Chapter 178: Chapter 178

"What? Master Xun, you mean..."

As soon as the visitor finished speaking, the entire grand hall fell so silent one could hear a pin drop. At the head seat, Xiao Qi, who had been sitting properly, completely abandoned decorum and stood up abruptly from his chair.

"Is this true, Master?"

The response came in the visitor's unhurried voice:

"A man's word is his bond. Since Xun has made this commitment, how could I possibly go back on it?"

"Moreover... today's action represents my lord's will. I am merely conveying his message."

The Master Xun before them appeared around forty years old—tall and lean, with gentle features and a composed demeanor. He wore a white silk cross-collared upper garment with a dark-edged camel-brown crane-feathered cloak, topped by an ordinary jade hair crown, exuding both scholarly elegance and unrestrained grace.

Undoubtedly, he was the epitome of a refined scholar-official.

But most importantly was the visitor's identity.

Even after the visitor had gracefully departed, apart from the pensive Xie Heng, nearly everyone else remained stunned.

After a long pause, Prince Jin finally turned to An Ning at his side:

"Zi'an, what do you think of that man's claim about... about an entire nation pledging allegiance? Could it be genuine?"

Could such fortune truly fall from the heavens?

Dazed by this overwhelming news, Xiao Heng's eyes still held traces of bewilderment. Not just the prince—everyone present except An Ning shared this sentiment.

In these times when everyone coveted more territory, who would voluntarily surrender what they possessed?

Though Yan State wasn't large—its territory no bigger than a single prefecture of Great Liang, smaller even than current Qizhou Prefecture—as the saying goes, even a sparrow is meat. Most importantly, Yan lands contained iron mines! Were it not for Yan's mountainous terrain, poor soil, and easily defensible position, it would have been devoured long ago!

Pledging allegiance? The crowd remained in stunned disbelief...

Only An Ning's gaze remained clear, his face still wearing a leisurely smile:

"Isn't Your Highness already certain of its authenticity?"

For a nation's prime minister to personally deliver this message—what greater sincerity could there be? Had they harbored ill intent and detained him, wouldn't Yan State suffer the greater loss? What would they gain?

"Your Highness, while Yan State's action is surprising, it isn't without reason."

Xie Heng's gaze deepened as he observed An Ning's unsurprised expression, recalling the other's recent maneuvers. All his previous doubts were now answered.

So this was it... this was the plan!

When their eyes met, Xie Heng's couldn't help but smile. Seeing An Ning remain silent, he turned and bowed to the prince:

"Gentlemen, since ancient times, the saying 'when lips are gone, teeth will be cold' has never been empty words. While our Qizhou faces crisis, neighboring Yan State isn't without its own concerns."

"All have witnessed Great Zhou's cavalry might. Should they overrun Qizhou, wouldn't they next turn westward to attack Yan?"

This outcome was nearly certain—compared to Qizhou, Yan's iron mines were something Great Zhou's ruler coveted absolutely.

Truthfully, as neighboring states, Xie Heng had previously considered Yan. But despite its size, Yan remained an independent nation with full military autonomy. State-to-state negotiations—especially regarding interests—would disadvantage a mere prefecture like Qizhou, not to mention considering Great Liang court's perspective.

More critically, who dared challenge Great Zhou's formidable cavalry? Borrowing troops would entail unknown risks and costs—hadn't Prince Zhou's example demonstrated this? During war, without unity of command, the slightest misstep could lead to greater losses.

Moreover, due to various reasons, Yan hadn't engaged extensively with neighboring states these years.

Wait—that wasn't entirely true. There had been exceptions these past two years.

Thinking of Qizhou merchants steadily exporting affordable grain, meat, winter clothing to neighboring states, followed by recent sudden policy tightening...

Xie Heng's brow unconsciously lifted in amusement.

Of course—having known each other years, how could he forget? This person before them would never accept disadvantage!

As the saying goes: easy to go from frugality to luxury, but luxury to frugality?

Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!

Were this not an official setting, Xie Heng would have clapped in laughter. To gain a prefecture without bloodshed—this was truly Zi'an's handiwork!

Only after hearing this explanation did the assembly begin to comprehend. The burly General Yang nearly shot his eyebrows off his face, slamming the table with his rough hand:

"By heavens! How does Secretary Chu's brain even work?" Was this what scholars were like—such cunning!

And our prince—to find such talent, surely heaven hasn't abandoned Qizhou!

Thank goodness Secretary Chu is on our side—if he were an opponent...

General Yang shuddered involuntarily.

His sentiment echoed throughout the hall.

What fortune! What incredible fortune!

Gazing at the white-robed youth below—graceful as a painting, every movement refined—even Prince Jin momentarily marveled: Had his luck always been this strong?

Such talent—was this heaven's assistance?

Yet as everyone celebrated this tremendous news, Xie Heng suddenly spoke:

"Don't rejoice too soon, gentlemen. While Yan's sincerity is evident today, the greatest obstacle remains with us..."

Obstacle? What obstacle could remain?

They're delivering themselves and their land—fat meat to our mouths! What possible issue could we have?

Amidst the clamor, An Ning quietly sipped his tea. Hmm... the flavor was acceptable.

Before the generals could voice their questions, Xie Heng continued, glancing past the composed An Ning to address Prince Jin directly:

"Your Highness, by what authority will you accept a sovereign nation's pledge of allegiance?"

Silence instantly reclaimed the previously lively hall.