"This... This involves the affairs of two countries. Uncle, please forgive this junior for not being able to comply." As expected, the Grand Elder's face looked extremely ugly.
"Of course this is a matter of state. I'm a national advisor, and His Majesty is here. What do you think we're discussing, Grand Elder?" The national advisor cast a sarcastic glance at him. "If it weren't for Xiao Jiu still taking a fancy to you, who do you think you are?"
Suddenly, the national advisor caught sight of Su Wan'er standing aside. "With our Xiao Jiu's natural endowments, and now with me, her uncle, around, even in the Jin Kingdom, she would be one of the most outstanding young ladies. His Majesty seems quite interested in our Xiao Jiu. I've watched His Majesty grow up, so I'm naturally very reassured about him. Moreover, the two of them look like a perfect match when standing together. They're much better than you."
Su Wan'er, who was still sipping tea, suddenly spat it out and then choked and coughed several times. This was really a coincidence.
To maintain the image of a persistent suitor for Xiao Jiu, Su Wan'er immediately acted obsequiously, even more so than the Grand Elder. "If Uncle agrees, this son - in - law - to - be will pay his respects now."
Sure enough, Su Wan'er's blatant interference made the Grand Elder's face turn ashen. "Who's your uncle! Emperor of Jin, stop causing trouble here."
"Do you know, old sir, that Xiao Jiu is pregnant with my child. If you insist on matchmaking her with someone else... what will happen to the child in her belly? Xiao Jiu will surely be embarrassed." The Grand Elder seemed to gain some confidence, finally finding his unique bargaining chip.
Naturally, the national advisor showed his cheeky side again. "It's just a child. Does the Grand Elder think I can't afford to raise it, or His Majesty can't? I believe the people of the Jin Kingdom are not narrow - minded. As long as Xiao Jiu is willing, they will surely tolerate the child."
The national advisor pointed to the military camp outside and said, "Moreover, the Grand Elder is worrying too much. If the Grand Elder doesn't agree to compromise with the Jin Kingdom today, he may die with regret before the child is born. Then wouldn't Xiao Jiu and the child be left as orphans and a widow? It would be better for her to marry His Majesty now. If the Grand Elder dies with regret, Xiao Jiu can still pay her respects as the Empress of the Jin Kingdom."
The Grand Elder suddenly fell silent, but his eyes were still glaring angrily.
"Grand Elder, you've seen the current situation. This is not only Xiao Jiu's own will, but also what the people of the Southern Border seem to want. You don't need to hold on to your status as the Grand Elder. I advise you to be sensible and go back to write a letter to submit to the Jin Kingdom. Then Xiao Jiu will naturally go back. The envoys of the Jin Kingdom will go back with her, and there will surely be benefits for the Southern Border."
"You're threatening me." The Grand Elder was extremely unwilling and disdained Su Wan'er's tactics. He now knew that Su Wan'er and Si Junlin's plan was to use Long Xiao Jiu to achieve the goal of ruling the Southern Border. But unfortunately, he had now made a big mistake and let others know his weakness. Long Xiao Jiu was his weakness. If Su Wan'er used even more despicable means and really threatened him with Xiao Jiu, he would have no way out. Moreover, Xiao Jiu was now pregnant and couldn't bear any danger.
"I have no intention of threatening you, nor do I disdain to do so. If you don't agree today, I'll send our 100,000 - strong army of the Jin Kingdom over. I'm sure we won't need you to write a letter to submit to the Jin Kingdom then."
The Grand Elder seemed to be struggling. "Let me see Jiu'er one more time. I have some things to ask her in person."
"No. Do you think you're in a position to bargain with me now? If you don't agree to what I've just said, that was the last time you'll ever see her in this lifetime." Su Wan'er stopped joking and resumed his serious imperial demeanor.
"What do you want to do to her?" The Grand Elder immediately became nervous, fearing that he would harm Long Xiao Jiu.
"What? I think the Grand Elder knows that the position of the Empress in the Jin Kingdom has been vacant for more than half a year. After we take over the Southern Border, Long Xiao Jiu will remarry here as the Holy Maiden. Then she won't even need to enter the palace of the Jin Kingdom. The wedding will be held right here."
Su Wan'er watched as the expression on the Grand Elder's face became increasingly ugly.
"I'm sure the Grand Elder won't be able to come up with an answer here. Why don't you go back to the palace and think it over slowly? If I don't receive a letter from the Grand Elder in my military camp three days later, don't blame me for being rude."
On one hand, he just needed to put down his so - called dignity to appease the people. On the other hand, it would be a disastrous strategy of losing both his lady and his troops, and a desperate resistance might not even lead to victory. Su Wan'er was very sure which path the Grand Elder would choose.
"Qing Cao, see the guest out." Su Wan'er thought that if he didn't leave soon, the two of them might start fighting.
"Has there been any letter from His Majesty these days?" Su Wan'er thought that Si Junlin hadn't replied for two days. Although there were dozens of secret agents there, she was afraid that the Grand Elder, having been angered by the two of them here, might be so furious that he would do something desperate and harm Si Junlin. What could they do then?
"No. It's been two days, and His Majesty hasn't sent a letter. Miss, do you want to write one to ask?"
"Come to think of it, the time is about right. Why don't we let His Majesty come back?" The national advisor had now recognized Xiao Jiu and finally let go of his grudges. He was really thinking about Si Junlin.
"Yes, it's been about the right time. Now it's all or nothing. It depends on whether the Grand Elder can let go."
"Su Wan'er, just in case, let Gu Jingtian lead a team of soldiers here to be ready to pick up Si Junlin."
"Let me lead the troops to pick up the marshal. There's been no news for two days. If the marshal is in danger..." Naturally, Gu Jingtian thought that it was still Su Wan'er in the Southern Border, so he was extremely worried.
"There's no need. General Gu just wait patiently. I've already sent secret agents there to protect the marshal. There should be no major problems."
"Come on, Xiao Jiu. It's windy outside. Let's go back." Su Wan'er gave the Grand Elder a horse and let him ride out of the camp. Long Xiao Jiu stood behind and watched him go. Naturally, she was very worried. "What if he refuses to listen to reason and insists on fighting the Jin Kingdom to the death? What can we do then?"
"Uncle Emperor, are you really sure? Although I know this man quite well, I don't know what he really cares about. If he cares about the dignity of the Grand Elder, he wouldn't sacrifice so many lives. He used to love his people."
"Silly girl, it's really the onlookers who see more clearly. What he cares about most is just you. Don't worry. He'll surely write a letter within two days after going back." Su Wan'er looked confident.
"Two days? Why are you so sure, Uncle Emperor?" Long Xiao Jiu was very surprised. She naturally didn't know that Su Wan'er had already used her as a bargaining chip and given the Grand Elder a three - day deadline.
"Ah, well, your uncle can tell fortunes. Let him tell you a fortune and you'll know." Su Wan'er felt that she had slipped up and quickly tried to cover it up.