Longevity: I am in the quiet garden, the sun and the moon

An additional chapter has been added to the previous chapter, please read on.

Three days later.

Yanjing, Zhenbei Palace.

"Your Majesty, Mr. Meng is back!"

"Please!"

Liu Li, who had a sad look on his face, suddenly became energetic. He stood up from his chair, waved his hand and said, "I will personally go to the door of the palace to greet you!"

As he spoke, he strode out of the living room.

In the past few days, Liu Li had been thinking about nothing but food and drink. The person he was about to greet was none other than Meng Zhihai, the counselor who was on an envoy to Northern Qi that day.

Although he still didn't know what the outcome would be, Liu Li felt relaxed instantly. The waiting was the most nerve-wracking thing.

After Liu Li waited outside the palace gate for a while, Meng Zhihai led several entourage to the palace gate and stopped.

"Sir, it has been a hard journey, but I hope you are back."

Seeing that it was Meng Zhihai, Liu Li excitedly stepped forward and grabbed the rope for him.

Meng Zhihai hurriedly dismounted and clasped his fists: "I have met the prince, so why don't you come out of the house to greet me in person..."

When Liu Li saw that Meng Zhihai looked slightly tired, he felt moved in his heart. He had originally thought that it would only take one day at the earliest, but he could imagine how difficult the journey would be.

"Sir, you're welcome. Come into the house quickly!"

Without saying a word, Liu Li pulled Meng Zhihai and they walked side by side towards the mansion.

When they arrived at the living room, as soon as Meng Zhihai put down the tea bowl, Liu Li couldn't wait to ask: "Sir, is this trip going well?"

"Thank you, Prince Hongfu, for fulfilling your mission. Northern Qi has agreed to our conditions, and to show sincerity, the second prince has also been sent here. He will surely arrive at Yuma Pass tomorrow."

"good very good!"

Liu Li nodded happily. This Yuma Pass was originally the border between Ye Qin and Dayao. It seemed that he was going to be stationed at Yuma Pass.

However, Liu Li soon corrected himself. He was just happy. Thinking that it couldn't be that simple, he quickly asked again: "Sir, please tell me what the conditions of Northern Qi are."

After hearing this, Meng Zhihai continued: "To be honest with you, the Northern Qi Dynasty has definitely agreed to let us garrison Yuma Pass, and also agreed to let you be the agent of Ye Qin's old territory, and the government affairs, money, food and taxes will all be under your control."

Liu Li nodded. This was expected. Otherwise, hundreds of thousands of troops would eat and drink whatever they wanted. Moreover, he knew very well that although it seemed like a great favor, in fact, Ye Qin had always been a mess. That’s all.

However, Liu Li didn't care about this, because it was good for him to have a place to settle down.

Then, Meng Zhihai continued: "Your Majesty, the Emperor of Northern Qi is planning to betroth their tenth unmarried princess to the crown prince."

Liu Li frowned, knowing in his heart that he wanted his son to enter the court as a hostage. This was understandable, but...

Meng Zhihai knew full well that Liu Li would definitely agree, and he also understood the doubts.

"Your Majesty, I understand your worries, but I'm sorry to say it bluntly, but the Crown Prince must go to Dadu immediately. This will only show our sincerity, and we have to go alone. As for the Crown Princess..."

Meng Zhihai paused intentionally. This was a family matter, not something he, a subordinate, could talk about.

However, the implication is very clear, just let Liu Li make the decision. Anyway, it is impossible for a princess of Northern Qi to be a concubine.

To put it bluntly, it is self-evident that Crown Prince Liuli is marrying rather than marrying.

Moreover, Liu Li only had this son, so Northern Qi would not let go of this opportunity to suppress him.

"But, are there other conditions?"

Liu Li had no other choice, so he agreed.

Meng Zhihai nodded, "There is one last condition, which is also the most important."

"Beiqi's intention is that the prince should not give up Yanjing unless he has to..."

"what?"

Before Meng Zhihai could finish what he said, Liu Li's eyes widened, and then he said: "What does this mean? Do you want me to fight to the death with the imperial army and take the remaining defeated generals to seek refuge?"

"This is our bottom line. Instead of doing this, why should we seek refuge in Northern Qi? I will just fight the imperial court to the death."

"otherwise!"

Meng Zhihai waved his hand hurriedly, Liu Li looked over immediately with burning eyes, and he continued.

"Your Majesty, the Northern Qi court just wants to consume Dayao's military strength, and it also knows that we have no choice but to have such a request."

"If you don't agree, then this negotiation will have to be terminated."

"But, Your Majesty, we agree to it, but from what I see, things are not absolutely led by them."

"Sir, do you have any countermeasures?"

Liu Li had a suspicious expression on his face. If he hadn't heard this sentence, he would have wanted to curse.

I thought to myself, good guy, this is not a negotiation, it is just groveling.

Meng Zhihai nodded, "Your Majesty, we can let the Crown Prince set off first to show our sincerity in surrendering!"

"But, sir, the prince is my only son. What if they turn against me when they arrive in Northern Qi? They use the prince to blackmail me and let me and the imperial court fight to the death. What should we do?"

Liu Li suddenly thought of this. If this was the case, not only would the negotiation be a waste, but his beloved son would also be involved.

heard.

Meng Zhihai was not surprised at all. Everyone knew the importance of this prince to Liu Li.

They have quite a few children, ten girls and one son, but after many years, there is no more male child.

Naturally, Northern Qi valued this.

Meng Zhihai couldn't feel the same way. He just wanted to facilitate this matter and save his family...

What Liu Li didn't know was that his counselor had been given a high salary by the Northern Qi Dynasty.

However, Meng Zhihai was not panicked at all. He knew that Liu Li would eventually agree.

He immediately said: "Your Majesty, I'm sorry to be blunt, but now is not the time to be indecisive. If we miss the opportunity, we will lose everything."

Meng Zhihai deliberately mentioned Liu Li's pain point. To put it bluntly, if you can't let go of your child, you can't trap the wolf...

Sure enough, Liu Li frowned when he heard this, thinking that there was nothing he could do. Then he thought that he was not fifty yet and might have a son in the future.

Thinking of this, Liu Li felt much better. He might as well save his life first.

"Sir, go on!"

Meng Zhihai smiled knowingly and continued calmly: "Your Majesty, for this plan, if we want to convince the Northern Qi court, in addition to ordering the army outside the city to fight vigorously, I'm afraid I need you to..."

Ok?

Liu Li frowned, a bad feeling welling up in his heart, and immediately asked: "What do you want me to do? Sir, there is no need to hesitate, but it doesn't matter!"

Meng Zhihai pondered for a moment, and then continued: "The prince needs to pretend to surrender and use his family as hostage..."

"what?"

Hearing this, Liu Li suddenly pulled a long face, and at the same time he looked confused. He seriously doubted that this was still his adviser?