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

Murong Xiang left Rangzhou City with a face full of anger.

His departure also marked the complete freezing of relations between the states of Chu and Yan.

Yue Fei pondered for a moment, then couldn't help but ask Shen Lang, "Commander, I really don't understand why the Yan Kingdom would adopt such an attitude at this time, knowing full well what's going on."

It will sever relations between the two countries, yet they still choose to do it.

During this period, while handling affairs in Jindi, my subordinates also gained an understanding of the situation in Yan.

Especially since the Second Prince Murong Ke is a wise man, how could he possibly do such a thing?

Even if a break is inevitable, it shouldn't be at a time like this.

Shen Lang laughed and said, "It's very simple. Murong Ke has never trusted the State of Chu, nor has he trusted me."

Moreover, if I were Murong Ke, I would have no choice but to do the same in this situation.

If you were me, what decision would you make after learning the specific circumstances of the Yan state?

Could they seize the opportunity and drive the Yan state's forces out of Liaodong in one fell swoop?

Yue Fei replied, "So, Murong Ke is trying to mislead us, telling the world that the Yan state has the absolute strength to contend with us, and that they are not afraid of us, is that right?"

Shen Lang nodded: "At least from the current situation, that is indeed the case. The Yan Kingdom is already in a precarious state."

However, they had no choice but to adopt the posture of a strongman when negotiating with us. If he agreed to hand over Shuofang and Taiji to the Chu state for control,

They would immediately suspect whether the next step would pose a threat to the homeland of Northern Yan. This is the diplomatic approach of a powerful nation.

It's not something that can be limited by a single piece of paper; ultimately, it comes down to ability.

Yue Fei: "Commander, what should we do now?"

Shen Lang: "Judging by the timeline, the Northern Railway Line should be completed within this period. Since that's the case, there's no need to hide it any longer."

Since Murong Ke wants to play this game, I'll play along to the end and see what other outrageous things he has up his sleeve.

……

The fall of Goguryeo did not bring Murong Ke any significant psychological achievement.

His first challenge was how to deal with these surrendered Goguryeo soldiers.

They recruited surrendered soldiers and then used them to expand their power.

This is something every qualified general would do.

The problem is that the basic operation for accepting surrendered soldiers is to provide them with food.

The Northern Yan army was already severely short of food. Ordinary soldiers only had two coarse grain cakes as their daily ration, and there was no surplus food to give to the surrendered soldiers.

Unfortunately, the military rations in Anshi City were running low, and the war had caused the people to miss the busy farming season. The remaining grain was simply not enough to feed the 50,000 Yan soldiers and the 70,000 Goguryeo surrendered soldiers.

Gathering food supplies has become Murong Ke's biggest worry at this time.

"Second Prince, why don't we ask Yanjing for grain?"

"Yanjing city is already short of food, so where can we get any more food to send as aid?"

Murong Ke looked at the densely packed Goguryeo soldiers trapped inside the barbican and patted the parapet.

Before long, Murong Chui, who had gone to collect grain from the surrounding area, came to Murong Ke with a helmet in his hand.

Murong Ke looked up, only to see Murong Chui shaking his head helplessly at him.

Clearly, this grain requisition effort has fallen far short of expectations.

"Second Prince, we have already levied all the available lands around us, and we simply cannot find any extra grain."

Murong Ke's expression remained calm, but his eyes gradually darkened.

"I don't want to lose the situation that I've achieved at such a heavy price."

Looking up again, Murong Ke's eyes were filled with a fierce glint.

"General."

"What are your orders, Second Prince?"

"Let's send these Goguryeo people on their way."

"What did you say?!"

Murong Chui was shocked and wondered if he had misheard.

"Second Prince, are you going to bury all these surrendered soldiers alive?"

Murong Ke nodded calmly: "Yes, since we cannot have enough food to feed so many people, the only option is to reduce the number of people."

Murong Chui: "But doing so would be tantamount to breaking our promise! Second Prince, I advise you to think it over carefully. If all else fails, release them and let them fend for themselves."

"Can you guarantee that none of these surrendered soldiers are loyalists of Gao Zang? Even if they aren't, what if they are bribed by Shen Lang for a meal and turn against my Great Yan?"

No one can guarantee what will happen after releasing these surrendered Goguryeo soldiers. I dare not gamble now; I can only use extreme measures to safeguard the last vestiges of dignity of my Great Yan Kingdom!

Murong Chui shook his head: "No, I can't do that. Second Prince, there must be other ways, right?"

Murong Ke closed his eyes and slowly turned around, without answering Murong Chui's question.

Murong Chui clenched his fist: "I'm sorry, Second Prince, but this time, I will not agree to such an outrageous condition under any circumstances."

“I understand. I will arrange for someone else to handle this. You should go back now. How can the name of the God of War be tarnished?”

"Second Prince, you should understand that I am not referring to that, but rather that this is far too cruel."

"Brutal?"

Murong Ke smiled slightly.

"Sometimes their deaths might just bring a sliver of hope to our Great Yan."

Murong Chui asked, puzzled, "What do you mean by that?"

Just then, Murong Xiang returned, accompanied by Wang Xuance.

Before Murong Xiang could speak, Murong Ke looked directly at Wang Xuance and asked, "I suppose you've also come about the matter of national territory?"

Wang Xuance closed his eyes: "Indeed, the Duke of Zhenguo was utterly astonished upon hearing your words, sir."

I simply couldn't believe these words came from the Second Prince, so I sent this humble servant to confirm them personally.

Is the Second Prince truly unwilling to honor the agreement he signed with our Great Chu?"

Murong Ke smiled slightly: "I think the Duke of Zhenguo has misunderstood. Great Yan has always valued integrity above all else. Since we have promised your country..."

Then they certainly wouldn't go back on their word, it's just that things are complicated in Liaodong right now.

There was simply no time to deal with the land transfer agreement; I would wait until I had finished dealing with the affairs in Liaodong.

Let's sit down calmly and discuss the details of the land transfer.

Wang Xuance sneered inwardly, but still tried his best to maintain his composure: "I am somewhat aware of your country's current predicament."

With numerous affairs in Liaodong, they likely have no time to attend to other matters. However, the land transfer agreement has already been signed by both countries.

"Wouldn't it be enough for the Yan Kingdom to simply send a suitable member of the royal family to complete the final procedures?"

Murong Ke: "The conclusion of the case is an agreement signed between this king and your country. How can such a big matter be handed over to others? Please, Duke Zhenguo, be patient and wait a little longer."

Upon hearing this, Wang Xuance immediately stood up: "Then please give me a deadline, Second Prince, when to sign the agreement, so that I can go back and report to the Duke of Zhenguo."

Murong Ke replied with a half-smile, "Once the people and soldiers of my Great Yan have pacified Liaodong and destroyed the Tianlang Kingdom further north, we will naturally grant Shuofang and Taiji Kingdom to your country."

This statement is tantamount to completely tearing off each other's masks.

Wang Xuance immediately turned around: "Alright, I will definitely convey these words to the Duke of Zhenguo and Your Highness the Second Prince without missing a single word. Please take care."

After leaving behind a mild threat, Wang Xuance decisively walked away from Anshi City.