1017 The Way To Negotiate With The World I (2/2)

Ning Que wanted a negotiation with the world, so did the world with him. He had killed so many people in the autumn rain and demonstrated his resolution to the world. As he had expected, the Qinghe Prefecture was now pleading for a talk.

He already threw in his wagers, the human lives. The clans in the Qinghe Prefecture had to think about their future. The Divine Halls of West-Hill might be able to win the war eventually. But being sandwiched between the Tang and the Divine Halls, they would have a very slim change to survive the war.

However, things always went the opposite as people wished. They were reluctant when Chang'an wanted to negotiate. Now they were pleading for it while Chang'an became reluctant. At least Chu Youxian and Chen Qi did not want a talk. They could talk about the sceneries in the Academy or the prettiest dealer in the gambling house, but not this.

It was because people in Chang'an knew clearly that the Qinghe Prefecture could never became a part of Tang again. And that was also the precondition the clans wanted before a negotiation. In that case, a negotiation would mean nothing.

Seeing that Chu Youxian and Chen Qi were just enjoying the dishes without giving any feedback, the master of the Song family asked after a while, ”What's the point of doing this?”

Chen Qi put down the dark wooden chopsticks and stared at him calmly, ”What do you mean? By killing those people?”

”The people whom Mr. Thirteen could kill are no more than tens of thousands. When he has killed all the captives and hostages, what can he do next?” The master of the Song family showed his concern sincerely, ”He could not destroy the entire world by himself.”

Chen Qi stared at him calmly and looked around at those elegantly dressed and imposing clan masters. He could not refrain from laughing.

He realized that it was exactly the same as Ning Que said before they left Chang'an. It was interesting that the more they killed, the more obedient people became. Even they were inflamed, they dared to do nothing.

His laughter faded and Chen Qi calmed down to a profound silence. It felt weird and made those around him feel restless.

Chen Qi recalled Ning Que's words but he did not repeat it. Instead, he asked directly, ”Who is planning to kill us?”

The master of the Song family asked right away, ”The Hierarch.”

...

...

At night, Chen Qi and Chu Youxian sat by a table and thought about the previous feast as well the things the clans had asked for. They looked at each other and shook their heads.

”What are they thinking about? Are they playing or wagering on both sides? Don't they know they are not even qualified for a negotiation? How could they extravagantly hope that the imperial court would accept their autonomy, and just impose tax instead of stationing troops here?” Chu Youxian mocked.

Chen Qi said, ”These clans would never surrender to the imperial court. They are just trying their luck and expressing some kindness in advance. Mr. Thirteen's killing is indeed terrifying for many. These people in the south have always been arrogant and think of themselves as privileged. Otherwise how could they have turned to the West-Hill? But they never know what Mr. Thirteen really wants.” He recalled Ning Que's words again and shook his heads while laughing. But in his laughter there was nothing by coldness.

Chu Youxian said, ”I wonder how Wang Jinglue is doing there.”

Chen Qi said, ”He has been negotiating with those young people on behalf of Mr. Thirteen for years. I suppose he'll do fine.” The important figures in the restaurant thought Ning Que's killing was meaningless. Yet according to Chen Qi, their welcoming feast was rather meaningless.

Ning Que never wanted a talk with these clans, but rather with those young people. It was because he thought they were the hope.

In the following morning, Chu Youxian and Chen Qi set off again. The accepted the kindness and fortune presented by the clans. But they did not leave any words.

The masters of the clans stood by the lake and looked at the ship fading into the foggy Great Swamp. They recalled the look on Chen Qi's face yesterday in the restaurant and felt scared. Because it was a look of seeing the dead.

...

...

The Great Swamp was boundless. They could not see any of its edges and felt like tiny creatures traveling in an ocean.

Chu Youxian knew they would probably be killed on Peach Mountain. So he simply shook off the concerns and enjoyed the lake view. He stood in the cold rain with a bottle of fruit wine in his hand, as if he was an impoverished man of letters.

It was a pity that his good mood disappeared in no time because many huge ships were approaching them. The sails of those huge ships blotted the sky while they approached imposingly like moving mountains.

There came the navy of the South Jin.