Family Cultivation: My entire family are Villains
Chapter 938 - 938: 407. Strive for time, Hexi Grand Banquet 2

"Big brother, whether it's the Great Jin or the Alliance, as long as it's your decision, we will fully support it, you should be clear about this.

I think that if we are to turn to one side, we should do so early. Otherwise, when the Great Jin and the Alliance are more prepared, our bargaining chips will become fewer and fewer, and we also have to guard against these two parties... secretly colluding!"

Hou Yujie's words made the other three furrow their brows, and even Hou Yuxiao, standing at the top, had a somewhat grim expression.

At first glance, the talk of secret collusion between the Great Jin and the Alliance may seem incredible, as they are about to engage in confrontation, but upon closer thought, it isn't an impossible occurrence.

An army of seven million from the Alliance and over eight million from the Great Jin, a total of fifteen million troops, will march long distances to Hexi—not for sightseeing. The logistics and daily consumption for so many soldiers require vast amounts of resources. Hexi's stance has been wavering, which drags the conflict on and leads to a tremendous loss in time, manpower, and resources.

The issue is that neither side dares to unilaterally break off with Hexi, as doing so risks pushing Hexi to the opposing side, leading to certain destruction. Therefore, if Hexi continues to waver, both sides are bound to find a solution, and at that time, the best approach may be exactly what Hou Yujie described: secret collusion.

The Great Jin and the Alliance in Hexi will certainly clash. If possible, they both hope the Hou Clan will side with them, as the Hou Clan boasts five million troops, including two hundred thousand elite Holy Land warriors—a force not to be underestimated.

But if Hexi remains as is, it will be torment for both parties, as they worry Hexi will favor the other side and get dragged on without battle. At that point, the conclusion of a secret meeting between the two would be singular.

That conclusion would be to join forces and extinguish the Hou Clan first!

No less, this might be the most prudent approach for both parties.

"Rest assured. The Great Jin and the Alliance don't wish to confront Hexi; moreover, it's not simple for the two to form an alliance, so unless absolutely necessary, they won't resort to this."

Hou Yuduan spoke first to calm everyone, then looked at Hou Yuxiao and lightly asked, "Four days from now at the banquet, when Tuoba Zun and Jing Tianyu either entreat or intimidate Hexi, does big brother intend to seize some more time during this?"

......

Hearing the words 'seize time,' Hou Yuxiao's pupils constricted slightly and immediately exchanged looks with Hou Yuduan. Seeing his gaze, Hou Yuxiao instantly understood that Old Fifth had already guessed his intention.

He wanted to test Hou Yuduan further, his mind stirred slightly, and he deliberately asked:

"Seize what time?"

Hou Yuduan saw through Hou Yuxiao's probing, pondered for a moment, then looked up at Hou Yuxiao and said three words softly.

"Xingnan Prefecture!"

"What Xingnan Prefecture, didn't big brother station all the troops there?"

"Seize time for Xingnan Prefecture, what does it mean?"

"Big brother, Old Fifth, what riddles are you playing?"

Indeed, it's known, as expected of Old Fifth...

Hou Yuxiao sighed inwardly, and while looking at the bewildered Hou Yucheng and the others, he didn't offer an explanation. It's not about distrust but rather the Holy Land's methods, which are indeed unpredictable. At present, both the Great Jin and the Alliance have placed agents around Hou Yucheng and Hou Yujie. Should it be carelessly leaked, all efforts would be in vain.

"Prepare for the banquet in four days. Once the banquet ends, you will all know my plans. No need to rush for these few days. Leave now!"

The three hesitated for a moment but then nodded respectfully and took their leave.

Since big brother didn't explain today, there must be a reason, and when the time is right, they'll naturally know. Judging by Old Fifth's earlier riddles with Hou Yuxiao, he obviously foresaw something himself, leaving the three a bit unsatisfied—Hou Yuduan could see it, but they couldn't.

Clearly, after departing, aside from arranging for the banquet in four days, the three also carried a heart full of questions, continuing to ponder what the riddles meant. Seizing time for the army at Xingnan Prefecture—what time to seize?

......

In Tao City, rumors of Hou Mansion hosting both Jing Tianyu and Tuoba Zun had already spread far and wide, with the entire city—or one could say all of Hexi—closely watching the banquet.

The Great Jin Dynasty's million-strong army entered Jianye Prefecture, and the Hedong Alliance's seven million troops stationed in Zhaoyang Prefecture—these matters have long circulated in Hexi, known even to ordinary civilians. Thus, many are well aware of the banquet's purpose.

The Great Jin advanced eastward in the north, already battling Qinjian Villa, while the Alliance deployed millions of troops across the river in support—everyone knows that's the Great Jin's primary battleground. Currently, Hexi is set to become the second battleground, understood even by Martial Artists with insight, not to mention ordinary citizens.

At this critical juncture, inviting both parties to a banquet clearly signals the Lord of Hexi, Hou Yuxiao, is poised to make a choice between the two sides. How could the people of Hexi not pay attention to such matters?

After all, Hou Yuxiao's choice concerns Hexi's entire future situation.

The Great Jin's might has long been deep-rooted in hearts since news of its southward movement reached Hexi. Already, there were many voices advocating for the Great Jin, not just within the civilian circles but even among the Hou Clan's followers.