On the wedding day, my wife was abnormal

It's early winter in the Imperial Capital, and the wind is biting.

A strong convoy drove out of the palace and set out on the journey west.

Lin Zhen was wearing a black robe with a coiled dragon pattern on it, and a sable fur cloak of the same color, sitting upright in a large black iron carriage.

The car walls are thick and lined with soft velvet, which isolates the car from the severe cold outside.

The specially designed shock-absorbing device on the shaft of the carriage makes the ride extremely smooth.

Beside him, Huanbi was wearing a water-green plain brocade jacket and skirt, and a moon-white fox fur cloak. Her black hair was loosely tied into a fallen horse bun, with only a white jade lotus hairpin in her hair. Her pretty face showed fatigue from the long journey, but she was still as calm as water.

There was a small rosewood table on her knees, and on the table was a pot of hot tea, with the aroma of tea wafting in the air.

"My dear husband, please warm yourself with some tea." Huanbi picked up the small purple clay teapot and poured a cup of warm Biluochun for Lin Zhen.

The movements are gentle and the sound is as thin as a mosquito.

"Yeah." Lin Zhen took the teacup and looked at her slightly pale face. "Can Bi'er still bear it?"

"It's okay." Huanbi shook her head lightly, a faint curve at the corner of her lips. "It's much safer than riding in a car at the mansion."

"The journey to Qin State is long and the weather is cold. I'm sorry that Bier has suffered." Lin Zhen said.

"It is Bi'er's blessing to be able to serve my husband." Huanbi lowered her eyes and spoke softly, "How dare Bi'er complain about my husband's hardship while he works so hard for state affairs?"

Lin Zhen stopped talking and just sipped his tea quietly.

Huanbi's gentleness and thoughtfulness, like the warm tea in the car, silently dispel the fatigue of the journey.

She never complains, never makes trouble, and always quietly does her job, like a clear mountain spring, moistening everything silently.

Taking her with me is not only a necessity of life, but also an indescribable comfort in my heart.

The convoy traveled westward along the newly laid "Dijing-Yanmenguan" rail line.

Outside the car window, the vast and boundless northern scenery, fields covered in fresh snow, withered meadows, and rolling hills, flew by at high speed.

Occasionally, a huge steam locomotive could be seen pulling a long freight car, spewing white smoke, roaring past on the parallel tracks, causing the horses of the escorting cavalry to become agitated.

"Is that the Iron Dragon?" Huanbi looked out the window with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.

"Yes." Lin Zhen nodded, "Transporting troops and food all depends on this."

"It's really spectacular." Huanbi said softly.

"We will also need this thing to penetrate the Qin State in the future." Lin Zhen said.

Huanbi said no more, but just quietly watched the scenery passing by outside the window.

The wind and snow grew stronger, and the sky and earth seemed to be covered with a vast expanse of darkness. Inside the carriage, the stove was warm and the aroma of tea was still there.

Huanbi would add tea to Lin Zhen's cup or hand him a piece of warm dessert from time to time.

Her presence made this long journey less lonely and more peaceful.

After several days of travel, the caravan finally arrived at the Qin capital - Chang'an.

It was deep winter and the wind was as cold as a knife.

The towering city walls stand tall in the wind and snow, their blue-gray bricks and stones mottled and weathered, revealing a heavy sense of history.

The city gate is tall, and the gatehouse has flying eaves and brackets, and it still retains its grandeur. However, the red paint has peeled off and the copper nails have rusted, revealing some signs of decay.

The convoy drove into the city.

The street is wide but somewhat deserted. The buildings on both sides are mostly low and old, made of wood and earth. Many of the houses have peeling walls, revealing traces of rammed earth.

The pedestrians were dressed simply, mostly wearing coarse cotton jackets, with dark complexions and walking in a hurry.

There are few stalls in the market, and most of the goods are furs, medicinal herbs, coarse grains, etc., and fine items such as silk and porcelain are rare.

The air was filled with the mixed smell of firewood, livestock and dust, which was in stark contrast to the prosperity and wealth of the imperial capital.

"Chang'an is so desolate." Huanbi looked out the window, with a trace of pity between her pretty eyebrows.

"Qin is located in the bitterly cold and barren northwest," Lin Zhen said in a low voice. "Years of war with Tubo and Rouran have brought ruin to people's livelihood."

Huanbi sighed softly and said no more.

The carriage creaked as it rolled through the snowy streets. This once glorious ancient capital lay silent in the snow, telling of the vicissitudes and heaviness of time.

Lin Zhen and his party stayed at the Qin State Inn.

After a short rest, Lin Zhen took his personal guards to the residence of the Prime Minister of Qin.

The Prime Minister's Mansion is located in the east of Chang'an City. The vermilion lacquered gate is closed. Two stone lions sit in front of the gate, their bodies covered with snow, making it look more majestic and solemn.

A plaque with the words "Prime Minister's Mansion" hangs on the lintel, with the characters written in powerful handwriting.

After the announcement, the heavy door of the mansion slowly opened.

An old butler in a cyan official robe bowed and greeted him: "Your Highness Lin, please follow me. The Prime Minister is waiting in Songhe Hall."

After passing through several courtyards, we arrived at a secluded courtyard.

There are several vigorous ancient pines planted in the yard, with branches covered with snow.

In the main hall "Songhe Hall", the charcoal brazier was burning brightly, dispelling the cold.

An old man with white hair and beard and a gaunt face sat upright on the main rosewood armchair. He was wearing a dark purple brocade robe with python pattern and a black sable fur coat, and holding a heater in his hand.

He was the Prime Minister of Qin, Qin Xiang, the uncle of the Qin Emperor Ying Ji. He was over sixty years old and had been in charge of the Qin government for more than twenty years. He was shrewd and had a very high prestige.

"Your Highness Lin has come from afar, please forgive me for not welcoming you in person." Qin Xiang's voice was old, but it carried an unquestionable majesty. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle as he swept over Lin Zhen who walked into the hall.

"You're too polite, Prime Minister Qin." Lin Zhen nodded slightly, and his black cloak drew a sharp arc behind him.

He took off his cloak and handed it to his personal guard, revealing the black dragon-patterned uniform underneath. His posture was as straight as a pine tree, and his aura was not weakened at all.

"Please sit down." Qin Xiang pointed to the rosewood armchair below.

Lin Zhen sat down as he was told, with his personal guards standing behind him.

"Serve tea." Qin Xiang ordered.

The maid brought hot tea, a crude brick tea with a strong earthy smell.

"What brings you here, Your Highness Lin?" Qin Xiang went straight to the point in a calm voice.

"I come for the future of Qin and Daqian." Lin Zhen said in a steady voice.

"Oh?" Qin Xiang raised his eyebrows, "I'd like to hear more about it."

"Qin is located in a region surrounded by four warring states." Lin Zhen looked directly at Qin Xiang. "It faces Han to the east, Tubo to the west, Rouran to the north, and Qi to the south. Years of war have left people's livelihoods in decline. His Majesty Ying Ji is a man of great talent, but he is old. Crown Prince Ying Si is kind, but he is not a capable ruler. Ying Qian is ambitious, and undercurrents are surging in the Qin court. The future of Qin is worrying."

Qin Xiang's expression remained unchanged, but a subtle ripple flashed in his eyes. Lin Zhen's words hit Qin Guo's sore spot.

"Your Highness Lin's words are alarmist." Qin Xiang said calmly.

"No." Lin Zhen shook his head. "It's the truth. Tubo is eyeing us covetously, the Rouran are making a comeback, and Qi is ready to make a move. Qin can't stand alone."

"What do you think, Your Highness?" Qin Xiang asked.

"Submit to Daqian." Lin Zhen's voice was clear and powerful.

The hall fell silent for a moment.

The charcoal brazier crackled softly. Qin Xiang paused slightly, holding the teacup.

"Submit." Qin Xiang slowly put down the teacup, his voice turning cold. "His Highness Lin wants the Great Qin to submit to him."

"No," Lin Zhen said, "it's a shared prosperity. Qin will still be governed by the Ying family. Daqian will not send officials or station heavy troops. Your Majesty Ying Ji can be called the hereditary King of Qin, and the people of Qin will enjoy the same treatment as the people of Daqian."

"Oh?" Qin Xiang's eyes flashed. "The conditions are quite generous, but what is Daqian's intention?"

"We want peace in the northern border," Lin Zhen said. "If Qin accedes to us, Daqian will have no worries in the north. We can then focus on defending the western region, making it harder for Tubo and Rouran to covet our territory. This is a win-win situation."

"Win-win." Qin Xiang sneered, "I'm afraid Daqian will win and Qin will lose."

"Where did Qin lose?" Lin Zhen asked back.

"We lost because of our national dignity." Qin Xiang said in a low voice, "The Ying family has been the rulers of Qin for generations. How can we be inferior to others?"

"National dignity isn't just a name," Lin Zhen said. "It's about the people being safe and the country being prosperous. Qin has submitted to the Ying family, who remain the rulers of Qin. The people of Qin are free from war and enjoy peace. Taxes can be reduced, trade routes can be opened, and the benefits of Daqian's scientific research, like the Iron Dragon Telegraph, can all benefit Qin. These are real benefits. Qin knows the difference between false reputation and real benefits."

Qin Xiang was silent for a moment, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the stove. "Your Highness Lin is eloquent, but this matter concerns the foundation of the country, and it is not something I can decide alone."

"Of course." Lin Zhen said, "Your Majesty Yingji needs to make a wise decision. However, Prime Minister Qin is the pillar of the country and your Majesty relies on him. Prime Minister Qin's opinion is of paramount importance."

Qin Xiang raised his eyes, his gaze like lightning, and looked directly at Lin Zhen: "Your Highness Lin, what do you want from me?"

"Find a way out for Qin." Lin Zhen's voice was low. "Submission is not humiliation, but the way to survival. Qin can't stand alone. Submission to Daqian means leaning on a big tree and enjoying peace. The Ying clan temple can be protected, and the welfare of the Qin people can be improved. This is the wise way to govern the country."

Qin Xiang was silent again.

The atmosphere in the hall was solemn.

The heat from the charcoal brazier seemed unable to dispel the silent chill.

After a long moment, Qin Xiang slowly spoke, his voice filled with fatigue and struggle: "Your Highness Lin's words are not without reason, but I have three questions."

"Prime Minister Qin, please speak." Lin Zhen said.

"First, after your Majesty Yingji surrenders, he can be called the King of Qin, but the title of emperor must be removed. This is actually a surrender, and how can the Ying family save face?" Qin Xiang said in a low voice.

"The title of Emperor is an empty title," Lin Zhen said. "The King of Qin was conferred by the Zhou Emperor and has existed since ancient times. It is not disrespectful for His Majesty Yingji to call himself the King of Qin, inheriting the ancient system and the orthodox lineage. Moreover, the position of the King of Qin is as prestigious as that of a prince."

"Secondly," Qin Xiang continued, "Qin is autonomous, but Daqian needs to send supervisory troops to guard key passes to prevent unexpected events. Military power is fundamental, so how can we delegate it to others?"

"Not a military supervisor," Lin Zhen said, "but an auxiliary defense force. The garrison will be no more than 5,000 troops, solely for guarding the border. The internal affairs and military affairs of Qin will still be managed by the Ying family, and Daqian will not interfere."

"Five thousand," Qin Xiang pondered, "where will the troops be stationed?"

"Hangu Pass, Wuguan Pass, and Xiaoguan Pass are three places," Lin Zhen said, "guarding the gates of Qin territory, preventing external enemies but not internal troubles."

"Third," Qin Xiang's eyes were sharp, "Qin must exercise its own taxation, and Daqian must not impose arbitrary and excessive taxes."

"Taxes in Qin will continue to follow the old system," Lin Zhen said. "Daqian will only collect a symbolic annual tribute of 100,000 taels of silver. The rest will be used to improve the people's livelihood in Qin."

"One hundred thousand taels," Qin Xiang's eyes flashed, "Qin is a barren land, and one hundred thousand taels may not be enough to support it."

"Qin's poverty is due to war," Lin Zhen said. "After we surrender, Daqian will open a trade route, with iron dragons running straight to Chang'an. Qin's furs, medicinal herbs, and minerals can be sold to the Central Plains, while Central Plains silk, porcelain, and tea can be imported into Qin. With prosperous trade, taxes will naturally increase. One hundred thousand taels is just a drop in the bucket."

Qin Xiang fell silent again.

He picked up the teacup that had already gone cold, but did not drink it. He just stroked the wall of the cup.

The conditions proposed by Lin Zhen seem generous, but in fact they are full of hidden secrets.

Calling himself "King of Qin" and dropping the title of emperor was a nominal submission.

Stationing 5,000 troops at the three passes is like strangling the throat.

The annual tribute of 100,000 taels was an economic bondage.

Opening trade routes is a form of economic penetration.

After the surrender, the Qin State still existed but was in name only.

However, what Lin Zhen said was also true.

The Qin State had indeed reached a critical juncture of life and death.

Ying Ji was old, Ying Si was cowardly, and Ying Qian was ambitious.

Tubo and Rouran were watching closely. Internal and external troubles were threatening the country.

Surrendering to Daqian may be the only way to survive.

"Your Highness Lin," Qin Xiang slowly put down the teacup, his voice a little tired, "This matter is of great importance. Please allow me three days to think about it. We will discuss it again in three days."

"Okay." Lin Zhen stood up. "I will wait for good news from Prime Minister Qin in three days."

He nodded slightly, turned and left.

The black cloak fluttered behind him, bringing up a gust of cold wind.

Qin Xiang sat alone in the hall, looking at Lin Zhen's departing back, the wrinkles on his old face deepened.

He picked up the cold teacup and drank it all in one gulp.

The bitter tea is just like my mood at this moment.

Surrender or fight to the death.

This decision concerning the fate of the Qin State was like a heavy burden weighing on his heart.

Inside Songhe Hall, the charcoal fire crackled, and only a heavy sigh echoed in the silence.