After rebirth, I made the princes cry

Sikong Mujiao came to call his fellow "comrades" on the same ship to the cabin to discuss business matters.

This time they represented Dayu on a diplomatic mission to Northern Han. Although they were traveling with the envoys of Northern Han, they were on separate ships for the water journey. Therefore, they did not have to worry about being eavesdropped when discussing strategies in the cabin. It was indeed most convenient to discuss things on board.

Yingshu concluded that after arriving in Chang'an, Jiang Tai would definitely let Dianjun live in the Han Palace. Only as a deputy envoy and a woman, she had sufficient reason to accompany Dianjun. The Third Prince and Nanci would definitely be placed in the envoy's post. Although there would definitely be a chance for them to meet, it would be greatly inconvenient for them to discuss business.

The third prince was really hardworking. He had just studied hard in the cabin for two hours and after taking a short rest with a cup of tea, he was already busy convening a small meeting.

"Why did the Northern Han Dynasty choose Han as its country name?"

Northern Han is actually not the accurate name of the country. Just like Eastern Yu, the six northern kingdoms divided Yu into Western Yu and Eastern Yu. The people of Yu also added the word "North" before the names of the six northern kingdoms.

The third prince asked Yingshu directly, as if he was sure that Nanci could not give him an accurate answer.

"Because of the scheming of the Supreme Lord of Northern Han." Ying Shu said.

"What's the plot?"

"Whether it was the Western Qiang or the Xiongnu, they were all conquered by the Han Dynasty. The Han emperor was once worshipped by the Yi tribes as the common ruler of the world. During the Han rule, Chang'an was the capital. Now that the Northern Han occupies Chang'an, it makes sense to use Han as the country's name. As for the scheming, of course it is to suppress the Northern Zhao in name."

"After the Han Dynasty, the Huaxia people were still called Han people. I am really not used to the fact that the Han ruler has become a barbarian of the Yi tribe." The third prince said with a stern face.

Ying Shu, however, did not take it seriously. "The former glory of the Han Dynasty, after hundreds of years, still has an impact on the Yi tribe. The Yi tribe is proud of it and is willing to consider themselves the descendants of the Han people. Why would we, the subjects of China, feel resentful? Your Highness should face up to the fact that Chang'an and other places have fallen into the hands of the Yi tribe. No matter what name they come up with for the country, it is a shame for our monarch and ministers."

The third prince felt even more upset.

If it weren't for the internal strife within the Sikong royal family, Luoyang would not have fallen, and the six barbarian tribes would not have divided up most of the territory north of the Yangtze River. This shame, in the final analysis, is a shame for the Sikong royal family.

"The rise and fall of a nation is inevitable, but the current situation not only concerns the honor and disgrace of a family, but also needs to learn from our mistakes and then be brave. This is not just the responsibility of the royal family." Ying Shu really wanted to comfort the third prince.

She had never met Sikong Mujiao before, but because she occasionally stayed in Zhaoyang Palace, she had met Madam Zheng several times. At that time, Madam Zheng never made things difficult for her, but she never gave her a good face. She only remembered that Pei Yu once complained to her that he was humiliated by the sons of Changping Zheng, and she told Penglai Jun. As a result, Penglai Jun took her to kill Changping Zheng and argued with the female ruler of the Zheng family. The son of the Zheng family who humiliated Pei Yu personally came to apologize, and the matter was settled.

Later, she heard that at a palace banquet, Madam Zheng embarrassed Lord Penglai in public, but Madam Zheng was reprimanded by the Emperor for doing so.

Pei Yu was uneasy for a long time because he was afraid of offending the third prince.

According to Pei Yu, the Third Prince was filial to Madam Zheng, but because of Lord Penglai, Madam Zheng was punished, so the Third Prince would definitely bear a grudge against him.

Yingshu felt a little offended at the time. How could it be Penglai Jun's fault? Who did Penglai Jun stand up for that caused Madam Zheng's hatred?

But she was already pregnant at the time and was too lazy to argue with Pei Yu. She also thought that Pei Yu was just saying it casually because of his worry and she didn't really believe that she was implicated by Penglai Jun.

But privately, she still asked Penglai Jun whether Madam Zheng would hold a grudge against her for this.

"Yes." Penglai Jun answered straightforwardly, but he was not worried at all: "If the Third Prince had the same broad mind as Madam Zheng, he would not be able to sit in that position. It doesn't matter whether Madam Zheng holds a grudge against him or not."

After her rebirth, she and Madam Zheng had a formal fight. In her opinion, Penglai Jun's judgment of Madam Zheng was very accurate. Madam Zheng was indeed more cunning than Madam He. Perhaps she was a leader in the inner court - this was also based on the fact that her opponents were Queen Yu, Madam He, Qiao Xiuhua and the like, and she had the support of the Changping Zheng clan and other families - but Madam Zheng lacked political vision and foresight, and she was too proud and therefore lost her self-knowledge. If she had not had a biological mother like her, perhaps Sikong Mujiao would not have been defeated in his previous life.

Yingshu now truly regarded the Third Prince as her rival.

Not an enemy.

Especially now, they are truly in the same boat. They must trust each other and unite to accomplish their mission and return home safely. Future competitions will be future competitions, and even if there will be a winner in the future, Yingshu at least believes that there will be no life-and-death struggle between the third prince and Nanci.

The third prince still frowned.

But his reluctance and anger had subsided a lot. He held the teacup in one hand but didn't pick it up for a long time. "It was the Northern Han Tai Zun who proposed the country's name. Although Tai Zun and Jiang Tai and his son are not on good terms, they both have the ambition to unify the world. The Northern Han has no sincerity in establishing diplomatic relations with the dynasty. Jiang Tai will definitely go back on his word."

"He will not allow the prince to return to the court willingly, but whether he is willing or not is actually irrelevant." Yingshu said.

"Our delegation has only 120 guards." After saying this, the third prince looked at Nanci.

"We can't force Jiang Tai to compromise by relying on the envoys' guards alone." Nan Ci said, "Third brother, you also know that although the Flying Eagle Tribe has spies lurking in Northern Han, even if we don't hesitate to expose all the spies planted in Northern Han, with less than 300 people, we certainly can't help the prince escape."

"Our only chance is to use those nobles in Northern Han who still respect Jiang Mo and are dissatisfied with Jiang Tai to force Jiang Tai to fulfill the peace agreement."

Yingshu did not intend to tell the Third Prince about the surprise attack on Hanzhong at this time. This was certainly not out of caution, but because before she set out, His Majesty repeatedly warned her -

"Sanlang will not have any ulterior motives, but he is young and impetuous after all. If I tell him about the surprise attack plan first, I am worried that he will reveal his flaws. This is why I did not let Silang directly give the Black Jade Order to Sanlang and Wulang, but let the emperor Xiu you and let you recruit the spies of the Flying Eagle Department. Alas, I still don't know enough about my own son. On the contrary, you, girl, have handled every matter very well since entering the palace, especially after being transferred to Qianyang Palace."

Regarding the surprise attack plan, Sikong Yuehu only planned the framework. As for many details, they had to be quantified based on the specific situation they would face after arriving in Northern Han. The key difficulty was how to ensure that Dianjun could escape safely from Chang'an, at least until he reached Hanzhong, so that he could be picked up by the Shuzhou guards led by Qi Yang and return to the jurisdiction of Dayu.

To escape from Chang'an, he must rely on the noble guards of the Northern Han Dynasty who are against Jiang Tai. However, among these people, only Yingshu can judge who is reliable and who is not.

The third prince did not need to launch a surprise attack on Hanzhong, and of course he did not need to know about the plan of a surprise attack.

Yingshu told the Third Prince at this time: "Jiang Tai probably didn't expect that not only the Lord, but also two other princes would accompany the envoy to Northern Han. In comparison, my role is the lightest. Even though Jiang Tai knows that His Majesty thinks highly of me, there are many rumors even in Jiankang, saying that the Lord believed my sweet words and was instigated by me, so he asked to go on the mission to promote diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Jiang Tai would think that His Majesty appointed me as Shangshu Lang and granted me the position of deputy envoy, which would make it easier for me to take care of the prince. On the other hand, even if he went back on his word and detained the prince in Northern Han, there was no need to detain a female official like me as well. Therefore, I was the one in our delegation who was most likely to return to Dayu safely.

In other words, Jiang Tai will not pay that much attention to me, and I will be relatively free to act. I also have a very appropriate way. I have tamed a bird, and I have agreed with the Fifth Prince on the method of secret letters. If something unexpected happens, even if I cannot discuss it with the two princes, I can let the bird deliver the letter to the two of you. "

"Birds? Where are the birds?"

Yingshu smiled: "In my cabin."

As for Wen Ji, Sikong Yuehu has already made it clear to the Emperor. His Majesty knows that Wen Ji was domesticated by Sikong Yuehu, but now since the plan of surprise attack on Hanzhong has to be kept secret from the two princes, of course this bird can only become Yingshu's domesticated "pet".

His Majesty did not expect that, although Wen Ji was indeed tamed by Sikong Yuehu, he had been borrowed by Yingshu a long time ago, and Sikong Yuehu did not let her return him. This special "spy" Wen Ji had already played a role when His Majesty set questions to test Nanci last time.

"Deputy Envoy Wang still has to pay attention to protecting his own safety." The Third Prince did not ask to see the bird: "Jiang Tai will not harm the Lord, but he may not harm you. You said it yourself, compared to us, you are the least important. Jiang Tai still has some concerns about us, but if he becomes suspicious of you..."

"Dayu's future crown princess is not someone Jiang Tai can harm if he wants to." Nan Ci interrupted the third prince.

The third prince remained silent.

In the past, he was not sure about Wang Wu Niang's thoughts. When his mother was certain that Wang Wu Niang was a fence-sitter between the Eastern Palace and Guisu Mansion, he was half-believing and half-doubting. Even when his grandfather suggested that he try to make Wang Wu Niang his concubine, he had considered this plan. But on this trip, he was sure that Wang Wu Niang had already set her sights on Sikong Nanci.

There is mutual affection between these two people.

If Wang Wuniang had not been determined to accompany Dianjun into danger, Sikong Nanci would not have volunteered to be the commander of the delegation. Sikong Nanci is truly a passionate man.

"Let me ask you something off topic." The Third Prince remained silent for more than ten breaths. "Why did Deputy Envoy Wang take the initiative to ask to accompany him to Northern Han?"

"Your Majesty was not convinced by me." Ying Shu said frankly, "Your Majesty had anticipated Jiang Tai's plot long before Jiang Mo arrived in Jiankang. With Your Majesty's permission, I also told Your Majesty about your concerns. Your Majesty did not hesitate at all and said that if Jiang Tai really wanted to ask her to be an envoy to Han, she should share His Majesty's worries. In the face of the safety of the country, personal safety is a small matter.

I admire your ambition very much and am willing to work with you. I believe that with me by your side, I have a 50% chance of ensuring your safe return. Now that you have the two princes to escort you, the chance has increased to 100%. I have the confidence to win. "

"Okay." The third prince paused for a moment.

At the court meeting that day, he actually never thought of recommending himself as the deputy envoy. He never thought that his father would announce in the court that the female envoy recommended herself to accompany the envoy to Northern Han. Recommend herself!!! He never doubted this statement, because if Wang Wuniang had not recommended herself, his father would definitely not force Wang Wuniang to take the risk. He was excited at the time, but also ashamed. He never thought that as the prince of Dayu, he should not hide behind two women and enjoy peace. He should stand up, not just to share the worries and difficulties for the emperor and father.

He hadn't thought it through.

He even had a naive idea: I am a man and the prince of Dayu, how can I lose to a girl in skirts?

Although he had volunteered to be an envoy on impulse, he had never regretted it. Although he had never regretted it, he did not have much confidence. But now he has it. He has never been so proud. Their delegation did not establish diplomatic relations because of humiliation. Last year, Sikong Yuehu led the army to a great victory over Northern Zhao, prompting Northern Zhao to abolish the terms that were obviously humiliating to Dayu. At that time, he was full of jealousy and hatred towards Sikong Yuehu.

Today, he faces up to his shallow and narrow-minded self in the past, but he can stand up straighter with more pride.

I have lived up to my surname, I am worthy of my emperor, my father and my subjects, and I am very fortunate.

Wu Niang of the Linyi Wang family entered the palace for selection. I felt deeply frustrated because of this woman. I had maliciously speculated about her intentions, but fortunately I met such an opponent. She was a strong opponent. She made me see my own shallowness and ignorance.

It was she who awakened my fighting spirit.

My surname is Sikong. My enemies are the barbarian tribes who are trying to seize the kingdom of my Sikong royal family. They are not Sikong Beichen or Sikong Yuewu. I can compete with them in an honest way.

Going to Northern Han as an envoy is my first step.

Sikong Mujiao did not choose his own personal guards this time. Of course, he had this privilege, but he gave it up. It was not until he calmed down from his passion that he realized that he did not have any confidants he could trust. His left and right people, who he used to consider as confidants, were either chosen by his mother or his grandfather. However, both his mother and grandfather were furious with his decision to recommend himself as an envoy.

"I didn't expect my son to be so stupid!!!" - This was the mother's scolding.

"I did remind you to try to win the daughter of Wang over to your side, and to allow her to become your principal wife if necessary. But I didn't expect that you would become just like Sikong Nanci, blinded by lust. You're even worse than the crown prince!" - This was the scolding from my grandfather.

Who do they take him for?

The smart son in the eyes of his mother is the one who obeys her. The promising Jiaosu Jun in the eyes of Duke Changping is also the Jiaosu Jun who obeys his orders. In their eyes, he is actually good for nothing.

Back then, when he neglected his studies, neither his mother nor his grandfather cared, and they protected and indulged him. So when he saw the prince working diligently, his heart was filled with contempt for the prince - what's the use? You have such a poor mother, destined to be my stepping stone.

At that time, he actually only regarded trash like Sikong Yuewu as his opponent.

Now that he thinks about it, it is understandable that his father is partial to the crown prince, but he indulged in his partiality and did not give up on him. Every time he examined him, his father took him seriously. When he saw through his perfunctory attitude, he became furious, but he did not feel ashamed at the time. He did not take the emperor and his father seriously. Sometimes he could feel his father's gaze on him, which became more and more sad and helpless, but he did not understand why his father looked at him like that.

Now, I suddenly understand.

His father gave him enough opportunities and room to choose, and he was just one step away from standing against his father.

Before leaving, his father summoned him and told him: "You are not selective with your personal guards because you trust me. I am very comforted, Sanlang. We have never had a heart-to-heart talk between father and son. I will wait until you return safely and after the celebration banquet, and then we will talk about it."

Going upstream, far away to a foreign country, he did not feel lonely.

Everyone on this ship is an ally sharing life and death, he had no doubt about it, he had never been so confident.

In Jiankang, he has a king and father who are looking forward to his safe return, and he has brothers and sisters who can be trusted with life and death, as well as comrades.

He did not appreciate the moon on the river when he left, but when he came back he invited people to sing and drink. He was already looking forward to the near future, when on his return journey, he would not get drunk or sleepy with those who traveled with him this time.