Chapter 1569: [Unexpected Enfeoffment] (Part 2)

Quan De'an slowly nodded: "What others say doesn't matter; the key is how you act. Will you accept this imperial edict or not?"

Hu Xiaotian burst out laughing: "Eunuch Quan, you're still as overbearing as ever, getting ready to force me?"

"I wouldn't dare; you're already a regional hegemon, even Prosperous Prefecture has fallen into your hands—who would dare to force you to do anything?"

Hu Xiaotian set down his Chazan calmly and said: "Your news is really well-informed; I just took Prosperous Prefecture, and you've already come over—did you come from Yunyang?"

Quan De'an shook his head: "Originally I was going to Dongliang Jun to see you, but hearing that you'd sent troops to Prosperous Prefecture, I came instead." Hu Xiaotian's capture of Prosperous Prefecture was indeed unexpected for them.

Hu Xiaotian glanced at the edict and said: "Is this meant to trick a child?" Qiqi's affair in Kangdu where she framed him is still fresh in his memory; he won't believe this girl would have a change of heart, so her proactive friendliness must have ulterior motives.

Quan De'an said: "If Your Highness truly wanted to deal with you, all he'd need is to join forces with Da Yong, and you'd have no chance to stand on the Yong River." He spoke still aggressively, showing extreme dominance.

Hu Xiaotian snorted: "Go ahead and try; joining forces with Da Yong is like dancing with wolves—ultimately who suffers more is still unknown."

Seeing that Hu Xiaotian wasn't intimidated by his threats and his arrogance had faded, Quan De'an picked up his Chazan, drank tea in silence, adjusted the rhythm of the talk, to dispel the tense atmosphere that had just arisen.

Hu Xiaotian said: "If Eunuch Quan came just for these matters, take the edict back and, on the way, tell your master I don't want her bothering me, and I won't provoke her. As for the King of Zhenhai, it's a trick—she can give that title to whoever she likes."

Quan De'an placed his Chazan back on the table, sighed deeply, and said: "Actually we don't understand why Your Highness is being so lenient toward you; it's a pity that Your Highness's sincere feelings for you are being so misinterpreted—thinking about it really makes one feel sorry for Your Highness."

Hu Xiaotian coldly stared at Eunuch Quan; these words were basically turning black and white. Qiqi's leniency toward him? The last time he returned to Kangdu he almost died at her hands; if not for his good fortune, he'd probably already be a pile of bones by now. This time Eunuch Quan's visit must be due to her political needs.

Eunuch Quan took out a letter from his bosom, presented it with both hands to Hu Xiaotian, and said: "This is Your Highness's personal letter!"

Hu Xiaotian gazed at the letter, hesitated a moment, and eventually took it. He didn't open the letter, just stared at the elegant small characters on the envelope.

Eunuch Quan stood beside him, full of anticipation, watching him; he too was curious about what was inside, but Hu Xiaotian still didn't open the letter, placing it on top of the edict. He said softly: "I'll accept this edict; tell her I won't read this letter unless she explains it to me in person. I also accept the title of Prince; let her do whatever she wants—I can guarantee peace and safety in Dakang's northern borders."

Although Eunuch Quan had been disappointed seeing Hu Xiaotian refuse to read the letter, he never expected things to take a turn for the better—Hu Xiaotian actually agreed to accept the edict and also agreed to the title of King of Zhenhai, which meant that his and Wu Jing Shan's trip wasn't in vain; they had successfully completed their mission.

Eunuch Quan didn't waste words, stood up, bowed his fists to Hu Xiaotian, and said: "Prince, Thousand Years, we take our leave."

Hu Xiaotian also didn't try to stop him, saying lightly: "Journey well; I won't see you off."

After Eunuch Quan left, Hu Xiaotian immediately ordered that the news of the Dakang Court appointing him as King of Zhenhai be spread far and wide. Hu Xiaotian was not someone who easily bowed; accepting Dakang's appointment was tantamount to acknowledging that his territory remained under Dakang's jurisdiction, but for him at present it was the most realistic choice. He had originally planned to reap the benefits of a fisherman's gain, taking advantage of the battle between Su Yuchi and Xichuan and Prosperous Prefecture to seize Yunyang, but he hadn't expected Su Yuchi's combat strength to be so formidable—in fact, hardly anyone had anticipated it. Although he possessed the Sky-Shaking Thunder as a killer weapon, he still couldn't unleash it unless absolutely necessary. Moreover, the Sky-Shaking Thunder he had designed based on his impressions still had many shortcomings; since the Bureau of Heavenly Secrets could provide Su Yuchi with Earth-Shaking Crossbows and Tortoise-Shell War Chariots at critical moments, perhaps they possessed even more lethal weapons.

In Yunyang, Su Yuchi's control made little difference to Hu Xiaotian's; Li Tianheng and his large army were tightly trapped in Xichuan, and after the defeat at Yunyang, Li Tianheng would certainly lie low for a while—to recover his strength and to readjust his strategy.

In this war he suffered no losses; Guo Guangbi's strategic shift had secured him, allowing him to effortlessly seize Prosperous Prefecture, thereafter enabling a pincer movement against Yunyang.

Here one must admire Qiqi's far-sightedness; perhaps she also realized that a stalemate with him would bring no benefit, so she suddenly changed strategy—not only pardoning all his past offenses but also exceptionally bestowing upon him the title of king, a king of a different surname! This announced to the world that the two had renewed their understanding.

The main reason Hu Xiaotian agreed to accept the princely title was Da Yong; previously Dakang and Da Yong had been signaling a joint attack on him. Now, with his ennoblement, all the rumors collapsed on their own. On the Yong River, both sides' navies remained deadlocked, and Da Yong's troops had already advanced to fifty li outside Prosperous Prefecture. Since Prosperous Prefecture is a strategic military stronghold, after Su Yuchi defended Yunyang and defeated Li Yan, the strategic importance of Prosperous Prefecture increased further, making it possible that Da Yong's forces would spare no expense to storm Prosperous Prefecture.

Although Hu Xiaotian had prepared for battle, deep down he didn't really want to fight this war; his current strength still wasn't enough to oppose Da Yong. Qiqi's ennoblement was, in a sense, a timely rain for him—on the surface it looked like Hu Xiaotian was yielding, but the signal he projected outwardly was that he and Dakang had put aside their differences and reunited, which would cause Da Yong to reassess the situation.

What Hu Xiaotian needed was not war but time; only with sufficient time could he have enough room to develop. He also understood that Qiqi, like him, needed time, and precisely for this reason the two could cooperate again—not out of affection, but because of present interests, a fact he was clear about.

Because he returned late, this chapter is only two thousand words; I hope everyone will understand. Zhangyu will resume normal updates starting next Thursday—thankfully this month hasn't passed yet. Thanks for your support and thanks for your understanding! (To be continued~^~)