I'm bad, but players love me

This statement is naturally an irony.

Ella wasn't surprised by Yun Shuo's anger. Everyone knew Yun Shuo would never agree to this condition, and she was simply trying to leave more room for further negotiations, giving herself a chance to make concessions.

But she still had to pretend. Ella frowned in a fake manner, as if to say, "How could you be so ungrateful?" "These were the conditions you proposed when you first protested!"

"So, the City Lord is saying that the protest demands we raise with our mouths can only be realized when we raise them with guns?"

Yun Shuo gently tapped the porcelain plate beside him, the crisp sound echoing in the quiet room, just like the hidden threat in his words, "Then I might as well just fight. It seems that when dealing with nobles like you, only when the muzzle of a gun is forced to your head will you let us commoners get what we want."

Just as the atmosphere was about to reach a breaking point, Setash stepped in, breaking the delicate balance. With his usual warm smile, his voice gentle yet forceful, he said, "Disputes and differences of opinion are normal. If they aren't, there's no need to discuss them. But there's no need to engage in constant acrimony."

He gave Ella a look, suggesting that she try to delay the conversation as much as possible and slowly test Ruan Yunshuo's attitude.

Then, Saitaishi continued to smooth things over, saying, "After all, if Lord Yunshuo wanted to fight, he wouldn't just sit here and chat with us. He would just go out and draw his gun."

But Yun Shuo was afraid that he would disappoint Saitaishi, who was still trying to take sides. He was not here to submit, but to buy time.

He didn't go out and draw his gun, but that doesn't mean ELO didn't go out and draw his gun.

Ella ignored Setash's look and continued, "I heard ELO is planning to expand again recently. I heard it all."

Yun Shuo raised his eyebrows slightly when he heard this, with a formal smile on his lips. "I haven't heard of it, but I don't know where Lady Ella heard or saw it from."

Although he said this, Yun Shuo's eyes were fixed on Saitaishi.

Sai Taishi has recently stopped being shy and directly deployed troops along the ELO jurisdiction. Sai Taishi knows about this, and Yun Shuo also knows about it, but Sai Taishi doesn't know whether Yun Shuo knows about it.

When he saw Yun Shuo's eyes glancing at him, Saitaishi's heart skipped a beat. He secretly resented Ella for not being able to conceal her words and revealing himself like that.

After all, if there was any movement in ELO, Saitai would definitely be the first to know. After all, his troops were basically on the edge of ELO's jurisdiction.

"As everyone knows, our ELO territory hasn't changed for a long time. After all, you can't break in, and we don't have the time to fight back. We just distributed land to the civilians and were so busy that we don't have the energy to take care of other things." Yun Shuo denied without hesitation.

Ella sneered inwardly, "Hmph! Still pretending? The troops in Setash have already reported the situation."

Because they are allies, ELO and the troops under Setash have always had a good personal relationship.

When people have nothing to do, they like to get together and chat, and naturally, words like "If you want to expand, just tell me. If you want to pass by, just tell me. You're welcome." will flow out.

Those senior generals of the Kori Army who were aware of the situation have all hidden in the rear at this moment. Who would go to the battlefield? It would be a disgrace to the nobles to hang out with a bunch of grassroots like you.

As for the lower-level soldiers, most of them were carefree and happy. They didn't bother to think about "taking sides" or anything like that. They only cared about how much money they could earn every day.

These seemingly insignificant chats are often secretly recorded by people with ulterior motives, and valuable information is filtered out and presented to Setash.

For example, recently, when the Cori army once again half-jokingly urged ELO to continue the offensive, the ELO people responded without hesitation: "Okay! Then we'll go take him down in a couple of days!"

Ella wanted to use this opportunity to suppress Yun Shuo's arrogance, but was pushed back. She wanted to refute, but was stopped by Sai Taish under the table.

Looking back, Setash was staring at Ella with anger on his face. I came to help you negotiate, what are you doing here? Reveal everything about me, do you want me to die?

Ella knew she was in the wrong, so she had no choice but to stop suppressing Yun Shuo reluctantly.

After all, the two sides have been at a ceasefire for a long time for the sake of this peace talk. If they can find something to hold against Yun Shuo in this matter, then they will be able to occupy the moral high ground and gain more initiative at the negotiating table.

According to the requirements that Setash and Ella had agreed upon in advance, their bottom line actually only had two points:

First, there's the territory issue. The territory you've conquered in ELO can be given to Yun Shuo, but it can't be yours alone. If you eat the meat, your subordinates also need to have some of the soup. So, you become bigger, and your subordinates become smaller.

The second is to surrender and lay down your arms.

The purpose of doing this is very clear, first of all, to disintegrate the core strength of the ELO organization led by Yun Shuo. Although Yun Shuo may disdain fame and wealth, there is no guarantee that his subordinates will not be tempted.

As long as these people are tempted, you, Yun Shuo, have not even started when it comes to playing with power.

Fundamentally, it can effectively weaken the strength of ELO.

Secondly, after the weapons are confiscated, Yun Shuo will lose the capital to resist. In the future, you will have to do whatever I want you to do.

Chapter 103: What will happen to them if they surrender?

A carefully prepared luncheon, which should have been filled with laughter and joy, was now plunged into an eerie silence. The delicious food on the table was so delicious, so mouth-watering.

However, the three people present seemed to have no interest in this. They remained silent, immersed in their own thoughts.

As time went by, the steaming hot dishes gradually cooled, and the rich aroma slowly dissipated in the air. But the three of them still had no intention of taking action, as if the table full of delicacies had nothing to do with them.

Yun Shuo had come here to delay time, so naturally there was nothing agitated in his heart. Although he was not in the mood to enjoy the food, he still had more than enough energy to observe others.

This made the development of the matter completely beyond the expectations of Ella and the others.

They had hoped to see Yun Shuo gradually lose his fighting spirit during the long wait. Sooner or later, his overly tense nerves would break, forcing him to relax his guard and turn the negotiation into their own advantage.

But now, as time passed, Ella was the one feeling the urgency. Finally unable to contain herself, she asked, "Master Yun Shuo, why don't you share your personal opinion?"

"My thoughts?" Yun Shuo asked, and then he chuckled, "I dare to say it, but I don't know if you will agree.

Dare to listen?"

"Of course I dare to listen, but I'm not sure whether I will admit it or not." Ella immediately replied without giving in.

Yun Shuo also leaned back casually, pointed his finger directly at Ella, and said provocatively: "Well, then, pack up and get ready to leave the stage."

"You..." Ella was so angry at Yun Shuo's arrogant words that she was speechless for a moment and couldn't think of any words to respond for a long time.

Just when the situation was at a stalemate, Setash stepped forward to act as a peacemaker. After all, there was no way to avoid discord. Once Ella came to her senses, she would suspect that Yun Shuo would help her take the stage after she stepped down, and then naturally suspect that she had betrayed him again.

"After all, we've only just begun the negotiations, so both of you might as well calm down. Lord Yun Shuo, you're asking the City Lord to step down immediately, or even to not let her take the position. That's simply unrealistic. If this continues, the peace talks will probably reach a deadlock."

Hearing this, Yun Shuo's mouth curled up slightly, revealing a half-smile. He snorted coldly, "Hmph, Lord Setash, your words make it seem as if you and I are not allies, but rather you and Ella are allies, and we are enemies."

Facing Yun Shuo's questioning, Saitaishi could only put on a smile and explain, "The key to the success of the peace talks lies in the sincerity of both sides. We've gathered here today simply to pursue peace. Essentially, our goals and interests are aligned. So, what can't be discussed?"

After saying this, he chuckled twice as if to make amends for himself.

Although Setash could manage to force a smile on the surface, he was actually extremely troubled inside.

You two were fighting with each other, pushing all the conflicts and responsibilities onto me, and your words were directed at me.

Who on earth did I offend? People who are double-dealers are very good at getting along with everyone, but I'm the one who gets pissed off by both sides.

The peace talks had now turned into this: Ella pinched Saitaishi's neck and asked Yunshuo if he was afraid. Yunshuo turned around and pinched Saitaishi's neck as well, asking Ella if she was afraid.

It doesn’t matter who is afraid and who is not. What matters is that if you stuff too much, you will be pinched.

"However, since you have already spoken, I will not beat around the bush." ​​Yun Shuo shook his head helplessly, then spread his hands and looked indifferent.

He said straightforwardly, "Let's get this straight. I think it's best to end this hypocritical peace talk once and for all. If we keep going a few more times, I'm afraid my stomach won't be able to handle the pie you're painting."

"You can only know how a cake tastes by putting it in your mouth first, and whether you can eat it or not can only be known by swallowing it into your stomach."

Ella showed no sign of weakness and immediately responded pointedly, "Lord Yun Shuo, please don't say such nonsense. Please understand that this negotiation is entirely a courtesy given to you by us nobles!"

"Humph, that's ridiculous!" Yun Shuo obviously didn't buy it. He sneered and retorted, "You guys are really shameless."

Yun Shuo wasn't polite either. "Some people talk nice things, but now they're here spouting high-sounding words like peace and harmony. Why didn't they think about this earlier?"

"You've done so many despicable things behind the scenes, yet you're still trying to save face. You're clearly a bunch of shameless thieves who rob and usurp power. You're waving a banner and pretending to be powerful."

"If you have something to say, just say it. I don't have time to bargain with you here." Yun Shuo's tone was as cold as ice, without a trace of warmth. "We are negotiating, not bargaining in the market. I don't have that much free time to play these clumsy tricks with you."

Setaishi wanted to speak to ease the atmosphere, but Yun Shuo's gaze was already shot at him like a sharp sword, and the message revealed in his eyes was very clear - shut up!

"What I want is the lowest price." Yun Shuo held his chin with one hand, and tapped the table lightly with the fingertips of the other hand, making a rhythmic "knock knock" sound, as if knocking on the other person's heartstrings.

"Govern them separately. You live your life, and I will never cross the line, but conversely, you are not allowed to cross the line either." Ella narrowed her eyes and no longer tried to undermine Yun Shuo's fighting spirit. She directly put enough benefits on the table.

Yun Shuo smiled slightly, his lips curled up, clearly showing great interest in this proposal. At the same time, his fingers, which had been tapping on the table, stopped, and he said softly, "Tell me more about it."

A confident and complacent smile appeared on Ella's face, and she exchanged glances with Setash. Both of them had a smug look on their faces, as if they had foreseen the dawn of success.

"All the lands currently occupied by ELO will belong to you. I will also grant you the title of nobility, and of course all the rights and benefits that come with nobility. This includes land, taxes, shops, slaves... and the blessing of the gods that you, Yun Shuo, have been so resentful of."

Yun Shuo was lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the distance. Seeing this, Ella quickly continued, "As I've said before, I won't interfere in your internal affairs, nor do I care what you intend to do. All I need is for you to pay a certain amount of taxes to the city of Cori on time, so that we can cope with the pressure from our superiors."

“On your piece of land, you have the final say,” she said seductively. “Whether you distribute it to whom, or whether you promote equality for all, it’s entirely up to you.”

Yun Shuo lowered his head, rubbing his fingers lightly across his palms, and asked in a low voice, "But what's the price? You wouldn't just give these things to us for free, would you?"

Upon hearing this, Saitaishi straightened his back, with a hint of cunning in his smile, "It's not a price, it's the corresponding conditions." He stood up again and corrected the "loophole" in Yun Shuo's words with a loud laugh. The difference between them was crucial to them.

Ella spoke next, her voice calm but firm. "Our conditions are actually very simple. First, you can't enjoy these lands alone. Otherwise, it will be the same as the current situation. Second, you must hand over your guns."

Ella and Setash waited quietly for Yun Shuo's reaction. They knew that Yun Shuo would definitely question the second condition.

However, Yun Shuo once again surprised them.

"What do you mean by 'I can't enjoy the land alone?'" Yun Shuo slowly scraped the edge of the bowl with his knife. The teeth-grinding sound perked him up. "What exactly does this mean?"

This unconventional way of playing the cards obviously caught Setash off guard. He was stunned for a moment, but then he regained his composure.

He then spoke in a friendly, admonishing manner, "Yun Shuo, don't be too greedy. We've even taken into consideration the generals in ELO. How come you, who always preach 'equality', are now doing something so unequal?"

After saying that, Saitaishi deliberately leaned forward, closing the distance between him and Yun Shuo, and secretly threatened him.

"Okay. I don't argue with your first point, but what about the second one?" Yun Shuo seemed to take a step back and fell calmly into the trap tailored for him by Ella and Setash.

"The second point is also very clear. Nobles don't need so many weapons," Ella said matter-of-factly. Her expression was unusually serious, as if she were stating an obvious fact.

But everyone present knew she was talking bullshit.

"Hiss, Saitaishi, do you still remember Miss Luo Lan?" Yun Shuo tilted his head slightly and asked Saitaishi beside him a seemingly nonchalant question, "I happened to go to her house last time. Guess how many weapons I saw?"

However, before Saitaishi could turn around and respond, Yun Shuo continued, "Oh, I see. You can't do it openly, right? As much as you can do in secret, you can do it. You nobles really know how to play it. This 'one thing on the surface, another behind the scenes' is so skillful, even a shameless person like me has to admit defeat."

Yun Shuo's words were sarcastic and mocking. Ella knew that the man in front of her had no intention of giving in at this moment.

To make a negotiation successful, one must combine firmness with flexibility, kindness with force. If a soft approach doesn't work, then one has no choice but to try a hard approach.

Ella said straight to the point, "I'm sure you're now fully aware of the predicament that ELO and the Cori Army are currently facing."

"Oh, of course." Yun Shuo avoided the word "difficulties" and replied, "We beat you to a pulp!" He deliberately pronounced the last four words with intonation, and at the same time drew a circle in the air with his fingers.

"Hmph, what will happen if the nobles intervene?" Ella frowned, her eyes sharpening. "By then, what chances will you have of winning?"

"You shouldn't ask me this question, Lord Mayor. The people you should really ask are those pampered noble lords." Facing Ella's questioning, Yun Shuo appeared calm.

Hearing this, Ella stood up abruptly, pointed angrily at Yun Shuo, and sneered, "How do you, ELO, plan to fight against divine power? Are you relying on those broken guns in your hands? Or are you prepared to sacrifice countless lives to fill the bottomless pit of this completely nonsensical war that was born out of your stupidity?"

Setash also joined Ella in admonishing Yun Shuo. He said gently and with concern, "Stop, Yun Shuo. This is a good enough ending. Do you really think a mortal can touch a god?"

He continued to appeal to their emotions and reason, saying, "By then, countless people who followed you will have been killed or wounded, and you will still be unable to defend anything. Then... you will become a sinner among the people. Do you dare to look back at the eyes of those elderly people who entrusted their children to you?"

The words that Setash spoke were so compassionate, as if he had always been such a kind-hearted person, as if he really had no selfish motives at all.

"Indeed, no matter from which angle you look at it, agreeing to you is the more reasonable decision." Yun Shuo replied with a wry smile.

Ella and Setash smiled at each other. Setash immediately waved his hand to signal his servants to bring the agreement over. Ella also prepared to have notices of ELO's surrender posted throughout the streets and alleys tonight.

Yun Shuo smiled and said, "But... I, Yun Shuo, love nothing more than saying 'NO' to self-righteous people!"

He watched as if he was watching an acrobatic performance, the smiles on Ella and the other girl's faces gradually froze. For a moment, they didn't even know what expression to make to show how fucked up they were.

In all this, they seemed to have become clowns in a circus.

"If I surrender, then what will happen to everything I did before?" Yun Shuo stood up and walked towards Ella. "Perhaps it's hard for you to imagine, Ella. After all, you have had these powers since you were born."

"I've walked step by step from the slums to stand before you, and now stand on equal footing with you. This process took a full fifteen years. Do you know how many people in ELO died during this process? Do you know how many times ELO was broken up and reorganized? You don't know, and you don't care to know."

Yun Shuo smiled grimly, "From the very beginning, submitting to you, Ella, and surrendering to the gods and power you represent, was not an option for me."

"If you surrender, what will happen to those who have been ravaged and oppressed by you for thousands of years? If you surrender, what will happen to those who shed their blood in the tax reduction march? If you surrender, what will happen to those who died for this ideal?"

Chapter 14: Guns must be in your own hands

"You, who do you think you are!" Ella slammed the table in anger. After a "bang", the porcelain on the table began to shake, making a sharp and piercing sound.

Setaishibi gestured for her to calm down, but at this moment Ella was completely enraged by Yun Shuo's arrogant teasing of her, and a raging rage that was difficult to quell was burning in her heart.

The next second, the vague outline of the silver-white HK416 rifle appeared in her hand, as if she was about to aim the black muzzle at Yun Shuo.

She wants to make this ungrateful guy pay the price!

However, before the gun was fully formed, Setash was already rushing towards him like lightning. He had never run so fast in his life.

He hurriedly rushed behind Ella, and before he could stand firmly, he burst out with strength that was impossible in the past, and mercilessly pushed Ella back into her seat.

"Remember what I told you before." The moment Ella was forced to sit down, Setash whispered anxiously in her ear in a low voice.

He frowned, but when he turned to Yun Shuo the next second, his brows suddenly relaxed and he said to Yun Shuo, "As for the conditions, we can still negotiate."

However, this obviously compromising tone made Ella unhappy.

How can we continue this discussion?!