Chapter 978: Reaching an Agreement

"I’m not satisfied with your answer, but it doesn’t matter. Show me your sincerity. Since General Gongsun said that the seas can now be controlled with no more pirates, let me see it in action. Words alone won’t suffice!" Chen Xi swept a sharp gaze over Liang Mao, realizing that this man was likely the real decision-maker among the envoys. As for Gongsun Gong, he was probably just a pawn to be discarded.

Liang Mao hesitated as he looked at Chen Xi’s expression. Things had escalated to this point, and he wasn’t sure how to proceed. Chen Xi’s demands weren’t unreasonable, but the real question was what level of control over the seas Chen Xi expected.

Chen Xi said nothing more, having already seen that Liang Mao was pondering his words. It was clear that Gongsun Du had granted Liang Mao significant autonomy, and they hadn’t yet touched upon Gongsun Du’s bottom line.

"May I ask, Lord Chen, what level of control do we need to achieve?" Liang Mao didn’t take long to respond, understanding that some things couldn’t be delayed, or problems would arise.

"That depends on your sincerity," Chen Xi replied, lifting his eyelids slightly without specifying an exact standard. According to the report that Guo Jia had provided, Liang Mao was proficient in governance and versed in military strategy.

Liang Mao tapped his fingers thoughtfully. He seemed to understand Chen Xi’s meaning: clearly, Chen Xi didn’t want to pursue past grievances, but he couldn’t tolerate them repeating the same mistakes.

"Lord Chen, can’t we negotiate a bit further?" Liang Mao asked after some thought. While Chen Xi’s demands weren’t high, Liang Mao hoped there was still room for maneuver.

"You think I’m asking for too little?" Chen Xi glanced at Liang Mao. "Honestly, if Liaodong weren’t such a desolate wasteland, I wouldn’t have made such modest requests. I need your sincerity. You know what that sincerity should be."

Liang Mao sighed inwardly. This was similar to why Yuan Shao had never attacked Gongsun Du—not because Gongsun Du was too strong, but because attacking him held no real benefit. There was nothing to gain, only losses, so as long as Gongsun Du stayed obedient and didn’t cause trouble, most rulers turned a blind eye, especially during times of chaos.

"To be frank, if you were wealthier or stronger, we would have a reason to act," Chen Xi said, with an expression that practically screamed, "I actually want to attack you."

Liang Mao remained expressionless, though he felt helpless inside. If Gongsun Du were stronger and posed a real threat to Liu Bei, Chen Xi would surely have crushed him without hesitation. It wouldn’t matter how remote Liaodong was—wiping out a potential danger would be worth the effort.

Likewise, if Liaodong were more prosperous, attacking it would at least yield some spoils. But as things stood, there was nothing to gain from such a venture.

"Since Lord Chen has spoken, we will show our sincerity. Yuan Tan has unlawfully seized control of Youzhou, and my lord, who is stationed in Liaodong, is willing to assist Lord Xuande in resolving the issues in Youzhou," Liang Mao said after weighing the situation.

"That’s quite sincere. But our army is currently in a ceasefire with Yuan Tan, and we cannot violate the agreement," Chen Xi replied calmly.

"In that case, if only our forces act, we can at most take control of a single coastal county," Liang Mao stated earnestly. While Liaodong could easily defeat the Three Han Kingdoms, taking on Yuan Tan was a different matter entirely.

"We need all of Youzhou," Chen Xi said firmly, staring at Liang Mao.

"Liaodong can’t achieve that. Lord Chen, your demands are unreasonable," Liang Mao shook his head. He wasn’t angry, recognizing this as an attempt to raise the stakes in negotiation.

"Heh, Liaodong’s strength should be enough to muster five thousand troops, right? While it wouldn’t be feasible in ordinary times, with five thousand troops, you could take all of Youzhou under the current circumstances," Chen Xi casually tossed a map onto the table in front of Liang Mao, who picked it up and, upon unfolding it, was momentarily stunned.

"What do you think?" Chen Xi sipped his tea and then placed the cup down, looking at Liang Mao.

Liang Mao was shocked as soon as he saw the map. He hadn’t realized that Liu Bei’s territory had expanded so greatly, now bordering Youzhou.

Only a small portion of Jizhou remained under Yuan Tan’s control. Liang Mao had initially thought that Liu Bei’s recent victory came solely from defeating Yuan Shao and capturing Ye City, but Liu Bei’s influence had clearly grown far beyond that.

"Lord Xuande has truly become an unrivaled hegemon," Liang Mao said bitterly, his lips twitching slightly. Liu Bei’s power had grown beyond belief.

"So, if you wish to continue as before, you must show sincerity. I won’t hesitate to launch a campaign against Liaodong. After all, with the heavy snowfall this year, the Xianbei and Wuhuan are certain to move south. We might as well kill two birds with one stone. Trust me, we have the strength to do it," Chen Xi said coolly.

Liang Mao opened his mouth to speak, but Chen Xi continued without waiting, sneering as he said, "As for the imperial mandate, we’ll let the people decide."

Liang Mao felt a chill down his spine. He had no doubt that Chen Xi was serious about launching a dual campaign against the Xianbei and Wuhuan while simultaneously dealing with Gongsun Du, especially if they didn’t provide Liu Bei with a satisfactory answer.

"So, make your choice. We need a satisfactory answer," Chen Xi’s cold, unfeeling gaze swept over Liang Mao. With the current power dynamics in his favor, Chen Xi showed no concern. He knew that sensible people wouldn’t seek their own doom.

Liang Mao hesitated. The situation was clear: five thousand troops might indeed be enough to take Youzhou. Though Yuan Tan still had a long frontline with Liu Bei, it wouldn’t be easy for Gongsun Du to seize the opportunity while Yuan Tan was stretched thin.

Even if they succeeded, it was uncertain whether the five thousand Liaodong troops would have even two thousand left afterward. Youzhou wasn’t easy to conquer. This was a dangerous gamble, and after making such a move, they would have no choice but to side with Liu Bei for good, permanently alienating Yuan Tan.

"Alright, we’ll send troops to attack Youzhou, but Lord Xuande must provide us with other forms of support," Liang Mao agreed after taking a deep breath.

"Agreed. We will create a pincer formation in the Bohai area to aid in your assault on Youzhou. Additionally, we’ll supply you with winter clothing, grain, and weapons. Furthermore, after you capture Youzhou, we won’t immediately integrate it into our territory. Instead, we’ll maintain open trade routes, and when we march north, General Gongsun must allow us to pass through your land."

Chen Xi nodded, laying out a series of almost too-good-to-be-true promises.

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