The First Prince was tall and deep-browed, with the typical features of the Hui Ge people, and one of the handsome variety.
However, when men met, who cared about looks. Situ Yan announced himself, "Your Highness, I am Situ Yan, the Prince of Rui of Da Yin, and also one of the members of this peace negotiation."
The First Prince was not bothered by the change in interlocutor. He rose and said, "Prince Rui, you have traveled a long way. Huo Jia regrets not having welcomed you earlier, and I hope you will forgive me."
"Let's get straight to the point. Why did the First Prince wish to meet Official Gu?"
"Your country has come for peace talks, should you not offer some sincerity first?"
Situ Yan calmly refilled his tea. "It seems, Your Highness, that you are more anxious for peace than I am. After all, your stronghold is on the verge of collapse."
Meng Changdong kicked him under the table.
It's not polite to expose someone's vulnerabilities right from the start, is it?
Huo Jia, however, remained unfazed. "It is said that Da Yin people tend to be indirect in their speech, but Prince Rui seems to be an exception."
Situ Yan replied, "If Your Highness is not in a hurry, I can be indirect with you as well."
"No need. I also prefer straightforward people. Nu'er, bring it here."
Huo Jia was indeed straightforward. He produced the contract signed between the old Hui Ge King and Duke Cao, Fu Lingyun. "As soon as I learned that Prince Rui was to visit Hui Ge, I prepared this gift. I had thought it would need to be conveyed through Official Gu, but I did not expect to meet Your Highness himself."
The thin contract bore the Hui Ge King's imperial seal on one side, and only Fu Lingyun's private seal on the other.
The two parties agreed that Hui Ge would periodically harass the border with troops to ensure the need for a border general, thus allowing Duke Cao to retain his military command. Duke Cao, in turn, pledged that as long as he guarded the border, he would not encroach upon Hui Ge by even an inch.
Situ Yan's fingers twitched. From a balance of power perspective, he did not object to Duke Cao's actions. However, whenever he thought of the enormous military stipends and expenses allocated to him by the Ministry of Revenue each year, Situ Yan could not agree. Damn it, how much court money was being wasted!
No wonder the Ministry of Revenue cried poverty every day.
He calmly took a sip of tea. "Your Highness, what is the meaning of showing me this contract?"
"Hui Ge has always been a peace-loving race. I hope Prince Rui can assist me in seizing the throne and continuing this peace treaty." Huo Jia bowed respectfully, his sincerity evident.
Situ Yan, however, laughed. "This contract is ironclad proof of Fu Lingyun deceiving the emperor. Is Your Highness unaware of my relationship with the Crown Prince's faction?"
"I am aware. However, I am betting that Prince Rui cherishes his people and cannot bear to see innocent lives perish." Huo Jia smiled. "Da Yin coming to Hui Ge for peace talks at this time, is it not to break the tripartite alliance? Supporting me would clearly be more advantageous to you than supporting the Fourth Prince."
"But what guarantee do you offer that after seizing power, you will not ally with the Northern Barbarians and the Southern Savages? After all, forming alliances is not something only the Fourth Prince can do."
Huo Jia pondered for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Has Your Highness visited the Khanate?"
Situ Yan nodded.
"And what are your thoughts?"
"Peace and prosperity, harmony and happiness."
Huo Jia pushed open the window, revealing the streetscape. "Compared to Da Yin, Hui Ge is but a small territory, but it is rich in resources and self-sufficient. Why would I abandon a good life and plunge myself into the vortex of war?"
Situ Yan nodded. "Among the four nations, Hui Ge has the weakest military. If a war were to break out, Da Yin might not be significantly affected, but Hui Ge could be annexed by them first. Your Highness's mind is indeed clearer than that of your younger brother."
As soon as he finished speaking, he was stepped on again by Meng Changdong.
Although Situ Yan's words were harsh, they stated a fact.
Cornered, Huo Jia had no other choice. The two sides soon entered into negotiations for peace.
Seizing the opportunity to make a profit, Situ Yan was naturally ruthless. He made an exorbitant demand, requiring Hui Ge to become a vassal state of Da Yin and pay tribute annually. Huo Jia ground his teeth, stating that vassalage was impossible, but they could offer Da Yin some special products as a token of enduring friendship.
Then, the two sides began to haggle over the quantity and value of these "special products."
Of course, the troops to help Huo Jia seize the throne had already quietly departed from Yanmen Pass.