The Miscellaneous School officials wore exceedingly complicated expressions.
In truth, they were the last people who wanted to take part in these negotiations.
Some Miscellaneous School officials even cursed Cao Dean inwardly. Everyone usually called him a figure molded from mud and pasted paper, yet whenever he helped Fang Yun, he worked harder than anyone and proved more cunning than the rest.
Huang Zongyu coughed lightly and said, "This humble official disagrees with Prime Minister Cao. Although we are people of Jing Kingdom, we also belong to the Miscellaneous School. Once we encounter a Great Scholar of the Miscellaneous School, we will inevitably be cowed by him and suffer for it. If the other side holds the Miscellaneous School's Sacred Canon, wouldn't we have to prostrate ourselves in worship? Therefore, if peace talks are held, Miscellaneous School officials may at most help devise strategies. We cannot take charge of the proceedings."
"Could Void Sage Fang preside over this matter?" a prefect of the Miscellaneous School asked cautiously.
Everyone looked toward the prefect. He belonged to the imperial faction.
Sheng Boyuan agreed. "I think that would be excellent. Void Sage Fang is a true all-round talent, knowing the classics of the Hundred Schools like the palm of his hand. He can summon Heavenly Flowers Cascading with whatever passage he casually draws upon, and his eloquence is unrivaled. He is indeed the best person to preside over these peace talks."
Everyone looked toward Fang Yun.
Fang Yun, however, said blandly, "I am overseeing the reforms and cannot spare the time. Moreover, I am gravely ill and unfit for exhausting journeys. Will the people of the Miscellaneous School come to Jing Kingdom?"
Sheng Boyuan immediately felt helpless. The Miscellaneous School now held the initiative and would never come to Jing Kingdom.
"Then may