Chapter 014: The Old Fox
Prince Fischer lowered his head and pondered for a moment, unable to suppress a frown.
Du Fan watched from below, feeling a strange mix of emotions. He knew quite well about this Prince Fischer and understood that although he seemed unremarkable, he was actually a proud and arrogant man. It would likely not be easy to get him to agree to peace so readily—this could be seen from the fact that he had appointed Du Fan as a special envoy to the Southern Kingdom back then.
After a while, the future ruler of a nation finally sighed and looked at the others, asking, “What do you think?”
Prime Minister Kimberly sighed slightly and said, “Your Highness, peace is not impossible, but we must also set limits… such as money. Give them whatever they ask… After all, this coup has already seized all of the Belinger family’s assets, so we’re not afraid of losing too much. The key is that not a single inch of our territory must be lost. Otherwise… it will be even harder for the empire to seek revenge in the future. The Southern Kingdom has fertile lands, and if they fall into the hands of the Lani Empire, we will never have the chance to take them back.”
Prince Fischer nodded and glanced at Duke Green, asking, “What do you say?”
Duke Green thought for a moment before replying, “Your Highness, our current priority should be to eliminate the remnants of the Bauhinia Dynasty first—that’s what matters most. As for the Lani Empire, peace seems like a good option. If they’re willing to return our lands, that’s great. If not… we can buy time through negotiations. Once I’ve dealt with the troubles in the north, I’ll lead our army south immediately. I doubt the Lani Empire’s light cavalry can match our northern forces… Also, for safety reasons, I request your permission to send ten thousand troops south first. Later, after the imperial guards in the capital are dealt with, the troops there can also head south. With our northern forces present, I believe the Lani Empire will have to think carefully before starting a war.”
After hearing Duke Green’s words, Prince Fischer’s expression improved slightly. Given the current situation of the Gavin Empire, war was indeed not an option, so there was no other choice. He nodded and said, “Alright, I approve… As for military preparations, I’ll have the imperial finance department handle it. As for us… let’s pursue peace with the Lani Empire.”
With that, Prince Fischer closed his eyes. After a moment, he opened them and said indifferently, “Let Du Fan and Christopher handle the peace negotiations…”
As these words were spoken, a faint smile appeared on Duke Wade’s face. He immediately exclaimed, “Your Highness is wise.” Duke Green, on the other hand, looked somewhat displeased, but he still nodded and said, “Your Highness is wise.” Prince Fischer wasted no time either; after giving a few words of encouragement and soothing Du Fan, he announced that everyone could disperse. Once they left the imperial palace, Duke Green suddenly stepped up to Du Fan and whispered, “Du Fan, remember—Prince Fischer didn’t specify who would be in charge and who would be second-in-command. You must do your best to secure that position!” How could Du Fan not understand this? He nodded slightly and quickened his pace to catch up with Count Christopher ahead of him, then said seriously, “Count Christopher, Prince Fischer has asked me to assist you in these peace talks. I think, after all, I’m still young and not very familiar with such matters… So, I really rely on you, Count Christopher.” Count Christopher smiled slightly and said, “Duke Green, you’re joking… Look, you’re a duke, while I’m just a minor count. It’s obvious you should be in charge of these peace talks… Besides, only a hero like you can bring the Lani Empire under control. It’s said that Prince Leopold suffered at your hands—surely it was your doing. The Lani Empire will only suffer from this!” Du Fan chuckled awkwardly and said, “Count Christopher, you’re exaggerating. You’ve traveled more roads than I have and eaten more salt than I have rice… How can such a task not be entrusted to you? Although I’m a duke, I currently only have a nominal title—how can I compare to a count who oversees the empire’s finances? I’ll need your continued support in the future!” As he spoke, Du Fan inwardly cursed him as a slick old fox. In truth, both of them knew full well that if they were on the winning side, these peace talks would be an easy task, but if they were on the losing side, it would be much harder. Clearly, Prince Fischer wanted to embarrass Du Fan and curb the arrogance of the Green family, while also testing the capabilities of this new finance minister. Thus, both of them were in a very unfortunate situation. Their competition for the position of leader versus deputy was simply because, if these peace talks became public, the leader would bear more blame than the deputy!
A faint smile appeared on Count Christopher’s face. He glanced around and, seeing that no one was paying attention to him and Du Fan, he spoke in a low voice, “Duke, your father and I have been colleagues for many years. It wouldn’t be wrong if you called me uncle… You know better than I do how this peace negotiation will turn out… So, it’s best for us to work together properly this time. Since Prince Fischer is pretending to be clueless and hasn’t designated a leader or deputy, do we really have to? As long as both of us put in effort, Prince Fischer can’t do much to us… It seems we’re both in a position where we have nothing to worry about. How about we find a place to talk properly, and later go see the Fifth Prince together to discuss our stance and see what happens?”
Du Fan thought for a moment before agreeing. Pushing things aside indefinitely wasn’t a solution either. Since Prince Fischer had already arranged everything, failing to handle it well would only give him an excuse to create trouble for himself.
Immediately, he followed Count Christopher out of the imperial city and sat in Count Christopher’s carriage. He also sent someone to Duke Green to convey a message, indicating that he would do his best to resolve matters on this end.
Along the way, the carriage raced through the streets of the capital. As both of them were high-ranking nobles, passersby stepped aside upon seeing the convoy—truly a magnificent sight!
Still somewhat worried, Du Fan couldn’t help but probe this old fox for clues while in the carriage.
Yet this minister in charge of the empire’s finances was extremely cunning. With just a few words, he made Du Fan swallow his questions back, revealing not a single hint. Du Fan couldn’t ask too directly either, leaving him frustrated. He reminded himself that playing such a game of negotiation with this old fox required extreme caution—otherwise, a single mistake could trap him in the pit he’d dug.
It seemed he was fully aware that this peace negotiation would likely result in a humiliating treaty that would strip the country of its rights. Clearly, he was determined not to take the blame…
Originally, Du Fan could have used his power of speech to force him to take the blame, but that wasn’t easy to execute. If the man regained his senses later, wouldn’t there be strong suspicions that Du Fan had done something to him?
After all, with his own reputation on the line, it was quite easy for a peerless expert to force an ordinary person to submit…
As he was pondering, the carriage came to a stop.
At that moment, servants respectfully led the two of them downstairs. But after getting off the carriage, Du Fan was slightly stunned. He never expected that Count Christopher would take him to such a place. This place was none other than the most famous brothel in the capital—Elven Residence—where he had been with Prince Fischer and others before. It was his first time in such a place, brought there by a prince of the dynasty, and the second time by an imperial finance minister. His feelings were extremely strange. Count Christopher, however, smiled and led Du Fan inside at a brisk pace. Lady Shalin had already come over from inside upon hearing the news. She naturally spoke sweet nothings and flattered these two important figures before leading them to a side hall on the second floor. This side hall was clearly one that Count Christopher frequented, and it was different from the room they had visited before. It wasn’t completely enclosed; through the shaman screens on one side, one could see the singing and dancing performances on the first floor below. Two stunning beauties were already waiting in the side hall, holding golden wine jugs and pouring amber-colored wine for Du Fan and Count Christopher. Count Christopher drank several large gulps and then pulled one of the women onto a long sofa, continuing his actions while watching the performances in the main hall below—exactly like a lustful man. Du Fan never imagined Count Christopher to be such a person. He couldn’t help but sigh and say, “Count Christopher, why did you bring me here? To amuse yourself?” Count Christopher laughed heartily and replied, “Lord Du Fan, don’t you think this is an excellent place to discuss matters?” Du Fan frowned slightly before saying, “Your taste is indeed refined, Count… but I’m not very interested. As long as the negotiation isn’t resolved, do you still have the mood for such indulgences?”