"What is the content of the memorial?"

Qin Tian gently stroked Gongsun Sanniang's soft hand, taking a deep breath. After the great battle, his tense mood finally relaxed.

"For the master's merits, although not obvious, Sanniang has reported all of the master's achievements to His Majesty. I believe His Majesty will certainly grant you rewards."

Gongsun Sanniang sat next to Qin Tian, embracing him from behind, making his back exceptionally comfortable.

He knew that Gongsun Sanniang valued her body greatly, especially for the first time. 𝓯𝙧𝓮𝓮𝒘𝓮𝙗𝙣𝒐𝒗𝒆𝓵.𝓬𝓸𝒎

Serving him like this was merely to please and gratify him.

Qin Tian didn't really intend to do anything with Gongsun Sanniang in her boudoir, so he asked instead, "What if His Majesty doesn't reward me then what?"

"He will. Master, you have accomplished such a great merit. It can be said to be a monumental feat. It's impossible not to be rewarded."

"What do you think His Majesty will appoint me to?"

"That, I do not know."

"What if His Majesty appoints me as a civil servant? What should I do then?"

"A civil servant?"

Upon hearing Qin Tian's words, Gongsun Sanniang was stunned for a moment, but quickly understood the implication behind Qin Tian's words.

If the Ice Emperor appoints Qin Tian as a civil servant, it means the Ice Emperor is wary of Qin Tian.

After all, Qin Tian currently commands an army of 800,000 troops, stationed in the West State, it being the most powerful among the four states, the Ice Emperor cannot rest easy.

Even if the Ice Emperor is at ease, the Ninth Prince and the Crown Prince will not easily let it go.

It's important to know that the current Imperial City, after recruiting troops, barely has 1 million troops, and the East Capital only has a little over 300,000.

Qin Tian's West State is too strong, too conspicuous.

.

The clever Gongsun Sanniang naturally understood Qin Tian's current worries and said, "With the master's current strength, the Imperial City will definitely tighten its guard. Whether or not you will be rewarded with a civil servant position, Sanniang cannot fathom His Majesty's intentions. Besides, I also received news recently that the Ninth Prince has been slandering me before His Majesty, claiming that I have betrayed His Majesty and become your ally..."

Qin Tian laughed and said, "How can that be called slander... It's the truth."

"Ha ha..."

Gongsun Sanniang softly giggled and said, "Indeed, but if our relationship becomes known, it will be difficult for me to assist you in the future. I suppose His Majesty might send a secret edict to summon me back, and when that time comes, I will return to the Imperial City as your inside agent."

"An inside agent? You won't return to the Imperial City just to join the Ninth Prince against me, will you?" Qin Tian smiled.

"Sanniang wouldn't dare..."

Hearing this, Gongsun Sanniang whispered softly into Qin Tian's ear, "Sanniang has witnessed the master's power. Based on the master's strength and status, the current Ninth Prince is no match for the master. Do you think Sanniang would be foolish enough to forsake the light for the dark?"

"I believe you will make the choice that benefits you the most."

Qin Tian laughed and said, "I keep my word and will definitely help you become the head of the Gongsun Family."

Feeling Qin Tian's hand invading the inside of her thigh, Gongsun Sanniang promptly moved it away, smiling charmingly, "Sanniang thanks the master. Once Sanniang becomes the head of the Gongsun Family, everything will be at the master's disposal... for now... the master must refrain..."

Gongsun Sanniang looked at Qin Tian with a pleading gaze.

Qin Tian said, "Sanniang, after you return to the Imperial City, if there is any friction between me and the Ice Emperor, you must mediate as long as your identity is not exposed."

After Qin Tian finished speaking, he stood up.

Gongsun Sanniang was slightly puzzled, "Friction? Master, you mean to..."

She dared not speak the following four words—

Retain forces for self-gain!

Qin Tian, with his back to Gongsun Sanniang, did not answer, and said, "Dress me properly, and once you return to the Imperial City, act according to circumstance. You are smart and know how to act in my best interest."

Gongsun Sanniang dressed Qin Tian properly, respectfully seeing him out the door.

She looked at Qin Tian's departing figure, momentarily lost in thought, murmuring to herself, "We are already grasshoppers on the same rope. Can you be trusted? You hold eighty thousand troops, are you sure you can contend with the Imperial City?"

She looked at Qin Tian walking out the door, but got no answer.

...

Three days later, the Ice Emperor's edict arrived——

Qin Tian was granted the title of Marquess of Pacifying the West and was to return to the Imperial City at once with Supervisor Gongsun Sanniang for the investiture!

As for Qin Tian's confidants Zhao Lanjin and others, all were promoted by one rank. According to the Ice Emperor's edict, Zhao Lanjin, Xu Kuan, Ye Kun, and Lin Yu were all to return to the Imperial City with Qin Tian, where the Ice Emperor would personally welcome them.

Granted a marquessate.

This was a glorious event, and everyone was promoted, seeming like a cause for celebration.

However, at Qin Tian's residence, he and all his trusted officers were holding a meeting, each with somber expressions, without a single smile on their faces.

The Ice Emperor summoned Qin Tian and his close confidants back to the Imperial City, leaving the eighty thousand troops in the West State, assigning people from the Ninth Prince and the Crown Prince to take over—this was a typical case of killing the donkey once the grinding is done!

Indeed, the Ice Emperor was wary of Qin Tian!