Chapter 184: Batel Ascends the Throne
But thinking about it from another angle, these powerful people weren’t that respectful to Batel and Tuoya either. It seems the Northern Frontier’s imperial court will be in chaos for a long time. Internal strife in the Northern Frontier is even more beneficial for our border city’s development!
Liu Yun quietly came to Jinsui’s side and whispered, “Senior Sister, do you want me to note down these people and quietly kill them?”
Jinsui was startled. You’re the only one staying in the Northern Frontier, and you have such thoughts? Young man, you’re very brave!
She quickly said, “No need! Just let them be chaotic. The more chaotic they are, the safer our border city will be. However, if anyone advocates for war and southward expansion, you can focus on noting them down.”
Liu Yun nodded heavily, “Understood, Senior Sister. Don’t worry, Junior Brother will complete the mission.”
Jinsui suppressed a laugh. My Master’s Sect is developing quite well. I went on a business trip and gained a loyal grand-disciple for Grandpa.
Princess Tuoya, fearing Liu Yun would get angry, performed a ‘leave half’ on the spot and said to everyone, “Everyone, don’t mind these old stubborn fools. They’re just shouting and don’t dare to cause trouble.”
Tuoya led everyone into the Princess’s mansion to rest. To prevent accidents and facilitate communication, the group refused her offer of separate courtyards and stayed in one.
Whenever Yan Jiu and Gu Changxiao stepped out of their rooms, they could see each other, and their expressions were quite amusing.
They had to cooperate while in enemy territory, but deep down, they truly disliked each other.
They also disliked it when the other sought out Jinsui for private conversations. If Jinsui entered Gu Changxiao’s room, Yan Jiu would follow closely with tea and snacks.
If Jinsui entered Yan Jiu’s room, Gu Changxiao would bring nothing, just lean against the door with his arms crossed and ask, “What are you talking about? This King wants to listen too.”
After attending the banquet hosted by Tuoya, everyone felt uncomfortable. There was too much meat, and the wine tasted strange; they weren’t used to it. They dared not eat unfamiliar food, and even less so food that tasted wrong.
Jinsui believed Princess Tuoya wouldn’t harm them. After all, Batel’s throne wasn’t stable yet, and she needed Yan Jiu’s help to accumulate wealth and consolidate power, so she wouldn’t dare offend Gu Changxiao.
However, she couldn’t guarantee that the powerful people they met at the Royal Court today wouldn’t send someone to infiltrate the banquet and poison them. Jinsui gave everyone in the group, including the Black Feather Camp soldiers and Yan Clan bodyguards, a packet of antidote.
She repeatedly warned them never to drink raw water or eat unfamiliar food. The Black Feather Camp soldiers were accustomed to this; it was an ironclad rule in the border city.
The Yan Clan bodyguards, however, were very curious. Why couldn’t they drink raw water? They sometimes drank snow and ice directly to quench their thirst. Hao Duojin explained it to them.
Yan Jiu was deeply moved upon hearing this and said that after returning to Yanzhou, he would also require the Yan family members to do the same. Gu Changxiao said he would ask the Yanzhou Prefect to promote some of the border city’s good policies throughout Yandi.
He then mentioned that while the Princess’s banquet food and drink weren’t great, the singing and dancing were uniquely charming. It was quite cold in the evening, so they lit bonfires in the courtyard, and a group of Northern Frontier girls danced.
Han Xing and Miss Yan also came. It had only been a few days, but every moment spent in an enemy country was dangerous, so everyone was very excited.
Han Xing was busy reporting the Northern Frontier’s arrangements for the envoy to Gu Changxiao. Jinsui took the opportunity to tell Miss Yan about their plan. Miss Yan was worried Yan Jiu would scold her, but when Yan Jiu heard she was coming to stay with Jinsui and return to Yanzhou together, he didn’t say anything further.
Yan Jiu also looked at Han Xing a few more times. He was very intelligent and had long noticed his sister had a crush on Han Xing. He felt a bit helpless; his sister’s taste was truly unusual for a young lady.
Previously, she had a crush on the Fake Li King, causing a huge stir and even following him alone into the Northern Frontier, only for the Fake Li King to turn out to be Miss Ji.
Now she had a crush on this Seventh Rank Captain. He was an orphan with no family background. Such a young man, in Yanzhou, even he, the Yan Clan Head, wouldn’t give him a second glance, yet his sister was inexplicably fond of him.
Yan Jiu had inquired. After Miss Yan was captured by bandits, Han Xing appeared in time to save her. Perhaps it was this heroic rescue that made Miss Yan fall for him.
However, Jinsui felt it was much earlier. When they were in the border city, Miss Yan, in her youthful innocence, had looked at Han Xing differently. But at that time, this foolish girl firmly believed she liked the Li King and didn’t want to be a fickle woman, so she hid this difference deep in her heart.
Upon learning that Jinsui was a woman, she also recognized her own heart. Her liking for the Li King was admiration, while her feelings for Han Xing were romantic.
Jinsui could tell at a glance what Yan Jiu was thinking. Is this how all older brothers are? He also admired Han Xing, but the thought of Han Xing becoming his brother-in-law changed everything.
It could be said that as a doting brother, any man his sister liked would be an eyesore to him.
Jinsui, of course, acted as a mediator for Han Xing. From another perspective, Miss Yan’s free-spirited and uninhibited nature would be constrained by rules if she married into a prominent family as a matriarch.
She also mentioned that Han Xing was trusted by the Li King and had achieved many merits, and would surely be granted titles and ranks in the future.
Furthermore, Han Xing was unlike the gentry or the pampered sons of the powerful. He valued loyalty and righteousness, respected women, and would not take concubines or have mistresses, keeping his household clean…
Jinsui felt like she had become a busybody, worrying endlessly for these brothers of the Black Feather Camp. As she spoke enthusiastically, Yan Jiu asked with a meaningful look:
“Miss Ji is so considerate of Miss Yan, Yan Jiu is very grateful. What about yourself?”
“Ah? What about me?” Jinsui was still listing Han Xing’s merits and was a bit slow to react after being interrupted.
Yan Jiu raised his wine cup but didn’t drink. Amidst the singing and dancing, he seemed to have become somewhat intoxicated.
“Yan Jiu means, Miss Ji, when you choose a husband yourself, what would you consider?”
Jinsui was stunned for a moment before giving a dry laugh and saying, “I’ve really never thought about that. To be honest, with my unconventional nature, not many men would dare to marry me. Why should I bother myself with such things and waste my energy?”
Now it was Yan Jiu’s turn to be stunned. Uncharacteristically, his voice became urgent: “Miss Ji, you are too self-deprecating. You are an exceptionally rare good girl in this world, worthy of any man.
Since you haven’t thought about it before, think about it now.”
Jinsui immediately dared not speak to Yan Jiu anymore. She also noticed that Gu Changxiao, who was discussing serious matters with Han Xing, kept glancing at her and Yan Jiu.
They continued watching the song and dance. The atmosphere was a bit serious. Neither the Black Feather Camp soldiers nor the Yan Clan bodyguards became as unrestrained as the Northern Frontier men after drinking and dancing.
Tuoya’s court officials were still instigating, “They are all distinguished guests from afar. If they fancy a dancer, it’s their good fortune.”
They even had dancers feed wine to Gu Changxiao and Yan Jiu, and some dancers pulled Hao Duojin and others to dance. Hao Duojin and the others felt like they were facing a great enemy, sweating profusely.
Even if they wanted a wife, they wouldn’t want a Northern Frontier wife!
The Black Feather Camp had an ironclad rule: no promiscuity during missions, let alone in an enemy country.
Initially, some Yan Clan bodyguards were tempted, thinking that they might not survive to return anyway, so why not have a night of pleasure with a Northern Frontier woman.
But seeing the Black Feather Camp soldiers like iron statues, unmoving, they also felt guilty.
Yan Jiu observed the entire process and looked at Jinsui with increasing admiration. The Black Feather Camp, after only a few months of training by Miss Ji, had military discipline superior to other armies.
Finally, Princess Tuoya spoke, instructing the dancers to only dance and not disturb the guests’ meal. She smiled and asked Jinsui if she was accustomed to the food.
Jinsui, of course, smiled and praised them, saying the Northern Frontier food had a unique flavor, and they couldn’t get such fragrant roasted lamb in the Central Plains.
Princess Tuoya was very pleased but still said, “But in winter, we want to eat fresh fruits and vegetables from the Central Plains even more. Miss Ji, the vegetable soup and preserved fruits you let us taste earlier, if they can be shipped to the Royal Court in large quantities, I’ll take as much as you can send!”
Jinsui immediately stated that as long as the Princess needed them, they would overcome any difficulties in transportation and definitely send more vegetables and fresh fruits to the Northern Frontier!
Haha, it’s not about overcoming difficulties, but about earning silver, earning warhorses, and earning cattle and sheep! Dehydrated vegetables and canned fruits are simple matters.
Tuoya then discussed the first trade goods list with Yan Jiu, which included the items the Northern Frontier lacked the most: sugar, tea, refined salt, and linen were basic necessities.
Jinsui added kelp from the border city to the list. As for other seafood, it was out; the Northern Frontier people weren’t accustomed to eating it. When it came to high-end goods, Jinsui naturally joined the discussion.
Glazed glass artifacts were ranked first. Princess Tuoya wanted both vessels and jewelry. Then there were silk, porcelain, medicinal materials, and so on.
Tuoya proposed wanting Master Liu Yun’s saber, which was immediately rejected by Gu Changxiao, as it was a military saber and not for sale.
She then proposed wanting grain, which was also rejected. Grain would only be exchanged, not directly sold, in exchange for cash crops like cotton and sunflower seeds.
Great Xia itself had many citizens who couldn’t get enough to eat; where would there be surplus grain to sell to the Northern Frontier? Feeding the enemy would be akin to waiting for them to attack oneself!
The banquet lasted a long time, mainly for discussing business. This was to align the needs of both sides with Princess Tuoya before meeting Batel.
When they were leaving, Princess Tuoya had people escort them to a separate courtyard. Upon seeing the torches lit by the servants, Jinsui was startled. She suppressed her excitement and calmly asked, “These torches are quite special. What is this black stuff?”
The official smiled and said, “This is stone lacquer. We sometimes dig it up in sandy land, and it’s quite useful as fuel.”
Others didn’t notice, but Gu Changxiao saw Jinsui’s eyes suddenly light up when she saw the stone lacquer, as if she had found a treasure.
Back in the courtyard, Jinsui cooked a pot of the simplest tomato noodle soup. Even Yan Jiu finished a bowl.
Liu Yun, after eating a bowl, still wanted more. Jinsui took out a basket of tomatoes for Hao Duojin and told them to cook a few more pots.
There was so much meat at the banquet that everyone was stuffed and full, but they didn’t feel satisfied, as if something was missing. The sour tomato noodle soup perfectly filled that void.
After dinner, Jinsui called Liu Yun and Gu Changxiao and quietly told them, “Send people to find that stone lacquer. This item is of great use. Once I succeed in my experiments, it will be more powerful than fish oil firearms!”
Upon hearing this, Gu Changxiao immediately took it seriously and decided to use the excuse of needing fuel for the journey to buy some from Princess Tuoya when they left.
Jinsui mainly instructed Liu Yun, “Quietly send people to find stone lacquer mines in small tribes and send letters to the border city. Our people will disguise themselves as merchants to mine and excavate.
Ensure the security measures are in place so that the Northern Frontier imperial court doesn’t know the importance of this item.”
This stone lacquer was, of course, petroleum! Jinsui knew that the Northern Frontier had petroleum, but she didn’t expect it to have already been discovered and used as fuel.
This was truly a waste of heavenly resources! Batel wanted her fish oil firearms but didn’t know he had such a powerful weapon in his hands, yet they didn’t understand how to use it.
Just thinking about the uses of petroleum made Jinsui’s eyes gleam. It wouldn’t be a problem to initiate an industrial revolution in the border city within her lifetime!
Gu Changxiao said, “It is said that stone lacquer was also discovered at the Northwest borderlands. I will send people to excavate it. Don’t worry, Sui Sui, I will get you whatever you want!”
Jinsui guaranteed, “You will all know how useful this stone lacquer is in the future! With it, our border city will definitely become the number one city in Great Xia!”
This was truly an unexpected joy. She hadn’t expected to find petroleum during her trip to the Northern Frontier.
Miss Yan slept with Jinsui, and they chattered in bed for another hour. Miss Yan shared what had happened during her days at the Royal Court.
Batel was killing people every day. The scenes of killing in the Northern Frontier were so bloody. Being beheaded with a single sword was a luxury; most were dragged to death by horses.
There were also sacrifices. Our Xia country uses cattle and sheep for sacrifices, but here they sacrifice living people. They use slaves and criminals. Many of Lei Zan’s confidantes were killed during sacrifices.
Jinsui quickly asked, “Were any Han slaves used?”
Miss Yan shook her head, “Not that I know of. Han people couldn’t enter the central area of the Royal Court.”
Speaking of Han slaves, Miss Yan became indignant. “The first time I saw them whipping Han slaves, I rushed forward and whipped them back. If Han Xing hadn’t stopped me, I would have wanted to kill those scoundrels!”
“But those Han slaves…”
Miss Yan’s voice was filled with grievance, and she didn’t continue. Jinsui could guess, “Did they also blame you for meddling, causing them to be beaten even harder?”
Miss Yan nodded, saying painfully, “I used to think that refugees were the most pitiful people in the world. Every winter, I would ask my elder brother to set up porridge stalls, and I would personally go to distribute porridge.
I never expected that in the Northern Frontier, these Han slaves were even more pitiful. The Northern Frontier people didn’t treat them as humans at all.
What made me even sadder was that they seemed accustomed to it and hated Xia people, attributing all their tragic experiences to the incompetence of the Xia country.”
Jinsui sighed softly, “We’ll change it slowly! Now that the Northern Frontier and the border city are on good terms, I will have the Prince use the mutual trade to exchange Han slaves to the border city.”
There are too many dark and unseen places in this world that we simply don’t see in our daily lives.
A noble lady of the gentry like Miss Yan was probably the only one of her kind in the entire Great Xia. Her trip to the Northern Frontier had helped her grow a lot. The more she saw, the more she could understand the helplessness and suffering of people at the bottom.
The next day was Batel’s enthronement ceremony. It was a bit different from the solemn and dignified ceremony Jinsui had imagined; there were even horse racing and archery events.
Batel appeared in magnificent royal attire. First was the sacrificial ceremony, where a shaman wearing a mask and a magnificent yet eerie beast costume came out.
Shaking bells and dancing a strange dance, he circled the bonfire chanting ancient poems and, on the spot, killed a strong horse, cooked it, and offered it as a sacrifice.
Batel personally distributed the sacrificial offerings to those present. He himself ate the horse’s heart, and the horse liver was given to Tuoya and Ayue.
Jinsui noticed that many powerful people showed expressions of envy and anger. She heard someone say that the horse liver was actually given to women.
Batel personally shot down an eagle, rode a sweat-blooded steed, received salutes and congratulatory gifts from the powerful people and tribal leaders one by one, and then he returned their gifts and gave his own in return.
Finally, he raised his cup to drink, blew the horn, and the entire Royal Court knelt down to honor him as King Batel. It was truly a rugged and heroic enthronement ceremony.
The Xia envoy had no share of the tribute or wine, but Batel accepted the gifts.
