Chapter 138: Suddenly Singled Out by the Emperor

As it turned out, Ji Bei had not been lying. Jiang Chen and Han Yuyang discovered the two forged ancient texts within the gambling den.

Han Yuyang flipped through some of the contents, using his memory to identify several obvious errors, which matched exactly what Ji Bei had claimed.

"This man is incredibly calculating and devious. Coupled with his unclear status and stance, he will undoubtedly become a hidden threat in the future!"

Han Yuyang felt the threat posed by Ji Bei deeply; this was a person who truly should not be let off the hook.

Jiang Chen, however, was already considering the next move. He believed there would be news from Yu Wenshi within the next two days, and he hoped that once the Emperor saw the testimonies, he might temporarily reduce the suppression of Qishan.

If that happened, they would need to set off for Mount Qiwu. However, the attitude of Northern Yan was crucial, and since neither of them officially represented the Great Qian imperial court, they could only negotiate as representatives of Qishan. Honestly, it was impossible to judge whether they would succeed.

"These two forged texts have become our backup plan for breaking the current deadlock. For that alone, we have Ji Bei to thank. He said earlier that he didn't want to see Northern Yan gain the upper hand, so let's take him at his word for now."

"Our biggest problem right now comes from Northern Yan. As for Ji Bei, it won't be too late to settle accounts with him after we resolve these thorny troubles."

Han Yuyang nodded, agreeing with Jiang Chen's assessment.

Another day passed, and Jiang Chen and Han Yuyang waited anxiously at Yu Wenshi’s manor. How the Emperor viewed Qishan, and whether he would dispel his suspicions, all depended on the outcome of Yu Wenshi's audience.

"Young Master Jiang, I have returned."

Yu Wenshi hurried into the inner courtyard. Seeing him drenched in sweat, it was clear he had put in a great deal of effort.

Jiang Chen asked immediately, "What did the Emperor say?"

"After the Emperor read the two testimonies, his expression was blank. He only said he understood."

Han Yuyang frowned. "Understood? And then? Nothing else?"

Yu Wenshi nodded awkwardly. "The Emperor said just that, and then dismissed me."

What did this mean? Did the Emperor still refuse to believe that Qishan had no rebellious intent? Or did he suspect that these testimonies were fabricated? Was it true that nothing could be done without witnesses?

Han Yuyang was deeply disappointed, but Jiang Chen did not see it that way.

"The Emperor hasn't given an answer, but whether he is willing to trust us depends on how he handles the peace terms proposed by Northern Yan. If Qishan remains a force he can rely on, he will have more leverage in the negotiations."

At this moment, Yu Wenshi added, "For several days, Prime Minister Li Yuan and the ministers of the Six Ministries have been discussing the peace terms, but there has been no consensus. The court is divided into two factions—those who favor war and those who favor peace—and both sides are very stubborn, leaving the Emperor undecided."

"However, I heard that they might be looking for a compromise that satisfies Northern Yan's appetite without causing Great Qian to lose face entirely."

Jiang Chen shook his head, feeling that this was merely self-deception. Was there truly no capable person in the imperial court?

By the afternoon, the latest news arrived from the palace: The Emperor of Great Qian hoped to resolve the crisis at Mount Qiwu first. He had previously intended to have someone from Qishan come forward to negotiate with the Northern Yan people.

The "Guma Collection" and the "Yanwu Cavalry Formation" were vital to Qishan, but from the perspective of the imperial court's interests, they were of no consequence.

The Emperor had firmly decided to throw this hot potato directly to Qishan. The people under siege were Qishan's, and the two items demanded by Northern Yan were also Qishan's. The imperial court intended to sit on the sidelines and watch Qishan’s actions before making their next move.

Upon hearing this news, Han Yuyang immediately sought out Jiang Chen for consultation.

Jiang Chen analyzed, "For the Emperor, ceding the entire Jizhou region is the most unacceptable condition, as it would brand him a muddle-headed and incompetent ruler. Thus, he can only pick the least important conditions to stall for time with the Northern Yan envoys."

"But this also shows that he still wants to save the more than ten thousand troops trapped there. If he hadn't considered this issue at all before, at least now he has the intent."

In short, Qishan still had to rely on self-rescue, but at least the Emperor would no longer set obstacles for them.

"Then let's set off now. We'll return to Qishan to prepare, and then head north to Mount Qiwu."

Han Yuyang was deeply concerned for his brothers trapped in the predicament. Since the direction of their actions was clear, there was no reason to delay any longer.

"Young Master Jiang, Young Master Han, there are people from the Night Punishment Division here to see you. Please, come with me to see them."

Yu Wenshi rushed over, saying that the leader was a young woman who claimed to have an imperial edict specifically for Young Master Jiang.

This sounded very strange. Jiang Chen was not a court official and held no position; why would the Emperor of Great Qian issue an edict for him?

They hurried to the front of the Yu manor. Shen Xueying was waiting there with some members of the Night Punishment Division, but judging by their posture, they did not seem to be there to make arrests.

"How did you find us here?" Jiang Chen asked.

Shen Xueying retorted, "I admit that hiding in Yu Wenshi’s home was an unexpectedly clever idea, but no matter how hidden you are, it only buys you a few more days. As long as you are within Jinyang City, there is nowhere the Night Punishment Division cannot find!"

"I am here today by imperial decree. You and Han Yuyang, listen closely."

Although Han Yuyang was hiding behind the gate, Shen Xueying knew of his presence, though they tacitly avoided pointing it out.

"The Emperor has decreed that Han Yuyang is not the killer of Duanmu Hongtu. As of today, all charges against him are dropped, and his position is restored. Furthermore, he is ordered to head immediately to Mount Qiwu to assist the special envoy in negotiating with Northern Yan to secure the release of the ten thousand Qishan troops."

Han Yuyang stepped out, finally letting out a sigh of relief.

"Has the candidate for this special envoy been decided?" Han Yuyang asked Shen Xueying.

Shen Xueying’s gaze fell on Jiang Chen, and she replied with a smile, "Isn't the person right here?"

She then read the edict appointing Jiang Chen as the special envoy for the peace talks, which left everyone, including Yu Wenshi, feeling completely bewildered.

"Me?"

"Is there some mistake? How could a task like this fall to me?"

Jiang Chen did not quite understand how the Emperor knew of his existence. When he sent Yu Wenshi to see the Emperor, he had only asked him to report on behalf of Han Yuyang.

Shen Xueying told Jiang Chen, "Someone recommended you as the special envoy, and the Emperor readily agreed."

"Who is so wicked as to drag me into this?"

"The Northern Yan envoy, Xiao Tong."