Gu Mu understood the underlying worry in Shen Ci's words.
"You mean, if the Fox Kingdom asks for help, in order to curb the development of the Southern Kingdom and the potential threat it may pose to the Qi Kingdom in the future, the Qi Kingdom will definitely help the Fox Kingdom?"
In matters of state, feelings are never considered; only interests matter.
Even though the Southern Kingdom and the Qi Kingdom had diplomatic relations before, it was only for the sake of common interests.
If shared interests threaten individual interests, then such diplomatic relations could be torn apart in an instant.
The State of Qi was like this.
Gu Mu was no exception.
Shen Ci nodded heavily: "But once the Fox Kingdom and the Qi Kingdom establish diplomatic relations, then it will no longer be like us surrounding the Fox Kingdom, but rather... the Fox Kingdom will become a sharp sword for the Qi Kingdom, tearing the Southern Kingdom in half."
In an instant, the initiative was turned into a passive one.
"For the sake of political stability in the South, I believe that we must take over the territory of the Fox Kingdom, and we must do so as soon as possible."
This will inevitably lead to another fierce war.
However, this war is unavoidable. If it is not fought, the Fox Kingdom will join forces with the Qi Kingdom to launch an offensive, taking advantage of the Fox Kingdom's geographical position that cuts the Southern Kingdom in half.
The South will definitely be put on the defensive.
“But the soldiers of the Southern Kingdom have just gone through a war and need to recuperate,” Gu Mu said, expressing his concern.
Although he was ambitious to unify the world, he preferred to proceed gradually. Such continuous wars, even if he could withstand them, would undoubtedly be a double torment of mental and physical suffering for his soldiers.
"This is also what I'm worried about." Shen Ci sighed, his eyes fixed on the map on the table, seemingly deep in thought, sometimes frowning, sometimes relaxing, but he didn't speak, probably because he hadn't come up with any good ideas.
"How long do you think it will take for the Fox Kingdom to unite with the Qi Kingdom and launch a joint war against the Southern Kingdom?" Gu Mu pondered for a moment before asking.
"Conservatively speaking, it will be within the next two months. Since the Southern Kingdom has just experienced a war, this is the perfect opportunity for them to destroy it. Moreover, at this time, the Fox Kingdom is in a weak position. Even if it joins forces with the Qi Kingdom, most of the benefits of destroying the Southern Kingdom will fall into the hands of the Qi Kingdom. The Qi Kingdom will definitely be happy to do this."
Shen Ci calmly analyzed the situation. Although his expression was calm, the worry in his eyes betrayed his current anxiety.
"Isn't he worried that the Hidden City Lord will break off the deal with him?" Gu Mu frowned.
Previously, when he disguised himself as the Lord of Hidden City to borrow troops from Qi State, the reason why the Lord of Hidden City helped Gu Mu had already spread through his efforts to create momentum.
First, Gu Mu can only be killed by the Lord of Hidden City himself.
Secondly, the Southern Kingdom cannot be destroyed before the Lord of Hidden City kills Gu Mu.
Otherwise, the Hidden City could not exist in this world.
After a moment's thought, Gu Mu gave a cold laugh: "I understand. The ruler of Qi may not destroy Nanguo, but he will definitely enslave the people of Nanguo and turn Nanguo into a puppet state. He may even use this war to have the city lord of Yincheng kill me with his own hands, thereby gaining even greater benefits."
Therefore, as Shen Ci said, Qi State will definitely accept Hu State's plea for help next.
As for changing what the Hidden City Lord previously said, admitting that Gu Mu and the Hidden City Lord are the same person...
That was done in order to prevent Shen Ling from falling into the abyss.
If Shen Ling were to suddenly learn the truth, Gu Mu was unsure whether, given her personality, she would forgive his deception.
It's true, they shot themselves in the foot.
"Okay, I understand. Let the soldiers rest well for a few days, and then continue training to prepare for the next battle."
After a moment's thought, Gu Mu added, "If we can maintain good secrecy, we should try to get more soldiers to learn the Sunflower Manual."
"Yes, ma'am."
After Shen Ci left
Gu Mu sensed that there were several people acting suspiciously in his study.
Judging from their appearance, these people should be quite capable in combat.
However, because this was the imperial palace in the northern frontier, and had just experienced war, the guards were not as tight as those in the southern imperial palace.
It's basically just a temporary place to live.
Before it can be put back into use, a lot of time will be needed to search for usable palace maids and eunuchs, as well as to repair it.
Fortunately, Gu Mu was skilled in martial arts, and even without heavily patrolled guards, he could sense the presence of someone outside the study.
...
At this moment, in the corner of the study.
Xiao Su was crouching under the window, preparing to capture Gu Mu alive.
You see, if she captures Gu Mu alive and brings him to the main city of Hidden City, she will have completed the first task and will definitely receive a lot of contribution points and rewards from the city lord of Hidden City.
When Gu Mu led his troops into battle before, Xiao Su did not act rashly, firstly because they were sent out by Gu Mu and could not find an opportunity to attack.
Secondly, she feared that if Gu Mu were captured alive during the war, the people of the Southern Kingdom would be leaderless, and the Southern Kingdom soldiers would suffer defeats...
At that time, the Emperor of the Eagle Kingdom will definitely want to capture Gu Mu alive and see his body.
Even if she returns to Hidden City and submits the mission, she may not be able to successfully leave the territory of Eagle Kingdom.
That's why she's been putting it off until now, and only now is she ready to take action.
Outside the study, on each of the four sides, stood the three helpers she had found.
One of them was the short, fat man nicknamed "Bench" who had fought Gu Mu, who had transformed into the city lord of Hidden City, under the pretext of the previous encounter in Hidden City.
Although this bench may look unremarkable, it is definitely a master in the martial arts world.
Otherwise, Xiao Su wouldn't have assigned him to guard the entrance of Hidden City Street.
Xiao Su had never personally witnessed how Gu Mu killed enemies on the battlefield, although she had heard that His Majesty was very brave in killing enemies, always charging at the forefront and striking fear into the hearts of the enemy.
But after all, it was just hearsay. In Xiao Su's opinion, those people were exaggerating and boasting.
It's understandable that so many of her people couldn't defeat the Hidden City Lord, after all, the Hidden City Lord is a mysterious and unpredictable being.
But she felt that with so many people, capturing a prince who had been pampered since birth wouldn't be difficult.
Xiao Su poked a hole in the window paper with her finger and looked inside.
Gu Mu was seen diligently handling state affairs under the dim light of a lit candle, seemingly oblivious to their presence.
Xiao Su pressed one eye tightly against the window.
They noticed that Gu Mu was looking at a map in his hand, sometimes frowning and sometimes relaxing.
Just as Xiao Su tugged at the rope that was being held by four people simultaneously, and Eleven and the others rushed in to capture Gu Mu alive,
Suddenly, I noticed a large face appear in front of me.
Gu Mu opened the window, looking at her with a half-smile: "Are you tired of living?"
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