His entire family perished in battle; he rose from the ashes to conquer the world.

"If this matter causes the situation in the southwest to spiral out of control, it will not only be bad for everyone, but it will also alert those barbarians abroad. If they suddenly launch an invasion of the southwest, it will result in widespread bloodshed and destruction. We cannot bear such a responsibility!"

Gao Song's righteous and eloquent speech elevated the personal grudges between the two sides to the level of the overall situation in Southwest China.

On the surface, it appears to be a matter of righteousness, but in reality, it is full of coercion.

Although the Gao family had few troops, with the addition of Ma Chengwu, the governor in charge of the southwest, and the rarely seen Prince Zhu Zheng of Ning, it would be too easy for these people to stir up trouble in the southwest if they joined forces.

He's a cunning old fox; he's got a knack for changing the subject.

Mu Yuan smiled coldly to himself and said unhurriedly, "Clan Chief Gao, the way you're saying that sounds...like a threat to me?"

"I wouldn't dare!"

Gao Song's face was gloomy. He said he dared not, but what he meant was completely the opposite.

At this moment, no one present dared to breathe heavily. Everyone could sense that Mu Yuan and Gao Song were no longer simply having a conversation, but rather engaging in a mental battle.

And the stakes in this game are the entire Southwest!

If Ma Chengwu were to express his opinion...

Therefore, the entire situation in the southwest will be dramatically changed because of these three people.

The situation remains stable.

Or is it truly as Gao Song described, a time of widespread suffering and death?

They were only one step away.

Just then.

After a long silence, Ma Chengwu slowly spoke: "General, would it be possible to discuss this elsewhere?"

Clearly, Ma Chengwu had other plans.

Mu Yuan pondered for a moment and nodded in agreement: "Then please invite Lord Ma and Chief Gao to my barracks so we can talk slowly."

His goal has been achieved, and all the soldiers of the Western Army now know the truth.

In recent days, a large number of false rumors have appeared in the military.

All of this was done by Governor Ma Chengwu and the Gao family.

Although Ma Chengwu and Gao Song did not directly admit it, their various extreme actions have already shown everything.

Mu Yuan naturally agreed to the rest, and together with Ma Chengwu and Gao Song, they entered the barracks, closed the door, and talked privately.

When Gao Yan saw his father Gao Song leave, he wanted to follow him, but Gao Song suddenly turned around and glared at him with an extremely fierce look.

Gao Yan stood there, stunned, while the soldiers of the Western Army around him cast disdainful glances at him.

At this moment, Gao Yan felt that his self-esteem had been trampled on like never before.

Inside the barracks.

"There's no one else here, gentlemen. If you have anything to say, please feel free to speak." Mu Yuan sat upright in the chair that symbolized the commander-in-chief of an army, smiling as he looked at Ma Chengwu and Gao Song.

Looking at the smile on Mu Yuan's face, Ma Chengwu and Gao Song felt a chill run down their spines.

They might not feel anything when others smiled, but Mu Yuan's smile made them feel uneasy and their scalps tingle.

"General, the claim that we bribed the soldiers of the Western Army and deliberately spread rumors is utter nonsense!"

Gao Song continued to deny it, but halfway through his sentence, he abruptly changed the subject:

"However, this matter has indeed caused considerable losses to the Commander-in-Chief and the Western Army. My Gao family is willing to compensate. As long as the Commander-in-Chief agrees to let this matter rest, you can name your terms. As long as I can do it, I will definitely satisfy you."

They vehemently denied it on the one hand.

They are willing to offer compensation.

Mu Yuan was amused by Gao Song's two-faced behavior.

"Clan Chief Gao, since you didn't do it, why do you need to compensate? Or are you trying to settle things peacefully by offering compensation?" Mu Yuan narrowed his eyes, his gaze full of mockery.

Gao Song looked embarrassed, and Ma Chengwu seized the opportunity to speak:

"General, you are a smart man. Some things don't need to be said too explicitly. Everyone understands what's going on."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yuan's face darkened, and he said:

"Do you really think I'm easy to fool? If you don't give me an explanation regarding your secret bribery of my soldiers to spread rumors, don't blame me for turning ruthless!"

"Mu Yuan!" Ma Chengwu shouted, "I am, after all, the Governor of the Southwest. In principle, I should be on equal footing with you. I have already swallowed my pride and tried to talk to you privately, yet you are still pressing me so aggressively. What are your intentions?!"

Mu Yuan looked at the enraged Ma Chengwu, narrowed his eyes, and said:

"Hearing you say that, should I thank you? Bribing soldiers, spreading rumors, and sowing discord in the army—if I report this to the court, even if you are highly regarded by the Emperor, I'm afraid even the Emperor won't be able to protect you!"

As Mu Yuan uttered these accusations, Ma Chengwu immediately sobered up and lost his temper.

If the emperor found out that he was just causing unrest among the troops, he would be in serious trouble.

"So what exactly do you want?" Ma Chengwu asked through gritted teeth.

Mu Yuan pondered for a moment, then said, "I want the Gao family to disband their clan soldiers and hand over all weapons to the Western Army's armory. In addition, I want to send several hundred Western Army soldiers to the Gao family residence to protect their safety!"

Given the current situation, Mu Yuan cannot deal with Ma Chengwu. After all, the other party is highly regarded by the emperor. Even if the matter is brought to the court, if the emperor is determined to protect him, Mu Yuan cannot openly oppose the emperor.

Therefore, as a second-best option, we should first eliminate the Gao family's influence.

Upon hearing Mu Yuan's request, Gao Song refused without the slightest hesitation:

"General, you clearly want to strip me of my military power. Furthermore, sending the Western Army into my residence, ostensibly for protection, is actually for surveillance. Your intentions are truly malicious!"

"Compared to Clan Chief Gao, what's this?" Mu Yuan sneered. "Besides, you've been making all sorts of underhanded moves yourself, so this is just reciprocating. But unlike your clandestine methods, mine are perfectly aboveboard!"

"You want me to grant your request? Dream on!!!"

Gao Song completely disregarded Ma Chengwu's presence and firmly rejected Mu Yuan's request.

The Gao family was able to stand tall in the southwest, second only to the Mu family, entirely thanks to the support of their clan soldiers. If the clan soldiers were removed, the Gao family would lose their support and become a tiger without claws.

Sooner or later it will be devoured and swallowed up by other local forces!

What Gao Song found even more unacceptable was that Mu Yuan not only wanted to relieve him of his military power, but also wanted to send troops to occupy the Gao family residence. This move was not only for surveillance, but also meant to place him under house arrest.

Gao Song absolutely could not agree to such a request; if he did, not only would the Gao family decline.

He also became a sinner who had failed the ancestors of the Gao family!

"Lord Ma, it seems Chief Gao is very dissatisfied with my request. Why don't you try to persuade him?" Mu Yuan looked at Ma Chengwu.

Mu Yuan's meaning is already very clear.

If Ma Chengwu could persuade Gao Song, then the matter would be completely over and no longer pursued.

Ma Chengwu naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Mu Yuan's words.

He looked at Gao Song, hesitated for a long time, and then said: