Liang State, Shuofang City.
It had been some time since Liang Qianqiu had left. During this period of time, Liang Shidu continued to lead the carefree life of an emperor, as if he had forgotten about this matter. Every day, he would drink and have fun with his concubines. He didn't even care about the affairs of the country.
"Your Majesty, Minister Liang has returned.”
"Quickly invite him in."
"Your Majesty, this is a joyous occasion, a joyous occasion.”
Before Liang Qianqiu even entered the room, his cheers could already be heard.
Liang Qianqiu had a smug look on his face as he walked.
"Liang Qing, what is there to be happy about?" Liang Shidu hurriedly asked.
"Your Majesty, I've already convinced that Ye Qiu. He's already agreed to rebel against the Tang Empire with us.”Liang Qianqiu said proudly.
Liang Shidu was overjoyed upon hearing this.
"Liang Qing is indeed worthy of being the pillar of our Liang Empire.”Liang Shidu smiled.
Liang Qianqiu was even more pleased with himself." However, Ye Qiu has a request. If we don't fulfill this request, it will be difficult for us to reach an agreement.”
"What request does he have?" Liang Shidu hurriedly asked.
"He needs two million taels of silver."
Upon hearing Liang Qianqiu's words, Liang Shidu's eyes widened in shock.
"Two million taels? This is impossible."
Liang Shidu decisively rejected. The Great Tang was incomparable to the Daliang Empire. The Daliang Empire had a thin land and a sparse population, and the entire country's gross domestic product was only a tiny bit. Asking Liang Shidu to fork out two million at once would be akin to cutting off his flesh.
Liang Qianqiu had clearly predicted Liang Shidu's words. After all, he was Minister Liang and had a good understanding of the state of Daliang. He was also very clear about Liang Shidu's character.
Liang Shidu was a petty person.
Wanting him to take out two million taels was no different from a fool's dream.
"Your Majesty, this lowly subject thinks that these two million taels are worth it.”Liang Qianqiu said.
Liang Shidu hesitated.
"This two million taels is indeed not a small sum for our Daliang Empire. However, think about it, Your Majesty. If we use this two million taels to exchange for Ye Qiu's surrender, what does that mean? It means that our Daliang Empire will have an invincible army.
Moreover, Guangyang County is now in Ye Qiu's hands. Since Ye Qiu has defected to Daliang, Guangyang County belongs to Daliang. Guangyang County is located in a strategic location that connects Daliang and the Great Tang. Once Guangyang County is opened up, our soldiers can march straight into Chang 'an and conquer the entire world. At that time, the entire world will belong to Daliang. What does this small two million taels of silver mean to us?”
Liang shi Du fell silent. Clearly, he was also considering the implications of this matter.
Liang Qianqiu wasn't wrong at all. There were only benefits to obtaining Guangyang County, but he really couldn't bear to part with these two million taels.
"Your Majesty, this opportunity cannot be missed. If we fail to win Ye Qiu over this time and let Li Shiming win him over instead, then our Daliang Empire will lose more than just two million taels of silver.”Liang Qianqiu said.
Liang Shidu was taken aback. To be able to stand out from the eighteen rebels and become the ruler of a country, Liang Shidu was no fool. On the contrary, he was very smart. Otherwise, he would have died long ago.
When Liang Qianqiu said this, he immediately understood the severity of the situation.
"Liang Qing, regarding this matter, Zhen has already made a decision. Quickly prepare two million taels of silver and send it to Ye Qiu. When the silver arrives, we will join forces with him and go south to destroy Tang.”Liang Shidu said decisively.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Just as Liang Qianqiu was about to leave, a man strode in.
"Your Majesty, you must not do this."
It was none other than the Great General of Liang, Liang Shidu's cousin, Liang Luoren.
Liang Qianqiu couldn't help but frown when he saw Liang Luoren enter.
Ever since the founding of Daliang, Liang Qianqiu and Liang Luoren had been in control of the entire country, but their relationship had never been good.
Even though Liang Qianqiu's surname was also Liang, he wasn't related to Liang Shidu in any way. In his opinion, Liang Luoren had never been a talented person. The only reason he was able to become a Great General was because of his relationship with Liang Shidu.
Liang Luoren didn't like Liang Qianqiu at all. In his eyes, Liang Qianqiu was a cunning and cunning person with a silver tongue. He was definitely not a kind person.
The two pillars of the country, wary of each other, became a wonderful balance.
"Oh? So you're my brother? May I know why you say that?" Liang Shidu hurriedly asked.
"Your Majesty, as far as I know, Ye Qiu is a man of no credit. His words are like farts. We can't believe everything he says.”Liang Luoren said.
Liang Shidu was taken aback as well, and a look of hesitation appeared on his face.
"Your Majesty, as a ruler, you should be decisive. If you use someone, don't doubt him. If you suspect someone, don't use him. Whether our Liang Empire can dominate the world depends on this Ye Qiu.”Seeing Liang shi's hesitant expression, Liang Qianqiu hurriedly said,"
"Your Majesty, Liang Qianqiu has ulterior motives. If we hand over these two million and Ye Qiu goes back on his word, what should we do? This has shaken the foundations of our country.”Liang Luoren said.
"Liang Luoren, you're the one who's harming the country and the people. If we don't act soon and allow Ye Qiu to form an alliance with the Great Tang, when Ye Qiu and the Great Tang arrive, can you stop them?”Liang Qianqiu said.
Liang Luoren was at a loss for words, not knowing what to say.
"Your Majesty, I've already discussed this with Ye Qiu. We have seven days. If we don't give him an answer within seven days, then he will never work with us.”Liang Qianqiu said.
Liang Shidu paled upon hearing this.
"Your Majesty, you must not. That Ye Qiu is famous for going back on his word. If we give him money this time, he will definitely not do anything.”Liang Luoren said.
"Your Majesty, this is a huge gamble. If we win, we will gain the entire world. If we don't even dare to gamble, Your Majesty, forgive me for my words. The day Ye Qiu and the Tang army arrive will be the day our Daliang Empire is destroyed.”Liang Qianqiu said firmly.
"Your Majesty, don't listen to Liang Qianqiu's nonsense. With the Turks backing us, even if the Tang army comes, what can they do to us?”Liang Luoren argued.
"Alright, alright, stop arguing.”Liang Shidu hurriedly waved his hand to interrupt their argument.
"I have already made my decision on this matter."
The two of them immediately fell silent.
"Liang Qianqiu, listen up."
"Your humble subject is here."
"I order you to be the envoy of Daliang. Immediately go to the national treasury and transfer two million taels of silver to Ye Qiu.”
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Liang Qianqiu was instantly overjoyed, and he even looked at Liang Luoren provocatively. Clearly, he had won this battle in the royal court.
Liang Luoren snorted coldly, blew his beard, and glared at him. He flicked his sleeves and left.
"Pig, pig, this Liang Qianqiu is a pig, and so is His Majesty. How can he listen to a pig?”
Walking out of the palace, Liang Luoren cursed and muttered to himself.
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