Peace Order

Chapter 1712 - 58: Double Down!

"But now, what’s there to be said?"

Prince Qin laughed, raising his teacup as though it were a goblet of strong wine, and said:

"To sweep across the realm and unite the four corners has always been the aspiration of mine, of the Heavenly Strategy Mansion, the Anxi Protectorate, and the Qilin Army."

"If there truly is this final battle, what could be more [undeniable] than directly defeating the military god who upheld the three-hundred-year reign of Ying Country and was invincible in the old era?"

"I have my aspirations, and perhaps Jiang Su also has his own persistence and determination."

"The world is vast, it is this era and tumultuous times that have pushed us to this point,"

Prince Qin tipped his neck to drink his tea—as though it were tea—though the movement of his sleeves carried an air of solemn majesty, like strong wine scattered upon a blade, he murmured calmly:

"If Jiang Su doesn’t kill me, how would he support the nation."

"If I don’t kill Jiang Su, how would I rectify the universe."

"At this stage, alliances and enmities, foes and rivals, it’s only about mutual destruction!"

"He wants us to establish peace in one region henceforth, yet I insist—"

"To establish the nation with legitimacy, unmatched through the ages."

Xue Daoyong looked at the young man in front of him, remained silent for a long time, then suddenly burst into laughter; his laughter especially joyous, delighted that the young man from years ago, seven years have passed, yet his ambition remains unsullied, and pleased at his own vision, still as accurate.

However, with a hint of teasing, he laughed and said:

"But, oh Prince Qin, warfare depends on logistics and supply lines, it’s a contest of national strength, your foundation was never as deep as Ying Country’s. Even though you’ve taken over Chen Country with relatively low cost this time, your logistics and foundation are almost exhausted, aren’t they?"

"Even if you acquire Chen Country’s resources, those aristocratic families occupying the cities will consume a lot of grain and supplies, and I fear many will resort to burning the grain."

"Even if you swiftly conquer these cities, there will be significant losses."

"Meanwhile, Ying Country virtually hasn’t engaged in major battles in this short time."

"Their national power remains well-preserved."

"On this point alone [Temple Calculation], you’re at a disadvantage."

"But now, my gambling spirit has been stirred by you, you tricky brat, I can’t control myself, still wanting to gamble once more..."

Xue Daoyong raised his hand, palm placed on those dossiers beside him, his fingers pressed against the thick stack of white papers on the table, holding a calm smile, he said: "It is said, this great war of the realm, is fought over national wealth and silver, a contest of logistics and supply lines."

"It is also said, my Xue Family, Great Shang, wealthy enough to rival nations."

"Normally, I advise the family’s younger generation: ’Humility brings benefits, arrogance brings loss,’ to restrain oneself, and to never flaunt one’s wealth before others, lest it brings calamity upon the family."

"Thus, over a century, my Xue Family remains safe and sound; yet, although I encourage humility, I still hold a persistent doubt within."

"That is, whether my Xue Family is truly [wealthy enough to rival nations]."

Xue Daoyong slowly stood up, ripples appeared in the void behind him, the low roar of a tiger resounded through the Wind Listening Pavilion, the elder’s white hair fluttered, his eyes lifted, like the eyes of a tiger, staring directly at Li Guanyi.

The elder’s hand pressed on those dossiers, slowly moving them before Li Guanyi.

With a smile:

"Li Guanyi, in these over one hundred years, my Xue Family’s businesses and trade routes in every state, every county, every city in the realm, all assets and foundation, they are all here."

"Do you dare to take on this challenge?"