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Inside the imperial study, the atmosphere was so tense it felt suffocating. The Emperor sat at his desk, holding the troop deployment map that Su Wanqing had risked her life to obtain. His brow was furrowed, and a hint of worry shone in his eyes. The map clearly marked the troop movements and attack routes of the Northern Barbarians, with an army of one hundred thousand looming like a sword hanging over the borders of the Ming Dynasty, ready to strike at any moment.
The Minister of War stood nearby, his expression grave as he spoke, "Your Majesty, the Northern Barbarians have gathered an army of one hundred thousand. If war breaks out, our dynasty may..." He did not finish his sentence, but everyone understood the implication. Although the Ming Dynasty's border defenses were strong, facing such a massive enemy force would undoubtedly be a tremendous strain.
Lin Xiu Wen stepped forward and clasped his hands in respect. "Your Majesty, we must implement the Marriage Alliance as soon as possible. I am willing to travel to the Northern Border to persuade the Barbarian Khan." His voice was firm and resolute, exuding an undeniable determination.
The Emperor nodded slightly, pondering for a moment before asking, "Do you have confidence in this matter?"
Just as Lin Xiu Wen was about to respond, Liu Rumei suddenly interjected, "Your Majesty, I believe there is some hope." She unfolded another confidential report and continued, "From what I know, the Northern Barbarians are not united. The Barbarian Khan is aging, and his son Ashina is ambitious and has been advocating for an invasion southward. However, the Khan's daughter Ashide supports peace and holds considerable influence within their tribe."
Lin Xiu Wu's eyes brightened as he said, "So if we can win Ashide's support..."
"Precisely," Liu Rumei nodded. "But Ashide has a fiery temperament; ordinary means may not sway her."
At that moment, Su Wanqing, who had remained silent until now, suddenly spoke up. "Perhaps... I can help." Everyone turned to look at her in surprise as she explained, "I understand their language and have learned from a piece of literature that Princess Ashide has a great love for Central Plains culture, especially poetry and music. If we can appeal to her interests..."
Lin Xiu Wen pondered thoughtfully. "Miss Su means..."
"Let me accompany Lin on this mission," Su Wanqing said firmly. "I can approach Princess Ashide under the guise of cultural exchange."
The Emperor contemplated for a long while before finally nodding. "Approved. But this journey is fraught with danger; you must be cautious." He understood deeply that the Marriage Alliance was key to resolving the border crisis and that the success or failure of Lin Xiu Wen and Su Wanqing's mission would directly impact the safety of the Ming Dynasty.
Three days later, Lin Xiu Wen and Su Wanqing set off with their envoy toward the Northern Border. They brought carefully prepared gifts including silk from the Central Plains, porcelain, tea leaves, and various rare books and musical instruments. These gifts were not only a sign of respect towards the Northern Barbarians but also aimed at winning Princess Ashide's favor.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiu Wu and Liu Rumei remained in the capital to secretly investigate connections between the Eastern Depot Remnants and the Northern Barbarians. They knew that collusion with the Eastern Depot Remnants was one of the key reasons why the Northern Barbarians dared to wage war. Only by thoroughly rooting out these traitors could they fundamentally eliminate the threat.
In the Northern Grasslands, where biting winds blew and dark clouds loomed overhead as if snow could fall at any moment, the envoy finally arrived at the court of the Northern Barbarians after a long journey.
However, upon arrival at the court, they were met with hostility. Ashina rode up on horseback with a group of cavalry surrounding them. He sneered down at them from his tall steed and said, "Central Plains people! Do you think bringing a few carts of gifts will make us abandon our plans to march south?"
Lin Xiu Wen replied calmly yet firmly, "Your Highness misunderstands us. We have come to enhance friendship between our two nations and promote mutual benefit."
"Enough nonsense!" Ashina brandished his sword at Lin Xiu Wen menacingly. "Either leave now or..."
"Stop!" A clear female voice rang out. Everyone turned to see a woman in military attire riding towards them. With striking features yet an air of authority about her, it was none other than Princess Ashide.
"Brother," Ashide said coldly, "Father Khan has ordered that we treat Central Plains envoys with courtesy. Are you defying Father Khan's command?"
Ashina's expression changed as he reluctantly sheathed his sword and withdrew. Lin Xiu Wen secretly breathed a sigh of relief but also realized that Ashina's ambition and volatile nature would pose significant obstacles during their mission.
That evening, Ashide hosted a banquet for the envoy. During the feast, Su Wanqing captivated everyone with her performance of "Hu Jia Eighteen Beats." Her music resonated beautifully through the hall, filled with longing for peace and lamentation over war. Ashide listened enraptured and exclaimed in delight, "I never expected there would be such a talented woman skilled in Hu music from the Central Plains!"
Seizing the opportunity, Su Wanqing said, "If Your Highness is interested, I can teach you more Central Plains melodies."
A glimmer of interest flashed in Ashide's eyes as she replied eagerly, "Really?"
"Indeed," Su Wanqing replied without hesitation.
Thus, Su Wanqing frequently visited Ashide's chambers under the pretense of teaching her music. The two quickly became confidants. Ashide's passion for Central Plains culture exceeded Su Wanqing's expectations; she was enamored with poetry, songs, and the arts, including Qin, Chess, Calligraphy, and Painting. Su Wanqing took the opportunity to introduce her to the customs and cultural essence of the Central Plains, and their interactions were harmonious.
One day, Ashide sighed, "The Central Plains culture is profound; I truly wish to see it for myself."
Seizing the moment, Su Wanqing suggested, "Why not accompany us back to the Central Plains? Our Crown Prince is still unmarried..."
Ashide's expression changed instantly; she looked coldly at Su Wanqing and asked, "Are you here as a negotiator?"
Su Wanqing replied candidly, "Yes, but not entirely. I sincerely hope for peaceful coexistence between our nations so that the common people may be spared from the ravages of war."
After a long silence, Ashide finally said, "In truth... I also oppose heading south. But my brother..." She shook her head, seemingly unwilling to elaborate further.
However, the situation developed in ways they could not have anticipated. On the third night after the envoy arrived at the royal court, shouts of battle suddenly erupted outside.
"Not good!" a maid rushed in anxiously. "Prince Ashina has staged a coup and intends to kill Khan and declare himself!"
Ashide was taken aback and immediately drew her sword, rushing out of her chambers with Lin Xiu Wen and Su Wanqing close behind. The royal court was in chaos; Ashina and his rebels had already attacked Khan's main tent.
"Father Khan!" Ashide burst into the tent only to find Khan gravely injured. He struggled to lift his head and looked at Ashide, speaking in broken phrases, "Daughter... Ashina has colluded with treacherous officials from the Central Plains... wants to... wants to..." Before he could finish his sentence, Khan breathed his last.
Devastated, Ashide was about to rush out to confront Ashina when Lin Xiu Wen stopped her. "Your Highness, you mustn't!" Lin Xiu Wen urged urgently. "Going out now is tantamount to seeking death!"
"What should we do then?" Ashide cried, tears streaming down her face as despair seeped into her voice.
A glimmer of determination flashed in Lin Xiu Wen's eyes. "Do you remember who your father trusted most among his generals?"
Ashide paused for a moment before replying, "It was... Left Wise King!"
"Exactly!" Lin Xiu Wen said quickly. "Left Wise King is stationed at the border now. If we can escape and find him, there might still be hope."
Just then, Ashina's voice rang out from outside the tent: "Sister, come out! If you agree to marry me, I will spare your life!"
Ashide's face turned pale. So Ashina had always harbored ulterior motives towards her!
Lin Xiu Wen made a swift decision: "Miss Su, you take the princess through the secret passage. I will distract them!"
"No!" both Su Wanqing and Ashide shouted simultaneously.
But Lin Xiu Wen had already dashed out…
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