Prince Yan La understood what Nalan Youci meant. If they contacted Xia and weren't willing to surrender, they had to prepare for their next move—and act fast. They couldn't wait until Xia began its attack before making a move of their own. By then, it would be too late.
Knowing the situation was urgent, he asked gravely, "Youci, what do you think we should do next?"
Nalan Youci's gaze had been fixed on the map of Liyang. At Prince Yan La's question, he pointed to Eastern Yue and said, "We can't wait any longer. We have to send our troops out quickly and seize several prefectures in Eastern Yue."
Prince Yan La paused, then asked uncertainly, "Are we really going to do that? Then we'll have to face King Guangling. Lu Shengxiang, his right-hand man, won't be easy to deal with."
Nalan Youci replied unconcernedly, "However difficult he is to deal with, he's still easier than Wang Yue."
Prince Yan La frowned, unwilling to accept it. "But if King Guangling and I fight until we're both badly weakened, won't that just help Xia?"
Nalan Youci shook his head, his expression grave. "Huishan is over there!"
Prince Yan La froze, then asked doubtfully, "I'm not sure I understand. Huishan controls the waterways across the realm, but surely it wouldn't be wise to offend King Guangling for Huishan's sake."
Nalan Youci shook his head, his expression still solemn. "We don't necessarily have to oppose King Guangling. We could join forces with him. Once we've eliminated the other vassal kings, our armies can unite and surround Huishan."
Prince Yan La noticed Nalan Youci's gaze remained fixed on Huishan. Frowning, he asked, "I still don't understand what we'd gain by doing that."
Seeing that Prince Yan La didn't understand, Nalan Youci smiled and explained,