Chapter 751: Equal footing, wolves oversee the Central Plains

Unlike the tense You and Liang Provinces, where war loomed, Lingzhou, as the backyard of Beiliang, remained peaceful in this season of sprouting willow branches. Many handsome young men and beautiful women were out picnicking, while children joyfully flew kites. Wealthy families' children even strung colorful lanterns onto their kite strings. Near their courtyard, no fewer than ten kites danced in the sky. The children's laughter imperceptibly diffused the tension between the two groups meeting, though Xu Fengnian's unexpected opening remark seemed somewhat out of place.

Xie Xie from Spring Post Cottage, known as the most enchanting woman in Western Shu for twenty years, first appeared on the Rouge List at fourteen, renowned for her "skin like mutton-fat jade and hands like lotus buds." A decade later, she again topped the list. Although her true age was twenty-six, she still looked like a sweet sixteen-year-old maiden. Xie Xie's figure, like most women from Shu, was slender and delicate, with an exceptionally thin waist. Her skin was particularly fair, earning her the nickname "Moon Palace Immortal." Countless men from Shu dreamed of her. Even Xu Fengnian, far away in Beiliang, had heard that the Imperial Commissioner of Western Shu had coveted her for a long time. Had Chen Zhibao not become a vassal in Western Shu and a regular guest at Spring Post Cottage, Xie Xie might have become a caged bird in the Imperial Commissioner's residence after Xie Lingzhen died by Xu Fengnian's hand by Spring God Lake that year.

After teasing Xie Xie, Xu Fengnian led his horse forward. He didn't immediately look at the white-robed man standing in the middle of the three at the entrance. Instead, his gaze fell upon Xie Guanying, who resembled a middle-aged scholar. Xie Guanying, whose courtesy name was Shuyang and alias Feiyu, was once acclaimed alongside Li Yishan as "Xie of the North, Li of the South," together evaluating the elegance of the Spring and Autumn period. Of course, what most intrigued Xu Fengnian was not this man's grand feats of "capturing jiaolong to nurture true dragons," but rather his identity as White Fox Face's father. For reasons unknown, White Fox Face had claimed his father was dead and had taken the surname Nangong instead of Xie, which was undoubtedly a difficult and confusing matter.

In Xu Fengnian's view, only a select few in the Liyang Dynasty could be considered characters blessed with destiny. Emperor Zhao Zhuan was certainly one. Then there was Chen Zhibao, strongly supported by Xie Guanying, residing in a corner of Western Shu, eyeing the Central Plains. He had now successfully swayed Prince Su Su and the old scholar Zhao Dingxiu, who were originally aligned with Beiliang, and with Nanzhao's backing, his power was well-established, simply awaiting a change in circumstances. Xu Fengnian surmised the reason for Chen Zhibao's meeting: the third figure with the potential to ascend the throne was Zhao Zhu, the Prince Yan's heir, who was once a small beggar. Thus, the unfolding situation bore a striking resemblance to Emperor Zhao Dun's "Eight Dragons vying for the throne" years ago. Beiliang, without direct involvement, could play a pivotal role. For Chen Zhibao to legitimately expand beyond Western Shu, he would inevitably leverage the Western Chu restoration movement, aiming to be the one who captures the Western Chu capital before the Southern Frontier army. Beiliang, in this matter, would play a crucial role, capable of "spoiling things if not achieving them." If Xu Fengnian was determined to tie up Western Shu's forces, Zhao Zhu's chances of success would far outweigh Chen Zhibao's. Of course, Western Shu was not here to humbly seek favors; rather, they sought a hidden exchange. As long as Beiliang did not hinder Western Shu's entry into the Central Plains, it was assumed that Western Shu would not incite trouble in Beiliang's backyard during the Liang-Mang War. This required mutual understanding between Shu and Liang. If both agreed, it would be a win-win. However, if either Xu Fengnian or Chen Zhibao refused to concede even a single step, then after today, both sides would completely break ties, engaging in an endless struggle. Beiliang would face enemies on two fronts, while Western Shu would miss its opportune moment, forfeiting its prime initiative in the Central Plains' struggle, perhaps leading to an awkward situation where one step delayed meant every step delayed.

This transaction could very likely determine the fate of the entire Central Plains, and even the surname of the ruling family of the world. Otherwise, given Chen Zhibao's temperament, why would he return to Beiliang to proactively meet Xu Fengnian? More likely, it was Xie Guanying who orchestrated and barely persuaded the "White-Robed War Saint" to travel from Shu to Liang.

Xie Xie was indeed likely Chen Zhibao's confidante, deeply aware of the meeting's significance. Thus, even when Xu Fengnian's teasing made her furious, delivering a hard blow to her core, she still managed to maintain her composure.

The group entered the opulent Jiangnan-style residence. Xu Fengnian and Chen Zhibao walked side-by-side at the front, followed by Tantai Pingjing and Xie Xie, with Xie Guanying and Xu Yanbing bringing up the rear. Huyan Daguan and Tiemu Die'er did not accompany them. Huyan Daguan declared that it didn't look like an immediate fight was brewing, and he needed to purchase some peculiar trinkets for his wife and daughter in the streets of this large northern Lingzhou city. With that, the grandmaster of Northern Mang martial arts simply departed. In fact, on this trip to Lingzhou, Huyan Daguan had already made it clear to Xu Fengnian back on Qingliang Mountain that he would not kill for Beiliang, but if Xu Fengnian's life were ever in danger, he would intervene to save him. Xu Fengnian, naturally, did not demand anything more. For martial artists of Huyan Daguan's caliber, who were remarkably close to Wang Xianzhi's realm, unless burdened by significant attachments like Xu Yanbing or Cao Changqing, none truly cared about the state of the world. For instance, Deng Tai'a, despite having a familial connection to Xu Fengnian, was equally unwilling and disdainful of getting involved in the trajectory of the Liang-Mang War. Sui Xiegua was much the same; his lingering presence in Beiliang was likely, at its core, merely a desire to occasionally show his face near Tantai Pingjing and provoke a scolding.

Setting aside the delicate Xie Xie, Beiliang's side comprised Xu Fengnian, whose cultivation was damaged, Xu Yanbing, who was "only half a step away," and Tantai Pingjing, the foremost Qi practitioner. On Western Shu's side were Chen Zhibao, whose transcendence into sainthood was uncertain, and Xie Guanying, who topped the "Terrestrial Immortals" scroll.

They should be evenly matched.

The six settled into the quiet courtyard. Xie Xie, a woman who had twice appeared on the Rouge List, truly possessed many commendable "unique skills." Among them was her tea brewing, known as "Feathered Ascension Tea." Xie Xie's hands already held the reputation of being as beautiful as lotus buds, and she was an expert in the tea ceremony. Countless Taoist masters in Shu praised her tea, describing it as "subtly elegant and pure, with a high and tranquil resonance, drinking it brings a cool breeze to the armpits, as if one is ascending to immortality." The tea Xie Xie was brewing at that moment was the Spring God Tea, a prized pre-Qingming tea. The tea vessels and implements she had brought from Spring Post Cottage, scattered about, numbered as many as eighteen, likely the priceless "Eighteen Scholars" set. Even Xu Fengnian had to admit that the Western Shu woman's tea preparation was indeed delightful to behold; every gesture and movement exuded charm. Most importantly, it embodied a sense of quietude and self-forgetfulness, which was why the Taoists of Western Shu held her in such high esteem.

Xie Guanying was the first to take a sip of tea. After setting his cup down, he broke the silence, foregoing any perfunctory pleasantries and directly addressing the core issue. "Cao Changqing is well aware that Western Chu must launch a decisive push all the way to Tai'an City and cannot afford to lose a single battle, otherwise the entire situation in Guangling Road will rapidly deteriorate. Currently, the Madao formation, developed from the Great Halberd Warriors, has surfaced, and several main field cavalry units have also appeared. Excluding their 60,000 naval forces, Western Chu has 170,000 land troops, which, on the surface, appears evenly matched against the imperial army led by Lu Shengxiang in the north, and the 100,000 troops from the Southern Frontier. However, war is never merely a battle of numbers on paper; Zhao Bing's Southern Frontier army is, on the whole, far superior in combat power to Western Chu's."

Xu Fengnian took a sip of tea, finding it truly refreshing. He twirled the rim of his cup with two fingers and smiled faintly. "The situation remains balanced. Cao Changqing's navy will certainly annex Prince Guangling Zhao Yi's fleet. Once merged, the Guangling River, under the control of the Guangling navy, will significantly impede the advance of the Southern Frontier army. Xie Xichui, with his 170,000 Western Chu troops, has a strong chance of victory against Lu Shengxiang's numerically inferior forces. The key then lies in whether the Qingzhou navy can help the Southern Frontier forces cross that natural chasm. Otherwise, Cao Changqing will march straight to Tai'an City, and Gu Jiantang's Liang-Liao border army will also seize the opportunity to move south... This is also the underlying reason why Taiping Ling instructed the two easternmost Nabos of Northern Mang to feign weakness against Yuan Tingshan of Jibei. In this rapidly evolving situation, from the imperial court's perspective, all forces apart from Gu Jiantang are distant water that cannot quench immediate thirst."

Xie Guanying, seemingly composed and confident, calmly shook his head. "The Qingzhou navy might not be as weak as you think, and Lu Shengxiang is certainly no ordinary man."

Xu Fengnian gazed at the middle-aged man with frost-white temples, momentarily lost in thought. He truly was White Fox Face's father; even at his age, he still possessed a charm that captivated women. In terms of outstanding demeanor, it seemed only the Grand Official Cao Changqing could truly contend with him. The saying "scholarship brings an air of refinement" was indeed no falsehood. In contrast, true martial artists like the Old Man in Sheepskin, Deng Tai'a, and Huyan Daguan, were miles behind. Of course, in his youth, Old Li was peerless in the world, both as a swordsman and as a man.

Xie Guanying, facing such a young prince so openly lost in thought, couldn't help but chuckle. He glanced at the perpetually calm white-robed man beside him, thinking, *No wonder Zhao Changling chose him, with the surname Chen, back then, rather than the heir with the surname Xu.*

Xu Fengnian offered an apologetic smile, then asked curiously, "It's not surprising that you had early plans for the Qingzhou navy. But if I'm not mistaken, Lu Shengxiang's departure from Guangling Spring Snow Tower was at Yuan Benxi's behest. Will he agree to yield the merit of entering the city when the time comes? That would determine whether Lu Shengxiang can transform from a Liyang Grand General into the Minister of War. After all, in future dynasties, the title of Grand General will merely be a pleasant-sounding one, while a Minister holding actual power will be the truly coveted position."

Xie Guanying smiled and countered, "Even if Lu Shengxiang desires to become the Beiliang King who once unified the Central Plains in a single stroke, can he achieve it merely by wishing? Furthermore, times have changed. Even if he successfully besieges the city, he will then have to busy himself with a conflict against the young prince of the Southern Frontier, a struggle where both sides stand to lose, allowing others to benefit."

Xie Xie keenly observed that the man she admired had subtly furrowed his brow.

While brewing tea, she could lose herself, yet ultimately, she could not forget him.

Most women in the world are like this: no matter how transcendent or ethereal they may seem, there is always one man who brings them back to the mortal realm, making them willing to serve him with their own hands and adorn his life with grace.

Xu Fengnian chuckled softly. "So, it seems Emperor Zhao Dun died too soon, otherwise, Mr. Xie wouldn't need to be so troubled."

Xie Guanying nodded. "If the late Emperor were still alive, I would not be in Lingzhou right now, but serving with the Qingzhou navy."

Everyone knew that Zhao Dun held Chen Zhibao in high regard. Naturally, if Zhao Dun had not died, he would never have gently refused Chen Zhibao's 'mere' ten thousand troops from Shu for quelling the rebellion, unlike the current Emperor Zhao Zhuan.

For two successive emperors of the Zhao dynasty, some matters were passed down, such as Zhao Zhuan's treatment of Beiliang, mirroring his predecessor. He consistently aimed to deplete Beiliang's military strength as much as possible, all while ensuring Central Plains' stability. Otherwise, as long as the Xu family of Beiliang remained, the attempt to reduce the vassal states would be a complete joke. However, other matters subtly changed course. For instance, their attitude toward Chen Zhibao, the King of Shu. Zhao Dun held an almost obsessive trust and admiration for him; as a self-proclaimed enlightened emperor, he reveled in the sentiment of "having an unparalleled general in the nation, at my beck and call." Zhao Zhuan, on the other hand, shifted to apprehension and suspicion.

Xie Guanying, who had previously spoken gently as if reuniting with an old friend, shook his head, declining Xie Xie's offer to pour more tea. His demeanor abruptly changed, and his tone grew colder. "Earlier, the King of Shu and I simulated the war situation in Beiliang. If we were to evaluate Your Highness as an ordinary official, you would only be considered below average. Had Your Highness not built a great city south of Beizhongzhong in Liangzhou, you wouldn't even rank that high."

Xu Fengnian smiled, remaining silent.

Xie Guanying continued, "Beiliang's best strategy is to achieve victory in one decisive battle, relying solely on its more than 100,000 elite field cavalry, the finest in the world!"

Xu Fengnian, his expression unchanged, asked, "Mr. Xie, are you suggesting that Northern Mang's million-strong army should all be stationed north of Tiger Head City in Liangzhou, effectively reenacting a Battle of West Leibi?"

Xie Guanying simply smiled without speaking.

Xie Xie, serving as mere embellishment, felt a slight surprise. This hateful young prince wasn't so foolish after all. Mr. Xie wasn't deliberately exaggerating; he and the man beside her had conducted an all-night sand table simulation. However, the premise of that simulation was his presence at Beiliang's helm, not this young man named Xu overseeing the situation. Under that premise, Northern Mang would never dare to split its forces and pressure the entire front; it would only, and could only, stake everything on a single, decisive battle, making a grand gamble against Beiliang—or, more precisely, against him and Chen Zhibao, who remained silent beside Xie Xie. Mr. Xie played the role of Dong Zhuo, while Chen Zhibao was the Beiliang defender. Both sides deployed troops and made strategic moves, very similar to the original Battle of West Leibi. Both sides continuously suffered casualties and brought in reinforcements, competing to see who would collapse first. Ultimately, despite Mr. Xie's utmost efforts, he lost to Beiliang, which was left with only thirty thousand cavalry and its entire infantry annihilated. In that astonishing theoretical battle, Liu Province, You Province, and Ling Province were merely spectators. All the brutal, cunning, and spectacular battles occurred only north of Liangzhou. But this was merely the opening move of that simulation, not even reaching the mid-game. The next stage would see Beiliang force the severely weakened Northern Mang to turn its focus towards Liang-Liao. Beiliang would transform from Liyang's vanguard into a "leisurely" power with several years to recuperate. After integrating the refugees from Liu Province, they would form alliances, quickly clear a path through the Western Regions, and absorb Western Shu and Nanzhao. In a new three-way standoff, Liyang and Northern Mang would continually wear each other down, while Beiliang, after regrouping, would swiftly recover its strength to command 150,000 pure cavalry. Nanzhao and Western Shu would then raise over 150,000 infantry, re-entering the struggle for the world with a total force of 300,000. Xie Xie had observed the simulation, and as the mid-game neared its conclusion, she had assumed that he would exploit the weakness, lead his army directly to Tai'an City, and, after establishing himself as the legitimate ruler of the Central Plains, finally engage Northern Mang in a decisive battle in the endgame. However, he proved her wrong. At that time, he chose to advance north from both Liangzhou and Jizhou, first conquering Northern Mang's Southern Dynasty before coveting the Central Plains. Ultimately, after becoming the co-ruler of six vast territories—Beiliang, the Southern Dynasty, the Western Regions, Western Shu, and Nanzhao—he would, from a commanding position, directly bypass Gu Jiantang's already heavily damaged Liang-Liao defenses, engage the Liyang army in battle within Huainan Road, and then move south to Guangling Road, completely disregarding Tai'an City. Only then would he fight the Southern Frontier army. By that point, whether Gu Jiantang's Liang-Liao border army fought or not would be irrelevant to the overall situation.

Xie Xie smiled happily. *You, Xu Fengnian, can probably only grasp the opening moves of that simulation. How could you ever guess the breathtaking mid-game and endgame that followed?*

Then she was stunned. She heard that fellow smilingly ask, "According to Mr. Xie's simulation rules, wouldn't Gu Jiantang have to serve as Minister of War for the new dynasty for another twenty years?"

Tantai Pingjing glanced at Xie Xie, and the grandmaster Qi practitioner also smiled.

The King of Shu, who had seemed completely detached until now, finally looked directly at Xu Fengnian, the Beiliang King whom Chen Zhibao had observed growing little by little over many years with a detached gaze.

Xie Guanying raised a hand, and Xie Xie immediately poured more tea. He smiled as he took a sip.

The tea, it seemed, now truly revealed its flavor.

Only in this way could they be considered, begrudgingly, equals.

Before this moment, Xie Guanying had not considered Xu Fengnian a true opponent at all.