Chapter 2165 - 2169: Create an Open Diversion While Making a Secret Move

"Your Majesty, therefore I believe that currently, the situation with the three powers in balance is very delicate."

Zuo Yuanhao said, "I suggest that this time, we do not confront the Imperial Capital army head-on. We should focus on defense to create a stalemate situation and avoid putting in all our effort."

Qin Tian pondered and said, "And then?"

Zuo Yuanhao said, "Then, we need to develop ourselves. On the surface, we create a stalemate, but secretly, we continue to strengthen ourselves until one day when there is a clear imbalance of power. At that point, we can swiftly eliminate the Imperial Capital and take action."

Qin Tian nodded slightly.

Previously, he had considered this approach, which is currently the most prudent method.

When the three forces are balanced, any two parties taking action would undoubtedly allow the third party to profit from the conflict.

Qin Tian, of course, wanted to reap the benefits, but after War God and Long Xuanji negotiated peace in East State, he temporarily saw no signs of the Imperial City or Dragon Clan engaging in major conflicts.

Especially recently, they have been forming alliances.

"Since this is the case, let's execute according to the State Preceptor's suggestion. State Preceptor, this task will be difficult for you. Please go to Yueya City and, together with the Great General, try to create a stalemate with the Imperial Capital."

"Understood."

After the meeting, Lin Yu walked alongside Qin Tian and asked puzzledly, "Boss, I don't understand. When the Imperial Capital attacks us, if we just defeat them, even if the Dragon Clan takes advantage, it won't grow faster than us, right? Why do we have to insist on creating a stalemate?"

Qin Tian smiled lightly, "Second Brother, your premise assumes that we fight the Imperial Capital without significant casualties. Under those circumstances, we can compete with the Dragon Clan for the Imperial Capital's territory. If there are significant casualties, with over one hundred thousand deaths, tell me, do you think we can defeat the Dragon Clan when we split the world with them?"

This question from Qin Tian left Lin Yu speechless.

He shook his head and sighed, "I just feel unwilling... You've become Emperor, we shouldn't have to be so passive."

"It's not being passive; it's advancing by retreating, searching for opportunities. Second Brother, don't worry, within the three powers' balance, we absolutely won't be caught off guard by them."

Confidently, Qin Tian smiled at Lin Yu.

At this moment, after some thinking, Qin Tian had already devised a strategy to deal with the Imperial Capital—

Build bridges openly, advance in secret!

On the surface, maintain the stalemate, with Xu Kuan and Zuo Yuanhao guarding there and twenty thousand troops stationed there. Expecting that the Imperial Capital won't cause much trouble.

But secretly, Qin Tian was preparing to take action.

"Long Yin, Fourteenth Prince, Mr. Shenyue, now is the time for negotiations."

Thinking about this, Qin Tian decided to once again venture alone to the Imperial Capital.

This time, his goal was to form the closest alliance with Long Yin!

Something needed to be done to return with results!

"Boss, are you sure?!"

When Qin Tian informed Zhou Yang, Lin Yu, Xiao Zhuang, and Duan Xiaodao of his decision, all four, as before, opposed it.

Zhou Yang said seriously, "Boss, times have changed; you are now Emperor Qin, the ruler of a country. To travel alone to the enemy's capital? This is like walking into a trap; if something goes wrong, the entire Qin Country could be doomed!"

"Exactly, Boss. We didn't advise you before, but now you're an emperor; the responsibilities are heavier. Whatever needs to be done, we can send someone else. You going alone is really inappropriate," Xiao Zhuang said.

Qin Tian smiled, "I've gone to the Imperial Capital by myself many times before without any trouble."

"Boss, that was before."

Lin Yu said seriously, "Before, the Ice Emperor was in charge, perhaps not sensitive to these things. But now it's the Fourth Prince, who is known for his scheming. Your visit is fraught with danger."

"Moreover, Boss, even though your martial arts are exceptional, the Fourth Prince also has the Tianyuan Dynasty's Elder Council stationed there, supposedly with several masters. If they find out you're in the Imperial Capital and turn the place upside down, they could find you, Boss, don't do it..."

Faced with the brothers' dissuasion, Qin Tian smiled wickedly.

Seeing this smile, Zhou Yang and the others understood that their efforts had been for naught.

"I'm not here to consult with you, I've made my decision. Guard Qin Country well for me. Umm, when it comes to military affairs, you all, along with Xu Kuan, Zhao Lanjin, and Zuo Yuanhao, to decide jointly. In case of disputes, let Zhou Yang and Zuo Yuanhao's decisions prevail; if you two disagree, follow Zhou's decision."

As Qin Tian spoke, he handed his secret edict to Zhou Yang.

Now as emperor, the edict was the essential tool for delivering his orders.

Zhou Yang opened it and was immediately stunned, "Boss, this... you've even written a will, what are you planning?"

At that moment, Zhou Yang was dumbfounded.

Because he saw that Qin Tian had written in the secret edict that if something happened to him, the position of Emperor Qin would be inherited by Zhou Yang!

"Boss..."

Zhou Yang was moved beyond words, tears nearly flowing, staring at Qin Tian, "Boss, this... isn't right..."

Qin Tian chuckled and said, "I wrote this purely as a precaution. Passing the title of Emperor Qin to you, Lin Yu, Xiao Zhuang, or Xiao Dao is essentially the same. We all came from Earth, starting as sworn brothers with Dragon Soul, promising to share both fortune and adversity."

As Qin Tian spoke, he patted Zhou Yang's shoulder, "Qin Country is in your hands for now."

Without delay, Qin Tian departed, disguising himself and leaving secretly the next day.

His pace en route to the Imperial Capital was not particularly fast.

As Qin Tian passed through each major city of the Tianyuan Dynasty, he would enter and observe, to see how the civilians were living and how the overall development was progressing.

Up to now, the competition among the three nations was based on national strength.

Throughout the journey to the Imperial Capital, Qin Tian noticed that compared to before, these major cities' economies were significantly declining, and there were few pedestrians on the streets. Whether due to chaos of war, cities outside the Imperial Capital are incredibly inconspicuous.

However, the Imperial Capital remained prosperous.

Upon entering the Imperial Capital, Qin Tian headed straight for the Gongsun residence.

Unable to enter Gongsun mansion, he happened to meet a maid acting as a stand-in for Gongsun San Niang. Upon seeing Qin Tian, knowing that Gongsun San Niang held this person in great reverence, she promptly took Qin Tian inside.

"Young master, the family head is discussing business with guests in the living room. Please rest in the side hall for a moment. If you have urgent matters, the maidservant can immediately notify on your behalf..."

Initially, the maid planned to dismiss Qin Tian like any ordinary guest, but she then realized Qin Tian's high status, and quickly changed to a more respectful tone.