Rebirth: Find a General as Your Backer

Within the General's Mansion, Su Lianxue's life was both fulfilling and tranquil. She would either immerse herself in painting, using her brush to depict the beautiful scenery in her heart, or she would study medicine with the military physicians, exploring the fragrance of herbs and the subtleties of medical principles.

People she used to know extended invitations to her, but Su Lianxue resolutely refused them all. At this moment, she only hoped that the general would return soon, and she stayed in the general's mansion without any distractions, silently waiting for the general's return.

After consulting with the master, Aunt Qiu was granted permission to invite Miss Su to the mansion. However, when the master went to invite Miss Su, she stated that she did not wish to go out at the moment and only wanted to recuperate. Therefore, the matter had to be put on hold for the time being.

......

Outside the city, in the military camp, Ling Lin strode into the tent, clasped his hands in greeting, and reported, "General, the eldest prince of the Canglang Kingdom has come to request an audience."

Sitting in the main seat, Chu Mohan was dressed in armor, his cold and stern face as resolute as if carved by a knife.

He casually toyed with the wristband on his hand, a gift from Su Lianxue. The wristband was exquisite, with delicate patterns embroidered along the edges, and was navy blue in color. His fingers brushed against it, feeling its warmth, as if touched by a beloved.

After a moment, he slightly raised his eyes, revealing a hint of majesty, and then said to Ling Lin, "Please invite the eldest prince in."

A short while later, the eldest prince of the Canglang Kingdom strode into the tent with his head held high. He was dressed in magnificent clothes, and his brows exuded an air of nobility.

Upon seeing Chu Mohan, the eldest prince respectfully cupped his hands and said, "General Chu, I have come on behalf of the Canglang Kingdom to seek peace. I hope you will forgive my past offenses."

A cold glint flashed in Chu Mohan's eyes, his icy gaze seemingly piercing through to the heart. He said in a chilling tone, "If I remember correctly, the eldest prince once tried to kidnap my fiancée. How come you've already made peace with her?"

Standing to the side, Ling Lin's eyes were full of vigilance. After hearing the general's words, he couldn't help but reply, "Negotiation? We are never afraid of you. Come at us. Our soldiers of Great Chu are all brave and fearless, and are ready to fight for Great Chu and for the border at any time."

The eldest prince had thought that by coming in person, he would at least be given some face. But this iron-blooded general was truly ruthless, leaving no room for negotiation from the moment he spoke.

Damon, who had come with the eldest prince, was a burly man with a face full of anger. After hearing Ling Lin and Chu Mohan's words, he couldn't help but retort defiantly, "Do you think we're afraid of you? The warriors of our Canglang Kingdom are not to be trifled with."

Ling Lin looked coldly at Damon, his tone full of disdain, and said, "Then what are you doing here? We don't provide food and drink here. Our Great Chu's military camp exists to protect our country, not to entertain the enemy."

The eldest prince sighed helplessly, trying to ease the tension, and said, "General Chu is exceptionally brave, and his reputation on the battlefield is legendary. We thought that it would be better if our two countries could trade with each other. The people of both sides could benefit from it and live a more prosperous life."

Chu Mohan sneered dismissively and said, "Our Great Chu is full of talented people. In the court, there are wise and resourceful civil officials who offer advice to the country; on the battlefield, there are brave and fearless military generals who charge into battle."

"The land of my Great Chu is vast and boundless, from towering mountains to expansive plains, from rushing rivers to tranquil lakes, every inch of land contains endless vitality."

"Our Great Chu is incredibly wealthy, with mountains of gold and silver, exquisite silks and satins, granaries overflowing, and people living in peace and prosperity. Why should we agree to your request for peace? You can only submit to our Great Chu and be loyal to our Great Chu."

The eldest prince frowned slightly. Of course he knew. Otherwise, why would we keep attacking the border and taking over? Those who covet all of this are the ones who do so.

After thinking for a moment, he said in a deep voice, "General Chu, that is true, but war will only bring endless pain and loss. When two countries are at war, lives are lost and people suffer. Our Canglang Kingdom also has its own advantages. Our warriors are equally brave, our grasslands are vast, and our horses are excellent. If our two countries can cooperate, we will surely achieve a win-win situation."

Chu Mohan snorted coldly and said, "Win-win? Your Canglang Kingdom has repeatedly invaded the borders of my Great Chu, burning, killing, looting, and committing all sorts of atrocities. Now you talk about win-win? Isn't that laughable?"

The eldest prince quickly replied, "We have realized our past mistakes and are willing to make amends to show our sincerity."

Ling Lin interjected, "Compensation? What kind of compensation can you offer?"

After a moment's thought, the eldest prince said, "We can offer a thousand fine horses, ten thousand cattle and sheep, as well as precious gems and medicinal herbs."

Chu Mohan narrowed his eyes slightly and said, "This is not enough. Your Canglang Kingdom must submit to my Great Chu, pay tribute every year, and guarantee that you will no longer invade the borders of my Great Chu."

The eldest prince looked troubled and said, "General Chu, these conditions are too harsh. Our Canglang Kingdom also has its own dignity and interests."

Chu Mohan said firmly, "This is the price you pay for seeking peace. If you are unwilling, then let's meet on the battlefield. The soldiers of my Great Chu are absolutely not afraid of war."

The eldest prince was silent for a moment, then said, "I need to go back and discuss this with my father. But before that, I would like to invite General Chu to visit our Canglang Kingdom and discuss the specifics with our king. I wonder if General Chu dares to do so?" His eyes were full of provocation.

Chu Mohan coldly replied, "Why wouldn't I dare? If you dare to invite me, I dare to go. How could I, Chu Mohan, be afraid of your schemes and tricks?"

Upon hearing this, Ling Lin looked worried and said, "General, you should be careful that they don't try anything. We can't go there lightly. The people of Canglang Kingdom are always cunning, so we must be on guard."

The eldest prince said, "Our Canglang Kingdom extends this invitation with sincerity and has no ulterior motives. If General Chu has any concerns, he may bring some attendants."

Chu Mohan nodded slightly and said, "Alright, I will consider it. But before I go to the Canglang Kingdom, you must first show some sincerity."

The eldest prince said, "General Chu is absolutely right. We will offer some compensation as soon as possible to show our sincerity."

After saying this, the eldest prince left the tent with Damon.

Watching their figures gradually disappear into the distance, Ling Lin looked worried and asked, "General, are we really going to the Canglang Kingdom?"

“Go!” Chu Mohan replied firmly.

“If we don’t go, they will think that our Great Chu is afraid of them, and all our previous efforts will have been in vain.”

Ling Lin was still full of worries and said, "But Miss Su once instructed you not to do anything risky."

Upon hearing Su Lianxue's name mentioned, Chu Mohan softened his tone and said slowly, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing. Actually, they don't dare to act rashly right now, but they need to be wary of that second prince of Canglang Kingdom."

Only this generous gift would prevent him from arousing too much suspicion when he returned to the capital. Therefore, he would never miss this opportunity.