The whole family was brutally murdered? The ruthless heiress's eldest daughter went berserk aft

Xiao Sining looked coldly at Murong Xuewei, a hint of jealousy and disdain flashing in her eyes. "Murong Xuewei, you think too highly of yourself. Where I go is none of your business."

Just as the two were locked in a stalemate, Gu Ye finally finished dressing and strode out. He was dressed in military uniform, looking imposing and extraordinary.

"Your Majesty, I am fully prepared and ready to enter the palace at any time." Gu Ye bowed to Xiao Sining, his voice steady and powerful.

Upon seeing Gu Ye, Xiao Sining's face immediately lit up with a smile, a hint of infatuation flashing in her eyes. She took a few steps forward, almost pressing herself against Gu Ye, "General Gu, let's go now. My imperial brother is still waiting."

Seeing this, Murong Xuewei was secretly displeased, but she remained outwardly composed. She stepped forward to straighten Gu Ye's clothes, taking the opportunity to whisper in his ear, "Be careful. If anything goes wrong, get away immediately."

Gu Ye nodded almost imperceptibly, then followed Xiao Sining and left the General's Mansion.

Murong Xuewei stood at the door, watching the two leave, her heart filled with worry. She knew that this sudden summons would likely stir up a new storm.

Inside the palace hall, the Emperor sat high on his dragon throne, lazily surveying Gu Ye kneeling before him. Beside him, Xiao Si Ning stared intently at Gu Ye's profile, her eyes filled with adoration.

"Minister Gu, do you know why I summoned you to the palace?" the Emperor asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Gu Ye respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is foolish and does not know why Your Majesty has summoned me. Please enlighten me."

The Emperor chuckled softly. "I've heard that the envoy from the Kingdom of Qu has arrived in the capital. This peace negotiation is of paramount importance, and I wish to have you preside over it."

Gu Ye was startled, but remained outwardly calm. He knew that this mission, though seemingly glorious, was fraught with danger. A single misstep could lead to a predicament.

“Your Majesty, I fear I am not suited to shoulder this heavy responsibility,” Gu Ye said cautiously. “I once fought against the Qu Kingdom and even captured their sixth prince, Nangong Yifeng. I fear they may harbor resentment towards me, which would be detrimental to the negotiations.”

The Emperor narrowed his eyes, looking at Gu Ye with a half-smile. "It's precisely because you've captured Nangong Yifeng that you're even more intimidating. I believe you're perfectly capable of handling this task."

Gu Ye knew the Emperor had already made up his mind, and further refusal would likely arouse suspicion. He quickly came up with a plan and said, "Your Majesty is wise. However, I believe that for the negotiations to proceed smoothly, we need the cooperation of a minister who is eloquent and familiar with diplomatic etiquette. I humbly recommend Minister Jiang Lingyun."

Upon hearing this, the Emperor nodded thoughtfully. "Jiang Lingyun? I remember he is indeed quite accomplished in diplomacy. Very well, then let him co-manage this negotiation with you."

Jiang Lingyun stood outside the palace hall, his hands trembling slightly. He took a deep breath, trying to calm his inner turmoil. As a civil official, he had never imagined that he would one day be drawn into such a complex political vortex.

"Lord Jiang, the Emperor summons you," a eunuch whispered a reminder.

Jiang Lingyun straightened her clothes and walked into the main hall with her back straight. The hall was resplendent with gold and jade, and the Emperor sat on the dragon throne, while Gu Ye stood to the side, expressionless.

"Your subject Jiang Lingyun pays respects to Your Majesty." Jiang Lingyun knelt down respectfully to greet you.

The Emperor waved his hand, signaling him to rise. "Minister Jiang, I've heard you've made significant achievements in diplomacy. This negotiation with the Qu Kingdom will be jointly handled by you and General Gu."

Upon hearing this, Jiang Lingyun was startled. He secretly glanced at Gu Ye, but couldn't discern the other's thoughts. He knew that this negotiation concerned national interests, and the slightest misstep could trigger war.

"Your Majesty, I am afraid that I am not knowledgeable enough to shoulder this heavy responsibility," Jiang Lingyun said cautiously, hoping to decline this hot potato.

The Emperor's face instantly darkened, a flash of anger crossing his eyes. "Jiang Lingyun, you are utterly lawless! You dare defy my decree? Gu Ye's refusal is one thing, but what right do you have to refuse?"

Jiang Lingyun was terrified by the emperor's sudden rage, a chill running down his spine and beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He knew he had no way to retreat now.

The Emperor stood up, looking down at Jiang Lingyun, his voice laced with threat: "I hereby order you to negotiate. If the negotiations fail, you can forget about keeping your head!"

Jiang Lingyun trembled, his face ashen. He knew the emperor was using his life as a bargaining chip. He knelt helplessly, his voice trembling, "Your subject... Your subject obeys the decree."

The Emperor nodded in satisfaction and sat back on his throne. "Very good. You and General Gu should discuss your strategy. Remember, this negotiation concerns the fate of our Taichu Kingdom; there is no room for error."

Jiang Lingyun and Gu Ye left the main hall together. As soon as they reached the palace gate, Jiang Lingyun couldn't help but lean against a pillar, panting heavily.

Gu Ye patted him on the shoulder and said in a low voice, "Lord Jiang, you are exceptionally capable. This general believes you will definitely achieve a good result."

Jiang Lingyun forced a bitter smile: "General Gu, I am not skilled enough to handle this negotiation. Perhaps you could speak to the Emperor on my behalf..."

Gu Ye interrupted him, "You saw how furious the Emperor was; how could I dare to try and negotiate with him? Besides, I trust Lord Jiang."

After they parted, Gu Ye hurried back to the General's Mansion. As soon as he entered, he couldn't wait to find Murong Xuewei.

"Madam, how did you know that the Emperor would send me to negotiate?" Gu Ye asked directly, his eyes filled with doubt and wariness.

Upon hearing this, Murong Xuewei's lips curled into a mysterious smile. She gently shook her head and said in a relaxed tone, "I'm just guessing. Given the Emperor's personality, isn't it perfectly normal for him to send a general like you, who has rendered great service, to negotiate?"

Gu Ye nodded thoughtfully, but the doubt in his eyes hadn't completely disappeared. He asked again, "Then why did you recommend Jiang Lingyun to negotiate? I remember there seems to be some past conflict between you two."

Upon hearing this question, a complex look flashed in Murong Xuewei's eyes. She pretended to think for a moment before slowly speaking, "Based on my understanding of Qu Kingdom, this negotiation is unlikely to succeed. That's why I suggested sending Jiang Lingyun."

Murong Xuewei paused, then continued, "Firstly, this opportunity can weaken Xiao Wanning's power. Jiang Lingyun is her confidant; if the negotiations fail, he will definitely be implicated. Secondly, this can also be used to test the reactions of various factions in the court."

Gu Ye listened, a look of admiration on his face. "Madam is indeed meticulous. However, isn't this a bit too risky?"

Murong Xuewei smiled slightly, a determined glint in her eyes: "In this chaotic world, how can one achieve great things without taking risks? Besides, I believe in your abilities. Even if the negotiations fail, you will surely find a way to resolve the crisis."

Gu Ye was touched by her words, and a warm feeling rose in his heart. He held Murong Xuewei's hand and said softly, "With your help, what do I have to worry about in achieving my great goal?"