This is the truth. You could say Cheng Gujian is full of schemes, that's true, but he's also genuinely willing to do things for his empire. He really means it when he says he'll personally lead an expedition. He's not just the type who only knows how to play power games.

Overall, he was quite honest and upright, at least to Xu Shi.

Of course, Xu Shi also understood that this was because the two of them now had some common goals. Cheng Gujian disliked the Holy See, and he himself was no better off. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.

Not to mention that she herself is very valuable and can bring him a lot of positive assistance, which is the main reason. Otherwise, if it were someone else, they might have to kneel down and talk to Cheng Gujian from beginning to end, not daring to raise their head.

"But he's still essentially using us, isn't he..."

Xia Xiaomao complained softly, "Inviting you to join us in fighting the sea god seems like a pretense. You'll just use us as a shield when we're really in danger."

"Who can argue with that?"

Xu Shi did not deny it, "However, we were going to investigate the Sea God anyway, so having a local as a guide and bodyguard is not a bad thing."

"Including trade and establishing diplomatic relations, it's much easier for us with his help... It's a mutual benefit, I guess."

Since we're from out of town now, some of our advantages are definitely not as easy to utilize. Besides, given Cheng Gujian's status, it's unrealistic to expect to get something for nothing. This is the only way things can be: each of us gets what we need.

But overall, he could accept the result.

"In a way, you two do look quite alike."

Xia Wuyou complained, "But you're not considering the Holy See at all now? You haven't even met them yet."

I didn't say that, did I?

Xu Shi shrugged. "But if I really had to choose, the royal family would be the first choice, and you know why."

"Because that little empress is exactly how you imagined her, right?"

"Um?"

"Just kidding."

Xia Wuyou chuckled, knowing it was because of her past conflict with Luo Yu.

Although the Knights Templar are nominally a group that serves both the royal family and the Papacy, it is obvious to everyone that they are more aligned with the Papacy. From this perspective, the conflict on Silver Pine Island already constitutes a feud with the Papacy, not just the conflict between Xu Shi and Luo Yu.

Weighing the pros and cons, everyone would prefer to avoid a little trouble.

"But it wouldn't hurt to get to know each other, would it? If you really go to fight the Sea God with Cheng Gujian, you'll be bound together forever."

Xia Wuyou thought for a moment and then said, "Especially that Luo Yu is said to be a Silver Knight, but I don't think his status is very high, otherwise he wouldn't be so severely restricted."

As for those few bronze-level figures, there's no need to consider them. Once cooperation begins, who cares whether those few scoundrels are alive or dead? They even killed Fan Shigui in front of the royal family during the day. Would that affect future cooperation? That's the logic.

Xia Xiaomao understands her man well. She agrees with his choice to conquer this place through infiltration. They may not lack strength, but a fight that results in mutual destruction would be more difficult, especially under the premise of opposing "natural law". There would be no benefit in that.

But since it's an infiltration, having multiple routes should be good, right?

“You’re right, but who you deal with is never the main thing. As long as the job gets done, that’s all that matters.”

Xu Shi sighed, "Now that we can engage in trade and build base stations for research, it's not that important whether we talk to the Vatican or not. We'll talk about things when there's a real need. We can switch sides anytime."

Xia Wuyou opened her mouth, and it seemed that it really was true... she had indeed become stupid, hadn't she? She always felt like a fool in front of him...

Fortunately, she didn't mind. She was used to following orders in this regard. It was the most normal pattern for her to move when she was nudged. This was how it was when she was "planted".

"Hey, I have a feeling that you're siding with the Vatican, Wuyou?"

Seeing her expression, Xu Shi found it amusing and, in a playful mood, teased, "Tell me honestly, did you take money from them in private?"

"What nonsense are you talking about?"

Xia Xiaomao retorted irritably, "Didn't you say before that it's easier to target an idiot? I think Luo Yu is pretty stupid... Isn't that a good thing?"

This is true. Having experienced Xu Shi's operation firsthand, Luo Yu's petty schemes were worthless in her eyes, especially since they hadn't even succeeded...

"That being said, it won't do if it's too stupid."

Xu Shi was pleased with her subtle praise, but he simply shook his finger.

Why not?

"Well..."

Xu Shiyou explained, but just as he was about to speak, he heard a commotion in front of him.

Lifting the curtain of the carriage, they saw that they were almost at the post station.

The noise came from in front of the inn. Feng Ling and her sister and Xia Ke'an and her two little ones were standing together, all looking a little nervous. Shen Qin, who was in charge of guarding them, was even colder than ice.

Opposite them were several people clad in armor, all wearing bright silver suits, their identities self-evident.

There's also a familiar face among them.

"Xiao Feng, Xiao Ling, listen to me, we shouldn't stay here any longer, let's go back to the Holy See first!"

oh?

You're trying to snatch someone away right in front of them, aren't you?

Damn it, I wasn't paying attention yesterday and got bitten all over my hands by mosquitoes, it's so infuriating...

This chapter was written hastily and may be revised later.

(End of this chapter)