The Prince of Pingxi went back and forth with Ben Xin, haggling over terms—increasing his offer when Ben Xin decreased his, advancing when Ben Xin retreated—until they finally agreed upon the articles after a long negotiation.
Just as Ben Xin had said, Daqing didn't belong to the Feng family; there was no question of a son selling his father's fields!
The Empress Dowager wouldn't oppose either, for she had nearly reached the end of her resources. She would be willing to sell even the three prefectures of the Northern Border, at worst relocating the capital to the south and ruling from there.
"This humble monk will report back to the King of the Northern Defense immediately."
Ben Xin bowed slightly, put on his bamboo hat, and left the military tent, passing through unhindered with the Prince of Pingxi's seal in hand.
In the tent, only father and son remained.
