Van Jian's expression was extremely serious. He opened his mouth and said: "I indeed do not have the ability to persuade His Majesty to give up the idea of starting a war. But if you provoke me, at least I can make sure that Jingyang destroys your Dongyi City."
He stood up and said: "Do not try to stir internal chaos in Jingyang. Do not attempt to put my most revered elders in danger; otherwise, there will be no agreements in my heart."
Fourgu Jian did not say a word for a long time. Suddenly, he opened his mouth and asked, "If that day ever comes, will you still have any thoughts on Dongyi City?"
"Everything has yet to happen, but this is a warning we can sound ahead of time."
Fourgu Jian looked at him and said: "Are you also using this rough method to silence the Empress-Regnant of Northern Qi?"
Van Jian was not worried about Fourgu Jian revealing the gender of the young emperor. Because the overthrow of Northern Qi was definitely something that would not please a great master like him. He replied directly, "I have found out that only by using such a rough method can I solve these problems. This... is what you taught me."
"Do not try to manipulate or control me," Van Jian said as he opened his mouth.
From the moment Van Jian arrived in this world, every move and action was seemingly free, but always under the shadow of countless shadows. His father, his emperor, Minister Chen Pingping, and all these old men were arranging his future according to what they believed was right.
Later on, some monsters began to appear among those old men—Kuhe and Fourgu Jian at that moment. They wanted to use events from the past to secretly manipulate him.
If Van Jian were not who he was, he might have lived much more easily. Just by following his established steps, he could have survived with great ease. However, he did not want it that way. Even though Ye Qianmei's name had always been on top of his head, he still did not want to follow the path set for him.
---
Two days later, the delegations from Southern Jingyang and Northern Qi finally arrived on the official road in a slow and solemn procession. The delegations began an intense speed competition ever since leaving Song Country, as no one wanted to be the first to reach Dongyi City to launch their political offensive.
The head of the Northern Qi delegation, Wei Hua, felt somewhat strange but could not change anything. He guessed that Van Jian had likely already arrived in Dongyi City. However, none of the officials from Southern Jingyang's delegation imagined that the Northern Qi negotiation team who had arrived ahead of them were actually their emperor!
The welcome ceremony for Dongyi City was bustling and lively, although there were still many problems due to the officials in the governor's mansion all being dead. Yun Zhilán, who recruited officials from various regions, acted hastily without much experience, leading to some mishaps.
These details did not escape the attention of both delegations' officials. They soon learned about the bloodshed in the governor's mansion and exchanged worried glances, wondering what had happened.
In fact, the actual negotiations had already ended before the delegation arrived. The major figures from both sides had already negotiated countless times behind the scenes, setting a clear tone for Dongyi City's future.
On this sunny day, with gentle winds and bright skies, the Southern Jingyang officials in their guest house were stunned as they looked at Young Master Van sitting on the main seat. They were astonished for a long time without saying a word. Of course, they knew that Young Master Van had already entered Dongyi City earlier, but none of them could imagine that he would use only three days to counter Northern Qi's aggressive tactics and convince the proud Sword Saint to accept his persuasion.
After hearing Young Master Van's words, all Southern Jingyang officials were excited. If not for the courtiers from Dongyi City outside, their cheers might have echoed through the roof and up to the blue sky above Dongyi City.
Jingyang emerged from blood and fire and had developed into the first strong country in the world by constantly expanding its borders and waging war. Especially two or three decades ago, His Majesty personally led military campaigns south and north, establishing Jingyang's current territory and strength. Expanding borders had long been a crucial part of Jingyang's identity.
However, twenty years earlier when the three major forces were in balance, Jingyang had remained quiet for too long. The enthusiasm to expand its borders was suppressed. After Daxongsan incident, once it became clear that Northern Qi's two great masters would no longer be obstacles, this enthusiasm erupted.
The inclusion of Dongyi City into Southern Jingyang's territory!
This wasn't conquering Nanzhao or invading the Western Steppes; it wasn't even a small war with Northern Qi. It was actually a victory over a major power!
With three campaigns and victories over Great Wei two decades ago, establishing Jingyang's timeless achievements, conquering Dongyi City undoubtedly would be the most glorious page in Jingyang's border expansion history.
The officials looked at Van Jian as if he were a god. Their eyes were filled with intense emotion; without lifting a single soldier or horse, just through negotiations, they had secured such significant benefits for Jingyang. They couldn't find enough words to express their feelings. They even thought that His Majesty truly had foresight and was planning to make Young Master Van a prince two years ago.
Young Master Van today had achieved such an unparalleled feat; whether it be granting him territory or a fief, it would be hard for him not to become a prince.
The elderly Minister of Ceremonies from the Qi delegation found this news difficult to digest and asked, "Where should we go now?"
"Go to the seaside," Van Jian replied softly.
The carriage took a long time to pass through Dongyi City, avoiding busy transport teams and going in the opposite direction of the bustling port. They arrived at the quiet silver beach outside the city. The carriage driver got off, tied up the horse, and suddenly noticed someone on the beach, immediately recognizing who they were. He whispered, "Northern Qi people."
Van Jian had already gotten out of the carriage. He smiled at his companion from the Qingian group and said, "I came here to find these Northern Qi people today."
This member of the Qingian group was one Van Jian met in Qizhou last autumn. Van Jian had no doubt about the loyalty of his trusted associates. Under Wang Qingian's and Deng Ziyue's guidance, they only knew him and not even the minister at court.
Today, he needed to meet someone, so he did not bring the Six Swordsmen from the Imperial Censorate; instead, he brought this trusted associate. The member of the Qingian group was silent but quickly understood his intent. He led the carriage to a secluded spot under green tree branches and pretended to sleep.
Van Jian walked through the soft sand towards the seaside. Several people were by the sea watching it. The waves of the Eastern Sea were calm, gentle, washing over the silver beach with different shades of wetness, complemented by nearby rocks and layers of green trees behind the beach, creating a beautiful scene.