Vol2 – Chapter 5 – A transaction

Vol2 – Chapter 5 – A transaction

The court officials were in an uproar. Only a few who had participated in the "Present Village" project knew the specifics, while the majority of the officials questioned Meng Qingzhou's appointment as the commander-in-chief of the three armies.

As the court meeting dispersed, the officials walked along the imperial path, discussing fervently.

An elderly cabinet member, with white hair and leaning on a cane, loudly rebuked:

"I acknowledge Minister Meng's achievements and his position as Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, but this battle concerns the fate of the nation. How can it be treated as child's play? Minister Meng has no experience in commanding troops. How can he be appointed as the commander-in-chief?"

Jiang Canghai, the Sea Prince, nodded slightly and echoed, "Your Majesty has too much faith in Minister Meng. Commanding an army is not just theoretical. No matter how intelligent he is, without battlefield experience and countless failures, how can he achieve greatness in one battle?"

Some even whispered:

"It can only be said that Minister Meng's beauty strategy has succeeded greatly. The Empress has been blinded by love."

Meng Qingzhou, trailing at the end of the crowd, walked slowly with a blind cane, ignoring the officials' words as if he hadn't heard them.

In truth...

Not only the officials but even Meng Qingzhou himself wanted to say, "Your Majesty, are you out of your mind?"

It's not that he lacked confidence, but he was self-aware. No one is perfect. Meng Qingzhou had never read military books, nor had he been on a battlefield. He didn't understand military strategy, let alone commanding the three armies and coordinating a million troops in a war that determined the nation's fate.

As the officials bid farewell, each sighing and no longer as spirited as before, Meng Qingzhou walked alone on the imperial path, maintaining his silence.

Until...

At the end of the imperial path, Dongfang Liuli, in a plain white dress, holding an oil-paper umbrella, smiled charmingly as she looked at him.

"What's wrong? The grand commander-in-chief looks so troubled. That's not a good sign."

Meng Qingzhou was surprised, "You already know?"

Dongfang Liuli approached Meng Qingzhou, covering both of them with the umbrella, and they walked side by side, leaning on each other.

"Of course," Dongfang Liuli smiled lightly, "because I'll be going too, serving as your advisor to help you with strategies."

Upon hearing this, Meng Qingzhou frowned, feeling a bit displeased.

Seeing this, Dongfang Liuli's heart skipped a beat, knowing that Salted Fish Meng was again inwardly cursing the Empress. She quickly explained:

"Don't misunderstand! It has nothing to do with the Empress!"

Suddenly.

A voice transmitted into Dongfang Liuli's ear, "Are you struggling with how to restore the Empress's image?"

"None of your business." Dongfang Liuli knew who it was as soon as she heard the voice and retorted without hesitation.

Already in a bad mood, this demoness came to add to her troubles.

"Don't worry, since we made a pact, I won't break my word. I'm here to help you." Qiong stood on a mountain peak outside the Imperial Capital, looking forlorn, and continued to transmit her voice.

"Help me? Are you so kind?" Dongfang Liuli was skeptical.

Standing on the peak, Qiong looked up at the sky helplessly and honestly said, "Of course, there's no such thing as a free lunch. I'll help you, but you have to help me too."

"Let's hear it." Dongfang Liuli showed a bit of interest.

Qiong transmitted, "I... can't find Sword Saint Grandfather. He seems to have disappeared. Isn't Meng Qingzhou the Sword Saint Grandfather's master? He must know where Grandfather is. Help me find Grandfather, and I'll help you restore the Empress's image. How about that?"

Dongfang Liuli hesitated. She had always been strong and relied only on herself, never depending on others.

But this time, she really didn't know how to restore the Empress's image in Salted Fish's heart.

"Hesitating? Then I'll make a further concession. I'll help you win this war!" Qiong decided resolutely.

After a moment.

Dongfang Liuli had to nod with difficulty and transmitted, "I agree to your request. However, I never take advantage of others. If you truly help me win the war, I don't mind announcing to the world and giving your foreign tribe a piece of unclaimed land to settle."

"If you help me restore the Empress's image, I'll not only help you find the Space-Time Sword Saint but also bring him to see you!"

"Deal." Qiong's voice gradually faded until it disappeared.

A deal concerning the Sword Saint and the Empress's Husband was made right in front of Meng Qingzhou.

Meanwhile, Meng Qingzhou pushed open the gate of the Qin residence, greeted by Big Yellow Dog's enthusiastic pounce, and took out a pack of immortal-grade dog food...

Immediately, the Qin residence echoed with the Sunlight Lord's earth-shattering howls!

"Woof woof woof!"

It's New Year, it's New Year!