97 Form An Alliance (1/2)

”You must be the strategist Lord An mentioned.”

Rin's gaze followed the sound of the elderly voice and was immediately met with the sight of Governor Duyi Zhong.

She couldn't help but compare him to her grandfather. However, the old man before her was much calmer and collected.

Rin cupped her fists and bowed politely.

She greeted him. ”Yes. It's an honor to meet you Governor Duyi.”

Duyi Zhong inspected Rin's petite figure with scrutinizing eyes. His eyes were like daggers towards Rin. For a while, his cool gaze lingered on her before shifting away to look at An Sun.

”You say you want to develop a trade; had it been anyone else I would have believed them, however…” His tone was cold. ”Rumors of the Tuhan scavenging and raiding provinces without mercy has spread throughout the Northern Empire. What exactly is it you wish to seek me for Commander An?”

An Sun, with his arms crossed, stared at Governor Duyi calmly. ”As I said before, I want to arrange a trade with you.”

Duyi Zhong's expression only seemed to worsen when hearing An Sun's words. He couldn't decide whether or not the young man's words were the truth or if there was a hidden meaning behind them.

When Rin saw the skeptical and dark expression coming from Duyi Zhong, she sighed inwardly and stepped up to speak but was immediately held back by Manchu who silently shook his head - his eyes clearly indicating for her to watch.

Pinching her lips together, Rin nods and steps back.

”What's the meaning behind your words, Commander An?”

”It's exactly as I said. I want to form a trade between your province and my army.”

Rather rudely, Duyi Zhong said, ”Do you think I'd believe you merely based on empty words? Commander An, if you think I'm foolish enough to accept your words without proper proof don't think I won't hesitate to attack.”

Even with his threatening words, An Sun remains calm, his expression never wavering. Reaching into his coat, he takes out a small scroll and sets it on the wooden desk in the room.

”What's this?” Duyi Zhong eyed the scroll with doubtful eyes.

”The set of tributes and agreements for our trade.”

Coldly, Duyi Zhong takes the scroll off the desk and begins to read it. As he reads, his frosted expression couldn't help but falter.

Initially, he assumed An Sun would offer him gold and valuable silks, yet the items on the scroll were nothing but simple necessities.

Anyone else would have found the items insulting, but to northern citizens, these items were like heaven and earth compared to gold.

”I was recently informed by my strategist of what your people valued as precious. I understand harvesting is near impossible with the harsh climate, and that your food supply is harsh.” An Sun said. ”If this continues, your people will suffer.”

Duyi Zhong's gaze lifted, a complicated look could be seen in his eyes.

An Sun's handsome and cold features eased slightly, however, his eyes were sharp.

”I can understand the turmoil in wishing to protect your people and own pride. That is why I'm offering you such a deal.”

Governor Duyi was silent, his eyes clouded over as he thought.

”What is it you want?” He finally spoke.

An Sun's lips curled up into a faint smile. ”I want to settle an alliance. In exchange, we offer you those items listed and a peace treaty between my army and the Jilin province. We'll promise to never issue an attack on the province.”

”And if I refuse?”

An Sun chuckled. ”Only a fool would refuse such an offer.”

Rin and Manchu both held back a sigh toward An Sun's biting words to the governor.

For once could he not speak such insulting words?

The corner of Duyi Zhong's lips twitched. However, with a composed expression he opened his mouth to speak.

”Why exactly do you want my support? What will you use it for?”

This question had been on his mind ever since An Sun offered to form a trade between the two of them.

An Sun's lips stretched into a sinister smile. ”I want your army to aid me when I issue an attack on the Eastern Empire's capital.”

”What?”