Only Murong Tian and Gongsun Wuji, having witnessed the Emperor's high regard for Mo Han in the square earlier, were not overly surprised.

Hearing the Emperor’s inquiry, Mo Han quickly responded, "Thank Your Majesty for your concern. It’s merely a minor injury, nothing significant, and it’s nearly healed. I apologize for causing Your Majesty worry."

Hearing Mo Han’s reply, the Emperor smiled and said, "It's good that you are well. I trust General Murong has already explained the purpose of summoning you here. I won't waste words; I simply wish to hear your thoughts on this Beast Clan matter. Speak freely; I grant you impunity."

He then looked at Mo Han with an encouraging expression.

Upon hearing the Emperor's question, everyone in the hall focused their gaze on Mo Han, eager to hear what unexpected answer the young man favored by the Emperor would offer.

Seeing everyone looking at him, Mo Han spoke calmly, "This matter is actually quite simple."

Hearing Mo Han’s words, the Emperor smiled and remarked, "Oh? How so simple? Do tell us; these esteemed adults here have been debating it for quite some time."

Mo Han continued, "Your Majesty, consider this: given the nature of the Beast Clan, they would never initiate hostilities unless their basic sustenance was threatened."

Upon Mo Han’s reply, an elder seated on the right side could not help but interject, "We are aware of that."

Mo Han maintained his smile and continued, "But has everyone considered why they would launch an invasion now, while their supplies are abundant, and why they are so much earlier than expected?" Another elder next to the first speaker interjected impatiently, "If we knew, we wouldn't be asking you."

Mo Han remained unperturbed and proceeded, "Clearly, someone has been stirring up trouble from the shadows. Think about it—how long has it been since a Prophet appeared among the Beast Clan? Why has one suddenly surfaced now, and immediately upon their appearance, the Beast Clan launched this war? It is evident that this Prophet is the key figure in this conflict."

At Mo Han’s words, everyone present displayed thoughtful expressions.

At this moment, the elder dressed in green military attire, who had remained silent standing to the right, spoke up, "Then why would the Beast Clan Prophet initiate this war? It offers no benefit to the Beast Clan whatsoever. They haven't won a war against humans in recent years; the Kuanglong Legion has intercepted them outside Mingyuan City every time, forcing them to merely roam the outskirts. It’s clearly not worth the trouble."

Hearing the question from the elder in green, others nodded in agreement. Indeed, such an action seemed utterly disadvantageous to the Beast Clan; why would they proceed? Seeing this, the Emperor smiled and said, "Since Mo Han has considered this point, perhaps you have also discerned the intention behind it?" Mo Han replied, "It is only my speculation; I cannot say for certain at this moment."

The Emperor stated, "It doesn't matter. Just speak your mind; it can serve as a reference for everyone."

Hearing the Emperor, Mo Han hesitated no longer and began, "Everyone, consider this: if we engage in a fight to the death with the Beast Clan right now, who benefits the most?" Upon Mo Han’s question, Murong Tian and Gongsun Wuji spoke in unison, "The Aoyue Empire."

Mo Han nodded with a slight smile. "Precisely. Among the five great empires on the continent, the Aoyue Empire harbors the greatest ambition. They are the second-largest nation, just behind our Tianlong Empire, and have always watched us covetously—otherwise, the invasion of Feiji City wouldn't have occurred. Think about it: if the Beast Clan committed its full strength to an attack, the Kuanglong Legion alone would struggle immensely to hold them back. Previously, because the Beast Clan lacked sufficient resources, they could only manage smaller incursions, which is why the Kuanglong Legion could manage them alone.

"However, I estimate this invasion will be massive. If our nation needs to dispatch aid, only the Emperor's Tianlong Legion can be mobilized. The other three legions have their own defensive mandates and cannot provide large-scale reinforcements. If the Aoyue Empire seizes the moment the Tianlong Legion is tied down in Mingyuan to launch a full-scale assault on Feiji City, and the Tianlong Legion cannot retreat to support, the outcome would be extremely perilous."

After Mo Han finished speaking, a cold sweat broke out among all present. If the situation unfolded as Mo Han described, the Tianlong Empire would be in grave danger.

Gongsun Wuji then interjected, "Young friend, didn't you already teach Yun Yan how to defend Feiji City? Could there still be trouble?" Mo Han shook his head. "That method is only effective when the strength disparity between the two sides is not overwhelming. The current garrison in Feiji City likely does not exceed two hundred thousand. If the Aoyue Empire attacks with its full might, they will field an army of at least a million. They could divide their forces and attack from multiple directions—both land and sea routes. Due to terrain limitations, the small island cannot accommodate many heavy siege weapons, nor can it defend both sides simultaneously. Once Aoyue forces establish a foothold on the main front, attacking the island will mean certain death for those stationed there, and once Aoyue secures the island, Feiji is surely lost."

Hearing Mo Han's explanation, everyone’s faces turned pale. Mo Han continued, "Even if that fails, a million Aoyue troops would not find it difficult to clear that forest, rendering the island's strategic advantage negligible."

As Mo Han spoke, the Emperor could not help but ask, "Then, Mo Han, do you have a countermeasure?"

Mo Han replied with a wry smile, "The root of the problem is that we face danger on two fronts, and the Tianlong Legion cannot reinforce Feiji, leading to this predicament. I estimate the Beast Clan is still preparing and will not attack immediately; they need at least two more months." Murong Tian spoke up, "Brother Mo Han, why are you so certain the Beast Clan won't attack us right away?" Mo Han smiled and explained, "It’s simple: if the Beast Clan intends to help Aoyue tie us down, a small attack would be useless; it must be a large-scale invasion to attract our main forces, giving Aoyue the chance to strike. Given the Beast Clan's current state, mobilizing for such a war requires significant logistical preparation, which alone should be a headache for them. Even with Aoyue’s assistance, geographical constraints prevent swift, massive reinforcement. Thus, the Beast Clan must slowly await Aoyue’s support before launching the offensive. I believe this is why they began preparing supplies so far in advance; this process cannot possibly be completed in less than two months, and that is my most optimistic estimate."

(Author's note: Please show lots of support by clicking 'like,' thank you very much. As this is my first attempt at writing, if there are any inaccuracies, please feel free to comment in the discussion forum; I, Qiezi, will humbly accept all feedback.)

Chapter Seventy-Eight: Appointed in a Crisis

Hearing Mo Han’s analysis, everyone nodded in agreement; they were utterly impressed by his reasoning now.

Mo Han continued, "To resolve this crisis, there is only one solution."

Hearing this, the Emperor urgently asked, "What is the solution?" Mo Han stated, "We must achieve a peaceful resolution with one of the parties before they launch their offensive. Only then can we escape this crisis. The Aoyue Empire is impossible to reason with; they are the principal orchestrators of this entire affair. Therefore, we must approach the Beast Clan. We must send someone to understand the situation clearly and then find a way to dissuade the Beast Clan from their intentions. Only then will Aoyue's plan unravel on its own."

Upon Mo Han’s proposal, everyone voiced their approval. Then the Emperor spoke, "However, the individual undertaking this mission must be extremely shrewd, intelligent, and flexible for success. Where on earth can we find such a person now?" Upon hearing the Emperor, Mo Han internally groaned; the Emperor’s intention was painfully obvious—he was clearly pointing at Mo Han himself.

As expected, the moment the Emperor finished speaking, the seasoned courtiers in the room understood his intent immediately. Chen Fu was the first to speak up, "Your Majesty, I believe this Brother Mo Han is exceptionally suited for this task. Since he devised the strategy, he is the most fitting person to execute it."

After speaking, Chen Fu stared smugly at Mo Han, thinking privately, You dared to offend me; now I’m sending you to the Beast Clan to die. Let’s see if you come back. Do you think the Beast Clan is easy to deal with? Murong Tian felt anxious upon hearing Chen Fu’s words. If Mo Han left, what would become of his daughter’s illness? Yet, he could not object, lest he appear to be neglecting the state’s urgent needs, which would be a grave offense.

Gongsun Wuji also spoke up, "Your Majesty, I agree that this matter is of utmost importance. Only Brother Mo Han is capable of this."

The others also chimed in, supporting Gongsun Wuji's statement. Seeing the situation, Murong Tian reluctantly added his assent.

Mo Han cursed his own loose tongue internally. Why did I stir up trouble? I already have too many issues to deal with, and now I’ve landed in this mess. But the words were out, and he couldn't retract them. He could only curse himself inwardly.

The Emperor descended from his seat and walked toward Mo Han, even bowing slightly to him. Everyone present gasped in shock. Usually, only others bowed to the Emperor; when had the Emperor ever bowed to someone else?

Mo Han quickly reached out to stop him, saying, "Your Majesty, you need not do this! If you act this way, you'll cause me to be charged with grave disrespect."

The Tianlong Emperor shook his head seriously and declared, "Mo Han, you are absolutely worthy of this bow. If you agree to my request to serve as an envoy to the Beast Clan, it is tantamount to saving the foundation of the Tianlong Empire, built over hundreds of years, and saving the tens of millions of our subjects. You are entirely deserving of this honor."

Mo Han replied with a strained smile, "Since Your Majesty has put it so plainly, it would be unreasonable for me to decline further. Rest assured, Your Majesty, I will do my utmost."

The Emperor was overjoyed by Mo Han's acceptance. "Excellent! Then, on behalf of the people of the Tianlong Empire, I thank you first."

The Emperor then turned to the assembled officials and announced formally, "I hereby officially declare Mo Han the Special Envoy of our Tianlong Empire to the Beast Clan. Everyone must cooperate fully. Any individual who delays or obstructs this mission will be tried for treason."

Everyone quickly nodded their compliance. Who would dare object in such a matter? That would be courting death. The Emperor nodded in satisfaction, turned to Mo Han, and said, "Mo Han, if you have any requests or suggestions, tell me directly, or you may inform General Murong."

Mo Han quickly responded, "Thank you, Your Majesty. There is no time to waste; I must return to make preparations now."

The Emperor gently replied, "Very well. Go and prepare immediately. If you require anything, mention it—whether it’s funds or personnel, I will satisfy your needs." He then turned to the others, "Did you all hear my command? Go now and assist Special Envoy Mo Han with his preparations. I have a few matters to attend to; you are dismissed."

The assembled officials quickly nodded and agreed. The Emperor said no more, simply offering Mo Han a smile before turning and departing. The officials quickly bowed to see him off.

Mo Han then noticed Chen Fu, sweating profusely and trying to shrink into a corner. Mo Han understood that the Emperor’s words had just vested him with immense authority. Chen Fu, who had tried to frame him earlier, was naturally terrified of retaliation. If Mo Han decided to make things difficult for him, Chen Fu would likely have no choice but to accept his fate. Given such a perfect opportunity, Mo Han, by nature, would not let it pass.

Mo Han spoke in a gentle tone, "Lord Chen Fu, did you clearly hear His Majesty's words just now?" Hearing his name called, Chen Fu’s legs nearly buckled. He stammered, "This... of course, I heard His Majesty clearly. There was some misunderstanding with the Special Envoy earlier; I hope the Special Envoy will be magnanimous and not take it to heart. Is there anything at all I can assist the Special Envoy with? I will dedicate myself to the task until death."

Mo Han smiled faintly. "What misunderstanding? I’ve already forgotten about it. I am merely discussing the matter of this mission to the Beast Clan with you now."

Chen Fu quickly replied, "Yes, yes, Special Envoy, please command whatever you need."

Mo Han stated, "Actually, there’s nothing particularly that requires Lord Chen’s special help, except that I fear I will be too few in number for this envoy mission, and I am unfamiliar with Beast Clan etiquette. Since you are the Minister of Rites, you must be quite knowledgeable in these matters. Therefore, I wish to take you along to lend me some support. What do you think, Lord Chen?" Upon hearing this, Chen Fu was instantly terrified speechless. He thought, If I go to the Beast Clan, won’t I be like a steamed bun thrown to a dog—gone forever? Mo Han is using this as an opportunity for revenge!

He immediately burst into tears, crying out, "Special Envoy, please spare me! I have an eighty-year-old mother at home, a newborn child, and eight wives waiting for my care! Special Envoy, please show mercy and forgive me; I will be grateful to you for my entire life!"

Seeing Chen Fu's state, the other officials in the hall showed expressions of disgust, finding his cowardice repulsive. They watched coldly to see how Mo Han would handle him.

Mo Han saw that the situation was developing almost exactly as he predicted. He smiled and said, "Since Lord Chen is so exceptionally busy, I dare not insist that you accompany me. In that case, I shall have to hire a tutor in etiquette to instruct me. But regarding the financial aspect...?"