Chapter 1712

Yuan Shu clenched his fists tightly, his fingernails almost embedding into his palms, but he still maintained his calm and dignity. "Lord Zhang's words are very true. I, Yuan Shu, have never begged anyone in my life, but today, I am willing to trade everything I have for the peace of my soldiers and the people. As long as Lord Zhang is willing to provide grain and fodder assistance, I, Yuan Shu, am willing to cede part of my territory, and even... even willing to submit to Lord Zhang."

Upon hearing this, a trace of surprise flashed in Zhang Lu's eyes, and then he changed into a playful expression. "Yuan Gonglu, your proposal is quite fresh. However, why should I believe you? Your reputation, Yuan Gonglu, doesn't sound very good in this chaotic world."

Yuan Shu smiled bitterly; he knew his past had left too many negative impressions, but he still tried his best to defend himself: "Lord Zhang, no one is a sage, and who can be without faults? Although I, Yuan Shu, have made mistakes, I am sincere toward my soldiers and the people. Please believe that I came here this time with sincerity and determination, not with false intentions."

Zhang Lu remained silent for a moment, as if weighing the pros and cons. The atmosphere in the camp was tense to the extreme, every second seeming to be stretched, making it suffocating. Finally, Zhang Lu spoke slowly: "Good, Yuan Gonglu, I will believe you this time. But I have two conditions."

Yuan Shu felt joy in his heart and quickly said: "Lord Zhang, please speak; as long as I can do it, I will definitely go all out."

"First, you need to hand over your elite troops to me for command for one year as collateral. Second, you must announce in public that you, Yuan Shu, are willing to submit to me, Zhang Lu." Zhang Lu's voice was not high, but every word was like a knife, piercing Yuan Shu's heart.

These two conditions were enough to ruin Yuan Shu's reputation, but he did not hesitate for too long. "I agree, Lord Zhang. As long as you can save my soldiers and the people, I, Yuan Shu, am willing to bear all of this."