Bian Zhang nodded in agreement, "That's true. Even the powerful Xiongnu, led by Modu Chanyu, only demanded benefits from the Han Dynasty after besieging Liu Bang. The grassland people were only fit to live on the grasslands."

Then Beigong Boyu looked at Bian Zhang and asked, "By the way, has there been any news from the capital?"

Bian Zhang said in a deep voice, "Liu Yan has already been taken to Luoyang by the court on charges of embezzlement. As for his affair with us, it seems that no one has noticed!"

"That's good!"

Bei Gong Boyu nodded, then asked again, "What about the palace? Is there any movement?"

Bian Zhang shook his head. "There's no news yet."

Bei Gong Boyu sighed, "Then let's wait a little longer! If the palace isn't in chaos, the court won't be in chaos, and if the court isn't in chaos, it will be difficult for us to find an opportunity. Now, with Duan Jiong added to the mix, the situation is already becoming less than optimistic!"

Bei Gong Boyu's words caused Bian Zhang and Dian Xian to fall silent. The matter was indeed a bit strange. The originally flawless plan had suddenly undergone a series of changes, catching them off guard.

After pondering for a moment, Dian Xian said, "I do have two ideas that might break the current deadlock!"

Bei Gong Boyu looked at Dian Xian and asked urgently, "Oh? What idea do you have, my nephew?"

"If Liu Yan can take office as the governor of Liangzhou, it will be of great help to us! Also, we need to stir up trouble among the Dongqiang and Yuezhi people! Let them create chaos and distract Duan Jiong!"

"Great! These two ideas are excellent, we can give them a try!"

Bian Zhang and Bei Gong Boyu agreed to Dian Xian's suggestion, and then the three of them went their separate ways to make arrangements for the next steps.

In the eastern part of Jincheng, a settlement of Han people, Cheng Yu sat upright in an inconspicuous courtyard, his eyes slightly closed.

Before long, a detective from the Investigation Department entered the room with light steps.

Cheng Yu opened his eyes and looked at the person who had come in. "How is the situation?"

The scout respectfully reported, "Reporting to my superior! Beigong Boyu has summoned more than a dozen Qiang chieftains to his residence for a meeting!"

"Hmm! What did they talk about?"

"They already know that the Marquis of Dingbian is stationed in Jincheng!"

The spy then relayed their conversation to Cheng Yu word for word.

"Heh~ These people are quite slippery, but we can't let them have their way."

Cheng Yu sneered, then said, "Pass down the word: once Marquis Dingbian arrives, have them kill a few Qiang chieftains and then flee towards the Eastern Qiang!"

"promise!"