They discussed how to create chaos tomorrow, turning the peace talks into a grand battle.

Their real identities were naturally not that of true Barbarians, but rather Ghost Servants.

Nevertheless, the Golden Crow King appeared indifferent as he listened to their conversation.

After a while, the Golden Crow King interrupted, "There's no need for that tomorrow."

The Barbarian Ghost Servants were taken aback and said fiercely, "Have you regretted forming an alliance with us? The future belongs to the evil spirits; you should be aware of that."

The Golden Crow King said, "It's just that there's a better plan now."

The Barbarian Ghost Servants said, "Let's hear it."

Then, the Golden Crow King slowly repeated the "strategic layout proposed by Ding Sigu," and on hearing this, the Barbarian Ghost Servants were stunned.

As Ghost Servants, their power had stopped growing, and their minds had become dull.

So, this level of strategy was enough to shock them.

They slowly digested it while the Golden Crow King slowly explained.

The Golden Crow King himself was not a Ghost Servant, but after discovering Ghost Servants within his tribe, some "other ideas" arose in his mind — the Human World, no matter the control of power, wasn't safe, as it could be completely engulfed by the Ghost Tide at any moment. Therefore, supporting a "Ghost King" for power was actually hedging his bets, which was a no-lose situation.

Thus, he chose to cooperate with the Ghost Servants and secretly provided a place for them in the camp, while quietly coordinating with their plans, offering them conveniences.

Originally, during the negotiations, it was time for the Ghost Servants to exert their full effort to "ignite the chaos," but now... As the Golden Crow King described, the Ghost Servants began to realize: this idea was excellent, far more ruthless.

First, igniting the chaos tomorrow, the possibility of failure was still quite high.

Second, even if it did not fail, it might not lead to the death of those powerful ones.

Third, after such chaos, Dashang and the Northern Barbarians might fully realize the existence of the Ghost Servants and might join forces subsequently.

But the idea now proposed by the Golden Crow King was simply hitting right at the heart of the Barbarian Ghost Servants.

This method of manipulating human hearts and stirring the Chaotic World was many times stronger than their methods.

"Alright, then we won't make a move tomorrow, we will follow your plan," one Ghost Servant said.

Another Ghost Servant said, "Golden Crow King, this idea wasn't your own, right? You're not that smart."

The Golden Crow King chuckled, "It's from a new subordinate of mine."

The Ghost Servants exchanged glances and said, "Let us meet him."

The Golden Crow King hesitated and said, "But don't kill him. He is not only intelligent but also young. I plan to gather more military strategies to nurture him. It would be a waste if he became a Ghost Servant."

The Ghost Servant said, "We won't kill him, we won't kill him, just want to see... Afterward, keep him to devise strategies for us."

Another Ghost Servant said, "But we need to keep him under control."

The Golden Crow King said, "He is very fond of a woman, that woman is enough to keep him under control."

The Ghost Servants exchanged glances again, suddenly sneering sinisterly, their shadows flickering menacingly on the thick tent walls.

An evil voice sounded.

"Then... let that woman, become one of us."

...

...

The next day.

Clear.

Negotiations began.

Meanwhile outside Hanping Prefecture, several fast horses left the city, led by Mr. Wang of the An Residence.

Mr. Wang, carrying a cold jade, headed east.

Although Hanping Prefecture was in a grand war, the war had not really affected the east, and it seemed the Northern Barbarians knew the significance of the canal, so they didn't deliberately destroy it.

After all, if the canal was navigable, the Northern Barbarians could also sail down the river to plunder food.

Good news.

Therefore, in this geographically safe environment, with no targeted attacks, Hanping Prefecture had been at war for half a year, but the canal had also been dug for half a year, operating as if insulated from each other, each doing their own thing.

...

...

Several days later.

Good news arrived.

The negotiations were unexpectedly smooth, and the Northern Barbarians agreed to submit!

Although it cost some food and resources, the Northern Barbarians swore to the heavens that they would not cause trouble again.

Meanwhile, Mr. Wang and his people had finally reached the canal banks and, after using money to clear the way, quickly met two An Family members serving as overseers — Wang Tianchuan and Gao Lin.

After briefly understanding the situation, Mr. Wang also discussed the situation of the An Family in the Prefectural City with the two.

Wang Tianchuan and Gao Lin were thrilled.

If the An Family prospered, they would rise with the tide.

However, they were also somewhat frustrated, for they had thought that the young miss and son-in-law had some kind of arrangement, but half a year had passed, and yet nothing had happened.

They needed to establish their worth.

Mr. Wang subsequently handed an ancient wooden box to the two, explaining its purpose and how to use it. Then he urged, "Miss and Young Master have repeatedly emphasized how crucial this matter is. Should the moment truly arrive, you must proceed even at the cost of your lives."

Gao Lin's face showed joy and he nodded vigorously.

Mr. Wang then patted Wang Tianchuan on the shoulder and said, "Tianchuan, this might be the moment for the An Family to soar into the sky. Having followed the An Family for generations, we absolutely cannot afford mistakes in this critical matter."

Wang Tianchuan solemnly replied, "Father, I understand."

Wang Tianchuan then took out gold and silver to give to the two, as funds for smoothing the way.

In places like these, gold and silver are more useful than silver notes, and indeed, they are the true tools for opening paths, making the previously impossible possible and attainable.

...

...

Several days later.

In front of the Great Barbarian King's tent, a bonfire blazed, and many Barbarians were dancing around it, celebrating.

Why?

Because carts and carts of grain had arrived from afar, and this winter, nobody would go hungry.

In this scene, the Barbarian King could not help but burst into hearty laughter.

After whispering with the Golden Crow King, he immediately summoned the chief of the Valley Wolf Clan, and then said, "Xiao Cun, you have a good daughter. Yet, I have a good subordinate.

Look, this cartload of grain was secured by this excellent subordinate for our Barbarian Tribes."

The man named Xiao Cun was somewhat puzzled.

Not until the Golden Crow King gestured did he see Ding Sigu.

Upon further thought, wasn't this the child he had recruited into the clan during his trip southward?

The Great Barbarian King said, "Xiao Cun, this is Mr. Ding."

The chief of the Valley Wolf Clan, taken aback, still exclaimed, "Mr. Ding."

The Great Barbarian King immediately added, "I, along with the Golden Crow King, propose marriage on his behalf. Marry Hong Liao to him."

Despite their different social statuses, Xiao Cun, though puzzled, repeatedly agreed, but then quickly added anxiously, "But Hong Liao has disappeared..."

The Golden Crow King smiled and replied, "She was merely with Mr. Ding when she came to offer strategies. Fearing the plan might leak, I asked my niece to rest in my tent for a while, which must have worried you, Xiao Cun."

The chief of the Valley Wolf Clan laughed and said, "That's Hong Liao's good fortune."

The Great Barbarian King gazed into the distance and said, "Now with the Ghost Tide's rise uncertain, some places might already be showing signs. It's best to set the wedding date early, so Mr. Ding can rest assured and continue to serve our Barbarian Tribes effectively."

...

...

Several days later.

Auspicious day.

With trembling hands, Ding Sigu lifted the red bridal veil, gazed at the beautiful woman inside, and said self-deprecatingly, "Hong Liao, I'm sorry, I...I...

No, no, no, don't worry, I won't touch you.

You are free here.

My methods may be despicable, but I will fulfill your desires. I will make amends. I'll prove it to you."

Sorry..."

Hong Liao was his light.

He had lost everything—parents, siblings.

He was capable of any evil, for he had never experienced true kindness.

Yet Hong Liao had given him everything.

He treasured her deeply.

Ding Sigu, still trembling, lowered the bridal veil, and as he was about to step back, the beautiful woman under the veil suddenly reached out and seized his hand, then slowly moved that hand down past her snowy neck, touching her snowy peaks...

"Husband, what are you saying?

Tonight is our wedding night, and naturally, my wish is to be your wife."

Beauty's kindness awaited pity.

Ding Sigu, how clever he was, suddenly turned his head to see the smiling, beautiful bride, and instantly, his pupils constricted. In the next moment... as if he had lost half his soul, his lips quivered, his body trembled, his eyes widened, and tears suddenly slid down his cheeks.

As he cried, his lips trembled and curled into an exaggerated smile.

"Great!"

"Great!"

"Wonderful!"

His laughter was exaggerated, and so were his tears.

It seemed as though his happiness had reached its peak.

If there's a Hell in the Human World, it must be right here.

...

Note: Ding will exit in the next chapter.

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