big song poppi

Chapter 620 0617 [To Stop or Not to Stop]

Even if you fail to pass the imperial examination in Central China, as long as you have studied abroad, you will still be reused after returning to China.

Therefore, many powerful and wealthy families in Goryeo and Dali would send their children to the Central Plains for gilding, studying in the Imperial Academy, and then return home after completing their studies.

In addition to Jin Duan, there were several officials who had studied in Central Plains among the officials who came to greet them. Their speech and behavior were almost the same as those of Central Plains people, and their Central Plains accent was even more standard than Ma Kuo's.

With a smile on his face, Ma Kuo greeted the Goryeo officials one by one in a polite and relaxed manner.

At this moment, Tuo Junjing noticed Li Nanjia and couldn't help but ask curiously: "Who is this?"

Ma Kuo introduced: "This is the Princess of Moling, the current commander of the military and navy."

Hearing this, Tuo Junjing and others were stunned.

They could understand the title of princess, but it was a bit awkward for her to have a navy title as well.

Besides, can a woman from Central Plains also become a general?
After a brief moment of distraction, Tuo Junjing bowed and said, "Princess Moling is as brave as any man. She is truly a heroine."

"Thank you for your compliment, Takumi."

Li Nanjia returned the greeting with a fist salute, his tone neither salty nor bland.

Seeing this, Tuo Junjing no longer wanted to make trouble for himself, and turned around and said, "Minister Ma has been very tired from the journey. Duke Li has already set up a banquet to welcome the angels."

"Good work."

Ma Kuo chuckled.

Tuo Junjing waved his hand and said, "Minister Ma is too polite. The Celestial Empire has traveled thousands of miles to confer the title on our king. This is truly a blessing for Goryeo."

Nice words don't cost money, and as long as they can make the envoys from Qi happy, it's totally worth it.

Moreover, Qi was the suzerain state and should be treated as a vassal.

After Ma Kuo and other envoys were welcomed onto the carriage, Tuo Junjing came to Li Nanjia and said apologetically, "Kaijing is the royal city, so we have to ask the heavenly soldiers to stay in the harbor temporarily. I hope Lord Moling will understand. As an apology, all the food and grass will be supplied by our country."

Li Nanjia said in a cold tone: "I appreciate Prime Minister Tuo's kindness. The commander-in-chief will be responsible for the navy's food and supplies."

"That's fine too."

Tuo Junjing waved his hand and called a general over, saying with a smile: "Princess Moling, this man is a general under my command. If you have any instructions, just look for him."

The general said in a loud voice: "General Li Chengxiao pays homage to Princess Moling."

"Ah."

Li Nanjia nodded slightly.

After settling the Qi navy, Tuo Junjing pulled Li Chengxiao aside and whispered, "This woman is not a simple person, don't neglect her. As long as the request is not excessive, just agree to it."

"I understand."

Li Chengxiao nodded in response.

Just kidding, he is not a fool. The other party is a princess and a handsome man. It would be a miracle if his identity is simple.

Maybe she is the mistress that the Emperor of Qi keeps outside the palace.

Tuo Junjing solemnly warned: "Remember, keep a close eye on the Qi navy, and report immediately if there is any unusual movement."

Li Chengxiao hesitated and said, "Sir, if the navy of the upper country really makes unusual movements, should we stop them or not?"

This matter must be clarified, otherwise if it is not handled properly, the consequences will be something he will not be able to bear.

"bar!"

Tuo Junjing said after thinking for a moment, and then quickly added: "But even if you want to stop it, you must be careful with your words. Unless it is absolutely necessary, don't do it."

He didn't dare to fall out with the superior country, and was still hesitant when faced with life-and-death matters.

Li Chengxiao responded: "I understand."

……

When we returned to Kaijing, the moon was already at its zenith.

After settling the angel from the upper kingdom in the inn, Tuo Junjing rushed to the Duke's Mansion without stopping.

It was late at night, but the Duke's Mansion was still brightly lit.

Li Ziqian sat in the lobby, sipping tea, looking tired.

"Meet the Duke."

Tuo Junjing walked into the lobby and bowed to greet everyone.

Li Ziqian took a sip of tea and asked, "Is the angel settled?"

"It's settled." Tuo Junjing nodded and said in detail: "The leader of this trip is Ma Kuo, and his attitude is quite friendly, at least on the surface. In addition, the commander of the navy is a woman, named Princess Moling."

"Princess Moling?"

Li Ziqian frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and chuckled, "No matter who she is, she is a woman after all. This shows that the original intention of Qi State to send these 5,000 naval forces is consistent with our guess."

Tuo Junjing's eyes lit up: "What the Duke said makes sense."

If they really wanted to take action, they would never let a woman be the commander.

After putting his worries to rest, Li Ziqian stood up and said, "Tomorrow my Lord will hold a banquet and personally entertain Ma Kuo. It's late now, you've worked hard today, go back and rest early."

Tuo Junjing did not leave immediately, but asked: "Duke, Wang Qi is a variable after all, why don't I order someone to..."

"What's the urgency?"

Li Ziqian waved his hand and said, "Wang Qi is just a stray dog. He can be crushed to death at any time. The most urgent task now is to stabilize the angel. Once the angel leaves, there are plenty of ways to deal with him."

"I understand."

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Tuo Junjing nodded and turned to leave.

The next day.

After a night's rest, Ma Kuo got up early as usual. Before he finished his set of sword skills, Tuo Junjing arrived.

"What a beautiful swordsmanship! Minister Ma is a master of both civil and military skills. I admire him."

Tuo Junjing was a martial artist and also a connoisseur. He could tell at a glance that Ma Kuo's swordsmanship was not just fancy stuff.

Ma Kuo said modestly: "Haha, I just made a few gestures to make Prime Minister Tuo laugh."

"Minister Ma is too modest."

After complimenting him, Tuo Junjing stated his purpose: "Duke Li has set up a banquet at his mansion to entertain all the angels. Please come and have the honor of attending, Minister Ma."

Ma Kuo said sternly: "There is no need for a banquet. According to etiquette, I should go to pay my respects to the king of your country."

Ma Kuo did this intentionally, otherwise it would have aroused Li Ziqian's suspicion.

As expected, Tuo Junjing pretended to be suddenly enlightened and said, "I was negligent. I should have seen the king first."

Ma Kuo ordered his men to fetch the letter of credence and handed it over, saying, "Please ask Prime Minister Tuo to present the letter of credence on my behalf."

"Ma Shangshu, wait a moment. I will go right away."

Tuo Junjing took the letter and turned to leave.

After leaving the inn, he did not go to the royal city, but went straight to the Duke's Mansion.

Walking into the hall, Tuo Junjing reported: "My Lord, Ma Kuo really declined the banquet and requested to see the king."

Li Ziqian asked, "Has everything been arranged in the palace?"

Tuo Junjing said confidently: "Please be at ease, Duke. Wang Kai knows that he is a bird in a cage and is willing to cooperate."

"Ah."

Li Ziqian showed a satisfied look on his face and ordered: "Send the letter to the palace and inform all civil and military officials that the enthronement ceremony will be held tomorrow."

Tuo Junjing asked: "Over at the inn..."

Li Ziqian ordered: "Everything remains the same. Let Jin Duan entertain the angels and accompany them on the tour. And find a reason to send Wang Qi away."

……

Kaesong Port.

Overnight, the navy used local materials to build a simple military camp.

In the evening, in a foot shop in the port town, Li Chengxiao sat on the second floor, sipping wine and looking towards the military camp from time to time.

At this time, a soldier climbed up to the second floor using a wooden ladder.

Seeing that the person coming was his personal guard, Li Chengxiao asked, "How is it? Is there any movement?"

The guard replied, "Since the navy of the upper country entered the military camp last night, no one has left the camp until now. Only at noon did they order the townspeople to send more than a dozen carts of clean water and cabbage."

Hearing this, Li Chengxiao couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief, and his heart was at ease. He ordered: "You'll have to work hard these few days and continue to watch. After the navy of the upper country leaves, you will definitely get some benefits."

"I understand."

The confidant bowed in response, and then continued to follow excitedly.

(End of this chapter)