"Oh? Brother Xu is also interested in the matter of "Poseidon"? "
Hearing Xu Shi's question, Cheng Gujian's hand holding the wine glass froze for a moment.
"There's no way I'm not interested."
Xu Shi smiled and sighed, "If it weren't for the "Poseidon", we might not be able to come into contact with your Hualan Empire... When I stayed on Yinsong Island before, I heard a lot from people on the island. "
"I see."
Cheng Gujian nodded slightly, "In that case, I guess what I can tell you is about the same... Of course, it doesn't hurt to tell it again."
The fact is that even for him, a powerful prince, it is really not much different from what Pan Cheng and others told Xu Shi - unknown creatures that live in the depths of the ocean, possessing unparalleled destructive power... I've heard it for a long time.
The advantage is that compared to Pan Cheng, he has an extra atlas in his hand - this is an atlas for the imperial royal family to record various creatures, and the so-called "Poseidon" is of course included in it.
It is somewhat similar to the profile image that Ye Shanshan made in Xingchuan, but upon closer inspection, it is somewhat different, which adds an indescribable flavor to it.
Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou looked at each other, and the latter suddenly realized a problem and said curiously, "Judging from the year recorded in the album, "Poseidon" has existed for a long time, so why has the Hualan Empire only now? Thinking of conquest? "
"Because of its existence, it has begun to pose a threat to the empire, Mrs. Xia."
Cheng Gujian frowned, "If the "Poseidon" just stays in the deep sea, then no matter how powerful it is, we have no intention of touching that bad luck... After all, we don't live by the sea, and I think your city-state does the same? "
Xia Wuyou was noncommittal. Night Sin City also kept a distance from the ocean before. The biggest effect may be that when parents scare their children, they will say, "I'll throw you into the sea if I make more noises"... At least before Xu Shi proposed the plan of "going to the sea", She has no such concept at all.
"Right?"
Cheng Gujian took a bottle of wine, poured himself a glass, and said with a hint of melancholy, "About two or three months before you came, many strange things happened in the empire one after another."
"First the tides began to rise and fall abnormally, and then the towns and villages along the coast... monsters in the sea jumped onto the shore like crazy, some exploded, some were highly poisonous, and some people even witnessed the appearance of the "Poseidon" with their own eyes. . "
This is the truth. It was okay to live in peace in the past, but once something goes wrong, it will be a big trouble. In a sense, this can also be called a dark forest?
You know, the people of the empire living on the seaside are not limited to Silver Pine Island, but Silver Pine Island is the only island in the Hualan Empire... Especially the turmoil caused by this kind of creature that only existed in legends before, The fear brought to these ordinary people is even deeper.
In such a situation, neither the royal family nor the Holy See can sit idly by.
"So you found Yinsongdao as a scapegoat?" Xu Shi pointed out with a smile.
"That's right."
These words were explicit, but Cheng Gujian agreed without any hesitation, "The people of Yinsong Island are good at water, and they have shipbuilding skills. Since ancient times, more than half of the literature records about the ocean in the empire belong to them. Credit, then it’s perfect for them to do this kind of thing.”
In fact, Xu Shi's wording is a bit loose. Rather than saying that he is a scapegoat, it is better to say that Pan Cheng and others were assigned to fight in the front war - saying that they were responsible for the "Poseidon" incident, but it can be seen that regardless of the royal family, Or the Holy See has little experience with this.
However, both sides did not want to act rashly and make unnecessary sacrifices, so they unanimously set their sights on Yinsong Island.
Let Pan Cheng and the others try it first, so that they can have more time to prepare, and if the situation is good, they can also accumulate some experience.
From the looks of it, they are not doing nothing, and they are able to silence everyone. If the people from Yinsong Island don't go, it's because they are cowardly and afraid of death. It's not that the empire doesn't pay attention to this matter.
As for what the people of Silver Pine Island do, whether they live or die, that is a trivial matter that cannot be taken into consideration... Well, let's just be a scapegoat.
"The people of Silver Pine Island are also subjects of the empire, and this is also their responsibility and obligation."
Cheng Gujian also smiled, "But what Brother Xu said seems to be a bit unfair? Yes, you and Yinsongdao have friendship... How about I apologize to you?"
Now are they not barbarians but subjects of the empire? Xu Shi secretly complained, adaptive identity, right?
However, he was also amazed at the character of the Duke of Ancient Swords who could take up and let go. After all, for a powerful minister with one hand covering the sky, apologies are often out of reach, even if it is just a joke. The same goes for the form.
Isn't this just a joke? Anyway, he didn't hear any remorse from the other party. It was more like a warning - Yinsong Island is the territory of the Hualan Empire. You, an outsider, shouldn't point fingers.
However, Cheng Gujian's attitude is also put here. You have been on good terms with Yinsongdao for a long time. Since we are cooperating now, for your sake, I will not make it difficult for them anymore.
"Things have already happened. It's pointless to say more. I wasn't here at that time."
Xu Shi smiled. He didn't mean to break up with the other party by saying this, so he just changed the topic, "Now, what are you going to do next?"
"Of course, we must gather the troops and go out to wipe out the "Poseidon" in one fell swoop. "
Cheng Gujian said, "Recently, I have been selecting people among the royal knights. Looking at the situation, I may have to go into battle myself."
"Where's the Holy See?"
"...The same is true. After all, no one expects the people from Silver Pine Island to be able to deal with "Poseidon". "
Cheng Gujian sighed softly, "During this period, priests from all over the country have been entering the main city one after another. What else could it be if it wasn't for this?"
Fight in person?
These words surprised both Xu Shi and Xia Wuyou. According to your current status, you can be regarded as a personal conscript...
But it makes sense if you think about it carefully - after all, in the general environment of the Hualan Empire, the crusade against Poseidon can easily rise to the level of a political game.
There is no room for two tigers in one mountain. The royal family and the Holy See, which are two-phase checks and balances, naturally hope to find an opportunity to further enhance their influence... Crushing Poseidon is not a trivial matter. Once who can come out on top, and then market it well, it will be easy to win. A heavy number was placed on the scale, eventually forming a one-sided trend.
In this case, both parties will naturally not take it lightly and put in 120% effort.
"I had a headache originally."
Cheng Gujian took another two sips of wine, and then suddenly smiled with relief, "More than ten years ago, I might still be looking forward to returning home in high spirits, but now that I am getting older, I have more things on my mind, and I am less courageous. The thought of needing to take action in person can even be scary.”
"Fortunately, brother Xu, you showed up in time. The weapons you brought should be a great help in the fight against Poseidon... I have a grudge. Before departure, you must help and practice well. The one I chose.”
"This is my job. How can I sell something without including after-sales service?"
Xu Shi blinked and smiled to indicate that he didn't have to worry, "If Brother Cheng needs it, I can go with you and give you the same guidance on the way."
"...Brother Xu is really willing to do this?"
Cheng Gujian looked surprised, as if he had never thought about what Xu Shi would say, "You are not from the Hualan Empire, how can I really work for you like this?"
Xu Shi rolled his eyes secretly and thought, "Are you a novice in officialdom?" You look like a curious baby, but actually this is what you are really saying...
"To be honest, I have never been interested in the story of "Poseidon". "
However, he did not point out that if he wanted to point out that he would not follow Cheng Gujian's meaning just now, but he said sincerely, "I have long had the idea of finding out. In this case, it is better for me to work together. It’s also more certain.”
"I see."
Cheng Gujian looked like he had just woken up from a dream, "It seems that Brother Xu is an adventurous man... In this case, I won't say anything more and will give you a toast."
"Brother Cheng is huge."
Xu Shi paid a modest compliment, "But there is something that must be discussed in advance. You also said that we are not from the Hualan Empire. If we win by then, how will the credit be calculated?"
"this……"
Cheng Gujian frowned, Xu Shi really asked him this time, "The royal family already has regulations. Anyone who has made a successful trip this time will be rewarded heavily. If he dies in the line of duty, he may even be directly named a marquis... But these things are for you, It’s not very attractive, right?”
"Isn't it?"
Xu Shi did not deny it.
"hiss……"
Grand Duke Gu Jian smacked his lips, "I think I have to find your Majesty again and discuss it carefully. No matter what, I have to give you an explanation first."
"It just so happens that I also need Brother Xu to help train soldiers. I will ask His Majesty for permission tomorrow. At least you won't need to be so secretive when you come to my place in the future."
"Then there's Brother Lao Cheng."
Xu Shi nodded and said half-jokingly, "It's a pity that I have to keep it secret today... It's getting late and I should say goodbye. Is there a small door? I'll go out more secretly, so as not to let you know what you said."
"I will send it to you personally, who dares to comment?"
Cheng Gujian stood up with a sneer, not caring at all, "Please."
When sending Xu Shi out, the two of them chatted a lot, mostly about the details of cooperation.
For example, Cheng Gujian certainly wouldn't refuse the matter of building a base station that Xu Shi had been thinking about. He waved his hand and told him to just do it.
It doesn't matter if he speaks.
"By the way, Brother Xu hasn't been to the Holy See yet, right?"
When he arrived at the gate, Cheng Gujian suddenly remembered something, "When do you plan to visit? I can make some preparations for you in advance."
"I don't know either."
Xu Shi looked indifferent, "There is a beginning and an end. Things here are not over yet, so there is no need to be in such a hurry."
"Yes, I also heard about your dispute with the Holy See."
Cheng Gujian nodded slightly, "I'll tell you the truth, I personally don't even want you to have anything to do with them."
"What does this mean? Brother Cheng doesn't believe in God?"
Xu Shi blinked his eyes and asked an additional question.
"Believe, I have always believed that there is a God in the world."
Cheng Gujian shook his head, "Otherwise, where does the "divine breath" come from? Where does the power of the "Chosen One" come from? "
"But belief in God does not mean belief in the Holy See. Do they really have the power to represent the Lord of God? In my eyes, they are just a group of ambitious people seeking fame and reputation."
"……I see."
Xu Shi was stunned for a moment, imitated his tone and said a sentence, and then took the initiative to reach out to him for the first time.
…
"So are you planning to continue cooperating with him?"
On the way back, Xia Wuyou held Xu Shi's arm and asked softly.
"What's wrong? At least we should maintain this relationship for now, right?"
Xu Shi rued her, "And in my eyes, this person is quite interesting. I admire him very much."
This is the truth. It's natural for you to say that Cheng Gujian is full of calculations, but this man is also sincerely willing to do something for his empire. He is really willing to go on a personal expedition, and he is not just the type who can only play with power.
Overall, he was quite honest and upright, at least towards Xu Shi.
Of course, Xu Shi also knew that this was because the two of them had a common goal. Cheng Gujian disliked the Holy See, and he himself was no better. The enemy of his enemy was his friend.
Not to mention that he is very valuable and can bring him a lot of positive help. This is the main reason. Otherwise, whoever else would have had to kneel down to talk to Cheng Gujian from beginning to end without even daring to raise his head. kind.
"But essentially he still wants to use us..."
Xia Mao Mao complained a little, "Inviting you to join us in the crusade against Poseidon is all hypocrisy. It is only true that you use us as a shield when you are in danger."
"Who says it isn't?"
Xu Shi did not deny it, "But we were originally going to investigate Poseidon's affairs. It's not a bad thing to have locals as guides and bodyguards."
"Including trade, establishing diplomatic relations, etc. It will be much easier for us with his help... It can be regarded as mutual use."
Who told us to be outsiders now? Some advantages are definitely not that easy to bring out, and with Cheng Gujian’s status, it is definitely unrealistic for you to expect a white wolf with nothing. The only way is now, everyone gets what they need.
But overall, he can accept this result.
"In a sense, you two are quite similar."
Xia Wuyou complained, "But now you don't care about the Holy See at all? You haven't even met them."
"I didn't say that, did I?"
Xu Shi shrugged, "But if you really want me to distinguish between high and low, the royal family is of course the first choice. You also know the reason."
"Because that little queen is what you imagined, right?"
"Um?"
"Just kidding."
Xia Wuyou smiled. She knew it was because of the dispute with Luo Yu.
Although the "Templar Knights" are nominally a group that serves both the royal family and the Holy See, anyone with a discerning eye can see that this group of people's butts are leaning towards the Holy See. From this perspective, among Silver Pine Island, The conflict between them was already considered a quarrel with the Holy See, not just between Xu Shi and Luo Yu.
When weighing the two aspects, no one would like to have less trouble.
"But it doesn't matter if you have some contact, right? If you really go to defeat Poseidon with Cheng Gujian, you will be tied to death together."
Xia Wuyou thought for a while and then said, "Especially that Luo Yu said he was a Silver Knight. In fact, I think his status may not be very high, otherwise he wouldn't be so constrained."
As for the few bronzes, there is no need to consider them. If we really cooperate, who cares whether those few are dead or alive? During the day, they killed a Fan Shigui in front of the royal family. Will it affect future cooperation? This is the truth.
Xia Xiaomao knows her man very well, and she agrees with him that he chose to use infiltration to conquer this place. They may not lack force, but it would be more difficult to defeat both sides, especially under the premise of fighting against "natural law", there is no benefit at all. will not have.
But since it is penetration, multiple paths should also be good?
"You're right, but it's never important who you deal with, just getting things done."
Xu Shi let out a breath, "Now that we can trade and build base stations for research, it doesn't matter whether we talk to the Holy See or not. If we really need to, we can talk about necessary things. We can switch positions at any time."
Xia Wuyou opened his mouth, and it seemed like... he had really become stupid, right? Anyway, I always feel stupid in front of him...
Fortunately, she didn't care. She was already used to following orders in this regard. It was the most normal mode to fiddle with her from time to time. This was how she was planted.
"Hey, I always feel that Wuyou is talking to the Holy See?"
Seeing her expression, Xu Shi found it funny, and suddenly started to joke, "Tell me honestly, are you collecting money from others in private?"
"What nonsense."
Xia Xiaomao retorted angrily, "Didn't you once say that it would be easier to find a fool to attack? I think Luo Yu is quite stupid... Isn't this a good thing?"
It's true. After immersed in many hours of experience, Luo Yu's little calculations are worthless in her eyes, especially if they haven't succeeded yet...
"Having said that, it won't work if it's too stupid."
Xu Shi was very satisfied with her subtle boast, but he just shook his finger.
"why not?"
"Well..."
Xu Shiyouyou explained, and when he was about to speak, he heard a noise in front of him.
He opened the curtains of the carriage and saw that he was almost at the inn.
The source of the noise was in front of the post house. They saw the two sisters Fengling and Xia Kean standing together, with a bit of nervousness on their faces. Shen Qin, who was in charge of the guard at the side, was even colder to the freezing point.
They faced several people wearing armor. They were all covered in bright silver armor, and their identities were self-evident.
There is also a familiar face among them.
"Xiao Feng and Xiao Ling, be obedient. It's not appropriate to stay here for a long time. Come back to the Holy See with me first!"
oh?
Robbing someone in front of someone, right?
nnd, I didn’t pay attention yesterday and let a mosquito bite my bag. I was so angry...
This chapter was written in a hurry and may be refined later.
(End of chapter)
