Miao Yi subconsciously glanced at Wei Shu, noticing that this authoritative figure of the Xiahou family was observing him.
However, this was not important. Miao Yi shifted his attention back to Xiahou Ling, paying attention to his reaction. He did not believe that Xiahou Ling truly did not want to know the reason for his visit, nor did he really not want to know how he was going to help him. Xiahou Ling was just putting on a show, trying to seize the initiative. Otherwise, he wouldn't have met him, and he wouldn't have allowed him to secretly enter the Xiahou Clan's forbidden garden, a place not just anyone could enter.
The two of them didn't seem interested in the dishes on the table, only focused on drinking. One was smiling calmly, the other calm and focused.
When Xiahou Ling finished his cup, Miao Yi quickly reached for the wine jug and poured more wine for him. Xiahou Ling didn't refuse, still wearing a faint smile on his face.
He straightened the tilted wine jug, revealing that it was a good jug. Miao Yi put it down and asked, "Albatross, do you really not want to know what the outside world thinks of you?"
Xiahou Ling rested his hands on his thighs, smiling. "It doesn't matter if the outside world thinks of me well or badly. Why should I care too much?" He didn't want to hear it.
Miao Yi chuckled. "Albatross sure is generous. I can learn from you, but I can't be as understanding as you. Of course, there are some things you'll probably never hear of. For example … "He pointed at Wei Shu," At least Steward Wei won't tell you. "
Xiahou Ling subconsciously glanced at Wei Shu.
'What is this guy trying to do?' Wei Shu muttered to himself, but he still bowed slightly. "Governor, you're exaggerating."
Miao Yi shook his head. "It's not that I'm exaggerating, but everyone thinks that Albatross isn't fit to be the Xiahou family's Patriarch." The first sentence was fine, but the last sentence couldn't be any more serious. It was like a strong medicine that would definitely move anyone.
Xiahou Ling's smile instantly turned cold as he stared at Miao Yi.
Wei Shu said solemnly, "Governor, the Xiahou family respects you as a guest. Please be careful with your words!"
Miao Yi was like a fishing boat in the middle of a storm, calm and collected. He chuckled and said, "Am I wrong? I'm just speaking the truth. Everyone will inevitably compare the Xiahou albatross to the new albatross. You know the result of the comparison. Haven't there been many such discussions? It's just that you don't dare to tell Tian Weng. In fact, I'm afraid that it's not just the people in the world who are discussing this. I've even heard some rumors within the Xiahou Family. They all think that the Albatross is far inferior to the Old Albatross. Can Steward Wei deny this fact? "
Wei Shu showed a slightly mocking expression, but he had nothing to say. If he said that there was no such thing, even Xiahou Ling himself would not believe it.
Xiahou Ling remained unmoved, but he could not help but laugh softly. "Governor, for you to say such words in front of me, I wonder if you are deliberately trying to humiliate me or provoke me? My father is a man of great talent and strategy, so it's normal that I can't compare to him. I have to admit this, and I'm sincerely convinced. Why would I need the Governor to remind me? "
Miao Yi sighed, "How could I dare to humiliate you! I admire Tian Weng's filial piety, and I can see that Old Albatross Xiahou has a keen eye for talent. I can only sigh at the foolishness of the people in the world, for they are blinded by the truth. The people of the world only see the Xiahou Family's Heavenly Empress being bullied and humiliated. Even the son of the Son of Heaven was demoted, but he could do nothing about it. They all say that if Old Albatross Xiahou was still alive, the Heavenly Empress would not have suffered such humiliation. Even within the Xiahou Family, there are many who share this opinion. They say that the Xiahou Family's foundation is filled with talents, and that any one of them would be able to stand on their own. Why did they send an inexperienced, arrogant, and incompetent person to take charge of the family? Because of this, everyone in the Xiahou Family is unable to lift their heads. This is the greatest humiliation the Xiahou Family has ever suffered since its founding … "
"Insolence!" Wei Shu could no longer bear to listen to this and shouted.
Miao Yi quickly glanced at him, and then quickly paid attention to Xiahou Ling's reaction. He noticed that Xiahou Ling seemed to be smiling calmly, but in reality, his Adam's apple had moved a little. He knew that he must have stabbed the other's sore spot.
He didn't know if the people of the world said this, and he also didn't know if the people of the Xiahou Family said this. He had never inquired about this matter, but he did think of Xiahou Ling this way. He guessed that the people of the world would not be any different.
In reality, Xiahou Ling's hands, which were resting on his knees under the table, had already clenched into fists. He clenched them so hard that his veins were popping and his knuckles were white. How could he not know that there were many people in the Xiahou Family who did not accept him as the head of the family? However, some things had not been made clear. Today, an outsider had pointed it out in front of him. His pent-up anger almost caused him to explode out of humiliation and beat up Miao Yi so that he wouldn't stink.
"No matter. It's quite interesting to hear the Governor's opinion." Xiahou Ling smiled as he slightly raised his hand to stop the cold-faced Wei Shu. If he flew into a rage out of humiliation just because someone said a few words like this, then wouldn't he be admitting his own shortcomings without being pressed? Most importantly, he couldn't possibly kill Miao Yi here. Miao Yi was not the only one who knew that Miao Yi had come here. Whether or not he was pretending to be generous, only he himself would know.
"Aiya! No wonder I'm the easiest person to offend. I've offended everyone in this world. Oh, my foul mouth! " Miao Yi looked as if he had suddenly come to a realization. He seemed to have just realized that he had said the wrong thing. He suddenly revealed a terrified expression and quickly stood up. He cupped his fists and bowed deeply to Xiahou Ling. "It was I who spoke out of turn. I hope the Heavenly Elder will be magnanimous and forgive me."
Xiahou Ling extended his hand and invited him to sit. His smile was the same as before. "Governor, in order to achieve your goal, you are truly eloquent and racking your brains. However, I wonder what this has to do with helping me? Could it be that the Governor wants to help me shut the mouths of the people of the world? "
They were finally on their way. Miao Yi leaned forward slightly and said with a serious expression, "The Heavenly Elder is wise. I have the same intention!"
Wei Shu immediately stared at Miao Yi with a slightly guarded gaze.
Xiahou Ling was also slightly taken aback. Suddenly, he looked up to the sky and let out a long laugh. He shook his head and said, "The Governor is truly worried. You can't even take care of yourself, yet you're worrying about me. How interesting."
Miao Yi said solemnly, "Could it be that the Heavenly Elder doubts my sincerity?"
Xiahou Ling teased, "What do you think?" Raising his chopsticks, he pointed at the exquisite dishes on the table. "If we continue chatting, the dishes will get cold. It will make the Xiahou Clan look bad. Please enjoy!"
Miao Yi sighed. "It's better for the dishes to get cold than for the Xiahou Clan's hearts to get cold! Honestly, I wouldn't have done this if there weren't any benefits. If there weren't any benefits for the Heavenly Elder, I wouldn't have come to visit the Heavenly Elder. This is killing two birds with one stone. Why wouldn't the Heavenly Elder be happy to do something that benefits both sides? "
Xiahou Ling seemed to be enjoying the food as he slowly chewed on it. He calmly said, "I don't think the Governor wants to help me. Instead, you want me to help you. Alright, the Governor has been beating around the bush for so long. Let's not beat around the bush anymore. Tell me, what do you want me to help you with? If I can help, I will do my best. If I can't, then please forgive me for not being able to help you." He clearly wanted to know the other party's intentions, but he still refused to let go of the initiative and continued to put up a front.
Miao Yi's expression was solemn as he said something shocking, "Do not lie in front of a true person. I want to eradicate the Ying Clan in one fell swoop!"
"..." Wei Shu choked from the side.
Xiahou Ling's extended chopsticks froze. He stared at Miao Yi for a while. Seeing that he didn't seem to be joking, he slowly moved his chopsticks down to pick up the food, then slowly brought it to his mouth to chew. His eyes flickered with contemplation as he digested the information in Miao Yi's words. After a while, he finally sneered, "Is the Governor joking, or are you talking in your sleep? Let's not talk about the Xiahou Clan not helping you with this. Even if they were willing to help you, do you think the military power in Heavenly King Ying's hands and the Eastern Army under his control are just for show? "
Miao Yi immediately asked, "What if the Eastern Army falls into internal strife?"
Xiahou Ling shook his head. "The Southern Army, Western Army, and Northern Army won't just sit by and watch."
Miao Yi added, "What if His Majesty gets involved?"
Xiahou Ling and Wei Shu were moved. They carefully observed Miao Yi's expression, trying to discern the truth in his words.
Miao Yi continued, "If the Xiahou Clan is willing to join forces with me, I have a way to cause internal strife in the Eastern Army. With His Majesty's help, Ying Jiuguang will definitely be defeated. I can then eliminate this threat in one fell swoop!"
Xiahou Ling said in a low voice, "Did His Majesty instruct you to come?"
"That's not it!" Miao Yi shook his head. He dipped his finger into the wine in his cup and drew on the table. "The Four Armies have been reorganized for a long time now. There have been complaints within the Eastern Army, but they have been forcefully suppressed. After the battle at the Black Dragon Pool, Ying Jiuguang's prestige has been greatly damaged. The Eastern Army is even more resentful. If we were to use this time to attack, it would be a heaven-sent opportunity! Heavenly Old Man, you should know that the Four Heavenly Kings have been keeping their armies to themselves and not attending the Imperial Court. His Majesty already has the intention to divide his forces. However, the Four Heavenly Kings discovered this in time and forcefully suppressed it with a bloodbath. If the opportunity presented itself to you, Heavenly Old Man, do you think His Majesty will make another move? When that time comes, you and I don't need to do anything. His Majesty will definitely take advantage of this opportunity! Heavenly Old Man, this is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Once Ying Jiuguang's influence from the battle at the Black Dragon Pool is reduced and he regains control of the situation, I'm afraid there won't be such a good opportunity to make a move again! "
Xiahou Ling said, "I'll say it again. The Southern Army, Western Army, and Northern Army will definitely not sit by and watch Ying Jiuguang fall. They know better than anyone the consequences of a table losing a leg."
Miao Yi said, "Where is the best opportunity to win on the battlefield? A surprise attack is the best! This is the reason why I came to this secret meeting with Heavenly Old Man. With the Xiahou clan attracting the attention of the three armies, they won't dare to act rashly and neglect Ying Jiuguang's side. Only then will His Majesty have the opportunity to strike! "
Xiahou Ling snorted, "Governor, you've really made a good plan. If I attract the wrath of the three clans here, and you all just wash your hands of it, wouldn't my Xiahou clan have to swallow the bitter fruit alone?"
Miao Yi picked up some food with his chopsticks, then gulped down a mouthful of wine. He then picked up the pot and poured wine for both sides, saying, "Heavenly Old Man, you're wrong. The main attacker is not the Xiahou clan, but me!"
Xiahou Ling narrowed his eyes and said, "You?" His tone was obviously questioning Miao Yi's strength.
Miao Yi nodded. "That's right! I will be the main attacker. The Xiahou clan will just be going through the motions. As soon as they notice that something is amiss, they can just wave their sleeves and leave. The Xiahou clan won't suffer any losses! Frankly speaking, I understand Heavenly Old Man's difficulties. With Heavenly Old Man's current control over the Xiahou clan, you still can't mobilize all of the Xiahou clan's forces to be the main attacker. That's why I won't force you. "
"Hehe!" Xiahou Ling couldn't help but laugh. "You can forget about trying to goad me into action. After all that talk, is there really a need for the Xiahou clan to take such a risk?"
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