Yang Lingqi said, "Great Yong's move is truly masterful. On the surface, it looks like a concession, but in reality, they've extracted tangible benefits from Great Kang. They sent out special envoys to negotiate peace on both fronts at once, but their real aim is to stabilize relations with their neighbor, Great Kang, for the time being. Great Yong's new ruler must understand that fighting on two fronts is unwise. This approach allows them to wrest an enormous fortune from Great Kang while weakening Lord Hu's influence here." He did not spell everything out. In fact, Great Yong had another aim: to use the Imperial Court to keep Hu Xiaotian in check.
Qiqi said, "I'm only worried that Great Kang may spend the money without getting the grain it wants from Great Yong. After all, they control the grain. How much they charge and how much they sell us are entirely up to them." She paused, then continued, "There's only one reason His Majesty sent Su Yuchi to Yunyang. He's become deeply suspicious of Hu Xiaotian and fears a repeat of what happened with Li Tianheng."
Yang Lingqi and Huo Shengnan exchanged a glance, but neither spoke. In their hearts, they still sided with Hu Xiaotian. Although he had asked them to stay and assist Qiqi, she was, after all, a princess of Great Kang. She might be engaged to Hu Xiaotian, but she would still insist on defending Great Kang's rule. If she sensed that he intended to rebel, she might not stand on his side.
Qiqi said, "Forget it. Worrying any more won't help. The matter is already settled. You two may go. I still need to visit the palace and see His Majesty in person to find out exactly what he means."
After Yang Lingqi and Huo