(First, apologies for not updating yesterday without prior notice. There's no excuse; it was entirely my fault. I sincerely apologize to everyone. I drank way too much and slept from early yesterday morning, and I'm still feeling unwell.)

(Before coming, I knew I'd get drunk, but I didn't expect to be so out of it, so utterly wasted...)

(I'll make up for yesterday's chapter before the 20th of this month. Again, I apologize and feel ashamed... I'm planning to quit drinking, really. Seeing the world through drunken eyes, I suddenly realized there's a problem, which is quite frightening. Besides, heavy drinking is bad for my health. I need to be responsible for myself, my family, you all, and my work. That's all.)

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Fan Xian had two intelligence networks at his disposal, making him exceptionally swift at detecting movements throughout the world. However, the opening of the Sword Hut in Dongyi City was a top priority matter for all parties. He left the capital very quickly, before the Overwatch Council and Baoyue Brothel had any intelligence to report. Yanjing was located in the north, with much interaction with the other two powers, and the military also had its own intelligence system, so he was eager to ask Wang Zhikun if he had any news.

Wang Zhikun frowned and pondered for a moment, then said hesitantly, "Logically, it should be Marquis Changning."

The future inclination of Dongyi City had far-reaching implications, making both Northern Qi and Southern Qing extremely nervous. Southern Qing sent Fan Xian, their number one hitter, which would not escape the analysis and judgment of the world. Northern Qi must also send a corresponding figure to make Dongyi City feel their sincerity and see their bargaining chips.

Marquis Changning was the Northern Qi Empress Dowager's own brother and currently managed the financial affairs of the Northern Qi internal treasury, making him a very important figure indeed.

Fan Xian raised an eyebrow, a hint of suspicion in his voice as he said softly, "That Marquis is an old acquaintance. He's good for a drink, but when it comes to getting things done, he's not even close to being as capable as his son."

Wang Zhikun knew this was serious business, and he dared not be negligent given his position as Grand Commandant. He replied, "Although Wei Hua is the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, the Embroidered Uniform Guard in Northern Qi is far less important than the Council. He doesn't have that much authority."

Fan Xian nodded. The Overwatch Council was a very special intelligence agency. Except for an emperor who was supremely confident, no other emperor would dare allow such an institution to exist. Although the Northern Qi Embroidered Uniform Guard was derived from the Embroidered Cavalry originally organized by Xiao En, it had long since become far less powerful than it was during the Great Wei Dynasty due to the blows inflicted by the Northern Qi Empress Dowager and her son the Emperor.

Especially after Shen Zhong was assassinated in the street by Shang Shanhu, the Embroidered Uniform Guard still had the ability, but its status was declining day by day. If the Northern Qi young Emperor really wanted to achieve something in Dongyi City, Wei Hua was not a good choice.

"Take things as they come. No matter who they send, it ultimately comes down to national strength. Let's not think about it anymore." Fan Xian took a sip of wine, a faint look of weariness appearing between his brows.

Wang Zhikun smiled at him and said, "Lord Fan, your trip will surely be a success."

Fan Xian smiled wryly. Before leaving the capital, everyone, including Grand Scholar Hu, had the same confidence as this Grand Commandant Wang. Even His Majesty in the Imperial Study seemed to assume that Fan Xian would not lose this battle.

He didn't understand that in the hearts of the Qing officials and people, the name "Lord Fan" was no longer embroidered with a mere gold trim, but shone with a golden aura. Everyone had immense confidence in him. The past five years had proven that as long as he personally took action, nothing was impossible.

In this spring of Qingli year ten, the Qing court and public seemed to be quietly waiting for Dongyi City to submit, waiting for Lord Fan's carriage to enter the Sword Hut and begin to receive a vast territory, the people living on it, and the immense wealth accumulated over countless years without firing a single shot.

But Fan Xian himself would not think that way. Although he had sensed Sigu Jian's attitude through Wang Shisanlang and had cautiously expressed his own attitude to the Sword Saint, and the two sides had found a common interest to some extent, the benefits he had to strive for for Qing were truly too great this time.

From another perspective, the benefits Dongyi City had to give up were too great. This was not child's play, nor was it a big business involving millions of taels of silver. It was a real historical change, a true historical event that would take place before Fan Xian's eyes, even in his hands.

In the current situation, Fan Xian could not help but feel apprehensive. He often wondered what he had done to deserve the ability to expand the territory and possibly take the same path as the "Nine Seven"?

The problem was that Sigu Jian was seriously injured and dying, and his hatred and anger towards Emperor Qing were probably difficult to wash away even with all the water in the East Sea. Although this Grandmaster knew that after his death, Dongyi City would inevitably be divided by the two major powers, and he had to consider the city and the surrounding principalities, so he invited Northern Qi and Southern Qing to participate in the last opening ceremony of his life. But he still wanted to fight for the interests of the people of Dongyi City one last time.

Fan Xian couldn't help but think of the last deep conversation with the Emperor in the Imperial Study before leaving the capital. At that time, His Majesty had a faint smile on his face. Although he was as confident as the ministers that Fan Xian's trip to Dongyi would be successful, his words and deeds didn't seem to take this opening ceremony very seriously.

Fan Xian understood the Emperor's thoughts very well. Someone as confident and powerful as His Majesty didn't care about the gestures of reconciliation and the last vestiges of goodwill released when Dongyi City was on the verge of collapse.

In the Emperor's view, this was just the final cry of Dongyi City. If Qing could get the land and wealth of Dongyi City at a lower cost, that would be very cost-effective. But if the conditions proposed by Sigu Jian were considered absurd by Emperor Qing, Emperor Qing would not hesitate to directly raise the swords and guns in his hand and turn this cry into a scream.

Based on Fan Xian's analysis and understanding of the character of these two contemporary powerhouses, the conditions Sigu Jian was about to propose were definitely unacceptable to Emperor Qing. This was the biggest problem he would face on this trip.

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The envoy did not dare to delay too long in Yanjing City. Early the next morning, Fan Xian left the city with Wang Zhikun and Mei Zhili, joining the Overwatch Council's Fourth Bureau subordinates who had rushed over from Jiangnan and heading towards the official road.

The convoy headed towards the border of Southern Qing. Before completely leaving the escort of the Yanjing camp soldiers, they were greeted by a joining team. A merchant boarded Fan Xian's carriage amidst the puzzled gazes of everyone.

"Thank you for your hard work." Fan Xian patted Shi Chanli's shoulder. Over the years, three of the Four Sons of Fan had struggled in the Qing court, while only Shi Chanli, who had not passed the imperial examination, had become Fan Xian's private assistant, opening Baoyue Brothel in Jiangnan and overseas luxurious counties with Sang Wen, secretly sorting out the sources of intelligence for Fan Xian.

Shi Chanli whispered to his mentor, Fan Xian, about the recent situation of Baoyue Brothel and some gossip he had learned in Dongyi City.

"It seems that Shisanlang is right. There are also disputes within Dongyi City. Everyone in the world thinks that our Great Qing is going to pick fruit this time, but who would have thought that this fruit might be poisonous." After listening for a while, Fan Xian smiled self-deprecatingly and said, "But I can't see clearly. Where did the city lord of Dongyi City get the courage to dare to go against our Great Qing when Sigu Jian is about to pass away?"

"The people of Northern Qi must be supporting him secretly. Even within the Sword Hut, there are many people who are unwilling to get close to our Great Qing."

"These things are not up to them to decide whether they are willing or not." Fan Xian sighed, "Strength determines everything. After Sigu Jian dies, neither Northern Qi nor Dongyi will have a Grandmaster. The two sides can only meet on the battlefield. Northern Qi has a vast territory, rich people, and fertile land, which is comparable to our Great Qing. Dongyi City is established by trade, so it is rich but not strong. How can it be a match for my Qing army?"

"The key issue is that Sigu Jian was injured by His Majesty's scheme. The entire Sword Hut hates my Southern Qing to the bone. I'm afraid they would rather fight to the death than submit and become ministers." Shi Chanli had been living the life of a big boss these years, gaining weight, and his hair had not turned white. Compared to the young and poor appearance of that year, he had changed a lot, but the only thing that had not changed was his loyalty and respect for Fan Xian. Since the beginning of the year, he had stayed in Dongyi City to inquire about the Sword Hut's intentions, so he knew that the current Sword Hut was full of risks under the silence, and he couldn't help but worry about his mentor.

"The key is Sigu Jian's attitude." Fan Xian lowered his head, closed his eyes, and swayed with the movement of the carriage, smiling wryly and said, "If he is really a stubborn idiot, I am afraid that there will still be a big battle, but if there really is a big battle, then what is Shisanlang? If the news you have sent in the past few years is true, Shisanlang will be his heir. This strong and powerful attitude forces me to consider Dongyi again and again. Sigu Jian will not have made this move for nothing."

"This is another problem. Whether Dongyi City leans towards my Great Qing or Northern Qi is one thing, but who will take charge of the Sword Hut after Sigu Jian is another major event." Shi Chanli said worriedly, "Although Lord Thirteen is deeply loved by Sigu Jian, Yun Zhilan is the chief disciple of the Sword Hut. He has extensive social connections, is very popular, and has countless junior brothers, sisters, and younger generations who are creating momentum. With the support of the City Lord's Mansion and Northern Qi, I am afraid that Yun Zhilan will not give Lord Thirteen any chance if Sigu Jian dies."

Fan Xian opened his eyes, a cold light flashing in his eyes, and muttered to himself, "Do we have to kill everyone in the family again many years ago before the Sword Hut can determine its ownership?"

This was referring to an old incident in Dongyi City many years ago, a major event. Sigu Jian had heinously slashed more than a hundred members of the family, even his own biological parents, and his reputation as a madman and idiot spread like wildfire. At the same time, the Overwatch Council picked up a Shadow, which continues to this day.

Shi Chanli was silent, not knowing how to answer.

"The city lord of Dongyi City is definitely impossible to accept our conditions." Fan Xian said softly, "There is a storytelling book about the Three Kingdoms that mentioned that ministers can surrender, because they are still ministers. Only that city lord, if he surrenders, he will be nothing."

"There is also a key issue is the inheritance of Dongyi City." He rubbed his eyebrows, "If Yun Zhilan really wants to compete with Thirteen, we outsiders can't play a big role in advance."

After Shi Chanli pondered for a moment, he asked in a low voice, "Before the teacher left the capital, what was the bottom line given by His Majesty?"

"Submitting as a vassal, paying tribute, disbanding the army, opening the borders of the principalities, and allowing my Qing army to enter and station troops. All the princes must reside in Kyoto." Fan Xian said in a low voice.

Shi Chanli took a deep breath, thinking that if these conditions were laid out, Dongyi City would be directly equivalent to being abolished. His Majesty's appetite was too big. He wanted to use his powerful national strength to intimidate and subdue the enemy without fighting. No one in Dongyi City would dare to accept these humiliating conditions.

"Of course, the years can be discussed again, and there is no need to rush." Fan Xian said softly. In fact, this was the more time he had fought for Dongyi City after a long argument with Emperor Qing in private. After a pause, he continued, "If these little princes dare not live in Kyoto, His Majesty will build new mansions for them in Yanjing, and they will naturally not be treated unfairly."

Shi Chanli suppressed the shock in his heart and shook his head, "No one will agree. These conditions are equivalent to putting their heads on the chopping block of my Great Qing. I am afraid they would rather fight to the death, at least there is some hope."

Fan Xian did not answer this question, but turned to say, "The people of Northern Qi definitely cannot sit idly by and watch Dongyi be swallowed by us. This time they will definitely make a lot of noise."

"What can they do?"

Fan Xian lifted the curtain of the car window, looked at the green trees on the official road, and said casually, "The little emperor of Northern Qi will first try to persuade Sigu Jian to join forces with Northern Qi before he dies, and Northern Qi will give Dongyi City a lot of support. Once the people of Northern Qi realize that Dongyi City really can't resist and is preparing to agree to the treaty of my Great Qing Dynasty, then they will do everything possible to destroy this agreement."

Without waiting for Shi Chanli to speak, he continued softly, "Kill me, or kill an important figure in Dongyi City, provoking the intense hatred and bloodshed between Dongyi City and my Southern Qing. As long as the war begins, Dongyi City will want to surrender again, and His Majesty will not agree with his character. At that time, the people of Northern Qi can ride on the wall and make further plans."

While saying these words, the convoy turned a corner towards the southeast, leaning against a small mountain and leaning against a clear stream, heading towards the direction of Song State. Fan Xian narrowed his eyes and looked back. Yanjing City was still clearly visible, and the soldiers in that camp were waiting for the arrival of the war, or were frightened by the arrival of the war.

Miss Wang was going to marry into the Prince He's Mansion as a concubine, so it was naturally impossible for her to see Fan Xian off today, but she still entrusted Grand Commandant Wang to bring gifts to Fan Xian very respectfully. Whenever he thought of this eldest lady, who was originally unruly and unparalleled, but later was tormented by himself, Fan Xian's mood would feel a little complicated.

No matter what kind of personality a person is, whether it is a Grandmaster or a proud and powerful woman, if he or she has a goal that he or she must achieve in this world, then he or she is definitely willing to pay a price for this matter that he or she would never pay on weekdays.

"I am only worried about one thing now." Fan Xian retracted his gaze from the car window and said softly, "Sigu Jian is not a great saint or a wise man. If he believes in the creed that he is not afraid of a great flood after death like me, then it will be troublesome."

"Huh?" Shi Chanli obviously did not fully understand this sentence.

Fan Xian smiled wryly and said, "Before his death, Ku He set up two vicious chess moves, which made my Great Qing very difficult and made me extremely headache. Like them, such big figures see farther than anyone else. I find it hard to believe that Sigu Jian was defeated by His Majesty, survived to this day, and has been thinking for two and a half years, will be so willing to admit defeat and have no ideas."

He was afraid of the terrible thoughts of these Grandmasters.

…

…

On the third day, the convoy crossed the invisible border line hidden in the plains and entered Song State. This small principality was not large, not even as large as a large state in Southern Qing or Northern Qi, but it had a very long history. Although there was a king in name, in fact, everything was controlled by Dongyi City. Except for the power of appointing and dismissing officials, all armed forces came from the City Lord's Mansion and the Sword Hut of Dongyi City.

Fan Xian was no stranger to Song State, and he was even more familiar with this road. Because Baoyue Brothel in Song State opened very early, it was the first batch of pilot projects when Fan Xian controlled the high-end brothel industry in the world and carried out chain store development. A few years ago, during the Dabai Mountain change, Fan Xian, after sniping Yan Xiaoyi, escaped from the mountains with serious injuries, also entered the country from Song State, passed through Yanjing, and finally returned to Kyoto, leading the Overwatch Council to launch a fierce counterattack against the forces of Princess Chang.

In past years, Fan Xian was alone, incognito, disguised, exhausted, and plagued by injuries, and did not know where the road ahead was.

This year, he came with a canopy, accompanied by clouds, showing off his instruments, attracting thousands of attention, and flaunting himself on the streets of Song State with the title of the most powerful official in the world.

However, in Fan Xian's view, he has not changed at all. What has really changed is the balance of power among the three forces in the world.

Rejecting the enthusiastic reception of the official Song State and avoiding those vigilant and complex gazes, Fan Xian and his party stayed in Baoyue Brothel. After all, it was his own property, and he was more at ease in terms of security.

Not long after entering the building, officials from Song State came to report nervously, saying that a guest had come and requested to meet Lord Fan. Fan Xian was slightly stunned. Seeing the nervous expression of the official, he knew who the visitor was, and could not help but laugh, thinking that it was really a coincidence that he had just arrived and the people of Northern Qi had also arrived.

He got up and walked to the hall, cupping his hands and smiling to greet him: "Brother Wei Hua, I didn't expect it to be you."

Wei Hua, the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard of Northern Qi, had a helpless smile on his face and solemnly returned the salute: "Greetings, Lord Fan."