Besides the noble title, there were many other rewards.
But all of those were secondary to Wei Qingping. He stared at Yue Qiu and asked, "Are there troops?"
"Troops?"
Yue Qiu froze.
Wei Qingping stepped forward and asked in a deep voice, "Yes! Troops. I want troops! Can Great Song give me troops?"
"Without troops, never mind making me Duke of An State—even making me King of the Western Regions would be useless!"
"This land has long refused imperial rule. Tribes crowd every corner, and religious factions are fierce. An Imperial Edict alone is less useful than the melons growing in the fields. At least melons can quench your thirst."
"Well said."
The Verdant Green Maiden voiced her agreement.
Wang Yande's brow creased slightly. He stepped forward and said, "Regarding that..."
"Yes!"
Yue Qiu answered outright.
At his words, both Wang Yande and the Verdant Green Maiden turned toward him in surprise.
Wang Yande's expression immediately became one of astonishment.
"Marquis, this..."
Yue Qiu stepped forward, looked straight at Wei Qingping, and said, "The Great Song Imperial Guard is stationed in the Hexi Corridor right now. Both Yang Pass and Yumen Pass are in our hands!"
"Whenever you need them, Protector-General, the Great Song Imperial Guard can cross the Two Passes and enter the Western Regions to assist the Pacified West Protectorate!"
"Truly?"
Excitement stirred across Wei Qingping's face.
Yue Qiu nodded.
"Absolutely!"
"Good. Wonderful!"
Wei Qingping paced back and forth in excitement. Even his hands trembled slightly.
He seized Yue Qiu's hand.
"Marquis of Lantian, so long as Great Song supports us in reclaiming our lost lands, the Pacified West Grand Protectorate will recognize Great Song's legitimate rule!"
"Good!"
Yue Qiu immediately nodded in agreement.
Wang Yande wanted to say more, but the atmosphere clearly left no room for