Chapter 586: Zhang Wuji’s True Intentions
“To deal with Mongolia?” Song Qingshu’s expression turned peculiar. He had never expected Ming Zun to propose such an idea. After all, the two of them had attempted to kill each other several times before. Now, this sudden suggestion to form an alliance felt like an abrupt and jarring shift.
Standing to the side, Zhao Min was filled with anxiety. She was worried that Song Qingshu might actually agree, which would mean her vengeance would become unattainable. Unfortunately, her pressure points had been sealed, leaving her unable to speak despite the torrent of words she wanted to say.
Seeing Song Qingshu’s silence, Ming Zun assumed he was hesitating. He decided to add fuel to the fire, continuing to persuade him. “Although your current territory does not border Mongolia, from my perspective, the Qing Dynasty is already on the brink of collapse. Its lands will inevitably fall into your hands sooner or later. By then, you’ll face the Mongolian cavalry directly. Mongolia’s main forces are now on their westward expedition. When they return, it will spell the end of all nations in the Central Plains. With your intelligence, you should clearly see this coming.”
Song Qingshu remained silent. Coming from a later era, he was fully aware of Mongolia’s threat. If the main forces of their western expedition returned, they would undoubtedly sweep through the nations of the Central Plains like an unstoppable hurricane.
“What’s your plan?” Song Qingshu suddenly asked. Zhao Min, listening from the side, felt a chill in her heart. She realized that Song Qingshu was likely already tempted.
“You and I should unite to eliminate Mongolia’s wings before their main forces return from the westward expedition. The Ming Cult can dispatch troops from Tianshan to crush Arik Boke’s forces, while you advance northward to attack Prince Ruyang’s territory. Then, we can join forces with the nations of the Central Plains to encircle Kublai Khan’s forces. If we can eliminate these three Mongolian kings, Mongolia’s strength will be reduced by at least half. Even if Temüjin returns with his army, the situation will already be beyond repair.”
A cold gleam flashed in Ming Zun’s eyes. This strategic plan was his last resort. Song Qingshu’s sudden emergence had caused his plans to annex the Golden Serpent Camp and control the White Lotus Sect to collapse, effectively thwarting his ambitions to dominate both the Qing Dynasty and the Southern Song. Despite his personal grievances with Song Qingshu, Ming Zun was a cunning strategist. In the face of greater threats, he decisively chose to ally with him to counter Mongolia.
“Even if Temüjin doesn’t prevent us from trimming his wings, both Arik Boke and Prince Ruyang’s forces are filled with formidable generals and elite soldiers. Do you think defeating them will be that easy?” Song Qingshu was evidently skeptical of this plan.
“Arik Boke and Prince Ruyang indeed have considerable strength, but if we can’t even defeat them, what’s the point of talking about conquering the world?” Ming Zun’s tone carried an air of disdain, as if the tens of thousands of elite Mongolian cavalry under Arik Boke were nothing more than paper tigers to him. “As for Temüjin’s western expedition forces, you don’t need to worry. They won’t be able to return for years.”