Chapter 2164: Waiting for an Unparalleled Talent

Similarly, the Nine Abysses deliberately crafted an image of prioritizing righteousness to reassure neighboring states; thus, unreasonable actions cannot be taken, at least not openly.

Emperor Mou lightly pressed his brow: "You mean, after he takes Blade Harbor, he will lay down his arms?"

"If he still harbors ambition, our state can act later without delay."

Emperor Mou then nodded slightly, uttering a hum.

"The Nine Abysses' conduct actually gives our state a diplomatic pretext," You Huan added, "If the National Preceptor's mission to Bailie confirms he is truly the fortune-bearing son of the Lu clan, why should our state not be magnanimous?"

By doing this, the Nine Abyss Emperor not only prevents Mou from finding fault but also gives Mou a face-saving way out.

Mou can tell the world:

"Look, he has done nothing wrong from start to finish, reasonable and proper. Since he is blameless, why should I blame him?"

"The loyalty of the three hundred warriors of the Martial Commander is moving; they deserve enhanced pensions and ennoblement. Yet, occasional misunderstandings between states should be resolved as peacefully as possible."

"Our state recognizes Nine Abyss's authority over Bailie, which brings three benefits," You Huan continued, "First, Nine Abyss must feel indebted. The National Preceptor's mission can then secure favorable terms."

As regional hegemon, if Mou openly acknowledges Bailie belongs to He Lingchuan, neighboring small states will follow suit, which is crucial for Cangyan's future expansion of border trade.

Mou has shown tolerance; should Cangyan reciprocate?

Between Bailie and Cangyan, which is more useful to Mou? Clearly the latter.

Regardless of territory, military strength, potential, or resources, what comparability does Bailie have with Cangyan?

Moreover, over these past years, Bailie's tribute has steadily declined, yielding little profit.

Abandoning Bailie to gain Cangyan's cooperation is actually not a loss; it's only that Mou's prestige suffers somewhat.

"Second, if Cangyan befriends our state, Mou's rear will be secured."

With Cangyan's support, Mou not only avoids the risk of another great-power war but also gains greater confidence in facing the Bekka to the west.

"Third, insisting on tit-for-tat and quarreling over trifles is the narrow view of small states like Ya. Dismissing the Bailie matter with a smile also displays our great state's magnanimity and upright bearing."

Having come this far, it would be better to openly acknowledge Nine Abyss's status and generously cede Bailie to him, thereby revealing Mou's magnanimity and dignity.

Finally, he summed it up in one sentence:

"He who does not plan for the whole cannot plan for a single region. Your Majesty, our true enemy has always been Bekka."

Emperor Mou listened attentively, neither nodding nor shaking his head.

He tapped his fingertips lightly on the armrest for a while before saying: "You may withdraw first."

You Huan respectfully took his leave.

After he departed, another figure emerged from the inner chamber—none other than the State Preceptor Wang Xingyi.

Emperor Mou asked him: "What do you think of You Huan?"

"Clear-minded, fit for great use," Wang Xingyi replied bluntly, "Guo Zongfu handles domestic economic affairs well, but foreign affairs and war are not his forte."

Emperor Mou hummed in agreement, then proceeded to discuss with his ministers the upcoming mission to Cangyan, followed by the affairs of Lingshan.

This is because Wang Xingyi is not only the State Preceptor of Great Mou, but also the Arbiter of Lingshan.

Finally, Emperor Mou said: "I will set out north next month and return only after three months. The negotiations with Nine Abyss are entrusted to you—you must succeed! Whenever heaven and earth's spiritual energy greatly revives, the 'Awakening of Insects' period follows, and we both have more important matters to attend to; Mou cannot afford to linger too long over minor territorial frictions."

Wang Xingyi responded: "The affairs of Lingshan consume too much of your energy, ten times more troublesome than my duties."

"Mou and Lingshan are interdependent. Now, with imperial fluids flowing frequently, the demon realm and humanity alike face drastic change; Lingshan, already in a season of turmoil, will inevitably cause Mou to stir as well. The Bekka opposite likely feels the same. Ah, pulling one thread moves the whole body!" Emperor Mou pressed his brow, "The last 'Awakening of Insects' arrived before Mou even existed, when the world fell into chaos, also leaving Lingshan vexed and weary. This time..."

This time, no one has any confidence in their heart.

"I established this Assistant Cabinet Regime precisely to await an unparalleled talent." Emperor Mou, rarely wistful, sighed, "Why, then, is there always a shortfall?"

Wang Xingyi comforted him: "In chaotic times, heroes emerge; you will surely meet one. I see, You Huan is quite good."

"For so many years, He Captain concealed his talents, biding his time, then suddenly burst forth. What scheme he harbors, we only now understand." Emperor Mou gazed out the window, "This youth came from a small border state; in just a few short years, how could he cultivate the demeanor of a superior and the vision of a great state? Could it not be due to the Great Square Vessel?"

This question is destined unanswerable; Wang Xingyi could only nod and smile: "His father's achievements now pale in comparison to his."

……

Just as he left the palace gate, the sky suddenly began to rain.

The carriage was already waiting outside; You Huan was about to board when a shout came from behind: You Su yelled:

"Wait for me!"

You Huan could only let him ride along in this carriage.

Latest⊥Chapter⊥Here⊥⊥⊥First⊥Release!

"Older brother, why are you entering the palace at this time?" His brother is an aide to the emperor, with flexible scheduling. Unlike him, this miserable official must report for duty every day.

You Huan whispered: "Today, the emperor summoned me alone to ask my opinion on the Bailie matter."

You Su's eyes lit up; his brother, though the most junior in the Assistant Cabinet, had been singled out by the emperor for a private audience on an important state affair.

You Huan whispered: "The key is, I can see that my proposals all fall within the emperor's expectations."

"That is unspoken agreement! It shows you and the emperor share tacit understanding."

In Mou's regulated state, being in sync with the emperor essentially guarantees promotion.

"Actually, the current situation is already clear: Mou should not break with Cangyan. Since the sage's heart has decided, why does the emperor still need to summon me privately?"

You Su pondered, still unclear, but he understood how to respond: "Older brother, you mean...?"

"Perhaps the emperor wishes to scrutinize me further."

"Scrutinize?" You Su finally grasped it, eyes widening, "Older brother, you mean, you mean..."

You Huan raised a finger to his lips and whispered softly: "Do not speak of it."

A matter with not even a hint of certainty.

You Su rejoiced, rubbing his hands together: "This is a great joy, we must celebrate, we must celebrate!"

Having said that, he poked his head out to instruct the coachman, then changed course to the Fragrant Joy Pavilion.

The Fragrant Joy Pavilion is a famous grand restaurant in Mou Capital, only a two-hour carriage ride from the palace.

"Celebrate what?" You Huan shook his head, but did not stop You Su's action, "Perhaps it is merely my wishful thinking."

"Hey, the current situation — we couldn't be clearer on it." You Su smiled. "Ever since the Yangshan Archipelago was taken by the Chiyan Demon Nation, Chief Assistant Guo has repeatedly failed to meet the Sage's intent, causing Great Mu to lose face. However broad-minded the Emperor may be, for the long-term plan, he'll have to replace him, right?"