"King Ling, Young Master He," Fan Ziruo greeted them gracefully.

"Strategist." King Ling and He Yunxiao and the others returned the greeting.

After everyone was seated, King Ling explained his purpose.

"Strategist, I have heard that the Princess intends to appoint some military personnel to participate in the peace negotiations."

Ruobao, who usually doesn't care about politics, frowned this time.

Generally, peace negotiations were the primary task of civil officials such as the Court of State Ceremonies and the Ministry of Rites, and military officers typically did not participate.

“The Princess’s will is my will,” Ruobao stated.

King Ling said, “Strategist, the King of the Southwest advocates war. If he participates in peace negotiations and deliberately quarrels with the Yan Kingdom, wouldn’t all our efforts be in vain?”

Fan Ziruo said calmly, "The attitude of the Southwest King is known to everyone in the court and among the people. If the Princess sends him to participate in the peace negotiations, the outcome of the negotiations will already be determined. Even if we obstruct the Southwest King from going, other advocates of war will participate."

Upon hearing Ruobao's words, Lingwang and the others suddenly understood.

Whether to fight or make peace ultimately depends on the will of the Eldest Princess and the Emperor of Yan. Others should not worry unnecessarily or speculate on the intentions of the higher-ups. The overall situation in Qi and Yan will not change because of the efforts of a few individuals. (Biquge)

"What does the strategist think?"

Ruobao sat upright in his chair. "War brings glory to one generation and benefits future generations; peace spares both nations and their people from the flames of war. Either choice is not wrong. We who lead the troops should simply do our best and leave the rest to fate."

King Ling nodded repeatedly after hearing Ruobao's words.

When in doubt, just consult your strategist.

He Yunxiao idly picked at his ear. Negotiations like this, even if it involved the military, were matters for the Southwest King, Duke, Marquis, and generals to consider; it was certainly not his responsibility.

Normally, such a major event as peace negotiations would indeed have nothing to do with He Yunxiao, a "junior captain" commanding two thousand men. However, what he didn't know was that he was the person Li Xiangjun had secretly chosen to participate in the negotiations, and Meng Bao's exception to allow military officers to participate was actually paving the way for his involvement.