Chapter 92 No Heirs

Chapter 92: No Descendants

Dongshi Prefecture, a northeastern frontier city.

April was approaching. While the capital was already blooming with spring warmth, Dongshi Prefecture here remained covered in deep snow.

The Prefect stationed here was named Wang Zhiyang, a member of a side branch of the Langya Wang clan. Approaching forty, he wore a thick fur coat over his official robes and led a group of subordinates to greet the delegation from the capital outside Dongshi Town.

A long procession of over a dozen carriages and more than a hundred people approached from the main road.

Prefecture Deputy Tang Yi appeared to be around the same age as Wang Zhiyang. He was the son of a local wealthy merchant family and could be considered part of the local gentry. With his burly build, he looked more like a military officer than a civil official.

"Sir, I’ve heard that our superior official is a young woman. Are we truly expected to follow her orders?" Tang Yi squinted at the approaching procession in the distance.

Wang Zhiyang, who prided himself on his aristocratic Wang family background, always paid close attention to demeanor.

He replied calmly, "A higher rank can crush a person to death. Shouldn’t we be treating her with the utmost respect?"

"But that woman hasn’t even formally joined the bureaucracy yet. She’s only been given a temporary imperial envoy title..."

"Enough," Wang Zhiyang interrupted him. "We’ll just do our duties. If we host these people well, we'll get our share of benefits."

Tang Yi fell silent.

If trade routes with the Jurchen were truly opened, they, as local officials, would stand to gain significant profits. Even the taxes from the trade would be enough to make a substantial impact. Additionally, merchants traveling between the two regions would surely offer them tributes for convenience.

This was something Wang Zhiyang had discussed with his subordinates after receiving news from the court. Thus, when the capital’s delegation arrived, their task was to fully cooperate.

As the procession drew near, Wang Zhiyang and Tang Yi immediately put on courteous smiles, stepped forward, bowed, and said, "We respectfully welcome Your Excellency."

The Prefect and Deputy Prefect were high-ranking local officials, but the officials from the capital who had arrived held even higher positions. Tan Yuzhu had been appointed as a temporary imperial envoy and even held a second-rank official title. Not only were the local officials like them expected to fully cooperate, but even the two yuanwailang who had accompanied her from the capital had to follow her lead.

Their attitude was respectful, showing no sign of disdain toward a woman.

Tan Yuzhu did not step out of the carriage. Instead, she had her maidservant lift the curtain from inside.

As the curtain was raised, Tang Yi instinctively glanced inside and was momentarily taken aback.

The woman inside had a cool and aloof expression, dressed in a black brocade robe with a matching cloak. Her long hair was simply tied into a bun. Though her face still appeared youthful, she already carried an imposing aura.

Tang Yi quickly lowered his gaze.

Tan Yuzhu had not always been like this. Over the course of her journey, she had managed all affairs, gradually developing the demeanor of someone in authority.

"We greet the Imperial Envoy!" Wang Zhiyang and Tang Yi, along with the officials behind them, bowed in unison.

"At ease," Tan Yuzhu nodded.

Wang Zhiyang promptly said, "You must be tired from your long journey. I have prepared a feast, and accommodations have also been arranged. Please follow me into the city."

Tan Yuzhu responded, "Thank you for your trouble."

"Not at all," Wang Zhiyang replied before mounting his horse. He and his subordinates led the way at the front, guiding the capital’s delegation into the city.

With so many people coming from the capital, and needing to regularly meet with the leaders of the Jurchen tribes, Wang Zhiyang arranged for Tan Yuzhu and the others to stay in a mansion closest to the official office.

This mansion was his private property, though it had been unoccupied before. Now, it was being used to accommodate the officials from the capital, and it wasn't shabby at all.

The group settled into the mansion, and Tan Yuzhu naturally settled into the main courtyard.

Wang Zhiyang thoughtfully arranged for a group of maids to serve in the courtyard, without trying to make things difficult for Tan Yuzhu.

Water for washing had also been prepared in advance. Tan Yuzhu quickly washed up and headed to the main hall.

Soon, Wang Zhiyang and Tang Yi arrived. Seeing that she had already finished washing up, they were both slightly surprised.

In their experience, women typically took their time when washing up.

However, they showed no outward reaction, greeted her with smiles, and then took their seats.

Tan Yuzhu also relaxed her expression, made small talk with them, and soon after, Cai Peng and Wang Wenyao arrived, having also washed up.

After another round of pleasantries, the group began discussing the upcoming negotiations with the Jurchen.

The Jurchen tribes were not yet unified, but five major tribes had gradually formed, each with its own leader. For now, there were no signs of internal conflict.

Wang Zhiyang said, "Reporting to you, ma'am, after receiving word from the court, I sent people to invite the leaders. They are expected to arrive around noon tomorrow."

Once they arrived, a welcoming banquet would be held to show the court's regard, and formal negotiations could begin the day after.

Tan Yuzhu nodded, thinking that Prefect Wang was quite considerate, unlike Wang Wenyao, who acted like a pampered young master.

Throughout the journey, Wang Wenyao had been nothing but trouble—whether it was the food not suiting his taste, the accommodations being uncomfortable, or the carriage ride making him sick, he had even fallen ill at one point, almost held up the whole trip.

After chatting for a while longer and confirming next steps, the group shared a meal together.

In the evening, Wang Zhiyang made his way alone to Wang Wenyao’s courtyard.

Their earlier meeting had been formal and official, but now, visiting Wang Wenyao again, he came as a member of the Wang family, meeting the head family's young master.

Wang Wenyao glanced at him and said with a smirk, "I thought Prefect might look down on a lowly fourth-rank official like me."

Wang Zhiyang’s eyelids twitched, and he quickly smiled. "You're joking, young master. We are all one family—how could I possibly look down on you?"

Only then did Wang Wenyao say, "Take a seat."

"Of course," Wang Zhiyang replied, sitting in a lower seat. Speaking as a family member, he gently asked about Wang Wenyao’s trip and if it had been tough.

In terms of official rank, Wang Zhiyang outranked Wang Wenyao, but within the Wang family, Wang Wenyao, as the young master of the main branch, was far above him in status.

Fortunately, Wang Wenyao, seeing his respectful attitude, eased up on the confrontational tone.

After exchanging a few more pleasantries, Wang Wenyao took a secret letter from his sleeve and placed it on the table beside him. "A letter from the family head to you."

Wang Zhiyang’s expression remained neutral, but inwardly, he sighed.

When he learned that Wang Huanzhi’s son was part of the delegation, he knew there would be instructions for him.

Although he was posted out here in this northeastern border city, he was still aware of the situation in the capital.

The internal strife within the Wang family was intense, and their relationship with the court was ambiguous. Now, it remained to be seen what the Wang family would demand of him.

Truthfully, he had no desire to get involved. He was content to stay quietly in this border city, living comfortably as a local big shot, wanting for nothing.

But since the letter had arrived, he naturally had to read it. If it wasn't anything too difficult, he might as well do it.

He stood up and walked to the table, took the letter, returned to his seat, and then opened it.

The letter wasn't long, and he finished reading it quickly, his expression shifting several times.

Wang Wenyao sipped his tea and, seeing his troubled expression, asked, "Is there something wrong?"

Wang Zhiyuan quickly composed himself, put away the letter, and smiled. "Nothing is wrong. I've taken the family head's words to heart."

After sitting a while longer, he returned to his residence.

Before he could rest much, a subordinate arrived to report, "Sir, secret correspondence from the capital."

Wang Zhiyuan felt his eyelids twitch again—this time, it must be a letter from the Young Master.

The family head and the Young Master were constantly at odds, opposed in everything. The family head's letter had just instructed him to cooperate with Wang Wenyao and negotiate cooperation with the Jurchen tribes.

But the negotiation wasn't about trade; it was about persuading them to cooperate with the Wang family.

When the Wang family had a need, the Jurchen tribes were to support an attack on the northeast.

At that time, Wang Zhiyuan, as the Prefect of this place, would directly open the way, allowing the Jurchen tribes to enter smoothly.

The court would then certainly send troops to the northeast.

With the court's forces dispersed, the capital's defenses would weaken.

Just by briefly considering these matters, Wang Zhiyuan could see the general picture, realizing that the family head's faction must have collaborated with those vassal princes to overthrow the imperial court.

He just didn't know what the Young Master's letter would ask him to do.

Wang Zhiyuan actually had little connection to the Wang main family. He had reached this position only through Minister Wang's connections.

So, for him, neither the family head nor the Young Master mattered as much as Minister Wang's patronage.

In other words, whoever Minister Wang supported, he would support as well.

Based on the information he had received earlier, Minister Wang had recommended Wang Wenyao for an official position and secured this opportunity for him, so he must be aligned with the family head's faction. Though unwilling, he had prepared himself to assist Wang Wenyao.

But when he took the letter and opened it, he suddenly stood up.

He didn't even need to look at the signature to recognize the Minister's handwriting.

Over the years, he had only dared to write to the Minister during the annual festivals, sending some gifts along with trading caravans.

Occasionally, when he received a reply from the Minister, he would carefully preserve it.

After his excitement subsided, he hurriedly read the letter in detail.

By the end, the worry on his face had unconsciously faded, and he even chuckled heartily a few times, stroking his beard thoughtfully.

As expected of the Minister, his foresight was unmatched.

Moreover, the Minister remained just as he had been when Wang Zhiyuan interacted with him in his youth—a senior with a sense of righteousness, kind and understanding.

In these turbulent times, the Minister had indeed chosen the path that was best for the family and the people of Great Ning.

Tan Yuzhu sat in the main hall drinking tea.

A maid stood by her side and said, "My lady, it's getting late. You have official business tomorrow. Perhaps you should rest early."

"Wait a little longer," Tan Yuzhu said.

"What are we waiting for?" the maid asked curiously.

Just then, a voice came from outside as a maid in the courtyard announced that Prefect Wang is here.

Tan Yuzhu smiled and said, "He's here."

Before she left, the Grand Tutor had told her that once she arrived, Prefect Wang would likely cooperate with her, depending on whether he would seek her out proactively.

Now that he had come, it was just as the Grand Tutor had predicted.

With the local Prefect's cooperation, it would be much easier for her to achieve her objectives.

That night, the main hall doors remained open, but no one knew what the two discussed inside.

==

The twentieth of April.

In the capital.

Late at night, after finishing his ablutions and lying in bed, Qin Zhaoyang delivered the latest secret letter from the northeast.

Qin Xiao went out to receive it, told Qin Zhaoyang to go back and rest, then took the letter into the bedroom.

Since he hadn't washed up yet, he handed the letter to Chu Jiubian and turned to go out and wash up.

Chu Jiubian sat up and opened the letter.

In the letter, Tan Yuzhu said she had reached a preliminary cooperation agreement with the Jurchen tribes, though the details still needed further discussion. It would likely take another half month to finalize everything.

But even after settling the details, it wasn't over.

Tan Yuzhu still needed to establish a local trade association, find suitable people to manage it, and set up goods and tax oversight offices, among other things. This would probably take several months.

However, the important part of the letter wasn't about these matters but rather what Wang Huanzhi had instructed Wang Wenyao to do.

Chu Jiubian had guessed that the other party was plotting something and had considered that those restless vassal princes might seize this opportunity to collaborate with the Jurchen tribes. But he hadn't expected them to act so recklessly, just like Prince Dingbei before, preparing once again to "let the wolf in through the gate."

For the sake of internal strife, they were willing to let foreign tribes in—how utterly absurd!

Qin Xiao walked in, still fresh from washing, and saw Chu Jiubian's stern expression.

"What's wrong?" he asked, sitting down by the bed.

Chu Jiubian handed him the letter.

Qin Xiao quickly scanned it and, by the end, couldn't help but let out a derisive snort. "Both foolish and vicious."

Wang Huanzhi, likely guided by Prince Huguang and others, had instructed Wang Wenyao to privately negotiate cooperation with the Jurchen leaders, asking them to invade the northeast when necessary to divide the court's forces.

The cost was that Wang Wenyao would alter Tan Yuzhu's contract, adding "iron goods" to the list of products for trade between the two sides.

Under the guise of "farm tools," they would sell iron goods to the Jurchen tribes.

But everyone knew that this ironware wasn't for making farm tools—it was clearly for weapons, which would eventually be used against the people of Great Ning.

However, the Jurchen leaders were no fools either. Their own tribe hadn't yet been unified; how could they dare invade Great Ning recklessly?

Perhaps they might even suspect this is a scheme by Great Ning, deliberately leading them in to then occupy the moral high ground and retaliate against them.

How could they be a match for Great Ning's army then?

Even the Northeast Army alone, they wouldn't dare confront, let alone if the imperial court or troops from other regions joined in—they would be utterly powerless.

Therefore, it’s far better to peacefully trade with Great Ning.

However, Tan Yuzhu met with them privately, giving them some benefits to persuade them to put on a show—to pretend to cooperate with Wang Wenyao and the forces behind him, and act as double agents.

The Jurchen, unaware of the internal complexities within Great Ning, saw there was profit to be made and agreed.

So now, Wang Wenyao must be very pleased.

The forces behind him will undoubtedly build on this foundation to prepare other tactics.

Chu Jiubian and the others need only wait and see.

Qin Xiao got up to burn the letter, then extinguished the lamp and got back into bed.

Chu Jiubian also lay down, the two lying side by side without touching.

"What about the Northeast Army?" Chu Jiubian asked.

He really wasn’t familiar with that region. If the Northeast Army pledged allegiance to those vassal princes, the court would face significant trouble.

"Nie Xian is straightforward by nature," Qin Xiao said. "But Grand Marshal Qin had shown him great kindness."

Nie Xian, the general of the Northeast Army, was already around fifty.

In the beginning, he was just a captain in the Qin Family Army.

At that time, the Northeast Army’s garrison was not far from the Northern Desert Army’s, and both were frontier forces. As a result, Grand Marshal Qin, who was then leading the Northern Desert Army, had a fairly good relationship with Wu Zheng, the then-general of the Northeast Army.

Wu Zheng had suffered a permanent injury from falling into an ice cave in his youth, leaving him childless his entire life. In his later years, he feared having no successor.

Back then, Grand Marshal Qin recognized Nie Xian’s talent and noticed a slight resemblance between him and Wu Zheng.

So, Grand Marshal Qin intentionally brought Wu Zheng to watch Nie Xian drilling troops. Wu Zheng, seeing the young man’s martial prowess and their resemblance, naturally took a liking to him.

What happened next was natural: Nie Xian acknowledged Wu Zheng as his adoptive father and bid farewell to Grand Marshal Qin to join the Northeast Army.

Later, Nie Xian repeatedly distinguished himself in battle, quickly rising to Deputy General. After Wu Zheng passed away, Grand Marshal Qin petitioned Emperor Cheng to secure Nie Xian’s position as general of the Northeast Army.

The Qin Family Army had too much talent; had Nie Xian remained in the Northern Desert back then, he would have had little chance to stand out.

Thus, it’s fair to say that his achievements today owe much to Grand Marshal Qin’s recognition and support. Nie Xian holds deep respect and affection for Grand Marshal Qin and the Qin family.

However, he is straightforward by nature and dislikes political intrigue.

By the time Grand Marshal Qin was still alive, Nie Xian was nearing fifty, and the younger generation in his family could already shoulder responsibilities in the Northeast Army.

At that point, Grand Marshal Qin considered transferring Nie Xian to the capital.

With his military achievements, Nie Xian could easily be made a marquis in the capital, allowing him to enjoy his later years in peace while also bolstering the Qin family’s influence at court.

But Nie Xian felt uncomfortable with the political scheming and restrictions of capital life, preferring to remain guarding the frontier.

During Emperor Yingzong’s reign, Nie Xian believed the Qin family was secure and saw no need to move to the capital, unaware that Emperor Yingzong would prove to be an ungrateful villain.

When news of Qin Jingzhao and his wife’s deaths spread, Nie Xian wrote to Grand Marshal Qin, offering to rebel without hesitation if needed.

However, Grand Marshal Qin reassured him and advised against action.

Later, everything seemed to calm down. After Grand Marshal Qin’s death, Nie Xian wrote to Qin Xiao, assuring him that the Northeast Army stood behind the Qin family.

But he likely never expected the Qin siblings to oust Emperor Yingzong and place Baili Hong on the throne.

Chu Jiubian turned to look at Qin Xiao.

He could have simply stated that the Northeast Army was on their side, yet Qin Xiao explained in such detail.

Chu Jiubian had noticed before that Qin Xiao tended to speak more freely around him.

But aside from him, Qin Xiao had no one else to talk to so openly.

"Do others not know about this history?" Chu Jiubian asked.

If they knew about Nie Xian’s connection to Qin Xiao, neither the Wang family nor those vassal princes would dare extend their reach toward the Northeast.

"Mm," Qin Xiao replied. "Nie Xian does resemble Old General Wu. Everyone assumed he was a child adopted from Wu’s clan, unaware that the old general had long since fallen out with his clan. They also didn’t know Nie Xian originally belonged to the Qin Family Army."

"Why did they fall out?"

"It seems they pressured him to marry a woman from the clan, but he refused. Other incidents followed, and ultimately, it was the clan members who revealed the old general’s foundational injury."

Otherwise, such a private matter, well-hidden by Old General Wu, would not have been exposed.

"I see," Chu Jiubian said, understanding that matters of face and reputation could easily lead to such rifts.

But speaking of heirs, he couldn’t help asking Qin Xiao, "What about you?"

"What?" Qin Xiao turned to face him.

The night was cloudy, and the moonlight dim.

Chu Jiubian could hardly make out the man’s face, only a vague outline.

"Don’t you need an heir?"

The Qin main family had only him and Qin Chuan. Qin Chuan remained hidden, and once he revealed himself, people would surely question his identity.

Qin Xiao was different—he was the legitimate heir of the Qin family.

If he didn’t marry, wouldn’t the Qin main bloodline end?

Ancient people placed great importance on lineage, and the Qin family was a major clan. The elders would certainly press Qin Xiao to marry.

In fact, given the rumors about Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian, the elders should have been restless, yet they showed no reaction. This wasn’t because they accepted Qin Xiao being with a man.

In their view, taking a man was fine—a novelty—but one still had to marry and have children.

If one truly preferred men, they could take male concubines.

Prince Dingbei Baili Yu was like that; though he favored men, his principal wife was from a prominent local family, and he also had several female concubines, with many children.

To others, Qin Xiao and Chu Jiubian were merely amusing each other—they would surely both marry and have children eventually.

But Chu Jiubian knew well that, given his nature, he would never marry or have children.

He feared he might end up hurting his future wife and children, just like his own father.

He had never considered marriage; even in his previous world, he avoided intimate contact with others, nor would he let outsiders see the scars on his body.

So, if we're being honest, Qin Xiao was the only person who had seen the scars on his body.

But even he hadn’t seen them fully—only the ones on his chest.

Chu Jiubian’s mind was racing, but suddenly he felt a tightening around his waist, and then he was effortlessly pulled into the man’s embrace.

A familiar smell wrapped around him. Chu Jiubian’s eyelashes quivered, and the tip of his nose accidentally brushed against Qin Xiao’s Adam’s apple.

Qin Xiao swallowed, then flipped over and pinned him down.

"An heir?" Qin Xiao’s voice was slightly hoarse. He knelt on the bed, his palm slowly slid between the young man’s thighs.

Chu Jiubian bit his lip, stifling any sound.

The man gazed down at him, his hands restless, a hint of amusement in his tone. "Why don't you have one for me?"

Chu Jiubian: "?"

He tried to kick out with his foot at the man’s waist, but Qin Xiao caught his ankle and lifted it, resting it on his shoulder.

Qin Xiao tilted his head and kissed his ankle bone, then slowly moved upward...

Sometime later, Qin Xiao gently stroked the young man’s cheek and whispered, "I don’t want an heir, or anyone else."

"What about you?" he asked.

Chu Jiubian’s vision was blurry, his mind in a haze. He seemed to hear himself say, "I don’t want one either."

"Then do you want me?" The man lightly kissed his lips.

A glistening tear slid from the corner of Chu Jiubian’s eye. He closed his eyes, his nails scratched deeply down the man’s back, leaving a trail of red marks.

Qin Xiao paused, then kissed him more deeply, his arms tightening around him.

Chu Jiubian felt a slight pain from the tight grip on his shoulders, but it brought him an indescribable sense of relaxation and security.

He liked it.

He liked it when Qin Xiao made him feel pain.

==

In the capital, troops were being recruited, but the national treasury wasn't short on funds.

This was because the female embroidery students at the Imperial College, under the guidance of the two embroiderers personally assessed by Chu Jiubian at the Imperial Garment Bureau, had already begun working in the embroidery workshops.

They collaborated with the Southern Xinjiang Silk Store, using the finest fabrics to embroider fashionable and exquisite patterns for sale.

Their craftsmanship was so superior it far surpassed that of other embroidery workshops, so their products sold exceptionally well. This, in turn, boosted the sales of fabrics from the Southern Xinjiang Silk Store.

Fortunately, Situ Zhaoling’s dyeing workshop and silk fabric workshop were both large enough and had sufficient workers.

She and Wang Qichen had also become regular visitors to the Divine Realm, spending even more time there than Chu Jiubian.

The income from the Imperial College went directly into the national treasury, while the profits from the silk store and Wang Qichen’s paper sales largely passed through Chu Jiubian’s hands into the treasury, ensuring there was no shortage of funds.

Moreover, Qi Zhili, who had set out before the New Year to oversee the segmented management of canal transport, had returned.

He had grown thinner and darker but appeared more spirited. Upon returning to the capital, he did not rest but simply freshened up before energetically heading to the palace.

Along with him, dozens of chests of gold, silver, and jewels were brought into the palace.

These funds were gathered during his oversight of the segmented operations. Merchants and local officials, seeking favors and better assignments, had sent gifts in waves.

However, Qi Zhili refused items like calligraphy and paintings, which needed to be converted into cash to be useful.

When others realized he accepted gold, silver, and jewels, they began offering those instead.

Thus, he accumulated this substantial amount of "ill-gotten gains," all of which he brought back and handed over to the court.

"Please rest assured, my lords. The merchants and local officials from whom I accepted these funds are all legitimate in their business and governance. Those who are truly corrupt or have ulterior motives did not even get a chance to meet me," Qi Zhili said.

As a somewhat rigid censor, after spending several months on assignment, he had returned noticeably more tactful.

Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao were both pleased. Baili Hong even personally issued an imperial decree, officially appointing him as the second-rank Grain Transportation Governor, no longer a temporary position but with full authority over canal transport.

Henceforth, all matters related to canal transport were under his responsibility.

He was also allowed to keep one chest of the silver he had brought back.

Qi Zhili expressed his gratitude and accepted the decree.

He added, "There have been some recent developments in the canal transport segment of Suzhou and Hangzhou."

Previously, the canal transport from Yangzhou to Suzhou and Hangzhou had been managed by the Qiu family. However, now that Prince Zuiliang Baili Yan had returned to his fiefdom and received the court’s approval, he naturally began to involve himself in canal transport.

As a vassal prince, Baili Yan’s influence in the region was undeniable.

Before he intervened, the Qiu family had operated smoothly. Now, with Baili Yan making his moves, the Qiu family had to concede benefits but still attempted to resist, leading to considerable tension.

"Understood," Qin Xiao said. "You’ve had a long journey. Take a few days to rest before returning to court."

Seeing that neither he nor Chu Jiubian showed any particular reaction, Qi Zhili understood that this matter was connected to the two of them and did not press further. After bowing, he took his leave.

"It seems the Qiu family is also about to make a move," Chu Jiubian remarked.

Qin Xiao’s eyes darkened, his fingers lightly tapping the table.

It was not yet time to wage war, but secretly, the vassal princes had begun recruiting troops and horses. Even those unwilling to engage in the conflict, such as the Southern Frontier King and Prince Pingxi, were not idle.

Although they did not wish to participate, if war broke out, they would need to strengthen themselves to protect the people in their fiefdoms.

The noble families in the capital were also making subtle moves.

The Wang family was already a known factor. Previously, the Qiu family had remained relatively subdued, but now, with the canal transport issue, they would surely realize the court could no longer tolerate them.

Thus, even if the Qiu family had been wavering before, they would now lean more toward the vassal princes who promised them greater benefits.

This, however, was precisely Chu Jiubian and Qin Xiao’s intention—to eliminate both the vassal princes and the noble families.

The Xiao and Lu families had opposed the court from the beginning, and now the Qiu family was seeking its own downfall.

The only family Chu Jiubian and the others could spare was the Wang family, but under a condition.

Though it had not been explicitly discussed, Minister Wang Zhiyuan understood it clearly.

To preserve the Wang family, he would have to retire at the appropriate time, returning the court, long controlled by noble families, to the hands of the people.

Thus, the Wang family under Wang Qichen's leadership would only serve as the mouthpiece of the court, ensuring their secure survival.

"There's another piece of news." Qin Xiao looked at Chu Jiubian. "The northern deserts have recently been recruiting soldiers."

Chu Jiubian raised his eyes to meet his gaze.

"Why do you think he is recruiting soldiers?" Qin Xiao stared intently at Chu Jiubian.

"Perhaps for self-preservation," he replied without avoiding his gaze. "Didn’t you say earlier that Jiang Shuoye was capable of rallying the former troops of the Qin Family Army and that his character and abilities were trustworthy?"

Qin Xiao said, "Once a war truly begins, many forces no longer have clear rights and wrongs. Only their stance matters."

Once people are truly affected, there is no way to trace who is right or wrong—everyone simply fights for what they believe in.

"Moreover, Jiang Shuoye is a man of considerable ambition," Qin Xiao added.

This was certainly true.

The fact that Jiang Shuoye considered taking the initiative to attack the Tartars and even wanted to wipe them out proved his ambition was not small.

But whether Qin Xiao recognizing such ambition was a good thing remained unclear.

Chu Jiubian felt it was not yet the right time to reveal his relationship with Jiang Shuoye and the High Priest to Qin Xiao.

Yet, for some reason, seeing Qin Xiao’s subtly tightening fists, he blurted out, "He is very trustworthy."

Qin Xiao’s pupils flickered slightly.

"Who is he?"

He stared unblinkingly at Chu Jiubian. "Is it Jiang Shuoye, or the High Priest?"