On the way back to the princess's mansion, Zhou Ying kept her eyes closed, and she didn't say anything all the way, so Su Zhi naturally didn't dare to disturb. After entering the house, Zhou Ying untied her cloak, handed it to Su Zhi, who was waiting with bated breath on the side, and ordered, "Go and invite Lin Gongzi to come over." ”

Su Zhi stopped talking for a long time, but after all, he didn't ask the emperor's reaction, and retreated worriedly.

Bai Liu saw that the relationship between the two was wrong, and he was uneasy, but he still held on to his composure, and reported: "Princess, Xu Shizi asks to see." ”

Zhou Ying lowered her eyes for a long time, "Please." ”

But in a moment, Xu Hong had already been invited, and after Bai Liu served tea, he quickly retreated. Xu Hong said: "I have inquired, yesterday in the court, the Western Turkic envoy suddenly made a request for peace. Then His Majesty summoned several adults to discuss the court, but the battle was inconclusive in the end. In addition, after Ashina Ji Mang dispersed the dynasty, he left with the second prince, and the two talked very happily. ”

Xu Hong paused, but still said, "I sent someone to ask Ashina Jimang's entourage about the news, except for the second prince, no other Chen people have had private contact with Ashina Jimang during this period of time. In addition, although the second prince did not show any inclination in the court, I think that Ashina Jimang's decision is likely to be facilitated by the second prince. After all, if you are close, the power and morale of the eldest prince will be greatly damaged. ”

Zhou Ying took a sip of tea, "What about the eldest brother, how did he react?" ”

Xu Hong clenched his fists and closed his eyes, "The eldest prince said don't be impatient, after all, it's a matter of side affairs, he is in a sensitive situation, it is just the time to win the trust of His Majesty, he should be more cautious, if the emperor has not asked, he should be honest and shut up." ”

Zhou Ying smiled lightly, "Why am I not surprised at all?" ”

Xu Hong sneered, "He is just a hot second prince who has a good relationship with the Western Turk envoys, and he can't pull down the matter, and he doesn't dare to tell the truth, so he has to release water at the joints that he thinks are insignificant, and take the opportunity to show favor to the Western Turks." Oh, it's hard to be a fool. ”

Zhou Ying had no expectations for the eldest prince Zhou Lian at the beginning, so he was not disappointed at this time, and only said: "His choice is also wise, his father has always been independent of the sacred heart, and his mind has been made at this moment, even if the eldest brother intercedes for me again, my father will not be moved by him." ”

Xu Hong hurriedly turned his head to look at her, "Have you asked Your Majesty?" What do you say? ”

Zhou Ying replied calmly: "My father is bent on emulating the first emperor, and this matter is no exception. ”

The first emperor married the eldest princess of Pingxi with his own hands...... As soon as Xu Hong reacted, he suddenly sat back on the Taishi chair as if he had been struck by lightning, "How can you ...... Your Majesty?" for a while, he sat up straight and looked directly at Zhou Ying's eyes, "Cousin, you answer me honestly, do you want to marry?" ”

Zhou Ying asked, "What if you want to, what if you don't want to?" ”

Xu Hong looked at Zhou Ying without blinking, "If you want to marry, then that's it." If you don't want to get married, I can help you escape, or I can accompany you to escape. ”

Zhou Ying didn't answer, but said: "Over the years, I have been raised by Da Chen Jin Zun Yu to become an adult, and now Da Chen is at the time when I need to reciprocate, but I have to abandon my responsibilities and choose a way to escape, don't I seem cold-hearted?" ”

Zhou Ying leaned forward, crossed her fingers, and her voice was very calm, "What's more, once I escape, but until the diplomatic relations between the two countries are ignored, once the Western Turks know the truth, the Western Turks will be furious, and further cede land and pay reparations, not to mention, maybe it will cause a war. ”

Xu Hong's voice was difficult, "So, you agreed to marry the Western Turks?" ”

Zhou Ying smiled, "No, I refuse." ”