High-class Spring Joy

It was from the Third Young Master that Qinghe learned what had happened in the Devil City.

The Emperor originally brought a group of princes to this Devil City to negotiate with the envoys of the Northern Frontier Kingdom.

This matter is somewhat related to the situation of the entire continent. Originally, the continent was divided into seven parts, with seven countries. Song Kingdom was, coincidentally, one of the two countries in the very middle.

The two countries in the middle have already signed an alliance, and at least they will not easily take action against each other.

However, the two middle countries haven't taken action because they are allies. At least five countries surround them. If the two middle countries don't unite, and the five countries unite, taking down one of them would be extremely easy, practically effortless.

Song and Hu are the two countries right in the middle. They are very close, separated only by the Lancang River.

The two countries are located opposite each other and have long been allied. At least three dynasties ago, the two countries had already established kinship ties.

The Crown Prince's current wife is a princess from the Hu Kingdom.

Once the two countries unite, it will inevitably be detrimental to the situation of the surrounding five countries. Therefore, many of the five countries have formed alliances. However, the best, longest-lasting, and most thought-provoking method for forming alliances is marriage.

Southeast China is prone to flooding year-round. There might be a flood disaster in one out of every three years, either due to torrential rains or drought.

In short, it was a place that was not peaceful and was also a place that suffered many disasters, and the people had suffered a lot.

Even the Third Young Master regularly sends supplies, resources, and manpower to the Southeast region every year.

If the southeastern region suffers from numerous disasters, it is prone to internal strife. Once internal strife occurs, neighboring countries in the southeast will have an opportunity to take advantage of it.

Fortunately, to the southeast lay the neighboring state of Hu, separated only by a narrow strip of water, with the Lancang River flowing nearby. If the Lancang River flooded, the Hu state would inevitably suffer as well. The two states had cooperated for over a century to alleviate the Lancang River's flooding, but managing this river was proving to be extremely difficult.

The upper reaches of the Lancang River are located in a treacherous area. The waterfalls cascading down from the heights can kill people. The river gradually calms down in the middle and lower reaches, but once the water rises, it causes severe flooding and can easily inundate the cities on both sides.

However, if disaster relief efforts are carried out in the southeast, then a portion of the nation's manpower, material resources, and financial resources will be concentrated in the southeast region, naturally neglecting the southwest region on the other side.

The neighboring country in the southwest region is Tibet, and the country bordering Tibet to the north is the northern frontier. The last time Tibet sent a princess, she already had rebellious intentions. The princess's behavior and words were provocative and competitive. Since the princess was able to obtain such permission to go to another country to conduct diplomacy, she must have at least obtained the permission of the Tibetan king.

Since the Tibetan king has given his instructions, Tibet's attitude is self-evident. If the two countries wait until everything is clear before taking action, it will be too late. At least for now, since there is no way to form an alliance with Tibet, it is necessary to balance the external forces.

Tibet and Northern Xinjiang are neighbors, and the two countries have long been at odds. However, because Northern Xinjiang is located in a region that is perpetually covered in ice and snow, with low temperatures and a climate unsuitable for human habitation, although it is vast and rich in resources, its population is sparse, and consequently, its national strength is weaker than that of Tibet. But the people of Northern Xinjiang have also developed a unique character trait due to this geographical feature: they are extremely forthright and straightforward.

This is why the Tibetan Empire dared not easily take action against the northern frontier. Firstly, although the Tibetan Empire was stronger than the northern frontier, it would never provoke the northern frontier again while simultaneously attacking the Song Kingdom.

If the Northern Frontier Kingdom doesn't intervene, if it sits on the sidelines and watches the tigers fight, then China will inevitably suffer the consequences. Although China's national strength is no weaker than Tibet's, and may even be stronger, if Songguo falls into a disadvantageous position, or if a large portion of its manpower, resources, and finances are drawn to Tibet and poured into the war, then wouldn't the other kingdoms be watching with predatory eyes, waiting for the right moment to pounce like tigers and devour Songguo?

Therefore, this peace talks between the Emperor and the Northern Frontier Kingdom are extremely necessary, as they involve many things. If these talks end in discord, it is highly likely that China will be placed in a passive position, facing threats from the Northern Frontier and provocations from Tibet.

At the very least, if Tibet were to provoke China and the Northern Frontier turned a blind eye and truly stood by, China's situation would be precarious. Therefore, the most important thing in this peace talk is to win over the Northern Frontier and create a united front between the two countries. While it may not mean directly attacking Tibet, at least the Northern Frontier will not stand idly by if Tibet makes any rash moves.

This is the purpose of the Emperor bringing his princes to negotiate this time: at least to ensure that the Northern Frontier Kingdom remains neutral, but is slightly biased towards China.

Because China is a vast country with abundant resources, except for the southeast, which is prone to flooding due to the Lancang River, most other areas can be considered peaceful and prosperous. It can be described as a vast country with abundant resources, and it is rich and powerful.

Moreover, it occupies a strategic position in the middle of the entire continent, making its geographical location extremely important.

The mere geographical location of Tibet has attracted considerable attention, as the Tibetan Empire has always been ambitious. Moreover, it is said that the reason they dared to send a princess to spread rumors and make irresponsible statements within Chinese territory was because they had reached an agreement with another southern kingdom, and the two countries had already established a marriage alliance six months ago.

This is precisely why the Southern Frontier Kingdom and the Tibetan Kingdom have implicitly formed a united front against external threats. If these two countries were to join forces, they would pose the greatest threat to China, simply because the Tibetan Kingdom is located in the southwest corner of China, while the Southern Frontier lies directly to the south.

If China does not negotiate peace with the Northern Frontier Kingdom at this juncture, and something intervenes, causing unrest or other disturbances in the Northern Frontier Kingdom, China could easily find itself in a passive situation of being outnumbered and outmatched. Moreover, it would be completely surrounded externally, and its exchanges and trade with other regions would be cut off. This is the biggest threat; once foreign trade is disrupted, the entire domestic economy will suffer a severe blow.

This would not only put China in a one-against-three situation, but also make it difficult for even Hu Jintao to stand firmly on China's side if China shows weakness. When external threats become too great, it will be hard to expect any steadfast allies. This could easily lead to a situation where China is one against four, one against five, or even one against six. After all, as long as the benefits are sufficient, there is nothing that cannot be defeated.

Don't expect to have permanent allies. As long as there is a conscious relationship of interests, the relationship will be strong and steadfast if the interests are large enough.

It is precisely because of this premise that even Hugo might not become his most steadfast ally if the benefits offered are substantial. In the context of multinational diplomacy, the outcome naturally depends on the specific circumstances.

Right now, China's best course of action is to win over the northern border region, so as not to become an overly close and inseparable ally. But at least this round of talks is related to many things, including the situation China will face next, the path China can take, and the direction it can choose.

Therefore, this peace talks absolutely cannot go wrong. Precisely because some things absolutely cannot go wrong, there will be more problems to be encountered and more problems to arise. But this is an inevitable truth in this world.

Originally, the arrival of the Northern Frontier Kingdom was not at the time of the Northern Frontier Kingdom's emperor, but because the Chinese envoy was so serious—it was a personal expedition led by the emperor, and the princes were also present—the Northern Frontier Kingdom, upon receiving the news, naturally reciprocated with the same courtesy.

When the emperors of the two countries met in a small Devil City, people followed. Originally, the emperor intended to show hospitality as a host, but because the Devil City was sparsely populated and there were few businesses, he selected the best acrobatic troupe from China. The intention was to entertain the two and showcase China's style, etiquette, and customs.

After all, peace talks can't always be confined to a room to discuss national affairs; sometimes it should be a bit more relaxed.

However, this carefully selected acrobatic troupe ran into trouble. One of the performers was skilled at controlling mythical beasts, but during the performance, the lion suddenly went berserk and pounced on the two emperors seated at the front. Chaos ensued, even though both emperors had brought their personal bodyguards, and the princes were also skilled in martial arts.

But when those lions suddenly pounced, even the most skilled martial artist would inevitably panic.

The troupe consisted of three lions, two tigers, and a wolf. When these wild beasts went berserk and wreaked havoc, the troupe members lifted their clothes, revealing their true forms. That night, swords, spears, and clubs clashed, blood splattered, and many were wounded or killed on the spot. Those who managed to escape mostly fled the Devil City.

Chu Jingxian was covering His Majesty and the Crown Prince's escape from the Devil City. The Emperor and the Crown Prince also disappeared, while Chu Jingxian ran off to different places on his own to draw away the pursuers.

Having escaped the Devil City, three out of four directions were filled with snowdrifts, and the area was riddled with them. In the vast expanse of white snow, and with such severe injuries, who could discern where they could run and where they could hold their ground?

When Qinghe heard this, her heart clenched, and she quickly asked the Third Young Master beside her, "And then what? How did you survive, Third Young Master? Are you all alone now? What about Chensha, the person you were with? I remember you said Zheji stayed in Bianjing City, but you brought Chensha with you, didn't you?"

Chu Jingxian's gaze met Qinghe's clear, bright eyes.

Chu Jingxian discovered that he could see occasionally when he fell.

That's why he saw Qinghe falling and chose to catch her.

But the little girl was dressed up too thoroughly; her face was mostly covered, leaving only a pair of bright, darting eyes that looked very clever, but you couldn't see anything else.

And this robe completely covered Qinghe's figure, making her look like a plump and round New Year's picture doll. Chu Jingxian only recognized the person in front of him because of these eyes.

If he hadn't seen those eyes, if Chu Jingxian hadn't been captivated by them for so long, if his intuition hadn't already recognized Qinghe, he would have had to try to figure it out. After all, he had never actually seen such beautiful eyes before, and this was the first time he had ever seen them.

So, all along, it was this pair of eyes that were looking at him, so gentle, so caring, and so forgiving.

The little girl's eyes, like her whole being, were warm and sparkling, incredibly captivating. Her usually clear, smiling eyes were now filled with worry and heartache; the affection beneath those warm gazes made Chu Jingxian feel as if he were melting into them.

Yes, just seeing those eyes made Chu Jingxian feel like she was melting into them. So this is what it feels like to be moved. Her heart was pounding, and her blood seemed to be boiling.

Just a pair of eyes, just that one look, was enough to make Chu Jingxian unable to look away.

Qinghe thought for a moment and noticed that Chu Jingxian was looking at her without saying anything. She wondered if she had asked the wrong question, but she couldn't help asking. Although Young Master Zhang spoke calmly, as if no swords had clashed or anything dangerous had happened, how could Qinghe not worry? Just hearing about the scene and the light-hearted description made her feel terrified and her heart pound.

The more silent Chu Jingxian became, the more worried Qinghe grew. She quickly grabbed Chu Jingxian's wrist and shook it repeatedly: "Third Young Master, please say something!!"

Qinghe was preoccupied with this matter and didn't notice that the person in front of her wasn't wearing the long scarf on their face.

They even overlooked those beautiful eyes, which were no longer dull or lifeless as before. Instead, they were staring at her with a persistent, complex, and profound gaze.

Seeing that the person in front of her didn't speak, Qinghe was stunned for a moment. It seemed that she finally realized that the person in front of her had his eyes open, and his handsome eyebrows and beautiful eyes were exposed to her for the first time in such an open way.

The light emanating from the bonfire in front of her actually made it easier for Qinghe to see.

Qinghe was completely stunned, especially when she met those beautiful peach blossom eyes, especially when she first saw the deep and dark look in those eyes. Qinghe was stunned, completely stunned.

he…

He can see?!

When this thought burst forth, it completely awakened the blood in Qinghe's body, causing it to boil and rush into Qinghe's mind.

Blood rushed to Qinghe's head, and her entire face flushed red. Could the Third Young Master really see it?!

The Third Young Master can really see it!!

If you realize this fact, it takes several breaths to finally accept it, and the first reaction to accepting it is to quickly reach out and touch your face to see if there is anything wrong with it.

She absolutely cannot see me looking so disheveled and pale just now. At the very least, I can't let the Third Young Master have such an impression of me in the first stage!

Qinghe reached out and touched herself before realizing that she was still wearing the thick felt hat she had bought from the farmer.

The felt hat had one unique feature: it completely covered the face, leaving only the eyes exposed, making it easy to see where one was going. This kind of hat was very windproof and also very warm, and Qinghe quite liked it.

Qinghe liked it even more now.

Qinghe realized that the Third Young Master couldn't see her pale face clearly, probably because he was short of energy from traveling for many days. Her complexion looked terrible. Qinghe breathed a sigh of relief, then quickly looked at the Third Young Master in front of her and asked, "Third Young Master, your eyes..."

When she said this, Qinghe's voice was hoarse and weak because she was too excited.

A smile flickered in Chu Jingxian's eyes. He didn't speak, but simply nodded at Qinghe, his deep, smiling gaze landing on her eyes.

You can actually see it now.

Those eyes finally saw it; the man whom all the people laughed at and called a crippled gentleman could finally get rid of that cripple.

The Third Young Master is no longer the regrettable young master of the Marquis's mansion that everyone talks about.

The chosen one, a person who should have shone brightly, has finally had the dust removed from his body.

Qinghe was inexplicably excited. Even though it was the Third Young Master's eyes that could see, it felt as if she had gained a fortune of millions.

Qinghe swallowed subconsciously. The way she raised her hand betrayed her thoughts. Before he could even react, Qinghe had already tried to stroke the Third Young Master's cheek with her fingertips, and finally landed on the corner of his eye.

Chu Jingxian noticed her touch and his body trembled.

Even just the touch of his fingertips made him feel incredibly...surging.

It turns out that he missed so much before. It turns out that what he missed was not only the scenery of the outside world, nor just the men, women, young and old in this world. What he truly missed was the heartache and longing in this little girl's eyes, which were undisguised and could not be concealed.

Chu Jingxian didn't like others touching him, especially his eyes. But for some reason, when this girl reached out her hand, and her icy fingertips touched his cheek and then gently touched the corner of his eye, Chu Jingxian's first reaction was to want to rub his cheek against her palm.

This impulse, this feeling, was completely unfamiliar and terrifying to Chu Jingxian. How could he have such thoughts? How could he have such an impulse?

So this is what it means to be smitten? Is this how you feel about someone you like? Is this what it means to have your heart pound uncontrollably when you're close to someone?

It turns out that the person in front of him was already this important to him.

Chu Jingxian felt that he couldn't easily look away.

He felt as if the person in front of him was radiating light, a light he had never seen before and could not resist.

But Qinghe quickly realized what was happening, her fingertips felt like they were being burned, and she hurriedly pulled them back, her whole body in a panic.

Qinghe only realized what she had just done at this moment. She looked timidly into the eyes of the Third Young Master in front of her and said, "I... I just thought your eyes were very beautiful and I was a little mesmerized. I didn't mean to offend you."

As Qinghe was speaking, she suddenly felt a warm touch on her eyelids, and her voice stopped abruptly.

Qinghe stared at the person in front of her in disbelief, completely frozen in place, not knowing what he was going to do. Especially when the Third Young Master's warm fingertips touched her eyebrows and eyes, Qinghe felt as if her whole body had stiffened into a stone.

He couldn't say anything, couldn't think of anything, and couldn't do anything.

He just stared blankly at the person in front of him, staring blankly at the person's eyes and hands.

The Third Young Master had touched Qinghe before; in fact, on that night, he touched everything he should and shouldn't have, thoroughly exploring her.

At that time, most of the touching was initiated by Qinghe. Even when the effects of the medicine became uncontrollable in the latter half, it was the Third Young Master who took the initiative. The Third Young Master's touching at that time had a somewhat probing meaning.

Because the Third Young Master cannot see.

At this moment, however, the Third Young Master's touch was subjective and unwavering, without any probing. He simply reached out and touched his eyebrows. When his warm fingertips caressed him, Qinghe's eyelids couldn't help but tremble slightly.

Chu Jingxian finally saw how those eyes trembled and melted at his fingertips. Her long, thin, and curled eyelashes trembled slightly with his touch, like butterflies fluttering their wings.

good looking.

It looks absolutely beautiful.

Chu Jingxian was only a few years old before he lost his sight. His mind was blank when it came to images of beauty, elegance, and refinement. The first time he opened his eyes was when he saw a girl in a blue dress.

This time, all I could clearly see was that girl's lonely eyes.

These eyes alone were enough to make Chu Jingxian think they were beautiful enough, so beautiful that even the fine obsidian inlaid on his belt seemed like a fake.

Qinghe felt a tickle in her eyes, and the next moment she heard the Third Young Master in front of her speak with a smile:

"Your eyes are the most beautiful."

This sentence didn't have any other meaning; it wasn't blatant, it was very simple, just praising Qinghe's beautiful eyes, yet it made Qinghe's heart tremble involuntarily.

Qinghe's voice was a little unsteady: "Young Master... are your eyes really healed? How so?"

Qinghe wanted to change the subject; she really couldn't bear the gaze of the person in front of her, as if she were about to melt into his eyes.

But it was clear that Chu Jingxian had no intention of changing the subject at this moment.

Chu Jingxian didn't answer Qinghe's question. Instead, he asked, "Ahe, are you only planning to let me look at your eyes?"