Book 10: Chapter 74

Luo Ming, having nurtured healthy relationships with numerous tribes in Nanjiang during his hunt, coerced Abels’ into his intrigue with the promise to help Princess Ah Lan revive Morcher after he learnt of their history from Heisina Tribe.Of course, it takes two to tango. Abels decided to follow Luo Ming south despite being superior at the time because he was cognizant of the reality that his lover hadn’t put her past behind her. Abels’ mistake was assuming that Luo Ming was once the honourable swordsman he was admired as, not a schemer who was only planning to use his might for his own ends and then bury Evil Spirits – including A-Lan. Needless to say, Luo Ming ‘s promise to Heisina Tribe was written off by that point.A-Lan said, “Actually, Luo M-”Baimu locked on to Beussent’s dome but stopped when he heard Emperor Yuansheng awkwardly clear his throat.“I understand your emotions are running high at the moment,” Emperor Yuansheng gazed up at the ceiling, using his body to express, ‘I don’t understand and don’t care to understand what the flip you’re saying. I don’t care if you explain or not, but I’m willing to listen,’ and then continued, “but stick to Mandarin if you can.A-Lan answered Beussent’s questioning gaze with a nod: “Hero Li is one of my benefactors. I would not be here if it weren’t for him, at least not alive. There is no need to harbour secrets between us.”“Understood, Your Highness.” Beussent gave Emperor Yuansheng a friendly shoulder nudge. “I forgot you were here, Daoist. I apologise for not speaking Mandarin.”“Who’s the daoist?! I’m not a daoist, and he’s not a zombie! He’s the state preceptor!”Baimu couldn’t see them from his angle, but he did vaguely remember the two men’s appearance from before and was confident they were from the Central Plain.“The tall gentleman is the Central Plain’s state preceptor?”“Who else? He’s my state preceptor. Are you accusing him of being an imposter?”Even though Baimu didn’t know much about the Central Plain, someone of Lai Jingzhen’s standing was definitely in his database. That said, he only knew Lai Jingzhen as the head daoist and not state preceptor.Heisina Tribe’s chief, Morcher’s Princess and the Central Plain’s state preceptor? Are they planning to resurrect Morcher? Baimu’s hypothesis wasn’t unfounded. The eleven states had been at constant war with each other and the Central Plain ever since A-Lan went on the run. Not one of them was happy with the Central Plain for stealing a whole chunk of Morcher’s territories from under their nose. In turn, they sent out representatives to negotiate with the Central Plain. The Central Plain sent out a man by the name of Li Si, who shamelessly talked his way to victory against all eleven representatives in dominant fashion.Li Si asserted. “The twelve states aren’t one nation. By that logic, the Central Plain having jurisdiction of Morcher doesn’t ruin the unity of the non-existent nation. From the start of Nanjiang’s history, Nanjiang is one nation. If you want us to withdraw our troops, you must abolish the eleven Kings and instate one King. Have your elected King negotiate with our Emperor, and then we can legitimise the discussion.“We are not occupying. We are merely acting on our right as a trustee. Since Morcher and the Central Plain are allies, we are duty-bound to carry out our alliance treaty and take care of their lands. In the old days, we nobly offered wives and children. We are now offering everything we can offer to offer for our ally. We have inherited the spirit of selflessness. Future generations will hold us in praise for our actions.”The eleven states knew Prime Minister Li Si was just talking out of his rear end. Deep down, they all knew they were harbouring selfish desires. No matter how irate they were, nonetheless, if wasn’t worth gambling everything they had to challenge the Central Plain. As neither talking nor fighting worked, they had to grudgingly surrender.The Central Plain sent that Li Si last time to screw with us, and now they’re sending some stick man? Are they trying to start a historical event of some sort, where they send someone to screw with us every generation? Whatever. Unlike those incompetent representatives, this is the lifetime of an opportunity for me to chance upon this gathering. A Princess, a state preceptor and a dissident. Be honoured. I shall show you three my full power today!“Why… did you disclose that?” A-Lan felt a little apprehensive about discarding their fake profiles, especially since Emperor Yuansheng was calling all the shots.Emperor Yuansheng wagged his hand: “You need not fret, Princess Ah Lan. I only called you along as I expected this turn of events. This is where our three parties shall hold our first discussion.”“Three parties?”“That would be Heisina Tribe, Morcher and the Central Plains. We have three representatives here, so it’s a great opportunity to discuss the future.”Beussent: “I see. So that is why your state preceptor is here.”Emperor Yuansheng shook his head and so did A-Lan.To make sure she wasn’t being presumptuous, A-Lan inquired, “I do not understand. Heisina is only a tribe, while I am the Princess of a fallen state. What do you…”“Heisina Tribe is military might, which your state lacks, and is loyal to you. As such, you have the right to negotiate. What Heisina Tribe wants, you can provide. What your state wants, I can provide. What I want is for Xiacang Anxi to never spark turbulence again so that the southern border of my nation sees eternal peace. Only you two can achieve that.”Hearing Emperor Yuansheng declare “my nation”, Beussent jolted. “Your Highness, is he?”A-Lan bobbed her head: “He is none other than the sovereign of the four seas, the ruler of the Central Plain – Emperor Yuansheng.”