In my dream of returning to the Tang Dynasty, I snatched Wu Zetian from my lap.

"It's just that the meeting place is too far away."

King Yi-ja coughed a few times in a pretentious manner, saying, "I am no longer the vigorous young man I once was, the King of the Far East."

"How about this, I will send my eldest son to pay homage to the King of the Far East?"

Guo Chao sneered inwardly and exchanged a glance with his subordinate.

As His Highness predicted, this fellow is afraid of death and will not take action himself.

"Prince Yici, His Highness said that this matter can only be discussed in person by the two of you, which would save the most time. Otherwise, the back-and-forth reporting would be too slow, and the banditry along the post road is getting worse and worse."

"If you can make the trip in person, the King of the Far East will personally host a banquet for you at the three post stations."

"Besides the banditry, His Highness also wishes to work with you to redefine the border. As for the benefits, everything is negotiable."

Upon hearing this, King Yici was somewhat tempted and glanced at his advisor.

The man stepped forward and said, "General Guo, I'm afraid this won't work. The king's body can't support walking such a long distance."

"If we are to meet, why not invite the King of Far East to Baekje as a guest? Baekje will welcome him with the whole nation."

King Yi-ja casually remarked, "Hmm, that's a good idea."

"Would the King of the Far East be willing to grace us with his presence?"

Guo Chao refused outright: "That won't do."

King Yici frowned: "Then this is really difficult to handle."

"It would be better to send my eldest son to pay the visit; he can represent me fully."

Seeing that the other party was unwilling to budge, Guo Chao had no choice but to say, "If Prince Yici insists on this, then I'm afraid we'll have to give up."

"His Highness originally intended to discuss important matters with King Yi-ja, but it seems that this is a pity."

"Goodbye!"

Upon hearing this, King Yi-ja's expression changed slightly.

"Wait a minute!"

Guo Chao turned around.

King Uija hesitated: "Then how about this, let's change the meeting place to Gamjo, which is not far from Samseok Post Station, and the climate is pleasant, making it more suitable for the tour."

"When the time comes, my lavish hospitality towards the King of the Far East will surely become a celebrated story."

The three post roads were Li Yuanchang's territory.

Gamsong was Baekje territory.

Ultimately, King Uija's fear of death stemmed from his wariness of Li Yuanchang.

But this was exactly what Li Yuanchang wanted.

Guo Chao feigned hesitation.

"General Guo, if your troops are not at ease, the Far East King can also bring his troops. We can meet outside the city and discuss the important matters of the peninsula together!" King Yici persuaded with a smile.

Guo Chao did not agree immediately, but said, "I cannot make this decision myself; I must go back and report to the King of the Far East."

"Okay, go ahead."

"Furthermore, convey my respect to the King of the Far East, and also bring back some gifts. Tell him that I have long admired the King of the Far East, and if we can meet, our two places will surely be united in friendship for a hundred years."

Hearing these words, people who don't know the truth might actually believe them.

Guo Chao cupped his hands in thanks: "Thank you, Prince Yici."

"Guards, change the horses for our distinguished guest, and also fetch a pair of coral jade treasures that I have collected for many years."

"yes!"

"..."

Five more days passed, and it was September 27th.

Li Yuanchang had been secretly stationed in Gancheng for almost half a month, and finally waited for Guo Chao to return.

"Your Highness, King Yi-ja has taken the bait without realizing it. He claimed that he could meet me at a banquet outside Gamseong and even sent me back with gifts."

Guo Chao presented it with both hands.

Upon hearing this, Li Yuanchang gave a cold laugh, and as for the gift, he didn't even glance at it.

He had never intended to annex Baekje, but since King Uija wanted to cause trouble, he couldn't be blamed.

"Send someone to reply, saying that I have agreed, and that I will personally arrive outside Gan City on the fifteenth of October to hold a banquet in anticipation."

"Once the message is delivered, King Yi-ja's army will definitely escort him on his journey, and will inevitably pass on the message to Gan Cheng-man, instructing him to prepare the palace for his arrival."

"You now have men keep a watchful eye on Gan Chengwan around the clock. If anyone from the capital arrives, suppress them immediately."

"Wan Jun's troops are to be led out of the city first and await orders."

"Yes!!" Everyone clasped their hands in a fist salute.

"..."

After the people left, the army outside Gan City began to set off, making preparations.

However, this only applies to the military; the entire city is currently in a state of absolute lockdown. The people inside the city can move freely, but they cannot leave.

Almost all the key points were controlled by the Han army, and those capable of leading a resistance were basically thrown into death row.

At that moment, Li Yuanchang, who was alone, turned around and bumped into Jiang Yuan.

What are you doing here?

"Your Highness, please forgive me. I came to deliver tea, not to eavesdrop." Jiang Yuan knelt down.

Li Yuanchang waved his hand: "Get up."

"You provided the information and led the way here, which is a great achievement."

"Your mission is complete. Go and take what you deserve, then live a good life with your companions and stop thinking about those crooked ideas."

Jiang Yuan's oval face was serious: "Yes, Your Highness, Jiang Yuan will remember your teachings."

"But I still want to stay and help Your Highness."

"Help? What can you do to help me?" Li Yuanchang laughed.

"I..." Jiang Yuan said awkwardly.

Li Yuanchang suddenly remembered that he had intended to train her. Since she also wanted to stay, he went along with it and said, "Alright, seeing that you are educated, sensible, and kind-hearted, would you like to work for me?"

Upon hearing this, Jiang Yuan's eyes lit up, she looked up abruptly, and then nodded.

"If possible, Jiang Yuan is willing to follow Your Highness!"

"Even if it's just being an ordinary maid."

Li Yuanchang laughed and said, "It's a bit of a waste of your talents to make you a maid."

"Get up. After I deal with King Yi-ja, I will arrange an official position for you."

"An official position?" Jiang Yuan was shocked and caught off guard. It was the first time she had ever heard of a woman holding an official position.

Li Yuanchang nodded: "You can be granted the official position you are entitled to by petitioning on behalf of the people. Go back and wait for news."

Jiang Yuan was completely stunned. It wasn't until he was far away that she belatedly realized what had happened, her eyes still filled with disbelief.

What kind of man is he?

"..."

With the letter sent, the Han army was left in a state of waiting.

For them, who had once challenged the imperial court's 200,000 elite troops, dealing with King Uija of Baekje seemed effortless, and in many people's subconscious, this was even a "bandit suppression" operation.

It's just that this bandit is a big one.

As time passed, the Han army had already orchestrated a perfect trap, and to be on the safe side, they even deployed a large number of Han grenades.

King Uija was completely unaware of this, and simply dispatched a team to Gamjoo ahead of time to arrange accommodations.

But as soon as they entered Gancheng, they were captured.

On October 6th, King Uija, located in the capital, officially set off, leading 8,000 elite troops in a grand procession.

For this banquet, he specially selected the tallest and bravest 8,000 elite troops, wanting to flex his muscles and demonstrate his strength in front of Li Yuanchang, so that he could make a better offer later.