Chapter 117

Night fell like ink, the cold wind biting.

In this solemn atmosphere, Su Qin, accompanied by his three companions Lang Fan Yun, set out on the road to the territories of the various feudal lords.

His goal was clear—vertical and horizontal alliances, to persuade the weaker feudal lords and the Lu King to form an offensive-defensive alliance, jointly resisting the powerful enemy.

Su Qin's party first arrived at the city of the nearest feudal lord.

On the city walls, soldiers patrolled back and forth, the torches in their hands illuminating their faces and every corner of the city.

Su Qin did not directly reveal his identity, but instead chose to set up camp in a secluded corner outside the city, preparing to enter the city for persuasion the next day.

At the first light of dawn, Su Qin tidied his attire and, accompanied by Lang Fan Yun and the other two, entered the city.

He did not go straight to the palace, but first toured the city, learning about the people's conditions and the feudal lord's style of governance.

After some inquiries, Su Qin gained a preliminary understanding of this feudal lord—though his strength was not great, he was an ambitious and aspiring ruler, merely lacking powerful allies and sufficient strength.

Having gauged the situation, Su Qin decided to adopt a roundabout strategy.

He first visited several scholars in the city, through whom he conveyed a message to the feudal lord: a strategist named Su Qin had come, willing to relieve the Great King's worries and solve his troubles.

These scholars enjoyed considerable prestige in the city, and their words naturally drew the feudal lord's attention.

When Su Qin was summoned to the palace, he did not rush to state his own views, but first discussed with the feudal lord the state of the world.

He spoke from the lords' contention for hegemony to the people's suffering, from the expansion of strong states to the self-preservation of weak ones.

His words were full of wisdom and foresight, causing the feudal lord to look at him with new respect.

"Great King, do you know the current situation of the world under Great Yong?"

"The strong feudal lords bully the weak, the lords attack each other, and the people are displaced."

"Although the Great King wishes to become strong, he suffers from lacking allies and strength."

"Su Qin is untalented, but I wish to offer a plan to the Great King."

After chatting idly with the feudal lord for a while, seeing the moment ripe, Su Qin began to get to the point.

"Master Su, what good plan do you have? Speak quickly."

Upon hearing this, the feudal lord's spirits lifted, and he hurriedly asked.

"Great King, you could form an offensive-defensive alliance with several neighboring feudal lords of comparable strength, jointly resisting those powerful enemies."

"This would not only increase your own strength and prestige, but also seek a stable living environment for the people."

Su Qin smiled faintly and slowly revealed his vertical and horizontal alliance plan.

After hearing this, the feudal lord fell into contemplation for a moment, and a look of hesitation appeared on his face.

He worried that his strength was insufficient to resist annexation by other feudal lords, and also feared that other feudal lords would not respond to his call.

"Great King, there is no need to worry. Su Qin is willing to personally go to other feudal lords to persuade them to join the alliance."

"As long as the Great King approves, this will surely succeed."

Seeing his concerns, Su Qin further persuaded him.

"Master Su truly is a genius of the age!"

"Then I, the king, will await your good news in the city!"

After hearing this, the feudal lord pondered long in his heart, a glint of determination flashed in his eyes, he rose and bowed deeply to Su Qin.

In the days that followed, Su Qin began his persuasion journey.

He successively visited several other weaker feudal lords, using the same method to persuade them to join the alliance.

During the persuasion process, Su Qin, with his outstanding eloquence and profound learning, expounded to each feudal lord the necessity and feasibility of the vertical and horizontal alliance.

He emphasized that the feudal lords should unite with each other, jointly resist powerful enemies, to protect their own interests and territorial security.

At the same time, he also explained to each feudal lord the advantages of the horizontal alliance strategy: by uniting other weak states to form a strong alliance, they could gain an advantageous position in competition with strong states.

When persuading the various feudal lords, Su Qin adopted different strategies.

For the relatively strong and ambitious feudal lords, he stressed the importance of vertical alliances, reminded them to watch out for threats from other powerful states, and promised them sufficient status and respect within the alliance.

For the relatively weak and lacking confidence feudal lords, he emphasized more the advantages of the horizontal alliance, encouraging them to join the alliance to jointly resist external enemies and enhance their own strength and status.

Under these circumstances, Su Qin's persuasion achieved remarkable success.

He not only persuaded the feudal lords to join the alliance, but also successfully coordinated the interests of all parties, enabling the alliance to develop stably.

Through the vertical and horizontal alliance strategy, the strength among the feudal lords was effectively integrated, forming a powerful alliance.

Moreover, during the persuasion process, Su Qin fully demonstrated his personal charm and wisdom.

He was adept at reading expressions and tones, able to accurately grasp the psychology and needs of each feudal lord, thereby formulating practical and feasible persuasion strategies.

At the same time, he paid great attention to wording and expression, able to move hearts with vivid and powerful language, causing the feudal lords to firmly believe in his strategies.

Although the process encountered many difficulties and challenges, Su Qin ultimately resolved them all with his wisdom and eloquence.

After Su Qin's unremitting efforts and clever persuasion, the various feudal lords were finally moved by his vertical and horizontal alliance plan.

An offensive-defensive alliance led by the Lu King gradually formed.

That day, the sun shone brightly, clouds stretched for thousands of miles without a trace, the Lu King's city was hung with lanterns and decorated with colorful ribbons, filled with joyous cheer.

The banners of the various feudal lords fluttered in the wind, representing their respective strengths and determinations.

And among them, the Eastern Land Emperor Star Shangguan Lie, whom Su Ye had previously detected, was conspicuously present!

The Lu King stood on the city tower, gazing as troops from all directions arrived one after another.

Their attire varied—some bright and eye-catching, some simple and dignified—but without exception they all conveyed an air of dignity and vigor.

The Lu King knew that although these feudal lords had previously fought each other, they had now gathered here for a common goal—to form an offensive-defensive alliance and jointly resist powerful external enemies.

Su Qin also stood beside the Lu King, wearing a cyan robe that gave him an air of refined composure.

"Great King, now is the time for you to display your leadership. As long as you raise your arm and call, these feudal lords will surely respond in unison."

His eyes flashed with the light of wisdom, as if everything were under his control, he lightly said to the Lu King beside him.

"Haha, that you, brothers, could come is truly an honor that overwhelms the king."

Today we managed to gather together; it's no small feat.

Thanks to Mr. Su's brilliant plan, we now have this opportunity to form an offensive-defensive alliance.

I know that in the past we have had many disputes and misunderstandings, but now we should set aside past grudges, unite against foreign enemies; only then can we protect our lands and the peace of our people.

The Lu King nodded, took a deep breath, and shouted loudly to the vassal kings below the city.

The vassal kings showed no particular expression after hearing that.

Since we have already brought our people here, we naturally know what to do next.

They knew the Lu King was right; nowadays, within Great Yong's borders, winds stir and clouds surge.

Only by banding together for warmth can these weak vassal kings gain the strength to stand against powerful vassal kings.

Thus they shouted in unison: "Form the alliance! Jointly resist the strong enemy!"

This voice echoed through the clouds, shaking everyone's spirit.

After hearing this, the Lu King was overcome with excitement; he knew his responsibility had grown heavier.

He turned to Su Qin and said, "Great King, don't rush; we have already taken the most difficult step."

Su Qin smiled slightly and said, "Great King, don't rush; we have already taken the most difficult step."

What we need to do next is to consolidate the alliance and strengthen cooperation.

At the same time, we must also strengthen our own construction, boost our combat power, and make those who dare to invade our territory pay a heavy price!

In the following days, Lu King City became the center of the Vassal Kings Alliance.

Each vassal king sent envoys to discuss cooperation, sign the treaty, and jointly devise battle plans.

They exchanged intelligence, shared resources, coordinated actions, and formed a powerful combined force.

Su Qin was not idle either; he traveled around lobbying, continually expanding the alliance's influence.

(End of chapter)