If Nan Yu had uttered these words earlier, Mo Jiuye would have reacted with righteous indignation.
But as time passed, he had grown indifferent to many things. Regardless, his Mo Family was all present and accounted for, together and whole. This was Heaven's favor upon the Mo Family, and he was content that they were able to reunite as a family.
After learning of the Mo Family's latest situation, Nan Yu did not dwell excessively on the matter. Regardless, in his view, Zhongliang should have a good ending.
His thoughts turned back to the matter of the Mo Family returning to court.
"Does the Ninth Young Master intend to remain in the Northwest?"
"Why would it be undesirable for my Mo Family to stay in the Northwest? The Northwest is the key to Da Shun's control over the Barbarians. With my Mo Family there, the imperial court will never have to worry about harassment from the Barbarians."
Even without Mo Jiuye saying it, Nan Yu could understand this point.
The turmoil in Da Shun mostly came from the Barbarians and the Southern Territories.
Because Da Shun's hatred for the Southern Territories was far deeper than that for the Barbarians, Nan Yu had the idea of completely eradicating the Southern Territories and the Barbarians after regaining his ancestry, as this was the only way to prevent future troubles.
Da Shun appeared to be a prosperous and powerful nation on the surface, but after Nan Yu took control, he discovered that the country was merely an empty shell, especially with the national treasury having been looted clean by 'thieves'...
To investigate the whereabouts of the treasury's wealth, Nan Yu had not spared efforts on interrogating the Xue Family, but ultimately failed to uncover its location, leaving this matter unresolved.
Based on these circumstances, if the Southern Territories took advantage of the Barbarians' attack on Da Shun to make a move, Da Shun would likely be unable to maintain its current state.
If Nan Yu followed Mo Jiuye's suggestion and the Mo Family permanently guarded Da Shun's western borders, they could not only defend the west, but also preemptively monitor any movements from the Southern Territories.
Although Nan Yu had just taken over, he understood clearly that the external enemies had schemed for so many years without conquering a single city of Da Shun, entirely due to the Mo Family's men steadfastly guarding the borders for years.
No matter how dire the situation, Nan Yu firmly believed that as long as the Mo Family garrisoned the borders, the reign of Da Shun would remain peaceful.
Moreover, Nan Yu unconditionally trusted the Mo Family and had never doubted their loyalty.
Although Nan Yu did not reject the conditions proposed by Mo Jiuye, as a leader, he could not appear too easy in accepting them.
Furthermore, he also hoped the Mo Family could help deal with potential troubles from the Southern Territories.
For Nan Yu, this was the opportune time to state his own conditions.
"There is no issue with the conditions proposed by the Ninth Young Master and Lady He Zhiran. I will personally report the matter to the Emperor later, but..."
He deliberately hesitated, making it seem as though he was facing difficulties.
Mo Jiuye knew that the conditions he proposed might pose some challenges for Nan Yu. Although Nan Yu had taken control of most affairs in Da Shun, he had only recently returned to court. For such a significant matter, it was already generous of Nan Yu to agree so readily.
If the other party had any difficulties, Mo Jiuye could make some concessions as a gesture of friendship.
However, He Zhiran's perception differed from Mo Jiuye's. She immediately saw through Nan Yu's little scheme.
Before Mo Jiuye could speak, she interjected: "Is the Third Prince planning to have the Mo Family send someone to help defend the southern borders? This way, when you propose this matter to the Emperor, it will be more persuasive?"
Having his intentions exposed, Nan Yu was understandably a little embarrassed. Since the matter had been brought to light by He Zhiran, he was not the type to beat around the bush.
"Indeed, I had such thoughts. I believe the two of you are aware of the current situation in court. On the battlefield, there are no suitable commanders available.
Although there have been no reports of the Southern Territories taking military action yet, it is only a matter of time.
In other words, Da Shun will eventually face enemies on both fronts, and to resolve this predicament, I can only place my hopes on the Mo Family."
He paused and explained:
"I know this is asking too much. The fact that the Ninth Young Master has agreed to return to court is already a great honor for me. But you also understand my current situation. The Emperor still values me to some extent, having entrusted me with an important task upon regaining my ancestry. Under such circumstances, I must give my full efforts.
In other words, whether I can preserve Da Shun's territory this time is a test for me. If I fail, I may lose the chance to assume that position."
Nan Yu's words were candid and sincere, even openly expressing his desire for that position without the slightest concealment.
Perhaps this was his genuine attitude towards those he recognized and acknowledged.
What Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran appreciated most about Nan Yu was that he did not lose his true character due to his status, whether as an emperor or a commoner.
Even if Nan Yu did not mention it, Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran had already considered this matter.
Since the Mo Family chose to return to court, they would certainly not remain detached from everything, especially since they also regarded Nan Yu as a close friend.
Based on He Zhiran's understanding of history, during Nan Yu's reign, he not only governed the country into a powerful state but was also praised by all as a benevolent and righteous emperor.
Even if Mo Jiuye did not consider anything else, he would lend a hand for the sake of his friendship with Nan Yu.
Moreover, the Mo Family had already produced a considerable number of bombs. When defending the borders, as long as they had bombs, they would not have to worry too much about casualties.
Not only that, but with the Mo Family bringing bombs to the battlefield, the war would undoubtedly be swiftly resolved with an unstoppable force, requiring little time.
Furthermore, the Mo Family harbored deep hatred towards the Southern Territories. The suffering endured by the Mo Family men, whether directly or indirectly, was all related to the Southern Territories.
It could be said that the Southern Territories were the Mo Family's greatest enemy.
Even for the sake of avenging the suffering inflicted upon their fathers and brothers, the Mo Family would join the fight against the Southern Territories without hesitation, let alone now that they had a legitimate opportunity.
There was also the matter of the bombs being revealed, which Mo Jiuye and He Zhiran had discussed beforehand.
Once the Mo Family gained the Northwest as their territory, over time, people with ill intentions might become resentful.
However, if others knew that the Mo Family possessed a special and extremely powerful weapon, it would be different. Anyone harboring ill intentions towards the Mo Family would have to consider their own position, even Nan Yu himself!
Seeing Nan Yu's candor, Mo Jiuye decided not to beat around the bush either.
"The Third Prince's request is something my Mo Family can consider, but the prerequisite is to see the imperial court's sincerity towards my Mo Family."
The implication was clear - they demanded that the imperial court settle the matters of imperial titles and territories first. Once the Mo Family obtained these, they would immediately take action.
