A foster father bestowed the foundation for greatness; the new lord accepted the favor and understood the price.
"Thank you for your approval, Foster Father! Your son will certainly devote himself wholeheartedly and never disappoint the teachings of the past or the high hopes of today!" Erh suppressed the storm in his heart and hurriedly bowed, revealing just the right mix of excitement and gratitude.
The foundations Xu Kun had casually revealed made him even more certain that his choice had been correct and farsighted.
"No need to thank me yet." Xu Kun gave a slight wave of his hand. His tone remained calm, yet carried the composure of someone in complete control.
"This operation—pulling the Eight Wise Kings down from their pedestal and placing you in the position of Acting Tortoise Lord—is merely the beginning. You dared to enter the Huang Race's main camp alone, and your courage has already won recognition within the clan. If you can successfully settle this 'peace negotiation' and return with merit, only then will your prestige truly be established."
Erh's heart surged with emotion.
With Xu Kun, this "foster father," fully supporting him from the shadows, the seemingly impossible goal of "seeking peace" that he had promised the Princes and Marquises before the entire royal court now seemed within easy reach—almost inevitable.
This had always been a brilliant chess game of internal and external coordination.
From first proposing the strategic concept of the Wild Hunt Operation, to seemingly withdrawing into silence, then joining forces with the other princes at the crucial moment to force the issue, Erh had been able to drive the disgraced Eight Wise Kings step by step into resignation only because of Xu Kun's far-reaching schemes and secret guidance.
However, the Eight Wise Kings stepping down and Erh successfully becoming