Liao… Samuer slumped down, powerless.
Her hands trembled uncontrollably.
Western Liang and Liao were sworn enemies.
Living space on the grasslands was limited.
Herdsmen from both countries often competed for water and grass.
After a while, the disputes escalated into clan wars.
Later, the two countries signed a national alliance agreement.
They drew a boundary, promising not to invade each other.
Those who crossed the border without permission would be killed without complaint.
Relying on the national agreement, the two countries enjoyed a brief period of peace.
Later, their development strategies diverged.
Liao withdrew from the Yan Yun Sixteen Prefectures.
He chose to coexist peacefully with Great Feng.
They began to encroach on the grassland tribes.
With the force of a sweeping autumn wind, they annihilated several tribes.
The current Liao is truly the overlord of the grasslands.
He has subtly surpassed Western Liang!
Because Western Liang chose a different path.
They continued to fight fiercely with Great Feng.
All their vital forces were committed.
The result was that they were dragged down and exhausted.
They made no progress over the years, instead growing weaker.
Liao had sent envoys last year.
He wanted to re-establish the border with Western Liang.
In reality, he wanted to gain more advantages.
Slowly encroaching on Western Liang's territory.
This was one reason why Western Liang was willing to negotiate peace with Great Feng.
No matter how strong Western Liang was, she could not fight on two fronts.
At this time, it was better to befriend Great Feng.
Once they recovered, they could then deploy troops against Liao.
"There's no shortage of buyers for silk and immortal tea."
"If you don't buy, plenty of others will."
"As long as I'm willing, I can support Liao."
"Liao provides the men, Great Feng provides the money."
"I think Liao would be very happy to send troops against Western Liang."
Ning Que looked at Samuer.
Since she was ungrateful, he couldn't be blamed.
"Western Liang is indeed very strong."
"But this prince still has spies."
"The Western Liang nobles should all be careful."
"If Liao sends troops again at this time, what will happen to Western Liang?"
"With internal and external troubles, how long can she last?"
"It's not impossible to even destroy Western Liang."
"Western Liang will either be the butcher or the fish!"
Ning Que pressed on, step by step.
He pressured Samuer until she couldn't breathe.
Because she knew Ning Que could truly do it!
What Liao coveted most was the grasslands!
What they wanted was to unify the entire grasslands!
To establish an invincible grassland empire!
And spies…
Samuer tightly clutched the jade pendant.
This was the symbol of the Crown Prince's identity.
Normally, the Crown Prince would wear it close to him.
He wouldn't even take it off when bathing.
The Crown Prince hadn't left the royal court for the past two years.
This meant someone had infiltrated the palace!
Without anyone knowing, they stole the jade pendant!
Just as Ning Que said.
If he could steal the jade pendant, he could take the Crown Prince's life!
What if Liao sent troops against Western Liang again?
As long as Great Feng offered a high enough price, it would definitely happen!
Emperor Feng narrowed his eyes.
He looked at Ning Que with interest.
It seemed his imperial brother had done many things.
He had secretly planted spies.
He could even steal the Crown Prince's jade talisman!
Ning Que, however, remained calm.
His senior sister was the best spy in the world.
She was skilled in disguise and unmatched in lightness skill.
She had been lurking in Western Liang all these years.
Gathering information and investigating the Battle of Yumen Pass!
It just so happened that it came in handy this time.
Tian Zhongxun and the others all showed surprise.
Each of them looked at Ning Que in astonishment.
He had secretly dispatched secret agents?
Had he been pretending all these years?!
Now Ning Que had revealed his hand.
But did Western Liang have a choice?
Indeed, Western Liang might not care about the Crown Prince's life or death.
But what if Great Feng truly allied with Liao?
They could easily divide Western Liang!
Great Feng would seize places like Jiuquan.
And Liao would get the heartland of Western Liang.
Great Feng would provide money and provisions, and Liao would provide the men.
This would benefit both sides.
Western Liang would only be reduced to fish!
Tian Zhongxun's gaze had changed.
If Ning Que truly succeeded in the negotiations, he would be finished!
At that time, he would have to cede Linzi County!
This was the Qi King's fiefdom, managed for hundreds of years.
Linzi was extremely wealthy, with advantages in fish and salt.
Crucially, it was located at a vital pass, extremely important.
If Linzi was ceded, Jiaodong Langya would be separated.
Any move he made would be known by Linzi.
Gu Yuan tightly clenched his fists.
He was even more nervous than Tian Zhongxun.
If Ning Que fulfilled the conditions and facilitated the peace talks.
Then, he would be the undisputed King Ning of Great Feng!
He would firmly secure his position as a prince!
By then, Ning Que would be able to rebuild the Prince's Three Guards.
According to regulations, he would also regain military command over the Western Border Wolf Army.
What would he do then?
Originally, he was the Western Border Commander, in charge of the Wolf Army.
After that, he would at most be a deputy general…
The military power would be snatched from his hands!
How could he endure that?
Also, he had always looked down on Ning Que.
He felt that Ning Que was just lucky, born into a good family.
Aside from his identity, what abilities did he have?
He merely knew some strange skills and tricks.
But now…
Ning Que's performance was astonishing!
He remained unfazed even when Mount Tai collapsed before him.
He laid out traps step by step.
He was composed and at ease.
He completely suppressed Samuer.
As an envoy of Western Liang, she was also capable.
She was famous for her intelligence in Western Liang.
Even the Feng people had heard of her.
Yu Ji finally smiled.
He looked at Ning Que with reverence.
He knew Ning Que would definitely succeed in the negotiations.
Finally, Samuer relented.
She raised her head and looked at Ning Que, who was directly opposite her.
"King Ning truly has good methods."
"However, Jiuquan is extremely important to my Western Liang."
"Therefore, I cannot make the decision."
"I have noted all these matters," Samuer stood up and raised her hand, saying, "I will immediately have someone inform our King, and he will decide. Barring any surprises, we should have news within three months."
"No, that's too long!"
Ning Que still didn't back down.
To avoid complications, this matter needed to be resolved as quickly as possible!
"Then what does Your Highness mean?"
"Three days." Ning Que stood with his hands behind his back, coldly saying, "Princess, you can think it over slowly in the palace and make your decision once you've thought it through."
"Heh…"
"Your Highness is truly considerate."
Samuer immediately laughed.
What good were three days?
It seemed like he gave her a choice.
But did she have one?
If she disagreed, Great Feng would inevitably grow closer to Liao. The Liao had been restless these past two years, eager to move against Western Liang. With Great Feng's support, Liao would surely deal a heavy blow to Western Liang. If Great Feng then sent troops, it would be enough to divide Western Liang.
Finally, Samuer slowly stood up.
"Since that's the case, my Western Liang also has a condition."
"Please state it."
"Great Feng must sever ties with Liao."
"Impossible." Ning Que decisively waved his hand, coldly saying, "Perhaps Princess hasn't understood. This prince is not negotiating with your Western Liang, but informing you. You have no right to negotiate terms with Great Feng; if you don't accept, then prepare for war."
Of course, he was just bluffing Samuer.
International diplomacy was not black and white; if Liao alone dominated the grasslands, it would not benefit Great Feng. It was necessary to divide them, inciting conflict between Western Liang and Liao. Only when they fought each other to exhaustion could Great Feng benefit.
Samuer bit her teeth tightly.
The pressure made her unable to breathe.
Finally, as if using all her strength.
She lowered her head and spoke softly.
"We'll sign!"
It… it's done?!
All the officials were in an uproar.
Who would have thought Ning Que could actually succeed in the negotiations!
Such harsh conditions…
Western Liang actually agreed!