Chapter 200 A Turn of Fate
Chapter 200 A Turn of Fate
"Report! Urgent news from the border!"
Late at night, a messenger hurried into the imperial study. Mo Yunchen and the third young lady, who were studying military intelligence, looked up at the same time.
"What's the matter?"
"The northern aliens have withdrawn!"
The Third Miss and Mo Yunchen looked at each other and saw surprise in each other's eyes: This is too sudden.
"Tell me in detail." Mo Yunchen said in a deep voice.
It turned out that just as the Minister of War was being escorted to the border, the foreign tribes suddenly began to withdraw their troops. Not only that, they also sent envoys to negotiate peace.
"Interesting." Mo Yunchen sneered, "It seems someone can't sit still anymore."
The Third Miss seemed to be thinking: "Your Highness, I think this is strange."
"Tell me."
"The aliens suddenly withdrew their troops. It's obvious they received some news," the Third Miss analyzed. "And the reason they reacted so quickly is probably..."
"Minister of War!" Mo Yunchen took over the conversation.
Indeed, as soon as the Minister of War was captured, the alien troops withdrew. The connection here was obvious.
"Send a message to the border," Mo Yunchen ordered immediately, "Keep a close watch on the Minister of War's every move. Also..." He looked at the Third Miss, "How do you think this peace proposal should be handled?"
The Third Miss pondered for a moment and said, "I think we can agree to this, but we need to send someone knowledgeable to negotiate."
“Oh? Why?”
"The alien race's proposal for peace at this time may not be well-intentioned. If we reject it outright, we will appear to be in the wrong. We should go with the flow and see what tricks they are up to."
Mo Yunchen nodded: "That makes sense. Then who do you think should be sent?"
"This..." The third young lady was about to speak when another announcement came from outside.
"The Imperial Concubine requests an audience!"
Mo Yunchen frowned slightly: "At this time?"
The third lady quickly stood up and said, "I'll take my leave."
"Stop," Mo Yunchen called her, "You are right here."
Before the Third Miss could speak, the Imperial Concubine came in. As soon as she saw the Third Miss, her expression changed immediately.
"Your Highness, I pay my respects to you." The imperial concubine forced herself to remain calm and saluted.
"It's so late, what's the matter, Imperial Concubine?" Mo Yunchen said in a light tone.
"I heard the news coming from the border, so I came to ask about it." The imperial concubine glanced at the third lady, "I didn't expect that His Highness was still discussing matters with Miss Su so late at night."
The meaning of this statement is almost explicit.
The Third Miss was about to leave when Mo Yunchen said, "Border affairs must naturally be discussed with those who understand military affairs. If the Imperial Concubine has no important matters, please return."
The imperial concubine's face turned pale: "Your Highness, what do you mean? Can't I even ask?"
"Your Highness, you're worrying too much," Mo Yunchen sneered, "but there are some things I want to ask you."
He took out a letter. “What is this?”
The imperial concubine's expression changed drastically: "This..."
"Do you recognize him?" Mo Yunchen said in a cold voice, "Do you want me to read it to you?"
It was a secret letter that detailed the conspiracy between the imperial concubine and the Minister of War. The letter not only mentioned how to create a border crisis, but also explained their intention to use the opportunity to seek personal gain.
The imperial concubine knelt down with a thud: "I know I was wrong!"
"Do you know your mistake?" Mo Yunchen sneered, "Do you know what this crime is? Colluding with court officials and endangering the border is a capital crime!"
"Your Highness, please spare my life!" The imperial concubine was terrified, "I was confused for a moment..."
"Come here!" Mo Yunchen ordered, "Take the imperial concubine to the cold palace and wait for your punishment!"
After the imperial concubine was taken away, the third lady asked, "Your Highness, should we report this to the Queen Mother?"
"No rush," Mo Yunchen said, "Let's wait until the border issue is dealt with."
The third young lady understood what he meant: the most important thing now is to find out all the accomplices.
Sure enough, news came early the next morning: The Minister of War committed suicide out of fear of punishment while being escorted!
"So soon?" Miss San frowned, "Could it be..."
"Someone must be trying to silence me," Mo Yunchen sneered, "but it doesn't matter. I'm well prepared."
It turned out that the guards he sent secretly protected the Minister of War. The news of the "suicide" was deliberately leaked to see who would reveal the truth.
Sure enough, as soon as the news came out, several ministers in the court became restless.
"The Minister of Rites is at home sick?" Miss San looked at the secret report. "He must be scared."
"He's not the only one," Mo Yunchen said, "The Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Works has also reported sick, and the head of the Ministry of War has even left the city overnight..."
"These people," the Third Miss sneered, "have exposed themselves."
Soon, a big net was cast and all the accomplices were caught.
At this time, new news came from the border: foreign envoys have arrived!
"What should we do now?" asked the third lady.
Mo Yunchen looked at her: "Didn't you say you would send someone knowledgeable to talk to us?"
"Yes, so..." Miss San suddenly understood, "Your Highness means..."
"you go."
"Me?" Miss San was surprised. "Isn't this... inappropriate?"
"What's wrong with that?" Mo Yunchen asked, "You understand military affairs and are familiar with the border situation. Who else could be more suitable than you?"
"But..." The third young lady wanted to say something.
"What?" Mo Yunchen said with a half-smile, "Are you scared?"
"I'm not afraid!" Miss San immediately retorted, "I just..."
"Just what?"
"It's just..." The Third Miss bit her lip, "I can't bear to leave His Highness."
As soon as she said it, she regretted it: How could she be so straightforward?
But Mo Yunchen smiled: "Silly girl, I'll wait for you to come back."
The third young lady felt warm in her heart: "Really?"
"You are not joking."
Just like that, the Third Miss set off on her mission. Before leaving, Mo Yunchen specially gave her a farewell party.
"Be careful on the road," he said, showing a rare gentle expression, "and come back early."
The third lady nodded and turned to mount her horse. But after taking a few steps, she turned back and said, "Your Highness, wait for me to come back..."
"Um?"
“You must keep your promise!”
Mo Yunchen laughed: "Don't worry, I will definitely do what I promised you."
Watching the Third Miss's retreating figure, Mo Yunchen felt a little reluctant. But he knew that this mission was very important. It was not only related to the stability of the border, but also a chance for the Third Miss to prove herself.
Sure enough, the third young lady did not disappoint him.
In just half a month, she brought back good news: not only did she reach a peace agreement with the alien race, but she also signed a trade treaty!
This result far exceeded everyone's expectations.
When the third young lady returned triumphantly, Mo Yunchen personally went to the city gate to greet her.
"Your Highness, I am here to pay my respects to you!" The third lady dismounted from her horse.
"No need to be polite," Mo Yunchen smiled rarely, "Well done."
The Third Miss smiled mysteriously: "Your Highness doesn't know the most important thing yet."
"oh?"
"I discovered a secret at the border," the Third Young Lady lowered her voice, "about an alien race."
It turned out that during this mission, she had accidentally discovered that there had long been internal conflict among the alien races. The reason for the peace talks was that they were too busy to take care of themselves.
"So," Mo Yunchen understood, "they didn't really want to invade the border at all?"
"Yes," the Third Miss nodded, "they colluded with the Minister of War just to take advantage of the opportunity to extort some benefits."
"No wonder," Mo Yunchen suddenly realized, "No wonder they withdrew their troops as soon as they knew the Minister of War was captured."
"Not only that," the Third Miss continued, "I have also reached a secret agreement with them."
“What agreement?”
"They agreed to monitor the movements of the surrounding ethnic groups for us. In exchange, we gave them some discounts in the trade."
Mo Yunchen's eyes lit up: "Great! This not only solves the border issue, but also gives me an extra spy."
"So..." Miss San blinked, "Your Highness, what do you think of my performance this time?"
"Very good," Mo Yunchen praised him rarely, "I am proud of you."
The third young lady felt sweet in her heart: This is the first time that the prince has praised me so obviously!
"Then..." She mustered up her courage, "Isn't it time for Your Highness to fulfill his promise?"
Mo Yunchen looked at her expectant eyes and felt something in his heart. Yes, it's time.
"Tomorrow morning," he said solemnly, "I will make my own arrangements."
Sure enough, at the court meeting the next day, Mo Yunchen announced publicly: the third lady would be made the Crown Princess!
The news caused an uproar in the court. Although everyone had long seen the Crown Prince's favor for the Third Miss, no one expected him to make her a concubine so soon.
"Your Highness," the newly appointed Minister of Rites stepped forward, "should this matter be reported to the Empress Dowager first?"
"No need," a commanding voice said, "I have already agreed."
The Queen Mother had arrived outside the palace at some point. She walked in slowly, looked at the Third Miss, and smiled, "This girl is quite good. She's knowledgeable about military affairs and sensible. She's just the right girl to be the Crown Princess."
The Third Miss quickly bowed and said, "Your Highness, I thank you for your grace!"
"Get up," the Queen Mother said kindly, "you must assist the Crown Prince well from now on, understand?"
"I understand, your humble servant." The third lady glanced at Mo Yunchen stealthily, and seeing the smile on his face, she felt sweet in her heart.
From then on, everyone in the court knew that the Crown Prince had a Crown Princess who was both intelligent and knowledgeable about military affairs. This Crown Princess could not only argue with reason in court, but also always managed to make the Crown Prince smile, a rare achievement.
This is the best ending.
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