Tang Dynasty: To win Yang Guifei, they asked Emperor Xuanzong to die.

Chapter 106 News of the Marriage Alliance Arrives

After a brief exchange, Aya bowed and left.

Li Mao immediately decided to send the news of the marriage alliance back to Chang'an.

"Afu, prepare the documents and send them, along with a detailed account of the negotiations, to Chang'an," Li Mao instructed.

Afu quickly accepted the order, "Your Highness, rest assured, all the letters have been prepared and I will arrange for messengers to send them out immediately."

At this moment, Li Jingqing also stepped forward, his words carrying a hint of probing, "Your Highness, if the news of the marriage alliance is sent back, but His Majesty learns that the reinforcements have not yet arrived, wouldn't that be disadvantageous?"

Li Mao gave a slight sneer and said, "What does the delayed arrival of reinforcements have to do with me? It's probably because someone wants to take this opportunity to kill me on the frontier."

Five days later.

Taiji Palace in Chang'an City.

Li Longji was personally reviewing various memorials in the imperial study.

Finally, when Li Mao's messenger presented the secret letter, Li Longji unfolded it with some curiosity.

The contents of the letter, however, made him frown slightly. The news of the marriage alliance and the delay in reinforcements made him feel vaguely uneasy.

"A marriage alliance?" Li Longji pondered for a long time, a hint of displeasure flashing across his face. "Although the matter of the northern frontier is a temporary expedient, the delay in the war effort is intolerable."

At this moment, Zhang Jiuling had just finished processing another batch of memorials and entered the Imperial Study.

He glanced furtively at Li Longji's expression, then tentatively asked in a low voice, "Your Majesty, do you have any doubts about the contents of the memorial?"

Li Longji waved his hand in displeasure, "Li Mao's peace talks with the Wolf Lord have their reasons, but why haven't the reinforcements arrived at the front lines yet?"

"Your subject will immediately investigate the cause," Zhang Jiuling replied respectfully.

Li Longji knew that if this peace talk and all its aftermath were not handled properly, the impact could be far-reaching.

He pondered for a moment, then ordered, "Secretly inform the princes of this matter, so that they may be aware of the current situation."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Zhang Jiuling replied, then instructed his attendants to relay the order immediately.

Meanwhile, as the message was being relayed, Li Mao waited for feedback, his mind racing with scheming.

On the other side of the camp, Li Jingqing seemed to have glimpsed a clue to the future. He suggested, "Your Highness, why don't we make preparations early and coordinate with the reinforcements that have not yet arrived, in case of unforeseen circumstances?"

Li Mao focused his gaze and pondered for a moment before saying, "This is indeed the most urgent matter at present. Such a deployment can both prevent unforeseen events and provide a genuine opportunity to train the troops."

Aya appeared unexpectedly and stood to one side. "Your Highness Prince Shou, I would like to hear my father's opinion on peace talks. If His Majesty of the Great Tang agrees, both sides will surely reopen trade."

“I’m afraid it’s too hasty,” Li Mao sighed, his face grave. “Additions to the existing agreement still require careful consideration.”

Before he could finish speaking, a soldier inside the tent hurriedly reported, "Your Highness, there is a reply from Chang'an."

Li Mao immediately took the letter and then handed it to Li Jingqing.

"It seems His Majesty is not entirely opposed, but rather dissatisfied with the reinforcements," Li Jingqing said softly.

“This is precisely our opportunity,” Li Mao said thoughtfully. “We must adjust our pace and act quickly.”

"If reinforcements arrive in time, it will greatly facilitate the marriage alliance," Afu interjected cautiously.

"There is no time to lose. The strategy of seeking peace must involve both approaches," Li Mao calmly issued the order.

Li Mao weighed the options in his mind, and then instructed his men, "Go and invite Princess Aya over."

Before long, Princess Aya followed the soldiers and slowly approached Li Mao.

"Greetings, Your Highness Prince Shou."

"Aya, could you reveal more details about the peace talks?" Li Mao asked in a gentle tone.

Aya nodded slightly and replied, "The Wolf Lord still has concerns, especially regarding the number of troops stationed on the border."

Li Mao nodded, seemingly in thought. "Understood. Miss Aya, please inform my father. I will coordinate the military aid arrangements and provide a detailed and comprehensive plan."

"I will convey His Highness Prince Shou's words to my father in a letter shortly," Aya replied respectfully.

Subsequently, Li Mao privately summoned Li Jingqing and Afu to discuss countermeasures.

“Right now, delaying reinforcements may seem like a threat, but in reality, it could be used to our advantage.” Li Mao’s expression revealed a hint of decisiveness. “Jing Qing, you are in charge of investigating the false rumors. Make sure to get to the bottom of it.”

"Yes, Your Highness." Li Jingqing nodded, his expression solemn.

"Afu, prepare an elite squad, ready to depart at any time," Li Mao continued to instruct. "If necessary, they must proceed to the target location with lightning speed."

“The elite squad is ready to go; feel free to deploy your best personnel,” Afu replied.

All of Li Mao's trusted generals responded to his orders to ensure a swift response should anything happen.

"Your Highness, after investigation, it has been confirmed that someone is deliberately spreading rumors in an attempt to disrupt the morale of the army," Li Jingqing reported in a low voice as he entered Li Mao's tent.

“Alright, we must find the source.” Li Mao nodded, seemingly lost in thought. “We must take precautions as soon as possible.”

That afternoon, Li Mao received a detailed reply from Zhang Jiuling regarding the situation in the court, which detailed Li Longji's attitude.

"Jingqing, it seems we need to take a two-pronged approach to show our sincerity." Li Mao read the letter while discussing the procedures with Li Jingqing.

"Does Your Highness mean to maintain contact with the court while seeking practical support?" Li Jingqing inquired.

“Exactly. Whether it’s a marriage alliance or defense, their strength is indispensable.” Li Mao casually put down the letter and continued, “The details of what Aya just mentioned need to be clarified more clearly.”

"Understood, Your Highness. We will proceed as you command." Li Jingqing replied with a firm bow.

Five days later, Li Jingqing finally found out the source of the rumor.

"Your Highness, the culprit has been found. It was caused by a low-ranking official in the Wei family who accepted bribes." Jing Qing sighed inwardly as he reported, lamenting the treacherous nature of officialdom.

"Alright." Li Mao nodded, a murderous glint in his eyes. "Notify Chang'an to report to the authorities. Make sure the area is thoroughly cleaned."

After a moment of contemplation, Li Mao turned around and, with a furrowed brow, instructed Li Jingqing: "Once you find that official from the Wei family, immediately summon the Dali Temple to investigate and report the truth of his embezzlement and bribery. This matter is of great importance and must not be let go."

Li Jingqing nodded solemnly: "I understand, I will make the arrangements immediately."

Before long, Princess Aya was invited back into the tent.

“Aya has already conveyed the matter raised by His Highness Prince Shou to my father. My father replied that if the stability of the border can be guaranteed, he is willing to discuss it further.”

Li Mao nodded slightly. "Please convey to the Wolf Lord that our Great Tang will spare no effort to safeguard the peace of the border. Both sides will benefit from this and will surely reach a consensus through joint efforts."

Aya was somewhat relieved. "Your Highness has great foresight, and I am deeply gratified. However, the garrisoning of troops on the border is of great importance, and we hope to receive substantial guarantees."

Li Mao pondered for a moment and said, "I am well aware of this. However, the army still needs to be mobilized, and I will urge the court to resolve this through a secret letter."