Mountain Patrol Military Officer-Chapter 1012 - 669: Transferring Authority!

"I am ashamed to face Your Majesty’s trust!"

"I’ve done nothing, allowing Shu to become such a state!"

Behind him, Qiong Siliu saw Helian Mountain in this way, his gaze deep as a pool, straightened himself, and spoke:

"The National Master has worked earnestly for Daqian; this matter is not your fault, do not be saddened. Let’s not talk about the world, but if we want to save Shu as it is now, the National Master and our Majesty must learn to let go."

This Temple Priest of the Martial Temple uttered startling words in a very calm tone at the end.

Helian Mountain’s background shook, not turning his head around, his facial expression obscured, only several clear fingerprints emerged on the back of the chair he grasped.

"At this time, Lord Qiong says such things, if not for my knowledge of the Lord being the top figure in the Martial Temple, closely connected to Daqian’s luck, I would have thought that the Lord had also grown an ulterior motive."

Helian Mountain’s voice rang out, tinged with a hint of coldness, lowering the grandeur within the great hall.

"The National Master should listen to me finish!" Qiong Siliu faced them, yet unhurried, his countenance as stable as an ancient well without ripples.

"I suggest the National Master let go of Shu, naturally not abandoning it irresponsibly or tossing it aside, but rather handing this area to a suitable person to take over!"

At this point, Helian Mountain turned around, his ancient eyes emitting an intimidating glare, understanding the implied meaning in Qiong Siliu’s words,

"Lord Temple Priest means to let Chen Yuan take over Shu!"

Qiong Siliu nodded, his tone resolute, "Exactly that!"

"Now, only this one possesses the ability to revive Shu!"

"From the Court’s standpoint, this person is rebellious and difficult to tame, yet it must be admitted, this person’s civil and martial prowess is greatly esteemed in Shu. During the early turmoil, he led troops to battle south and north despite illness, gradually inflicting heavy damage on the Ten Thousand Mountains. He has extensive experience in leading troops, and the entire army of Shu respects him; I suppose the National Master is also deeply aware."

"Handing over Shu to this General Chen, with his abilities, will surely ease the crisis."

This Temple Priest of the Martial Temple gave Chen Yuan high recognition, even using words like "surely."

Helian Mountain listened, his expression shifting unpredictably, with anger, hesitation, and suspicion. Finally, he took a deep breath, calming his emotions, and asked in a deep voice,

"Why does Lord Qiong trust this person so much?"

"The Lord must know, this person carries ’disgrace’ on his record. If the Court were to hand power to him..."

Helian Mountain paused, his voice carrying a trace of concern, everything at this point could be comprehended intuitively.

In essence, they were not of one heart.

"That’s because the initial clash between the National Master and him led to distrust. Think about it, if this General Chen truly had such intentions, do you realize, even if the Court wanted to block him, it couldn’t? Why not simply hand over power, perhaps making a gesture of good will?"

Qiong Siliu’s tone contained deep implications,

"As for me coming here to see you and say these things, it’s simply because at the high altar now, only you and I can speak to the matter; it will take the Court some time to react, which might render them ineffective in their desire to assist Shu. In urgent situations, current events should be prioritized. The Heavenly Cave above us is more critical; if Shu truly descends into chaos, the Heavenly Cave cannot be effectively guarded by me, and the things descending from Heaven will spiral the situation out of control."

"Of the two evils, the lesser should be chosen. Everything is for the greater picture, hence the certain ’rebellious’ words I must speak, and an influential figure is needed promptly to stabilize Shu!"

"These words, Your Majesty is unlikely to heed, so I can only speak with the National Master."

The implication being that Helian Mountain is deeply trusted by Your Majesty, and such unpleasant words cannot be said by Qiong Siliu but can be expressed by Helian Mountain.

After all, Helian Mountain has served three emperors loyally, particularly trusted by Emperor Wu.

Helian Mountain listened in silence. After Qiong Siliu’s thorough words, he understood. The counterpart’s words were not alarmist.

If a decision is not made quickly, when news spreads of King Beiliang’s advancement inside the border, fermenting within Shu, no one knows what consequences might arise.

Every minute and second now appears urgent.

However, he is somewhat unwilling and apprehensive. Bearing the sacred mission, guarding Shu, must he withdraw so unfavorably, how would the world view him, how would His Majesty view him? Is there truly no other way to negotiate?

Yet, as various thoughts swirled through his mind, the final outcomes were all denials.

Qiong Siliu watched Helian Mountain’s face display indecisiveness, refraining from further speech, quietly anticipating the decision of the National Master.

He had hurried from the Heavenly Cave’s side, not to persuade, but to make the calmest judgment under current circumstances, plainly stating the benefits and harms. He had little acquaintance with Chen Yuan, yet speaking these words now is from an objective standpoint.

Now in Shu, only Chen Yuan can stabilize the chaos!

Following this, the great hall sank into silence.

Qiong Siliu stood with his hands behind his back, his eyes lowered, contemplating something unknown, while Helian Mountain paced back and forth, his steps echoing in the empty great hall.

About one pot of tea later, the footsteps ceased, Helian Mountain halted, sided slightly, fixing his eyes, all previous emotions having vanished.

Finally, he made his decision, his tone dropped significantly,

"I will report the pros and cons to Your Majesty, and hand over the full authority of Jiannan Road Fusi to Chen Yuan, to solely oversee, securing the Southwest!"

"In urgent situations, power must be implemented, it’s the only recourse!"

"Yet, I harbor a slight concern, since Lord Qiong has some positive ties with Chen Yuan, please convey this news personally to him."

"He won’t see me, but he should see Lord Qiong."

Helian Mountain’s tone was low.

Seeing Qiong Siliu shake his head,

"Not to mention that the passage to the lower realm can’t be unattended, I came here hastily and took risks to discuss with you, now I need to leave promptly."

"Moreover, this matter cannot appear that it is handled by me, someone must deputize from the royal decree to convey the command; it adheres to the heavenly order while granting Chen Yuan respect. Allow me to say, this one only responds well to gentle persuasion, with particular regard to those beside him, and the royal decree should place emphasis on his closest associates."

This Temple Priest of Martial Temple spoke subtly; in short, the royal decree should condescend offering favor, raising titles, ranks for Chen Yuan and his close associates, providing ample sincerity, showcasing lawful authority as a court official while ensuring sincerity is felt, easing tension between both sides.

"It’s the only option!"

Helian Mountain’s eyelids flickered, he took a long breath and responded.

At this point, the two key ministers of Daqian reached an agreement on this matter.

Qiong Siliu saw Helian Mountain’s troubled expression, knowing that the decision was burdensome, having discarded many concerns, he sighed,

"National Master Gao Feng, for the sake of the nation, put aside grievances and personal renown, I’m deeply humbled."

Saying this, he raised his hand slightly, offering a salute,

"I cannot linger away from the passage for long, I must depart now."

Helian Mountain slightly raised his eyelids, returned the salute, "Lord Qiong spoke openly, also for the nation’s sake. It’s well understood by all, no need for farewells."

"Farewell!" Qiong Siliu nodded towards him, finished speaking, his figure vanished within the great hall.

Witnessing the opponent’s disappearance, Helian Mountain returned to the main seat, sitting down slowly, with a trace of deep exhaustion crossing his face, reclining against the chair back,

"Thunder Mountain, come in!"

He called for Duke of Thunder.

Quickly, a crackling sound echoed in the great hall, a streak of silver lightning darted in, manifesting as a Duke of Thunder abnormal man.

"My lord!"

"Transmit my message to Your Majesty!"

When Helian Mountain said this, he seemed even more aged.