As Long Gufan spoke, a murmur swept through the great hall again. However, the expressions on the ministers’ faces clearly indicated their lack of optimism regarding this war. After all, the Dragon Clan had always been a supreme entity since antiquity, possessing an incomparable deterrent force in the minds of humans. Whenever they appeared, humans often surrendered without a fight. The appearance of the Dragon Clan this time naturally led everyone to believe the outcome would be no different.

A glint of sharp light appeared in the Emperor's eyes as he spoke with steady calm, "I wonder what opinions those present have on this matter. Speak freely; I shall not hold any of you accountable."

Hearing the Emperor's words, an elderly minister stepped forward, clasping his hands in salute and saying, "Reporting to Your Majesty, if the Dragon Clan truly intervenes, I fear even deploying our Sky Dragon Legion would be futile, and it would jeopardize the security of the Empire's borders. If the Sky Dragon Legion is mobilized, and anything untoward happens on the frontier, the Empire's situation will become precarious. It would be better for us to reveal the truth to the Kanya Empire and the Fire Cloud Empire, requesting their aid. This way, we still have a sliver of hope. As the saying goes, when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold; I believe they will not stand idly by."

At this minister's words, many officials in the hall voiced their agreement.

They felt seeking aid from Kanya and Fire Cloud was the right course, and they urged the Emperor to dispatch envoys to the two great empires for assistance.

Long Gufan scoffed upon hearing this and spoke, "I wonder how Lord Situ is so certain that the Kanya Empire and the Fire Cloud Empire will definitely send troops to our rescue? This is merely wishful thinking on your part. Furthermore, the round trip alone will consume a considerable amount of time. What if, by the time the two empires refuse to dispatch reinforcements, Fei Ji City is already in grave danger?

By then, even if we wish to send aid, it might be useless.

If Fei Ji City falls, the west side of the Empire will have no natural defenses left, and the Empire will truly be imperiled."

Long Gufan's arguments won the support of many ministers, and suddenly the court was sharply divided into two factions, each adamant in their opposing views, their discussions growing heated.

Seeing this, the Emperor did not directly address the ministers' proposals but instead turned his gaze toward the silent Mo Han.

He spoke, "I wonder if Prince Mo Han has any suggestions?" At the Emperor's address, the murmurs in the hall ceased, and the gazes of all the ministers turned toward Mo Han, the Empire's rising star. For everyone present, Mo Han's meteoric ascent was nothing short of legendary; he was the first to be conferred nobility as part of the Imperial Affinal Clan. Naturally, everyone was eager to see what different perspective Mo Han held.

Mo Han smiled faintly and began, "Your Majesty, I actually believe that both His Highness the Prince and Lord Situ have valid points.

Dispatching troops will indeed compromise the security of the Empire's borders, but if we remain passive and Fei Ji City is lost,

it will also plunge the Empire into peril. It can be said that both courses have their merits and drawbacks."

Upon hearing Mo Han's reply, disappointment clouded the faces of many. They had expected more from Mo Han, thinking him perhaps an overrated figure, as what he said was already voiced by many in the hall.

Yet, he managed to offend neither side, offering words that seemed to say nothing at all—too smooth, too hypocritical! Only the Emperor maintained a gentle smile while observing Mo Han.

He understood Mo Han well enough; given Mo Han's character, he would never utter such idle, unconstructive remarks. There must be more to follow.

Indeed, seeing the disappointment on everyone's faces, Mo Han showed no agitation and slowly continued, "However, if we can ensure Fei Ji City holds for the next two months, we can then dispatch a capable minister to the two great empires to lobby for reinforcing troops. Even if those two empires refuse to commit forces, we will still have time to send our own troops to reinforce Fei Ji City. Wouldn't that be the best of both worlds?" Hearing Mo Han’s words, the elder whom Long Gufan called Lord Situ spoke with disdain, "So these are the methods of Your Highness the Prince? We are already aware of what you mentioned; we don't need you to remind us. But how can you guarantee Fei Ji City will hold for two months without falling? Does Your Highness the Prince have some secret method? Otherwise, it is all empty talk."

Many officials nodded in agreement with Situ Guang's sentiment, keen to see how Mo Han would respond.

This Lord Situ, whose full name was Situ Guang, belonged to one of the Empire's established noble families, among the earliest cohort of Imperial nobles who, alongside the Four Great Families, assisted the then-Heavenly Dragon Emperor in establishing the Heavenly Dragon Empire. However, as the family's influence gradually waned and the Four Great Families grew stronger over the years, the common people of the Empire eventually remembered only the Four Great Families, gradually forgetting the Situ Clan. The Situ family had long lived under the shadow of the Four Great Families, leading to resentment that festered through the generations until Situ Guang. Situ Guang was indeed talented; under his leadership, the family's standing began to improve. Yet, Rome wasn't built in a day; the Situ family's power was far from its former glory, and even with Situ Guang's abilities, restoring it to its peak in just a few decades was impossible, though they were slowly approaching the strength of the Four Great Families, on the verge of becoming the Empire's fifth major power.

At this juncture, Mo Han suddenly emerged, not only successfully resolving the crisis between the Beast Clan and the Empire but also saving the Heavenly Dragon Emperor multiple times, earning the Emperor’s deep favor. He swiftly became the most prominent rising noble after the Four Great Families, completely eclipsing the reputation Situ Guang had painstakingly built. How could Situ Guang find balance in this? Now that Mo Han had been titled Prince, he was effectively the Empire's fifth rising power, reducing Situ Guang's efforts to mere foam. Naturally, his resentment toward Mo Han intensified. Thus, upon hearing Mo Han utter these seemingly meaningless words, Situ Guang seized the opportunity to humiliate him, offering those sarcastic remarks.

Upon hearing Situ Guang's words, the Emperor couldn't help but furrow his brow. Although the Situ family was an ancient lineage, Situ Guang was clearly leveraging his position in the court to suppress Mo Han. The astute Emperor could not fail to discern Situ Guang's intentions.

Although the Emperor trusted that Mo Han had more to say and would not disappoint, Mo Han was, after all, someone he valued. For Situ Guang to target Mo Han so openly was clearly a slight against the Emperor's own judgment. With this thought, the Emperor spoke calmly, "I believe Prince Mo Han speaks with good reason, but Lord Situ, Mo Han is now a Prince of the Empire. His status is higher than yours, so I hope you will mind your tone when addressing him. Let this be the last time. Enough arguing; let us hear what proposal Prince Mo Han has."

At the Emperor's words, the ministers who had been debating quieted down. The Emperor's tone clearly showed favoritism towards Mo Han and disapproval of Situ Guang.

These ministers were all seasoned, worldly individuals; how could they fail to grasp the Emperor's meaning? The Emperor was plainly signaling to Situ Guang that Mo Han was a person he relied upon, and Situ Guang must watch his conduct.

The ministers naturally fell silent, none wishing to offend the Emperor at such a juncture, lest they suffer consequences later.

Situ Guang, upon hearing the Emperor’s words, was jolted to sudden realization. He had been so focused on his dissatisfaction with Mo Han and trying to embarrass him that he forgot Mo Han was precisely the man the Emperor favored. He had been blinded by jealousy and failed to consider this. Now that he had offended the Emperor, his career path ahead might not be smooth. Cold sweat broke out on his brow as he secretly regretted his rashness, realizing he had been clever his whole life only to act foolishly in this moment.

Mo Han, however, had no idea why Situ Guang harbored such animosity; this was their first encounter, and he was a complete stranger to him. Yet, Situ Guang's every remark targeted him, causing Mo Han private annoyance. But seeing the Emperor had already intervened on his behalf, Mo Han preferred not to press the matter. Observing Situ Guang’s expression, Mo Han knew the man was surely regretting his actions. Mo Han was not petty.

With that in mind, Mo Han smiled and spoke, "Your Majesty, perhaps Lord Situ is simply too concerned with state affairs, which led to a moment of rashness and overly strong words. Considering his intentions were good, Your Majesty should forgive his impetuosity."

Mo Han began by asking the Emperor to forgive Situ Guang’s rudeness toward him, offering an immediate excuse for the slight, making no move to retaliate for Situ Guang’s earlier targeting. This act of repaying malice with kindness greatly improved the impression the ministers had of Mo Han, successfully establishing a favorable image for him before the entire court.

The Emperor smiled upon hearing this, nodding, "It is rare for Prince Mo Han to possess such magnanimity; it is truly a blessing for our Empire. I shall not pursue the matter further. However, I genuinely wish to know, Prince Mo Han, what method you possess to guarantee Fei Ji City’s absolute safety against the full might of the Aoyue Empire and the Water Blue Empire, with a Dragon Clan looming nearby? I am truly worried."

Mo Han replied with seriousness, "Please rest assured, Your Majesty. I absolutely have a way to prevent the Demon Dragon Clan from interfering in the war at Fei Ji City for the time being. However, the underlying reasons involve certain secrets of the Dragon Clan, for which I beg Your Majesty’s pardon as I cannot disclose them. I hope Your Majesty will understand, but I stake my very life on ensuring Fei Ji City’s absolute safety. I hope Your Majesty can trust me."

As soon as Mo Han finished speaking, the ministers couldn't help but start murmuring again. It couldn't be entirely blamed on them, as Mo Han's words lacked persuasiveness. Unable to explain the cause and effect, how could they possibly trust his guarantee?

The Heavenly Dragon Emperor frowned slightly, his expression troubled. Clearly, Mo Han’s answer was unexpected and put him in a difficult position.

Just then, Long Gufan spoke up, "Prince Mo Han, it is not that we are unwilling to believe you, but this matter concerns the very safety of the Empire. Although you say you have compelling reasons you cannot reveal, and both Your Majesty and I are inclined to believe you, Your Majesty must also be responsible for the tens of millions of citizens of the Heavenly Dragon Empire. We cannot risk the nation’s security based only on a few of your words. How would Your Majesty answer to all the people under heaven if we did that? So, how can you expect us to believe this outcome?"

Long Gufan’s words were echoed by most ministers, as they voiced exactly what they wished to say. They also had to consider their own safety; if the Empire truly fell, they, too, would be reduced to the level of commoners—a prospect they dreaded. Therefore, upon hearing Long Gufan, they unanimously urged the Emperor to consider Mo Han's words with extreme caution, pleading for Mo Han to reveal the reasons.

Seeing this, Mo Han understood that Long Gufan spoke the truth. This matter involved the very survival of the Heavenly Dragon Empire; a single misstep could lead to national ruin. Their caution was entirely reasonable. If he were in their position, he would act the same way.

Thus, Mo Han was not surprised. However, since this involved the secrets of the Dragon Clan, disclosing them would be inappropriate from his perspective. But if he remained silent, gaining the trust of the masses would be difficult. Even if the Emperor could accept it, the civil and military officials surely would not. Thinking this through,

Mo Han bowed his head in troubled contemplation.

Seeing Mo Han thinking, everyone quieted down, curious to see how he would resolve the situation. Mo Han seemed to make a momentous decision, then spoke, "Very well. I realize my words alone make it difficult for Your Majesty and everyone here to believe me. I will tell His Majesty and Your Highness the Prince the details, but I request that you both keep this a secret. Otherwise, my entire plan will be ruined. After you hear my plan, if you find it viable, we will proceed with it. If it truly won't work, then we shall devise another strategy."

Hearing Mo Han's reply, the Emperor and Long Gufan exchanged a glance and nodded. The Emperor spoke, "Very well, it is decided. I shall listen to Prince Mo Han's plan alongside Prince Long. If it proves feasible, we will follow Prince Mo Han’s proposal, and no one shall raise further objections, understood?" The Emperor’s tone brooked no argument.

At the Emperor's words, even those ministers who still wished to voice an opinion wisely kept silent, signaling their assent.

The Emperor nodded with satisfaction, smiling at Mo Han and Long Gufan, "Since that is settled, please follow the two Princes into the inner chambers to discuss. Everyone else shall wait here."

Mo Han and Long Gufan promptly agreed, bowing, and followed the Emperor toward the rear hall.

The Emperor led the two directly to a side hall in the rear courtyard. He dismissed his attendants with a sharp word and instructed the Heavenly Dragon Guards stationed at the door to allow no one near. After concluding these arrangements, the Emperor spoke earnestly to Mo Han, "There should be no issue now. Prince Mo Han, you may state your reasoning. I hope you understand, it is not that I doubt you—I absolutely trust you—but this matter concerns the millennium foundation of the Heavenly Dragon Empire and the lives of millions of its people. I must proceed with the utmost caution. I trust Prince Mo Han understands."

Mo Han quickly nodded, "Mo Han understands. Mo Han knows that my words were indeed hard to credit, so Your Majesty's distrust is understandable. Mo Han holds no blame toward Your Majesty. If this matter did not concern the secret of the Dragon Clan, Mo Han would not have been so reckless. I hope Your Majesty and Your Highness can forgive me."

Hearing Mo Han, a flash of sharp light appeared in the eyes of both the Emperor and Long Gufan, and they spoke simultaneously, "The secret of the Dragon Clan."

The Emperor asked with curiosity, "What is the reason? I am truly eager to know, Prince Mo Han, please speak plainly."

Long Gufan stared intently at Mo Han, his face also etched with curiosity.

Mo Han gathered his thoughts and slowly began, "Does Your Highness the Prince recall the Dragon Clan members we encountered the night before last outside Heavenly Dragon City? Was there anything different about them?" Hearing Mo Han’s question, Long Gufan lowered his head in contemplation for a moment, then replied, "Their external appearance was no different from the legendary Dragon Clan; they were almost identical. The only thing I found strange was that aside from possessing powerful physiques, these dragons seemed incapable of utilizing Dragon Language Magic. If those dragons had unleashed any Dragon Language Magic other than the legends suggest that day, I fear we would have been in mortal danger."