The Princess and Her Rough-Rider Khan
Chapter 404 - 403 This is a family matter of Khan (second update)

Chapter 404: 403 This is a family matter of Khan (second update)

Yelu Yan looked at his ministers and asked in an indifferent voice, "What are your esteemed views, gentlemen?"

The ministers spoke all at once, but generally divided into two camps.

One side believed that they should withdraw their troops.

Since Houliang had already withdrawn their troops, Khitan’s tens of thousands of soldiers stationed in Yunzhong would only consume a great deal of provisions, which was not worth the loss. In addition, after withdrawing troops, Houliang would tribute ten thousand taels of gold each year, which could just fill the state treasury and make up for the deficit after the snow disaster.

The other side believed they should not withdraw their troops.

Murong Ce always made decisions in an unconventional manner and was shamelessly unscrupulous. Who knew whether he was playing tricks? In case the Khitan troops withdrew and the other side sent troops to raid, Yunzhong would inevitably suffer heavy losses. It was really not worth taking on too much risk for immediate benefits.

Seeing that the two sides were at an impasse, Yelu Yan raised his hand slightly.

In just an instant, the Hall of Diligent Governance became silent as a graveyard; the ministers stood respectfully with bowed hands, looking intently at their Khan, waiting for his decision.

Yelu Yan said in a deep voice, "The issue of Houliang’s dispersed soldiers raiding was nothing but a feint for Houliang to probe the strength of Khitan. Houliang wants to gauge Khitan’s attitude. These conflicts are only a beginning; afterwards, Houliang will surely keep disturbing Yunzhong repeatedly. To ensure the safety of Yunzhong’s citizens, it is necessary to have troops stationed there throughout the year."

"The Houliang envoy said they hope our army will withdraw, and promised an annual tribute of ten thousand taels of gold. Murong Ce simply wants to earn a good reputation before the people of the world as someone who does not wish to provoke disputes. How could I allow him to get what he wants? Houliang only mentioned withdrawal but did not specify how many troops, nor to what extent."

All the ministers nodded in agreement, for the Khan had thought everything through thoroughly.

If Khitan withdrew their troops and Houliang did not send their annual tribute, it would naturally expose the opponent’s hypocrisy.

Yelu Yan continued, "The most taboo thing in maintaining an army is armchair strategy. We must let our soldiers truly understand the cruelty and urgency of war and gain enough practical experience. I want Yunzhong to become a training camp for various armies, with each army sending ten thousand men every month to practice while protecting the citizens of Yunzhong."

"Send the orders immediately, the troops stationed in Yunzhong will leave ten thousand men behind, and all other troops will withdraw to their original camps."

This strategy brightened the ministers’ eyes.

In this way, not only could each army gain practical experience, but the provisions saved in the various camps could be used in Yunzhong, reducing consumption.

The ministers all bowed and saluted, "Khan is wise."

After discussing a few more major issues, Yelu Yan let the ministers disperse.

Xiao Dilu specifically stayed behind.

Yelu Yan took Xiao Dilu to the study behind them, situated himself at the desk, and said, "Mentor, please speak."

Xiao Dilu bowed deeply and said, "Khan, I have heard about the matters regarding Xuanyi Pavilion. Those people know that the Princess Consort is your weakness. To entangle you, they have repeatedly targeted the Princess Consort. I hope you will not let the Princess Consort show herself publicly anymore."

Actually, ever since Li Xianyun’s identity was exposed, Xiao Dilu had repeatedly advised Yelu Yan, hoping he would not let Li Xianyun leave the palace to take on responsibilities anymore.

Everyone has emotions and desires. Yelu Yan adored Li Xianyun, and Xiao Dilu had already accepted this fact.

But if Li Xianyun were to be captured or harmed, considering the extent of Yelu Yan’s affection for Li Xianyun, he would certainly act irrationally.

This would put Yelu Yan in a passive position, hampering him at every turn.

Yelu Yan said calmly, "Mentor, you need not worry about this matter. I will protect my woman, and as for those causing trouble behind the scenes, I will not let a single one go."

Xiao Dilu frowned and said, "Khan, this matter will surely consume much of your energy. Are you truly willing to disregard your great enterprise for the sake of one woman?"

"Mentor has also seen, which of the Princess Consort’s actions hasn’t benefited the nation and people? Has she ever caused any harm to me or to Khitan? Why does Mentor keep insisting that I restrict the Princess Consort?"

"He who has no foresight must have immediate worries; it’s not the probable ’ten thousand’ I fear, but the ’what if’ one in ten thousand."

Yelu Yan picked up a memorial, flipped it open, and looked down at it, saying, "Mentor need not say more; I have my own plans."

That was his way of dismissing the visitor.

Xiao Dilu paused for a moment; he had long considered that only by begetting offspring could Li Xianyun stay in the palace and behave herself.

He had even sought the advice of the Imperial Noble Consort about this matter, but the Imperial Noble Consort was unwilling to intervene, only letting the young couple decide for themselves.

However, from the words of the Imperial Noble Consort, it could be inferred that perhaps Yelu Yan refrained from having heirs because he thought Li Xianyun was too young.

Eighteen was not young at all.

For Yelu Yan and for the Khitan, Xiao Dilu bit the bullet and said, "Khan, you have reached the age of maturity, yet you have no offspring under your knees..."

Ordinary emperors of Yelu Yan’s age would already have a slew of children.

Upon hearing these words, Yelu Yan closed the memorial and looked indifferently at Xiao Dilu, "Honored Teacher, this is a matter between the Khan and his consort, you need not trouble yourself."

"But this matter concerns the foundation of the nation, how can we not worry?"

Among the civil and military officials of the entire court, only Xiao Dilu dared to talk to Yelu Yan in this manner. Other courtiers did not even dare to breathe heavily in Yelu Yan’s presence, let alone provoke him repeatedly and incur his displeasure.

Yelu Yan’s voice was indifferent, "This is my family matter, Honored Teacher should not be concerned."

Xiao Dilu sighed softly, the saying "a beauty brings trouble" was indeed true.

Yelu Yan was skilled in strategy and tactics, resolute and decisive with a mind like an open valley, but now, whenever that woman was mentioned, he changed completely, protecting her in every way, not listening to even half a word of advice.

It was as if everyone was out to harm his precious treasure.

It seemed he had no choice but to start with Li Xianyun.

"This humble official begs to retire."

"Honored Teacher," Yelu Yan called out to him and said, "I do not wish for you to seek out the consort privately."

Xiao Dilu was stunned, turned back to bow, and said, "This humble official will remember that."

-

After the three had dined, Li Xianyun hesitated for a moment before asking, "Brother Sheng, when you came, did you go to see Huanhuan’s parents?"

The originally joyful atmosphere instantly became somber.

Sheng Heng replied, "Knowing you’re worried about them, I made a point of visiting them before I left. They’ve built a new house, her parents are in good health, and her siblings are now attending school. The family has become the wealthiest in the village. However..."

Li Xianyun looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"However, her parents have guessed that it is you who often send people to give them Silver Taels, and they asked me to tell you that they are doing well and that you no longer need to give them money. Also, about Huanhuan’s matter, they say it’s all destiny; they do not blame you."

Li Xianyun pressed her lips together. When a person is driven to utter despair, they comfort themselves by saying "it’s all destiny."

Sheng Heng continued, "Xianxian, you should move on from this incident. If Huanhuan’s spirit is watching from heaven, she wouldn’t want you to live so painfully."

Li Xianyun smiled bitterly. If it hadn’t been for her somehow offending Murong Ce, Murong Ce would not have used Huanhuan to threaten her.

In the end, she was the root cause of all troubles—Li Xianyun would never forgive herself.

She had personally witnessed the tragic state of Huanhuan before her death, her childhood playmate, almost a sister to her. How could she let go of the hatred and live her own life in peace?

Now, everything she did was for revenge, earning money through various channels, and planting her pawns. Although the process was long and arduous, she could endure it.

A gentleman’s revenge is not too late even after ten years; she would eventually make Murong Ce pay with his life.