260 Counterattack (2/2)
Fang Wenshi smiled faintly. He turned towards the silent King of Shu-lik before continuing, ”What a coincidence. I had the same idea as the Master. However, I came to a conclusion which is entirely in opposition to this theory. The old Khan of Norland is now severely ill, and his sons are openly fighting to take his place. Norland is now embroiled in civil war, and is unable to compete with the Central Plain. Now, what would be its best option to maintain a foothold in the Western Region? Naturally, it would be to support a vassal nation who can protect its passage throughout the two mountain passes. Which party in the entire Western Region, other than the Golden Roc Fort, has a vested interest in Central Plain's influence in the Jade City? It's entirely logical that both of them would enter into an alliance - one wishes to be officially recognised, while the other needs the benefit the Fort can offer. You, old Sir, feel that my warnings are distasteful, but you are not aware that the enemy is already eyeing Shu-lik. Once Shangguan Fa is officially recognised as a king, he would definitely move westwards, and at that time, Shu-lik would be in danger.”
”Hrumph, it seems that Mr. Fang is indeed 'concerned' about the security of Shu-lik. You continuously speak about our nation's impending doom - in the earlier session, you spoke of the danger the Central Plain poses to us. Now, you are warning us about the Golden Roc Fort becoming a kingdom of its own. It makes it seem as if Shu-lik is here for the taking and powerless to defend itself. Do you have any solid evidence that Shangguan Fa wishes to be recognised as a real king?”
”Evidence?” asked Fang Wenshi derisively, his chest puffed out. ”The current governor of Jady City is from Shu-lik, and will return soon after his three-year term has been completed. Your Majesty can then find out from him, as to whether the 'Protective Talisman' he got was far more than any other governor in the past? There's your evidence. Furthermore, all three countries have previously sent nobles who were living idly to fill the post of governor, a glorified position which was not involved in any actual politics. If what I've guessed is correct, for the next three years, Norland will send somebody from the royal family with actual political power to fill this role.”
Moyang continued shaking his head and turned to face the King as well. ”Your Majesty, according to this man, all nations, even the Golden Roc Fort which has yet to be officially recognised as one, are our enemies. Isn't this trying kicking up a fuss just to scare us? Even if Shu-lik's national security is indeed threatened, can a bunch of barbarians from the Great Snow Mountain change the political situation in the Western Region?”
”The current political climate is complicated. One move can affect all parties that are involved. Now, it's a given that the Great Snow Mountain cannot change the political situation in the Western Region'. However, if we intervene at the right moment and do the right thing, we can help Shu-lik achieve 30 years of stability.”
Just as Moyang was about to counter, the King of Shu-lik, who had remained silent all this while, raised his right hand and stopped his chief minister, allowing the counselor to continue.
Even though the King always had the final say in such matters, he rarely took sides or intervened in debates. Therefore, Moyang was surprised by his actions. Fang Wenshi, however, was greatly encouraged and took the opportunity to continue. ”Since Jade City is crucial to the entire situation, the Central Plain would definitely make the first move, once it has gathered its forces. This would return the Western Region back under the influence of the Emperor of the Central Plain. Shangguan Fa would be officially recognised as a king, and turn his back on Norland, thereby stirring up even more unrest. If the Great Snow Mountain removes the Golden Roc Fort from the picture, the situation in the Region would remain as it is, and Shu-lik would be the biggest beneficiary.”
”Are you saying that the Golden Roc Fort is ambitious, but not the Great Snow Mountain?”
Fang Wenshi snickered before replying, ”Yes, everyone is ambitious, but not everybody gets to realise their ambitions. Take the Golden Roc Fort for example. It has maintained its monopoly over the Jade City for over 30 years, but it is only now that Shangguan Fa dares to take concrete steps to be recognised as a real king. If the Great Snow Mountain was to make a move on the Golden Roc Fort, it would be from a thousand of miles away, and with the backing and control of Shu-lik. Even if we have any ambition, how would we dare to realise it? Your Majesty, please examine my words for any lies. It has always been wiser to have information that can be used against your opponent, rather than declaring 'permanent alliances'. Now, Your Majesty has the Great Snow Mountain eating out of your hands.”
Moyang wanted to mock the counselor, but decided against it. He said to the King, ”Your Majesty, this person's words are covered with lies, please do not be deceived by him. The situation now is very clear to us that the Great Snowmountain is a thorn in our side; if we do not get rid of it, we cannot turn our attention to other issues. Now that the five peaks have been united, it is the perfect moment to eradicate them once and for all. With 50 thousand soldiers, we can get the job done. They are weak and cannot stand against the Golden Roc Fort on their own. If we give them the means to do so, we will be creating a future enemy, without any glory or benefits to ourselves. Please do not agree to do so, Your Majesty.”
”The Master is wrong to say so. Shu-lik is the weakest out of the three major powers in the Western Region. The other two players can take Jade City by force, but not Shu-lik. This will be akin to courting your own doom. The Great Snow Mountain will act in the name of revenge...”
Fang Wenshi had a lot more to say, but was disrupted again by the eunuch. ”It's late, and we would like to invite the messenger to rest now. We shall this discuss further in three days' time.”
The messenger from the Great Snow Mountain was thus ushered out of the imperial study, leaving Moyang behind to talk to the King of Shu-lik in private.
Fang Wenshi gazed at the bright sun as he stepped out of the study, no longer as confident as before. Once he and his entourage were out of the palace, he said to the Dragon King, who was still disguised as one of the accompanying swordsmen, ”The King was convinced, but I am worried that Moyang will be a problem.”
The debate had went exactly as how the Prime Minister had warned it would be. The path ahead for Gu Shenwei was fraught with obstacles, and he knew he had to get the swordsmen to leave the Great Snow Mountain. If they remained there, they would be wiped out, and they would not have gotten any closer to getting rid of the Golden Roc Fort anyway.
In the afternoon, Xu Xiaoyi came bearing a message from the Prime Minister, requesting a private meeting with Gu Shenwei between nine to 11 in the night. It would be a risk for both of them to meet in person, so the Prime Minister had prepared a secret room for that purpose as a sign of good faith. They talked long into the night, with the Prime Minister confiding in the Dragon King and analysing the current situation in detail with him, leaving the latter no choice but to agree with his plan.
When Gu Shenwei took his leave from the Prime Minister, it was already past midnight. Still, he woke his military counselor up, and they discussed whether or npt they could trust the Prime Minister.
Fang Wenshi did not change out of his pyjamas, and paced to and fro while considering the matter. After a long while, he finally said, ”I'm afraid this is the only option.”
Gu Shenwei knew that too, but he could instinctively sense a conspiracy from someone's suggestion. There was something not quite right with the Prime Minister's request to kill both the King of Shu-lik and Moyang at the same time.