jdhmnovel Chapter 173 Xiao Lin's Ignoring
Chapter 173 Xiao Lin's Ignoring
Does Xie Yanting really think he's her teacher? He just spouts grand theories.
She had no interest in being lectured.
Xie Yanting continued, "There are many more stories about the border. The people all hope for peace, and peace is built on the basis of mutual respect and understanding."
Xiao Lin nodded, agreeing with Xie Yanting's statement. He did not advocate war, believing that it was always the common people who suffered in the event of war, and that peace should be negotiated whenever possible, rather than resorting to force.
Princess Simon disagreed. She believed that war was the quickest way to gain benefits. Simon bordered the Great Zhou, and its land was barren. The Great Zhou enjoyed the gifts of heaven, while they had to endure the unfair treatment of heaven.
To overcome this injustice, one must compete for resources through one's own strength, which is a normal thing in her mind.
As for what would happen to the civilians during the war, she didn't care, because she believed that if the war was won, the benefits would be shared and the civilians wouldn't suffer any losses.
However, if she could form a marriage alliance with the Great Zhou and gain its support, the lives of the people of Ximeng could be improved, and she wouldn't mind being a princess who makes this sacrifice.
"General Xie, I believe that peace often requires sufficient strength to maintain. Without strong strength, how can there be peace? Staying stagnant and clinging to what our ancestors left us will not make us strong."
Princess Simon countered, "Of course, there is another way to maintain stability between the two countries, and that is through marriage."
Xie Yanting was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected Princess Simon to have such thoughts, but then he felt relieved. Everyone has their own stance and ideas, and he couldn't force others to be like him.
Moreover, he knew what the princess was thinking.
“What the princess said makes sense, but marriage is not the only way. Moreover, I don’t think it’s safe to gain benefits by relying solely on the sacrifice of a woman.”
Xie Yanting calmly stated his point of view. If it weren't for the Emperor entrusting him with an important task, and his father telling him not to be rash and not to cause trouble for his sister when he returned to Xuancheng, he wouldn't be Xie if he didn't scold this Princess Simon's bizarre thinking.
Princess Simone was about to retort when Xiao Lin spoke up: "I also think that what's the point of marrying a woman you got for personal gain, if there's no love between you? Enough said, let's get going."
His apparent lack of interest in the marriage arrangement displeased Princess Simon, who knew that Xiao Lin had no feelings for her yet, since she was the only one who had fallen in love at first sight.
The two men fell silent, and she could only suppress her dissatisfaction and continue on her way.
Along the way, Xie Yanting and Xiao Lin occasionally exchanged a few words. Princess Simon also tried to find topics to join their conversation, but because of her recent theory of arranged marriage, Xiao Lin had no liking for her at all. Whenever she spoke, Xiao Lin chose to shut up.
Xie Yanting had no choice but to step in and mediate, trying his best to make the atmosphere less bad, but to little avail. He also began to think that once he arrived in Xuancheng, he should stay away from the two of them.
Being caught in the middle is really difficult, even more difficult than fighting a war.
Finally, an hour later, they arrived in Xuancheng.
The gates of Xuancheng were wide open, and the soldiers guarding the city saw the Fourth Prince's convoy and quickly stepped forward to pay their respects.
As the motorcade slowly entered the city, people on both sides of the street stopped to watch and discuss it.
"Is this the Fourth Prince? He's so handsome! And is that the Third Young Master of the Xie family next to him? He's also very good-looking!"
"What brings Princess Simon to the Great Zhou?"
"What can an unmarried woman do? Of course, she wants to form a marriage alliance with our Great Zhou."
"Marriage alliance? Dream on. Our Great Zhou princes will not easily marry a foreign princess and pollute the bloodline of our Great Zhou."
"I agree. It's fine to have fun, but who would marry a foreigner as their legal wife?"
The whispers of the common people reached the carriage, and Princess Simon's expression grew even more unpleasant.
What do these ignorant people of the Great Zhou know! She is determined to make Xiao Lin fall in love with her; she will definitely become the Crown Princess of the Great Zhou and a princess that the Simon people are proud of.
Xie Yanting, his back to the viewer, sat upright on his horse, passing by the street amidst the cheers and praises of the people.
Since it was already late when they entered the city, and it was inconvenient to go to the palace to meet the emperor, Xie Yanting settled the people in the post station that had been prepared in advance, and then went to the palace with the fourth prince to report to Emperor Qinyong.
Qin Yong was quite satisfied that Xiao Lin had not made any mistakes in his first participation in important political affairs. As for Princess Simon's intentions, he was well aware of them.
As long as his sons don't make any mistakes, everything will be fine. He first praised Xie Yanting, then let Xie Yanting go back to rest, leaving Xiao Lin to talk.
"Lin'er, you did very well this time. You weren't seduced by beauty and allowed the Simons to gain the upper hand. From now on, you must always be wary of that princess. A son of the Xiao family must never marry a foreign woman as his wife. You should learn from Yan Ting and be more composed, understand?"
Emperor Qinyong's earnest words sounded more like those of an old father than a noble emperor.
This stirred a sense of warmth and responsibility within Xiao Lin. As children, they were not as outstanding as their elder brothers and always thought that their father would not like them.
Little did they know, the diligent and brave emperor was waiting for them to grow up.
"Your Majesty, I understand and will certainly live up to your expectations. However, since Princess Simon is interested in this marriage alliance, should we also be prepared in case they resort to any means necessary?"
Emperor Qinyong nodded slightly. "The Simons came to Zhou with a purpose. I will have people keep an eye on them, and you should also keep a close watch. What did you gain from this trip?"
Xiao Lin immediately replied, "Your subject rarely leaves Xuancheng and is not well-versed in the outside world. General Xie's insights have greatly benefited your subject and made you realize that being in the capital city, you only know how to talk about things on paper and lack understanding and insight into things."
Emperor Qinyong's face lit up with joy upon hearing this, and he smiled. "I am pleased that you have such thoughts and insights. Let me teach you another lesson: Governing a country is like governing a family; virtue must come first. You are still young, and you have seen and met too few people. This is normal. As long as you are willing to learn, you will understand many principles in the future and become a learned and knowledgeable person. As for Xie Yanting, he is indeed a talented person. Getting closer to him will only benefit you."
"Yes, Father. Your son will remember it forever."
Xiao Lin answered respectfully.
"Yes, yes, Lin'er has really grown up. He can share my burdens in the future. Good!"
Emperor Qinyong patted his son on the shoulder, very pleased. He chatted with Xiao Lin for a few more minutes, and then went with Xiao Lin to Consort Shu's place.
Shu only gave birth to one son, the fourth prince, and she never vied for favor or power. Instead, Emperor Qinyong often felt that her place was a good place to stay.