Chapter 10: The Boon

The words were spoken abruptly and without context, causing Qian Ye’s face to change instantly. Song Zining was well-versed in the politics of the Empire, and there must be a reason for such an unexpected question.

Fang Zhan was the first to lose his composure, shifting in his chair. Lan Xincheng sat up straight, his expression frozen for a moment, before he slowly said, “Mr. Zining is in the neutral zone yet has a clear understanding of the Empire’s situation. Indeed, I admire your insight. There is no need to be evasive. From what I know, General Lin’s current position is indeed quite delicate.”

Qian Ye asked, “Could General Lan explain in more detail?”

Lan Xincheng nodded slightly at Qian Ye, a hint of depth in his eyes. Turning, he noticed Song Zining looking at him with a meaningful gaze, and he suppressed the various thoughts that had just passed through his mind.

He paused for a moment before saying, “I have some backing in the court, and occasionally hear information confined to small council meetings.”

Song Zining suddenly leaned close to Qian Ye and whispered a brief explanation. The difference between the large and small council meetings was not only in the frequency and scope but also in the matters discussed. Some issues, from their initiation to final execution, are never brought up in the large council meetings. And since most high-ranking nobles don’t have access to this information, let alone common people.

Lan Xincheng paused, waiting for Song Zining to finish his whisper, then continued, “It is said that the idea of considering the floating land as a matter of national fate originated from General Lin. However, the war has been going poorly, dragging on for a long time with heavy losses and no significant gains. The Empire is now mired in a stalemate, holding only a small part of the floating land. This situation has led many to point fingers at General Lin, accusing him of making hasty judgments that led the Empire into a costly war, weakening its strength.”

At this point, Lan Xincheng glanced at Qian Ye and added, “There is another matter related to General Qian Ye. Someone has spread rumors that you were adopted by General Lin when you were young and raised by him. If the Bloodline case was unknown to the Zhao Clan, and General Lin, who has promoted countless talents using the Great Derivation Heaven Calculation Technique, was also unaware, what does that say about it?”

Qian Ye’s fingers twitched slightly, and a murderous glint appeared in his eyes. Song Zining leaned back, lowering his gaze to hide his expression.

This accusation was extremely serious. Raising a Bloodline was a grave offense, punishable by death. If proven, it could lead to treason charges under the Qin Law, which would affect the entire family and their allies. The implication of the Great Derivation Heaven Calculation Technique was even more sinister. General Lin had promoted countless individuals from humble origins, and if this were used against him, the repercussions would be immense.

Lan Xincheng continued, “Of course, General Lin is a pillar of our Great Qin Empire. How could he be questioned based on vague rumors? The Emperor would never agree. Those attacking General Lin do not expect these charges to hold, but they hope to find multiple angles to undermine him.”

Qian Ye’s lips moved, and Song Zining suddenly reached out, lightly tapping his arm. Qian Ye closed his eyes and finally held back from asking who was behind the accusations. The political climate in the Empire was treacherous, and those who switch sides easily were plentiful. Those at the forefront were mere pawns, and such people are never completely eliminated.

Qian Ye suddenly recalled a distant memory, the first time he held Lin Xitan’s hand. He had to crane his neck to see those eyes that seemed to contain the stars and the universe. He also remembered going to the King of Qingyang’s tent after the Battle of the Behemoth’s Sleep, where he did not see Lin Xitan. At the time, he felt a sense of loss. Now, he wondered if Lin Xitan had foreseen this situation long ago.

With such a sensitive topic, the atmosphere in the room became somewhat awkward. In front of Qian Ye and Song Zining, Lan Xincheng and Fang Zhan were merely trading partners. They had cooperated pleasantly before, but such a crucial matter was not something to share openly.

Lan Xincheng cleared his throat and said, “Many impeachments are certainly detrimental. The situation on the floating land is clear, and even the Emperor cannot ignore it. After several council discussions, the Right Chancellor stepped in to mediate, requesting General Lin to present a plan to turn the tide. That is the plan you have in your hands.”

Song Zining and Qian Ye exchanged a glance, and Song Zining said, “This plan is no small matter, practically deploying all the Empire’s mobile forces. I don’t think General Lin has the authority, nor does the Longevity King. The Right Chancellor mediating? Hmph, if he had such influence, he wouldn’t be the Right Chancellor. Is this plan truly from General Lin?”

Lan Xincheng replied seriously, “Absolutely! If you doubt it, there is still time before the plan’s execution for you to verify. Additionally, the Right Chancellor has put in considerable effort. Anything within his authority has been approved, and he has used his connections to coordinate the deployment of many units outside his jurisdiction. He has done everything possible, even I can’t find any fault in his actions.”

“I remember, during the discussion of the war strategy, the Right Chancellor said that he would let General Lin use the entire Empire as pieces on a chessboard to plan this battle. General Lin would strategize, and the implementation would be the responsibility of the Empire. Soon after, General Lin presented this plan. As someone privy to the secret, we have discussed it repeatedly, and all agree it is the only way to turn the tide on the floating land.”

Qian Ye was already somewhat interested, but Song Zining’s expression remained unchanged. “This plan places Qian Ye and me in a very important position. I want to know, what if we refuse to participate? Will the Empire not counterattack the floating land?”

Lan Xincheng replied, “Mr. Zining, you finally asked this question. This route is a critical branch, key to the entire plan, and cannot fail. It requires both the void fleet’s attack capabilities and individual combat prowess. You two are among the few in the Empire who can match this, and you also have one of the Empire’s newest warships. Starting from the neutral zone, you can be a surprise force, making you the best candidates. Of course, if you two decline, the Imperial House will take over this task. Princess Gaoyi is the current designated candidate.”

Before Song Zining could speak, Qian Ye interjected, “Are all the people of the Empire dead? Does everything have to rely on the Zhao Clan? How delighted they are to weaken the fiefs!”

Lan Xincheng smiled bitterly, “General Qian Ye, don’t get angry just yet. This battle is crucial for the Empire’s fate, and almost everyone is involved. Look here!”

Lan Xincheng pointed to a designated area on the plan for a void fleet battle. “The key is the void battle. The Guardian Fleet will be commanded by the Imperial House, with the Right Chancellor leading the vanguard. If Princess Gaoyi leads the external flank, she will be assisted by two princes. Additionally, there is this route…”

Lan Xincheng indicated a path along the edge of the floating land, combining aerial and ground attacks. This route, equally difficult, required a highly capable commander.

“Who commands this route?”

“Princess Haimi, the Long Princess.”

Qian Ye had never heard of her, but from the title, he knew she was from the Imperial House. Song Zining thought for a moment, then exclaimed, “Princess Haimi? She has been in seclusion for over twenty years, hasn’t she?”

“For a battle of this importance, the Imperial House is fully committed. Due to this, it is common to see imperial relatives and nobles in the command. Finding a capable commander with both military skill and prestige is difficult. It is said that the Emperor personally invited Princess Haimi out of seclusion.”

Song Zining was silent for a moment, then looked at the plan again, pointing to the vanguard of the central ground assault. “Who is in charge of this route?”

“The commander is still being considered, but the vanguard is already decided—Zhao Jundu.”

Song Zining’s expression softened slightly, and he examined the map again. Qian Ye understood; their route involved a solo advance to establish a foothold behind enemy lines, effectively cutting off a retreat route for the dark races. The key for their survival would be reinforcements.

Now, the Empire had arranged for two elite ground assault teams to support them. Zhao Jundu was a given, and though Qian Ye did not know who Princess Haimi was, the fact that Song Zining was surprised and that the Emperor had to personally invite her indicated her extraordinary status.

With these two reinforcement routes, the chances of success were significant. Qian Ye estimated that his true combat power far exceeded his apparent strength, making him unafraid of prolonged or chaotic battles. With his current abilities, he could even challenge a Divine General. Song Zining was no pushover either, and together, their power would be greatly amplified.

On the other hand, Qian Ye had the Valhalla, and with the new warship from the Empire, he had even defeated Lin Jiaer. Ordinary dark race fleets would be no match for him.

At least on this route, the plan was feasible, allowing for both offense and defense, with room for maneuver. Moreover, starting from the neutral zone provided a strategic surprise, as the Eternal Night Parliament lacked detailed information on the void routes, and any oversight could cost them dearly.

From the overall plan, it was meticulously designed, with each move interlocking. No route was absolutely safe, but none was a dead end. Every piece was used to its fullest, and the execution would determine the outcome.

This battle plan, intricate yet well-organized, established a void advantage, then divided and isolated the dark race forces, cutting off their retreat. The final, swift assault would leave the dark race forces encircled and facing annihilation. Every detail was perfectly calculated, and thorough execution could indeed turn the tide on the floating land.

The key to the entire campaign was the void battle. Only by defeating the Eternal Night’s fleet and securing short-term air supremacy could the subsequent operations be implemented. Qian Ye and Song Zining would also participate in the void battle and would know the results. If the void battle was lost, there would be no point in proceeding further.

So, at least on this route, Qian Ye and Song Zining could retreat if things turned sour, with no traps or dead ends.

Qian Ye pondered, feeling increasingly intrigued, and was about to speak when Song Zining interrupted, turning to Lan Xincheng, “General Lan, Qian Ye is no longer a member of the Empire. What benefits do we gain from fighting this battle?”

“Serving the country is our duty…” Lan Xincheng started with a stock phrase, then realized his mistake, laughed awkwardly, and said, “This is beyond my authority. Mr. Zining, feel free to state your terms, and I will report back to see if they can be met.”

Song Zining seemed confident and said, “First, I want the complete blueprints for any three of the Empire’s warships. They don’t have to be the latest, but designed within the last thirty years.”

Lan Xincheng’s face relaxed, “That’s not a problem. I can authorize that.”

Song Zining raised a finger, “Second, I want five active main escort ships, sold to us at cost price.”

Lan Xincheng’s expression changed, and he hesitated, “This exceeds my authority, but I can make some arrangements.”

Song Zining said coolly, “We are not begging the military. There is no room for compromise. Qian Ye and I are risking everything for the Empire, so we should get something in return. If the military wants to brush us off with empty promises, then forget it.”

“When the nest falls, how can the eggs remain intact? Mr. Zining, if the Empire is in peril, how can we fare well?”

Song Zining just smiled, not answering.

Lan Xincheng sighed, “I’ll note that down. It shouldn’t be a major issue. Your strength is beneficial to the war. Anything else?”

Song Zining raised a third finger, “Third, I want the rank of a Marquis of a Fief, granted by the Imperial House!”

Lan Xincheng gasped, “And the title?”

Song Zining replied, “No specific title needed, just an unused one.”

Lan Xincheng looked at Song Zining and Qian Ye, his expression complex, “General Qian Ye, do you not want a title?”

Qian Ye said calmly, “I will not accept a title from the Empire, and you couldn’t grant one to me anyway.”

Lan Xincheng, thinking about it, broke into a sweat.