Chapter 1022

Chapter 1022: The Great River and Mountain Formation (Part One)

A chill emerged in Murong Huaide’s eyes.

The temperature in the surrounding space dropped instantaneously.

This envoy of the Heavenly Army was a top-tier talent who had already entered the fifth level at a young age. In the eyes of many, he represented the future of the Heavenly Army and was a significant investment of the Murong family in Zhang Anliang.

Since joining the Heavenly Army, Murong Huaide had received direct guidance from Zhang Anliang and developed a deep respect for this great leader, naturally intolerant of any slanders against him.

Most importantly, Murong Huaide did not truly regard Wang Chen and Princess Qingyun as worthy opponents.

Even though the battle at Hanhai Pass had already spread throughout the world!

However, just as this scion of the Murong family attempted to display his power, a much stronger force suddenly enveloped him, causing him to feel as if he had fallen into an abyss.

His Qi and blood froze, and he lost control over himself.

A powerful fear surged in Murong Huaide’s heart, draining the color from his face in an instant.

At that moment, Murong Huaide realized he had made a grave mistake.

He summoned all his strength to lower his head just enough.

Instinct told the envoy of the Heavenly Army that if he continued to be unruly, he would surely face dire consequences.

Even if he did not die, he would suffer unbearable losses!

As the saying goes, those who know when to yield are the wise; even if full of humiliation, Murong Huaide chose to bow down.

As soon as Murong Huaide admitted defeat, the oppressive force upon him suddenly vanished, as if it had never existed.

Murong Huaide let out a subconscious sigh of relief, but then his face flushed red.

Wang Chen lightly said, “Now, tell me what you want.”

Murong Huaide couldn’t help but swallow hard, no longer daring to be reckless: “Your Highness, Princess, Taibao…”

As the envoy of the Heavenly Army, he represented the intentions of the Holy Heavenly King Zhang Anliang, which was to form an alliance between the Heavenly Army and the new Hanhai army to jointly resist Emperor Yuanjing and the various feudal powers.

Once they won the Daliang empire, they would divide their respective territories.

Additionally, if the new Hanhai army ever planned to attack Dayan, the Heavenly Army would be willing to send troops for assistance!

One must say that the sincerity of the Heavenly Army in the alliance was quite substantial; apart from signing a defensive alliance, they also wanted to engage in trade, exchanging grains, silk, salt, and other resources produced under the Heavenly Army’s jurisdiction for horses from West Sea County and minerals from Hanhai County.

“Let’s skip the alliance.”

Wang Chen replied without hesitation after listening, “Non-aggression is fine, and trade is also acceptable.”

An alliance with the traitors? Did he really think he was a fool?

If Princess Qingyun formed a pact with Zhang Anliang, she would immediately become a thorn in the eye of Emperor Yuanjing.

A primary target for elimination!

It should be noted that Jichuan County, which bordered West Sea County, was loyal to Emperor Yuanjing. Moreover, there were no natural defenses on the border between the two counties, allowing the latter’s troops to charge straight in or send small teams to harass frequently.

This would undoubtedly cause significant obstacles and troubles for Wang Chen’s plans.

Furthermore, the traitors were unpopular in many places, while Princess Qingyun represented the rightful authority of Daliang!

Wang Chen’s resolute response left Murong Huaide somewhat disappointed, and he couldn’t help but glance at Princess Qingyun, hoping she might offer a different perspective. That would have been ideal.

However, Princess Qingyun remained aloof, her gaze fixed inward, as if distancing herself from the matter entirely. This only deepened Murong Huaide’s sense of defeat.

With no other recourse, he had no choice but to continue negotiating with the unyielding Wang Chen. After all, securing a pact of non-aggression and trade exchange was far preferable to returning empty-handed.

After some back-and-forth, the two sides reached a verbal agreement.

Murong Huaide had hoped to formalize the agreement with written documents, but Wang Chen flatly refused.

There was little Murong Huaide could do.

Nevertheless, since the envoy had traveled all the way to West Sea County and presented Princess Qingyun with Zhang Anliang’s Generous Gift, Wang Chen reciprocated by gifting the delegation five hundred warhorses.

The warhorses bred in the West Sea Prairie were considered strategic assets and were typically barred from trade.

However, Wang Chen had extorted thirty thousand fine horses from Dayan, and combined with those from West Sea County, the surplus far exceeded the needs of the new Hanhai army. Thus, trading them for grain, silk, and other resources seemed a prudent move.

After seeing off the envoy, Wang Chen turned to Princess Qingyun and remarked, "The Heavenly Army is likely preparing to attack Huai Mountain County."

At present, the Heavenly Army controlled the three northern counties to the south, with Huai Mountain County lying between them and West Sea County. The sudden arrival of their envoy, seeking an alliance, made their intentions abundantly clear.

It was worth noting that Jingnan County, Wang Chen’s place of origin, was one of the three counties under Heavenly Army control!

Princess Qingyun asked, "Master, would their conquest of Huai Mountain County be beneficial or detrimental to us?"

This young royal was earnestly striving to become a capable ruler and never hesitated to seek Wang Chen’s counsel.

Though outsiders might view her as a mere puppet under Wang Chen’s control, a figurehead for independence, Princess Qingyun knew better. She was well aware that Wang Chen genuinely wished for her to become the first Empress of Daliang!

Wang Chen had once confided in Princess Qingyun that once she ascended the throne, he would retreat into the shadows, leaving the task of unifying the realm entirely to her.

Princess Qingyun’s trust in Wang Chen was unshakable!

"There are both advantages and disadvantages," Wang Chen mused before replying. "For now, let them thrive for a few years. As long as they don’t provoke us, we can afford to ignore them."

If the Heavenly Army seized Huai Mountain County and secured vast quantities of warhorses and minerals from West Sea and Hanhai counties, their ambitions and power would undoubtedly swell.

As the saying goes, one cannot tolerate a rival sleeping soundly at their side. It was only natural for the Heavenly Army to set its sights on West Sea County.

But as long as they honored the agreement, Wang Chen would take no action.

However, should the Heavenly Army turn its spear toward West Sea County, Wang Chen would not hesitate to let them taste the fury of gunpowder and bullets!

Princess Qingyun nodded in understanding.

Her gaze lingered on Wang Chen, her eyes brimming with admiration and reverence.

In the months that followed, the number of northern migrants relocating to West Sea County surpassed one million.

Thanks to the effective measures implemented by the new Hanhai army, coupled with the trade exchange facilitated by Fortune Celebration Commerce and the Heavenly Army, a substantial amount of food supplies was procured, mitigating the strain caused by the influx of migrants.

After nearly four months of construction, with immense manpower and resources invested, the Seventy-two Columns of Mountains and Rivers were completed across Hanhai County.

Additionally, Wang Chen mobilized a large workforce to build a grand palace on the outskirts of Hanhai County’s capital.

During this period, he tirelessly inscribed runes for formations on each of the Columns of Mountains and Rivers.

At last, the Great River and Mountain Formation was fully constructed, awaiting its ceremonial activation on a day of heavenly sacrifice!

Wang Chen designated the third day of the third month for this momentous occasion.