Traveling back to the Northern Song Dynasty: Picking up a princess as my wife

Chapter 421 The Mongols cede the Western Capital Road to the Han Kingdom

King Wanyan Ping of Fusang listened to the reports from his subordinates. After they finished speaking, he slowly began to speak.

"We must be cautious in our actions in the Han Kingdom from now on. Our Wei Kingdom has only been established for a short time. Neither our population nor our weaponry can compare with the Han Kingdom. We should not cause them any more trouble at this time."

Then, he turned his gaze to the strategist beside him and said softly, "Dongxu, the emperor of Han must have already seen through our scheme. In order to maintain harmony between the two countries, you should go there in my stead. Later, go to the national treasury and carefully select a few rare items as gifts, as a token of my sincere gratitude."

Upon hearing this, Wei Guo's military advisor, Cheng Dongxu, immediately bowed and agreed, then followed the official in charge of managing the national treasury out of the main hall. At this moment, only Wanyan Ping and a few key officials remained silently facing each other in the vast hall.

Wanyan Ping's expression was solemn, his eyes sharp, and he slowly asked, "How is the rebellion on Kyushu Island progressing?"

Upon hearing this, an official stepped out of the ranks, cupped his hands, and reported: "Your Excellency, our army is making every effort to suppress the bandits on the island. However, these Japanese are exceptionally cunning, and many Japanese warriors have used small boats to find gaps in the vast sea and quietly escape."

Upon hearing this, Wanyan Ping frowned, his voice low and firm: "Very good. Pass down the order to intensify the army's efforts to suppress the bandits, ensuring they are eradicated completely. Anyone who colludes with the bandits, regardless of who they are, will be severely punished without exception!"

Deep within the ruins of the former Jin Dynasty's capital, Daxingfu, Li Zhen, accompanied by Bu Liang, the powerful prime minister of the Han Kingdom, solemnly and warmly received the Mongol Han King, Naza, and his wise strategist, Wan Hanzhong, who had traveled from afar. As night fell, the ancient palace was relit, and a grand banquet began, as if traversing time and space to relive its former glory.

Inside the grand hall, flickering candlelight illuminated exquisitely beautiful scenes. Groups of graceful dancers, clad in shimmering, iridescent gowns, twirled and leaped lightly across the smooth marble floor. Each movement was like a gentle breeze rustling willow branches—soft yet powerful, a feast for the eyes. Their dance, like the brightest stars in the night sky, instantly captivated everyone present.

The Mongol ministers, accustomed to the vastness and grandeur of the grasslands, were now deeply captivated by the refinement and splendor of the Central Plains culture. Their eyes widened in astonishment, as if trying to take in all this beauty. Even the drool that slipped from their lips became an unintentional, slightly humorous interlude in this grand feast, adding a touch of unexpected liveliness and interest to this solemn occasion.

This scene not only demonstrates the importance both sides attach to this meeting, but also subtly builds a bridge for cultural exchange, allowing the customs of different ethnic groups to blend and collide at this moment, blossoming with a unique brilliance.

The Han monarch, Li Zhen, lightly raised the crystal-clear wine cup in his hand, a warm smile playing on his lips, and said loudly to the Khan seated above, "Hahaha... It has been several years since our brief meeting in Tangyin City years ago. Yet, looking at the Khan's demeanor today, he is still full of vigor and his heroic spirit remains undiminished!"

Upon hearing this, King Zahan also raised his wine cup with great gusto, his eyes shining with sincerity, and gave Li Zhen a distant toast: "Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. We, the people of the grasslands, are rugged and unruly, and we have many things we do not understand about the elaborate rituals of the Central Plains. If we have been impolite, we hope Your Majesty will forgive us and not take it to heart."

After several rounds of drinks and dishes, the two sides finally got down to business.

Li Zhen said to Naza, "I wonder what Khan Naza has thought about the issue of Xijing Road this time? Xijing Road is nothing to the vast Mongol Empire, but it is a very rare and valuable piece of land for our Han Kingdom."

Seeing that Li Zhen had finally gotten to the point, I stopped beating around the bush and spoke frankly: "Regarding this matter, I have already discussed it privately with several other tribal leaders. Admittedly, the area around Xijing Road is not rich in water and grass, and there are very few cities, but for many of my Mongol herders, it is their place of livelihood and the place where they live and live. If we rashly cede it to the Han Kingdom, I'm afraid it will cause unrest among the people and widespread resentment."

Li Zhen muttered to himself, but remained outwardly calm: "Hmph, they're clearly trying to raise the price on the spot."

As expected, Naza paused for a moment, then continued, "Now that we've come this far, since the Han emperor is so determined to obtain Xijing Road, our Mongols naturally cannot refuse to give you face. How about this, can we discuss a compromise? If the Han can slightly increase its aid in terms of food and supplies on top of the existing agreement, and help our Mongols build a magnificent city in Ulaanbaatar, I might be able to quell the discontent of my people and make this matter proceed smoothly."

Upon hearing this, Li Zhen did not respond immediately. Instead, he gently closed his eyes, his slender fingers rhythmically tapping the table, producing a crisp and steady sound. Everyone present involuntarily turned to look at the sound, their gazes focused on his seemingly casual yet profoundly meaningful action. They all held their breath, waiting for the attitude and decision of this Han monarch.

After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Li Zhen slowly opened his eyes and said with a smile, "I think we should do this: on the original basis, our Han Kingdom will add 50,000 dan of grain. As for your request to help you build a large city, that's also possible, but we'll have to have our 'unscrupulous prime minister' discuss it with you in detail afterward. After all, the distance is quite far, and transporting a lot of supplies and personnel will be a problem."

Upon hearing Li Zhen's quick agreement, Na Za was overjoyed and involuntarily stood up, holding a wine glass, and walked briskly toward them.

"Hahaha... As expected of the Emperor of Han, you're quite straightforward! Let's make a verbal agreement then. From now on, Xijing Road will be Han's for the taking."

After speaking, Naza tilted his head back and downed the Erguotou in his glass in one gulp, displaying a bold and unrestrained demeanor. Seeing that the two leaders were having such a pleasant conversation and the atmosphere was harmonious, the officials present were all relieved. So the music started again, the dancing became even more graceful, and the banquet returned to its jubilant state.

After drinking several cups of wine, Naza kept glancing at the dancers in the room and said with a big grin, "Emperor of Han, where did you find these beauties? Look at their graceful figures. Even as the Khan of Mongolia, I have never seen such beautiful women."

Li Zhen smiled slightly and said, "Since the Khan likes them, then these beauties will be given to the Khan. These dancers were originally palace dancers of the Jin Kingdom. They are not only extremely beautiful, but also very good at serving people."

Na glanced at Li Zhen, as if to say, "Then I'll accept without further ado, hahaha..."

Upon hearing that Li Zhen had presented these dancers to his Khan, the Mongol ministers below also showed delight on their faces. They pondered how to ask Khan Naza for beauties later, and no longer paid attention to the wine and food on the table.

After the banquet ended that evening, Li Qianmin'er helped the slightly drunk Li Zhen as they walked, saying, "Why are all these Mongols so lecherous? Look at how they behaved at the banquet, it was so disgusting."

Hearing his woman say this, Li Zhen stroked Li Qianmin'er's delicate face: "This is normal. After all, women on the grasslands don't act like this. Didn't the ancients say that food and sex are a man's nature?"

Li Qianmin'er asked in confusion, "Which ancient person said that? I don't know anything about it."

Li Zhen: "Hahaha... Madam, I'll tell you later. Come on, let's take a bath together."