao Rongyan put on a shocked expression: “But… since a pact was signed, shouldn’t Daliang quickly register the population and hand over the household registrations to show sincerity in ending hostilities?”

The Crown Prince’s brows furrowed tightly, clearly agitated by the topic: “Yet that Emperor of Daliang, like a mangy dog, avoids meeting our emissaries, claiming illness and pushing the matter onto the Fourth Prince, Wei Qiheng. But Wei Qiheng is simply an abominable being!”

Xiao Rongyan stared at the Crown Prince, pressing his lips: “I’ve heard that Wei Kingdom plans to merge forces with Daliang, attacking Yan from the south and north. Your Highness could take this opportunity to send envoys to Daliang, demanding Hongque City and other areas. With Daliang preoccupied, they would likely concede to Jin!”

The Crown Prince was stunned: “Rong Yan, you are indeed a Wei native, so well-informed.”

Xiao Rongyan smiled: “Naturally, I care for my homeland. But… I value my friendship with Your Highness and hope for Jin’s prosperity to facilitate my trading. Naturally, I wish the best for Jin!”

The Crown Prince pointed at Xiao Rongyan, laughing: “You! Still a merchant at heart! But… you are right, with Daliang and Wei attacking Yan, it’s indeed an opportune moment for Jin to reclaim lands!”

After a brief stay at the Crown Prince’s Mansion, Xiao Rongyan took his leave, stating he would visit the Princess of Zhen’s residence to bid farewell. The Crown Prince immediately summoned Elder Fang for counsel.

Elder Fang, upon hearing the matter, nodded with a smile: “Mr. Xiao is indeed a true merchant, understanding that Jin is currently the most powerful… major nation. Befriending the Crown Prince and offering advice naturally ensures smoother trading in the future!”

“Does Elder Fang believe sending envoys to Daliang to demand lands feasible?” the Crown Prince inquired.

Elder Fang nodded: “Certainly feasible! Mr. Xiao mentioning this to Your Highness shows his loyalty, reflecting no small sincerity towards Jin Kingdom and His Highness. But Mr. Xiao, being a Wei native, also considers his homeland’s interests, merely offering a suggestion and not elaborating further. Allow me to share deeper insights with you, Your Highness.”

“Please speak, Elder Fang!” The Crown Prince sat upright attentively.