Qian Bufei arrived in Yuzhou quickly. Despite being in the midst of the apocalypse, he rushed here overnight, covering the distance in just one day. Following behind him were over a dozen trucks laden with gifts: various jade and precious stones, gold and silver treasures, and even embroidered silks. These gifts were intended for the important figures of Yuzhou.
Even if ancient people lacked etiquette, they understood the principle that a gift sent from a thousand miles away, though light, carries deep meaning. Sometimes, the value of the gift is not important; as long as it is delivered, the sentiment is conveyed and will naturally be valued.
Upon reaching the outskirts of Yuzhou, Qian Bufei observed that the city had not shrunk in the apocalypse; instead, it seemed to be expanding. Originally, there were inner and outer city walls, but now, even beyond the outer wall, numerous buildings were erected.
"The world is in chaos, and only Yuzhou remains stable nationwide. Shen Feng is a talented individual, capable of protecting a region in these turbulent times!" Qian Bufei couldn't help but exclaim upon seeing the scene in Yuzhou.
For a long time, Qian Bufei believed Shen Feng was merely famous for nothing, relying on brute strength to earn the title of Wind God and to occupy a vital city on the Yangtze River. He never expected that as the world grew more unstable, Yuzhou would continue to develop. At the very least, Yuzhou had not experienced famine; even the poorest people could afford cornmeal, a far better situation than elsewhere.
Having experienced the crisis in Dian Province, Qian Bufei now truly understood how difficult stability was, and his admiration for Shen Feng grew. Upon arrival, he was already praising Shen Feng's capabilities.
"We haven't even met Shen Feng yet. Praising him like this won't reach him! Let's save these kind words until we meet him. Perhaps hearing them will make him treat us more courteously," Zhou Hao said calmly beside Qian Bufei.
Hearing this, Qian Bufei's expression turned somber. He then said, "Who could have imagined we would fall into such a situation? We were once on par with Yuzhou, and we even had plans for a Southwest alliance. But now, Dian Province faces a crisis of survival, and we can only bow our heads and request support!"
Qian Bufei was deeply unwilling. If not for the insurmountable challenge of the insects, he would never have lowered himself to beg others. However, for the future of Dian Province, he had no choice but to undertake this perilous journey.
Later, Qian Bufei learned from his informants that "Yuzhou is reluctant to agree to Dian Province's terms, especially with many of Yuzhou's civilian officials opposing it. They plan to host you at a manor by the Yangtze River and persuade you to retreat during the banquet!"
Upon hearing this, Qian Bufei took a deep breath and said, "I never expected to become Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang once debated with scholars, but I don't know if I possess his eloquence. If my speaking skills are poor, I will have no face to meet the people of Dian Province!"
"You should hurry back to your car. I see many ill-intentioned eyes around. Be careful that the debate of scholars doesn't turn into a banquet of Hongmen!" Zhou Hao suddenly became vigilant. He sensed many hostile gazes, and the faces of those around them were grim. If they were to act, their group might be ambushed.
Zhou Hao appeared as Qian Bufei's bodyguard. Previously, Qian Bufei would bring bodyguards when going out. These bodyguards were merely evolved humans. Although they possessed great strength and strong recovery abilities, they were no match for ability users and could be killed instantly. Thus, Zhou Hao took it upon himself to protect Qian Bufei.
Although Qian Bufei was also an ability user, his ability was not suited for combat. His ability was to enhance the corrosive effects of bacteria, causing objects or living beings to rot. In actual combat, this ability was practically useless.
Therefore, Qian Bufei obediently returned to his car, with Zhou Hao protecting him.
That evening, Yang Ye sent an invitation, which simply requested Qian Bufei to attend a banquet.
"Shen Feng has made no move. It seems Shen Feng tacitly approves of this matter. Alas, the road ahead is long!" Qian Bufei sighed.
In the past, Qian Bufei thought Zhuge Liang's debate with scholars was a simple matter, possibly even fabricated. After all, such an event was merely a matter of eloquent speech, as thrilling as described in novels. If it truly happened in reality, a single mouth could not achieve such an effect.
However, Qian Bufei now faced a situation similar to Zhuge Liang's, needing to use his words to change an entire faction and shape it according to his desires. This was incredibly difficult.
Moreover, Qian Bufei learned an unexpected piece of news: during a previous meeting, Xu Xing had suggested Shen Feng accept Yuzhou's proposal.
In addition, there was another piece of news, not insignificant: Shen Feng had a lover who lived outside the Wind God Palace, named Yu Renshu, who was also an ability user.
Qian Bufei then devised a plan and instructed his subordinates, "Quickly prepare two gifts for these two individuals. Have them speak favorably for us later. Additionally, other important figures in Yuzhou also need gifts. However, it is likely that they will not accept the gifts we are sending now."
The next day, Qian Bufei took a deep breath and set off. His prediction was correct: except for Xu Xing and Yu Renshu, no one else dared to accept the gifts. It wasn't that they were particularly incorruptible, but the current situation was too sensitive. Anyone with a modicum of foresight would not wade into this murky water.
Xu Xing then found Shen Feng and said earnestly, "City Lord, I heard Yang Ye's banquet is about to begin. Shall we not go and see?"
Shen Feng replied indifferently, "I plan to observe this matter. Regardless of the decision, it will affect the stability of the Chuan-Yu region!"
Xu Xing quickly countered, "But even if we want to observe, isn't it better to observe up close? Hearing it recounted by others always creates a distance. As soon as we go to this manor, we will know what they are thinking."
Shen Feng found this reasoning sound and nodded, "In that case, let us go and witness their debate firsthand. I also want to know how they persuade each other."
Xu Xing then led Shen Feng to the Yangtze River. The two disguised themselves, unnoticed by others. Upon arriving at the manor by the Yangtze River, Shen Feng couldn't help but frown. The manor was extremely luxurious and located within the outer city. Such a grand manor was undoubtedly worth a fortune.
Xu Xing seized the opportunity and said, "City Lord, many of your subordinates have their own businesses. After all, you haven't forbidden them from doing business. With power and the ability to conduct business, they have accumulated vast wealth. Therefore, they are the ones who least desire change, because once the situation changes, it will be very difficult for them to make money."
It turned out Xu Xing had also learned to subtly undermine others. Now, she was using this opportunity to tarnish the reputation of these civilian officials, suggesting that their opposition to her proposal was entirely due to their selfish interests, not for the sake of Chuan-Yu.
Shen Feng took a deep breath and said, "Although they have accumulated wealth through business, they have also worked diligently over the years and have never disobeyed my orders. Let this matter pass. Let us enter the manor first."
In truth, Shen Feng wanted to lash out, but upon careful consideration, even if these people made money through their power, they had not committed any heinous acts. He couldn't possibly enjoy all the benefits himself while denying his subordinates a share; that would be inappropriate.
At this moment, Xu Xing also replied, "Then let's go in quickly. Perhaps the debate has already begun. I also want to see what these people have to say!"
Shen Feng and Xu Xing climbed over the wall and entered the manor. Although the manor was equipped with pervasive surveillance and numerous security personnel, both of them were ability users with formidable strength. Few people in this world could be considered their rivals, so their infiltration was very smooth. They soon arrived at the venue of the debate.
The debate venue was a very large hall, and the surrounding security personnel had been withdrawn, as the discussions within were not meant for them to hear. At the debate, Yang Chang and Cao Fuli were present. These two were also ability users, and if any unforeseen situation arose, they could subdue any troublemakers.
Shen Feng and Xu Xing hid in a corner, eavesdropping. Xu Xing thought to herself, "All I can do is this much. I can't do anything else. Qian Bufei, you had better perform well at the debate. If you are defeated, I will truly be helpless!"
At this time, the banquet hall was surrounded by tables. Various foods were laid out on these low tables, with small chairs behind them. Everyone sat behind the small tables, eating the food before them. As for Qian Bufei's table, it was in the center, directly facing the main desk. Yang Ye sat at the front, with Zhou Xiaoxiao and Tu Xuhuai seated on either side.
Qian Bufei looked at the arrangement and thought to himself, "Does this setup resemble a triple interrogation?"
However, Qian Bufei did not rush. He slowly savored the food before him. Although the dishes were exquisite delicacies, he tasted no difference, as his entire focus was on the upcoming debate.
Yang Ye observed the situation and calmly ate the river shrimp before him. One of his capable subordinates, Lu Xibai, stepped forward and spoke first, "Mr. Qian has come to Yuzhou, is it to seek aid? Is that correct?"
Qian Bufei took a deep breath and replied, "It is not to seek aid, but rather that the people of Dian Province admire the Wind God's exceptional demeanor, and therefore request to submit. There is an essential difference between the two, please do not mistake it."
Lu Xibai smiled and said to the assembled guests, "This Mr. Qian, who has traveled from afar, is truly joking. He is clearly requesting support, yet he describes it as something else. We are all aware that Dian Province is on the brink of disaster, with countless mutated insects attacking the city. You cannot resist them and have suffered heavy losses, so you are requesting our support, aren't you?"
The people in the banquet hall nodded in agreement.
Qian Bufei had prepared for the opponent's questioning all night. He calmly stated, "Although Dian Province is in danger, it is not yet a desperate situation. In reality, the reason we have made this choice is for the sake of the common people, not only for Dian Province but also for Yuzhou. If countless insects enter the Chuan-Yu region, it would be a disaster. To prevent this disaster, our Dian Province is willing to voluntarily submit to the Wind God and become a subordinate under the Wind God, allowing for smoother command. This is a decision that aligns with the opportune time, favorable geography, and human harmony. I do not know what you all think, to hinder us from doing this!"