The Strategist said, "Your Highness, you should make a decision soon. Then we will know how to plan and scheme on your behalf."
King Tiechi stared at Lu Chengwen. "For many years, I have gathered talented men from all under heaven, yet I alone missed this Lu Chengwen. Heh. Who would have thought that such a figure would emerge from a merchant family?"
The Strategist made his stance clear with all his might. "Precisely because of that, his value is tremendous. In winning him over, Tianwu has already seized every advantage; the Jiang family has even formed an alliance of blood ties with him, and the other great families also..."
Dao Lao said, "Alliances are the least reliable. The Jiang family drew close to him, and now its destruction is right before its eyes; the Tianwu Clan is about to be forcibly dragged into the battlefield by him. That Tianwu Old Ancestor was lured by Lu Chengwen with profit, and the entire clan is being ordered around by Lu Chengwen..."
The Strategist disagreed and retorted:
"Though Lu Chengwen will not share one heart with the Iron Red Army, he can serve as the Iron Red Army's friend. For him to throw his life in for the Jiang family without hesitation at a time like this shows a pure and sincere heart. That is rare and precious."
Dao Lao said, "I am not refuting the Strategist's view. I am merely stating the facts. Both sides have pros and cons. No matter what decision Your Highness makes, you must consider what comes afterward."
King Tiechi said, "Lu Chengwen is going to lose."
Jiang Shang and Song Sheng Chaoying had already fought to the point of no retreat, neither willing to stop until one of them died.
Neither man held any trump