Competition

General Zhesu disliked scheming. He had spent time at the Dragon Court and loathed the deceit and intrigue there. In his eyes, Old King Yue Zhu had not only died amid chaos and assassination; he had also fallen victim to countless plots.

The person backed by the Naihang Tribe would become the new Khan King, and one of King Yue Zhu's sons would regain his title. There was no need to hide that. General Zhesu had decided to hold an open negotiation.

Little Yanzhi had been invited and sat in the seat of honor, symbolizing the authority of the Old Khan King. Dozens of generals had been invited to listen in as witnesses to the negotiation. Shulitu and Dudun sat opposite each other, their physiques and expressions starkly mismatched.

General Zhesu and Duoercha stood between them, warmly greeting every guest. They gesticulated wildly, like two actors about to begin a performance.

Li Man had accompanied Dudun to the negotiation. He bowed respectfully to his father, but General Zhesu was cool toward him and him alone. He gave a brief grunt, then hurried to greet the next guest.

Gu Shenwei mingled with the generals, not to avoid suspicion, but to observe the negotiations from another angle. Shangguan Ru had planted doubts in his mind. From time to time, he glanced at Little Yanzhi, wondering whether her proposal had tempted him too much, leading him straight into a trap.

Little Yanzhi sat upright and proper. She knew her position at that moment was symbolic, not one of power. Saying nothing was the best way to play her part.

Fang Wenshi had changed into Northern Court attire and sat beside Shulitu. He would advise the young prince, then announce at the most opportune moment that Shulitu intended to marry Little Yanzhi.

Seeing that