Chapter 165: A Grand Gamble

Chapter 165: A Grand Gamble

"His Highness is a peerless hero, standing tall and proud. Using a narrow-minded woman to forge ties between our nations seems petty. Why not try something new this year? How about a grand gamble between myself and His Highness?"

Xie Yuan spoke slowly, his words seemingly weak, yet his broad shoulders exuded a steady and imposing presence as he sat there.

Speaking with such a man, Prince Bei, also a man, was naturally unwilling to be outdone. He straightened his back unconsciously, pondering the meaning behind Xie Yuan's words.

The marriage alliance didn't matter much to him. The thought of marrying the brainless Third Princess of Dazheng was even less appealing. Hearing Xie Yuan say that marrying her would be petty, he became even more disinclined to do so.

Yet, he couldn't shake off the feeling that Xie Yuan, who appeared to be a heroic figure but lacked righteousness, was like an old fox—slick and cunning, harboring some nefarious intentions. He was surely digging a pit for him!

Despite this, Prince Bei couldn't help but ask out of curiosity, "What are we gambling on?"

He had placed bets in Dongrong before, but even when lives were at stake, he had never heard of a bet being called a 'grand gamble'!

Su Youyue also looked at Xie Yuan.

When Xie Yuan deliberately praised Prince Bei earlier, saying that women lacked the breadth of vision compared to men, she felt something was odd. He wasn't the type to make such remarks before.

It turned out he was baiting Prince Bei.

But how could he have easily gambled on matters of state without knowing something beforehand?

Was it possible that he had some scheme with the new emperor? That's why he happened to be here today, meeting her...

On the redwood table, dishes of exquisite aroma and flavor steamed gently, their white vapors rising gracefully.

What should have been a joyous feast turned into a negotiation table after the two powerful men spoke.

Xiao Feiyan, who had already picked out several dishes to eat, noticed the change in atmosphere and had to restrain herself.

Seeing Prince Bei's inquiry, Xie Yuan's smile grew wider. "We'll gamble on the martial arts competition at the arena after the New Year. Whether Dazheng or Dongrong will win."

Upon hearing this, everyone present was stunned, staring blankly at Xie Yuan.

Was Minister Xie out of his mind? Year after year, in terms of equestrian skills and martial arts, when had Dazheng ever won over Dongrong?

Prince Bei laughed loudly three times before sneering, "Is this the grand gamble you're proposing, Minister Xie? Then Dongrong is sure to win!"

Xie Yuan raised his eyes. "Your Highness is so confident? I haven't even mentioned what we're betting on."

"What are we betting on? Tell me. Such a trivial wager, and you dare call it a grand gamble. I want to see what stakes you can come up with."

Prince Bei's tone was mocking and dismissive. He picked up the teacup in front of him, seemingly paying no attention to whatever Xie Yuan was about to say.

The cup contained high-quality Cloud Mist tea, brewed with snow water.

This snow water wasn't ordinary; it had to be collected from tree branches and plum blossom petals within three to five days after continuous snowfall. It then underwent multiple processes such as boiling in a sand pot, settling, cooling, and sealing before it could be considered ready.

Moreover, just like aged wine, snow water aged for three to five years was the best. Tea brewed with such water was light and subtly fragrant, considered top-notch, with each cup costing ten taels of silver.

An average family of four in Yanjing spent only around two taels of silver per month. With one sip, Prince Bei consumed half a month's expenses of an ordinary family.

Xie Yuan seemed unperturbed by his impolite gesture, merely stating, "If Dazheng wins the martial arts competition this year, Dongrong will cancel the marriage alliance and waive tariffs for five years."

"If Dongrong wins, the marriage will proceed as planned, and Dazheng will waive tariffs for twenty years, plus grant Dongrong free use of all the grasslands in Liao Dong for twenty years."

Prince Bei hadn't swallowed his mouthful of tea when he suddenly coughed, spitting it everywhere and choking himself.

Ignoring the mess on his clothes, he immediately stared wide-eyed at Xie Yuan. "W-what did you say?"

The Dongrong people behind him were equally astonished.

Although Dongrong was stronger than Dazheng and Nanlin in daily dealings, it didn't exempt them from paying full tariffs. They only paid half the tariffs compared to Dongrong.

Waiving tariffs for twenty years might allow Dongrong to completely swallow up Dazheng through trade imbalances!

Moreover, the allure of the grasslands for Dongrong was even greater now!

In recent years, Dongrong had continuously expanded its army, facing an awkward situation.

To expand the army, they needed horses, and to raise horses, they needed vast grasslands.

Dongrong's grassland area was far from enough for the current army's horse-rearing needs, leading to horse prices far exceeding those in the other two countries.

Buying horses or weapons from the other two countries wasn't an option either, as they weren't foolish enough to sell weapons to their enemies. If available, the prices were higher than buying domestically.

Prince Bei didn't fully understand the implications of waiving tariffs for twenty years, but he knew it wasn't a bad thing. Otherwise, why would Xie Yuan seek a five-year tariff exemption from him?

However, he was well aware of Dongrong's shortage of horses due to insufficient grasslands.

Liao Dong had the largest area and the most grasslands in all of Dazheng. If they could use it for free for twenty years, it would be enough for Dongrong to breed a large number of fine warhorses!

At that point, wouldn't it be easy for Dongrong to eliminate the other two countries and unify the three nations?

No wonder Prince Bei spat out his tea. Even his servants couldn't react in time.

Minister Xie of Dazheng's stakes were indeed too high! This was truly a grand gamble!

Several servants were agitated, wishing they could agree on behalf of their prince right away.

Prince Bei subconsciously opened his mouth, ready to accept the offer.

He had no interest in the Third Princess anyway and didn't want to marry her. He did have some feelings for Miss Su.

But compared to national interests, women were far less important.

If Dazheng was willing to place such a bet as he described, he would certainly accept.

Once he agrees, he can bring back twenty years of tariff exemption and twenty years of free pasture land, won't the emperor be delighted then?

Prince Bei, though tempted to agree outright, reined in his impulse at the last moment, recalling his imperial brother's specific instructions before he set out: he was not to personally commit to any terms with the people of the Great Sheng, but to consult with several envoys before responding.

Xie Yuan looks so cunning. What if I fall into the trap he has dug?

Thus, the words on the tip of his tongue transformed into: "I shall take this matter back and contemplate it further."