Chapter 619: Chapter 618: 618: Hard to Refuse

“I know that.”

It’s normal for hundreds of spies to be sent between countries.

Jiang Ruobai nodded: “It must have been a Silla spy who leaked the news of Mu Jian’s arrest. It’s not uncommon for the Silla Kingdom to want to shelter him. After all, with Mu Jian’s status, he should be able to provide them with many secrets.”

Jiang Ning clapped her hands: “I understand now.”

“And what do you understand?”

“It’s called, political asylum!”

“…I guess that’s more or less the idea.” Jiang Ruobai hadn’t heard this term before, but after careful thought, it seemed quite fitting.

It was quite impressive that she had thought of it.

Jiang Ruobai’s affection for his clever and quick-witted daughter grew stronger.

Most importantly, this girl resembled her mother so much that as someone obsessed with spoiling his wife, he couldn’t help but dote on his daughter as well.

Jiang Ning asked, “Father, do you plan to make this trade with the Silla Kingdom? Mu Jian has been with the Crown Prince for so many years and knows many secrets. If we hand him over, it could be dangerous… ”

“How could your father not know this? However, the hostage they’re offering in exchange is hard to refuse.”

“Who is it?”

“Prince of Kang County.”

“Kang…” Jiang Ning’s realization dawned on her, “The Emperor’s illegitimate child?”

Jiang Ruobai looked at her with a strange expression: “Well, little girl, you even know about this matter.”

“I just found out.” Jiang Ning giggled, “It was Concubine Yu’s statement of allegiance, and I think there’s a more than 90% chance it’s true.”n/ô/vel/b//in dot c//om

“Statement of allegiance? She’s pledging to you?”

“Dad, guess who helped her get the child back from the Empress?”

“I’ve heard about this. Aren’t you afraid that the Empress will deal with you just like she did with Concubine Jin?” Jiang Ruobai asked with a smile.

“I will be careful. Besides, the Empress will be finished soon.”

“If it were at any other time, the Empress might not dare to touch you, but remember, even a cornered rabbit will bite. Don’t push someone too hard unless you have the absolute upper hand.”

“Yes, I will remember my father’s teachings.” Jiang Ning thought for a moment, “Father, how did the Prince of Kang County become a hostage of the Silla Kingdom?”

“This matter is a closely guarded secret. No more than five people in the Imperial Court know about it.” Jiang Ruobai spoke mysteriously, “By the time I found out, Li You had already been quietly imprisoned in the Silla Kingdom for a year.”

Jiang Ning didn’t understand: “Isn’t the Silla Kingdom our vassal state? They are supposed to be subservient to Great Sheng, so why would they dare to imprison a nobleman of Great Sheng? Isn’t the Silla King afraid that the Imperial Court would punish them?”

“Do you think the Emperor doesn’t know about this?”

“Is this something the Emperor condones?”

“The Emperor wanted to hone the child’s skills, so he sent him to Silla for intelligence work. Who could have guessed that he would be caught?” Jiang Ruobai explained slowly, “After all, we’re a great nation; we can’t admit to planting spies in Silla, so we have to endure for now.”

“Ah, no wonder the Silla Kingdom sent their Prince and Princess for this year’s tribute, and they brought the hostage with them to negotiate terms.”

“That’s right. However, they’re overestimating Li You’s position in the Imperial Court. For the Emperor, it’s absolutely impossible to make any concessions that would harm the country’s interests for the sake of an illegitimate child.”

“No wonder they want to use Mu Jian as a bargaining chip.”

“Yes, compared to Mu Jian, Li You is much more important, as he carries the royal bloodline.” Jiang Ruobai sighed with lingering emotions, “Tomorrow, I’ll have someone return Mu Jian to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince must have struggled with this matter lately, hasn’t he?”