The waste prince is so fierce

Zhao Renfan's words made Chen Shou think deeply. He stopped talking and just stared at the southern barbarian army under the city.

At the same time, in another place in Jiangning City, Li Quan also received a report from the spies, and learned that the three major tribes of the Southern Barbarians had united and that envoys were about to arrive.

"Oh? The envoys from the Southern Barbarians are coming?"

Li Quan put down the book in his hand and raised his brows slightly, "This is good news. I was just trying to understand their movements."

Zhang Hu, who was standing by, heard this and said after a moment's silence: "Your Highness, this may be a test. We must be careful in dealing with it."

"Testing?"

Li Quan sneered, "Then let them test it out and see if they test me or I test them."

……

Not long after, Gongyang Guda, the envoy of the Southern Barbarians, arrived in Jiangning City.

He was dressed in a rough animal skin and his hair looked like it hadn't been washed in a month.

However, when he looked up and saw the towering walls of Jiangning City and the defenders who were ready for battle, his heart couldn't help but tighten.

Gong Yang Guda took a deep breath, adjusted his mentality, and then strode towards the city gate.

He handed over his business card, stating his identity and purpose.

The commander at the city gate looked at the name card, then looked at the ram bone for a few more times, and then sent someone to report to Li Quan.

Soon, Li Quan sent people to welcome Gong Yang Guda into the city.

In the government office of Jiangning City, Li Quan sat in the main seat, looking at Gong Yang Guda who was standing respectfully below, with a playful smile on his face.

"Are you the messenger of the Nanman?"

Li Quan asked calmly.

"Exactly."

Gong Yang Guda bowed and said, "On behalf of the leaders of the three major tribes of the Southern Barbarians, I would like to express my respect to the honorable Ninth Prince."

"Oh? Respect?"

Li Quan chuckled, "You southern barbarians do know how to behave. But I'm curious, what is your purpose for coming here this time?"

Gong Yang Gu straightened up and said seriously: "We, the three southern barbarian tribes, hope to coexist peacefully with Da Kang and jointly develop this land."

"Peaceful coexistence?"

Li Quan raised his eyebrows, "You southern barbarians have always lived by plundering, but now you come to talk to me about peaceful coexistence? This seems a bit ridiculous."

Gong Yang Gu Da's expression changed slightly, but he quickly regained his composure:

"Your Highness, you are joking. Although we, the southern barbarians, have engaged in plundering in the past, we have now turned over a new leaf. We hope to coexist peacefully with Jiangning City and develop together."

"Return from evil to righteousness?"

Li Quan sneered, "You southern barbarians are naturally plundering and killing. Do you want me to believe that you will mend your ways? Unless the sun rises from the west."

Gong Yang Guda was choked by Li Quan's words.

He took a deep breath and tried to remain calm as he said, "Your Highness, we the Southern Barbarians did make mistakes. However, no one is perfect. We have now realized our mistakes and are determined to correct them. Can't Your Highness give us a chance to make amends?"

Upon hearing this, Li Quan looked at Gong Yang Guda deeply, secretly admiring the eloquence and adaptability of this southern barbarian envoy.

He was silent for a moment, then slowly said:

"It's not impossible for you to coexist peacefully. But I have a few conditions."

Hearing Li Quan's words, Gong Yang Guda was delighted and said quickly, "Your Highness, please let me know."

"First, you must stop all looting and promise not to invade Jiangning City's territory again."

Li Quan raised a finger and said, "Second, you need to pay tribute to Jiangning City with certain materials to show your sincerity. Third, I need your intelligence inside Nanman, including but not limited to the strength, movements and resource distribution of each tribe."

After Gong Yanggu inquired about Li Quan's conditions, he fell into deep thought.

Although these conditions are harsh, they are not unacceptable.

After all, it is good for them to coexist peacefully with Jiangning City. Moreover, if they can take this opportunity to understand the strength and trends of Jiangning City, it will also be helpful for their future actions.

Thinking of this, Gong Yang Gu Da raised his head and looked at Li Quan: "Your Highness, we can accept your conditions. However, the specific details of the tribute and information exchange still need further discussion."

"It's natural."

Li Quan nodded, "I will send someone to discuss these matters with you in detail. I hope that our cooperation can be pleasant and long-lasting."

After Gong Yang Guda left, Li Quan fell into deep thought.

Zhang Hu stood aside and saw Li Quan's thoughtful expression. He couldn't help but ask, "Your Highness, do you think there is something fishy about the Nanman's show of weakness this time?"

Li Quan came back to his senses and said calmly, "I was thinking that this southern barbarian envoy Gongyang Guda may seem rough, but he is actually very scheming. I'm afraid his purpose in coming here is not just to seek peace."

Zhang Hu's expression froze when he heard this: "Your Highness means..."

"The southern barbarians are cunning and changeable. We have to be on guard."

Li Quan said, with a cold light flashing in his eyes, "Send the order to strengthen the city defense and closely monitor the movements of the Nanman army. Also, send someone to secretly investigate the details of Gong Yang Gu Da. I want to know the real purpose of his trip."

"Yes!"

Zhang Hu took the order and left.

Li Quan pondered for a moment, then stood up and walked to the map in the study, carefully examining the border line between Nanman and Dakang.

He knew that the southern barbarians' request for peace this time was most likely a delaying tactic.

They must be plotting something in secret.

At the same time, in another mansion in Jiangning City, Zhao Renfan was also discussing countermeasures with his staff.

"The southern barbarians must have some ulterior motive in seeking peace this time."

Zhao Renfan said solemnly, "We must be vigilant to prevent any unexpected events."

The staff nodded in agreement:

"Your Excellency is right. The southern barbarians are always cunning and we have to be on guard."

Zhao Renfan continued, "Send the order to have the soldiers strengthen their training and be ready for battle at any time. Also, send someone to closely monitor the movements of the Nanman army and report immediately if there is any disturbance."

"Yes!"

The staff took the order and left.

In the following days, the atmosphere inside and outside Jiangning City was tense and grim.

Although the Nanman army showed no signs of attacking, the soldiers in the city did not dare to relax at all. They knew that the Nanman could launch an attack at any time.

Li Quan and Zhao Renfan have also been competing secretly.

Both of them are extremely smart people. They both know that the other side is secretly planning and trying to gain the upper hand.

Early that morning, Zhang Hu hurried to Li Quan and said, "Your Highness! The southern barbarians seem to be making unusual moves!"

Li Quan raised his eyebrows: "Oh? What's the unusual movement?"

"According to the spies, the Nanman army has been frequently mobilized in recent days and seems to be gathering."

Zhang Hu said solemnly, "Moreover, they are also urgently preparing food and weapons. This is our opportunity."