Chapter 2065: Great Power Tactics

Wang Xingyi immediately said, "From a political standpoint, He Xiao opposes the Sky Demons and Beiga, and he killed Miaozhantian, making reconciliation with the Spirit Void demons almost impossible. This naturally aligns with our interests. From a strategic perspective, Beiga has been secretly controlling the Gilded Plain through the Yao Kingdom. If He Xiao can eliminate Baitian and destroy the Yao Kingdom, it would significantly reduce the Sky Demons' influence on the Gilded Plain. Both of these points are beneficial to our country."

"Master Wang only speaks of benefits, not disadvantages," Guo Shaoping countered. "He Xiao claims to be the 'reincarnation of the Dragon God,' deceiving people in the Gilded Plain and causing a great stir. Once the Yao Kingdom falls, he will undoubtedly establish his own nation, capitalizing on the situation. Even if he continues to oppose Beiga, he would be doing so from behind Damu's back. What good would that do us? It would only create another powerful neighbor."

Wang Xingyi chuckled, "He's just established a nation, and he's already a 'powerful neighbor'? When did our great Damu become so conservative and fearful of change? The Gilded Plain is a difficult place for anyone to enter. If He Xiao doesn't occupy it, the Sky Demons will eventually find a way to cultivate other forces there."

To be precise, even if that territory doesn't belong to He Xiao, it would be difficult for it to become part of the Mu Kingdom.

"On the contrary, once He Xiao takes control of the Gilded Plain, regardless of the size of the territory he ultimately occupies, we can exert influence over the Gilded Plain through him, much like Miaozhantian secretly controlled it through the Yao Kingdom in the past."

Another minister added, "He Xiao doesn't seem like someone who would be obedient. The death of Immortal Venerable Qianhuan remains highly suspicious."

"Liu Qingdao, Immortal Venerable Qianhuan's second disciple, has already corroborated He Xiao's testimony."

"Where is Liu Qingdao now?"

"He's still with the Black Armored Army," Wang Xingyi replied. "I also know Liu Qingdao. Although Elder Liu is gentle and amiable, he is fiercely loyal to his sect. If He Xiao had committed any impropriety against Immortal Venerable Qianhuan in the Upside-Down Sea, Liu Qingdao would not have led the Illusory Sect to pledge allegiance to him. Furthermore—"

He turned to Emperor Mu and said respectfully, "Whether He Xiao can be made obedient depends on Your Majesty's methods."

Emperor Mu, who had been listening to their debate, now sat upright. "The Gilded Plain has been in chaos for a thousand years. It's not necessarily a bad thing for a figure like He Xiao to emerge. Resisting Beiga and the Sky Demons shouldn't be the sole responsibility of the Mu Kingdom. The Gilded Plain is rich in resources, and if He Xiao can establish a firm foothold, it will also benefit Damu."

As soon as he spoke, the ministers immediately assented.

Emperor Mu took a document from a drawer and placed it on the table. "This is a letter from the Demon Emperor of Beiga, which I received this morning. He has softened his stance, suggesting that the ownership of the four territories of Sugen Fortress in the west can be discussed thoroughly. Both sides should take a step back and show some sincerity."

The Mu Kingdom and Beiga do not share a direct border; their war revolves around two small, conflicting nations. The four territories of Sugen Fortress are strategically vital, and the four nations have expended considerable effort and lives fighting over them. Ceding these four areas would be a significant retreat for Beiga itself.

Upon hearing this, everyone was somewhat moved.

"However, at the same time, Beiga has just launched a new round of warfare. Reports from the front lines state that Beiga's renowned general, Baili Hongsheng, has just deployed thirty thousand troops to the western front."

Wang Xingyi said coldly, "Indeed, this is Beiga's typical style."

To negotiate, they first strike hard to gain more leverage at the negotiating table, while also pressuring the enemy, making the Mu Kingdom more inclined to agree.

He then asked, "At this critical juncture, could the Demon Emperor's sudden softening of stance also be related to the Gilded Plain?"

"Precisely. They want us to ignore Aya's actions." Emperor Mu picked up the letter and casually read, "'For the sake of the current situation, it is inappropriate for us to intervene in the Gilded Plain dispute.'"

Wang Xingyi chuckled, "Beiga has been meddling in the Gilded Plain for years and still hasn't pulled out, yet they say it's 'inappropriate for us to intervene'?"

"The letter also suggests an exchange of prisoners."

The smiles vanished from the ministers' faces.

The Demon Emperor's statement was deeply significant.

After such a long war, both nations naturally held prisoners, ranging from soldiers to officials. Four months ago, Mu Kingdom's general, Xun Shiheng, was unfortunately ambushed and captured during a mission.

He was a descendant of the renowned general Xun Zhong'en, and the Xun family was highly esteemed in the Mu Kingdom, with members serving as court officials and military commanders.

If the two nations exchanged prisoners, there would be an opportunity to rescue Xun Shiheng.

Emperor Mu casually placed the two letters together.

One was from the Demon Emperor of Beiga, and the other from He Xiao.

Interestingly, both sides had, by coincidence, written to Emperor Mu, each presenting their terms.

If he agreed to the Demon Emperor of Beiga's terms, the situation on the front lines would become clearer; not only would strategic strongholds be recovered, but many soldiers could also be rescued.

If he helped He Xiao resolve the threat from Aya, it would virtually sever Beiga's and the Sky Demons' influence on the Gilded Plain, and it would be a timely act of assistance in He Xiao's moment of peril. He Xiao would certainly remember this favor.

Agreeing to either side had its own advantages and disadvantages.

Emperor Mu's gaze was profound and unreadable.

At this moment, even Wang Xingyi dared not speak, fearing he might disturb the Emperor's thoughts.

Emperor Mu's gaze rested on the box of Dragon Punishment Pillars and did not move for a long time.

Although both were, in essence, transactions, the Demon Emperor of Beiga had presented Emperor Mu with concrete conditions, a clear exchange of interests.

He Xiao, however, had first sent eight hundred Dragon Punishment Pillars. Regardless of whether Emperor Mu agreed or not, He Xiao could not take back these gifts.

Therefore, He Xiao's sincerity was already demonstrated upfront.

This was the proper attitude when seeking a favor.

After a long pause, Emperor Mu lightly tapped He Xiao's letter twice. "Have Ji Yingsong lead fifty thousand—no, seventy thousand troops—and station them along the Aya border!"

This was a clear decision to help He Xiao.

The ministers immediately said, "We hope He Xiao will appreciate Your Majesty's generosity and righteousness."

"However, young people are often arrogant; if they're not disciplined, they won't understand their place," Emperor Mu said, looking at He Lingchuan's letter, then turning to Guo Shaoping. "Come up with a plan."

"Yes, Your Majesty!" As Chief Counselor, Guo Shaoping not only usually handled state affairs on the Emperor's behalf but also frequently had to deal with Emperor Mu's sudden whims. He was not only insightful but also quicker to react than others.

After a brief moment of contemplation, he said, "I have a method that is morally justifiable."

He then asked those around him, "Where is Lu Qinglin currently?"

Someone quickly replied, "In Pang'an County. He was dispatched to garrison duty two months ago and has not yet rotated back to the capital."

Lu Qinglin was currently not in the Mu Kingdom but in the southern region.

"Perfect!" Guo Shaoping immediately presented a plan, explaining it clearly and concisely.

Even Wang Xingyi felt that this strategy, pulling the rug out from under someone, was a bit ruthless but should be effective.

The ministers were moved and repeatedly praised his brilliance.

Emperor Mu did not commit but simply said, "Go ahead and handle it."

Guo Shaoping immediately assented.

After the court assembly concluded, the ministers exited the imperial study.

Wang Xingyi left on his own. The other two ministers gathered around Guo Shaoping, praising him repeatedly: "Chief Counselor's methods are truly admirable! It's time to teach that young upstart He Xiao what true national strategy looks like!"

Guo Shaoping stroked his beard and smiled, feeling a touch of self-satisfaction.

To offer merely eight hundred Dragon Punishment Pillars as leverage and expect Damu to deploy troops to save him from mortal danger, He Xiao was still too stingy.

Therefore, the Mu Kingdom needed to act on its own to secure more leverage.