The Demon Lords

Chapter 441 52 Qian Emperor_1

The diplomatic exchange between the two states was, plainly speaking, no different from a feud between two gang factions, where no matter what, it was crucial not to lose momentum.

Especially now, with the Yan Army holding a clear advantage, it was natural for them to act as arrogantly as they pleased. The more belligerent one appeared, the more wary others became. This diplomatic mission was paramount. If they showed weakness and word got out, what should have been a glorious achievement could instantly transform into a national disgrace.

The Yan people were far too proud to allow their envoys to suffer humiliation abroad and then quietly swallow it, citing the 'greater good'.

However, a careful balance had to be struck. Excessive arrogance could mean never leaving this city. One had to navigate this delicate situation with keen judgment.

Zheng Fan's brazen disregard for protocol indeed left the Qian people somewhat bewildered. Diplomatic exchanges between the two states were actually quite common. However, an envoy as 'bull-headed' and thuggish as this was a first.

"Yan bastards!!!"

The young general indeed raised his saber, ready to charge, but was restrained by men on either side.

"Don't hold me back! Don't hold me back! I'm going to behead this Yan bastard!"

Shao Wenjie could no longer remain silent. Otherwise, it wouldn't just be the Yan envoys losing face, but the Qian people themselves. Though, he couldn't quite say what face Qian State had left, with the enemy army at the gates of their capital.

"General Zu, His Majesty's Imperial Edict summons the Yan envoy! Stand down!"

Zu General? Zheng Fan recalled that a certain Zu Dongcheng was being held captive in his army. Now another man with the surname Zu had appeared. Are they from the same Zu family?

Just then, Blind Bei's voice sounded in Zheng Fan's mind:

"My lord, barring any unforeseen circumstances, this man should be from the Zu family of the southeast. Zu Dongcheng, the eldest son of the Zu family, is currently held captive by us. However, Zu Zhuming's second son was sent to the imperial capital long ago to serve as a garrison commander—something akin to being a political hostage.

His current agitation is likely because he believes his elder brother has already died at the hands of our army."

Blind Bei's countless hours spent poring over documents and conversing with captured Qian officials had not been in vain. This diligence provided him with encyclopedic knowledge, saving Zheng Fan from being completely in the dark upon arrival.

With this understanding, Zheng Fan quickly spoke:

"Might this be the young General Zu?"

"Yan bastard! Yan bastard!"

Zu Dongling kept struggling and cursing.

"Young General Zu, I believe there must be some misunderstanding between us. Your esteemed brother and I hit it off splendidly from our first meeting and have already sworn an oath of brotherhood. By rights, I should also be considered your elder brother."

Zu Dongling froze upon hearing this, as did many others present.

Shao Wenjie's heart sank. This is not good, he thought, then quickly ordered,

"General Zu, stand down!"

"My elder brother... he's not dead? He's still alive?" Zu Dongling cried out, his voice thick with emotion.

Shao Wenjie grew frantic. How can these matters be discussed now, so openly, in front of so many people?

Zheng Fan nodded and said,

"Your esteemed brother is, of course, perfectly fine. In fact, our Lord greatly admires his talents and often discusses methods of troop training with him these days.

Our Lord also said that the Zu family's method of military training is of an invincible state, truly befitting the Zhuguai of the Southeast!"

Even Zu Dongling, slow-witted as he was, sensed that something was amiss by now.

Zheng Fan, however, didn't mind at all, continuing to lavishly dispense these cost-free, potentially trouble-stirring words.

"Silver Armored Guard, hear the order! His Majesty has decreed that you escort the Yan envoy to an audience. Anyone who dares to obstruct shall be executed without mercy!"

The Silver Armored Guard immediately drew their sabers, aiming them at the surrounding crowd.

Shao Wenjie breathed a long sigh of relief. He squinted at Zheng Fan. This Yan envoy doesn't look the part at all, but he's surprisingly flexible when it comes to an envoy's duties, he mused.

Zu Dongling no longer dared to obstruct them. Zheng Fan boarded the carriage, and with the Silver Armored Guard clearing the path, they proceeded directly into the palace.

He lifted the carriage's window curtain, only to find a wooden board behind it. It was somewhat like those budget hotels that, lacking actual windows, install fake window frames to make the room feel less oppressive.

They probably don't want me to see the true situation within the imperial capital right now, Zheng Fan presumed.

In truth, this kind of concealment is a futile attempt to hide what's obvious. If the military and civilians in the imperial capital were truly united in their resolve to resist foreign invaders, why would they be so secretive and hide things from me?

Zheng Fan leaned back against the rear of the carriage, settling into a more comfortable position. He turned to Blind Bei, who was also in the carriage, and asked,

"How is it?"

Blind Bei stated calmly, "The populace is in a state of panic."

Zheng Fan nodded. Just as I expected.

When the carriage reached the palace gates, it wasn't required to stop for inspection. Instead, it turned directly inside and continued for some time.

After roughly the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, the carriage halted.

Shao Wenjie lifted the curtain and said,

"Envoy of Yan, please disembark."

Zheng Fan alighted from the carriage. However, before Blind Bei and A Ming, who were inside, could also get out, the carriage lurched forward and began moving again.

"Envoy of Yan, your attendants will be taken for some tea and refreshments while they await your return."

Zheng Fan nodded impassively, but inwardly, a wave of panic washed over him. It's like I spent all night making cheat sheets for an exam, only to get to the exam hall and realize I forgot to bring them!

Well, since I'm already here, I have to make the best of it. Panicking now is both useless and pointless, he thought.

This seemed to be the rear section of the imperial palace. Generally, the front part of the palace was used for official duties, while the rear section housed the living quarters of the Emperor and his consorts.

The palace of Qian State was incredibly opulent. Even through the eyes of a modern person, its splendor would still be breathtaking.

The wealth of Qian State truly lived up to its reputation.