Zong Han shot Yu Xiaoshuang a disdainful glance and said, "Who in this world doesn't know that when the Prince leads troops to battle in the front, the Princess sits on the dragon throne in the rear, and all major court affairs are decided by the Princess!"
"It's not just a day or two that the Zhenguo Princess has interfered in court affairs. The ministers and common people of Yun Country don't object, so why is the Emperor of Wei Country objecting here? Could it be that you already feel you are capable of being the Lord of Yun?"
Yu Xiaoshuang was once again silenced by Zong Han. His face turned red, and he was so embarrassed he wished he could disappear into the ground!
The chair beneath him suddenly felt like it was covered in needles, making it impossible to sit. He hastily stood up and said, "Don't speak nonsense. Be careful that your words bring disaster!"
Zong Han sneered, "Am I speaking nonsense? Then who is it whose soldiers are currently plundering on another's territory? The eyes of the world are not blind, and justice resides in people's hearts. If you dare not answer the Princess's question directly, are you guilty of theft or are you snatching territory with a clear conscience!"
"You... My affairs are none of your business!" Yu Xiaoshuang flicked his sleeves and sat back down on the chair!
Zong Han curled his lips in contempt, "You're guilty and now you're angry, heh heh."
He chuckled mockingly twice, then turned his head aside and shook it. He wondered if the late Emperor of Wei Country had been blind to have chosen such an imbecile as emperor!
Not only could he not keep his composure, but he also disrespected women. Didn't he see that the woman before him was someone even the Prince dared not provoke? Yet, he was here mocking the Princess. Was this not asking for trouble?
If his father-in-law, who doted on his wife, were here and heard him speaking so contemptuously of his wife, he would have slapped him across the face long ago. He wouldn't have been allowed to sit here so peacefully!
Zhao Jiaqi said, "Do you all also believe that women should not interfere in politics?"
Before anyone could express their opinions, she continued, "Today, let me tell you, within the inner city, I, Zhao Jiaqi, have the same authority as the Prince!"
"Let alone interfering in court affairs, it's a matter of my word to mobilize the army. You can choose not to believe me, but never underestimate my capabilities!"
Such domineering words! Zong Han liked people like this. Such a woman was worthy of being his mother-in-law!
These words made Yu Xiaoshuang even more embarrassed and mortified!
Zhao Jiaqi abandoned her gentle and elegant demeanor, her sharp words like knives piercing his heart, "If Wei Country and Xue Country persist in their actions and insist on besieging our Yun Country, disregarding the hundred-year-old friendly pact, then our Yun Country will no longer show you any courtesy and will retaliate with full force!"
As soon as she finished speaking, she glanced at everyone present and smiled, "Of course, if any of you feel your territory is too small, you can also join in and take a piece of the pie!"
These words were a naked trampling of the faces of Emperor Yu Xiaoshuang of Wei and Emperor Lan Jinfeng of Xue in front of everyone. She didn't leave them any room for maneuver!
Lan Jinfeng's back was drenched in cold sweat. He had already been reluctant to directly confront Fan Zehao's army. They had fought for months without seeing Fan Zehao make a move, and he thought the inner city and Yun Country had completely fallen out. He never expected that now he was in a predicament!
Between the two great nations of Wei and Yun, his mind spun rapidly as he considered which to choose. Before he could decide, Zong Han and Prince Ale spoke up simultaneously!
"My Zong Sheng Kingdom is willing to take a piece of this pie. It's just about time for my hundred thousand cavalry to get some training. It's a pity that weapons don't see blood. After all, weapons need to be nurtured with blood!"
Prince Ale laughed and slapped his thigh, stating frankly, "My Axi tribe was born on the grasslands. It's a pity our tribe has no land. Trading horses for grain is too much of a loss. Since Wei Country and Xue Country both have land, I am of course very willing to take a piece of the pie. I would be content even if I were given just two small cities!"
With someone taking the lead, the rest also expressed their willingness!
"Tianhan Country is willing to send troops to cooperate with the Princess!"
Seeing Ji Yinghao speak, Liang Long decided he could no longer stand by and watch. He immediately said, "Liang Country is willing to send troops to cooperate with the Princess!"
Huangfu Xi had been very low-key these past two days. At this moment, he was in great spirits. The Prince and Princess had finally helped him vent his anger!
He immediately echoed, "All the military camps of Yun Country are at the disposal of the Prince and Princess. I will fully cooperate!"
Fan Zehao, who had returned from outside the door, listened for a while. He was genuinely happy for his wife's crushing of Yu Xiaoshuang. This was how a wife should be – domineering!
They had originally planned for one to play the good cop and the other the bad cop. But some people could be treated that way, while those shameless individuals had to be dealt with like this to make them understand their position!
Clapping sounds echoed from the doorway. Everyone turned to see that it was the Prince who had returned. Yu Xiaoshuang immediately looked like he had found an adult to complain to. Before he could utter a word, he heard Fan Zehao's voice reach his ears!
"Well done, my dear. You've said exactly what I was thinking. If you had spoken like this yesterday, why would I have wasted today's time having them tour the trade city? There would have been no need for this birthday celebration. I would have just mobilized the troops and attacked. If I couldn't kill him, I would have crippled him. He clearly doesn't know what pain is, nor what fear is!"
Everyone simultaneously wiped the sweat from their foreheads. These two were definitely a couple, each more arrogant, more proud, and more overbearing than the other!
But what could they do? Their military strength, financial resources, and capabilities were all laid bare before them. They had no choice but to obey!
Lan Jinfeng now understood that Fan Zehao and Zhao Jiaqi were serious. He immediately stood up and quickly clarified himself, "Your Highness, Your Highness, it was my foolishness to believe Yu Xiaoshuang's deceitful words and do something that wronged Yun Country, as well as violate the contract we signed. I know my mistake. I will withdraw my troops now and am willing to compensate Yun Country with one million taels of gold!"
Yu Xiaoshuang jumped up and pointed furiously at Lan Jinfeng, with a look of exasperation. He gritted his teeth and said, "To think you are also an emperor, yet you debase yourself so before a woman. You are simply shaming all of us rulers!"
Lan Jinfeng, hearing his insults, retorted, "Come and lecture me when you become the most powerful emperor in this world!"
You are nothing and yet you try to educate me, it's simply overestimating yourself!
There are many more powerful emperors than him in this world. Look at how cooperatively they speak to the Princess. Why can't an insignificant emperor like himself think for himself?
The dog-eat-dog drama unfolded, and everyone watched with great interest. However, this was truly a waste of time. Zhao Jiaqi did not want time to slip away like this!
"If Xue Country can fulfill your promise just now, then I will no longer pursue your wrongdoing. You have one month to withdraw your troops, otherwise, you will bear the consequences!"
Hearing the Princess's words, he nodded repeatedly, "Yes, yes, I will send people back to withdraw the troops as soon as I return to the temporary residence. It will definitely not take a month!"
Losing some face and money to avoid becoming a conquered nation was already a good outcome. How could he still dare to demand to be a big shot in front of all the emperors!
Xue Country had agreed, so only Emperor Yu Xiaoshuang of Wei was left to make a choice!