Chapter 687: Chapter 687: Bluff

’Is this a coincidence, or...’

Xiao Chengqi couldn’t be sure.

Consort Rong studied his expression and asked with concern, "What is it? Is something wrong?"

Xiao Chengqi snapped back to his senses, shaking his head with a smile. "It’s nothing. I was just thinking that Qinyang has been in the Capital City for so long. It’s truly a joyous occasion that she can finally reunite with King Yan Nan."

Consort Rong smiled. "Isn’t it? King Yan Nan has only one daughter, and he dotes on her like a precious jewel. It’s a good thing we won this time. If anything had happened to him, then Yue’er..."

The mere mention of the battle at Long City still made Consort Rong’s heart pound with fear.

Xiao Chengqi nodded. "You’re right, Mother. King Yan Nan has performed a great service. It’s rare for him to return to the capital, so he should be able to stay for a while and spend some quality time with Qinyang."

Just then, a palace attendant came hurrying in from outside.

"His Highness Prince Lie, Your Majesty requests your presence in the Imperial Study Room."

Xiao Chengqi was taken aback.

’I came here today specifically to visit Mother. Father should know that. Why would he summon me now?’

"Did he say what it was about?"

The attendant bowed and shook his head.

Consort Rong gently patted Xiao Chengqi’s hand, her smile kind. "Since your father is summoning you, it must be for something important. You should go. I have people to attend to me here, so you needn’t worry."

Xiao Chengqi hesitated for a moment before nodding lightly. "Then I will go to the Imperial Study Room first. Please rest well, Mother."

With that, he rose, bowed, and then turned to leave with the attendant.

...

「In the Imperial Study Room.」

The moment Xiao Chengqi walked in, he saw Chen Songshi and several other Cabinet Ministers already present.

His heart skipped a beat; he had a faint premonition of what was to come.

"I greet you, Father."

"You may rise." Emperor Muwu pushed a letter forward. "Since you’re here, take a look at this first."

Eunuch Li quickly passed the letter to Xiao Chengqi.

Xiao Chengqi accepted it with both hands.

The envelope had already been opened, containing only a single, thin sheet of paper.

But the moment Xiao Chengqi saw the handwriting, his suspicions were confirmed—this was a letter from the Nanhu Royal Family!

It was written in two languages. The calligraphy was strong, yet it couldn’t hide a sense of urgency, even appearing somewhat rushed. It was clear the writer had been in a state of great desperation and anxiety.

Xiao Chengqi looked up. "Father, this is..."

"A personal letter from the Southern Hu King, Tuoba Shan," Emperor Muwu said coolly. "In it, he begs Us not to harm his brother. The Nanhu have already sent envoys to the Capital City posthaste to negotiate."

’Just as I thought.’

Xiao Chengqi glanced at the letter again. "It is said that Tuoba Shan values his only brother a great deal, and that they share a deep bond. From the looks of it, that is indeed true."

Although Tuoba Shan’s letter was brief, its tone was extremely sincere.

Emperor Muwu leaned back in his chair and asked, "What are your thoughts?"

Xiao Chengqi pondered for a moment. "I believe this is an excellent opportunity."

"How so?"

Xiao Chengqi replied, "For the past several years, the Nanhu have kept to themselves, and we have maintained our peace. But ever since Tuoba Shan took the throne, he has been consumed by ambition, and now he has set his sights on us. Since he dared to send troops to launch a surprise attack on our territory, it is a provocation! If he intends to negotiate, then we shall negotiate. But if his treacherous heart has not changed... we will make him pay the price!"

Tuoba Yu has always insisted that he alone was responsible for the surprise attack on Long City, and that his brother knew nothing of it.

’But whether Tuoba Shan knew or not isn’t for him to decide.’

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