Chapter 2098: Finally Passed

He subtly praised Xin Yi once more.

But isn't that precisely how a skilled lobbyist and negotiator operates, managing both sides? While sometimes it’s inevitable to incur displeasure from both sides, everything is worthwhile if cooperation can be achieved.

Xin Yi laughed heartily, patted his shoulder, and remarked with deep emotion, “We’re in the same boat, aren’t we!” The individuals they each needed to persuade were equally stubborn.

With the meal finished, issues discussed, and half the peaceful morning gone, He Lingchuan wisely decided not to disturb Xin Yi further, leaving him the remaining time. After He Lingchuan left, Xin Yi remained seated in the courtyard for another half day. It wasn't until the sun began to set that he rose, took a few sips of water to clear his throat, and returned indoors. His task was indeed formidable.

Only after securing the doors and windows and activating the barrier did he use hot water to summon the soapberry figure. Once the soapberry figure manifested an old face, a venerable voice spoke: “Two communications within two days. What urgent matter brings you this time?”

“General Hu Yi, under Zhong Shengguang, is truly remarkable. His mind is exceptionally agile, his vision incredibly broad. Not only is he skilled in military command, but he would likely also be an excellent administrator,” Xin Yi praised without reservation.

“I’ve never heard you praise anyone so highly,” the soapberry figure remarked. “What are you plotting? Hmm, you’re not thinking of bringing him over to play house, are you?”

“He has Zhong Shengguang’s deep trust, which shows that in his current position, he fully dedicates himself to Panlong City’s interests and maintains good relations with his superior. You see, he is precisely the talent we require,” Xin Yi admitted. “A roc cannot long remain in a chicken coop. Panlong City is simply too small; he cannot fully demonstrate his abilities here. Although he is loyal to Panlong City, a person of such caliber will not remain confined to a small place indefinitely. I believe he might be able to join my plan.”

He then asked, “By the way, how is our plan progressing? Is Tongshan willing to join us?”

Tongshan is a venerable sect located in Liaoyuan, nine hundred *li* west of Bailei, strategically situated amidst mountains and rivers.

“It’s settled; Tongshan is joining,” the soapberry figure stated. “However, the rise of the Sha River Xin Clan has already drawn the attention of Beijia. We’ve received reports that your Xin Clan has been mentioned twice in Lingxu City’s court discussions. If the Xin Clan continues its activities, Beijia might very well exert pressure through its vassal demon states or other forces around the Sha River, which would attract undue scrutiny. Therefore, it would be best to advance our plan.”

“The Sha River Xin Clan’s rise; the surrounding forces aren’t oblivious, how could they not notice? This was well within our expectations. To achieve such a monumental undertaking, it cannot be done by simply pulling the wool over everyone’s eyes,” Xin Yi countered, shaking his head. “Our preparations are currently insufficient, and moreover, I frequently gain new insights while observing Panlong City, so we cannot move forward prematurely.”

“I fear that delays will lead to complications,” the soapberry figure snorted. “How did Beijia’s demon race rise to prominence? Previously, when it first showed its early signs, we wanted to eliminate it, but you few were complacent, believing it wouldn’t become a major threat. What was the outcome?”

“Let’s stick to the matter at hand and discuss the present,” Xin Yi retorted, clearly displeased. “I’ve asked you before: if you have a better plan to resist Beijia and the Sky Demons, then by all means, propose it immediately.”

The soapberry figure fell silent. After a long pause, it finally asked, “What exactly is your business today? You’re not just calling to chat about this General Hu Yi, are you?” It had almost been led astray, losing the main thread of the conversation.

“No, I want to discuss Panlong City’s provision issue with you.”

The soapberry figure asked him, “Has Zhong Shengguang had a change of heart?”

“First, please summon all the elders,” Xin Yi said gravely. “General Hu Yi has proposed an entirely new plan to me, and I believe it’s excellent.”

The soapberry figure went quiet. Approximately a quarter of an hour later, it looked up again: “Three elders have arrived. Please present your proposal.”

He Lingchuan then went to the official residence and reported the details he had finalized with Xin Yi to Zhong Shengguang. As expected, he received a thorough reprimand. The terms he had offered Xin Yi had exceeded what was originally discussed with Zhong Shengguang. However, negotiating with powerful individuals often requires flexibility and adaptability. He also knew precisely where Zhong Shengguang’s bottom line lay. He Lingchuan then expended twice the effort, reiterating his previous arguments and appealing to Zhong Shengguang’s reason and sense of righteousness. Only then did he manage to persuade Zhong Shengguang. When it came to matters of principle, Zhong Shengguang was indeed far more rigid than Xin Yi.

That evening, he dined with Master Sun and drank three or four times his usual amount of water during the meal. By the end of the day, his mouth was truly parched from all the talking. Master Sun was resting that day, and after hearing everything, he asked curiously, “By the way, if Lingshan invests only to profit for the first few years and then withdraws, what then?” Once the plump fish head and body are consumed, there’s no guarantee they’ll want the lean tail.

“Don’t worry, they won’t,” He Lingchuan said with a smile. “Human greed knows no bounds, and immortals are no exception. Once they genuinely taste the dividends from the next few years, they’ll want to let the money continue to accrue interest, as there’s no better place for it anyway. Money comes from where it’s earned and returns to where it’s lost. That’s how people are: they succeed where they thrive, and they perish where they profit!”

“You’re audacious to plot against even immortals and Lingshan,” Sun Fuling remarked, though her smile was remarkably bright as she spoke.

Over the next few days, Xin Yi frequently went into seclusion, missing several meetings. The personal guards on duty reported to He Lingchuan that Mr. Xin had emerged from his guest quarters several times with a grim expression. For someone of his composure and disposition to fail to control his facial expression indicated considerable inner frustration. It seemed Xin Yi hadn't exaggerated; persuading Lingshan’s old traditionalists was indeed several times more difficult than He Lingchuan’s task of convincing Zhong Shengguang.

Yet, Xin Yi ultimately succeeded. He Lingchuan had no idea how he managed to sway Lingshan, but twenty days later, both parties reached a new agreement. Building on the initial discussions between He Lingchuan and Xin Yi, both sides conceded, each leaving some room for the other party. In any negotiation, it's crucial that neither side feels they are losing out, otherwise the agreement is destined not to last.

Three days after the agreement was finalized, Panlong City launched its second round of negotiations, this time with Baishawan. Since Panlong City had first secured Lingshan, which was behind Baishawan, Baishawan did not continue to cause trouble and readily reopened to Panlong City. Because the new agreement was activated before the previous closure period expired, the Mao River trade route was effectively never obstructed for a single day and remained continuously accessible. This way, the impact of the “closure incident” was finally minimized. Panlong City, the visiting merchants, and even Baishawan itself all breathed a collective sigh of relief.

Following this, the planning and construction of Panlong City’s territory accelerated further, as Lingshan, swayed by Xin Yi’s persuasion, actually adopted He Lingchuan’s proposal and injected a substantial amount of funds into Panlong City in several installments. While alleviating its own financial burden, Panlong City also secured funds from Lingshan, which could be invested in its own development.