Chapter 2164: Waiting for an Exceptional Talent

"Similarly, Nine Hells deliberately cultivates an image of prioritizing reason to reassure the surrounding nations. This means he cannot act unreasonably, at least not openly."

Emperor Mu gently pressed his eyebrow. "Are you saying he will stop once he takes Blade Harbor?"

"If he still harbors ambitions, it will not be too late for our nation to intervene then."

Emperor Mu nodded slightly and hummed in acknowledgment.

"Nine Hells' actions also make it easier for our nation to explain things externally," You Huan added. "If the Royal Master's mission to Baile confirms he is truly the fated son of the Lu clan's main line, why should our nation not be magnanimous?"

Emperor Nine Hells' actions were not just to prevent Mu from finding fault, but also to give Mu a way to save face. Mu could tell the world: "Look, he did nothing wrong from start to finish; everything was reasonable and proper. Since he is not at fault, why should we blame him?"

"The loyalty and valor of Commander Wu's three hundred warriors are moving, and generous posthumous honors can be added. However, any misunderstandings or conflicts between nations should be resolved as amicably as possible."

"There are also three benefits to our nation acknowledging Nine Hells' authority over Baile," You Huan continued. "Firstly, Nine Hells will be indebted. The Royal Master's trip will then be able to secure favorable terms."

As a regional hegemon, if Mu openly acknowledged Baile as belonging to He Lingchuan, the smaller surrounding nations would follow suit. This is crucial for Cang Yan's future regional trade development. Since Mu displayed a tolerant attitude, shouldn't Cang Yan reciprocate? Which is more valuable to Mu: Baile or Cang Yan? Clearly the latter. In terms of area, army, potential, and resources, how can Baile compare to Cang Yan? Furthermore, in recent years, Baile's tributes have decreased annually, offering little significant gain. Losing Baile in exchange for Cang Yan's cooperation is not a loss. It merely poses a slight dip in the great nation's prestige.

"Secondly, if Cang Yan maintains good relations with our nation, Great Mu's rear will be stabilized." With Cang Yan's support, Mu not only avoids the potential risk of another major war but also gains more confidence in dealing with Bega to the west in the future. "Thirdly, being vengeful and petty is the mindset of small nations like Ya. Dismissing the Baile matter with a smile would demonstrate our nation's grand demeanor and magnanimous spirit." Given the current situation, it would be better to openly acknowledge Nine Hells' status and magnanimously give Baile to him, which would, in turn, display Mu's broad-mindedness and dignity.

Finally, he summarized with a single sentence: "One who does not plan for the whole cannot plan for a part. Emperor, our true enemy has always been Bega."

Emperor Mu listened carefully, neither nodding nor shaking his head. He tapped his fingertips lightly on the armrest for a while before saying, "You may leave now." You Huan respectfully withdrew.

After he left, another person emerged from the inner chamber: the Royal Master, Wang Xingyi. Emperor Mu asked him, "What do you think of You Huan?"

"He is clear-headed and capable of great things," Wang Xingyi replied directly. "Chief Minister Guo is adept at organizing economic and internal affairs, but foreign relations and warfare are not his strengths."

Emperor Mu hummed in agreement. The monarch and his minister then discussed the upcoming mission to Cang Yan, followed by the affairs of Spirit Mountain. This was because Wang Xingyi was not only the Royal Master of Great Mu but also a decision-maker for Spirit Mountain.

Finally, Emperor Mu said, "I will depart north next month and will only return in three months. The peace talks with Nine Hells are entrusted to you; they must succeed! Every time the spiritual energy of heaven and earth undergoes a major resurgence, it is followed by the 'Awakening of Insects' period. You and I both have more important matters to attend to, and Mu cannot be distracted by minor territorial frictions for too long."

Wang Xingyi responded, "The matters of Spirit Mountain consume too much of your energy; they are ten times more troublesome than my own tasks."

"Mu and Spirit Mountain are intrinsically linked. With the frequent occurrences of Imperial Nectar and the parallel drastic changes in both the Demon Realm and the human world, Spirit Mountain is facing a turbulent autumn, and Mu will inevitably experience turmoil as well. Bega on the other side is likely in the same situation. Alas, one move affects the whole!" Emperor Mu pressed his eyebrow. "The last time the 'Awakening of Insects' period arrived, Mu did not even exist, and the world was in such chaos that Spirit Mountain was overwhelmed. This time..." This time, no one felt confident.

"I established this Auxiliary Cabinet system precisely to await an unparalleled talent." Emperor Mu, feeling a rare sense of despondency, sighed. "Why is there always something lacking?"

Wang Xingyi consoled him, "Turbulent times produce heroes; you will surely find one. In my opinion, You Huan is excellent."

"For so many years, He Xiao had been biding his time, and now he has suddenly erupted. We only now understand his true intentions," Emperor Mu said, looking out the window. "How could this young man, from the remote border of a small nation, develop such a high-level strategic perspective and vision for a great nation in just a few years? Could it be because of the Great Square Flask?"

This question was destined to remain unanswered, and Wang Xingyi could only nod and smile, "His father's achievements now pale in comparison to his."

Just as they exited the palace gate, the sky suddenly opened up. A carriage was waiting outside. As You Huan was about to step in, You Su's loud voice called from behind: "Wait for me!"

You Huan had no choice but to let him ride along. "Brother, why are you entering the palace at this hour?" As a trusted advisor to the Emperor, his elder brother's schedule was flexible, unlike that of a regular official who had to report for work on time every day.

You Huan whispered, "Today, the Emperor summoned me privately and asked for my opinion on the Baile matter."

You Su's eyes lit up. His elder brother was the least senior in the Auxiliary Cabinet, yet he had been "privately summoned" by the Emperor to discuss important state affairs.

You Huan whispered, "The crucial point is that I could tell my proposals were all within the Emperor's expectations."

"That's called a coincidence of thought! It means you and the Emperor have an understanding."

In a nation structured like Mu, being in perfect harmony with the Emperor's thoughts generally signified a swift rise.

"Actually, the current situation is already clear: Mu should not fall out with Cang Yan. So, if the imperial will is already decided, why would the Emperor summon me alone?"

You Su thought for a moment, not understanding, but he knew how to prompt: "Are you saying, Brother?"

"Perhaps the Emperor intends to observe me more closely."

"Observe?" You Su finally understood, his eyes widening. "Brother, are you saying... are you saying..."

You Huan placed a finger to his lips, shushing him gently. "Don't say it out loud." It was too early to speak of.

You Su was overjoyed, rubbing his hands together. "This is wonderful news! We must celebrate, celebrate!" With that, he leaned out to instruct the coachman to change course for Huanxiang Tower. Huanxiang Tower was a famous large restaurant in the capital of Mu, only a fifteen-minute carriage ride from the palace.

"Celebrate what?" You Huan shook his head, but didn't stop You Su's actions. "Perhaps it's just my wishful thinking."

"Oh, come on, we couldn't be clearer about the current situation," You Su chuckled. "Since the Yangshan Islands were taken by the Chi Yan Demon Kingdom, Chief Minister Guo's governance has repeatedly fallen short of the imperial will, causing Great Mu to lose face. Even if the Emperor is benevolent, for the long term, he'll have to replace him, won't he?"