“Hmph, your husband will naturally pay with his life for my crown prince. Remarkably, he hasn’t died after three days on the battlefield,” the Rong monarch said with a cruel smile.
Wei Linxia gripped her handkerchief tightly, trying to quell her fear. Wasn’t this an expected outcome? Even if she died, she would not let Xi Linxuan die in vain. Her thoughts raced as she reached into her sleeve for another item, realizing the dagger was too short for her purpose. She shifted her gaze to a long knife on the table beside the roasted lamb and had an idea.
“Will you spare my husband if I hand over the Youzhou defense map?” Wei Linxia asked.
The Rong State Lord sneered, taking another sip of wine: “Nonsense. How would a woman know about the defense map?”
“Will you not make this deal? Let my husband die with honor for the country.” Weilin’s confidence grew, and her expression became more composed.
“How do I know if what you’re saying is true?” The Rong State Lord remained skeptical.
Weilin smiled: “My brother-in-law is the husband of the Yan Wang Junzhu and has been guarding Youzhou by royal command since the year before last. How could this map be fake? By handing over the map, my husband and I will still be under your mercy, waiting for you to verify its authenticity before deciding to release or…”
“So my State Prince died in vain?” The Rong State Lord’s face showed anger.
“Even if my husband settles the blood debt for your State Prince, he is a palace servant, disabled since childhood. In Yan culture, the emperor is the son of heaven with dragon-like qualities. Even if my husband survives, he would be discarded. Killing him would only save the emperor trouble and please other princes. Your State Prince would still die in vain.” Weilin stood up, pretending to cough. “My lord, please consider. If my husband dies today on the battlefield, I will not hand over this map.”
Wang Ling came to support her, and Weilin seized the opportunity to appear weak.
“Wait, I’ll make this deal with you,” the Rong State Lord called out, stopping them.
Wang Ling frowned, but Weilin shook her head and took a deep breath. “Then please prepare brush and ink,” she said.
