Chi Hengji's words exploded like a thunderclap among the envoys from Goryeo.
"What did you say?"
Wu Cu hurriedly asked.
"Isn't it obvious? The Nine-Link Puzzle may be broken, but hasn't it also been taken apart?"
Chi Hengji pointed at the pile of fragments again.
The Goryeo envoys' minds promptly crashed. That... actually seemed to be true.
At that moment, Mao Qiantao slapped his own hand and said with a hint of chagrin:
"Oh dear, it's all this damned hand's fault! Of all the times it could have slipped, it had to slip right then. I'm terribly sorry for accidentally breaking your Nine-Link Puzzle."
"But really, what a coincidence! I was starting to think you Goryeo fellows would win this round. Ah, seems Heaven just isn't on your side!"
Mao Qiantao continued, twisting the knife.
[Pfft, hahahaha! Well smashed, General Mao! I thought I'd have to step up myself! Looks like I can carry on being the mascot after all!]
Jiang Nuan watched the scene, laughing in delight.
Indeed, Mao Qiantao had specifically volunteered for the task. He was not trying to claim credit, but worried that the Goryeo envoys would hold a grudge against Jiang Nuan.
As for him? After so many years of campaigning and fighting, plenty of people held grudges against him. He was not afraid!
After hearing Mao Qiantao's infuriating remarks, the Goryeo envoys glared furiously at him, looking ready to rush forward and attack. Then they compared their fighting strength with his and could only retreat in disgruntlement.
As though he felt his words were not provoking enough, Mao Qiantao continued:
"Ah, how can you Goryeo fellows be so unlucky? You almost won! Now Great Xia only needs to win one more round to claim the city you're giving us. Delivering a city from a