Fearing being killed for his overwhelming merits, the empress decided to marry him.

Chapter 429 A Deduction of the Song-Jin Situation "I understand what the Duke of Zhenguo means. The method of diplomatic strategy that yields benefits has never been the primary concern."

The main factor, and more importantly, is the duration of the adoption process; that's the real reason affecting the overall direction, isn't that right?

Ban Dingyuan seemed to have figured something out, and immediately told Shen Lang his thoughts truthfully.

Shen Lang shook his head: "That's not entirely true. Everything I just said is based on the premise that the difference in national strength between the two countries is not significant."

Whether it advocates peace or war, it won't make a significant difference to the Song state at this moment.

Because the initiative in the conflict between the Song and Jin dynasties was not in the hands of the Song, but in the hands of the Jin.

Ye Fan's proposal to establish Zhao Huan's authority and dismiss the treacherous minister was indeed inspiring.

This cannot be denied; once figures like Cai Yuanchang and Tong Daofu are dismissed from their posts,

Those treacherous officials and their cronies would naturally keep a low profile, and Zhao Huan would indeed achieve the desired effect of establishing his authority.

This allowed him to command the entire court to act according to his will, but this cohesion could not change the reality of the Jin dynasty being strong and the Song dynasty being weak.

"Dingyuan, tell me, according to Ye Fan's words, assuming the entire court advocates war, what preparations should be made, and what would be the outcome? Please try to deduce this."

Ban Dingyuan knew that Shen Lang was testing him, so he immediately lowered his eyes and pondered.

After a moment, he replied, "The Duke of Zhenguo taught us to act rationally and not to be swayed by the military and political environment."

Therefore, in my humble opinion, if the Song rulers and ministers insist on a war strategy, they must mobilize all available resources in Song that can be deployed to the battlefield as quickly as possible.

Only in this way could they have the strength to fight the Jin Dynasty, but the reality is...

Given the current situation in the Song Dynasty, it is doubtful that they possess the courage and capability to mobilize national resources for the battlefield.

Even assuming, hypothetically, that the State of Song could mobilize its entire national resources to achieve a decisive victory in one battle,

Lacking cavalry and firearms, how much of a threat could the Song army really pose to the Jin dynasty?

The best-case scenario is that the Jin army is temporarily repelled, but they will likely return the following autumn when the weather is fine.

The State of Song may gain a temporary respite, but the gap between the two states will remain unchanged.

Shen Lang nodded: "What you said is pretty much what I expected. The Song Dynasty will win, but at a high price. Unless the Jin people are thoroughly defeated, the balance of power between the two countries will not change at all."

Moreover, there are many variables involved. The brief respite you mentioned is the biggest variable. If the Jin army attacks again next year, can you guarantee that the Song emperor and his ministers will still be united in advocating war?

Ban Dingyuan shook his head: "Human nature is unpredictable; no decision can be made consistently from beginning to end."

After all, few rulers and their ministers in the world can match the unconditional trust that His Majesty and the Duke of Zhenguo have shown each other.

To put it bluntly, given the merits of the Duke of Zhenguo, if he were to serve another emperor, he would likely have already harbored murderous intent.

Shen Lang smiled slightly: "Since you've figured it out, that's enough. Dingyuan, just remember this: the initiative in diplomacy between the two countries."

It will always be in the hands of the stronger party; this is an eternal truth.

The strong can relinquish some of their benefits to the weak, or they can destroy the weak completely.

Everything depends on the strength of the power behind the diplomatic envoy.

Ban Dingyuan nodded emphatically: "I will always remember what the Duke of Zhenguo said."

No sooner had he finished speaking than Ye Fan's voice rang out from outside the door.

"Duke Zhenguo, Vice Envoy Ban, why are you leaving so quickly without waiting for me?"

Upon seeing Ye Fan's smug face, Ban Dingyuan immediately turned his face away.

Ye Fan ignored the emotional changes written all over Ban Dingyuan's face, went straight to Shen Lang's side, and was about to bow and show off when...

"Kneel down."

The two firm and steady words rang out, leaving Ye Fan stunned for a long time.

"Lord Zhenguo, has there been anything I have done wrong?"

"Kneel down."

Shen Lang did not answer his question, but simply repeated what he had just said.

Ye Fan gritted his teeth. Although he was still unwilling, he obediently did as he was told and knelt down in front of Shen Lang.

Do you know what mistake you made?

"Reporting to the Duke of Zhenguo, this humble official truly has no idea."

"I don't know? You're openly interfering in the political affairs of another country. What crime should you be charged with?"

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan's face was full of indignation: "Duke Zhenguo, I was merely trying to help our friendly nation solve its current predicament. What wrong have I done?"

Shen Lang snorted coldly: "Solve the current predicament? How can matters of national importance be treated so lightly?"

Leaving aside the issue of interfering in the politics of other countries, even so, the suggestion to resolve the current predicament of the Song Dynasty...

Are you sure your proposed strategy will be useful? If it is useful, that's fine, but if it is useless, wouldn't that be a huge mistake?

Have you considered how the State of Song will view the State of Chu?

Putting aside his stereotypes about Ye Fan, what Shen Lang detests most in his life is a brainless idiot who tries to show off and get attention.

Such people often have a high opinion of themselves and are eager to find someone to recognize their worth.

But often, these kinds of fools are the ones most likely to ruin things.

Ye Fan immediately replied, "Duke Zhenguo, the strategy I have proposed will certainly ensure the safety of the Song Kingdom."

If any unforeseen circumstances arise, I will bear all the consequences alone and will absolutely not implicate the entire State of Chu.

"You actually say you can bear the rise and fall of a nation? Ye Fan, how come I never noticed before that you are even more arrogant than your father?"

Ye Fan: "Duke Zhenguo, please trust me. I will never disgrace the Great Chu."

"Since when has the dignity of the Great Chu Dynasty depended on you to uphold it!"

Shen Lang's deep thought immediately shocked Ye Fan, who lowered his head and dared not look directly at him.

"Interfering in the politics of other countries, forming sworn brotherhoods with the rulers and ministers of other countries, and offering advice without authorization."

"Ye Fan, based on these points alone, your position as Deputy Commander is doomed."

Once I return to the capital, I'll relinquish this official position and do whatever I want.

For your father's sake, I will spare you these sins.

Ye Fan was so angry he wanted to grind his teeth.

He had clearly helped the State of Song to stabilize the situation, but in the end, he was framed and misunderstood!

It seems that since leaving the Shu Prince's mansion, his career has been almost entirely bleak.

No, in fact, ever since Shen Lang thwarted his plan to seize Heluo from the Qiang and Xia, his career had been repeatedly thwarted.

Now, it's this same Shen Lang again, who has repeatedly suppressed and humiliated me.

Isn't it just because he's the Empress's husband?

If I had entered the palace to be chosen as a son-in-law, what chance would you, Shen Lang, have?

In an instant, a mixture of emotions—resentment, grievance, confusion, and anger—overwhelmed Ye Fan, causing his emotions to fluctuate violently.

Just then, Ban Dingyuan added insult to injury: "Why should the Duke of Zhenguo say anything more to him? After all, Young Master Ye is the sworn brother of the Zhao Emperor, and his status is extremely noble."

Ye Fan's cheek twitched, and he turned to look at Ban Dingyuan: "When His Majesty and I became sworn brothers, Deputy Commander Ban should have seen it too."

In that situation, could I refuse Emperor Zhao's request? I was just trying to comfort him.

Ban Dingyuan snorted and said sarcastically, "But you seem to be enjoying it quite a bit, not at all bothered."

After all, being the emperor's sworn brother is a privilege not everyone enjoys. We are too shallow to deserve it, lest we tarnish the emperor's good fortune.