"My lord Duobang, since you've said this, I won't hide anything. I want to write a letter to your king, hoping that our two countries can cease hostilities forever and live in peace."
Upon hearing Chen Xiaobei's words, Duobang was stunned. In his eyes, Chen Xiaobei still possessed a certain scholarly air.
The two countries had been fighting for so many years, killing so many people on both sides. A single letter to make them reconcile was nothing short of a fool's dream.
Thinking this, Duobang looked at Chen Xiaobei, a hint of disdain in his eyes. "Imperial Son-in-Law Chen, if I agree and seize the opportunity to return to the Great Tu Kingdom, wouldn't your plans fall through?"
Hearing Duobang's words, Chen Xiaobei nodded slightly, then gave him an approving look, signaling him to continue.
Duobang went on, "Of course, I, Duobang, would not do such a foolish thing. But let's be clear, I believe I can help you deliver the message, but whether the Emperor listens is beyond my control."
Chen Xiaobei smiled slightly upon hearing Duobang's words, "It's all about human effort. If you intend to, you will succeed. The situation is as it is. If our two countries continue to fight, it will likely be a lose-lose situation, and the Great Liang Kingdom to the east will reap the benefits."
Duobang's expression turned respectful again. "I have heard it said that it was Imperial Son-in-Law Chen who voluntarily suggested postponing my execution from spring to autumn."
"Duobang thanks you for this today. If we meet on the battlefield in the future..."
Before he could finish, Bai Han stepped forward, pointing at Duobang, and began to curse. "Duobang, Imperial Son-in-Law Chen was kind enough to spare your life, and yet you dare to speak such arrogant words? Are you not afraid I will cut you down with a single stroke?"
"Imperial Son-in-Law Chen bears the infamy of the world to save your life. And you, instead of showing gratitude, wish to confront us with weapons again? If that's the case, I might as well end your life right now."
Berated by Bai Han, Duobang's face turned a mottled red and white. Finally, he sighed.
"Captain Bai, you are right. I, Duobang, am not an unfeeling or unrighteous person. If I am fortunate enough to return to Starlight City, I will surely persuade my Emperor to cease hostilities and live in peace with the Great Cang Kingdom."
Chen Xiaobei nodded gently, knowing that Duobang was speaking the truth this time.
However, he also understood that relying on a few weak words to make Qiaopusen comply obediently was clearly impossible.
Chen Xiaobei looked at Duobang and said in a deep voice, "A while ago, my subordinates were a bit unruly and caused quite a disturbance in your Qingguang City. I heard even your Grand Tutor suffered."
Hearing this, Duobang's face changed. He understood Chen Xiaobei's words perfectly. It sounded like an apology, but it was, in fact, a profound threat: I can decapitate your Grand Tutor if I wish, and taking the lives of your Emperor and Crown Prince would be no difficult task.
After saying this, Chen Xiaobei turned to Bai Han beside him and said, "Prepare a swift horse. We will send Duobang on his way tomorrow morning."
With that, Chen Xiaobei stood up and left.
Bai Han, of course, played along. After Chen Xiaobei left, he sighed, "You kid, you're lucky. Imperial Son-in-Law Chen is in a good mood today. If you had encountered him when he was unhappy, your head might have been gone!"
"Do you know? Princess Royal has already stepped back from power. The one truly in command is the Imperial Son-in-Law!"
Hearing Bai Han's rambling, Duobang's heart tightened. If everything Bai Han said was true, then Chen Xiaobei could kill him with ease. This request to return and persuade Qiaopusen to surrender now seemed genuinely sincere.
Thinking this, Duobang bowed to Bai Han again and said, "Guard Bai, I, Duobang, swear that I will do my best to mediate upon my return, so that our two countries may renew their friendship!"
Bai Han did not reciprocate. He stepped forward, grabbed Duobang by the collar, and said coldly, "Duobang, listen to me clearly. From now on, you have one hour to sleep. After one hour, you get out of here."
With that, he waved his hand. A subordinate stepped forward and escorted Duobang away. Only after Duobang was out of sight did Bai Han turn and go to the next room, where Chen Xiaobei was drinking tea.
"Imperial Son-in-Law, the man has been sent off. I've also told him he has one hour before departure. I will arrange for someone to escort him and monitor his journey to ensure he reaches the Great Tu Kingdom!"
Chen Xiaobei nodded gently. Duobang was an important pawn, and he must be closely watched to prevent any mishaps.
...
Meanwhile, in Hetou Village, the New Year atmosphere had mostly faded. Cui Hongyu, however, seemed less cheerful. The weather was gradually warming, and the demand for charcoal in the city had dropped significantly. What should the villagers do next? She needed to think carefully.
One day after lunch, Cui Hongyu pulled Chen Qiao'er, and they sat in the courtyard basking in the sun. At this moment, Qiu Mei walked in with a smile.
Seeing her, Cui Hongyu quickly stood up. Qiu Mei had long since become Da Chun's second wife, so Cui Hongyu respectfully called her "sister-in-law."
"Sister-in-law, please come and sit."
Then she turned to Chen Qiao'er and said, "Qiao'er, quickly go into the house and get some dried fruits for sister-in-law to eat."
Qiu Mei waved her hand. "No, no. I was just passing by and wanted to say a few words."
As she spoke, Qiu Mei reached into her pocket and took out an apple, stuffing it into Chen Qiao'er's hand.
"Here, I brought an apple for you to eat."
Seeing this, Cui Hongyu smiled. "Sister-in-law, I have plenty of apples at home. You should keep it for yourself. Besides, you need to breastfeed."
"It's alright, it's alright. Da Chun went to the mountains yesterday and brought some fruits down. He was too embarrassed to come himself, so he asked me to tell you."
Cui Hongyu smiled and waved her hand. "Ah, sister-in-law, what are you saying? Those fruits are wild; they don't belong to me. Anyone can pick them. It's fine."
After a few more pleasantries, Qiu Mei changed the subject. "Hongyu, why do you look unhappy?"
"Alas, the weather is getting warmer, and fewer people need charcoal. I don't know what the village will do in the future. Brother Xiaobei didn't say anything before he left."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Mei also sighed. "Alas, I think we should stop worrying. Our ancestors have always made a living from the land. We should just farm honestly."
Saying this, she placed the apple on the table into Chen Qiao'er's hand again.
The fruits Da Chun had carried down from the mountains before the New Year were almost all sold. Cui Hongyu had kept none, so Chen Qiao'er hadn't eaten an apple in a long time.
Chen Qiao'er was very sensible and took the apple into the kitchen, cut it into small pieces, and served it on a plate.
Taking a bite of the sweet apple, Qiu Mei sighed again. "Usually, we farm, and in autumn, we go to the mountains to carry fruits to sell. We'll have some extra money to buy new clothes for the New Year."