The thought, once it surfaced, sent a shiver down Liang Xiao's spine, bringing him back to his senses with a jolt.
"It's all the fault of my wife and the Buddhist maiden," he muttered, "they always loved teasing me, and now I've been influenced by them too. I must properly discipline these two vixens when I get back!!"
Anything was possible, so Liang Xiao remained vigilant, daring not to be careless, lest he recall his trip to Da Liang on some stormy night and be filled with regret.
"I thank the Emperor of Da Liang for his immense favor! However, this general is a subject of Da Qian and truly dares not accept the honor of a seat of honor. I am content to serve my maternal grandfather from below the platform."
Due to Zhuo Xun's relationship, Zhuo Zifang was indeed his maternal grandfather, though he usually preferred Liang Xiao to address him as Zhuo Lingjun.
Furthermore, he had to consider Mu Cheng's dignity. Reciprocity would facilitate his inquiry into his father's affairs from that year, and perhaps even uncover the recent whereabouts of the Rejuvenation Cult.
Mu Cheng no longer insisted, ordering seats to be prepared for them below the platform.
Out of filial piety, Liang Xiao did not sit with Zhuo Zifang, but remained by his side, publicly reading Xiao Qing's letter of greeting.
It contained only the usual official well wishes exchanged between the two nations.
After publicly expressing his thanks, Mu Cheng asked, "I have already seen the formal letter from the Emperor of Da Qian. He has entrusted the two of you with full authority to represent Da Qian and negotiate matters of state with Da Liang. What are your thoughts on the future relations between our two nations?"
Liang Xiao replied, "First and foremost, we must maintain friendly relations between our nations. Our country is currently mass-producing warships to counter overseas threats, but we promise these warships will never approach within ten li of the southern bank of the Heng River. We hope your country can understand."
Mu Cheng nodded, "I received your reminder earlier. There is Senluo Continent overseas, and the Tianri people have landed on that isolated island, becoming the new Senluo people? If that is the case, Da Liang will also rush to build warships to prevent pirate invasions. We hope the two nations can understand each other."
"Naturally!" Liang Xiao nodded gravely.
Yan Liu and the others shot Liang Xiao a glare, remaining silent.
Mu Cheng's response was reasonable, and mutual understanding was reached.
But who could guarantee that these warships would never become tools for crossing the river and attacking each other in the future?
This was both nations dealing with overseas threats and securing a fallback for themselves.
Liang Xiao continued, "His Majesty hopes that the two nations can confirm an alliance for three years and announce it to the world. We may station troops on the border, but we shall not cross the boundary without the other's permission."
Before Mu Cheng could reply, Yan Liu was the first to object, "Marquis Anguo, you worry too much. Relations between our nations have always been harmonious; there is no need for superfluous measures. Maintaining the status quo is sufficient!"
Liang Xiao frowned, "Prime Minister Yan, why do you say that? Since our relations are harmonious, an alliance is harmless and beneficial. Wouldn't further strengthening our ties be a cause for celebration for all?"
Yan Liu retorted, "Harmonious relations are one thing, but who can foresee the future? Matters of military and state require reserving room for maneuver!"
"You wish to reserve room for invasion," Liang Xiao stated coldly.
He had long suspected that once the Third Prince Mu Xuan, supported by the Yan family, succeeded to the throne, he might find an opportunity to invade Da Qian.
Da Qian's concern was not the alliance itself, but "legitimacy."
Once Da Liang broke the alliance and invaded Da Qian, being in the wrong, Da Qian could launch a southern expedition without reservation, seizing a rare opportunity to achieve true unification. At that point, even if Da Liang repented and appointed a new ruler to replace Mu Xuan, and relations were repaired, Da Qian could feign ignorance.
Launching a southern expedition without any justification would inevitably provoke resistance from Da Liang's military and populace, leading to immeasurable losses.
Without an alliance, if Da Liang invaded Da Qian and failed, and Da Qian counterattacked, a new ruler could proclaim to the world, admit fault, shift all blame to the previous monarch, or even deny his legitimacy, perhaps leaving room for negotiation. This was something Liang Xiao would never allow.
The three-year alliance term also left Da Qian with a fallback. After its expiry, if Da Liang's regime lost popular support, Da Qian's forces could march south depending on the situation.
Yan Liu's brow furrowed, and as he was about to respond, Mu Cheng looked at Qin Feng, "Son-in-law, as Minister of War, what are your thoughts?"
Minister of State Dong Chen glanced at Qin Feng and grunted, "I hope that Imperial Son-in-law Qin can consider the bigger picture and speak with caution!"
Qin Feng ignored Dong Chen and stepped forward, replying, "Your subject believes an alliance between the two nations is necessary! However, the term of the alliance should be extended to cover the reign of the current Emperors of both nations, plus three years after their passing!"
Yan Liu sneered, "Imperial Son-in-law, as Minister of War, are you unaware that once Da Qian stabilizes its domestic situation and resolves other border issues, it can use its immense national strength to conquer our nation?"
Liang Xiao's brow furrowed, and he shook his head, "Your Excellency, you truly worry too much. If both nations govern virtuously, any act of invasion will be unjust. Our nation's military and people will resist the invasion to protect their homeland, which is righteous and will surely lead to victory! An alliance is not for show to each other, but for the surrounding barbarians. Are you implying that your Emperor does not govern virtuously and the people are boiling with discontent?"
Yan Liu pouted, "Marquis Anguo, do not slander me. This old man has always respected and loved His Majesty..."
Zhuo Zifang added, "Your country faces threats from the Peacock Dynasty, the southern barbarians, and the eastern sea pirates. With an alliance, our nations can support each other at any time, deterring minor powers and benefiting both sides. Currently, the Emperors of both nations are diligent in governing and love their people. How could they possibly attack each other, disregarding the safety of the military and populace? An alliance will help deepen relations between our nations and deter border threats!"
Yan Liu fell silent, casting a pleading look at Dong Chen and the others.
Dong Chen appeared troubled.
He understood perfectly that Qin Feng's suggestion was the most prudent. If an alliance was to be formed, its term should be extended to prevent the situation Yan Liu described.
During Mu Cheng's reign, Da Liang's safety could be fully guaranteed.
But at present, they did not wish for an alliance, nor did they wish for Da Liang to have another Mu Cheng.
After Mu Cheng's death, whoever the new Emperor was, they would have to find an opportunity to lead their troops north, unite all of Da Qian's enemies, and deliver a fatal blow to Da Qian. There would still be a chance to turn the tide!
Even if the outcome was failure, or even if Da Qian counterattacked and unified the land, they, the noble families, would simply surrender, keep their heads down, and might even continue to hold office. After Liang Xiao and Xiao Qing died, their descendants might have a chance to rise again.
At worst, if the situation turned unfavorable, they could flee in advance!
But now, they had to face four astute individuals – Liang Xiao, Zhuo Zifang, Mu Cheng, and Qin Feng – simultaneously. They absolutely could not reveal their eagerness and arouse suspicion.
Mu Cheng's gaze shifted to the silent Zuo Wuji, "Esteemed Minister Yue, what are your thoughts?"
Zuo Wuji stepped forward and replied, "Your subject believes that Minister Qin's words are absolutely correct!"
Mu Cheng was finally satisfied and looked at Liang Xiao, "According to my son-in-law's suggestion, the term of the alliance shall be extended to cover the lifetime of the current Emperor of Da Liang and myself, plus three years after our passing. What are your country's thoughts?"
Liang Xiao replied without hesitation, "Completely feasible!"
Zhuo Zifang seized the opportunity to add, "To wage war needlessly and cause widespread suffering is something the military and people of both nations would never wish to see. The Emperor of Da Liang is indeed a wise ruler!"
Even with an alliance, it was still necessary to guard against Da Liang breaking the treaty and invading.
Moreover, Xiao Qing and Liang Xiao were still young; they could completely outlive Mu Cheng.
With a monarch like Mu Cheng, Da Liang was certainly not Da Qian's primary target for conquest, but rather an excellent cooperation partner.
Thus, the two sides publicly signed the alliance treaty. Liang Xiao used his Grand Marshal's seal to represent Da Qian.
Mu Cheng used his Imperial Seal, and the two then signed and added their fingerprints.
With the success, Mu Cheng finally relaxed and said, "The alliance between our nations marks a further step forward in our relations, and things are not what they used to be. This is truly auspicious, and even more joy is not impossible! I have suddenly recalled something. Princess Yue Wenxin of the Northern Kingdom, who was recently ennobled, has reached marriageable age and has long admired Liang Xiao. Perhaps a marriage could forge a strong bond. Esteemed Minister Yue, what are your thoughts?"
Zuo Wuji, who had initially been secretly relieved by the alliance between the two nations, felt his eyebrows twitch, and roared inwardly.
"Damn it! This little brat has already snatched my eldest daughter, and now you want him to snatch my second daughter too?"
For the first time, Zuo Wuji felt a slight urge to fly over and slap Mu Cheng!