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Xiao Zhan’s question really put Qin Tian on the spot right now.

If there hadn’t been internal strife in Sea City before, Qin Tian could have offered various strategies to Xiao Zhan that allowed for advance or retreat.

But now the matter of internal conflict seems unresolved, how could Qin Tian come up with a strategy in such a short time? Moreover, he has deeper worries within...

”Governor, now that matters have come this far, I’m afraid Sea City... cannot be defended.”

Qin Tian pondered for a while, then gave Xiao Zhan a shocking answer.

Xiao Zhan was dumbfounded, thinking, I asked you for solutions and you tell me Sea City cannot be defended?

Seeing the startled expression on Xiao Zhan’s face, which Qin Tian had anticipated, Qin Tian explained: ”The Dragon Clan has already assembled a large army; attacking Sea City is inevitable. If we unite as one, we can certainly resist them. But now, Zhao Tuo seems determined to oppose you, Governor. If a battle with the Dragon Clan occurs, Zhao Tuo might...”

”Are you saying he might betray us?” Xiao Zhan was stunned.

Qin Tian nodded but remained silent.

The next day, Qin Tian attended the military conference hosted by Xiao Zhan, and the agenda was naturally to discuss the large force of the Dragon Clan.

At this conference, the seats were very clearly divided into two factions.

One side belonged to Xiao Zhan, and the other to Zhao Tuo.

Qin Tian glanced at Zhao Tuo, dressed in silver armor, appearing as a man in his early thirties despite being over forty, a well-kept dandy with single-lidded eyes that exhibited intense cunning.

When Xiao Zhan expressed his views on preparing for a major battle with the Dragon Clan in Sea City, he initially thought Zhao Tuo would voice various objections—contrary to Xiao Zhan’s expectations, Zhao Tuo voted in agreement.

”I defer to whatever Governor Xiao decides. This Sea City is a crucial stronghold guarding the throat of East Capital City; the Dragon Clan must absolutely be prevented from taking it. Governor Xiao, rest assured, I’ll have my men fully cooperate with you.”

Zhao Tuo’s proactive stance surprised Xiao Zhan and his men, questioning whether this fellow had suddenly found his conscience.

Everyone remained skeptical.

In Qin Tian’s heart, suspicion lingered as he doubted Zhao Tuo was a straightforward person. The praiseworthy agreement with Xiao Zhan undoubtedly hinted at a more sinister plot!

After the meeting, Qin Tian and Lei Shi both went to Xiao Zhan’s residence.

”Governor, there is a scheme. Zhao Tuo is definitely plotting something, be cautious. His behavior today was too abnormal.” Lei Shi, being forthright, recognized Zhao Tuo’s oddity.

Qin Tian also suggested: ”Governor, given the current situation, defending Sea City is overly challenging. Political struggles from the Imperial City have spread here, issues leading into the military, complicating matters further.”

Xiao Zhan felt deeply worried, sat back in his seat, touched his forehead, and said: ”Do you think I don’t know Zhao Tuo has his own plans? But now...”

Xiao Zhan handed an Imperial Decree to Lei Shi and Qin Tian, saying: ”See for yourselves!”

Standing together, Qin Tian and Lei Shi read the decree’s brief content, utterly cornering Xiao Zhan!

The decree from the Imperial City ordered Xiao Zhan to keep Sea City secure, stating verbatim: As long as the city stands, we live; if the city falls, we die!

If Sea City can’t be defended, not discussing Xiao Zhan’s life or death, at least the Imperial City would have grounds to remove Xiao Zhan’s governorship!

”This must be the Ninth Prince’s handiwork.”

Qin Tian told Xiao Zhan.

Lei Shi, indignant, exclaimed: ”Governor, the Imperial City is too ruthless! No investigation, just demands to hold Sea City? Request to transfer Zhao Tuo’s men out, bring in reinforcements. Hmph, they want us to hold the city but send troublemakers, isn’t that intentionally sabotaging us!”

Lei Shi pinpointed the issue, and the three looked at each other in silence.

After a few seconds, Qin Tian told Xiao Zhan: ”Governor, when a ruler wishes his subjects to die, they have no choice. Now the Imperial City wants to target you, they have ways. I believe, Governor, you’re in a two-choice dilemma, either support the Ninth Prince, or only the Crown Prince can save you.”

Qin Tian’s words were clear, but while he was speaking, Xiao Zhan was already shaking his head: ”If I wanted to side with the Crown Prince, I would’ve done so long ago; why wait until now? Hmph, must I choose sides among them? Can it be within the Tianyuan Dynasty there’s no place for loyal servants?”

Indeed, there was no place, Qin Tian thought of responding, but seeing Xiao Zhan’s face, stirred and seemingly utterly disillusioned with the Dynasty, he held back, refusing to dampen his spirits.

After a while, Lei Shi left for errands, leaving Qin Tian at Xiao Zhan’s residence for lunch.

As they dined alone in the hall, Xiao Zhan paused to think, and then told Qin Tian: ”Qin Tian, I’ve decided, I will fight against the Imperial City’s pressure to the end!”

Qin Tian anticipated Xiao Zhan’s stance; even so, he was surprised that someone who had been so gracious to him was so unlike the dynasty’s corrupt officials, having his own dignity, which suddenly filled Qin Tian with admiration.

”Since the Governor chooses to stay, I will certainly aid the Governor in repelling the Dragon Clan!” Qin Tian pledged.

”No need!”

Unexpectedly, Xiao Zhan waved him off, looking at Qin Tian, seriously saying: ”Qin Tian, I’ve long known your aspirations; I wish to fulfill them, but now it seems impossible...”

Speaking, Xiao Zhan took out a purple storage bag, handing it to Qin Tian, stating: ”This Storage Bag represents years of my life’s effort; I now entrust it to you.”

Without allowing Qin Tian to refuse, Xiao Zhan placed the Storage Bag in his hands.

Qin Tian was stunned, entirely unaware of Xiao Zhan’s intentions, why suddenly give him a Storage Bag... Just as he was about to speak, Xiao Zhan said:

”This Storage Bag is a safeguard against unforeseen circumstances. Qin Tian, remember, if nothing untoward happens to me, you shall keep this Storage Bag for me, and return it when needed.”

”But should anything happen to me, this Storage Bag will be yours. Only if I’m in trouble can you open it, otherwise, just safeguard it. Can you promise me?”

At this moment, Qin Tian was utterly bewildered.

From this, it was clear Xiao Zhan had entirely regarded Qin Tian as his closest confidant, even more so than Lei Shi.

Yet Qin Tian couldn’t understand why; was his relationship with Xiao Zhan truly this close? When did Xiao Zhan consider him the most trustworthy person?

”Governor, this heavy trust overwhelms me, possibly...”

”Qin Tian, don’t say more; you may not fully comprehend now, but you will in the future. Just promise me, will you?”

With serious eyes on Qin Tian, Xiao Zhan said.

”Sir... I will obey!” After a moment’s hesitation, Qin Tian looked at Xiao Zhan and solemnly said, ”I shall not betray your trust!”