The eyes behind Xiao Rongyan's mask were deep and somber. After a long bow to the Empress Dowager of Yan, he straightened up and spoke with stern authority: "If I didn't return, I'm afraid Yan Kingdom would face a major crisis!"
As he said this, Xiao Rongyan turned to look at Minister Meng: "Is it true that the prohibition of herbal medicine being sent to the Yan territories ceded by Zhou was due to Meng's advice to the Empress Dowager?"
Minister Meng heard this and realized that Xiao Rongyan must already have known, making it untenable to deny. Hastily, he bowed deeply and said: "Regent Prince, the two nations are now wagering war. Yan Kingdom has suddenly been struck with an epidemic, which is worsening within the territories ceded to Zhou. This is indeed a heaven-sent opportunity for our Yan Kingdom to secure victory; hence, I proposed to the Empress Dowager to prepare in advance."
