The Eldest Daughter of a Rural Family
Chapter 1077 - 245: A Picture of a Divine Turtle

Chapter 1077: Chapter 245: A Picture of a Divine Turtle

Marquis Yongchang, Luo Zhen, felt that, after all, he was also a Hereditary Marquis. If he were to go on an expedition, even if he was not on par with Pei Hansan and Mo Heng, he was still someone who led troops. As long as he recaptured a city, he would have tangible military exploits to his name. Now, seeing Pei Hansan, he wanted to establish good relations first, "General Pei! I’ve heard that the Rong Clan wants to talk peace, but with a General like you here, how dare they occupy our Great Chu’s cities and yet still have the audacity to discuss peace! They truly think my Great Chu has no competent people!"

"Indeed, they are bullying us!" Pei Qin nodded.

"My Great Chu’s soldiers are brimming with valor, skilled in warfare, and General Pei’s righteousness reaches the clouds; you will surely make them come without returning! I, as Marquis, also want to join the General in battle to slay the enemy and exalt our national prestige!" With the matter not yet settled, Luo Zhen couldn’t spell it out to him, but with such an overture, he believed that when the imperial decree came down, Pei Hansan would also surely show him some favor.

Pei Qin looked at him with a smile and said, "Marquis Yongchang’s ambitions are grand, but I fear domestic entanglements will trip you up."

Luo Zhen, puzzled, thought she was implying he could not bear to leave his wives and children behind and burst into laughter, "I, as Marquis..."

Pei Qin had already turned her head, no longer listening to him, and walked straight towards the great hall.

Luo Zhen, momentarily stunned and feeling awkward, halted his speech, sensing that his incoming colleagues were looking at him with strange expressions. He felt embarrassed, took a deep breath, and stepped forward.

"To court—"

With an expressionless face, Pei Qin kneeled on one knee, "Long live my Emperor, long live, long live!"

"All ministers, please rise!" Emperor Yongle’s voice resonated with both dignity and warmth.

"Thank you, Emperor!" The crowd rustled to their feet, standing at attention.

Pei Qin, fixing her gaze forward, listened to the ministers discuss the Rong Clan issue, with many military generals volunteering to lead troops into battle, drive back the Rong Clan, and recover the lost territories.

Luo Zhen also stepped out from the ranks, proclaiming his loyalty with even greater fervor and grandiosity, "...even if I were to be a little soldier, I would repel the Rong Clan, recapture our lost land, and uplift our national prestige!"

Emperor Yongle glanced at Pei Qin, then his gaze fell upon Marquis Yongchang, "Granted."

Luo Zhen, elated, noticed that the Emperor had not granted permission to others but did soon as he came forward, which meant that yesterday’s news was indeed true. He immediately expressed his gratitude.

Observing the ministers, Emperor Yongle inquired further, "Since Marquis Yongchang is willing to become a little soldier to repel the enemy, do any other esteemed ministers have good strategies for driving back the enemy?"

Luo Zhen, still basking in his joy, froze upon hearing this, looking up incredulously at Emperor Yongle. His earlier words were merely courtesy, and surely no one would actually believe he was going to be a vanguard in the battle. He, a dignified Marquis Yongchang, was the Emperor seriously asking him to become a little soldier?!

However, Emperor Yongle no longer looked at him, instead listening to the ministers’ opinions and discussing the matter of peace talks with the Rong Clan.

The actual strategies for repelling the enemy were military secrets of the Imperial Court and would not be widely publicized in the court assembly; they were typically decided by the Cabinet and generals, who would lead the troops and adapt as the situation demanded.

The outcome of the discussions led many to favor battle, but as to how to fight, after the assembly, Emperor Yongle summoned members of the Cabinet and individuals like Pei Qin, Mo Heng, and Old General Dou to the Imperial Study Room for further consultations.

Pei Qin’s stance remained the same, "Since the Rong Clan wants peace talks, let them first show their sincerity for negotiations. This way, we will save our face, gain fair maidens, and also get the money for waging war."

Shen Bi and several others looked at her, "Such a practice may tarnish the reputation of our great nation."

"Half of our territory has been taken, people in Liaodong were taken to city walls to serve as human shields, forcing our soldiers to refrain from retaking cities to protect the civilians. What kind of reputation do we need to maintain against such treacherous foes?!" Pei Qin laughed; these so-called gentlemen and scholars from the literati were even better at doing shameless acts than she was, with the added bonus of beautifying their actions for themselves!

With those words spoken, nobody opposed her any longer. Wa Ci entering and the Rong Clan occupying Liaodong was indeed an unprecedented and immense humiliation for Great Chu.

"I am currently short on funds for military salaries; it would be good to have them send something over!" Pei Qin actually was more curious to see what the Rong Clan Princess looked like.

Such shameless acts could only be carried out so composedly and rightfully by General Pei. Shen Bi kept silent, tacitly agreeing with his eyes lowered.

The matter was thus settled; the Imperial Court agreed to the peace talks with the Rong Clan.

Shen Bi had other state affairs to report to Emperor Yongle and lagged behind.

After hearing the full report and approving it personally, Xiao Guangzhao talked to him about household matters, "I’ve heard that a Divine Turtle Painting has come into your possession, and it’s quite legendary. Bring it for me to see as well!"

Shen Bi was puzzled, "Emperor! This servant has not received any Divine Turtle Painting!"

"Oh? I’ve already heard about it, and yet you claim ignorance. Are you reluctant to share your treasures with me? Rest assured, servant, I don’t want your property; I just wish to borrow it for a look!" Emperor Yongle chuckled.

Shen Bi, utterly confused, left the palace, wondering if someone had tried to bribe him by sending a famous painting that his family accepted without his knowledge, and if the Emperor was implying a warning. And yet, if that were the case, his family would certainly not fail to inform him. Seeing the Emperor’s certainty, it couldn’t be a deception. He hurried home and inquired if anyone had sent him a Divine Turtle Painting.

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