"I was once content as a drifting cloud, a wild crane. If I can regain the status of an idle prince, nothing could be better, but it would also be fine to wander the ends of the earth as a commoner."
The words of Yuwen Luanfei were unexpected yet within reason; Yuwen Song and Yuwen Jun muttered inarticulately, their mouths agape, unsure of what advice to offer.
Compared to the harmonious negotiation here, Wenren Pingting unconsciously clenched her fists at the family table.
Sweat filled her brows and eyes.
Yuwen Luanfei’s plans were completely unbeknownst to her; this man’s thoughts were too naive.
You say you want to retire boldly, but do ministers allow it? Do the people agree?
By allowing Yuwen Jun and Yuwen Song to divide the world, who would trust them? What if others feel you are feigning retreat to watch from afar, instigating a fight from behind?
Once the military power is stripped away, others could crush you as easily as squeezing an ant to death.
Considering her husband still held such naive thoughts up to this point, Wenren Pingting was utterly speechless!
Bai Junjun also did not expect the artist to think so simplistically. Setting aside the idea of abdication and yielding power for now, consider the very idea of joining forces in war.
Of course, his idea was good—after all, as an old fox, the Fifth Prince should indeed rally all forces to confront.
But under the premise of cooperation, he should first ascertain the strength of his allies and achieve a high level of ideological unity with everyone.
Brothers who haven’t kept in touch for a hundred and eighty years, even recently fought wars against one another—how can they suddenly agree to capture bandits together? Without established trust, how can they coordinate in battle?
Moreover, there’s no point in mentioning Yuwen Song, as she is a stranger to these matters.
But with Yuwen Jun’s many hidden pawns, his stance is obviously not clear. Yuwen Luanfei’s hasty disclosure of his plans made it hard for Bai Junjun to envision its successful implementation.
Of course, should they all happily follow Yuwen Luanfei’s plan, that would be for the best, but... life is full of uncertainties.
Compared to the women’s pessimism, the three men at the table were openly unified.
Yuwen Luanfei joyfully toasted his brothers, one cheerful cup after another.
"So we’ve agreed, to draft a detailed plan together, and then we’ll return a peaceful world to the common people."
The three men raised their cups, smiles beaming on their faces.
"Speaking of which, my Royal Mother has spent years in the palace, and I haven’t seen her for many years. Now she’s been startled by the rebels, I wonder if she’s still in good health..."
"Understood, I understand, brother. I’ve also spoken to the Dowager Consorts before. If you wish for a reunion, you can take them with you on the return journey."
Yuwen Song stared blankly at Yuwen Luanfei; obviously, he had not expected Yuwen Luanfei to make such a move.
After all, his Royal Mother was Yuwen Luanfei’s only means to coerce him.
Yuwen Luanfei smiled: "Since I want to cooperate with my brother, it’s only natural that I show my sincerity."
"Second brother, thank you." Yuwen Song spoke haltingly.
On the other side, Yuwen Jun just curved his lips, saying nothing.
Yuwen Luanfei, sensing Yuwen Jun’s desolation, awkwardly spoke up: "Ahem, ninth brother, although I’m sorry to say it, when I returned to the palace, your Royal Mother had already..."
"I know, it’s not your fault." Yuwen Jun responded with a trace of sadness.
"What happened?" Bai Junjun, smelling the whiff of gossip, quietly moved closer to Wenren Pingting.
"..." Wenren Pingting.
She sensed that this person was here for the entertainment.