The private armies of nobles gathered at Tongguan this time numbered over 200,000. Qin Mo had initially thought that Emperor Zhaowu was being unusually generous, throwing out over two million taels of silver, but now it seemed... who knows how much of that silver would actually be cashed out!

However, those dozens of noble titles were indeed vacant, and Qin Mo guessed that Emperor Zhaowu was already thinking about who should be the new nobles.

"Today's military meeting ends here. We will appoint generals and depart for the west in three days!"

After Shao Gang stepped forward, the once lively military council tent suddenly fell silent. Emperor Zhaowu, feeling somewhat embarrassed, angrily announced the disbandment of the council.

Qin Mo staggered out of the tent, somewhat displeased. He had brought the manager of his own workshop with him to Tongguan, intending to do a good business deal and make a fortune, but the royal workshop suddenly appeared and stole his business, which caught him completely off guard.

"Your Highness Prince Heng, I have been waiting for you for a long time!"

"Oh! May I ask your name, sir?"

A middle-aged man blocked Qin Mo's path. He was of medium build, with a handsome face, and an imposing aura emanated from him, giving him the air of a superior.

Qin Mo didn't recognize him, only knowing that he had just participated in a military council in the main tent, so he must be a nobleman of the Great Xia Dynasty.

"Oh! My name is Wang Xuanye!"

"...So you are the Emperor's father-in-law! I've heard so much about you!"

"I have long admired His Highness Prince Heng, and seeing him today, I can confirm that he is indeed an exceptional person!"

"You flatter me! Haha!"

Qin Mo casually laughed with Wang Xuan Ye, secretly wondering why Wang Yu Shi's father wanted to see her.

"Prince Heng is a man of exceptional talent in this era, with an extremely accurate eye for people and matters. That is why I have been waiting here today to ask you something!"

"Lord Wuwei, please speak freely!"

"The journey to the Western Regions is long and arduous, with harsh mountains and rivers along the way. I wonder what Prince Heng thinks of the prospects for this western expedition?"

"Conquering foreign lands involves too many variables. I am young and inexperienced, how could I possibly foresee any prospects? Your Excellency is far too kind to me!"

Qin Mo didn't want to comment on the upcoming battle. Who knew which side Wang Xuan Ye was on? It was true that he was very familiar with Wang Yu Shi, but there was really no need for him to be close to Wang Xuan Ye.

Wang Xuan Ye nodded, and after pondering for a long time, he finally asked seriously, "Some time ago, there were rumors in the capital that my eldest daughter and Your Highness were having a secret rendezvous... Is this true?"

"Lord Wuwei, you jest. Her Majesty the Empress came to my residence openly and with great pomp to discuss several business matters with me. Even though she left before nightfall, how could it be a secret rendezvous? Which bastard is slandering my innocence?"

Qin Mo suddenly felt a surge of disgust. Wang Xuan Ye was no ordinary duke. The Wang family of the Northwest had been rooted in Da Xia for many years. How could they not have reliable informants in the capital? His deliberate use of such a speculative tone to ask questions must mean he had something in mind.

Seeing that Wang Xuanye was using his daughter's reputation to scheme against her, Qin Mo couldn't help but curse him as a bastard.

"Well....!"

Wang Xuanye was a little stunned because he couldn't figure out if Qin Mo was cursing him, since his surname was indeed Wang!