"In that case, we're old friends. I've known Mo Lan for over two years now." Jiang Mian smiled and nodded, his eyes slightly raised, his expression gentle.

Qin Su: "......"

He truly inherited his grandfather's skills; he's a cunning old fox who doesn't reveal his true nature.

Mo Lan frowned as she watched the two men's conversation revolve around her, and tapped the table with her index finger.

"Let's get down to business."

The two looked at Mo Lan, then turned and sat down in their respective seats, falling silent.

Even as the aroma of tea filled the private room, Jiang Mian and Qin Su remained silent.

Mo Lan looked at this one and that one, and pinched her brow in exhaustion. These two seemed quite kind on their own, but when they got together, they looked like they were cross-eyed and always competing.

"Jiang Mian, let's not beat around the bush. I have something to discuss with you. I originally planned to visit you after you finished your work, but since we're sitting together today, we might as well talk about it."

Mo Lan took a sip of tea and got straight to the point.

"Oh? You're thinking the same thing as those three, trying to win me over?" Jiang Mian looked at Mo Lan, his expression gentle. "You should know that I refused even when the three great families joined forces. Why do you think I'd agree to your offer?"

Jiang Mian glanced at Qin Su and spoke calmly.

"Although they all wanted to recruit you and had the same goal, the difference in essence is huge. Those three had their own selfish motives and impure intentions. They just wanted to take advantage of your local power and had no sincerity at all."

As Mo Lan spoke, she smiled at Jiang Mian's expression, "Song Yu and the other two aren't stupid, they're just too selfish and have been vague about their promises to you, not being open and honest enough. But we two are different. Since we want you to join us, we'll definitely be open and honest. When the time comes, you can just send people up the mountain."

Since she came with sincerity, Mo Lan didn't hide anything and directly revealed some of the plans for her cooperation with Qin Su to Jiang Mian: "We have already made preparations for Tianjiao Peak. In addition, those three each have their own plans and are almost like a disorganized mess. Therefore, they are destined to fail."

Hearing Mo Lan's explanation, Jiang Mian composed himself, picked up his teacup, took a small sip, and fell silent.

It would be a lie to say he wasn't tempted by the iron ore at Tianjiao Peak, but he didn't want to get involved without absolute certainty.

Although the Jiang family is a century-old clan that has always been based in Ye County, it is not without its worries. In addition, the court has been unstable in recent years, and the local warlords are eyeing the country covetously. Relying on the court to protect the Jiang family from falling would be tantamount to suicide. Only by saving themselves can they fundamentally solve the problem.

Looking at Jiang Mian's expression, Qin Su knew that he was not unmoved. "The Prefect is a smart man. Your Jiang family guards a region for the court, but in times of chaos, the court alone is sometimes powerless to protect the people."

"I wonder if Prince Qin is representing the Qin family or the imperial court this time?" Jiang Mian looked at Qin Su, put down his teacup, and smiled gently.

"Representing the Qin family also serves to uphold the dignity of the court." Qin Su looked at him frankly. Now, nearly half of the military power in Ji State is in the hands of the Qin family, and they can no longer distinguish between serving the country and serving themselves.

Hearing Qin Su's slightly arrogant tone, Jiang Mian was stunned for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh.

"Heh~, Prince Qin is quite frank. No wonder there are so many rumors circulating in private. Everyone says that the court is almost becoming a one-man show by the Qin family."