Unexpectedly, the man suddenly repented and returned all the money without missing a coin. Although this person had no official position, the force behind him was powerful and large, closely related to the Zhao family. As soon as he retreated, no one dared to slap his face. He completely avoided the Canal Office's people coming to see him, hence it was too late for the steam rail to change its course. They had to make a big circle to go around it.

Due to the stagnation of the steam rail, Gu Yun wrote several letters asking for the completion date. At last, he sent it straight to Li Feng and said that the materials on the front line could not keep up, if this continued, he would be forced to shrink the front line.

Fang Qin's youngest brother hadn't cleaned himself up yet. At this time, Grand Scholar Fang finally expressed his clear dissatisfaction with his son's ‘excessive worry’ and ‘lack of skill’, and began to make his move.

The man who was once the examination teacher of half the court did two things at the same time.

First of all, he secretly met with the foreign affairs official of the imperial court who made contact with the Western envoys. He suggested that the national strength of Great Liang might not be enough to support the long-term war with the Westerners at this time. If they fought on like this, it would only be a waste of resources, hurting both sides. The great achievement did not fall on the butcher in battle, but the one who could eventually promote the peace treaty, the one who could return peace to the nation.

The foreign affairs officer, once a student of Grand Scholar Fang, asked cautiously, "Teacher, if the Emperor is determined to fight, how can we, as subjects, be able to push him?"

"It depends on how you talk to the Westerners." Grand Scholar Fang's appearance bore the aura of someone who practiced cultivation, speaking with deep meaning, "What they want is nothing more than benefits. Do you think they are willing to continue to fight with Gu Yun to the death, or are they willing to step back and cooperate with our court's pro-peace faction to achieve an early armistice and mutual friendship? The Emperor and the court want dignity. If the foreigners really are sincere and will save their faces, we won't be stingy, is that not right? Without the frontline battle as an excuse, I don't believe the Emperor will let Yan Wang continue to do as he pleases."

Sending away the foreign affairs officer who seemed to have just woken up from his dream, he then asked his wife to invite someone — it was Emperor Long An's nanny, who was once very well looked after by his wife after she left the palace to retire.