Lu Yuan's words were undoubtedly sincere.
For him, even though the Kunhai region across the river is desirable.
With its lakes for irrigation, and fertile land, slight management would suffice to support a million people. It could become an important base for the conquest of the southwestern Yi people.
But for Great Chu, who has already annexed a county of the southwestern Yi, the effort needed to digest the current county and its eight prefectures is already extreme, encountering enormous difficulties, and nearly choking on it.
To strive for the Kunhai region at this point, adding such a vast expanse of territory, would be like seeking death and detonation at the same spot.
So, for Lu Yuan, while Kunhai may be attractive, it is poisonous to him.
Ingesting it might bring momentary sweetness, but once the poison circulates through the entirety of his body, it is time for the fatal consequences to occur.
