Mu Cheng did not know Zuo Wuji's inner thoughts. In high spirits, he extended an olive branch to Liang Xiao and Da Gan again.
If Da Liang remained the Da Liang that his son-in-law Qin Feng envisioned, an alliance would be beneficial and harmless.
After his death as emperor, even if the country fell into turmoil, there would be three years for stabilization. Perhaps Qin Feng and his allies could restore order during this period.
Unfortunately, none of the seven sons sent as hostages could be relied upon. Su Wanqing's fetus was still young and might even perish. Appointing Zhi Rou as empress was also unrealistic.
Zuo Wuji chuckled dryly, "Your Majesty is too kind, but my daughter cannot be betrothed for now. Your Majesty is aware of her situation..."
Mu Cheng smiled, "It's just the North King's possession. Surely you wouldn't kill the North King's son? Let them get to know each other, perhaps it will work out! Yue Hongxiu and the North King had fate but no destiny, a regret I deeply feel. If Yue Hongxiu's niece and the North King's son can find happiness, it would be a form of compensation."
Zuo Wuji looked distressed, "Your Majesty, I cannot make this decision."
"Then let the North King's daughter decide for herself. Find an opportunity for them to meet. Lord Yue, surely you don't want your daughter to remain unmarried for life?" Mu Cheng said without hesitation.
"I suggest they don't meet at all..." Zuo Wuji felt like crying.
Just then, Liang Xiao finally spoke, "Son of Heaven of Da Liang, a forced melon is not sweet. Matters of the heart are best left to fate."
Mu Cheng was taken aback.
Zuo Wuji finally breathed a sigh of relief: This brat finally seems a tiny bit more tolerable...
However, Liang Xiao's tone shifted, "On the contrary, the eldest daughter of Marquis Zhenbei, Yue Linxin, and I are deeply in love. I wish to rekindle our past connection and hope Marquis Zhenbei will not try to separate us."
"This brat is still pining after my daughter??"
Zuo Wuji wanted to lash out and kick Liang Xiao.
His meticulously cultivated daughter, who had finally become a qualified leader of the Yuntian Guard, had her virginity taken by Liang Xiao, and now she was even pregnant!
And twins at that!
He had already heard that Jian Qinwan, Yue Lian, and Princess Ning Shuang had all given birth to twins for Liang Xiao.
How could this brat be so prolific with twins?
The more Zuo Wuji thought about it, the angrier he became. His hands, blessed with innate strength, unknowingly pressed two thumbprints into the ivory tablet he held.
Mu Cheng immediately declared, "Lord Yue, let your eldest daughter meet him."
In his haste, Zuo Wuji quickly said, "Your Majesty! My beloved daughter has gone south to apprentice under a master, and her return date is uncertain. I will do my best to send people to summon her!"
Mu Cheng also sensed something amiss. To avoid offending both sides, he could only nod, "You two discuss this privately. I only hope for a happy ending for all involved."
Liang Xiao merely glanced back at Zuo Wuji, annoyance churning within him.
This fellow had certainly hidden Zuo Jing, making her incredibly difficult to find.
For now, both sides were maintaining their bottom lines. Liang Xiao would not expose his identity as a remnant of Da Heng, and Zuo Wuji would not expose Liang Xiao's identity as Heavenly General, thus preventing people like Yan Liu from benefiting.
If he wanted to find Zuo Jing, he would have to find another way for the time being.
Dozens of court officials, led by Yan Liu, stared intently at Liang Xiao, filled with anger but afraid to speak.
Liang Xiao had long noticed their gazes and curled his lip, "Why do all your excellencies look at me as if I owe you millions?"
Liang Xiao's words almost sent the ministers to their knees, nearly suffocating them.
Mu Cheng watched this, a chuckle escaping him.
This brat truly was the nemesis of the noble families, even his speech was so provoking.
The officials trembled with rage but dared not respond.
Liang Xiao did not owe them money.
However, their families had invested tens of millions of taels of silver to support Ouyang's bookstore. The Yan family alone had spent over five million taels to protect their bookstore business from being impacted, allowing Liang Xiao to profit handsomely!
Since Liang Xiao's arrival in Da Liang, these ministers, who usually commanded authority, had become more timid than ever.
Seeing Yan Liu and the others remain silent, Liang Xiao smiled, "If any of your excellencies have any issues with me, feel free to voice them. I won't change my ways anyway. If we're talking about reciprocity, I can offer some suggestions too, like donating to show loyalty, something I'm very familiar with."
Mu Cheng seized the opportunity, "Considering Liang Xiao's effective assistance to the Son of Heaven of Da Gan in governing the country, I will also take Liang Xiao's suggestions into consideration."
Upon hearing this, their expressions changed drastically.
Yan Liu quickly waved his hands, "Marquis Anguo, let's talk it over. Don't bring up donating to show loyalty so readily. We truly have no money..."
Seeing Yan Liu's rare display of subservience, Mu Cheng burst into hearty laughter.
"Liang Xiao, in addition to the alliance, I hope the two countries can strengthen trade."
Liang Xiao replied without hesitation, "My Emperor has the same intention!"
The two countries readily agreed to increase the number of their merchant ships.
However, strategic materials such as purple sandalwood and iron ore were out of the question for trade.
After concluding their official business, Liang Xiao then requested, "I hope the Son of Heaven of Da Liang can reveal my father's experiences during his time in Da Liang."
Mu Cheng replied, "The time is not yet right. Since you plan to stay in Da Liang for at least two months, during this period, I hope you will take the time to understand the lives of the Da Liang people. As for the matter of the North King, if you wish to find clues, I recommend you visit two people. The first is General Anbei, Yue Hongxiu. The second is the renowned swordsman of our country, Jian Fuzi."
Liang Xiao could only agree.
He had some understanding of Yue Hongxiu. As for Jian Fuzi, he only knew that his father had once discussed swordsmanship and the Dao with this person, but this person's whereabouts were a mystery, making him difficult to find.
After the court session dispersed, Yan Liu and the others left with heavy hearts, filled with frustration and anger.
Liang Xiao and Zhuo Zifang also returned to their residence.
After confirming they were alone, Zhuo Zifang said, "I heard that Yan Liu and the others used to be able to rant and rave, but now they have become so obedient due to your arrival. It's unbelievable!"
Liang Xiao smiled, "Lord Zhuo, for some people, power is an addiction they cannot quit. Look at Dugu Qun, Ouyang Ji, and He Wanli. Before they felt despair, for the sake of power, they still clung to a sliver of hope, remaining in court, fantasizing that one day when I lose power, they could counterattack, or even change the dynasty."
Zhuo Zifang nodded slightly, "For them, you are returning to Da Gan in a few months. They have no need to risk their positions to fight you to the death. After all, the current Son of Heaven of Da Liang clearly favors you and intends to use you to admonish these people. Even Prime Minister Yan Liu only questions and opposes a few times when core interests are threatened, before retreating.
Liang Xiao agreed wholeheartedly.
These people had been in officialdom for years and possessed basic instincts for self-preservation. They were not as foolish as the villains in movies and novels who constantly presented themselves for a beating.
The demise of the noble families in Da Gan had already served as a warning to them.
And Liang Xiao had no obligation to help Da Liang restore order. Yan Liu and the others were well aware of this, even believing that Liang Xiao hoped Da Liang would become more chaotic.
However, in Mu Cheng's eyes, the more they felt threatened by Liang Xiao, the more subservient these noble families became to him. As the Emperor of Da Liang, he was the ultimate and most direct beneficiary.
As for these noble families harboring resentment?
Even without Liang Xiao's envoy to Da Liang, the conflict between Mu Cheng's imperial power and them was intensifying daily. It was an irreconcilable contradiction either way, so it was better to take the initiative.
After Liang Xiao concluded his business for the day, Zhuo Xun finally felt relieved and went to the chess pavilion, accompanied by Zuo Wushang and his men.