I am the villain in the book

“Peace talks?”

The carriage was still speeding through the endless Gobi Desert. Wei Changtian learned of this news that very night.

Ning Yongnian arrived in Huailing City in the morning, met with Li Wutong in the afternoon, and he received the news in the evening.

The speed wasn't because Wei Changtian's intelligence network in Huailing City had become all-seeing, but simply because the peace talks were now common knowledge in Huailing.

Without a doubt, Ning Yongnian had deliberately leaked the information.

He not only wanted to talk, but it wouldn't be a "closed-door negotiation", but would invite many generals and ministers from both countries to participate.

The Great Ning side would be represented by Honglu Temple officials responsible for diplomacy, and military generals led by Wu Ding.

The Great Feng side would be represented by the civil and military officials who had come to Huailing with Li Qi.

Of course, in negotiations, especially between two countries, it's normal for both sides to send more people.

But this time, there were a few too many.

More importantly, the timing of the negotiations was also very ridiculous, set for early tomorrow morning.

Good heavens, arrived today, negotiate tomorrow.

Was there no need for preparation?

Also, why was Ning Yongnian in such a hurry?

“Zhang San.”

After frowning and thinking for a while, Wei Changtian looked up and asked, “How long until we reach Huailing?”

“Reporting, Young Master, two days.”

Zhang San answered, immediately adding, “If we drive faster, we can arrive by early the day after tomorrow.”

“However, the horses may become exhausted and perhaps die halfway.”

“Well, in any case, as soon as possible.”

Nodding, Wei Changtian didn't insist on anything, and closed the carriage curtain again.

He exchanged a look with Yang Liushi, who was deep in thought. Neither of them spoke, but were each contemplating the matter of this "peace talk."

Wei Changtian had considered before that Ning Yongnian might negotiate peace with Li Qi.

After all, real-world warfare isn't like playing computer games, where winning easily allows you to occupy the enemy's territory.

It also involves many issues similar to "ethnic assimilation" and "popular support."

If Ning Yongnian hadn't suffered such a great loss in Shu Province, then he might still have the ability and energy to slowly plot and swallow the Great Feng into the territory of the Great Ning.

But now, there wasn't so much time for him. He had to deal with the Great Feng issue in the short term, and then turn his head to deal with the increasingly powerful Shu Kingdom.

As for where Li Qi's bottom line was...

“Young Master, this isn't good news for us.”

Suddenly, Yang Liushi said softly, “If they really reach an agreement, then it will be even harder for us to kill Ning Yongnian.”

“...”

“Yes.”

Nodding helplessly, Wei Changtian sighed softly, “But if they really reach an agreement, it would be a good thing for the people of both countries.”

“Yes, Young Master is right.”

Yang Liushi smiled, “But I still hope they can't reach an agreement.”

“I don't have the heart to accommodate all living beings in the world. I only wish for Young Master to be happy.”

“Uh...”

Turning his head to look at Yang Liushi, Wei Changtian originally wanted to joke, "Your chest isn't small at all", but in the end, he held back and just casually said:

“I do hope that I can be happy, but now everything is going against my wishes.”

“Hehe, Young Master is truly insatiable.”

Yang Liushi teased with a smile, “What else do you need to be content?”

“Naturally, it's unification of the world, freedom from restraint, and a harem of wives and concubines.”

“Hehe, which of these three do you think is the most difficult?”

“Nonsense, of course the first is the most difficult.”

“But I think the second is the most difficult.”

Yang Liushi's voice suddenly became smaller and more serious.

“If there really comes a day when you achieve unification of the world and a harem of wives and concubines, how can you possibly be free from restraint?”

“Only those who are unburdened can truly act without restraint.”

“Young Master, do you agree?”

“Hmm?”

Looking at Yang Liushi's expression, Wei Changtian suddenly realized that she seemed to be implying something.

After a moment of silence, his tone was no longer casual.

“Are you talking about... Li Wutong?”

“Yes.”

Yang Liushi nodded gently, “Young Master, now that Princess Wuping is staying in Huailing City, she must have already met with Ning Yongnian.”

“Perhaps Young Master should think earlier about how to...”

“...”

Yang Liushi didn't finish her words, but Wei Changtian understood the meaning.

Obviously, Ning Yongnian hadn't directly "broken his promise", but still gave Li Wutong a glimmer of hope.

Anyone could guess what he wanted to do. He definitely wanted to completely control Li Wutong, and not just treat her as a hostage.

As for whether Li Wutong herself was willing to be such a "puppet"... Under the temptation of "preserving Great Feng", she might be able to give up everything.

Then, what should he do at that time?

“Don't worry, I know what I'm doing.”

Smiling at Yang Liushi, Wei Changtian turned his head to look at the night sky outside the window.

The night was dark, and the outline of the dark clouds gradually dissolved, like ink stained with water, indistinct and blurry.

As if answering Yang Liushi, and as if talking to himself.

Wei Changtian narrowed his eyes and slowly said a meaningless sentence.

“Generals can be lost, but they can return.”

“Some people are worth it, some are not.”

The next day, Chen hour (7-9 AM).

Huailing City, the Prefectural Office.

White snow collects the waning moon, cold wind scatters the morning glow.

Without warning, Huailing ushered in the first snow of this winter.

Unlike Shu Province, where it rarely snows, Huailing Prefecture is located further north, and it snows heavily several times every year.

It's just that this year's snow seemed to be too early, arriving impatiently just as winter began.

Snowflakes fluttered in the air like catkins, turning into ice water when they fell on the ground and eaves, and covering people with a layer of white.

The Prefectural Office was already filled with Great Ning soldiers clad in "white robes". Dozens of Feng and Ning officials in various clothing stepped onto the long stone steps and walked into the main hall in single file.

They were the officials from both sides who were to participate in this peace talk.

Saying "participate" might not be appropriate.

At least for the Great Ning officials, they all understood that their task was actually just to "witness".

Including the etiquette officer standing outside the door, ready to "convey" the progress of the negotiations to the people at any time.

Everyone was well aware that the two parties in this negotiation were actually only two people.

Ning Yongnian and Li Qi.

And given that the latter's intelligence was now barely better than that of a three-year-old, then his role might be replaced by Li Wutong.

“...”

“Your Highness Princess, His Majesty is coming soon, please take a seat first.”

In the main hall, an official bowed to Li Wutong.

The latter had now changed into clean clothes, and her hair was neatly arranged, no longer like she was yesterday.

“Yes.”

Answering softly, Li Wutong looked at the officials of the two countries sitting in the hall, and then turned to look outside the house.

The cold wind was biting, the sky and earth were a line of white, desolate and empty.

Looking at this snow scene, Li Wutong was a little dazed for a while.

However, as Ning Yongnian walked out from behind the screen, the hall door was slowly closed.