A life of two souls traveling through time

Chapter 182 Trading

The Xuanmeng Kingdom in the northern desert has a vast territory but is not as fertile as the Zhongshan Kingdom. The grassland under the scorching sun is vast and boundless but also desolate. Eagles spread their wings, cattle and horses roam in herds, and sand is rustling in the wind. Most people make a living by grazing and hunting outside the city, and the royal city is only for officials and nobles to live in.

After Shangguan Jiuyi entered Xuanmeng State, he immediately visited his good friend and classmate who had studied with him at Langtai Academy, Qi Wenlin, the son of the Marquis of Xuanmeng State.

"I didn't expect you to come see me so soon! Why didn't you write to let me know in advance? Aren't you afraid that I might be out of town and not in Xuanmeng Country? Wouldn't that mean you'd come here in vain?"

In the Qihou Mansion, Qi Wenlin was surprised and delighted to see Shangguan Jiuyi suddenly visit. The two were of similar age and had similar interests. They were inseparable when they were in the Langtai Academy, eating at the same table and sleeping on the same bed. Although Qi Wenlin's appearance was not as radiant as Shangguan Jiuyi's, he was also handsome and extraordinary.

"This is all sudden, I hope you can forgive me. I came to Xuanmeng to see you secondarily, and the most important thing is to come for the affairs of Langguo." Shangguan Jiuyi put down the wine glass, lowered his eyes guiltily and smiled, and sighed softly.

"You and I have been classmates and friends for many years, why would I care about this with you?" Qi Wenlin glanced at Shangguan Jiuyi, smiled disapprovingly, then frowned slightly and sighed seriously: "The civil war in Lang State also makes my father very worried. He is very worried that the fight between the two brothers, Emperor Lang and King Xian, will eventually allow Xiyue State to reap the benefits. By then, Lang State may..." Having said that, Qi Wenlin glanced at his friend in front of him cautiously and was not in a position to continue.

"Now the Xiyue Kingdom doesn't have to wait and see to reap the spoils. My Lang Kingdom will invite them to come and help." Shangguan Jiuyi smiled bitterly, shook his head and sighed.

"What? This Emperor Lang is so confused?" Qi Wenlin was shocked when he heard this, and then shook his head helplessly.

"Therefore, I have to ask for your help this time." Shangguan Jiuyi regained his composure and said to Qi Wenlin.

"Don't be polite to me. If there's anything you need me to do, just ask. But I'm afraid I can't do anything about the civil unrest in Lang."

"Of course I won't embarrass you like that. I just need your father to take me to see the king of Xuanmeng."

"You want to see the king?" Qi Wenlin asked in surprise.

"What? Does this matter embarrass you?" Shangguan Jiuyi smiled and asked back.

Qi Wenlin's father was the Marquis of Qi of Xuanmeng State, who had made great contributions to the country. The monarch of Xuanmeng State, Yingye, was a wise monarch who respected virtuous people and would repay favors. He always respected the Marquis of Qi. Therefore, it was not a lie that the Marquis of Qi could meet the monarch at any time.

"It's not that I'm embarrassed, but I don't understand why Lang State wants to borrow troops from Xiyue State at this time. Instead of trying to dissuade Emperor Lang, you come to our monarch. What are you trying to do?" Qi Wenlin had just finished asking, when he suddenly stood up with a look of surprise on his face and approached Shangguan Jiuyi, whispering, "You're not going to borrow troops from Xuanmeng State too, are you?"

"As expected, no one knows me better than Wenlin." Shangguan Jiuyi curved his peach blossom eyes and patted Qi Wenlin's shoulder and said with a smile.

Afterwards, Shangguan Jiuyi briefly told Qi Wenlin about the emperor's request to the prime minister to borrow troops within three days. Qi Wenlin understood and readily agreed to Shangguan Jiuyi's request.

Since Shangguan Jiuyi had limited time, Qi Wenlin hurriedly rode out of the city to find his father after settling his friends. At this time, Qi Houye was working in the military camp outside the city. He couldn't help but feel surprised and worried when he heard what his son said. Although he didn't agree with Xuanmeng Kingdom sending troops to help Emperor Lang to deal with King Xian at this time, he didn't care so much when he thought of Xiyue Kingdom's wolfish ambitions. Everything was left to the king to decide.

"I, Shangguan Jiuyi, come to see the king."

In the palace hall, Shangguan Jiuyi calmly knelt down and bowed to the king of Xuanmeng who was sitting on the throne in front of him.

"Get up."

The king of Xuanmeng State, Yingye, was tall and strong, but under his majestic face were a pair of eyes as gentle as water. When he saw Shangguan Jiuyi, who was dressed in snow-white clothes, his eyes began to smile.

"Shangguan Jiuyi is a man of great talent, as dignified as a god. He is worthy of being the teacher of the current Crown Prince of Lang at the age of eight. He is truly unparalleled in the world." A hint of admiration inadvertently flashed in the gentle eyes of the King of Xuanmeng.

"Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. Jiuyi is ashamed. There is unrest in Lang now and the disputes are endless, but Jiuyi is helpless. I really don't deserve the title of unparalleled." The praise from the King of Xuanmeng made Shangguan Jiuyi feel mixed emotions. He then bowed to the other party, frowned and sighed.

"The civil unrest in Lang State is the result of the royal family's struggle for power. How can Jiuyi stop it alone? Besides, there are good horses only when there are good horse trainers, and good talents can only show their advantages when they meet capable and wise rulers." Ying Ye's rough face showed a gentle smile, and his thunderous voice became a little lighter. He comforted Shangguan Jiuyi, and his words were full of regret for Jiuyi being caught up in the power struggle in Lang State.

"Jiuyi came to Xuanmeng Kingdom this time because he was entrusted by His Majesty of Lang Kingdom. Please send troops to help Lang Kingdom quell the civil strife as soon as possible." Jiuyi could hear the appreciation of the King of Xuanmeng Kingdom for him, but he was unmoved. He knelt in front of Yingye again with a solemn expression.

"This... the civil unrest in Lang State is just a family affair after all. How can a small country like Xuanmeng interfere in the affairs of Lang State without considering its own capabilities?" Ying Ye also looked embarrassed and smiled helplessly.

"If you, the king, continue to sit on the other side and watch the fire, I am afraid that tomorrow our Lang Kingdom will become the possession of the Xiyue Kingdom. Once Lang Kingdom is destroyed, the ambitious Xiyue Kingdom will naturally covet the vast and fertile grassland of Xuanmeng Kingdom. Has the king ever thought about how long Xuanmeng Kingdom can last under the iron hoof of Xiyue Kingdom? Who can we count on to help Xuanmeng Kingdom by then?"

Shangguan Jiuyi's constant cheering made Ying Ye's face darken. He clenched his hands into fists and anger flashed in his eyes.

The problem Shangguan Jiuyi pointed out was what he had been worried about. Xuanmeng had taken the initiative to befriend Lang for many years in order to seek shelter. Once this shelter disappeared, Xuanmeng would be directly watched by Xiyue. Unlike the honest and straightforward Lang, which could be safe as long as it was given enough benefits, Xiyue was always overbearing and greedy. The continuous expansion of territory in recent years was enough to prove its wolfish ambition.

"If the king is worried that sending troops to help Emperor Lang would offend King Xian, Jiuyi thinks that the king is worrying too much."

"Oh, really?" King Xian was indeed Ying Ye's main concern.

"From what Jiuyi knows about King Xian, he is not a vindictive and unreasonable person. If King Xian still wins in the end, Lang State, which has experienced war, is in ruins and needs to be rebuilt. In addition, he has to be wary of Xiyue State and Jingsong State who are eyeing him covetously. He may not have time to care about Xuanmeng State. At that time, Xuanmeng State will show goodwill to King Xian again, stating its considerations and necessity today. In order to balance the current situation, King Xian will naturally not embarrass Xuanmeng State."

"Well, what Jiuyi said makes sense." Shangguan Jiuyi's words made Ying Ye look appreciative again.

"Does your Majesty have any doubts?" Shangguan Jiuyi didn't want to delay any longer, and seeing that Ying Ye still hadn't expressed his opinion, he asked hurriedly.

"My small Xuanmeng country has few soldiers and generals. If we want to help Emperor Lang, we must mobilize all the troops in the country. To take such a big risk, I want to make a deal with Jiuyi."

Shangguan Jiuyi was slightly stunned, and looked up nervously at Ying Ye on the throne.