Chapter 435: Seeking Marriage (3)
Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios
Many officials were a little fired up by his words. Emperor Taizu was wise and mighty, and he had opened up his territory. Meanwhile, the previous emperor could only barely defend his business. If the future could expand his territory and achieve a prosperous era, then officials like them would also be honored.
Baili Yin’s smile widened, and his eyes were like torches as he continued, “The State of Yue is very sincere!”
His words were gentle, but in the next moment, he changed the topic and said with a sharp tone, “But the State of Yue will not be afraid of anyone.”
The last sentence was almost enunciated word by word. It was resolute and decisive, and the threat was obvious. The air in the throne room suddenly turned cold, as if spring had turned to winter in an instant.
The eight-year prospects, the war between the two countries, and the State of Jin’s crushing defeat were still vivid in his mind.
The State of Yue was unstoppable in Yangzhou. Back then, if the late emperor hadn’t taken the initiative to seek peace and not hesitated to compensate, and had even given up the Yellow Water Ocean, and even sent Chu Yi to the State of Yue as a hostage, who knew how that battle would have ended? The army of the State of Yue would probably have gone all the way north!
Thinking of these past events, some officials were already afraid of war. They exchanged glances in groups of twos and threes.
There was a hint of uneasiness in the air.
A clear male voice suddenly broke the quiet air. “I heard that the Sage of the State of Yue is seriously ill. Lord Xia of the Heaven’s Palace is under orders to supervise the country.”
The young man’s voice was neither fast nor slow, and his tone was light and delicate, as if a warm spring breeze had blown into the frozen throne room.
Baili Yin suddenly turned to look at Chu Yi, who was standing on the Emperor’s right. His eyes widened uncontrollably.
There was a faint smile on Chu Yi’s lips. He was calm and composed as he sighed faintly. “The Crown Prince of your country isn’t in a good situation now!”
He was sighing at Baili Zhao of the State of Yue. As the Crown Prince, he had no right to supervise the country.
In fact, he was mocking Baili Yin: The Sage of the State of Yue is seriously ill. Now that the troubles in the State of Yue haven’t subsided, you can’t even protect yourself Do you still want to send troops to the State of Jin like eight years ago?!
“…” Baili Yin used almost all his strength to barely stabilize his emotions. He didn’t lose his composure, but his heart sank.
How did Chu Yi know that the Sage was sick?!
In the 12th month of last year, the Sage pretended to be ill to test the princes. However, who would have thought that in just a month, the fake illness would actually become a real illness? The Sage’s dragon body was getting worse.
He had only learned about it the day before after receiving a secret letter from the Crown Prince’s brother. The letter said that after the Sage’s edict ordered Xia Houqing to supervise the country, he had collapsed and had yet to wake up. Now that the Crown Prince’s brother was in a difficult situation, Baili Yin had to get the new flintlock no matter what, so that the Crown Prince’s brother would be like a tiger with wings.
The problem was—
Chu Yi had been in the State of Jin for the past few months. How did he know about the State of Yue that was thousands of miles away? It was such a confidential matter!
Chu Yi looked back at Baili Yin with a smile. His expression was as gentle and calm as usual.
Their gazes met quietly in midair.
Baili Yin’s heart turned heavy with a hint of panic.
It was an uneasiness that the situation was out of his control.
The atmosphere in the court froze for a moment.
Even if the courtiers weren’t sure if Chu Yi was telling the truth, they could confirm from Baili Yin’s reaction that the Sage of the State of Yue, Baili Hong, was really sick.
Chu Yi said calmly, “There’s no need for a marriage alliance.”
Xiao Shoufu frowned when he heard this.
Chu Yi continued to say to Baili Yin, “According to the agreement, the blueprint for the flintlock will be handed over to the Third Prince later. The Third Prince can also return to the country in peace and serve the Sage of the State of Yue.” “We visited the State of Jin on behalf of the Sage and deliberately wanted to be on good terms with you. Is this how your country uses those old blueprints to patronize our country?!” Baili Yin raised his chin and stared at Chu Yi in front of him without blinking. His long and narrow eyes narrowed slightly, and his tall figure stood in the hall like a spear.
With a new flintlock, who would want an old flintlock!
Chu Yi’s expression remained unchanged as he said, “If the Third Prince doesn’t want it, it’s because of your country. It’s not that the State of Jin didn’t fulfill its promise.”
“It’s already February. The Jingyang Canal should have thawed.”
What he meant was that the canal had thawed and they could start the boat, so Baili Yin could also leave.
Regardless of whether Baili Yin wanted the flintlock blueprint or not, the State of Jin wouldn’t keep him anymore.
This was equivalent to asking Baili Yin to leave openly.
The two of them continued to look at each other. Baili Yin narrowed his eyes a little more, and sparks seemed to flash in his sharp gaze..