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But Lord Li, used to a comfortable life, felt this was risky and not worth the effort.
Tao Sheng didn’t press further but said, “Even if the Regent doesn’t plan to invade Great Zhou now, if things continue like this, it will happen eventually. What a pity.”
“What do you mean, pity?” Lord Li asked, frowning.
Seeing an opportunity, Tao Sheng started talking about “win-win cooperation and shared development.” She explained that Great Zhou was a large country rich in resources, with endless opportunities for trade and growth. It had a history more than 100 years ahead of its neighbors, offering much in terms of culture, education, and economy.
Recently, Dai Kingdom had a good relationship with Great Zhou, and many merchants became rich from trading. This was a rare situation where both sides benefited.
Tao Sheng also pointed out that even if Ling State gained some military victories, Great Zhou was so powerful it could blockade Ling State and force it to compensate for any losses. Ling State had only 50,000 to 60,000 soldiers, while Great Zhou sent 30,000 just to escort its envoys. Ling State, or even Dai Kingdom, could hardly win against Great Zhou.
Lord Li felt a headache coming from Tao Sheng’s words but listened to the end. His expression turned cold. “Weren’t you just playing music? Why suddenly talk about these matters?”
“Since I came to Ling State, the king has treated me and my cousin well. He appreciates my music, and I see him as a kindred spirit. My teacher once said it’s hard to find a soulmate, so I wanted to give you advice,” Tao Sheng said sincerely.
She continued, “Even if the Regent wins future wars, they will be his achievements. But what do you and the people of Ling State gain? If you lose, the people suffer, and you will be forced to give up land and pay compensation. I don’t think it’s worth it.”
Tao Sheng knew the war would start in about a year from the original timeline. She only wanted to plant seeds of doubt in Lord Li’s mind about the Regent.
Even if Lord Li wasn’t quick-tempered, he was still a ruler. He wouldn’t let the Regent go too far and threaten his authority. This small doubt could change the future.
_
King Huan’s original plan was for Tao Sheng to get close to Princess Wen Yi, but after hearing about Tao Sheng’s daily visits to the palace, the princess herself invited Tao Sheng over for a talk.
The princess had heard descriptions of Tao Sheng’s musical talent and assumed she must be a captivating woman, able to enchant people with her music. That’s why her brother had become so fond of her. She wanted to see this woman for herself.
Tao Sheng took this meeting very seriously.
Princess Wen Yi was Lord Li’s only biological sister. She had his trust, and even the eldest prince, who was set to inherit the throne, listened to her.
The princess was married to a member of the Dai Kingdom royal family, who had been a hostage in Ling State. They fell in love and got married, but he later died in an accident. Her love for her husband moved both Dai and Ling Kingdom, and she was respected by the royal families of both countries.
Princess Wen Yi is an important figure in Ling State, as influential as the regent. She also acts as the link between Dai State and Ling State to form an alliance.
Today’s meeting with the eldest princess is the final step in the plan and crucial for success.
The princess arranged a banquet and invited Tao Sheng to drink with her. Tao Sheng’s tolerance for alcohol was average. The princess offered a strong liquor unique to Ling State. After a few glasses, Tao Sheng felt a bit warm in the cheeks.
Princess Wen Yi put down her wine glass and said, “I heard from the palace servants that the king summons you daily to play the zither and music at his side. Is that true?”
Tao Sheng replied, “Now that the country is peaceful and stable, and the people live in prosperity, the king has nothing pressing to do. It’s understandable if he wants to enjoy some music.”
Princess Wen Yi said, “When my mother was alive, she disliked these things, saying they would cause people to lose ambition. My brother also once had a singing girl he loved deeply. When my mother found out, she believed the girl was influencing my brother, so she sent her to death.”
Princess Wen Yi must have been talking about the singer—herself.
No wonder people say the eldest princess and the regent are alike, both strong personalities. After meeting her today, Tao Sheng realized she was difficult to talk to.
Since the princess’s tone was hostile, Tao Sheng wasn’t inclined to be polite. The princess was from Ling State, and Tao Sheng was an official of the Great Zhou Dynasty. By rights, the princess had no control over her, so showing respect was merely out of courtesy.
“The princess is mistaken,” Tao Sheng said calmly. “The king sent someone to invite me to the palace. If I refuse, I fear you might accuse me of disrespecting the king. That would create more trouble, wouldn’t it?”
“In my opinion, Princess, you’re being overly involved. The king is almost 40, and it’s natural for him to have preferences. You have no idea what he wants. On what grounds do you say the singing girl led him astray? I’ve heard you say the king respects and protects you most. If you truly have influence, why not speak directly to him? Why embarrass a guest like me?”
The princess fell silent for a moment.
She had expected Tao Sheng, a young woman from a musician family, to be intimidated. But instead, Tao Sheng responded without mercy.
Although the princess didn’t like Tao Sheng’s attitude, she had to admit there was some truth to what she said.
Had Ling State not broken away from Dai State, her brother, a royal, would have enjoyed a life of luxury and peace without worries.
Just as the princess remained silent, another maid approached and asked, “Princess, will you be going to the painted boat on Biyou Lake tonight?”
“Today is his memorial day, so of course I must go.”
It turned out that today marked the anniversary of the princess’s late husband’s death.
Tao Sheng set her glass down calmly and said, “Speaking of Biyou Lake, it reminds me of something my father once told me.”
The princess, looking unconvinced, asked, “Is your father also from Ling?”
“No,” Tao Sheng replied. “But he spent six years in Ling and heard some interesting stories.”
After Luo Xiu returned to the capital, he told Tao Sheng a story from four years ago.
On that day, General Sima hosted a grand banquet on the painted boat at Biyou Lake, inviting all the prominent people in the royal city. It was an event that left a deep impression.
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Vyl[Translator]
~Thank you soo much for the support! Love yaa~ ⋆.❤︎