She Came to Heal, Stayed to Conquer

He Shu, well prepared, cupped his hands and said, "The border herdsmen are driven by necessity for survival; it is not the Khan’s original intention. The Khan is willing to offer three thousand warhorses and five hundred camels as compensation, and promises not to march southward for ten years."

The court immediately buzzed with low murmurs. Minister of War, Cao Ge, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the Turks are deceitful and changeable, there is fear of a feigned surrender."

Princess Yujia heard this, her fingertips slightly tightened.

She raised her eyes to look at the minister who opposed, and quickly lowered her gaze, but she had already noted his appearance in her heart.

Emperor Jing was silent for a moment, then suddenly asked, "Who is that woman?"

He Shu’s heart tightened, but there was no trace of it on his face.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this is Princess Yujia of the Turks, the Khan’s cherished pearl. She accompanies us this time merely to see the prosperity of Da Jing."

As an old minister of the Turks, He Shu had thought about this long before coming to Da Jing.

He only wanted to negotiate peace and was unwilling to mention marriage alliances. He did not want the Turks to negotiate peace and make compensations, and then also lose a princess.

That would be too humiliating.

But at this moment, Princess Yujia stepped forward and performed a standard Han courtesy.

"Princess Yujia of the Turks, pays respects to the Emperor of Da Jing."

Her Da Jing dialect was pronounced with perfect tone, her voice clear like a spring striking a rock.

A flicker of astonishment crossed Emperor Jing’s eyes.

This Turkic princess may not have the creamy skin of Central Plains women, but she possessed a unique exotic wild beauty.

Her wheat-colored skin shone with a healthy glow under the sunlight, and a pair of almond eyes sparkled like stars beneath her tall nose.

"Princess, there’s no need for such ceremony." Emperor Jing’s tone softened a bit, "I heard that Turkic women are skilled in archery and horseback riding. Does the princess excel in these?"

Yujia smiled slightly, "Replying to Your Majesty, Yujia learned to ride at age five and practiced archery at age seven. Although I dare not claim to hit a willow leaf at a hundred paces, I can still shoot accurately."

These words were confident yet not boastful, and several generals in the court could not help but glance at her.

He Shu noticed Emperor Jing’s interest in Yujia and felt alarmed, hastily changing the topic.

"Your Majesty, regarding the treaty..."

"This..."

Having just faced opposition, Emperor Jing hesitated and habitually looked toward Prime Minister Wei.

Mr. Wei gave a barely noticeable nod.

Emperor Jing slightly curled his lips; it seemed Mr. Wei shared his thoughts.

He had only been on the throne for four years and his foundation was not yet established.

Though the people of Da Jing lived in hardship, it was better than living amidst war, losing their homes, or surviving from day to day.

The well-being of the people was secondary. The important thing was, if the Turks continued to invade, sooner or later the Capital City would be affected. By then, his throne might not be safe.

Now that the Turks had voluntarily come to negotiate peace, it was an excellent opportunity.

Since Mr. Wei also agreed with him, Emperor Jing pondered and said, "A treaty should naturally be signed. However, mere compensation in cattle, sheep, and camels seems unreliable to me."

Hearing this, He Shu’s heart tightened.

He tentatively asked, "Then... what does Your Majesty wish for?"

Emperor Jing gazed intently at Princess Yujia, "I have one more condition."

The hall instantly fell silent, and even the sound of breathing was clearly audible.

"I want Princess Yujia in marriage, to enter the palace as a consort."

Emperor Jing’s voice was not loud, yet it resonated like thunder in everyone’s ears.

He Shu’s face changed dramatically; he had never expected the Emperor of Da Jing to propose a marriage alliance unprompted.

"Your Majesty, this..." He Shu’s forehead broke out in a fine sweat, "The princess is still young, I fear..."

"I am twenty-five this year, likely not much older than the princess." Emperor Jing pressed, "Could it be that the Turks feel I am unworthy of the princess?"

Princess Yujia felt the sudden tension in the hall, took a deep breath, and stepped forward voluntarily.

"Your Majesty’s favor humbles Yujia. However, marriage is a major affair between two countries. Would Your Majesty be willing to reciprocate with equal sincerity?"

Emperor Jing lightly raised an eyebrow, "It is usually a princess or prince who marries for alliance, yet I personally propose marriage with the Turks; is that not sincerity enough?"

"No, if Yujia is to enter the palace as a consort, I hope Your Majesty will exempt the Turks from three years of tribute, and send three million piculs of grain, weaving machines, and fabrics to the Turks. Only thus can Da Jing’s magnanimity as a great nation be demonstrated."

Yujia’s tone was neither humble nor arrogant, her voice clear.

The Minister of Revenue immediately stepped forward, "Your Majesty, absolutely not! Exempting tribute is already a major concession, providing grain and other items, then how is it still a negotiation?"

Emperor Jing, however, raised his hand to stop the Minister of Revenue’s objection, looking at Yujia with interest.

"The princess is bold. However, if I agree to these terms, what can the princess offer me?"

Princess Yujia took a deep breath, stood tall, and met Emperor Jing’s eyes.

"Yujia is willing to dedicate my life to help Your Majesty understand the Turkic customs and is also willing..."

She paused and solemnly said, "to bear Your Majesty a prince with the blood of both nations, to secure the border forever."

These words were so daring that they left everyone in the court stunned.

He Shu was so anxious that he stamped his feet, yet dared not interfere due to the occasion.

Emperor Jing laughed, "Hahaha, good! What an eloquent princess! I approve!"

"Your Majesty!" Several senior ministers urged in unison.

"No need to say more." Emperor Jing waved his hand, "My decision is made. He Shu, do you have any objections?"

The old chief looked as if the earth had crumbled beneath him but knew that refusal now would render all efforts futile.

He reluctantly cupped his hands, "I... follow the decree of Da Jing’s Emperor."

Princess Yujia bowed again, her lowered eyelashes hiding the complex emotions in her eyes.

She knew that from this moment, her fate was tightly bound to this unfamiliar dynasty.

"Hahaha, instruct the Honglu Temple to entertain the delegation well, and the Ministry of Rites to select an auspicious date for the marriage ceremony." Emperor Jing rose to announce, "Court dismissed!"

"Court dismissed!"

With the eunuch’s sharp voice echoing in the hall, this meeting that would change the fate of both nations finally came to a close.

As Princess Yujia turned away, she caught a glimpse of Emperor Jing’s meaningful gaze and secretly vowed:

If I must enter the palace as a consort, then I shall strive to gain the greatest benefits for my people within this gilded cage.