Chapter 723 - 20: Uniting Kyushu’s Strength to Expand Across the Sea, the Boiling Era

"Why has the Song emissary acted so discourteously?"

His tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority. After a slight pause, he feigned a magnanimous demeanor: "Knowing that you’re young and impetuous, and a descendant of the Gu Clan..."

"I shall overlook your offense for today."

"As for the matter of the alliance—"

He waved his hand, his tone turning indifferent: "Wait until you report back to Lord Gu, and then send someone knowledgeable in etiquette to negotiate."

"How can I, as a king, exchange many words with someone who lacks manners?"

—Still seeking the greatest benefit!

Neither explicitly refusing nor directly agreeing, just to retain diplomatic leverage until the last moment.

With that, he waved his hand.

Two armored guards promptly stepped forward, flanking Gu Ming on either side, and ruthlessly dragged him out of the hall.

Throughout the entire process, Gu Ming did not utter a word, his gaze as sharp as a knife, fixed upon Wang Song, filled with piercing intent to kill.

That night, the moon was dim and the stars were sparse.

Within the "Shuntian Hall" built by Goryeo for the Song emissary, the lights were dim and the figures solemn.

Gu Ming summoned everyone who accompanied him on this mission to gather in the courtyard.

The crowd held their breath, seeing him stand before the steps, as upright as a sword. Though his voice was low, every word resounded with conviction:

"Gentlemen, we cannot sit and wait for death!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the atmosphere in the courtyard turned tense.

Everyone present wore a solemn expression, their eyes full of resolve.

They were all elite members handpicked by Gu Jin, including agents from the Imperial Censorate, as well as members of the Gu Clan from Julu who had experienced many battles, so naturally, there was no hesitation.

"What does the young master plan to do?" someone asked in a deep voice, filled with gravity.

Gu Ming slowly drew the sword at his waist, the blade reflecting a cold blue light in the dark night.

He glanced over everyone, his voice as resonant as metal striking stone: "In the past, our ancestors, Lord Sheng, pacified lands far and wide, like Marquis Dingyuan, Ban Chao, who also faced dire straits in the Western Regions."

"The only solution to break out of it—"

He paused, then coldly declared:

"Kill!"

With those words, everyone present immediately rose, following Gu Ming’s lead, drawing their weapons from their waists.

"Young master! Shall we directly attack the Liao emissary?"

Instinctively, they assumed Gu Ming intended to target the Liao envoys, as Ban Chao once did, firmly establishing his position in the Western Regions.

However, this time was clearly different.

"Not the Liao emissary!" Gu Ming quickly responded, "But the Barbarian king!"

As soon as he spoke, the room fell silent, the air seemingly freezing.

"Barbarians respect power, not virtue." Gu Ming surveyed them all, his eyes burning, "King of Goryeo, Wang Song, has been indecisive for years, and cannot be allowed to hold power and destabilize our grand strategy any longer!"

He paused slightly, his tone becoming somber: "As the chief envoy, my position is too prominent to act personally."

"This plan’s success hinges entirely on you!"

He took a deep breath, his gaze sweeping over each resolute face, solemnly saying: "From this moment on, I ask that you immediately make discreet contact with those in the Goryeo court who support our Gu Clan and favor the Great Song, and meticulously arrange everything with no room for error!"

"When the time is ripe, we shall strike swiftly and decisively—"

At this point, Gu Ming suddenly held his sword across his chest, his voice fervent and resolute: "Regardless of whether this succeeds or fails, I have resolved to sacrifice myself for the country, putting life and death aside!"

"If you are willing to join me, when success is achieved, all of Kyushu will remember your loyalty; if anything unexpected happens, on the road to the underworld, Gu Ming will be there to light the way for you!"

As his words fell, the room plunged into silence.

The crowd looked at Gu Ming, at his face that was still somewhat youthful but immensely determined, silent for a long time.

In the darkness, only the sound of heavy breathing and pounding hearts could be heard.

Finally, one person knelt on one knee first, clasping his fists and responding in a deep voice:

"Yes!"

Then, one after another, they bent down, their low shouts converging into a resolute torrent: "Willing to follow the young master unto death!"

"Willing to follow the young master unto death—!"

...

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