Just as Liu Rushi was about to get up and leave, Xiao Xiuning stopped her with her hand.
"I am not familiar with these two of the Duke Zhenguo's confidantes. Would you please introduce them to me, sister?"
After Mu Zian left, the atmosphere under the pavilion instantly became even more tense.
Mu Zian, who had deserted at the last minute, breathed a sigh of relief after arriving at the study.
Even amidst the vast battlefield and countless troops, Mu Zi'an never felt the same urgency as before.
Xiao Qing, standing to the side, looked at Mu Zi'an with a strange expression, and then said.
“My ninth sister is no ordinary woman. Duke Zhenguo, you’d better be more discreet in the future.”
Upon hearing this, the two exchanged a glance and then sighed in unison.
Xiao Qing still harbored some resentment towards Mu Zi'an for humiliating him before.
However, seeing Mu Zian flee in such a sorry state today, my anger dissipated by a third.
Seeing that the atmosphere was good, Zhou Hong, who was standing to the side, immediately offered his suggestion as a starting point.
"Does the Duke of Zhenguo know of the news that the Zhao-Zhou allied forces have invaded four border prefectures?"
When the topic came up, Mu Zian's flippant expression disappeared.
"I know that the Zhao-Zhou allied forces have launched a war under the pretext of the massacre of the Zhao delegation. Their advance is fierce and unstoppable. It is probably not a spur-of-the-moment decision, but rather a long-planned one."
Zhou Hong nodded and spoke upon hearing this.
"That's right! Over the years, the two kingdoms of Zhao and Zhou have always formed a brotherhood alliance to jointly resist our Great Li. Back then, the old Duke of Zhenguo was defeated and killed when he went to war against the Zhou kingdom."
"While the two kingdoms of Zhao and Zhou may not shake the foundations of their states by taking advantage of this opportunity to launch an attack, if they lose, the four southern kingdoms will surely join forces to exert pressure."
"At that time, South Korea and the Western Qiang will also take advantage of the situation to plunder, and our Great Li will be surrounded by enemies on all sides."
Xiao Qing, who was standing to the side, also spoke up.
"In this battle, it will be difficult for our Great Li to fight two against one. I have already asked my father for orders to go to Xiang and Ji provinces to defend against the invasion of Zhou."
"I have come to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion today in the hope that the Duke of Zhenguo can join me in resisting foreign enemies and protecting our country for the sake of the people of Dali."
Xiao Qing's words were so sincere that Mu Zi'an couldn't detect any artificiality in them.
Although Xiao Qing's actions were indeed for the sake of the position of Crown Prince, he also had the well-being of the people in his heart.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have taken Zhou Hong's advice and humbled himself to come to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to ask Mu Zian for help.
Inside the room, Xiao Qing cupped his hands in greeting to Mu Zi'an.
"Although there have been some frictions between you and me before, the greater good of the nation comes first, and I hope that the Duke of Zhenguo can prioritize national affairs."
Just then, the system's cold notification sounded.
"Ding! Congratulations, host, you have triggered a choice!"
"Option 1: Refuse Prince Xiao Qing of Jin and remain in the capital to observe the situation. Reward: Glass manufacturing formula."
"Option 2: Accept the invitation of King Xiao Qing of Jin to lead an expedition to Zhou and besiege Dali. Reward: 3 giant sailing ships, plus 1 mysterious naval general and 3,000 sailors."
"Ding! Please make a decision, host!"
Looking at the two choices before him, Mu Zian pondered for a moment.
Mu Zian knew that glass was made by firing sand, and in this day and age, glass was definitely a rare treasure.
Furthermore, with glass, it was possible to manufacture things like telescopes.
However, for Mu Zian, this was not a necessity.
As long as Mu Zi'an is willing to invest money, he will eventually figure out the glass formula.
On the contrary, it was the giant sailing ships and mysterious naval commanders that truly interested Mu Zi'an.
After all, Mu Zian knew that the world was vast, far beyond the mere Dali and the four southern kingdoms.
An invincible fleet is absolutely essential for conquering this world.
Moreover, one must prepare a backup plan for oneself.
Although he is currently very close to Dali, how many times in history has the saying "the cunning rabbit dies and the hunting dog is cooked" been seen?
If I had my own fleet, there would be nowhere in the world I couldn't go.
With this in mind, choosing between these two options becomes much easier.
Inside the study, Xiao Qing and Zhou Hong were both extremely nervous.
Seeing that Mu Zian remained silent for a long time, Xiao Qing steeled his heart and spoke immediately.
"As long as the Duke of Zhenguo is willing to assist me, if the King of Japan is able to ascend the throne and become emperor in the future, I will grant you a kingship for ten thousand generations and the country will live in harmony with you!"
Zhou Hong, who was standing to the side, was also surprised to see that Xiao Qing would offer such terms.
However, Mu Zian smiled upon hearing this, realizing that what seemed like a generous offer was nothing more than an empty promise.
However, Mu Zian did not intend to expose this, as the two sides were simply getting what they needed at the moment.
With this thought in mind, Mu Zian also put on a grateful expression and smiled.
"Since it is the Prince of Jin who has extended an invitation from all over the world, how could I dare to refuse!"
"It's just a mere Zhou state. This time, I, the Duke, will help the King of Jin to conquer the world!"
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