Chapter 1022: Chapter 978: Reaching an Agreement

“I am not satisfied with your answer, but it doesn’t matter. Show your sincerity. Since General Gongsun previously mentioned that you can barely manage a pirate-free sea, let me see it for myself. Some words cannot just be spoken!” Chen Xi coldly glanced at Liangg Mao and said, it seems that this person is the true person in charge among the envoys. As for Gongsun Gong, he is probably just a pawn discarded.

Liangg Mao looked at Chen Xi’s expression and hesitated inwardly. The situation has reached this point, and he is somewhat unsure of how to manage it. Chen Xi’s demands are not excessive, but what precisely does a pirate-free sea entail?

Chen Xi did not continue to speak; he had already noticed that Liangg Mao was pondering his words. It seems that Gongsun Du has given Liangg Mao significant autonomy, and it certainly hasn’t hit Gongsun Du’s bottom line yet.

“May I ask Marquis Chen, what degree must we achieve?” Liangg Mao quickly spoke, understanding that some matters should not be delayed; lingering often leads to problems.

“That depends on your sincerity.” Chen Xi raised his eyelids and said, without stating a concrete standard. Guo Jia’s information mentioned that Liangg Mao understands governance and is versed in military strategy.

Liangg Mao rapped his knuckles lightly. He thought he had grasped Chen Xi’s considerations. Clearly, Chen Xi did not want to dwell on past matters, but he absolutely could not accept them repeating the same actions.

“Marquis Chen, is it possible to negotiate further?” Liangg Mao inquired after his deliberation, hoping for room for negotiation despite Chen Xi’s low demands.

“You think I’m asking for too little?” Chen Xi glanced at Liangg Mao and said, “Truth be told, if it weren’t for Liaodong being an utterly barren land, not worth dealing with, I wouldn’t have made such demands. I need your sincerity; you understand what that sincerity entails.”

Liangg Mao was helpless; it is like Yuan Shao not attacking Gongsun Du earlier, not because Gongsun Du was overwhelmingly strong, making it unprofitable to attack, but largely because attacking was pointless, yielding nothing and even resulting in losses. Thus, as long as they obediently comply and don’t create trouble, most rulers will turn a blind eye, especially in chaotic times.

“Frankly, if you were richer or more powerful, there would be a point in taking action.” Chen Xi appeared as if he indeed wanted to attack.

Liangg Mao showed no expression, but internally felt helpless. If Gongsun Du were stronger and posed any danger to Liu Bei, Chen Xi would surely eradicate him, disregarding his location entirely; even if it were the Barbarian Land, wiping them out makes grazing there feasible.

Likewise, if he were richer, there would at least be a return after battle, unlike now where the outcome would still be barren, with no point in conflict.

“Since Marquis Chen has spoken, we should also show our sincerity. Yuan Tan seized the power of Youzhou without notice; my lord stationed at Liaodong is willing to assist Lord Xuande in resolving the troubles in Youzhou.” Liangg Mao estimated internally before slowly speaking.

“Indeed, that is full of sincerity, but our army is now in a truce with Yuan Tan and cannot do anything contrary to orders.” Chen Xi said calmly.

“Simply letting our army take action; it’s difficult to completely capture all of Youzhou, only able to seize a coastal county at most.” Liangg Mao said earnestly, Liaodong’s power is stable against the Three Hann States, but attacking Yuan Tan is a joke.

“We need the entire Youzhou.” Chen Xi looked steadily at Liangg Mao and said.

“Liaodong can’t do it; demanding this is forcing what can’t be done.” Liangg Mao shook his head, believing it to be asking exorbitantly, not showing anger but maintaining his usual calm demeanor.

“Hehe, Liaodong’s strength of deploying fifty thousand troops is barely possible; capturing all of Youzhou is impossible at other times, but sufficient now.” Chen Xi casually tossed a map from his sleeve to Liangg Mao’s desk, where Liangg Mao reached out and retrieved the map, opening it with slight shock.

“What are your thoughts?” Chen Xi sipped tea after taking a sip and set the cup down, looking at Liangg Mao and asking.

Liangg Mao was greatly amazed at first glance at the map, completely unexpected that Liu Bei’s influence had expanded to such an extent, already adjoining Youzhou!

Only a small part of the entire Jizhou was in Yuan Tan’s hands. Originally, it was thought Liu Bei’s victory was due to defeating Yuan Shao and capturing Ye City. Unexpectedly, Liu Bei’s power had already grown to such a degree.

“Lord Xuande is indeed the undisputed overlord of the realm now.” Liangg Mao said bitterly, as Liu Bei had grown extraordinarily powerful.

“Therefore, if still interested in previous negotiations, show sincerity; I won’t mind campaigning against Liaodong. After all, this year’s snow is heavy, and the southward move of the Xianbei Wuhuan is set, seizing the opportunity to deal with them simultaneously, believe me, we have this capability.” Chen Xi stated serenely.

Seeing Liangg Mao open his mouth wanting to speak, Chen Xi coldly laughed and spoke heedlessly, “As for the Emperor’s orders, popular inconvenience will resolve them!”

Liangg Mao felt chilled at his back, not doubting Chen Xi’s claim of seizing the opportunity, accurately stating Liu Xuande has this capability.

If the Xianbei Wuhuan moved south, Liu Xuande advancing northward to fight on the Great Prairie while resolving both Xianbei and Wuhuan, simultaneously dealing with Gongsun Du becomes highly probable, especially if they don’t provide Liu Bei with a satisfactory answer.

“So choose wisely, we need a satisfactory answer.” Chen Xi’s icy and merciless gaze swept across Liangg Mao and said. Now holding the major advantage, Chen Xi showed no concern, as intelligent individuals don’t seek death!

Liangg Mao hesitated immensely; the current situation is clear. Though five thousand soldiers may indeed seize Youzhou, even if Liu Bei and the Yuan Clan hold a thousand-mile-long defensive line, it isn’t easy for Gongsun Du to exploit Yuan Tan’s weakened moment.

It could be said even if victorious, Liaodong’s fifty thousand troops may not even have twenty thousand left; Youzhou is not easily obtained, and this would also permanently offend Yuan Tan, rendering future departure from Liu Bei impossible.

“Fine, we will dispatch troops to attack Youzhou, but Lord Xuande needs to provide us with support in other areas.” Liangg Mao took a deep breath, agreeing to this request.

“Alright, when the time comes, we will stage a pincer attack on Youzhou from the Bohai Sea area, and the missing winter clothing and food weapons in Liaodong will be supplied by us. Additionally, General Gongsun won’t be peacefully received during the brief period after capturing Youzhou, only mutual interactions will occur, and when we dispatch northward, General Gongsun needs to allow us a passage.” Chen Xi nodded and then informed Liangg Mao of a series of unbelievable good news. (To be continued. If you like this work, you’re welcome to recommend votes, monthly tickets at Qidian (wuxiaworld.site), your support is my greatest motivation. Mobile users, please go to m.wuxiaworld.site to read.)