Chapter 427: Stirring the Waters

Something like this couldn’t be explained in just a few words, certainly not in a letter.

If anything happened during transit and the contents were exposed, the entire operation could collapse before it even began.

So Wu Qingsong only wrote a short note, saying there was a major business matter he needed to discuss with Mystic Moon, and that he hoped Red Moon could come as quickly as possible.

Given their history of collaboration, he was confident Mystic Moon would understand the weight behind the words “major business,” and Charlotte would rush over without hesitation.

He couldn’t explain why, but he knew that’s how it would go.

Ram was still brooding over the dizzying ideas he’d just thrown at her, while everyone else had already given up trying to understand. Out of trust for Wu Qingsong, they all believed that since he’d made the promise, then success was inevitable.

Even if Charlotte and Mystic Moon didn’t delay a moment, even if they took the fastest route and the quickest means, it would still take at least a month and a half for them to arrive. So Wu Qingsong decided to begin preparations early.

The foundation, of course, was the seed capital—the bait. While he didn’t plan to tie Nagrand’s name directly to this matter, if everything unfolded as planned, smuggling operations across the region would effectively be wiped out. That alone would be a tremendous boost to Nagrand’s industrial and commercial development. As far as he was concerned, a small investment from Nagrand was more than worthwhile.

The other critical factor was the instability of the Stampede Plateau.

He didn’t plan to orchestrate another war, but as Harold had said, even if the Pasadena Alliance wasn’t seeking vengeance for the assassinated chieftains, they would, after suffering long-term losses, inevitably clash with the new power structure to carve out their own space for survival. Conflict was unavoidable.

Since that was the case, it was best to act before the ripple effects of the chieftains’ deaths faded. Relocate their people from lands that could no longer sustain them to regions that needed labor. Solve the issue at its root.

To that end, Wu Qingsong summoned Tony Barros. Unexpectedly, the ambitious wolfman, after hearing Wu Qingsong’s expectations, immediately presented a seemingly well-crafted plan.

“We’ve been laying the groundwork for this all winter,” he said. “But with limited support from Nagrand, we haven’t been able to push it further. If you’re willing to provide the backing, I’m confident I can resolve this entirely before winter arrives!”

“‘Provide the backing?’” Wu Qingsong raised an eyebrow. “Go on.”

“My greatest advantage,” Barros said confidently, “is that my subordinates are all warriors from various clans and tribes. Men who were once oppressed and exploited by their former chieftains. They carry deep resentment. All winter long, I had them gather around the fire to talk, to share the injustices they suffered. We discussed the greed, stupidity, and tyranny of the elders and chiefs. These warriors want change, and we’re ready to give it to them.”

Something about those words made Wu Qingsong feel déjà vu. It was an odd sensation—like looking at another transmigrator.

“I’ve already selected those with sharp minds, the strongest desire to change the status quo, and the most persuasive voices. If Nagrand can supply us with enough grain, weapons, and armor, I am confident that my army can march south and sweep through the Warsong Clan, North Pasadena, and South Pasadena. Once we occupy those lands, the route to the Elven Empire will be cut off and fully under my control. You tell me how you want it handled, and I will carry it out.”

“Is it really that easy?” Wu Qingsong asked.

“Those three clans may look strong on the surface, but they’ve picked up too many bad habits from the Elves,” Barros said. “I used to serve as a bodyguard for Aquero. I know exactly how they operate. The common beastkin in their tribes are cold and hungry, while their leaders spend fortunes mimicking the Elves, buying flashy luxuries that serve no purpose. Imagine it: on the harsh Stampede Plateau, Aquero’s wives strut around in fine silks. Can you even believe that?”

This was a speech he’d practiced often during the winter. His words poured out like a flood.

“That family’s expenses could support an entire tribe. And what about the elders and chiefs under him? They gorge themselves daily, while their people freeze and starve come winter. Is that justice? Once my agents tell the people these truths, even if they don’t support us, they’ll at least stop supporting those newly crowned chiefs. If they hesitate or falter during battle, my ten thousand warriors will crush their lackeys and take control of their tribes. Then I’ll seize the chiefs’ hoarded wealth, redistribute it to the poor, and appoint wise and just leaders in their place. I’ll also establish temples immediately—let the light of Xuanyuan shine across those lands!”

His voice burned with passion and conviction, so much so that even Wu Qingsong found himself nearly persuaded.

The plan itself wasn’t flawed. The real concern was how other beastkin tribes would react.

The rise and spread of the Xuanyuan Church had already made them feel threatened. If an outright revolution broke out next… the Elves might not even need to intervene. The beastkin tribes of the Mojina Plateau would likely unite to wipe them out.

Wu Qingsong pulled out a map of the Stampede Plateau, studied it, then nodded slowly.

“The Xuanyuan Church will not interfere in your conflicts,” he said to Barros. “But from a humanitarian standpoint, we will provide food and medical aid to refugees. We will also defend our temples and prevent unidentified armed groups from approaching them.”

Barros was overjoyed.

“But your military operations must be limited to the Warsong Clan, and North and South Pasadena,” Wu Qingsong said, meeting his eyes. “Once you take those lands, all further military actions must cease. You may not assume the title of chieftain over these tribes. Outwardly, they must remain independent, part of an allied coalition, not your direct subordinates. You may control them through proxies. Do you understand?”

Barros nodded silently.

“You’re still young, and your foundation isn’t solid yet,” Wu Qingsong said. “Even a wolf can bring down a moose, but can it devour the whole thing in one meal?”

“Understood. Completely,” Barros replied.

“Good. Humanitarian aid will be sent to the Xuanyuan temples in your territory very soon,” Wu Qingsong said. “Since there are only a few temples on the plateau for now… I suppose Nagrand doesn’t have much of a choice, does it?”