Chapter 1316 - 992: The Supreme Art of War Is to Subdue the Enemy Without Fighting; The Next Best Is to Break Their Alliances

Yu Wenquan slightly raised his hand to signal everyone to stand down, then said, "Where is Yuan Qian?"

He was wearing casual clothes, leisurely like a wealthy old man coincidentally visiting his daughter-in-law to see his grandson. Shang Ruyi hurriedly rose and asked Nanny Feng to bring out Yuan Qian. Upon seeing Yu Wenquan, Yuan Qian immediately reached out his arms happily towards Grandpa, saying crisply, "Ah!"

Yu Wenquan, smiling broadly, took the grandson and hugged him closely.

Yuan Qian was tickled by his beard and both struggled and laughed. The originally solemn atmosphere due to the reception of the imperial carriage was immediately lightened by the child’s crisp laughter, making Qianqiu Palace lively. Yu Wenquan also laughed heartily, saying, "This child is full of spirit."

Shang Ruyi, watching her son’s lively appearance, also smiled and said, "He just took a nap; now it’s his playful time."

"Then I have come at the right time."

As Yu Wenquan spoke, he carried Yuan Qian into the hall, sat down by himself, prompting Shang Ruyi to hurriedly have someone send tea and snacks, and everyone quietly retreated.

Yu Wenquan played with his grandson for a while, then leaned on the table and took a sip of tea, looking at Shang Ruyi.

He said, "Did you visit your uncle’s house today?"

"Yes."

"How is he?"

"Uncle has been resting at home recently, his past old ailments have mostly been recovered."

"Oh."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan slightly raised his brows, seemingly waiting for Shang Ruyi to continue, but Shang Ruyi stopped there and didn’t continue. Yu Wenquan’s expression slightly relaxed, and then he glanced around, saying, "Your place is still clean, I thought you’d already started packing."

On hearing this, Shang Ruyi immediately said, "Your child dared not."

"Oh?"

"As Father has not granted permission, how can I dare to act willfully?"

"Then do you think I will allow you to go?"

Shang Ruyi lowered her head and sincerely said, "Your child merely wishes to be filial to Father and loyal to the court. As to whether Father allows it or not, it’s naturally for Father to consider. Your child dares not speculate rashly."

Upon hearing these words and feeling the little Yuan Qian continually tugging at his sleeve, the endearment gradually softened Yu Wenquan’s countenance.

He was silent for a moment, then said, "I shouldn’t permit you."

"..."

"In any case, this matter is too dangerous. If Xiazhou’s peril truly needs solving, the court should send troops, not a princess."

Shang Ruyi immediately said, "Your child understands Father’s concern for me, but if Xiazhou’s peril is not unraveled, the Turkic will become a hidden threat to Dasheng. Allowing their development and growth, if further eradication is needed, it will indeed be difficult. Thus, Xiazhou’s peril must be resolved."

"..."

"And the way to resolve the crisis isn’t solely by deploying troops. The Art of War says: the best is to attack using strategy, next is diplomacy, then military force, and lastly besieging cities."

"..."

"Your child’s strategy is not as good as the ministers in court, nor commanding troops like King Qin or King Qi, but in diplomacy, at least I can speak a few words with them."

Yu Wenquan’s gaze intensely focused on her: "Do you truly think you can say a few words to make them withdraw their troops?"

His gaze was solemn, as if asking yet not completely disbelieving. On the contrary, his eyes held the intense fervor of someone bold enough to attempt the impossible. In reality, Shang Ruyi understood well that someone who could establish a nation and proclaim himself emperor in turbulent times couldn’t have adhered to old ways his whole life; he must have had many bold ideas and strategies to act decisively at critical moments, with precision.

So rather than asking about such possibilities, he sought a firm answer from her.

Shang Ruyi bowed her head, thought for a moment, and said, "I humbly request Father to allow me to try."

These were the words she spoke that day when telling Yu Wenquan she wanted to resolve Xiazhou’s crisis and made promises; only this time, Yu Wenquan didn’t hesitate like before asking her to withdraw and reconsider, instead, he deeply looked at her, showing undisguised admiration in his tiger eyes.

After a brief silence, Yu Wenquan suddenly laughed, saying, "When you were born, I once held you."

"Ah?"

Suddenly shifting from matters of military and state to warm topics caught Shang Ruyi off guard, yet she still looked at him with wide eyes, hearing Yu Wenquan laugh and say, "When you were born, you were two ounces heavier than Feng Chen, louder than Yuan Qian."

Shang Ruyi blinked, surprised at his words, more so realizing she had been held by him when young.

However, it wasn’t unexpected, as Yu Wenquan was friends with Shang Ruohong, their bond so deep the families became in-laws, and even after Shang Ruohong’s death, with the Shang Family’s decline, he remained unchanged, showing he still had feelings for the Shang Family and her.

Shang Ruyi softly said, "I didn’t know."

Yu Wenquan laughed and said, "Back then, you only knew how to cry, what could you possibly know?"

"..."

"Yet at that time, I did wish for a daughter as strong as you."

He spoke, and his smile showed a touch of desolation, saying, "Unfortunately, still a son."

Shang Ruyi immediately understood he referred to Yu Wen the Third. From his previous attitude when she married into the Yuwen Family and snippets spoken, it was clear Yu Wenquan really liked daughters. Unfortunately, of his three sons, none were daughters; hence his special affection towards her. If not for the issue with Han Yuhui causing friction between them, he probably would have agreed to her request more readily this time.

Shang Ruyi softly said, "Father, am I not half a daughter?"

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan also laughed and nodded, saying, "Yes, yes, if I truly had a daughter, she ought to be like you."

After speaking, he exhaled deeply and said, "You may go!"

Upon hearing this, Shang Ruyi’s eyes widened with joy and she hurriedly rose to bow and salute to Yu Wenquan, saying, "Thank you, Father."

Yu Wenquan placed Yuan Qian to the side, got up to help her sit back down, then said, "Do not thank me. This matter is not a reward. You must know that dealing with the Western Turks means sometimes even swords and spears are useless. Otherwise, Princess Qiancheng wouldn’t have sent three letters in a row seeking assistance."

"..."

"If you truly encounter danger——"

"Rest assured, Father!"

Afraid that he might retract permission due to her potential dangers, Shang Ruyi unwillingly imitated Yu Wenye’s bad habit, interrupting him urgently saying, "Since I have petitioned, naturally I will go with the resolve to fight hard, yet will certainly return with my life."

"..."

"After all, I still have Yuan Qian."

Upon hearing this, Yu Wenquan was finally completely relieved, saying, "You prepare immediately; depart in three days."