Shan Jian brought news of recent events at court. Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Qisheng began promoting centralization, abolishing the cabinet and reclaiming the power of the Grand Secretaries. All state affairs were decided solely by the emperor. Simultaneously, he revoked the titles of the princes, reclaiming their territories, allowing them only a thousand households' income. For princes accustomed to luxury, this was akin to being treated like beggars.
But Cui Jie had justifications. He claimed that due to years of warfare, the national foundation was unstable, and reclaiming princely lands was necessary to provide more food aid to suffering citizens. This was pure deception. Why couldn't he ask his brothers to contribute money instead of confiscating everything?
This move caused outrage among the princes but was welcomed by loyal ministers. They feared the princes might rebel if left unchecked in remote regions. Thus, the emperor fabricated lies about benevolence, and officials followed suit, feigning compassion.
"A beast who can drive his own brothers to death won't care for the common people," Cui Yi despised his brother's actions.
Shan Jian smiled, "Anyone he cares for ends up dead. If he truly doesn't care for the people, it might be a blessing for them."
As they ate and talked, they discussed many events that occurred after Cui Yi left the capital. Chi Ying was concerned about Cheng Fengyi but hesitated to write due to her current awkward position, so she inquired about her from Shan Jian.
"Cheng Fengyi, being old, submitted his resignation shortly after the prince's death. The Emperor seemed to approve," Shan Jian vaguely answered, having limited knowledge of court affairs after Cui Huan's death.
Chi Ying felt somewhat relieved, "It's wise for Cheng Fengyi to retire while he still can." However, Zhai Rang remained in office, so the family wouldn't leave the capital, hoping they wouldn't be implicated.
Unfortunately, despite wishing for peace, the Cheng family was already embroiled in the turbulent undercurrents.
A few days later, one morning, Cui Yi was training troops when he received word that Xie Yong sought an audience. Surprised, as Xie Yong had never visited him before, he instructed the soldiers to continue training and went to meet him in the tent.
Xie Yong paced anxiously inside, handing over a letter as soon as Cui Yi entered, "Your Highness, this just arrived from the capital. It's terrible news!"
"What's the big deal?" Cui Yi casually took the letter and sat on the general's couch.
Xie Yong urgently explained, "The Northern Di envoy has arrived in the capital. Minister Chang Sun is negotiating peace. The Northern Di demand ceding fifteen counties across Yan and Gan Prefectures, including eleven from Yan! Additionally, ten thousand taels of gold, eighty thousand bushels of rice, silk, and cloth..."
While Xie Yong recited the terms, Cui Yi found something more alarming in the letter, "What?! A marriage alliance?!"
The letter from Cui Jie contained many details related to Yan Prefecture, including a shocking revelation—appointing Cheng Fengyi as Princess Yonghe, to marry King Huoerhana of the Northern Di, passing through western Yan Prefecture mid-next month.
Why Cheng Fengyi? Cui Yi's mouth hung open wide enough to swallow a fist.
Not only was Cheng Fengyi just an official's daughter with no royal blood, making her ineligible for marriage alliances, but she was also married with children!
What was Cui Jie thinking?
And what was Huoerhana thinking?
"Wangye? Wangye?" Seeing Cui Yi sit stunned, Xie Yong nervously called out.
Cui Yi snapped back to reality, stood up abruptly, "Come here!"
Soldiers outside rushed in. Cui Yi ordered, "Send two men to invite Master Bai Li and Mr. Shan. Tell them I have important matters to discuss. If they don't arrive within an incense stick's time, strip them and run around the city walls three times bare-chested!"
The soldiers were terrified and quickly left. Cui Yi took a deep breath, stepped out, and seeing Xie Yong still standing, said, "What are you waiting for?" Xie Yong hurriedly followed.
Mounting Jinwu, Cui Yi raced back to the palace. Shan Jian, not needing to go to the prefecture office, arrived promptly. Bai Lizan, overwhelmed with paperwork, ran over with the threat of running naked, panting, "What earth-shattering matter requires immediate attention? Is the court attacking?"
Shan Jian sipped tea calmly. Chi Ying, having read the letter, looked up pale-faced.
"Ceding territory, compensation, tribute, marriage alliance... nothing is spared," Chi Ying tightly clutched the letter, tears welling up, "Who came up with this ridiculous idea to send a married woman like Sister Cheng for a marriage alliance?"
Bai Lizan paused wiping sweat, puzzled, "Cheng Fengyi for a marriage alliance?"
Chi Ying handed the letter to Xia Qiu and covered her face.
Bai Lizan scanned the contents quickly, echoing their confusion, "How can a non-royal married woman be chosen for a marriage alliance? Xie Yong, is there any hidden agenda?"
Xie Yong responded indifferently, "The Emperor mentioned in a secret letter that King Huoerhana showed particular interest in Cheng Fengyi, but didn't explain why. He just told me to keep it secret and not inform the prince."
"It was my suggestion last autumn to use Huoerhana to balance against the prince, buying time for Central Plains to recuperate," Shan Jian interjected.
Bai Lizan stroked his beard, frowning, "If the prince learns Huoerhana will pass through Yan Prefecture, he might ambush him. The Northern Di envoy won't exceed three thousand men, while Yan Prefecture has twenty thousand troops. With the prince leading, they should be able to annihilate them. The Emperor likely fears this, but... sigh!"
Shan Jian employed a tiger-wolf strategy, indifferent to casualties. His focus was purely on results, disregarding human lives.
Bai Lizan disagreed but acknowledged it as the best strategy given Cui Jie's position. In conflicts, the ultimate winner would be Cui Jie.
"Regarding Sister Cheng's marriage alliance, what are your thoughts?" Chi Ying was deeply worried. The situation was bizarre from every angle.
"Why was she chosen? Why did Huoerhana choose her? Her father resigned, and her husband lacks qualifications to attend the imperial banquet. How did the Northern Di king learn about her and why marry her? How could the Emperor agree?"
Cui Yi interrupted, "Chi Ying."
Chi Ying stopped talking and lowered her head.
The three strategists pondered silently. Such an unprecedented event baffled everyone.
At that moment, a servant announced Yang Qiong's arrival. Cui Yi nodded, "Let him in."
Yang Qiong strode into the hall holding a letter, "Wangye, a letter from the capital arrived at the camp."
Another letter from the capital? Cui Yi asked, "Who sent it?"
Sweating, Yang Qiong replied, "It's from Cheng Fengyi's husband, Minister Zhai."
Chi Ying shot up, "Quick, give it to me!" Yang Qiong handed it over respectfully.
The thick envelope suggested much content. Chi Ying's trembling fingers struggled to open it. Cui Yi watched silently, took the letter, broke the seal, and unfolded several sheets filled with writing.
Before finishing the first sheet, Chi Ying started crying. Everyone exchanged glances. Bai Lizan hesitated whether to speak. Cui Yi handed her a handkerchief, which she declined and continued reading until all five sheets were done. She passed them to Cui Yi, covering her face with both hands.
"The letter says..." Cui Yi read, brows furrowed, "Xiaoqiu, escort Lady to rest."
Chi Ying sobbed, trying to control herself, "I'm fine."
Cui Yi explained to the anxious crowd, "Zhai Rang wrote that Cheng Fengyi's deceased mother, during her travels as a healer, saved Huoerhana, who wanted to marry her but was refused. He harbored resentment ever since. Now, using the opportunity for peace talks, he demanded her daughter."
Yang Qiong, unaware of the backstory, asked, "But Cheng Fengyi's mother is dead."
Bai Lizan muttered, "So he wants to take her daughter, regardless of her marital status. Is this gratitude or vengeance?"
Yang Qiong's face turned incredulous, "Mr. Bai, what do you mean?" Bai Lizan handed him the letter. Reading it, Yang Qiong's expression turned horrified, looking up at Cui Yi, "Is this true, Wangye?"
Cui Yi solemnly confirmed, "With Zhai Rang's letter as proof, it shouldn't be false."
"How could the Emperor agree to such a preposterous request?" Yang Qiong exclaimed.
Chi Ying, now calmer, wiped her tears, speaking steadily, "The Emperor initially refused. Huoerhana said if anyone could defeat him in single combat, he'd release Cheng Fengyi. Several palace guards fought but lost. Finally, Zhai Rang himself fought with a sword... "
Bai Lizan gasped, "Zhai Rang barely handles a hoe."
Chi Ying nodded, "Yes, he was probably bedridden when writing this."
Shan Jian sighed, "Utter madness. But, Wangye, Lady, do you believe seven or eight palace guards couldn't defeat Huoerhana?"
Everyone was startled. Yang Qiong's face flushed, veins bulging, "Are you implying—"
"I believe this was staged by Cui Jie," Shan Jian set down his empty teacup, scanning everyone, "Eager for peace, he wouldn't embarrass Huoerhana. Since Zhai Rang couldn't win, showing 'effort' sufficed. Sacrificing a woman with no ties to him—or rather, allied with his enemies—to gain peace, why not?"