bestfiction Chapter 66 The Emperor of Xijing Kingdom Meets Gu Liuli
Chapter 66 The Emperor of Xijing Kingdom Meets Gu Liuli
After returning to the room, Xiao Jingchuan handed the NV gun back to Gu Liuli. "Wife, this gun wasn't used, but I don't think the Emperor of Xijing Kingdom will let this go easily. We need to be fully prepared!"
Gu Liuli smiled, believing that although the emperor of Xijing Kingdom was irritable, he was not delusional. "Jingchuan, I heard that the previous emperor of Xijing Kingdom was also a benevolent ruler who loved his people. He usually killed corrupt officials and treacherous ministers. Why don't we talk to him and make plans later?"
Xiao Jingchuan nodded slightly, his eyes thoughtful. "What you say makes sense, my lady. Although he is the emperor of an enemy country, he can still love his people like his own children, so he must have some magnanimity. However, all's fair in war, so we need to be cautious about negotiating peace. I'm afraid he might agree on the surface but have other plans in the meantime."
Gu Liuli gently grasped Xiao Jingchuan's hand and said softly, "I understand, Jingchuan. But with the two sides at a stalemate, if we can negotiate a peace to avoid further casualties, it would be a good thing for the people. We can strengthen our defenses while negotiating a peace, just in case."
Xiao Jingchuan grasped Gu Liuli's hand in return, squeezing it firmly, his eyes filled with trust and tenderness. "It is my good fortune to have my wife by my side, always thinking of me and the people. Tomorrow I will send someone to communicate with him and see what his attitude is."
The following morning, Xiao Jingchuan selected a trusted and eloquent general to go to the Xijing Kingdom's camp. Jiang Liushen, upon learning that Xiao Jingchuan had sent someone, felt a stirring in his heart. Recalling Gu Liuli's appearance the day before, he unconsciously straightened his robes before summoning the messenger into his tent.
After bowing, the envoy respectfully said, "Your Majesty, my general Xiao Jingchuan has sent me here in the hope of discussing peace with you. My Crown Prince and Crown Princess both believe that the current stalemate only increases the suffering of the people. It would be better for both sides to take a step back and turn hostility into friendship."
Upon hearing the words "Crown Princess," Jiang Liushen instantly pictured Gu Liuli's face. After a moment of contemplation, he slowly spoke: "Negotiating peace is not impossible. However, you must demonstrate sufficient sincerity and show me your resolve."
Jiang Liushen weighed the options in his mind and then voiced his guess: "I want to see your Crown Princess! Otherwise, there's no point in talking!"
"Go back and tell Xiao Jingchuan that I can consider peace talks. But the specific terms need to be discussed in detail by both sides. Three days later, have him and his wife come together. I want to discuss it with them in person," Jiang Liushen said firmly.
The messenger accepted the order and returned to the Ningguta camp, whereupon he relayed Jiang Liushen's words to Xiao Jingchuan. Upon hearing this, Xiao Jingchuan turned to Gu Liuli, his face filled with worry. "My wife, he wants you to go with me. I don't know what his intentions are. It might be dangerous; you shouldn't go. Why does he insist on having you go? I think there's something wrong!"
Gu Liuli gently shook her head, her beautiful eyes flashing with a resolute light, as if she had made up her mind. She said firmly, "Jingchuan, since he specifically asked to see me, there must be a deeper meaning to it. Perhaps my appearance can provide some protection. Besides, I am also very curious about this legendary emperor of Xijing Kingdom and want to see for myself what kind of person he is."
Looking at the stubborn Gu Liuli in front of him, Xiao Jingchuan knew he couldn't change her mind. In the end, he sighed helplessly and nodded in agreement: "Alright, in that case, we must be careful in everything we do."
Time flew by, and three days later, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli, along with a small number of agile guards, embarked on their journey to the agreed-upon location. They traveled without stopping, and finally arrived near their destination as the sun was high in the sky.
From afar, Jiang Liushen spotted that ethereal figure—Gu Liuli. She wore a simple white robe, its flowing fabric accentuating her graceful figure, like a celestial flower blooming in the sunlight, breathtakingly beautiful. Jiang Liushen's heart pounded, and he involuntarily took large strides, eagerly approaching Gu Liuli.
Before long, Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli arrived at the agreed location. Jiang Liushen had been waiting for them for some time. The moment his gaze fell on Gu Liuli, a fleeting, complex emotion flashed across his eyes. However, he quickly concealed it.
Jiang Liushen broke the silence first, a faint smile appearing on his lips. He bowed to Xiao Jingchuan and said, "Your Highness, I have long admired your name! It is truly an honor for me to meet you today." As he spoke, his gaze subtly shifted from Gu Liuli to Xiao Jingchuan.
Upon seeing this, Xiao Jingchuan quickly returned the greeting with a cupped-hand salute, his words neither humble nor arrogant: "Your Majesty's reputation is widespread, and I have long heard of you; you are a household name!"
The group took their seats, and the peace negotiations officially began. Gu Liuli sat quietly beside Xiao Jingchuan, observing Jiang Liushen's every move. She noticed that although Jiang Liushen tried his best to maintain the majesty of an emperor, a different kind of emotion would always be revealed in his eyes when he looked at her.
Xiao Jingchuan gently shook her head, her red lips parted slightly, and said, "Your Majesty, we have come from afar, undeterred by hardship, with sincere hearts, hoping to successfully reach a peace treaty with your country, so that the people of both nations can enjoy the blessings of peace." Her gentle and soft voice was like a warm spring breeze brushing past everyone's ears.
Standing to the side, Xiao Jingchuan also wore a solemn expression. He clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and solemnly said, "Your Majesty, we have come here with the sincere hope of reaching a peace agreement and ensuring the well-being of the people of both countries. Ningguta is of paramount strategic importance and is a place that military strategists must contend for. Therefore, Your Majesty truly needs to carefully consider this matter and weigh the pros and cons." His words were firm and resolute, revealing an undeniable determination.
At this moment, Jiang Liushen, who had been silent all along, nodded slightly, indicating that he understood the meaning behind Xiao Jingchuan's words.
However, when his gaze fell upon Xiao Jingchuan, he couldn't help but be secretly startled. The powerful aura emanating from this young crown prince was like a newly drawn blade.
Its sharpness was so intense that it was impossible to look directly at it. That aura was like a surging torrent, sweeping in with overwhelming force, just like an enraged lion roaring and baring its fangs, openly declaring its territorial sovereignty to the world.
This aura is like metal, cold and hard. Once it collides with a person, it is as if they are being violently struck by a thousand-pound hammer, causing the person's body to involuntarily take several steps back. Even the depths of one's mind will be deeply shocked by this fierce and unparalleled pressure.
Just then, Xiao Jingchuan, who had been observing coldly, suddenly spoke. His face was ashen, and he asked in a chilling tone, "I wonder what Emperor Jiang's intention is in staring at my lady so intently?" His question was like a thunderclap in the air, instantly making the already tense atmosphere even heavier. It was as if the air itself had been frozen solid by this sudden question, making it hard to breathe.
Upon hearing this, Jiang Liushen snapped out of his daze and quickly averted his gaze from Gu Liuli.
A faint sadness flickered in his deep eyes as he slowly said, "The reason I lost my composure like this is because Crown Princess Xiao looks so much like an old friend of mine... that I was momentarily stunned and lost my senses."
When Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli returned to Ningguta, Mu Zetian, Bai Jing, and the others rushed out anxiously. They were relieved to hear that Xiao Jingchuan and Gu Liuli were alright.
"Your Highness, what about the emperor of Xijing Kingdom?" Wang Guangrong asked, pulling the lively Wang Nannan along.
At this moment, Wang Nannan's previously listless eyes suddenly lit up when she saw Gu Liuli. She let go of her father's hand and ran over to her, hugging Gu Liuli's leg tightly with her chubby little hands, and calling out in a sweet voice, "Fairy sister, hug me!"
Wang Guangrong looked at his daughter speechlessly. He and his wife had warned her several times that she was the Crown Princess and that she should bow when she met her, but she still called her "Fairy Sister".
Gu Liuli's lips curled up slightly, revealing a gentle smile. She gently pinched Nan Nan's chubby little face, the touch soft and bouncy, like pinching a sweet glutinous rice cake.