"This matter, I will surely report the cause and effect to His Majesty, as for this marriage, it still needs to be reconsidered."
"The marriage was decided by the sovereigns of two countries. How can it be decided by your few words? General Ling, I advise you to take back the dowry, and this matter will be resolved."
This marriage was planned by His Majesty for a long time. Now that it is about to succeed, it must not be in vain.
"Since it was decided by the two Majesties, then today's events will be decided by the two Majesties."
Ling Mo Han said coldly, "Lu Shi, return the dowry and close the city gates."
"Yes, Young General."
Lu Shi ordered the men behind him to deliver all the dowry to Baili Xuan's side.
"My Xiliang will absolutely not accept returned dowry. Today, you must accept this dowry, whether you want to or not!"
Baili Xuan withdrew his gentle demeanor, his eyes filled with killing intent, and his hand was already on the sword at his waist.
"Even your grandfather was no match for me. Do you think you can defeat me with your abilities!"
Ling Mo Han did not take Baili Xuan seriously at all. If it were Baili Xi who was here today, perhaps he would have the ability to fight him.
"Today, I will experience the power of the God of War!"
Baili Xuan drew the sword from his waist, and his followers also drew their swords.
Fan Shun, who was in the middle, was so scared that cold sweat broke out on his back. He knew better than anyone that if a fight really broke out today, let alone his riches and honor, even his life would be hard to save.
"You two should not be impulsive. A single move can affect the whole situation. You should be cautious, cautious."
As soon as Fan Shun finished speaking, the sound of horse hooves and the neighing of horses came from afar.
Everyone's gaze turned towards the source of the sound. The yellow sand flew, obscuring everyone's vision. After a moment, a group of people could be seen rushing towards Yun City.
Compared to the confusion in everyone's hearts, Ling Mo Han was confident. After such a long delay, they had finally arrived.
A moment later, Chu Chenyi, the leader, appeared before everyone in armor, dusty and travel-worn.
Baili Xuan panicked instantly and hurriedly asked, "Dong Chu has dispatched heavy troops to the border. What is the reason? Are they trying to take advantage of our weakness and start a war!"
"The border is also the border of our Dong Chu. Do our soldiers have to report to you, Xiliang, for coming here!"
Chu Chenyi sat on his horse, looking down at Baili Xuan with a condescending attitude.
"Your Highness Jing, the diplomatic relations between the borders of the two countries have long been settled. I am just stating the facts. Why must Your Highness Jing be so aggressive? Doesn't it seem like you are guilty?"
"Lord Baili truly has a silver tongue, twisting things around in a few words. Ling is truly impressed. However, if your Baili clan could all abandon military arts and turn to civil studies like you, your lifespan would surely be extended."
Ling Mo Han always said things that hit people where it hurt. He knew that more than half of the men in the Baili clan had died on the battlefield.
And now, if his guess was correct, the only adult males left in the Baili family were Baili Xi and Baili Xuan.
These two naturally bore the responsibility of the clan's members, maintaining their honor, and more importantly, the duty of procreation.
After Baili Xuan came of age, he never stopped having concubines and maids in his rooms, bringing in one after another, but to this day, none of those concubines and maids had given birth to a single offspring.
Therefore, there were many rumors. Some said that Baili Xuan had problems in that area, and some even brought in tales of ghosts and gods, saying that the Baili family had committed too many killings, arousing the anger of gods and men, and that they were destined to have no descendants. The only way to break this curse was to accumulate merit and resolve the killings.
However, if this were the case, then they would have to lay down their swords and never kill again.
So the Baili family came up with an excellent plan: let Baili Xi continue to serve in the army, while Baili Xuan had to abandon military arts and turn to civil studies, taking on the responsibility of procreation.
Baili Xuan hated it the most when people talked about his inability to go to the battlefield.
It should be known that the Baili family had served Xiliang with great achievements for generations, and they had always produced generals, never civil officials. It was from him that the men of the family were to turn to civil studies. He had practiced archery and military tactics since he was a child, hoping to one day go to the battlefield, make great contributions to the country, and achieve unparalleled glory. But all of this was ruined by those ethereal matters. His life was destined to be spent amidst books and ink. How could he be reconciled to this?
"Your Highness Jing, General Ling, the matter of the marriage alliance is of great importance. The peace that has lasted for a hundred years between the two countries can be shattered in an instant. Everyone should prioritize the affairs of state and carefully consider before acting."
Baili Xuan said faintly, his face looking even more displeased.
"This matter is of great importance. We should report it to the sovereigns of both countries before making a decision. Lord Baili, please return!"
Ling Mo Han's goal was to postpone the marriage alliance for as long as possible. Having finally found such a perfect opportunity, he would naturally not let it go.
"Lord Baili, after I report this matter to His Majesty, we will make a decision. It is not suitable for the dowry to remain here any longer. Lord Baili, please take the dowry and return first."
Chu Chenyi followed Ling Mo Han's words, and he also knew that Ling Mo Han's actions were intended to delay the marriage alliance.
In the capital, ever since Ling Mo Han left, Baili Xi had been like a person without restraint, and his interactions with court officials had become more frequent. If the two countries were to form a marriage alliance, and Mu Rong Jin Yun were to marry into Dong Chu, it was likely that the entire capital would be filled with Xiliang spies. If things were to develop to that point, Dong Chu would be in grave danger, and the day of its downfall would not be far off.
Even though Baili Xuan was eloquent, he was still defeated in his contest with Ling Mo Han and Chu Chenyi. Moreover, the disparity in military strength between the two sides had already determined who held the power of speech.
After a pause, Baili Xuan still led his men and the dowry back.
Fan Shun was truly starting to fear now. If it had been only Ling Mo Han, he could have found some excuse to get by. But this was His Highness Jing, the second prince of His Majesty. Even if he had the courage of a lion, he would not dare to lay a hand on a prince. Furthermore, if His Highness Jing suffered even the slightest harm, he would be held responsible.
"Your Highness, General, it's getting late. Why don't we go to my residence for a meal?"
Fan Shun's untimely interruption broke the conversation between the two.
Chu Chenyi cast a displeased glance at Fan Shun. This person was truly oblivious to the situation. He hadn't noticed that he was talking with Ling Mo Han and yet insisted on interrupting at this moment.
"Your Highness, your subordinate is Fan Shun, the guard of Yun City." Fan Shun said with a fawning expression.