Endless Winter: My Camp Upgrades Infinitely

Chapter 1787: Chapter 570: Liang Hengzhang, Negotiation

“Father, are you thinking of negotiating peace with Cai Qiu?”

After Yuwen Dao and his group left, only Xia Hong’s family remained in the tent. Xia Yuyao suddenly spoke softly, asking the question.

Xia Hong turned his head with interest to look at his eldest daughter and nodded, “Why, do you have something to say?”

During this period of returning to Southern Slope, he had always kept Li Xuanling and her two children by his side. Throughout several major battles and discussions that followed, Xia Yuyao was present most of the time, so it wasn’t surprising that she noticed his intention to negotiate peace. What’s notable was her initiative to speak up now, indicating she had other thoughts.

Xia Yuyao lowered her head in contemplation for a moment, then looked up at him and spoke crisply, “Our greatest enemy at present is Chen Cang. Cai Qiu has the support of two vassals and faces no danger of downfall. They are surely aware of this. That Grand Master politely visiting us signals an obvious intention for peace, but I believe he won’t admit he’s here to negotiate peace. He’ll most likely say he’s here to discuss terms and propose many demands for Father to agree to.”

The eldest daughter, unexpectedly able to think on this level!

Xia Hong felt a sudden surge of surprise but maintained a calm expression, nodding and asking, “What demands do you think he will make, Ah Yao?”

“Release war prisoners, return territories—those are basic. If they go too far, they might even demand compensation. I suspect this Liang Hengzhang will use Wei Bo and Hezang as leverage, exerting pressure on Great Xia through the influence of the two vassals.”

Even Li Xuanling couldn’t remain calm; however, she possessed excellent composure skills, showing no emotional change on her face. Yet, her sideways glance indicated she was quite taken aback by her daughter’s words.

“So, Ah Yao, tell Father how to handle this Liang Hengzhang?”

“Father surely already has a strategy, why would he need Ah Yao to teach him? But Ah Yao wants to say, in the current situation of Moao River, Chen Cang versus the Three Vassals, the Three Vassals clearly have more strength. Although Chen Cang dares to wage war against Cai Qiu, they absolutely wouldn’t declare war on the entire Three Vassals. Our Great Xia lacks power, requiring substantial time to develop. If peace prevails among the Four Vassals of Moao River, they might shift their attention to the Southern Slope Territory, targeting Great Xia instead.”

Upon hearing this, Xia Hong’s smile quickly receded, his expression becoming instantly grave. The mindset of testing his daughter vanished, replaced by serious contemplation of her words.

His daughter keenly perceived his strong intention for peace negotiation, perhaps even willing to concede some gained interests, prompting her to speak.

The core of his daughter’s words:

Negotiating peace at this time would give Cai Qiu a chance to regroup and focus on defending against Chen Cang’s invasion; the other two vassals slightly pressuring Chen Cang—if Chen Cang’s subsequent battles falter and Chu Longteng ceases aggression, turning against Great Xia, what then?

Would the Three Vassals care for Great Xia’s fate?

They might even join forces with Chen Cang, dividing Great Xia among themselves—this possibility cannot be ruled out.

Xia Hong’s face grew extremely serious; he had been contemplating only peace negotiation with Cai Qiu. Without his daughter’s reminder, he hadn’t considered the aftermath.

“The Four Vassals of Moao River must not cease fighting, at least not to the point where relations between the two factions calm down. We’ve offended Cai Qiu too severely to side with the Three Vassals. However, with Chen Cang, the relations aren’t too strained; just now, the power of the Three Vassals…”

Li Xuanling also spoke at this moment, but was interrupted by Xia Hong’s wave of hand. Seeing Xia Hong gesture towards the tent door, she immediately understood and refrained from continuing.

“Lord, Yuwen Dao brings Cai Qiu’s envoy to seek audience.”

“Let them enter!”

Shortly after Xia Hong’s words, Yuwen Dao was the first to enter from outside the tent, followed by Yuan Cheng, Qiu Peng, Luo Yuan, and another unfamiliar face.

The man was dressed in an elegant azure robe, with a refined appearance. His black hair was tied using a piece of white silk cloth, secured by a single silver hairpin, without any other adornments, appearing clean and sharp.

A slight smile graced his face, his slightly luminous eyes scanning the upper seats before quickly focusing on Xia Hong.

He paused briefly but didn’t wait for Yuwen Dao and others to speak. He stepped forward at once and bowed to Xia Hong, saying, “Envoy of Foreign Fief, Cai Qiu’s Grand Master, Liang Hengzhang, pays respects to Lord of Great Xia!”

Seeing Liang Hengzhang’s demeanor, Xia Hong’s expression remained unchanged, but inwardly, he couldn’t help feeling satisfied.

Great Xia was just a Town-level Camp at this point, yet at this moment, though a Grand Master from a feudal town need not perform such a grand ceremony, Liang Hengzhang did so, partly acknowledging Great Xia’s strength and partly expressing goodwill.

It seems his daughter’s words were correct; indeed, he came for peace talks.

No—this was a strategic posture, first the show of courtesy, then the negotiation!

Suddenly, Xia Hong understood the reason for Liang Hengzhang’s stance, his eyes slightly raised, and with a smile, he asked, “At such a time of conflict between the two towns, what guidance does Grand Master Liang bring with him on a solitary visit?”

Not giving Liang Hengzhang a chance to continue speaking, Xia Hong directly went straight to the point, inquiring about his purpose in coming here.

Liang Hengzhang’s face showed little surprise, seemingly having anticipated this. He stood up, cupped his hands with a smile, and said, “The envoy’s purpose here is twofold: to show Lord Xia a clear path and to discuss peace.”

“Oh…a clear path?”

Xia Hong feigned confusion and looked at him inquisitively.