South bank of Tiancang River, Jiangling.

There are many sweet-scented osmanthus plants planted in this house, which will not wither even in winter, and are now in full bloom in late autumn.

The courtyard is filled with the faint fragrance of flowers, and the gentle autumn wind from the south lingers on the tip of one's nose.

Through the diamond-shaped bay window, you can only see a corner of the world outside, with trees and flower branches stacked on top of each other. Although it is not as vibrant as spring, it is still peaceful and quiet. However, if you look at such a harmonious scenery for a long time, you will also feel boring and boring.

It's boring because people's hearts can't be at peace.

After listening to Xu Churong's apologetic retelling, Princess Qinghe raised her hand sympathetically to help her tidy up the scattered black hair on her temples, and said softly: "Silly girl, this is my sister's fate, there is no need to be sentimental about it."

Xu Churong shook his head and said, "Sister, things shouldn't be like this."

Princess Qinghe smiled and said: "There is no right or wrong in the world. In the eyes of my father, I am not only his daughter, but also the princess of Zhou Dynasty. Naturally, I have to bear the burden of the family and the country. No matter he wants me to marry

I went to Beiliang to ease the relationship between the two countries, and I still used this opportunity to seize Jiangling. In fact, I have no resentment in my heart."

Xu Churong looked at the calm-looking woman in shock.

She has been close to Princess Qinghe since she was a child and thinks she knows her very well. The princess sister in her memory has always been gentle and considerate. Everyone in the palace likes and respects her. But for Xu Churong, the princess sister is sometimes too

If you are too gentle and kind, such a temperament will inevitably be harmed. From that time on, she has always regarded Princess Qinghe as the object of protection, and does not want the filth of the world to invade this bright and flawless soul.

This was the reason why she wanted to destroy the marriage and marriage in the past, and it was also the reason why she insisted on sending Princess Qinghe to get married this time.

However, the words just now made Xu Churong suddenly realize that the princess sister was far stronger than he thought.

Like pampas grass on the riverside, soft yet tough.

"elder sister……"

"Don't worry." Princess Qinghe's eyes were soft, and she continued: "Although I am just a weak woman, my status as a princess is somewhat useful. If the marriage can still happen, I will try my best to make some attempts in the future.

As long as we can kill as few people as possible, our time in this world will not be in vain."

She smiled, held Xu Churong's hand and said, "If the marriage is over, I won't feel sorry for myself. Qingfeng Mingyue will know it. However, Churong, you should not reject the kindness of the Marquis of Zhongshan."

Xu Churong lowered his head sadly.

After all, she could not overcome the difficulties in her heart. Despite the malicious looks from outsiders, she still could not accept her father's betrayal to this day. Being able to continue to live strong instead of dying, her heart was already very strong.

Princess Qinghe sighed and said softly: "I can understand your mood, but maybe you haven't even figured it out yourself. Is not going back because you can't face the chief minister, or because you have the shadow of that person in your heart?"

"Ah...sister, what did you say?" Xu Churong's face showed panic.

Princess Qinghe said slowly: "You like Zhongshan Hou, right?"

Xu Churong's mind recalled the conversation he had with Pei Yue in the melting moonlight the night before the Jiangling Incident.

At that time, Pei Yue pointed out the traces of the conspiracy, but she did not want to believe it at all, and even wanted to witness it with her own eyes. After that, there were so many entanglements. After she mustered up all the courage to explain her thoughts in four words, Pei Yue had no

He said, looking extremely ruthless.

Princess Qinghe said with complicated emotions: "You are different from me. If the Marquis of Zhongshan has no intention and you go to Beiliang again, have you ever thought about how you will continue in the future? Churong, it is not that the chief minister does not love you. In the past more than ten years,

Is he just pretending? It’s just that our family and country come first, and we often have no control over ourselves, and no one can escape this bondage.”

Xu Churong still didn't answer the question. She slowly raised her head, with tears streaming down her face.

Just listen to her slightly raise her tone and say: "Sister, is it wrong to like someone?"

Princess Qinghe felt sad. How could she answer this question?

After all, she doesn't even have the right to like someone, let alone right or wrong.

"That's right."

A calm voice woke up the two women in front of the window.

They quickly turned around and saw Ye Qi standing by the door with a calm expression, staring at Xu Churong with tears in his eyes.

…

Inside the city council hall.

Pei Yue sat on the throne, flanked by Baoding Bo Cai Qian and a group of military generals. The atmosphere was solemn and dull.

Standing in the hall was an envoy from the Southern Zhou Dynasty. He was thin in stature, but had a calm demeanor and showed no sign of timidity.

Ten days after the victory of Hanyang, facing the aggressive situation of Daliang, the wind was trembling on the border of Southern Zhou Dynasty. I was afraid that if I opened my eyes, I would see a large number of cavalry heading south.

After countless quarrels in the court, Fang Xiexiao finally no longer wore the halo he once did. Not only were the civil servants opposed, but even many military officials began to question the prince. The vast majority of courtiers wanted the war to end.

At the same time, Xian Chunqiu, the Marquis of the North, also implicitly pointed out that the morale of the army was extremely low, and Emperor Qingyuan had no choice but to issue an order to seek peace.

The envoy's name was Chen Que, and he was the censor of Zuodu in the Southern Zhou Dynasty.

Pei Yue looked at the certificate of credence written by Emperor Qingyuan in his hand and said in a serious tone: "Chen Yushi, you are quite interesting to your Majesty."

This sentence was full of disrespect, but Chen Que said in a deep voice: "The words of Marquis Zhongshan are too frivolous."

Of course, there was no shortage of talents in the Southern Zhou Dynasty. There were all eloquent people at the Donglin Cultural Conference, and there were countless well-educated people in the court. It was not difficult to find an envoy with both eloquence and courage. This Zuo Du

The censor is obviously one of the best.

Facing the arrogant and powerful generals on both sides, after hearing the contempt in Pei Yue's words, Chen showed no fear and refuted it sternly.

Pei Yue smiled coldly, shook the credentials in his hand, and said expressionlessly: "You initiated this war, but you told so many nonsense stories. Don't you think it's ridiculous?"

Chen Que frowned. Of course he knew that this letter of credence did not imply any sign of submission, but this has always been the case in negotiations from ancient times to the present. It was nothing more than bargaining.

Pei Yue said: "Let us withdraw our troops from Hanyang City and then restore everything to before the Jiangling Incident?"

All the generals looked ferocious.

Chen Que said calmly: "Victory and defeat are common matters for military strategists. For both countries, the best solution now is to stop fighting and make peace. Marquis Zhongshan, your country's treasury is empty now, and it must not be able to continue a war. Of course.

, this battle is a great victory for your country, and our country is willing to make some compensation."

Pei Yue looked at the calm envoy, slowly sat up straight, and said in a deep voice: "Go back and tell your Majesty that this kind of condition should not be used to make people laugh. Although this war was started by you, it is still

We decide when it’s over!”

"Crack!"

He threw his credentials in front of Chen Que, stood up and said, "Since you refuse to bow your head, I will beat you until you bow your head!"
Chapter completed!