Chapter 1449: Isn't Chief Yu worried? (Part 2) [Requesting monthly votes]
When Yu Hai arrived, Zhai Le had just returned from his patrol, and his armor hadn't yet been retrieved into his Danfu: "When did Guilong return?"
Qu Guo's troops split into two groups, supporting each other.
Unless it's something extremely important, Yu Hai wouldn't leave without permission.
Yu Hai's expression was inscrutable: "There's some news."
Seeing his serious expression, Zhai Le couldn't help but joke, "So serious? Could it be that our allies have struck at the heart of the enemy, defeated the Central Allied Forces, and are now targeting us next?"
"What kind of time is this to be joking around?" Yu Hai said irritably. "If that were really the case, would you still be able to laugh?"
Zhai Le took off his armor and relaxed his hands and feet.
In this month, the southeast is hot and humid, with even the occasional breeze carrying a sweltering heat. Even with martial energy protecting the body from the heat and cold, one cannot prevent the heat emanating from the martial armor—although the martial armor formed from martial energy does not cause the wearer to expend extra physical energy, this thing is stuffy, and after a while, it will even develop a sour odor.
He would take off his clothes whenever he had a spare moment to let them breathe, afraid that the stench would seep into his skin.
While stuffing rice balls into his mouth, he laughed and said, "How can I not laugh? Losing to her isn't shameful."
If he lost to anyone else, Zhai Le would die with regrets, worrying even in the afterlife about the mistreatment of the people of Qu Kingdom. But if he lost to Shen Youli, he would worry that the common people of Qu Kingdom would "mistreat" Shen Youli. The size of the territory one occupies must determine the people that live there.
For ordinary people, supporting a family is an exhausting task.
If Shen Youli were to unify the continent, she would have to face nearly 200 million hungry mouths. Just thinking about that number made Zhai Le feel a subtle sense of schadenfreude.
Yu Hai was almost driven to the brink of collapse by his bachelor mentality.
He inwardly cursed Zhai Huan for leaving behind such a wretched younger brother.
Zhai Le had a good attitude, but he wasn't really indifferent to winning or losing. Afraid of really angering Yu Hai, he tactfully changed the subject: "Gui Long, you still haven't told me what the news is."
He adopted the expression of a primary school student listening attentively to a lecture.
Yu Hai, suppressing his frustration, said, "The central branch of the organization contacted me through the Pantheon, hoping that both sides could sit down and talk."
Zhai Le exclaimed in surprise: "The Central Branch? These arrogant guys would actually offer to talk? That's strange, is the sun rising in the west? They're actually willing to 'condescend'?"
Because of Yu Hai, Zhai Le has a considerable understanding of the Gods Society.
They were naturally aware of the hierarchy of contempt among the five branch offices.
The central tribe, which treated the other four tribes as equals but discriminated against them, adopted the titles from the Book of Rites and the Royal System, naming the four tribes "Eastern Barbarians," "Western Barbarians," "Southern Barbarians," and "Northern Barbarians." Zhai Le laughed in anger when he first heard this.
The Southeastern kingdoms have been entangled with the foreign tribes for many years. After fighting for so long, it turns out that they are the "Southern Barbarians"? Zhai Le was wondering if Shen Youli knew about this. She had done things in two places, Shiwu and Beimo, and she was actually the real foreigner.
If it weren't for the need to cooperate with the central states in some areas, Zhai Le wouldn't have bothered with them at all. Having been openly and covertly insulted for years, Zhai Le was numb to it all. The central branch suddenly lowered its stance and proactively sent out signals of seeking peace, leaving him "flattered and overwhelmed."
Yu Hai nodded firmly: "Yes, it's them."
Having held a high position for many years, Zhai Le is no longer as naive as he was in his youth.
A thought flashed through his mind and he immediately understood the key to the matter. A cold laugh escaped his lips: "Heh, judging from this situation, either they suffered a great loss with Shen Youli, or there's been some internal problem."
The fact that they did not negotiate as the Central Allied Forces, but instead appeared as a branch of the Pantheon, is to some extent an indication that this battle is not a struggle between forces, but a conflict between branches.
They all come from the assembly of gods.
Any conflicts can be discussed calmly; it doesn't have to be a fight to the death. We're family; even if we're broken, our bones are still connected.
In an instant, national hatred was transformed into personal grudges.
That does fit the thought process of those lunatics in the middle of society.
"Guilong, when are we going?"
Although Zhai Le is the ruler of the Qu Kingdom, he cannot interfere in the affairs of the Southeast Branch; the person in charge of the Southeast Branch is still Yu Hai. On the surface, Zhai Le is the ruler and Yu Hai is the subject, but in private, the ruler of the Qu Kingdom and Yu Hai, the head of the Southeast Branch, are equal partners.
Yu Hai came to inform him because there was more to this matter.
"Three days later, in Pi City, fifty miles away."
"Let's go see what they're up to!"
Because of the war, Pi City had lost its former tranquility and prosperity. The city was desolate, shops were closed, and only a few scattered figures could be seen hurrying by. Zhai Le and his group disguised themselves as ordinary merchants, keeping a low profile. Too low-key, in fact, made them seem somewhat furtive. He grumbled, "Only petty thieves are afraid of the light of day. This Gods' Society..."
Another secret code, another blindfolded guide...
His cautious manner made him laugh.
When all seems lost, a glimmer of hope appears.
The oars creaked and groaned as the small boat swayed through a seemingly endless lotus pond, bringing the group to a pavilion in the center of the lake. A group of people were already waiting in the pavilion. Zhai Le, unable to contain his impatience, quickly scanned the group. Judging from their attire alone, there were two maids, four attendants guarding various corners, and five others dressed in fine robes—among them, the leader was a middle-aged scholar with a goatee, flanked by two henchmen, and the remaining two were highly skilled martial artists.
The middle-aged scholar had a pleasing face and a kind smile. He stood up to greet him and said, "I have long heard that Master Yu is an outstanding person, but seeing him in person makes me realize that seeing is believing."
Yu Hai cupped his hands and said, "Vice-Director Wu is too kind."
The middle-aged scholar immediately recognized Zhai Le's true identity.
"This must be the King of Zhai?"
Zhai Le gave a perfunctory clasped-fist salute: "Mm."
The middle-aged scholar gestured for Zhai Le to take a seat: "Your Majesty's courage and magnanimity in coming to this meeting alone from afar is truly admirable."
Zhai Le sat down without ceremony, his smile playful: "First of all, there's no 'thousand miles' involved; the army is stationed just fifty miles away. Secondly, I didn't come alone. How could I not understand the principle that a son of a wealthy family wouldn't sit under a dangerous roof? I had the courage to come, and I'm confident I can leave!"
The middle-aged scholar's smile seemed to stiffen for a moment.
I have absolutely no liking for Zhai Le, that reckless man.
However, his purpose today wasn't to make enemies, but to persuade the Southeast branch to cooperate. With two guards behind Zhai Le whose strength was unreadable, he naturally dared not act rashly. If the Southeast branch agreed to cooperate, it meant that Qu Kingdom could also be drawn into the Central Allied forces. The two exchanged a secret glance.
Yu Hai pondered for a moment: "Vice President Wu, are you perhaps unaware that the Kingdom of Qu and the Kingdom of Kang are allies who have sworn an oath of blood?"
Middle-aged scholar: "I know."
"Is there much fighting between the Qu Kingdom and its allies?"
The middle-aged scholar replied, "I know."
"The Southwest Branch and the Central Branch have not been in contact for many years. The last negotiation ended badly, and the members of the two branches have become blood enemies. Forgive my bluntness, but as the main branch, we should only prioritize the interests of the branches and the members. How can the two sides form an alliance?" Yu Hai said firmly. "What's worse, the men of Qu Kingdom fought with the Central Allied Forces just three days ago, and the bodies of the fallen soldiers are still warm!"
He said in a deep voice, "Tell me, how do we form an alliance?"
How can we turn hostility into friendship?
The middle-aged scholar disagreed: "The world is bustling, all for profit; the world is in turmoil, all for gain. From wars between two nations to feuds between two families, it all boils down to one word: 'profit'! The states of Qu and Kang, united for profit, can naturally separate for profit! The two societies, divided for profit, can naturally also unite for profit, becoming inseparable!"
Yu Hai raised an eyebrow: "Every advantage has its disadvantages."
"We have come with utmost sincerity, and naturally we have no intention of deceiving you." The middle-aged scholar was pleased that Yu Hai had taken this opportunity to elaborate. As he spoke, his gaze fell on the silent Zhai Le. "To say something that may offend the King of Zhai, based on my decades of experience judging people—this man surnamed Shen is destined by Heaven and has more of an imperial presence than the King of Zhai!"
If it weren't for Zhai Le, any ruler would have been furious upon hearing this. He's easily swayed by anger.
Zhai Le nodded: "In governing the country, she is indeed three points better than me."
If it weren't for a series of unexpected events, Shen Youli would probably have preferred to conserve her energy rather than be exhausted from fighting one battle after another.
Zhai Le looked at Kang Guo's combat records and felt exhausted just looking at them.
Middle-aged scholar: "..."
He was almost completely baffled by Zhai Le.
Why not play by the rules?
The middle-aged scholar remained calm and composed.
"As expected of your lord, your magnanimity is truly admirable. However, has the King of Zhai considered the future? Shen Youli is ambitious and aspires to conquer the world. Once the central kingdoms fall, she will control sixty percent of the world! The northeast is cold and sparsely populated, and the kingdoms there are weak. I'm afraid they can't even withstand a single blow from Kang Kingdom!"
Zhai Le lifted his eyelids, seemingly intrigued.
The middle-aged scholar took a sip of tea and continued, "The southeastern kingdoms have been annexed by the ruler of Zhai, and their national strength is growing rapidly. They have probably become a thorn in her side for a long time. I ask you, will Kang Kingdom let go of this opportunity to annex them? Can Qu Kingdom still remain a corner of the country and claim the title of king in the southeast?"
Obviously not.
Even if Shen Youli is willing to stop, the civil and military officials around her will not be, as the Qu Kingdom is a piece of fat meat in their eyes.
Only by dividing up Quguo can we gain more benefits.
"...Does the King of Zhai know the saying 'if the lips are gone, the teeth will be cold'? Right now, the central kingdoms are still holding back the traitors for the Qu Kingdom. But when those kingdoms are destroyed, the Qu Kingdom will be isolated and helpless, with no support. I'm afraid—its demise is not far off!" The middle-aged scholar wasn't exaggerating; he was simply stating an inevitable future. "Or did that brat surnamed Shen promise the King of Zhai that Qu and Kang could coexist?"
If you can believe what politicians say, then pigs can fly.
Could Zhai Xiaofang really have believed Shen Youli's nonsense?
Zhai Le said, "That was never promised."
The middle-aged scholar was almost completely bewildered by Zhai Le.
No, what exactly is it about Shen Youli that makes her so appealing?
Or are there people from that area in the Northwest?
Why wouldn't Shen Youli even offer Zhai Le a perfunctory promise of "coexistence between Qu and Kang"? Why did Zhai Le so eagerly form an alliance with her and even go against the Central States? Qu and the Central States do indeed have a feud, but Zhai Le could choose to remain neutral, watching the Central Allied Forces and Kang fight amongst themselves, reaping the benefits without having to join the alliance or help Kang contain the Central Allied Forces.
Zhai Le: "She only swore an oath to me by pointing to the Luo River."
Middle-aged scholar: "..."
Since Emperor Guangwu made the alliance at the Luo River, who still believes in such things?
Is Zhai Xiaofang's nickname really not Sima Zhong?
The middle-aged scholar sighed, "King Zhai has been tricked. Aren't you afraid that Shen Youli will turn her back on us and break the alliance?"
Zhai Ledao said, "Breaking an alliance and abandoning a treaty depends on who turns against you first."
It's not necessarily that Shen Youli was the one who flipped the table first.
If you act quickly, you can take the initiative.
"I dared to agree to an alliance with her, naturally after careful consideration. As for Vice-Scholar Wu, he keeps talking about 'benefits' but I see no such thing as profit. I only see him trying to sow discord." His blunt words, however, made the middle-aged scholar's eyes light up.
"The coexistence that Shen Youli never promised, is possible in the central region!"
Zhai Le smiled noncommittally.
Middle-aged scholar: "Does the King of Zhai not believe it?"
Zhai Ledao said, "I don't believe it."
The middle-aged scholar sighed, "King Zhai doesn't seem to understand our Pantheon. Does Lord Yu agree?"
Yu Hai responded with a cold, sidelong glance.
"The Gods Society doesn't like to interfere in the affairs of the world. Its members are just a group of like-minded people who exchange ideas and learn from each other in their spare time." The middle-aged scholar touched his nose awkwardly in his heart, but still put on a sincere face. "It's just a way for idle people in the wild to comfort themselves."
"A recluse?"
How could Zhai Le not know that the gods would be so harmless?
The middle-aged scholar bluntly stated: "Yin alone cannot produce life, nor can Yang alone grow; I observe the same in the world. If all the lands were under one country, and all the people were bound to one person, then if this person were wise, the world would temporarily enjoy peace; if this person were foolish, the world would be in turmoil, and the people would suffer. Wouldn't that be absurd? People are people, and even the so-called emperor is only a mortal being! Even if he were as diligent and hardworking as Emperor Ming, what would become of him in the end?"
"It is better for the stars to shine brightly than for the moon to shine alone. With many nations standing side by side, who knows if it is not a good thing for the common people of the world?"
"This is one of the founding principles of the Pantheon!"
Middle-aged scholars also deeply agree.
It is very foolish to place your hopes on one person.
The continent is like a jungle, and nations are like animals. Under the law of nature, survival and continuation become the primary concerns of the rulers of all nations. They govern diligently, and the common people under their rule can live in peace. Only when national strength grows can they establish a foothold in the world.
“…” Zhai Le remained silent.
This sophistry did indeed have a seductive power at first glance. If Zhai Le hadn't known the true nature of the Gods' Society—that they liked to use all living beings as pawns and treat wars between two countries as a game—he might have actually believed the middle-aged scholar's nonsense.
The middle-aged scholar pressed his advantage, offering a resounding and weighty promise: "King of Zhai need not worry about the central states turning against us, nor about the central society going back on its word. Once the dust settles, you will reign supreme in the southeast, and the two sides will live in harmony, without interfering with each other!"
Even with the cooperation of the Central Allied Forces, Qu Kingdom remains Qu Kingdom.
By collaborating with Shen Youli, Qu Guo becomes Kang Guo.
The two are worlds apart.
Anyone with a sound mind should know how to choose, right?
The middle-aged scholar, skeptical, added fuel to the fire: "Alas, it's not that I'm exaggerating, but King Zhai is also very learned. Do you know how many rulers of fallen kingdoms throughout history have had a good end? Even if it's not for yourself or for the Qu Kingdom, but for your wife, children, elderly relatives, and the legacy left by the late King Zhai Yuewen of the Qu Kingdom, please think twice!"
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Zhai Xiaofang: Am I a duck? Why are you roasting me like this?
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