The little heroine investigates a mysterious case

At this time in the courtyard, Qin Shao said with emotion: "I didn't expect that Elder Xuanji's song "Ding Fengbo" could be sung for so long and so widely, even Lord Ma can sing it."

Ma Baoguo exclaimed, "If you hadn't told me, I really wouldn't have known! I thought it was a long-standing ancient song. In recent years, there have been few reports of Master Xuanji appearing in the world."

Qin Shao recalled: "Thinking about it, the first and last time I saw Elder Xuanji was almost nine years ago."

"Nine years ago?"

"Yes! That's right! At that time, I was still a general of the Chen Dynasty, ordered to garrison the northern border. In the spring of the sixth year of Yuanzhen, the King of Rongdi led a large-scale cavalry attack on the northern border. Yancheng was in imminent danger, and the Yue Kingdom in the south was attacking Fengcheng, which was also in danger. Originally, His Majesty, who was still the King of the Northern Border, and I had already discussed it. We planned to find a way to negotiate peace with the King of Rongdi first, and then lead the army to support Fengcheng. However, we received an imperial edict from the King of Chen, ordering the two of us to join forces to fight the enemy, otherwise we would be sentenced to death. As a result, His Majesty and I had no choice but to fight against the Rongdi cavalry with 50,000 troops and 100,000 cavalry. We would rather die on the battlefield than defend the northern border!"

Ma Baoguo smiled bitterly and said, "I remember now. Back then, Prime Minister Qi Kai was second only to the emperor, and he used every possible means to suppress his colleagues who disagreed with him. Because I strongly advised King Chen to strip Qi Kai of his power, he became jealous and oppressed me. I was once again demoted to Tagan City on the border of the Tagan Desert in the northwest, where I became a small county magistrate. It was difficult to get out of my sight, and I had no idea that the court was so chaotic at the time!"

"It was then, on a moonlit night with few stars, that I was discussing the battle situation with His Majesty in the tent. Suddenly, I heard the powerful singing of an old man approaching from afar. In an instant, he appeared in the tent."

"But Elder Xuanji? Is that the song he sang, 'Ding Feng Bo'?"

"Yes, the old man calls himself the Mysterious Old Man. He not only analyzed the world situation with your majesty and me, advocating peace with the Rong and Di people, but also urged your majesty to take advantage of the internal and external troubles in the country to rise up in rebellion, overthrow the rule of King Chen, and establish yourself as king. Only in this way can you save the people from the dire situation and concentrate all the military forces in the country to fight against the Yue Kingdom, so as to protect your country from destruction!"

"Okay! Well said!"

"But Your Majesty remained hesitant about Elder Xuanji's proposal. Just then, King Chen issued another decree, stating that if the two of us didn't annihilate the Rong and Di tribes within a month, our entire clan would be exterminated! At this point, I also received news from my family in Liyang. Your Majesty's remaining clansmen and my family had been imprisoned in the dungeon as hostages by King Chen, and were practically on the verge of death. Only then did Your Majesty resolve to follow Elder Xuanji's advice. Under the pretext of 'clearing the imperial court and punishing Qi Kai,' we marched eastward to capture Liyang. Despite numerous risks, we were able to capture Liyang a month later, establishing the Xia Kingdom we know today."

When Ma Baoguo heard this, he suddenly stood up and bowed deeply to Qin Shao.

"General, accept my greeting!"

Qin Shao hurriedly supported Ma Baoguo.

"What do you mean, sir?"

"I was wrong. I judged others with my own petty standards. The general is not Qi Kai, and Your Majesty is not the King of Chen. Since the beginning of the rebellion, the general and Your Majesty have shared weal and woe. We are as close as brothers, and we face danger together! Your Majesty is right to scold me. Even if I rebel, the general will not do so!"

"Master Ma, I really don't want to be involved in so many things at the Ministry of War! My mind is a mess just thinking about it!"

Ma Baoguo hurriedly shook his head: "After the great victory at Yancheng, His Majesty has already listened to my advice and not rewarded the general. If I were to bring up the issue of reducing military power again, wouldn't that be courting death?"

Before Qin Shao could say anything, he heard Li Cuihua shout, "Are you done singing? If you're done, come and help! Do you want to eat?"

Ma Baoguo immediately ran towards the kitchen, saying, "Besides, if you quit, you won't be able to find a suitable replacement!"

Qin Shao was very self-aware. He chased after Ma Baoguo and asked, "Master Ma! Do you think there is anyone less suitable than me? Huh? Huh? Anyone you recommend for the Ministry of War is better than me, Master Ma!"

In the Prime Minister's Residence, in Wen Lan's bedroom, Wen Lan was leaning on the bed, while Emperor Xia Gu Li and Crown Prince Gu Deming were sitting on chairs in front of the bed.

Wen Lan bowed and said, "Thank you for troubling Your Majesty and the Crown Prince to come and visit me. I am truly unworthy of this. I am just suffering from dizziness. It's nothing serious. I will be fine after taking a few doses of soup and medicine."

At this point, Wen Lan looked at Gu Deming lovingly: "The prince has gained some weight."

Gu Deming helped Wen Lan lean against the headboard and said, "Privately, you should just call me Ming'er. I'll still call you Grandpa."

"Your Highness, you can't do that! That would be too humiliating for this old minister!"

Gu Li said frankly, "You are Ming'er's teacher, and also my mentor since childhood. When we were in the Northern Territory Palace, we established a rule for Ming'er to call you grandpa. Even though Ming'er has been appointed the crown prince, the bond between grandfather and grandson remains unchanged."

"Alright, since Your Majesty has spoken, I will still call you Crown Prince...Ming'er!"

"grandfather!"

Gu Deming said this and bowed deeply to Wen Lan.

Wen Lan nodded and said to Gu Li, "Your Majesty, after much deliberation, I believe that we must urgently go to the Kingdom of Yue. However, Chief Escort Zhao's plan is indeed not very reliable, just as Minister Yang worried. I think..."

Seeing that Wen Lan was talking about serious matters with his father, Gu Deming hurriedly held his breath, sat up straight, and listened attentively.

Wen Lan glanced at Gu Deming with relief and continued, "Why don't we openly send a friendly delegation to Yue Kingdom? The purpose is, firstly, to further promote peaceful coexistence between Xia and Yue. Secondly, I think that Yue Crown Prince Tian Yuan was able to stand out among the many princes and be appointed Crown Prince. He has also always held his own in the disputes with other princes over the years. He must be a rare talent! For the future, Ming'er should go out and gain some experience. If we can get along with Tian Yuan, it will also provide a guarantee for the peace and prosperity of Xia Kingdom for many years to come. I just wonder if Your Majesty is willing to let him go?"

Gu Deming looked at Gu Li with some excitement.

"Father, I am willing to go on a diplomatic mission to the Kingdom of Yue!"

Gu Li just smiled at Gu Deming and looked at Wen Lan.

"Old Prime Minister, your other intention is to use this friendly delegation as a decoy so that the secret guards can conduct a thorough investigation!"

"Yes! Your Majesty is wise!" Wen Lan continued, "What Chief Escort Zhao said does make some sense. If she can accompany Ming'er on his diplomatic mission to Yue, she can pave the way for Ming'er and even give him some advice. Moreover, she is quite skilled in martial arts and can also provide close protection for Ming'er. More importantly, this old minister has reviewed Minister Zhao's memorial and confirms that opening up trade is indeed imperative! This time, we can order Chief Escort Zhao to assist Ming'er and discuss a contingency plan with Yue. However, Chief Escort Zhao and Ming'er must not interfere in the secret investigation. Leave it entirely to Minister Yang to arrange for the secret guards. This way, we can work together, one openly and one covertly, and we will surely reap rewards!"

"Great! This arrangement is perfect! And we must make it a grand occasion, with generous gifts! Let everyone know of our Xia Nation's long-cherished wish for peace!"

"Yes, the people are living a good life, who wants to fight? Even if the Kingdom of Yue has some intentions, it will also take into account the will of the people!"

Gu Li looked at Gu Deming and asked, "Ming'er, you have a heavy burden on your shoulders now. Are you confident?"

"I have confidence, and with Aunt Zhao accompanying me, this trip will definitely be worthwhile!"

"Don't keep pestering your Aunt Zhao to tell you stories on the road. Ask her more about business!"

Gu Deming blushed a little: "Father, what you said were all things from childhood. I have grown up now and no longer cling to Aunt Zhao like my brothers did!"

Gu Li and Wen Lan both laughed.