The envoy from Zhaobi was deeply troubled. After inquiring everywhere, he heard that the emperor was reluctant to part with his princesses and had even planned to select a suitable general to send troops against Zhaobi.
Moreover, the King of Zhennan, who strongly advocated peace, had been barred from the palace in recent days and was not even allowed to attend court sessions, whether major or minor.
Lu Hongxi also heard the news that the emperor refused to negotiate peace, which made him extremely anxious. Every time he tried to enter the palace, the palace servants would drive him out, citing his injuries as inappropriate.
Due to his anxiety, a large blister appeared on Lu Hongxi's lip, and he had a poor appetite every day.
The princess consort had also calmed down and tried to comfort him. "As a subject, all we can do is advise. The emperor is the one who makes the final decision. He dotes on Ning'er and is reluctant to let her marry into a foreign land. There's nothing we can do. Just follow his will. When the time comes for you to lead the troops, go."
Lu Hongxi glared. "In this situation, where can I get the troops? If the garrisons in various places relax their vigilance, won't the Great Zhou fall into the jaws of danger?"
Unable to argue with him, the princess consort simply left the table.
It was Lu Wanning who said with a bright smile, "Father, I support you."
Lu Hongxi always felt guilty towards his daughter. "Ning'er, father..."
Lu Wanning shook her head. "Father, you don't need to explain. Daughter understands. Moreover, you don't need to worry. Since there's nothing to do today, you can take a stroll in the market to relax."
Lu Hongxi had no intention of going shopping, but after his daughter's repeated persuasion, he reluctantly agreed to go out after dinner.
Lu Wanning added, "Relax today. Early tomorrow morning, kneel outside the palace and loudly plead your case, asking the emperor to negotiate peace with Zhaobi."
Lu Hongxi hesitated. "But... once peace is negotiated, you'll have to marry into Zhaobi."
Lu Wanning said, "I've already made up my mind, father. National affairs are of utmost importance. Father, please don't delay the country's affairs because of your daughter."
Lu Hongxi was touched, comforted, and filled with guilt. In the afternoon, he obediently went to the market, planning to buy some small trinkets. He wanted to spend more time with his daughter these days and try to make it up to her.
During his stroll, he met the Zhaobi envoy who was also out to relax because of his anxiety.
The envoy naturally recognized Lu Hongxi. His eyes lit up immediately, and he invited Lu Hongxi to a teahouse for tea.
Lu Hongxi had no intention of having tea with the enemy. He just sneered and rolled his eyes. "Whether we'll be enemies or friends in the future is still uncertain. You represent Zhaobi, while I'm the marshal of the Great Zhou. Since we're currently on opposite sides, there's no reason for us to drink tea together."
The envoy was not offended. He just nodded and sighed. "In fact, we're both subjects. Although I represent Zhaobi, I can understand the general's feelings. Our king originally advocated war. He said that the Great Zhou is in a difficult situation now. If we go to war, we can surely get a share of the spoils like others. But I know in my heart that the Great Zhou is a vast and powerful country. How can Zhaobi compare with it? Moreover, Zhaobi has been relying on the Great Zhou for so many years. I understand the principle that if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold. That's why I persuaded the king to negotiate peace."
Hearing this, Lu Hongxi had an idea. "You persuaded your king to negotiate peace?"
The envoy lowered his head. "I also know that the princess who is going to marry into Zhaobi is your daughter, General. You're a worthy and admirable person. I immediately wrote a letter back to my country, asking the king to allow the princess to become the principal wife of the eldest prince instead of the king's main consort."
Lu Hongxi's eyes lit up. Although the eldest prince of Zhaobi was nearly forty years old, he was much better than the king. Moreover, the eldest prince had considerable influence and was the most likely successor to the throne. The king was too old, and it was rumored that he was in poor health. No one knew when he would pass away. If the Great Zhou had no chance to send troops against Zhaobi in the future, it would be better for Ning'er to marry the eldest prince than the king.
The envoy added, "I received a reply today. The king has approved it. And to show his solemnity, he's going to establish the eldest prince as the crown prince."
This was a real peace negotiation.
Lu Hongxi felt relieved. Although he still felt indebted to Ning'er, compared to the previous situation, this was much better.
Early the next morning, Lu Hongxi knelt outside the palace and pleaded with a heart - rending voice. He clearly stated the current situation of the Great Zhou again and again, asking the emperor to negotiate peace with Zhaobi.
Perhaps his patriotism touched the emperor. The emperor finally relented and nodded. He ordered the Minister of Rites to personally welcome the Zhaobi envoy into the palace and asked Lu Hongxi to accompany several ministers to negotiate peace with the envoy.
The Zhaobi envoy presented the king's reply, stating that Zhaobi's request for a marriage alliance was not a threat but a sincere desire to marry the princess and establish a good relationship between the two countries.
The emperor looked troubled. After a long time, he sighed. "My daughter, although she didn't grow up by my side, I love her no less than Princess Qingnian. Everyone in and out of the palace knows that she's my favorite princess."
The envoy quickly said, "I know, and my king also knows. After the princess marries back to Zhaobi, she'll be the crown princess and the main consort in the future. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
The emperor's eyes turned red. Looking at Lu Hongxi, he said, "Lord Lu, I was reluctant to part with my daughter before. Please forgive me."
Lu Hongxi immediately knelt down. "Your Majesty, you're being too kind. I'm deeply honored."
The emperor waved his hand. "Well, then let it be so. When will the wedding procession set off?"
The envoy smiled. "Your Majesty, I've been away from Zhaobi for two months. It's time for me to return."
The emperor's gaze was full of sadness. "The princess is ill and hasn't fully recovered yet."
Lu Hongxi was surprised. Was Ning'er ill? No, she was perfectly fine. Probably, the emperor was reluctant to part with Ning'er and wanted to keep her for a while. It was good to keep her for a few more days. He could only try his best to make up for his debt to his daughter.
The envoy quickly said, "I know how much Your Majesty dotes on the princess. Please rest assured. There will be Zhaobi's imperial physicians accompanying her."
The emperor sighed. "Since you've said so, I won't stop you. Well, set off in three days. In these few days, I'll select the attendants for the princess."
When Lu Hongxi learned that there were only three days left, he immediately rushed home and told his family the news.
The princess consort was even more heart - broken. She buried her head in her hands and cried bitterly.
Lu Hongxi originally thought he could spend three days with his daughter. But soon, someone came from the palace with an imperial edict, saying that the emperor had fallen ill due to a poor appetite and asked Princess Zhaoyang to enter the palace to attend to him.
The princess consort choked with sobs. "This... We only have two or three days to see each other, and even these two or three days are not allowed for me to be with my daughter?"
Lu Hongxi quickly tried to persuade her. "My lady, the emperor also dotes on Ning'er and misses her. Moreover, Ning'er is leaving soon. The palace has to prepare the relevant items. It's not appropriate for Ning'er not to be there."
It was Lady Wei who, after exchanging glances with Lu Wanning, frowned slightly, secretly held the princess consort's hand, and whispered something in her ear.
The princess consort stared at Lady Wei in surprise. Seeing Lady Wei nodding, the smile on her face couldn't be hidden.
Lu Hongxi was extremely surprised. "My lady, you... Ning'er is leaving soon. Why are you so happy?"
Seeing that the eunuchs were not far away, Lady Wei quickly explained, "Father - in - law, mother is just overly sad. I'll help her go down to rest immediately."