In Ji City, Liu Acheng was doing his best to keep his tail tucked between his legs and play the envoy.
Murong Ke had already given him an answer, agreeing in principle to the talent exchange plan. Those in Youzhou would gather in Fanyang after the new year, while those in Jizhou and Sizhou (the wealthiest part of southwestern Hebei had belonged to Sizhou under the Western Jin) would assemble around Yecheng. That meant the date and route of their return were roughly settled. Huan Wen's letter had also been delivered, meaning both the greatest, most essential purpose of his journey and its nominal purpose had been accomplished.
All he had to do now was stay out of trouble and leave peacefully, and the assignment Huan Wen had suddenly dumped on him would count as a complete success.
What more did he need Liaodong horses for?
If Murong Chui suddenly insisted on giving them to him, he might as well accept. Murong Chui would even have to thank him for helping persuade Murong Ke.
But Murong Ke was so magnanimous and reasonable that he hardly needed persuading. He had known from the beginning that Murong Chui ranked third or fourth among the Murong Xianbei, and certainly no lower than fifth. Once he made up his mind about this marriage, no one could stop him, nor was there any reason to.
As for who would go south, Liu Cheng had no room to comment at all. He did not know any of them, nor could he run out of Jixian to meet this person or that and negotiate. Whoever came, he would simply take them.
Murong Ke had even made thoroughly appropriate arrangements for the enthronement ceremony, sparing Liu Cheng from attending as a clown.
So why should he not behave