Feng Jin spoke directly, the situation had reached this point and could no longer be delayed; it was time for a swift and decisive action.
Murong Jin Yun's heart skipped a beat. She clearly realized that Feng Jin and the others must have known something. As for how much, she was still unsure.
"You... have you..."
"We know everything that Western Liang has been planning, including the true purpose of this marriage alliance."
Without choosing to conceal it further, Feng Jin admitted to everything.
"So... so you knew all along."
Murong Jin Yun's emotions were very calm. She had actually suspected these things for a long time. Now that it was confirmed, she felt a sense of relief.
Her gaze finally fell on the silent Gu Bei Chen: "Did you know too? Then... then you about me..."
"My feelings for you are genuine. Even knowing you had ulterior motives, I couldn't control my heart from loving you."
Gu Bei Chen confessed his deep and sincere feelings, speaking the words he had thought of day and night.
With a single sentence, the wall that had stood between their hearts was shattered. At this moment, they finally spoke with absolute honesty.
"I've been incredibly conflicted these past few days. On one hand, there's my father and Western Liang; on the other, there's you. Both are the people I cherish most in this life. Whichever side is hurt, I feel immense pain, but... I don't know what to do."
"Only peace... peace between the two countries, is the best choice."
Feng Jin's words completely awakened Murong Jin Yun. Yes... peace. Only peace would allow the people of both countries to live safely.
During her time in Eastern Chu, she had gradually realized that her previous understanding was completely different from what she had witnessed firsthand.
"You are now the only one who can change this situation. The lives of tens of thousands of people in Western Liang and Eastern Chu are all in your hands. Whether it's war or peace, it is entirely up to you to decide."
Every word Feng Jin spoke entered Murong Jin Yun's ears. After a long silence, she made up her mind and said with unwavering resolve: "I choose peace."
"That's good. Since peace is chosen, there are ways to achieve it. It depends on whether you are willing to act."
"Let's be straightforward. Madam, please speak your mind. As long as I can do it, I will do my utmost."
Having already made up her mind, Murong Jin Yun's tone was very firm, without any hesitation.
"In that case, I will be frank."
Feng Jin poured herself a cup of tea to moisten her throat, as these matters were not something that could be explained in a few words.
"In essence, it's quite simple. It mainly depends on whether the Princess is willing to let go of something."
"The most crucial aspect lies with General Bai Li. General Bai Li's actions today were intended to incite war between the two countries, all to vindicate his Bai Li family and make the Western Liang royal family even more reliant on the Bai Li clan..."
In fact, all of this had been meticulously planned by Ling Mo Han the previous night, so that she could better strategize with Murong Jin Yun today.
As expected, these words struck a chord with Murong Jin Yun.
The Western Liang royal family, the Murong clan, was entirely dependent on the Bai Li clan. Throughout the dynasties, the emperors had been almost completely obedient to the leaders of the Bai Li family.
The matter of this marriage alliance was a scheme by the Bai Li clan. For the sake of gaining the Bai Li clan's support, the Emperor could only tolerate it.
If they could use this opportunity to thoroughly suppress the Bai Li clan's influence in Western Liang, it might be the best chance for the Emperor to regain control of his power.
At this moment, Murong Jin Yun's heart was completely swayed, and she eagerly awaited Feng Jin's next suggestion.
"All you need to do is write a letter to the Western Liang Emperor, clearly outlining the situation and the pros and cons. Then the truth will be revealed to the world, the Bai Li clan will face opposition from all sides, and Western Liang will finally achieve lasting peace, while His Majesty the Emperor can regain his authority."
"It's as simple as me writing a letter?"
If it were truly that simple, why would the Bai Li clan have dominated Western Liang for so many years and their foundation remained so difficult to shake?
Even though past emperors were deeply dissatisfied with them, they still respected and deferred to the Bai Li clan, finding themselves utterly helpless.
"We will handle the rest of the matters."
Naturally, the rest would fall to Ling Mo Han's diligent planning. Her task was merely the verbal persuasion.
Although Murong Jin Yun agreed with Feng Jin's proposal, she also harbored some subtle concerns. She neither explicitly agreed nor refused Feng Jin, falling into deep thought without responding for a long time.
Feng Jin, with her astute perception, could easily discern Murong Jin Yun's unspoken thoughts.
A faint smile touched her lips as she continued, "Princess, you can rest assured. While Western Liang is dealing with its internal affairs, Eastern Chu will not take advantage of the situation. If you don't believe me, we can sign a ten-year armistice agreement."
This was also a bargaining chip Ling Mo Han had given her, which would undoubtedly convince Murong Jin Yun.
After all, the Bai Li clan had deep roots in Western Liang, and eradicating them would not be an easy task. It would undoubtedly lead to a period of turmoil. At such a time, national stability was paramount. Therefore, this bargaining chip was the most likely to sway Murong Jin Yun.
Ten years... Ten years of stability were of utmost importance to Western Liang. Without further hesitation, Murong Jin Yun agreed to Feng Jin's proposal.
"Alright... I will do as Madam says."
Murong Jin Yun immediately penned a letter, detailing all the events that had transpired during this period and their implications.
"Madam, the letter is finished. I will have it sent to Western Liang as soon as possible. As for the remaining matters..."
"I will handle the rest. Princess need not worry."
Feng Jin slowly exhaled a breath of relief, finally completing the task assigned by Ling Mo Han.
"Then you two can take your time to talk. I'll leave now."
Now that her task was done, she didn't want to be a third wheel and get in the way. It was best to leave quickly.
Feng Jin departed with great speed, leaving only Gu Bei Chen and Murong Jin Yun in the room.
"What I did before was wrong. My primary objective in coming to Eastern Chu was to find you. As for... as for..."
"Stop talking. What's done is done, and it's no longer important. There's no need to say more."
Gu Bei Chen reached out and pulled Murong Jin Yun into his embrace. He now knew that Murong Jin Yun loved him, and nothing else mattered.
He had previously worried that Gu Bei Chen might hold a grudge, but now he could rest assured: "I will only love you in this life."