"Sit." Wang Yuan pointed to the stone stool opposite him.
Wei Ping straightened, hesitated for a moment, then sat on the stone stool.
He clasped his hands over his knees, his fingertips twisting the hem of his robe slightly. Before Wang Yuan could speak, he said, "Alliance Master, I know my sins are grave."
"First, after Cross Ridge, I surrendered to Xiao Jin, guarded the waterways for the Imperial Court, and blocked the allied army's supply routes.
"Then, after Xiao Jin died, I had the gall to come back and surrender again."
"Your willingness to accept me shows your generosity, Alliance Master."
"If you have any further conditions, please state them. I will agree to every one."
He spoke extremely quickly, as though he had rehearsed these words countless times in his mind.
Now he poured them all out in one breath, then lowered his head and waited for Wang Yuan's response.
Wang Yuan did not speak immediately.
He lifted his tea bowl and took a sip, his calm gaze resting on Wei Ping's face.
That gaze made Wei Ping's spine stiffen, but he dared not look away. He could only steel himself and remain seated.
"Sect Master Wei."
Wang Yuan finally spoke, his tone even.
"I will take all of it: your Bitao Sect's three thousand Water Troops, its dozens of warships, and the eight hundred li of waterways throughout Jadewater Marsh."
"You have no objection to Liu Canglan overseeing the Water Troops' training and deployment in your place, do you?"
"None."
Wei Ping gritted his teeth and hurriedly shook his head.
"Deputy Sect Master Liu is a member of the Bitao Sect to begin with. It is only right and proper for him to command the Water Troops."
"Half the granaries along the river will be placed at