Chapter 145: Refuse peace talks

Your Highness, the Crown Prince.

The peace treaty was signed by Minister Li, under the order of Minister Yang; please, Your Highness the Crown Prince, hurry to the border.

The voice echoed, passing through the crowd, directly reaching the jade palanquin.

Inside the jade palanquin.

Gu Jin Nian, who had been resting with his eyes closed, suddenly opened his eyes and furrowed his brows.

Li Shan signed the peace treaty? What does this have to do with Li Shan? The emperor's secret order is for me to decide.

Li Shan is merely assisting.

Even if I hadn't come, it should have been Minister Yang Kai who drafted this treaty.

Inside the jade palanquin, Grandfather Gu couldn't help but reveal a cold smile.

This made Gu Jin Nian even more curious.

Grandfather.

What do you think of this?

Gu Jin Nian looked at his grandfather, full of curiosity, and asked.

Nothing worth seeing.

He has already surfaced.

Grandfather Gu appeared very calm, and he was not at all surprised by Li Shan's actions.

Surfaced?

Grandfather, do you mean that Minister Li has a problem?

Gu Jin Nian instantly understood his grandfather's meaning.

But he was somewhat surprised.

As the esteemed minister of Da Xia, if there were a problem, it would indeed be a major matter, hard to imagine.

In the court, every person has issues; behind them lie complex, intertwined factions; the higher the office, the greater the vested interests involved.

Moreover, many things are not within an individual's control; for example, if this peace treaty, if grandfather had you agree, you would also change your mind because of the Gu family's reasons.

However, most people would do things a bit more carefully; Li Shan this time also revealed his flaw.

Grandfather Gu did not directly state whether Li Shan had a problem, but instead used analysis to let Gu Jin Nian think for himself.

Revealed his flaw?

Gu Jin Nian pondered.

Li Shan's biggest problem is signing the treaty beyond his rank; this matter is mainly under the Ministry of Rites; although Li Shan holds the position of minister, he has no authority to interfere, unless the emperor specially issues a secret order.

Otherwise, this act would be an overreach, not only overstepping the Ministry of Rites' authority, but more importantly, overstepping the emperor's authority.

Since ancient times, ministerial power and imperial power have been opposed; they can also complement each other, but that was only in the early period.

Ministerial power assists imperial power.

But as time goes on, the greater the ministerial power, the lesser the imperial power.

When ministerial power surpasses imperial power, the outcome is only two possibilities.

Being killed or usurping the throne.

This is the fate of ministers; since ancient times, few ministers have met a good end.

It's not that the emperor is narrow-minded, but that ministerial influence is too great.

When in the court the emperor's voice grows ever smaller and the ministerial voice grows ever larger, not killing the minister means a slow death.

However.

This matter is clearly not a case of ministerial overreach; it is obvious that Li Shan has his own ulterior motives.

Gu Jin Nian's mind conjured many possibilities.

And Grandfather Gu's voice sounded again.

The emperor sent him here.

There is a purpose behind it.

After hiding for so many years, it's time to reveal his flaw.

Grandfather Gu saw things very clearly; he pointed out a key point, letting Gu Jin Nian suddenly understand completely.

This peace treaty, the Yongsheng Emperor sent Li Shan over, clearly as a test.

He wants to use the peace treaty to test what kind of person Li Shan really is.

He may have selfish motives, may be corrupt, may hold power, but he absolutely cannot collude with the enemy.

After the Jian'de rebellion, the Yongsheng Emperor trusts no official in the court; he is wary of everyone.

But he aspires to be a good emperor, so in many matters, without absolute evidence, the Yongsheng Emperor does not want to take the path of killing ministers.

He does not want to follow the path of the Taizu; he hopes to use his own ability to awe the officials, and also hopes to use his ability to let the officials see that he is a good emperor.

But the Yongsheng Emperor can tolerate everything, yet he has his own bottom line.

Gu Jin Nian fully understood.

Test.

Everything is a test.

The emperor is testing Li Shan; likewise, the emperor is also testing many things, Prince Qilin, Prince Ning, including his own grandfather.

Even the emperor is testing himself.

Granting power, to see what he would do.

Yes.

Isn't that what an emperor is like? Letting you hold power and do something; no matter how you do it, the result cannot directly change the nation's fate.

But by going through one matter, you can know exactly whose side you are on.

The Son of Heaven harbors suspicion.

It is truly enough to make one's thoughts tremble with fear.

"Jin Nian."

"From now on, do what you want to do, and also do what you ought to do."

"Remember, no matter what the emperor does, he will not suspect you, for you are his nephew, and you walk the Confucian path, nurturing righteous spirit."

"They are different; they are officials, subjects of the emperor."

"Li Shan has shown his hand; Your Majesty will deal with him. Remember, your goal now is only one."

"To make Da Xia prosper and the people wealthy—this is Grandfather's expectation for you. No matter what means you use, no matter what you do, as long as you keep the people in your heart, you will never be defeated."

Grandfather Gu spoke solemnly; this was his admonition.

No matter what happens, if you stand with the people on the same front, you will look down on all and stand in an invincible position.

"Grandson understands."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Soon, the contract was sent into the imperial palanquin.

Gu Jin Nian carefully examined this contract.

It clearly stated the terms for each state.

The Fuyu Dynasty is willing to give fifty million taels of silver; the Great Jin Dynasty will dispatch ten thousand monks, at their own expense, to build temples to perform salvation for the souls of the dead of both countries.

The Da Xia Dynasty need only agree to revise the historical records and consent to the Xiongnu State establishing a defensive line, with a special note that the line will be built under the supervision of the Da Xia Dynasty.

After reading this contract.

This time, Gu Jin Nian really felt somewhat puzzled.

The Fuyu Dynasty provides silver.

The Great Jin Dynasty sends monks.

The Da Xia Dynasty only needs to amend the historical records a little, and in addition agree to establish a defensive line, then it promises to return the twelve border cities—what does this have to do with giving them away for free? As for the historical records, whether they are changed or not is not a big matter, because it is not erasing this history, but the revisions are light, promoting friendly unity.

See what benefits the other side gives.

Returning the twelve cities merely for amending the historical records—this is nothing.

As for building the defensive line, it is somewhat excessive, but not overly so; after all, returning the twelve cities, constructing the line is fine, and when true war breaks out, such a line has no effect whatsoever.

This contract, however you look at it, seems not bad.

Yes.

Not bad.

The terms of this contract, whichever they are, are only beneficial to the Da Xia Dynasty, with no drawbacks.

Now Gu Jin Nian finally understands why Li Shan dared to overstep his authority directly.

He indeed has justification for overstepping.

Because this condition is so good as to be beyond criticism.

If the contract is like this, Li Shan truly has reason to explain it.

"Grandfather, look."

Gu Jin Nian handed the contract to Grandfather Gu.

He merely glanced at the contract, then let out a sigh.

"Jin Nian."

"You still haven't understood the emperor's intentions?"

Grandfather Gu looked at Gu Jin Nian and could not help reminding him.

Upon saying this, Gu Jin Nian truly felt somewhat uncomprehending.

"His Majesty never intended to seek peace from beginning to end."

"This battle."

"Da Xia must fight."

Grandfather Gu spoke, only three sentences, yet they left Gu Jin Nian stunned inside the imperial palanquin.

This was indeed something he had not anticipated.

Not having thought of peace at all from start to finish? Sensing Gu Jin Nian's puzzlement, Grandfather Gu said nothing, but let the procession continue onward.

About half an hour later.

As the large procession was about to reach Tongguan City, Grandfather Gu suddenly spoke.

"Stop."

He spoke, then his gaze calm, he stepped down from the imperial palanquin.

Gu Jin Nian also did not hesitate, immediately following his grandfather down from the vehicle.

After the grandfather and grandson had stepped down from the imperial palanquin.

Grandfather Gu had the procession continue onward, returning to the Tongguan military camp.

He himself then took Gu Jin Nian to go elsewhere.

Gu Jin Nian did not know what Grandfather Gu intended to do, but he did not ask further, instead following his family's grandfather forward.

The two walked for a long time.

Almost half an hour.

Finally, in a certain plain, Grandfather Gu halted.

In the distance, there was a mausoleum.

It's just that it appears desolate and uninhabited.

This necropolis is vast, so large that only some rubble can be used to build walls as protection.

At the entrance of the necropolis, a few soldiers were on guard, but when Grandfather Gu appeared, the soldiers all stood at attention.

"We have seen the Lord of the State."

They all spoke at once, appearing extremely respectful.

Grandfather Gu merely nodded, said nothing, and led Gu Jin Nian forward.

The old man and the young man walked into the necropolis.

In an instant, a gust of fresh wind blew.

Blowing sand swirled at their feet, and within the necropolis were a series of stone piles, strangely unlike other tombs.

The interior of the necropolis is huge.

Stone piles appeared before Gu Jin Nian.

The sand rolled endlessly, and an indescribable desolation pervaded.

There were no statues, no special items, not even any tombstones—only these stone piles.

Only, each stone pile held some objects.

But those objects were all bizarre.

Grandfather Gu proceeded, and after a while he suddenly stopped.

Then he pointed at a stone pile there and began to speak slowly.

"Jin Nian, lower your head and look."

He spoke.

Gu Jin Nian lowered his head, gazing at the stone pile, upon which lay an extremely desiccated human skin, stiff and yellowed, yet bearing faint blue script.

The characters were distorted, but Gu Jin Nian understood what they meant.

【Summer Dog】

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but furrow his brows.

And Grandfather Gu's voice sounded again.

"This is Da Xia, the Shan Kui army, the Fifth Formation's soldiers, a total of one hundred seventy‑two men."

"Thirteen years ago, the twelve border cities fell. Da Xia's garrison troops, hidden within the city, resisted the Xiongnu, were captured alive, had the words 'Summer Dog' carved on their backs, then their skins were torn off and sent to Da Xia."

Grandfather Gu spoke calmly, his tone lacking sorrow or anger, only tranquility.

Yet Gu Jin Nian fell silent after hearing this.

Immediately after, Grandfather Gu took a few more steps forward.

He pointed at a stone pile and spoke.

"Look again."

As the voice rang, Gu Jin Nian looked and saw several leg bones placed on that stone pile.

"In the first year of Yong Sheng, June 15, the twelve cities fell. The Tian Kui army, Ninth Battalion, fought with two hundred forty men; the Xiongnu forced them to kneel, shouting that Da Xia's people were like pigs and dogs. None of the two hundred forty Tian Kui soldiers knelt; they chose death over surrender."

"Their leg bones were cut off, bodies cast into the wilderness, suffering torment."

After Grandfather Gu finished speaking, he pointed to another spot.

Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze there.

Surprisingly, on that stone pile sat a pot.

"In the first year of Yong Sheng, June 15, the Xiongnu breached the city, the army slaughtered. In one household, while they were just starting to cook at dawn, unaware, Xiongnu soldiers stormed in, beheaded the man, and threw the newborn baby into a boiling cauldron—this pot is the evidence of the crime; the mother was further ravaged by dozens of men."

Grandfather Gu's voice was utterly calm, devoid of any emotion.

But he took another step forward.

"June 16, at the third quarter of the Yin hour, fifteen children under ten years old were trampled to death by Xiongnu warhorses, their bodies shattered bone by bone."

"June 16, at the first quarter of the Wu hour, the twelve cities fell; thousands of Da Xia civilians were gathered, three thousand four hundred fifty people—old, young, men, women, children—none escaped."

Grandfather Gu recounted each incident; his tone seemed calm, yet every account shocked Gu Jin Nian profoundly.

Especially upon seeing each piece of evidence, how could his heart remain still? Soon, Grandfather Gu arrived before a strange collection of stone piles; each was small, yet densely packed, appearing to number at least five hundred.

"June 21, the Xiongnu seized five hundred forty‑nine children under ten, sealed off the four streets, letting the children wander freely. Ten Xiongnu soldiers, wielding battle knives, pursued the children; upon seeing one, they killed it, gouged out its eyes, severed its arms, and used the spoils for the soldiers' amusement."

When he reached this point, Grandfather Gu fell silent.

Something stirred within him.

A few steps further.

Grandfather Gu continued speaking.

"Xiongnu soldiers confined more than three hundred Da Xia women on the first floor, the youngest being five years old; that night, the Xiongnu's laughter rang from within the city to outside."

"After that night, none of the three hundred plus survived."

"Jin Nian."

When Grandfather Gu reached this point, he suddenly shouted.

He made Gu Jin Nian look ahead.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian looked toward the front.

Within the barren necropolis, a massive stone pit emerged, filled with a mountain of white bones.

Stunning.

Grandfather Gu gazed at the bones, his expression utterly calm as he said,

"The twelve‑city populace."

The bones of the common folk from the Twelve Cities, most of them are here.

One bone per person.

Grandfather Gu spoke, using the simplest words to reveal the cruelest side of war.

In this great pit, there are well over a hundred thousand white bones.

The corpses and bones piled like a mountain.

These are only four characters.

But now, they are reflected before Gu Jin Nian.

Seeing these scenes, Gu Jin Nian fell into complete silence.

Grandfather Gu stared for a moment, then turned, patted Gu Jin Nian's shoulder, and said.

"Jin Nian."

"You stay here and watch carefully."

"When will you finally understand why the Emperor must wage war."

"When to return."

Grandfather Gu said no more, turned and left, leaving Gu Jin Nian alone here.

As Grandfather Gu left.

The mausoleum garden grew even quieter and more desolate.

There were no stories worth singing or weeping over, nor any grand architecture.

Here, apart from the stone pillars and the artifacts, there was nothing else.

Gu Jin Nian stood here quietly.

Gazing at it all.

Grandfather Gu, in the simplest way, told Gu Jin Nian Da Xia's most tragic story.

It is a piece of history.

It is also a wound in the hearts of all Da Xia's people.

Thirteen years ago.

The Xiongnu shattered Da Xia's Twelve Cities.

War flames raged, and warhorses galloped through the city.

At this very moment.

Rays of black light appeared, sweeping the entire mausoleum garden in an instant.

Yet to outsiders, nothing changed.

The black vapor altered the sky and earth, whipping up strong winds, making it hard for Gu Jin Nian to open his eyes.

Around him, buildings rose, forming the image of an ancient city.

Whinny! The warhorses' neighs rang out.

Figures emerged, charging into the ancient city.

War flames fluttered; Gu Jin Nian saw chaos and a terrifying scene.

A Xiongnu iron cavalry charged in, wielding battle blades, racing through the city, emitting wildly carefree laughter.

Their smiles, like demons, slashed at any civilian they saw.

The civilians panicked and fled to both sides.

Children scattered among the crowd; the Xiongnu iron cavalry hesitated not, trampling them into bloodied mud.

Skulls shattered, blood gushed.

Not only children; anyone who lagged a step turned into flesh mush.

These people, like demons from the underworld, rode warhorses stained with blood, their blades a vivid crimson.

Flames erupted everywhere.

The whole city became a living inferno.

Various cries of terror rose, overlapping, filling the air with dread.

Gu Jin Nian witnessed every bit of it.

In his mind, a memory from a past life resurfaced.

Two different timelines.

Yet the same events occurred.

Still a tragedy beyond humanity.

Still a loss of all virtue.

Hell lay empty, demons walked among men.

Gu Jin Nian watched helplessly, unable to act.

When the hooves trampled down.

Gu Jin Nian reached out to block, but was powerless, for it was an illusion.

The Xiongnu broke into the city, entered a household, unleashed slaughter, accompanied by harrowing screams and women's cries of struggle.

They went to a tavern, lifted a child in their hands, and threw it straight down from the high building.

The tavern owner knelt, crying with a heart‑rending sob.

An elderly man staggered in escape, only to have his legs cut off.

Strong men were slaughtered outright.

Women were brutally violated.

Children cry, their eyes filled with despair; a pregnant woman, terrified and running, is in unbearable pain, lies on the ground and cries, and the Xiongnu riders come on horseback and cut her down with a single slash.

The scene makes one clench one's teeth.

The scene makes the soul tremble.

Da Xia's soldiers, holding weapons to block, charge as if they do not care for their lives.

But the infantry, before the cavalry, have almost no chance.

The four hundred soldiers are almost entirely being slaughtered.

Yet even so, these soldiers do not choose to retreat.

"General, we cannot fight any longer."

"This is futile; we should conserve our strength and maneuver among the alleys and streets, for their cavalry is too formidable."

A soldier speaks up; he is not fearful, but believes this would be a needless sacrifice.

There is no need.

We should leave this place and, using the narrow alleys, engage the Xiongnu troops in battle.

However, faced with such words.

The leading general, however, remains calm.

"If we retreat, the civilians will die."

The general speaks lightly.

At this moment, everyone instantly understands that choosing to fight them here is not a fearless sacrifice.

But rather a delay.

A delay to allow the civilians to flee.

Understanding this, the soldiers fall completely silent.

They stand here, unafraid of anything.

"Kill."

A deafening shout of "Kill" erupts.

These soldiers advance without fear.

Half an hour later.

Of the four hundred plus, only one person remains alive; his face is covered in fresh blood, some of it enemy's, but mostly his own compatriots'.

His eyes are already dazed, his strength waning, as the Xiongnu heavy cavalry looks down on him from above.

His gaze is full of contempt.

"Kill."

He is already powerless, yet at the final moment his voice is deafening.

Under the flash of blood.

He falls down.

No miracle occurs.

The Xiongnu hang their corpses on the city walls.

On the walls.

One by one the soldiers are captured alive and executed upon them.

It is a display of might, a trampling.

But this is not despair; after the gates fall under Xiongnu control, the city interior is sealed.

Once the gates are completely shut, the true horror appears.

It turns into a human hell.

Scene after scene unfolds.

Civilians are brutally slain by Xiongnu swords.

Civilians are tortured to death.

Civilians become playthings for these Xiongnu.

The soldiers endure torment, preferring death over surrender.

He sees some soldiers with arrow shafts through their hearts, yet still standing defiant before the enemy.

He also sees soldiers who, to protect civilians, deliberately expose themselves and die beneath Xiongnu blades.

At this moment.

Not a single soldier fears death.

Because they know what they bear on their shoulders.

These are Da Xia soldiers.

And they do not know how long has passed.

Gu Jin Nian awakens from the illusion.

Everything around him finally settles into stillness at this moment. Still desolate.

Still, there are stone pillars one after another.

But these stone pillars, in Gu Jin Nian's eyes, have completely changed.

They are no longer a memorial.

But segments of unforgettable hatred.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian finally understands the old man's words.

Your Majesty.

From beginning to end, I never considered a peace treaty.

Why? Because this hatred, Your Majesty, cannot be forgotten, nor can it ever be.

This is a national enemy.

How could it be easily forgotten?

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian fully understands how absurd it is to alter the historical records.

Historical record alteration.

Can this earthly furnace be altered? Just a few strokes of blue ink, simple.

But how can this piece of history be made forgettable?

Who would dare to forget?

Thinking of this.

Gu Jin Nian inhaled deeply; at this moment he no longer hesitated and walked away from the Mausoleum Garden.

Earlier.

He stood above the nation's interests to contemplate this peace proposal.

He thought that in this peace proposal, Da Xia should not concede anything to the other side.

But now, he fully understands.

Da Xia does not need a peace treaty! Your Majesty does not want one! Because those people will not agree.

Though they are dead, they are still watching, seeing who will forget them, seeing who is forgetting them.

The more he thinks this way, the hotter Gu Jin Nian's anger burns.

Future generations.

It would be one thing not to memorialize this blood feud.

Some choose to forget.

Some choose to ignore.

Some, for profit, wish to erase it.

Even more, some shout that they should let go of the hatred and look forward.

How dare this?

What does this merit?

Isn't it shameful?

Or are they even human?

Gu Jin Nian left the Mausoleum Garden and hurried toward Tongguan Military Camp.

About half an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at Tongguan Military Camp.

Outside the camp, dozens of soldiers stood, weapons in hand, unmoved by wind or rain.

They guard the border, enduring the harshest hardships, protecting countless civilians behind them.

The soldiers saw Gu Jin Nian; apparently the Duke had informed them beforehand, so they did not block him.

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, each became exceedingly respectful.

"We have seen the Crown Prince."

Though stationed at the border, they have also heard of Gu Jin Nian's reputation.

Avenging the people.

Prefer death to surrender.

Such conduct gives Gu Jin Nian an excellent reputation among the troops.

Yet faced with everyone's respectful bow.

Gu Jin Nian immediately returned the bow, showing no trace of a Crown Prince's airs.

"Soldiers, you guard a region, protect home and nation; no grand ceremony is needed. It should be I, Gu, who bows to you."

Gu Jin Nian bowed deeply to the crowd; he was not being pretentious, but sincere.

Had he not gone to the Mausoleum Garden before,

it would have been hard for him to attain such enlightenment.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, please."

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's grand courtesy, the soldiers were somewhat startled, and they invited Gu Jin Nian inside.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian rushed to the main camp, intending to find Li Shan.

Inside the main camp.

Before Gu Jin Nian could even move, Li Shan's voice sounded beside his ear.

"This matter has already been settled."

"The Xiongnu's terms are not at all harsh; the silver does not need to be provided by Da Xia, the mines can be reclaimed, and by merely revising the historical records, the twelve cities can be taken back."

"Is that then impossible?"

"What else do you have to say?"

"Could it be that you only agree if these generals are sent to their deaths?"

Li Shan's voice rang out.

In conversation with Yang Kai.

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai's voice responded slowly.

I am not saying the Minister made a mistake; but this matter should not be decided directly—I have not agreed to it, and furthermore, the Crown Prince has not come; as for this matter, I, Yang, do not approve.

Yang Kai spoke up; his meaning was simple.

He did not agree, so this matter does not count.

"Yang Kai."

"How can you be so foolish?"

"Furthermore, whether Lord Gu comes or not, what can be done? You are the Minister of Rites—don't you have your own judgment?"

"Let me, the old man, ask you one thing: are you satisfied with these conditions?"

Li Shan continued speaking.

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai also couldn't help but sigh.

"This condition is indeed feasible, but ultimately it is too fast."

To be frank, Yang Kai actually knows this condition is quite good, but it is simply too fast—there is no need for it to be so swift.

We should communicate properly.

"Since it is feasible, what else is there to say?"

"All right, since I, the old man, have already signed the contract, let's just do it this way."

"After returning to the capital, I, the old man, will report to His Majesty."

Li Shan didn't say more; he will take charge of this matter.

But just as his words fell,

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded from outside.

"Minister Li."

"No need."

At this moment, everyone in the main camp couldn't help but look toward the outside of the camp.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian walked into the main camp.

His gaze was calm as he swept a glance over the people in the main camp.

On either side were military officers; the old master was not present, Li Shan sat in the seat of honor, and Yang Kai sat in the first seat to the left.

"We greet the Crown Prince."

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, the military officers all bowed respectfully to him.

They are soldiers under the State Duke, and they naturally show respect to Gu Jin Nian.

And Gu Jin Nian also bowed to everyone at once.

He then went straight to Li Shan's side.

"Minister Li."

"This matter does not require you to return to the capital to report."

"I, the humble official, do not agree to the peace talks."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, bowed slightly to Li Shan, and then expressed his opinion.

"You disagree?"

"Why do you disagree?"

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian arrive, Li Shan's expression remained utterly calm, and regarding what Gu Jin Nian said, Li Shan showed no change.

"It is only because of altering the historical records."

"Our Da Xia could never alter the historical records."

Gu Jin Nian's tone was calm, but his gaze was extremely firm.

"Hah."

"You truly do not understand reason."

"Then, Minister, I ask you: what would it take for you to agree to the peace talks?"

Li Shan became somewhat angry.

In his view, the peace terms offered by the Xiongnu State are this good.

He still would not agree.

Is it just because of a petty quarrel? Is it just because you, Gu Jin Nian, dislike the Xiongnu State?

Not at all considering the state.

"Unconditionally return the twelve cities."

"The chief culprits among the soldiers shall commit suicide to atone."

"The ruler of the Xiongnu State shall issue a self‑condemning edict."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up; these are his demands.

But as soon as these words were spoken,

Li Shan laughed.

"Ignorant and foolish."

"On what basis?"

Li Shan was truly laughed into anger by Gu Jin Nian; in his view, Gu Jin Nian was just spouting nonsense here.

"Relying on our Da Xia soldiers, who fear no death."

"Relying on our Da Xia Dynasty, the nation's backbone remains."

"Relying on our Da Xia populace, we do not forget."

"Relying on me, Gu Jin Nian, I can three‑fold cut the Xiongnu State's fortune."

"Minister Li."

"Is this enough?"

Gu Jin Nian already knows Li Shan's nature, so he offers no courtesy.

When those words were spoken, the soldiers in the camp each showed surprise in their eyes.

They did not expect Gu Jin Nian to be so bold and warlike, uttering such words.

"You have no right to intervene in this matter."

"I, considering you are the Crown Prince, and out of respect for the Duke, will not argue with you."

Li Shan pays no attention to Gu Jin Nian.

He is too lazy to bother.

But at that moment, Yang Kai's voice slowly rang out.

"Minister Li."

"His Majesty's secret order."

"This time the peace talks are entirely up to the Crown Prince."

Yang Kai speaks.

He recites the Emperor's secret order.

When those words were spoken, Li Shan instantly furrowed his brow, looking at Yang Kai, whose face remained expressionless.

At once, Li Shan took a deep breath.

Then he looked at Gu Jin Nian.

"Crown Prince."

"What you just said, the Xiongnu Nation will not agree to."

"There is no need for that; take advantage while it lasts."

"For the Da Xia Dynasty, that is a good thing."

Li Shan spoke, saying thus.

"They will not agree."

"Then make the Xiongnu Nation agree by force."

"Moreover, what does 'take advantage while it lasts' mean? The Xiongnu Nation slaughtered countless Da Xia citizens, killed our soldiers; this is a blood feud. Returning the Twelve Cities is what the Xiongnu Nation ought to do."

"How can the return of the Twelve Cities, spoken by Minister Li, become the enemy's grace?"

Gu Jin Nian coldly replied.

"Yes."

"The Xiongnu Nation indeed has some atrocious deeds, but that was thirteen years ago."

"What's past is past; now the Da Xia Dynasty cannot wage war."

"Gu Jin Nian, have you ever considered what consequences your impulsive moment will bring?"

"Hundreds of thousands of troops fighting will consume countless money and silver."

"If this war is won, Da Xia will have to sacrifice no fewer than one hundred thousand soldiers' lives."

"If this war is lost, the dynasty will be in grave danger."

"A momentary anger is not a good thing."

"Do you know this?"

After learning that Gu Jin Nian holds the final decision, Li Shan no longer appears lofty as before; instead he speaks earnestly, hoping Gu Jin Nian will understand some reasoning.

But after these words were spoken,

in Gu Jin Nian's eyes, they became even more nauseating.

"Minister Li."

"The military expenses spent, I, Gu Jin Nian, can cover."

"The fallen soldiers, Da Xia will not forget."

"Moreover, Da Xia will not be defeated."

"Da Xia has never been defeated."

"Thirteen years ago, the Xiongnu Nation took advantage of Da Xia's turmoil and attacked."

"Thirteen years later, if Da Xia fears defeat, then in the next thirteen years, what is lost will continue to be lost, and what cannot be retrieved will remain unretrievable."

"In short, I, the servant, have made up my mind and do not agree to peace talks,"

"Sir Yang, draft a letter to inform the Xiongnu Nation that Da Xia will not negotiate peace."

"Minister Li has no authority to interfere in this matter."

"The contract is void."

"Only the Xiongnu Nation must unconditionally return, the main culprit self‑punish, the Xiongnu ruler issue a self‑condemnation edict, compensate ten million taels of silver, otherwise declare war."

Gu Jin Nian does not argue with Li Shan.

He directly states his own thought.

"Impossible."

However, before Yang Kai could speak, Li Shan stood up immediately and rejected Gu Jin Nian's words.

"This matter has already passed thirteen years; we should consider the current situation."

"We cannot let Da Xia fall into war because of a single thought of yours."

"Gu Jin Nian, I know you bear hatred, but you must not act like this."

"The border disgrace has been thirteen years ago; it is time to let it go. Da Xia needs peace, Eastern Wilderness also needs peace, which benefits the world."

Li Shan still clung to his own ideas.

But such remarks, to Gu Jin Nian, were full of ridicule.

"May I call you Li Xiang?"

"What right do you have to speak of letting go?"

"The border disgrace—nearly a million Da Xia civilians perished, and two hundred thousand soldiers were brutally slaughtered."

"On what basis do you claim you can just let it go?"

"You have no right to speak forgiveness on their behalf."

"Gu also has no right to speak forgiveness for them."

"This enmity cannot be reconciled under the heavens."

"This enmity, every Da Xia citizen should keep in mind and never forget."

"To return what originally belongs to us, yet you demand we erase the traces of a million lives."

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was icy.

When he said this, his eyes seemed to devour, staring at Li Shan.

"Li Xiang."

"Open your eyes and see: above the Wild Emperor, a million solitary souls are watching you."

"Our Da Xia's two hundred thousand soldiers are staring at you intently."

"Their hatred."

"Not a single person has the right to forget."

"Lord Yang, write a letter."

Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to respond.

He intended to declare war.

Let the Xiongnu nation truly see Da Xia's spirit.

And let these vengeful souls see that the Da Xia Dynasty has never forgotten them.

Remember this enmity.

"Gu Jin Nian, are you still worthy of being a scholar? Do you still possess any compassion?"

"Your heart holds only killing; your eyes are already blinded by hatred."

"In this matter, I absolutely disagree."

Li Shan didn't care either; he still maintained his opposition.

But the next moment—

Bang.

Gu Jin Nian slapped Li Shan directly, his gaze utterly cold.

"Shut up!"

"What right do you have to judge this Crown Prince's Confucian ways?"

"If you must be born kneeling, that is your own affair."

"The Crown Prince's final warning: this is a northwest camp, not Da Xia Capital; show a little courtesy and address you as Li Xiang. If you refuse, what are you in my eyes?"

Gu Jin Nian's voice was utterly cold.

And the slap rang crisp and loud.

It left Li Shan silent.

It also made the camp soldiers widen their eyes one by one.

They had heard Gu Jin Nian acted ferociously, but seeing him today, they found the rumors rather restrained.

"A slap to the prime minister on the spot?"

"Only Gu Jin Nian would dare do that."

Even Yang Kai clicked his tongue in amazement.

Li Shan, who had truly received a slap, did not erupt in fury as expected, but kept a composed face.

It wasn't fear of Gu Jin Nian.

Rather, Gu Jin Nian was right: this is a northwest camp, the Lord of State Defense is stationed here; if one dares to act rashly, the Lord would appear immediately.

The Lord of State Defense is not a man of reason.

Then the situation would only become more awkward.

"Fine."

"I understand now."

"For such a great matter, let the Crown Prince have his fun."

"I will now return to the capital, awaiting a triumphant victory at the border."

Li Shan spoke, intending to leave, his words oddly twisted.

"No need."

"Stay here."

"Attendants, take good care of Li Xiang."

"Protect Li Xiang without leaving his side."

"Li Xiang, since His Majesty has summoned you, do not leave until the matter is fully settled."

Gu Jin Nian does not intend to let Li Xiang depart.

Putting aside whether this fellow might do something extreme, the fear is that he will later stir up rumors and trouble.

Apply pressure on oneself.

It would be better to just stay here.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"I am the Da Xia Prime Minister; do you still wish to restrict my movements?"

Li Shan's expression turned dark and terrifying.

"Exactly."

"Can't Li Xiang see it?"

"The Crown Prince is already guarding against you."

"Regarding this peace talks, what authority do you have to sign a contract?"

"On what basis can you sign a contract?"

"At the very least, this is an overreach of authority."

"At worst, the Crown Prince must suspect you of colluding with the enemy and betraying the nation."

"Guards, detain him, take good care of Li Xiang, and later bring him back to the capital with the Crown Prince."

Gu Jin Nian spoke bluntly.

Indeed.

I think you are colluding with the enemy and betraying the nation.

Do you have any questions?

If not, then be quiet.

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

"What a traitor, what an overreach."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, when this official returns to the capital, I will definitely confront you personally."

"Just because of that slap earlier, this official will certainly not be friendly with you."

Li Shan showed no fear whatsoever.

All he had was anger.

"Aren't you taking him away?"

Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to listen to Li Shan's clamor here.

At that moment, soldiers entered the main camp and forcibly took Li Shan away.

Meanwhile, Yang Kai beside them seemed about to speak but held back.

"Lord Yang."

"Write a letter."

Gu Jin Nian didn't dawdle and had Yang Kai draft the letter directly.

An hour later.

The envelope was sent off.

Xiongnu Royal Court.

An angry voice also came through.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You truly have no sense of right and wrong," — Brothers, we went out of town, got a yellow code, then did a nucleic acid test at the hospital, and had to wait for the result before we could leave.

I felt completely numb.

I got up in the morning, went out for breakfast, then went to the hospital and cried.

I could only rush back in the afternoon to type.

I have to go for a follow‑up check tomorrow.

I am in Shanghai.

(End of chapter)