"Li Si!"
"State Preceptor!"
Alone together in a secluded spot in the rear courtyard of Purple Orchid Pavilion, Qing Mo held a Huazi between his lips and once again lifted his eyes toward Li Si beside him.
"How is that matter coming along?"
"You've been wrangling with Han State's higher-ups for several days now, haven't you? Have you reached any conclusions?"
At the question, Li Si immediately straightened, his expression turning solemn.
"I have failed to handle the matter efficiently. I have taken too long and let you down, State Preceptor!"
"Whenever I went to reason with Han State's higher-ups these past few days, my senior brother was there to mediate. We made little headway!"
"However, just as you anticipated, Han State refused to give up that iron mine and rejected the demand on the spot!"
"I have now moved on to negotiating the cession of all of Nanyang as compensation!"
"Thanks to your display of divine might, Han Wang An was thoroughly terrified. He still cannot decide whether to agree or refuse!"
"However, to minimize Han State's losses, my senior brother proposed at court that they capture Tian Ze and the other Baiyue remnants, then hand them over for you to deal with as you see fit. They hope this will soothe your anger and secure a reduction in compensation!"
Qing Mo listened to Li Si's report. Since handing the matter over to him, he had paid it no further attention whatsoever.
He had already laid out his bottom line. A job well done deserved a reward; a job poorly done deserved punishment. There was nothing more to say.
"My bottom line hasn't changed. I must have half of Nanyang!"
"Yes! Rest assured, State Preceptor. I will make Han State cede territory to secure peace!"
"One more thing! You