Fifty thousand taels compared to the court’s annual tax revenue wasn’t much, but timing was everything.

Maintaining court operations and supporting military expenditures required massive amounts of silver. The court was already “destitute,” just waiting to catch their breath after spring farming resumed.

The original intention of peace talks was “survival,” but if Cloud Province intended to use negotiations to push Great Zhou toward death, the court would certainly not agree.

Emperor Yongxing said flatly, “We are willing to negotiate with Cloud Province. It seems Cloud Province is unwilling to negotiate with the court.”

Ji Yuan’s brows furrowed tightly: “Your Majesty puts me in a difficult position. Our Cloud Province forces are unstoppable – if not for Imperial Father’s concern for all living beings, we might already be at your gates. We come with sincere intentions to negotiate, yet in the court’s eyes, we’re treated as if giving alms to beggars?”

He again mentioned Cloud Province’s military advantage, implying their unequal relationship.

Hearing this, Emperor Yongxing and the ministers frowned.

At this moment, Ji Yuan suddenly changed his tone, sighing: “Very well, I’ll take the initiative to compromise – this year’s tribute can be halved but must be made up next year.”

“Your Majesty, ministers, what do you think?”

Emperor Yongxing quietly exhaled, saying with a smile: “The details can be left to the Court of State Ceremonial to discuss with Envoy Ji.”

These “details” meant continued bargaining and wrangling.

Court sessions only discussed general matters, not specific details.

Xu Yuanshuang listened silently, having roughly figured out Ji Yuan’s strategy. Last night, Ji Yuan and Ge Wenxuan had discussed via voice transmission, analyzing the Emperor’s and ministers’ mentality and their likely tolerance threshold.

They concluded the limit would be between twenty to twenty-five thousand taels of silver (silk calculated separately).

On the way here, Xu Yuanshuang had thought this first condition might be a “fierce battle,” but with Ninth Brother’s eloquence, it shouldn’t be too problematic.

Only now did she realize she had underestimated Ji Yuan.

How could his estimates be so precise… Xu Yuanshuang’s mind stirred, guessing it was related to yesterday’s show of force outside the capital.

After preliminarily settling the first condition, Ji Yuan continued: “The second condition – Imperial Father hopes Your Majesty will post widespread announcements acknowledging our Cloud Province line as legitimate successors of the Central Plains.”

The ministers remained calm about this, with no one jumping out to condemn it harshly.

“Outrageous!”

Prince Qian, Emperor Yuanjing’s brother, wearing casual clothes, strode forward, glaring at Ji Yuan and shouting: “You rebels dare claim legitimacy over the Central Plains? You’re nothing but mountain bandits!”

Several princes and kings immediately stepped forward in agreement.

In stark contrast to the ministers’ reaction, the royal family members’ attitude was extremely fierce. If the Central Plains line claimed legitimacy, what about them? Were they rebels?

If one had to dig deep, they were, but precisely because of this, the Great Zhou royal family would never acknowledge or concede this point.

Ji Yuan’s expression cooled as he swept his gaze over the princes and kings, saying coldly: “How did Emperor Wuzong gain the throne back then? Don’t you all know in your hearts? We merely want to reclaim our identity and status – it’s human nature.”

The prince who had stepped forward earlier rebuked: “Five hundred years ago, a foolish emperor lost the Way, favoring sycophants over worthy ministers, persecuting the loyal and good. Emperor Wuzong stepped forward to preserve the ancestral legacy – this was by the people’s will.”

Ji Yuan countered sharply, raising his voice: “The late Emperor Yuanjing was muddle-headed and incompetent, indulging in the beauty of the Human Path’s leader, spending twenty years cultivating while neglecting state affairs until the people could barely survive. Our Cloud Province line couldn’t bear to see the ancestral legacy destroyed by a foolish ruler. Rising was heaven’s principle made manifest, by the people’s will.”

Several princes and kings erupted in fury: “Outrageous words! Your Majesty, this youth should be executed!”

If the ministers were to choose, this was a condition they could agree to without hesitation, as it required no material sacrifice.

Of course, it wasn’t without cost.

Once the court acknowledged this, Cloud Province’s rebels would become “legitimate,” and while common people’s allegiance was secondary, the real worry was that local gentry and officials would feel justified in defecting to Cloud Province.

If they were legitimate successors of the Central Plains, it wouldn’t count as betrayal – even those wanting to be martyrs dying for loyalty would find it difficult.

But these were minor concerns because given Great Zhou’s current situation, they couldn’t win militarily. Since they couldn’t win, official defections were inevitable.

Thus the ministers had little resistance to this point.

But in the royal family’s eyes, acknowledging Cloud Province as a legitimate successor was far harder to accept than fifty thousand taels of silver because it was a betrayal of the ancestors.

Emperor Yongxing’s brows knotted tightly as he said slowly: “This matter can be discussed later!”

He didn’t plan to make a decision now – after all, court sessions were for setting the main tone. “Interstate” negotiations involved complex details that couldn’t be resolved quickly.

Unexpectedly, Ji Yuan was extremely forceful, shaking his head: “Before coming, Imperial Father specifically instructed that if Your Majesty doesn’t agree to this, there’s no need to continue peace talks.”

This effectively backed them into a corner.

Emperor Yongxing had to either agree or end negotiations – Cloud Province would not compromise on this point.

“Wishful thinking!”

Prince Yu also stepped forward, saying gravely: “This prince can also tell you – on this matter, the court will not yield.”

Ji Yuan stood with hands behind his back, sighing: “This official has already made such a great concession regarding tribute, giving the court ample face, yet this is how we’re repaid.”

His expression darkened as he said sternly: “Do you truly not fear our Cloud Province’s hundred thousand iron cavalry?”

First, claim righteousness, then use force – standing straight-backed, making the princes and kings appear unreasonable and ungracious in comparison.

A prince shouted: “Then we’ll kill you first as a warning!”

Ji Yuan sneered: “If this official feared death, I wouldn’t have come to the capital.”

The true purpose of these peace talks was to force Great Zhou to cede territory without bloodshed. Territorial expansion was Cloud Province’s core objective.

The more territory gained, the more fate National Teacher Xu Pingfeng could condense, bringing him closer to becoming a Destiny Master.

Ji Yuan’s insistence on the second condition seemed to ignore the essential for the trivial, but he was certain Emperor Yongxing would agree.

Compared to practical benefits and survival, clan reputation had to take a back seat.

This matter was more about the struggle between Great Zhou’s two royal lines, not touching core interests, so the ministers’ opposition was low.

Therefore, no matter how the royal family members shouted, it was just impotent rage.

Emperor Yongxing stared at Ji Yuan for a moment before saying word by word: “Fine, We agree!”

At these words, the royal family members’ faces changed as they called out: “Your Majesty…”

Emperor Yongxing raised his hand, using his sharp gaze to force back the princes and kings: “We have made Our decision!”

Including Prince Yu, the royal family members’ eyes were filled with disappointment as they looked at Emperor Yongxing.

The Emperor turned to Ji Yuan and asked: “What is the third condition?”

Ji Yuan extended his hand, fingers spread, and announced: “Territory – Great Zhou must cede Yong Province, Yu Province, and Zhang Province to us.”

The Hall of Supreme Harmony fell into dead silence for an instant, then erupted into chaotic discussion the next moment.

Although the ministers and Emperor Yongxing had anticipated that Cloud Province might make excessive demands for compensation and territory, they truly hadn’t expected such a huge appetite.

After fighting so bitterly for so long, Great Zhou had only lost Qing Province.

And now they wanted to take three provinces without bloodshed through negotiations?

Prime Minister Qian Qingshu stepped forward, sweeping a cold gaze over Ji Yuan and his group: “Though Qing Province has fallen, Great Zhou still has eleven provinces, with abundant troops and generals. Do you think we fear your tiny Cloud Province?”

“His Majesty’s willingness to negotiate with you is also from an unwillingness to see civilians suffer more from warfare, not fear of your Cloud Province.”

Ji Yuan burst out laughing: “If I remember correctly, before autumn harvest, Wei Yuan led a hundred thousand elite troops to suppress the Divine Witch Cult, nearly suffering complete annihilation – that’s one.”

“After winter began, the court again gathered ninety thousand troops to battle with our Cloud Province forces in Qing Province, losing over half – that’s two.”

“The forces in the three northwestern provinces must be used to resist Western Regions’ allied armies’ harassment, unable to dispatch reinforcements to the southern front – that’s three.”

“Abundant troops and generals? What fine abundant troops and generals! May I ask Prime Minister Qian, does the court still have forces capable of battling our Cloud Province?”

With each of Ji Yuan’s sentences, the ministers’ expressions grew uglier.

They wouldn’t admit it aloud, but they knew in their hearts that Ji Yuan’s words were entirely accurate, striking at their vital points.

The warfare in Lei Province to the west wasn’t severe – the Western Regions’ allied forces mainly engaged in harassment, with constant small battles but no large ones, since the Buddhist faction was constrained by the Southern Border’s demon tribes.

But to be safe, they indeed couldn’t transfer troops on a large scale.

Qian Qingshu was momentarily speechless; being above quibbling, he just snorted coldly and turned away.

Seeing the Prime Minister rendered angry and silent, the ministers looked at each other, pondering how to refute.

At this point, the Vice Minister of Revenue stepped forward, saying slowly: “If I remember correctly, in Yuanjing’s 30th year, Cloud Province’s registered households numbered eight hundred thirty thousand. May I ask Envoy Ji, does Cloud Province maintain one soldier per ten households or one per twenty? How did you get a hundred thousand cavalry?”

“Cloud Province’s elite forces can be calculated. Even a lean camel is bigger than a horse – no matter how weakened Great Zhou is, we can at least exhaust your Cloud Province’s elite forces.”

The Vice Minister of Revenue was most sensitive to data on finances, household registration, and population.

Left Censor-in-Chief Liu Hong immediately stepped forward in agreement: “The final result would just be mutual destruction, and don’t forget – the Divine Witch Cult is watching from the sidelines, and the Buddhist faction’s allies aren’t truly devoted to your Cloud Province either.”

He had just tried to continue analyzing the situation to persuade this young man from Cloud Province.

But he was interrupted by loud laughter as Ji Yuan said mockingly: “Lord Liu, these words might fool a three-year-old, but trying to play with words and switch concepts before me – don’t you find it too ridiculous?”

He looked at the Vice Minister of Revenue: “This lord speaks correctly, but so what? Now we control Qing Province, and refugees can all become soldiers. If you want to try exhausting Cloud Province’s elite forces, come try again.”

“Moreover, the Supervisor has already been killed by our National Teacher in Qing Province. Without this guardian deity, what gives you the confidence to talk about exhausting our Cloud Province’s elite forces?”

Finally, this unavoidable topic was raised.

It was precisely because they lost the Supervisor that Emperor Yongxing and the ministers were frightened out of their wits. Recently, they couldn’t even sleep at night, fearing those terrifying transcendent experts would storm into the capital, into the palace, and take their heads while they slept.

Hearing this, Minister Sun of the Ministry of Justice countered: “Though the Supervisor is dead, Great Zhou isn’t without transcendent experts – there’s Sun Xuanji of the Bureau of Astronomy, National Teacher Luo Yuhen, Cloud Deer Academy’s Chancellor Zhao Shou, and… Xu Qi’an!”

“That’s right, we still have Silver Badge Xu.” Someone echoed as if to boost their confidence.

Ji Yuan smiled without speaking. A crimson-robed official behind him sneered: “Even the Supervisor died at our National Teacher’s hands – how dare Xu Qi’an, mere third rank, contend with him? It seems Young Master Nine has been too modest, making you think Cloud Province fears Great Zhou.”

“If you want peace talks, accept our conditions. If not, naturally our Cloud Province experts will come to the capital and eliminate you first. Then Cloud Province’s army will arrive at your gates and take control of the Central Plains.”

“Do you have any other choice?”

The true intentions were revealed – tearing off masks was an inevitable part of negotiations, and the stronger party held leverage meant to be used for pressure.

The territory would have to be ceded – how much was the detail to be negotiated?

Ji Yuan lightly waved his silver-boned fan, saying coolly: “Your Majesty and ministers may not know the details of the Supervisor’s demise. Indeed, the Supervisor was incredibly powerful – if not for our National Teacher summoning the legendary divine beast White Emperor from Cloud Province, along with Earth Path Leader Black Lotus, killing the Supervisor would have been as difficult as ascending to heaven.”

He methodically recounted the process of how the powerful experts had surrounded and killed the Supervisor. Of course, it was all fabrication, but that wasn’t important. What mattered was that through this supposed account, he made Emperor Yongxing and the ministers understand how terrifying Cloud Province’s transcendent experts were.

In the hall, the royal family members, and civil and military officials all wore extremely ugly expressions – some grim, some with clenched fists, others resigned and dejected.

Humiliation!

Emperor Yongxing couldn’t help massaging his brow, saying gravely: “Three provinces is impossible. This matter can be discussed later. What is the fourth condition?”

The meaning was clear – they agreed to cede territory, but the amount needed negotiation.

Ji Yuan’s mouth curved upward – he had achieved his goal. So far, the negotiations were proceeding smoothly, without major complications.

“Your Majesty need not worry, this fourth condition isn’t much, just an additional item.”

Hearing this, Emperor Yongxing’s stern expression softened slightly: “Speak freely.”

Ji Yuan snapped his silver-boned fan shut: “This official request from Your Majesty the Supervisor’s equipment crafting manual.”

Compared to the first three conditions, this truly was just an addition. Although a first-rank artificer’s crafting manual was undoubtedly invaluable, items of such high level weren’t as important as immediate practical benefits.

…

Complete defeat!

The court’s first clash with the Cloud Province delegation ended in total defeat.

These peace talks were inherently unequal – Great Zhou seeking peace would inevitably require painful sacrifices, but the powerlessness displayed by the ministers and Emperor Yongxing during the process still left many mid and lower-ranking capital officials disheartened and disappointed.

And those four conditions, in the eyes of some scholars, were utterly humiliating to the nation.

“Ceding territory for peace – what shameful humiliation!”

The Hanlin Academy erupted first – these scholars who held no real power but were among the most prestigious intellectuals in court gathered at the Meridian Gate, cursing loudly.

“Foolish ruler, just losing Qing Province was enough to frighten you out of your wits.”

“Everyone dies eventually – we scholars would rather die standing than live on our knees.”

“Cloud Province line is legitimate? Then what of the current royal family? What have we scholars been loyal to? A ruler who forgets his ancestors!”

Then they were dragged out one by one for court flogging, beaten until barely breathing.

This did intimidate some people, but couldn’t control the spread of rumors. Just after lunch, the Imperial College students went on strike. Scholar’s passion was sharpest – some wrote satirical articles; some gathered in marketplaces to criticize; some stormed the Grand Chancellor’s office, demanding to submit blood-written petitions to His Majesty…

The morning court events first spread through official circles and upper society, then gradually reached the common people. By dusk, rumors circulated in the streets about the court ceding territory for peace and acknowledging the rebels as legitimate successors of the Central Plains.

“When I saw those Cloud Province bandits enter the city yesterday, I knew the court would sue for peace.”

“Sigh, of course, it’s best to avoid war in these chaotic times… but it doesn’t feel right. How did the court collapse so suddenly? Last year when they sent troops against the Divine Witch Cult, they were so mighty.”

“They say even the Supervisor is dead – he was an old immortal from the Bureau of Astronomy. Ah, times are changing.”

“What about Silver Badge Xu? Will Silver Badge Xu just watch the court cede territory for peace?”

“Silver Badge Xu has tried his best. Didn’t the court recently post announcements saying Silver Badge Xu allied with the Myriad Demons Kingdom and the Gu Tribe? We may have lost the Buddhist faction as allies, but we have other allies.”

“Sigh, who could have imagined? Qing Province fell just like that. What hope do we have now? In the past, whenever something happened, Silver Badge Xu would always step up.”

…

At the courier station.

Ji Yuan took out a magical device, raising a sound-blocking formation. After hearing his subordinate’s report, he smiled: “Quite lively out there. These bookworms who don’t know their limits… never mind, they’re all insignificant figures. Our next target is to test Xu Qi’an.”

Hearing it involved Xu Qi’an, Xu Yuanshuang asked: “How will you test him?”

Ji Yuan twirled his silver-boned fan and said: “For instance, near the end of negotiations, I suddenly added a condition demanding an alliance marriage with Great Zhou, specifically with either Princess Lin’an or Princess Huaiqing.”

He had learned of Xu Qi’an’s engagement to Lin’an from Chen Guifei’s people.

Xu Yuanshuang frowned: “Are you seeking death?”

Whether the peace talks succeeded would be one matter; whether Xu Qi’an would let him leave the capital alive would be another.

Ji Yuan laughed heartily: “The two princesses are of our clan – naturally the marriage wouldn’t be with our line, but with Yuanhuai. How do you think Xu Qi’an would react? Could he move against his sworn brother?”

“He would!” Xu Yuanhuai’s face suddenly changed – this was pushing him toward death.

“Just joking – look how nervous you’ve become.”

Ji Yuan smiled mischievously, then suddenly sat up straight and said: “Xu Qi’an still hasn’t shown himself. We don’t know what he’s planning behind the scenes.”

“Though the Supervisor was sealed, he was still the Supervisor – who knows what trump cards he left behind? Even the National Teacher doesn’t know, so he wants to test Xu Qi’an, to test him through these peace talks, to understand the Supervisor’s contingencies.”

Xu Yuanshuang’s expression improved slightly as she asked: “What trump cards does Ninth Brother think he might have?”

Ji Yuan thought for a moment, then smiled: “A dead end!”

“This is a dead end for Xu Qi’an. If I were him, I would keep ignoring the peace talks, then use the time bought by negotiations to beg everywhere for help, recruiting transcendent experts as allies.”

“So this trip to the capital is an effortless achievement – there won’t be any danger.”

Ji Yuan’s fan spun in his hand: “Even if he had heaven-defying abilities, he could only swallow this bitter pill. Ah, I’d love to see him at his wit’s end, but it’s not time yet – we must wait until we breach the capital.”

…

In Jingxiu Palace.

“Imperial Mother, I heard Huaiqing say once we cede territory for peace, Great Zhou will be beyond saving.”

Lin’an spoke worriedly, her oval face no longer bright but clouded with gloom.

Chen Guifei said anxiously: “There’s no other way. Without peace, should we continue fighting Cloud Province? If there were any chance of victory, would His Majesty and the ministers be so focused on negotiations?”

“Now only peace talks offer a way out – or are you counting on that fiancé of yours?”

Lin’an bit her lip, on the verge of tears: “Why do you hate him so much, Imperial Mother?”

A figure in white flashed through Chen Guifei’s mind as she said through gritted teeth: “Nothing good ever comes from anyone named Xu.”

Her heart immediately softened as she took Lin’an’s hand: “That Huaiqing has always been black-hearted – you can’t trust what she says. Lin’an, you don’t understand. Now, apart from peace talks, no one can save the court.”

…

At the prince’s mansion.

Qian Qingshu, wearing a thick cloak, went straight to Wang Zhenwen’s bedroom.

Seeing him enter, Wang Zhenwen waved away the maids and asked directly: “What are the conditions?”

Qian Qingshu relayed Cloud Province’s four conditions.

“Rebels! Rebels!!”

Wang Zhenwen cursed several times before breaking into violent coughing.

Qian Qingshu sat by the bed, gently patting his back to help him breathe, sighing: “Things have come to this, and His Majesty has agreed. Though ceding three provinces is impossible – His Majesty’s bottom line is giving up Yu Province.”

“Acknowledging the Hidden Dragon City line as legitimate successors of the Central Plains will disorder Great Zhou’s hearts, demanding wealth will drain our resources, ceding three provinces will solidify their position…”

Wang Zhenwen muttered: “It’s over, beyond salvation, beyond salvation.”

Even if Wei Yuan were resurrected, he couldn’t salvage this situation.

Qian Qingshu sighed: “But who could persuade His Majesty? Moreover, peace talks follow a greater trend. Now only Xu Qi’an could go against this tide for Great Zhou.”

“But Brother Wang, isn’t forcing Xu Qi’an to break with the court also part of Cloud Province rebels’ scheme? This is why he hasn’t appeared.”

“I’ve confirmed he’s at the Bureau of Astronomy and sent messages. If he wanted to come, he would have already.”

…

At the Bureau of Astronomy, in the grand bedroom.

Xu Qi’an soaked in the bath, leaning against the tub wall with the Flower Goddess, approaching forty but more delicate and soft than a maiden, sitting in his embrace.

She lay limply in Xu Qi’an’s arms, head resting on his shoulder, face flushed, eyes misty, without an ounce of strength.

“What… what time is it…”

Finally getting a break, Mu Nanzhi asked weakly.

“Just after lunch.”

Xu Qi’an gripped Mu Nanzhi’s slender waist, not letting her leave his embrace for a moment, still full of vigor.

The beauty in his arms was fair and soft, her skin like ivory – delicate yet supple.

After lunch… Mu Nanzhi cursed with a crying tone: “Are you a beast? You’ve been at me for a day and night… I… I won’t dual cultivate with you anymore…”

Compared to Little Yu, your stamina is truly too weak… Xu Qi’an said: “The first dual cultivation has the best effects. Currently, my energy is still increasing – we’ll stop when it reaches the limit. The energy in your body is equally vigorous. Nanzhi, do you know how many people long for such rapid cultivation progress?”

Around the bathtub, water had splashed everywhere. Clothes and undergarments had long since slipped from the screen to the floor, soaked by overflowing bathwater.

The spacious, sturdy bed was a mess – quilts on the floor, sheets wrinkled and chaotic, with irregular stains remaining.

Thanks to the Flower Goddess’s rich spiritual essence, Xu Qi’an only needed one night to stabilize his foundation.

Normally, after advancement, it would take about ten days to stabilize one’s realm and adapt to the power.

At this moment, he felt a familiar heart palpitation.

He beckoned, summoning the Earth Book fragment from among the scattered clothes.

[One: The Cloud Province delegation has already had an audience with Yongxing. Cloud Province presented four conditions.]

Huaiqing had detailed the morning court proceedings in the Earth Book chat group.

Finally, she briefly commented:

[One: Complete defeat. This Ji Yuan is an extremely formidable character. Using his position to pressure us, Yongxing and the ministers had no leverage in negotiations.]

[Seven: Pathetic!]

The Holy Son commented.

Having read Huaiqing’s account, Li Lingsu felt frustrated on Great Zhou’s behalf, let alone the justice-loving Li Miaozhen.

[Two: This useless emperor – if he cedes three provinces, wouldn’t that make Xu Pingfeng even more powerful? Wouldn’t that make Cloud Province’s army even stronger? Would Great Zhou still have any chance?

Xu Ning Yan, what should we do? Fight to the death or what? Say something.]

Xu Qi’an had rarely sent messages lately, appearing extremely passive, which left the Flying Swallow Warrior Princess sleepless with anxiety.

Other Heaven and Earth Society members were equally anxious, watching helplessly as Great Zhou slid step by step into the abyss.

[Three: Don’t worry. Focus on your tasks. I’ll handle the peace talks.]

After this simple explanation, he privately messaged the scholarly Crown Princess while holding the soft and powerless Mu Nanzhi.

[Three: Your Highness, is everything ready?]