Disease rights policy

Now everyone understood why the two countries had come to visit; it was clear that Pingjing and Jin-Chu had joined forces to probe the strength of Daliang.

After so many years of peace in the Great Liang, Pingjing finally couldn't sit still any longer. It's just unknown what benefits they offered to the Emperor of Jin Chu that made the usually neutral Emperor of Jin Chu slightly lean towards Pingjing.

The fact that Pingjing was able to marry the princess to Baili Mingzhe shows just how much benefit he brought to Jin and Chu.

Qiao Ran could tell that everyone present was a wolf in sheep's clothing. She didn't have any patriotism; she just felt that Chen Xiang was about to be driven to his death by anger and felt a little sorry for him.

The fact that Baili Mingzhe could still speak politely with an apologetic expression shows how deep his cunning is. He said, "Your Majesty also remembers that our three kingdoms signed a treaty to prevent war. The treaty is still in effect, and we will naturally abide by it. Whether it is my Pingjing seeking to marry the princess of Jinchu, Jinchu seeking to marry the princess of Daliang, or Daliang being willing to form a marriage alliance with our two countries, we are only trying to ensure that this treaty remains in effect for a long time, to maintain peace in the world, and to ensure the happiness of the people, isn't that right?"

Li Hezhang said, "Daliang and Pingjing have been trading together for many years, which has laid a solid foundation for the good relations between the two countries. Why should we use marriage as a further link?"

Baili Mingzhe laughed and said, "Your Majesty is right. Marriage is just one option. We are here to enjoy the hunt and to convey Your Majesty's greetings. Let's not talk about state affairs."

“You must be tired from your journey,” Li Hezhang said, raising his voice. “I have arranged for you to rest. Tomorrow morning, you can enjoy the hunt to your heart’s content.”

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Baili Mingzhe glanced at Baili Jiayue and then withdrew with his sister.

As for Tian Ziche, he hesitated as if he wanted to say something, but when he met Li Hezhang's unyielding gaze, he was gently pulled by his attendant and bowed as he withdrew.

Soon, only the court officials and his own people remained in the tent. Li Hezhang's face darkened as he slowly sipped his wine. "What are your thoughts, my dear ministers?"

The tent fell silent for a moment, indicating that state affairs were about to be discussed. The Empress slowly rose and said softly, "This concubine will take her leave now."

Li Hezhang said, "Empress, please stay and listen with me."

The Empress then slowly sat back down.

"Xiang Chen."

The Prime Minister Chen, who was named, also looked unwell and said only, "I believe that a marriage alliance is inappropriate."

Li Hezhang: "Why?"

“We have all met Baili Mingzhe. He is young but not arrogant, knows how to conduct himself properly, and speaks eloquently,” Chen Xiang said. “In recent years, there have been many rumors that Emperor Pingjing wants to make Baili Mingzhe the crown prince. At this time, Baili Mingzhe is marrying a princess of Jin Chu as his concubine, which is probably not what he wants.”

Lord Zhao said, "Even if Baili Mingzhe doesn't marry the principal wife, it won't violate the original intention of the marriage alliance."

Chen Xiang turned to him and explained, "Whether it's the principal wife or a concubine, would the Pingjing royal family allow the Crown Prince to have women from Jin and Chu by his side? Minister, you should think about it carefully."

"Then..." Lord Zhao suddenly realized, "Does Prime Minister Chen mean that Pingjing and Jinchu may not necessarily reach an agreement on the marriage alliance?"

Chen Xiang's brows furrowed. "It's hard to say."

Li Hezhang: "What Chancellor Chen said is also what I was thinking. I will give the matter of the marriage alliance some more time to consider. You all should also wait and see how things develop."

The crowd exclaimed in unison, "His Majesty is wise!"

After the court officials dispersed, Li Hezhang looked at the Empress and said, "There are no princesses in the palace, and I am not at ease with members of the imperial clan. If a marriage alliance is to be formed, the Empress should decide on the most suitable candidate."

The Empress was shocked, but she composed herself and said, "I am willing to share your burdens."

Li Hezhang brushed the Empress's hand away. "Pingjing and Jinchu are both wolves and tigers. I need to be prepared for both possibilities when dealing with them. Are you disappointed in me?"

"Your Majesty," the Empress said, her eyes reddening, "I know all about Your Majesty's difficulties."

“You’ve been with me all these years,” Li Hezhang said with a smile. “Don’t worry, I can still manage.”

The Empress wiped away her tears, moved by Li Hezhang's sincerity at that moment.

Qiao Ran helped the Empress up and was about to return to her tent when suddenly a man appeared behind Li Hezhang. Although he was dressed as an ordinary guard, Qiao Ran could tell from his skill that he was definitely a master, since she hadn't even realized when he appeared.

As that person escorted Li Hezhang out, Qiao Ran's attention was focused on the hidden guards constantly beside Li Hezhang. She didn't notice that since the expert guard appeared, a pair of eyes had been glancing back and forth at her several times.

After Qiao Ran escorted the Empress back, the Empress excused herself from exhaustion and went to bed early. Qiao Ran left the tent and overheard the passing guards saying that the Emperor had sent many things to Baili Jiayue's tent, and Baili Jiayue was very happy.

"This princess is quite adorable," Qiao Ran muttered, and couldn't help but think of Baili You, who was living a miserable life in Jin Chu. Little did he know that all the princesses in Pingjing Palace were as innocent and carefree as Baili Jiayue.

At night, Qiao Ran discovered that the camp's defenses had been reinforced, so she dared not move around freely and could only enjoy the night breeze behind the side tent. However, she was suddenly pulled into a corner.

"You're incredibly bold. How did you even get here?" Qiao Ran punched Qin Huai in the chest. "If we'd been found out, neither of us would have been in serious trouble."

"I was just missing Qiaoqiao," Qin Huai chuckled. "I was startled when I saw you in the tent last night."

Qiao Ran: "When I saw Young Master Helian, I was quite startled."

"Oh my, it's been a long time. Why are you being so sarcastic? It's much more comfortable to hear you call Qin Huai."

Qiao Ran snorted coldly.

Qin Huai eagerly tried to coax her, "Everyone else treats me like Helian Huai, but only with you, Qiao Er, can I be Qin Huai."

"You can do whatever you want, but I have questions for you," Qiao Ran raised her eyes and said, "I don't care about national affairs, but once you two get married, don't even think about getting involved with Chen Jinning."

Qin Huai paused for a moment, then said nonchalantly, "You mean Chen Jiu's sister?"

"Ah."

"To be honest, I was just there to accompany them. My family asked me to come with Baili Mingzhe. Before I came, I had no idea what kind of tricks they were up to," Qin Huai said with a distress. "Last night in the tent, I could almost see sparks. I was terrified."

"Stop playing dumb with me." Qiao Ran stomped on his foot. "The camp's defenses are so tight that it would be difficult for me to sneak over there and find you, yet you managed to appear here without a sound. Qin Huai, do you have people in the camp?"

Qin Huai suddenly stiffened a little, "Don't worry about it."

Qiao Ran pursed her lips, wanting to say something but remaining silent. Ping Jing had spies in the western suburban camp—how ​​terrifying!

"I risked everything to come here just to ask what you're doing here?" Qin Huai pulled Qiao Ran back to her. "You're still staying by the Empress's side in Daliang. What are you thinking?"

Qiao Ran: "It's a long story. I'm planning to run tomorrow."

"...What?" Qin Huai's jaw nearly dropped in shock.

Qiao Ran said, "Since I've run into you, try to cover for me tomorrow. I'll write to you once I escape from the capital."

Qin Huai: “…”

Does every meeting have to be this exciting?!

Qin Huai had no choice but to comply. Qiao Ran heard the patrol sounds and quickly walked away. "Sigh!" Qin Huai awkwardly withdrew his hand, his forehead covered in black lines.

He wanted to tell Qiao Ran to be wary of Baili Jiayue, but he didn't even have time to say it.

"Never mind, I won't say anything more." Qin Huai quietly retraced his steps back to the envoy's tent, where he encountered Tian Ziche. Qin Huai greeted him, "Tian Zhuguo, out for some fresh air?"

Tian Ziche said coldly, "Young Master Helian, I'm looking for your Second Prince."

"The Second Prince is asleep. We can discuss anything else tomorrow."

Qin Huai smiled and left Tian Zhuguo behind. He went to Baili Mingzhe's tent and saw Baili Jiayue kneeling inside. His eyelids twitched.

When Baili Mingzhe saw Helian Huai enter, he raised an eyebrow and said, "Young Master Helian, you've come at the right time. Please speak to Jia Yue properly for me and make sure she doesn't ruin my plans."

Helian Huai regretted not going back to sleep instead of coming over to cause trouble.

"The ground is cold, Your Highness, please help the princess up first, so she doesn't hurt herself."

Baili Mingzhe: "If she can't even withstand this little bit of cold, she doesn't deserve the years of nurturing we've spent raising her, wasting countless human and emotional resources, only to produce an ungrateful wretch."

Helian Huai glanced at Baili Jiayue kneeling down. Her carefree demeanor was completely gone; she lowered her head in grievance, her eyes filled with resentment.

Although Baili Jiayue and Baili Mingzhe were raised by the same mother, Helian Huai knew that Baili Jiayue was not his biological daughter, but the daughter of Emperor Pingjing and a lowly maid. The royal family had raised her for many years, and now it was time for them to use her.

"Jiayue, why did I bring you to Daliang this time?"

Baili Jiayue said in a low voice, "His Highness ordered me to stay in Daliang and send back intelligence for Pingjing."

"Anything else?" Baili Mingzhe stared at her.

"Marrying a princess from Jin and Chu will limit Your Highness's grand ambitions, so... Jia Yue is willing to share Your Highness's burdens."

Baili Mingzhe chuckled, "Since you understand everything, it's best to proceed according to plan. You know what to do for the spring hunt tomorrow."

Baili Jiayue lowered her head. "Yes."

Helian Huai deduced from their conversation that Baili Mingzhe neither wanted to marry the Princess of Jin Chu nor offend Jin Chu, so he could only use someone else to do his dirty work.

Baili Mingzhe wants to get rid of Tian Ziche on Daliang's territory?

What a vicious frame-up! It seems tomorrow's spring hunt is destined to be anything but peaceful.

The attendant followed Helian Huai and said cautiously, "The Second Prince dotes on Princess Jiayue in public. If I hadn't seen it with my own eyes, I would have thought that the Second Prince truly loves Princess Jiayue."

Helian Huai said, "It's just for show. How good is Baili Jiayue's skill?"

The attendant shook his head, "I don't know."

Helian Huai was unaware of this either.

The following day, during the spring hunt, the sons of princes and nobles were all in high spirits. As soon as the drums sounded, they took the lead and rushed into the dense forest.

Li Hezhang looked at his brave and skilled soldiers with satisfaction, then turned to Baili Mingzhe and said, "The Second Prince should definitely try some of the wild game from Daliang."

"Yes," Baili Mingzhe replied with a smile, then looked down and asked the person next to him, "Where is Helian Huai?"

"Your Highness, he was just here a moment ago; he probably went to relieve himself."

Baili Mingzhe nodded. Li Hezhang didn't see Baili Jiayue at Pingjing's banquet. "Where is Princess Jiayue?"

“My little sister was a bit unwell due to the change in environment, so we let her rest in the tent,” Baili Mingzhe explained. “Once she felt better, she came out to join in the fun.”

Li Hezhang: "I will send the imperial physician to take a look."

"I've already had the doctor examine me, and there's nothing serious," Baili Mingzhe politely declined Li Hezhang's offer. The scene was bustling with activity and excitement.

The servants and maids were busy coming and going. Qiao Ran felt it was time, so she whispered to Ying Hong, "My stomach hurts."

Yinghong: "Your Majesty, I will take care of things here. You should go quickly."

Qiao Ran bowed and left from the side. She had already planned the route when she arrived in the morning, and now it all depended on this.

Seeing Qiao Ran slip away, Gong Yuyi, who was not far away, said to Chen Jiu beside him, "Guess which way she ran?"