Counterattack

That afternoon's debate in the Imperial Study went just as Prime Minister said it would - sparks flew the moment it started.

Moyang was keen on firing the first salvo. "Your Majesty, your humble subject was already aware of this messenger's motive. He wants to convince you that the Jade City is in a precarious situation, and that the Golden Roc Fort would either ally itself with the Central Plain or Norland, endangering Shu-lik's national security in the process. He wishes to replace the Supreme King with the Great Snow Mountain, and 'borrow' our money, supplies, and soldiers along with free passage through our lands with Your Majesty's blessings. I say 'borrow' with inverted commas as I believe that they will never pay us back for what they owe."