Chapter 642: Chapter 642

Xie Xun originally did not want to discuss this matter with Fengyu, but he feared Fengyu would worry more if he kept it from her. Thus, Xie Xun chose honesty. "Dugu Jing’s condition is straightforward—he wants to face me on the arena, life or death disregarded, the wager remains unchanged."

Fengyu sat up in shock, nervously gripping his hand, her palm already slick with a thin layer of sweat. "You’re going to face Dugu Jing on the arena?" Newest update provıded by noⅴelfire.net

"Yes!" That was the condition Xie Xun had agreed upon with Dugu Jing. Dugu Jing had saved Fengyu’s life, so Xie Xun could not go back on his promise. Furthermore, facing off against Dugu Jing was a wish buried deep in Xie Xun’s heart. Not only did Dugu Jing see him as a lifelong rival, but Xie Xun too desired a decisive outcome between them. "Back on Xiyanshan years ago, I already wanted to challenge him to a duel. Three years ago, I lost the chance. This time, no matter what, I won’t miss it. Besides, to gamble on the empire, it is only right that I be the one to fight."

Fengyu hadn’t anticipated that this would be the ultimate outcome. It seemed as if she could do nothing to change it and could only wait for the duel to decide victory or defeat between Dugu Jing and Xie Xun.

"Ayu, trust me, I will win for sure!"

The news that Xie Xun and Dugu Jing were going to face off on the arena was highly sensitive during the negotiations with Sannan. Thus, Xie Xun and Dugu Jing had an agreement not to let Han Ziqi find out.

Dugu Jing, having made a gentleman’s pact with Xie Xun, naturally would not go back on his word. If not for the enmity between their two nations and his status as a prince of the enemy state, Xie Xun greatly admired Dugu Jing’s upright character.

Xie Jue was responsible for negotiating with Han Ziqi, so Xie Xun did not need to make an appearance. All the terms had already been discussed between the cabinet and Xie Jue. Had it been during the Yuwen Dynasty, Xie Jue’s sensitive identity might have caused Lin Helin to advise against him handling negotiations with Sannan. But times had changed. With Xie Xun now as Emperor, there was no need to worry about Sannan stirring trouble, especially since Xie Jue had no interest in Sannan’s throne.

Following the conflict between Han Ziqi and Dugu Jing, which left Fengyu unconscious for several days, Han Ziqi had expected Xie Xun’s wrath to delay negotiations. Instead, it was Xie Jue who came to discuss terms, accompanied by Marshal Fang and Lin Helin. Jiangnan’s stance was pivotal to the negotiations. The early terms proceeded relatively smoothly. Since Sannan instigated the war and was defeated, they would naturally be compelled to cede territories and pay reparations. Four border cities would be handed over to Beining, along with countless silver and grain. Annual tributes would also be required—these were fundamental clauses. Though Han Ziqi sought to haggle, there was little room to maneuver. Unlike others, Xie Jue’s negotiation approach was exceptionally firm. Despite multiple provocations and even insinuations regarding Xie Jue’s identity, he remained unmoved.

The first round of negotiations concluded amidst silent tension.

Marshal Fang spoke little, merely listening as Xie Jue and Han Ziqi debated various clauses, occasionally offering his own insights. The second round of negotiations was scheduled for two days later.

That night, Han Ziqi sought out Xie Jue in secret, dispatching men to contact him discreetly. Xie Jue was dining with Ruyi when he received the Hidden Guard’s report. He nodded briefly, "Invite him to the study."

Ying Si hesitated and asked, "Master, should we inform His Majesty?"

At that moment, Xie Jue was feeding Ruyi meat stew. Ruyi swung his legs back and forth, his bright, round eyes fixed on Xie Jue as he declared, "Father, I want a little colt."

"Why do you want a colt?"

"My sister has a colt, so I want one too."

Xie Jue knew the sister Ruyi referred to was Feng Wan’s eldest daughter. The two children were close and often played together. At Ruyi’s curious age, it was only natural for him to desire whatever others had.

Although Xie Jue enforced strict discipline with Ruyi, he nearly always fulfilled his son’s wishes. "Very well, I’ll take you to pick one tomorrow."

"Father is the best!" Ruyi clapped his small hands in delight and planted a wet kiss on Xie Jue’s cheek. Xie Jue promptly dodged and pinched Ruyi’s chubby face in mock disdain.

The boy’s plump cheeks squished under Xie Jue’s grip as his lips puffed into a pout. His round, dark eyes stared at Xie Jue with indignation. "No kissing while eating," Xie Jue admonished.

"...Alright!" Ruyi muttered begrudgingly. Bad father—Uncle never minded, but father despised it. "I’m full now."

"Write half an hour of calligraphy before bed."

Winter Snow and Xia Zhu escorted the sulking Ruyi away. Once Xie Jue had freshened up, he headed to the study, where Han Ziqi had already finished a cup of tea.

Upon entering, Han Ziqi remarked sarcastically, "Elder brother, is this your way of treating guests? I’ve certainly learned my lesson. Why not sleep a little more before coming?"

Xie Jue remained as composed as a mountain and responded coolly, "Do not address me as your brother—we are not close."

"Closeness or distance—you’ll know after a good talk." Han Ziqi chuckled softly. "During our time in West State, we spoke plenty. Your lineage lies in Sannan, and only my father and I are privy to the truth. You cannot deny it—you’re of Sannan Royal Family blood."

Xie Jue settled into the study’s principal seat, and Ying Si withdrew into the shadowy recess beside him. Han Ziqi glanced at Ying Si, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "Here on your turf, I am the fish and you the butcher. You need not fear disrespect from me. Since we’re brothers, let’s have heart-to-heart talks without outsiders intruding, shall we?"

"You are the outsider!" Xie Jue’s tone grew colder. "As for things to discuss, I already addressed them in West State. Oh, I almost forgot—back then, you sent a substitute. Not yourself. Quite the cowardly move, wasn’t it? You wouldn’t even dare show up in person."

Han Ziqi’s temper remained surprisingly restrained. "Elder brother, we are evenly matched. You and I talk with your Shadow Guard present; what’s the difference?"

"Since you’re here and have already had your tea, say what you want quickly." Xie Jue’s patience was waning.

Han Ziqi, familiar with his temperament, dared not press further. "This time, during my visit to Beining for negotiations, I brought a letter from my father for you."

He retrieved a folded letter from his chest pocket and placed it on Xie Jue’s desk. Xie Jue gazed at the unopened letter, his expression impassive. Han Ziqi sat back down and resumed sipping his tea. "Elder brother, won’t you take a look?"

Xie Jue tapped his finger lightly against the letter, his thoughts unreadable. The study was illuminated by three oil lamps, with a tall tung oil lamp placed beside Xie Jue due to his busy nightly work. A covered desk lamp stood nearby. Xie Jue removed the lamp’s thin cover and swiftly set the letter aflame atop the lamp’s wick.

Han Ziqi’s face shifted slightly. The flames consumed the letter, its edges blackening and curling as it burned away. Xie Jue transferred the fiery remains into a brass basin, watching the letter disintegrate into ashes. Han Ziqi’s expression darkened deeply. No one in Sannan had ever dared to burn King of Sannan’s personal letters. For the king to write to Xie Jue was a significant gesture of face—yet Xie Jue had neither read it nor hesitated to destroy it.

Xie Jue picked up a damp cloth to wipe his fingers. "Whatever King of Sannan wrote, I am not interested. The night is dark and the lighting poor—I have no desire to read it. Say what you will quickly, while I still have patience."