Chapter 150: Seek peace

The Xiongnu King was really afraid.

Just now, four fire stones annihilated an army of 250,000.

Now another four are coming?

No, it's five; one has already fallen, and it wiped out another 50,000 troops.

Inside the royal court, the Xiongnu King was almost panicking, shouting out of instinct.

"Hurry to Tong Pass City to seek peace!"

"Hurry to Tong Pass City to seek peace!"

After saying this, the Xiongnu King choked up beyond measure.

Fifty thousand troops sacrificed in vain; this is a senseless sacrifice.

Fortunately, I only sent out fifty thousand troops; if I had sent another 250,000, I'd probably be done for.

The Xiongnu state has been destroyed.

"Ha Lu Mu."

"Is this the fifty-year lifespan reduction you spoke of?"

The Xiongnu King's eyes almost blazed with fire as he stared at Ha Lu Mu, wishing he could kill him.

If Ha Lu Mu hadn't said that, I originally wouldn't want to keep fighting; I'd just bow my head and admit fault.

Now that this has happened, he truly can't accept it.

"Your Majesty."

"I would die a thousand deaths without hesitation."

"I, too, have heard rumors from the streets; I, I, I really don't know what to say."

"Please spare my life, Your Majesty."

Ha Lu Mu knelt on the ground, he too was at a loss.

Gu Jin Nian's methods are practically divine, summoning heavenly fire stones—there's truly no way to fight.

"This is impossible; how could Gu Jin Nian have such earth-shattering means?"

"The fifty-year lifespan reduction is probably true, but for him to dare do this, Da Xia must have sent an immortality elixir."

Chen Song and the Fuluo envoy each spoke.

Regarding the reappearance of fire stones, they were also overwhelmed, yet they still believed that Gu Jin Nian's summoning of fire stones requires sacrificing lifespan.

Only then is it fair.

Otherwise, if one could just summon fire stones at will, who would dare play with Gu Jin Nian? "Regardless of whether Gu Jin Nian sacrifices fifty years of lifespan, if we don't stop this, my Xiongnu state will truly be destroyed."

The Xiongnu King's heart felt like it was being cut by a knife.

He can't even bother with all this now.

Surrender!

Surrender!

We surrender.

Hearing the Xiongnu King's roar, the two also fell into silence.

Gu Jin Nian completely disrupted all their plans.

According to their script, now Da Xia should have a slight victory or a crushing defeat, after which the two great dynasties would intervene again to negotiate peace, giving Da Xia a way out.

Then came the exchange of interests, and the matter ended.

But they didn't expect that Gu Jin Nian's appearance would completely change this battle situation.

At the same time.

Tong Pass City.

As the news arrived, the entire camp boiled over completely.

Nobody expected that Gu Jin Nian would summon fire stones again, directly giving the enemy a blow to the head and blocking their door.

Whoever dares to come out will be attacked with fire stones.

This caused those soldiers to become extremely excited.

First, we don't have to fight.

Second, we get to witness a miracle.

Third, we can still earn merit.

How could this not make them excited and thrilled?

In the camp, even the State Protector Duke was startled; the old sir leapt over and came to Gu Jin Nian's side.

"Jin Nian, good lad, you've summoned heavenly fire stones again."

"Write two more poems, and we'll directly destroy the Xiongnu state; if Grandpa can achieve the glory of trampling the royal court, he'll be content for life."

The old sir was immensely excited and delighted; frankly, even he thought Gu Jin Nian would find it hard to summon heavenly fire stones.

But he didn't expect another round.

This time he was truly excited, bringing his grandson to flatten the Xiongnu state—it was practically effortless.

However, on the city wall, Gu Jin Nian felt no joy at all, only a furrowed brow.

Even if his own grandfather came, Gu Jin Nian's brow remained tightly furrowed.

Because he sensed the cost of summoning the fire stones.

It is the heavenly fire stones summoned using his own fortune as fuel.

"That's right."

"Personal fortune."

At first he wrote a few poems and verses, feeling nothing, but after the fire stone appeared, he fully understood what was happening.

Within his own body, there are three Heaven's Mandate seals.

One seal is his own, another was obtained by Da Xia Academy, and the final one was acquired back at the Kong Family's Main Residence.

Yet this second Heaven's Mandate seal manifested a divine skill.

"Heavenly Falling Meteor"

It is a Heavenly Dao divine skill; by burning one's own Qi luck, one can summon star fragments that wander between heaven and earth, i. e., meteors.

To crush and kill enemies.

This method surpasses even immortals, can be called terrifyingly unparalleled, but it requires a massive amount of Qi luck.

And raising Qi luck is extremely difficult.

It is something that can only be obtained through great righteous Qi, talent, public opinion, prestige, and the blessings of heaven and earth.

Gu Jin Nian just sensed that he had used the Heavenly Dao divine skill twice, draining all the talent he had obtained at the Kong Family's Main Residence.

In other words, if he hadn't succeeded in turning the battle around, he would have been completely at a loss.

Just killing a few enemies would be a blood loss.

This divine skill can only be used at extremely critical moments; given his current state, he can use it at most two more times, after which his Qi luck will be entirely exhausted.

When a person's Qi luck is exhausted, it's not just that they become ordinary; all good fortunes will pass them by.

The opportunities originally belonging to you will, by some coincidental twists, be harvested by others.

The richer one's Qi luck, the easier it is to gain more Qi luck.

Conversely, the scarcer one's Qi luck, the harder it is to obtain more.

Fortunately, he had written a few poems; if those poems hadn't offset part of his Qi luck, he probably would have been gone.

Luckily, he didn't act recklessly.

If he truly acted recklessly, it would be a loss outweighing the gain.

Very fortunate, indeed.

"Jin Nian, what's wrong with you?"

Seeing Gu Jin Nian frowning, Grandfather Gu couldn't help but step forward and ask with concern.

"Nothing."

"Grandfather, this method of summoning fire stone cannot be used again; if I use it again, the grandson will have bad luck."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his face wearing a bitter smile.

"Will it really cut my lifespan?"

Hearing this, Grandfather couldn't help but look a bit nervous, fearing Gu Jin Nian might truly shorten his life.

"That's not the case."

"It just requires paying a certain price."

Gu Jin Nian didn't know how to explain, but gave a brief account so Grandfather wouldn't worry.

"Then it should still be used sparingly."

"Preferably not use it at all."

"Unless it's an extremely critical moment; of course, if it would harm you, better to die than use it. The Gu Family has already done a lot for Da Xia."

Grandfather wore a serious expression; he wasn't joking, after all Gu Jin Nian was his grandson.

If it truly caused any serious injury, he is genuinely afraid.

"Grandfather, rest assured, Jin Nian has restraint."

Gu Jin Nian wasn't foolish; this wasn't a time when the nation was in ruins, so how could he sacrifice himself just to win a few battles?

"Alright."

"As long as you have restraint, that's fine."

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, Grandfather seemed relieved.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian continued to study his own Heaven's Mandate seals.

One Heaven's Mandate seal represents a Heavenly Dao divine skill.

What are the other two divine skills? He was very curious.

However, he couldn't detect them now; it likely relates to his current realm.

Whether it's the Confucian Dao realm or the martial Dao realm, both are actually quite low.

When he looks back, he still needs to solidify his foundation.

"Grandfather, has Prince Ning's elixir been delivered?"

On the city wall, Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

"It has arrived."

"Moreover, Grandfather had the household send some elixirs, including some that the Emperor also sent."

"If nothing unexpected happens, they'll arrive within these two days."

Grandfather nodded.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but praise Grandfather for being thorough, having known he lacked elixirs and calling for them all at once.

At that very moment.

A group of figures appeared outside Tongguan City; they were Da Xia soldiers, though among them were a few Xiongnu soldiers.

"Duke."

"The Xiongnu troops sent by their nation are willing to proactively seek peace."

The Da Xia soldiers spoke, shouting from below the city to state their purpose.

Upon hearing this, neither Gu Jin Nian nor the old master showed any surprise.

Now that it has come to this, what peace are we not seeking? "Lord Duke, my king has said he is willing to spare no cost to make peace; we also hope the Crown Prince will cease dropping fire stones."

The Xiongnu soldier spoke; he understood Da Xia language, albeit haltingly, but could still make himself understood.

On the city walls.

The old master gave no reply, but glanced at his grandson.

"Send the Xiongnu envoy, at noon today, with the Great Jin and Fuyu envoys, to Tongguan City for peace talks."

"If they are a quarter hour late, be ready to collect the bodies of the Xiongnu people."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly.

He gave a response.

Peace talks?

He agreed.

Only, come over yourself, and wait for them in the camp.

"Yes."

The Xiongnu soldier dared not object at all and immediately consented.

Then, under the close watch of Da Xia soldiers, they returned to the inner Twelve City, and later conveyed the message by other means.

Thus.

Half an hour later.

The Xiongnu royal court.

Upon learning that Gu Jin Nian would have the Xiongnu nation and the envoys of the two great dynasties go to Tongguan City for peace talks.

The assembled people were not greatly disturbed; after all, the advantage now lay with Da Xia Dynasty, and a slight grievance posed no major issue.

At present, the matter to discuss is the issue of compensation.

"Your Majesty."

"How should this peace negotiation be handled?"

Harumu spoke; he knelt on the ground, still unmoving, and at this moment raised his voice, his gaze at the Xiongnu king still tinged with fear.

After all, he had sworn that Gu Jin Nian could not summon fire stones again; now he was slapped with reality, and feared that the Xiongnu king's anger might bring him misfortune.

"As long as you do not force this king to issue a self‑punishment edict, everything else can be agreed to."

The Xiongnu king inhaled deeply, knowing in his heart that he had no right to negotiate terms.

In total, three hundred thousand troops died untimely.

If these three hundred thousand troops were to formally declare war on Da Xia, they could at least slaughter five hundred thousand Da Xia soldiers.

But the problem is that three hundred thousand soldiers were sacrificed in vain.

The Xiongnu nation now has only enough forces left to defend itself.

Especially, the Heavenly Fire Stone summoned by Gu Jin Nian still hangs over the Xiongnu nation, capable of posing a massive threat at any moment.

Therefore, he has no right to set conditions; his sole demand is that he not issue a self‑punishment edict.

"I understand."

Harumu nodded, firmly committing the matter to memory.

But after a moment, the Xiongnu king couldn't help but inhale deeply again, his complexion turning unpleasant as he said.

"For this peace negotiation, handle it yourself and see what attitude Gu Jin Nian shows."

The Xiongnu king felt deeply aggrieved, on the verge of tears.

His only condition was not to issue a self‑punishment edict, yet after pondering he also feared Gu Jin Nian might deliberately make trouble and force him to issue it, after all everyone has seen what kind of person Gu Jin Nian is.

Thus, he restrained himself a bit, daring not to speak too definitively, lest it truly become a deadlock, which would be undesirable.

"I accept the command."

Harumu's mind was a muddle, but since it wasn't he who had to issue the self‑punishment edict, he was fine with it.

"Both of you."

"Gu Jin Nian's ability to summon the Heavenly Fire Stone must be investigated thoroughly; otherwise, today Gu Jin Nian's actions toward our Xiongnu nation would be like this."

"Tomorrow it is highly possible that he will strike against the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty."

The Xiongnu king remained incensed; for now he could only hope the two great dynasties would properly target Gu Jin Nian.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, our court will investigate to the end."

Chen Song nodded; this need not be said by the Xiongnu king—they would do it as well.

After all, summoning the Heavenly Fire Stone is a truly frightening method.

However, they indeed believed that Gu Jin Nian's summoning of the Heavenly Fire Stone would come at a huge cost.

At present, Gu Jin Nian has summoned fire stones twice; a third summons is absolutely impossible.

But if they were to speak up and ask the Xiongnu king to send an additional two hundred thousand troops to continue a hard clash with Da Xia, the Xiongnu king would likely kill them.

Therefore, they still did not wish to say that.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

It was already noon.

Outside Tongguan City.

Xiongnu envoy Harumu.

Great Jin envoy Chen Song.

Fuyu envoy Zhen Ye.

He arrived with some attendants and soldiers to negotiate peace.

The three of them are of high status, so they ought to be received with great ceremony.

But within Tongguan City.

There were no important figures to greet them; only a minor general was sent forward, and as soon as the soldiers appeared, they immediately demanded that the three's attendants dismount and remove their armor.

The tone was very arrogant.

No refusal was tolerated.

The three understood this as Gu Jin Nian's display of authority, so they did not get angry and obediently dismounted.

But just after dismounting, some soldiers came forward with black cloths, intending to blindfold them.

"What are you doing?"

Chen Song frowned; as the dignified Minister of Rites of the Great Jin, his obedient dismount was already a concession to the Da Xia Dynasty, yet he did not expect to be blindfolded.

"The Crown Prince commands."

"Fearing you might steal military secrets, you must be blindfolded."

"If you are unwilling, you may simply turn around and leave."

The minor general spoke, his gaze exuding unparalleled arrogance.

It was a sheer 'come if you like, otherwise get lost' attitude.

Such an attitude made Chen Song and Zhen Ye's faces turn extremely sour, while beside them Ha Lumu voluntarily put on the black cloth, blindfolding himself and, in a hushed tone, said.

"Gentlemen, stop being stubborn."

"Since you're here, you can't possibly return empty‑handed, can you?"

Ha Lumu was very obedient; his thought now was to finish the negotiations quickly, suggesting a ceasefire so everyone could recuperate for a while—no more trouble.

If trouble continues, this Minister of Rites will truly be ruined.

Listening to Ha Lumu's voice, the two felt some displeasure, but after weighing it repeatedly, they still put on the black cloths and proceeded blindfolded.

Thus.

The three were led forward.

The soldiers in the camp burst into loud laughter one after another.

The laughter was unbearably harsh to Chen Song's ears; Ha Lumu could only say that losing is losing—what can be done? Fight? Argue?

It was merely adding another joke.

About a quarter of an hour later, the three entered the main camp, where the black cloths were finally removed.

But after they took off the blindfolds, they found hundreds of soldiers seated around the camp, while there was no seat before them—they could only stand.

Knowing they would be humiliated by this negotiation, they restrained themselves and remained silent.

"May I ask where the Crown Prince is?"

The first to speak was Ha Lumu.

Since they were already humiliated, they might as well go with the flow and finish the matter properly.

He sneered as he spoke.

But none of the camp's soldiers said a word, making the scene extremely awkward.

Time passed bit by bit.

It had originally been agreed to meet at noon.

But it was delayed a full half‑hour before Gu Jin Nian finally arrived, slowly.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, I have seen you,"

With Gu Jin Nian's arrival, all the soldiers rose together and bowed sincerely to him.

In this war, Gu Jin Nian became famous in a single battle; regardless of the methods used, winning is a good method.

He annihilated the enemy army of three hundred thousand, a feat that, in any era, would be an unparalleled divine battle.

Unfortunately, Gu Jin Nian holds no official rank in the army; otherwise, this victory would easily earn him the title of Majestic Grand General.

"Please forgive us,"

"Some personal matters caused the delay,"

Entering the camp, Gu Jin Nian's complexion was extremely pallid, with a faint flush, yet he appeared weak and ashen, as if he had suffered a serious illness.

This condition surprised Chen Song and the other two, who instinctively thought it must be the side effect of summoning fire stones.

It shortens one's lifespan.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince, works day and night; we are aware,"

Ha Lumu was the first to speak, greeting with a smiling face.

"Yes."

Gu Jin Nian seemed reluctant to speak; he walked to the main seat, sat down slowly, but immediately coughed a few times and frowned slightly.

He was pretending.

Indeed.

Summoning the celestial fire stones, regardless of whether they know the reason, must make them understand that he has paid a tremendous price.

Otherwise, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty would never be at ease.

These two dynasties are easy to handle; the worry is that the Zhongzhou Dynasty might also learn of this and act against him.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian spent the whole night tormenting this, directly refining his own blood, making himself seem as if he had a serious illness.

It was genuinely painful; his breathing was difficult. Honestly, to make it realistic, he pushed himself to the limit.

If the old uncle doesn't give some compensation, Gu Jin Nian will simply give up.

"Speak, then."

Gu Jin Nian rested a little, then looked at the few people, his expression cold.

He heard those words.

Harumu, not one to chatter, stepped forward and said.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"My king, seeking peace in the Eastern Wilderness, has been pondering for many days; therefore, I state that we are willing to unconditionally return the Twelve Cities, hoping this can become the turning point for Da Xia and the Xiongnu Nation to resolve their grievances."

Harumu, after all, is the Minister of Rites, and did not come up to state how much compensation.

Instead, he put forward the first price, waiting for Gu Jin Nian to haggle.

Diplomacy can indeed be considered a business; the exchange of interests between great powers is that I advance here, you advance there.

If it is unequal treatment, then I step back, and you need not step back.

Until both sides reach an agreement.

Hearing Harumu's words.

Gu Jin Nian waved his hand and said.

"Stop putting on a solemn façade here; the Xiongnu Nation has lost three hundred thousand soldiers and no longer has the forces to wage war."

"What, for peace or not peace? Does the Xiongnu Nation even deserve to speak of peace?"

"Returning the Twelve Cities is what should be done, not a symbol of friendship; Da Xia does not need the Xiongnu's friendship, let's discuss compensation directly."

"I'm too lazy to chatter with you all," Gu Jin Nian said, his voice low and carrying a sickly tone.

Yet these remarks appeared exceedingly arrogant and domineering.

The hundred commanders in the camp each felt their blood surge, their hearts refreshed.

Each thought the Crown Prince was domineering and direct, unlike Li Shan and Yang Kai, whose speech is flowery and overly polite.

It should be just that direct—domineering and angry.

Peace? As if with your mother.

If we lose, we lose; no need for empty rhetoric.

Sure enough, after those words, Harumu felt a bit embarrassed, but he dared not get angry.

It was only the envoys of the two great dynasties beside them who were somewhat displeased.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"The Xiongnu Nation still has nearly five hundred thousand troops."

"It is not the 'no forces' that the Crown Prince mentioned."

Fuluo Minister of Rites Zhen Ye spoke, deliberately emphasizing this fact.

He did so so that the upcoming negotiations would have some leverage.

But when those words were spoken, Gu Jin Nian nodded, stood up, and said.

"Very well."

"Attendants, deliver the Crown Prince's decree, inform my grandfather, prepare to declare war, and muster the great army."

"Then have His Majesty dispatch another five hundred thousand troops to crush the Xiongnu Nation."

"Since the Xiongnu Nation still harbors war intent, Da Xia soldiers are not afraid."

"At worst, my life ends here; if I can clear an obstacle for Da Xia, then my death will have been worthwhile."

Gu Jin Nian did not chatter.

Pretending to be polite at this point, huh?

Very well, let the war begin.

Half a million troops gather, then fire‑stone bombardment follows; the army moves in to reap, followed by another five hundred thousand troops sweeping the Xiongnu Nation—a task not impossible to accomplish.

The words "horse trampling the royal court" are certainly no idle talk.

After hearing this, Harumu's complexion changed, and Minister Zhen Ye's face grew even more displeased.

He had only given Gu Jin Nian a 'well‑meaning' reminder, yet did not expect Gu Jin Nian to break the script? Truly, not a hint of ambiguity?

"His Highness, the Crown Prince, calm your anger, calm your anger."

"My king no longer intends to wage war."

"All things value peace, value peace."

Harumu hurriedly spoke; he was truly panicked. When others said that, he took it as a threat, but Gu Jin Nian was different—this fellow's mind is troubled.

Anything Gu Jin Nian has said will be carried out.

Provoking Gu Jin Nian will only make the situation more rigid.

"What, calm your anger or not?"

"The Xiongnu Nation's total manpower is no more than a million; after subtracting private troops of other princes and stationed garrisons, the truly mobilizable forces are at most three hundred thousand."

"The Xiongnu's iron cavalry sweeps the world; I, the Crown Prince, know this, yet can a million‑strong army not defeat three hundred thousand?"

"What are you putting on in front of the Crown Prince?"

"I am not mocking you; even with a million‑strong army assembled, there is no need to fight. The Xiongnu Nation will first fall into internal chaos, civilians will flee, popular resentment will rise, and many Xiongnu princes already covet the throne."

"If I truly were to play a cunning game, I could support a few Xiongnu princes to ascend, without Da Xia's intervention, and the realm would change hands."

"What are you putting on before me?"

"Letting you come here is giving you a chance to prove yourselves."

"What does the dog bark?"

Gu Jin Nian speaks without any filter; if this were a normal peace talk, such words could not be said.

But now it is different.

Da Xia possesses absolute advantage and sovereignty.

Even fighting isn't a loss.

Not fighting isn't a loss either.

Anyway, however you come to Da Xia you won't lose, so what are you afraid of? Scolding you a few times—what of it? What can you do? The backward get beaten.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is correct, but have you considered that the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty are still watching."

"Whether the Eastern Wilderness is chaotic or not isn't necessarily up to the Da Xia Dynasty to decide, right?"

Minister Zhen Ye also got upset, feeling a bit outraged, especially at Gu Jin Nian's last sentence.

Isn't that just a veiled insult?

"Mess with your mother."

Gu Jin Nian slammed the table, then coughed once or twice; it wasn't an act, he was genuinely uncomfortable.

In an instant, every soldier glared at Minister Zhen Ye, and several even drew their swords.

"Come on."

"Don't think this Crown Prince doesn't know what the Fuyu Dynasty is up to; you want to aid the Xiongnu Nation, right?"

"Fine, a million‑strong army will gather, targeting the Xiongnu Nation from all sides."

"I, the Crown Prince, will personally go to the outskirts of your Fuyu Dynasty's city, give a life, to exchange for ten batches of celestial fire stones."

"Before dying, first wipe out the Xiongnu, then wipe out Fuyu; the Great Jin Dynasty is very keen on it, and later the Eastern Wilderness will be split into two realms."

"Watch the twin emperors of Fuyu; shall I annihilate your nine clans?"

Gu Jin Nian was also very straightforward.

"You like to be called, right? Fine, a million‑strong army will target the Xiongnu Nation, and I won't intervene."

"Exerting all effort, to mess with your Fuyu Dynasty."

"I'm not saying I'll completely destroy Fuyu, that's unrealistic, but I can certainly sap its vitality. After the Da Xia Dynasty annexes the Xiongnu Nation, we'll directly negotiate with the Great Jin Dynasty."

"Each of us splits half; later you'll be the biggest in the west, I'll be the biggest in the east, let's see if the Great Jin Emperor can resist such temptation."

"Three dynasties standing tall is a mutual check."

"But if both sides reach consensus, achieve a hundred percent success without huge losses, we could jointly annex the Fuyu Dynasty."

"Who wouldn't agree? Indeed."

After saying that, Minister Zhen Ye's complexion grew even worse.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, the Great Jin Dynasty won't wage war for nearly a hundred years. Minister Zhen Ye, rest assured, the Great Jin Dynasty could never send troops against the Fuyu Dynasty."

Chen Song immediately spoke, wanting to explain a sentence.

It would be fine not to explain, but once we do, it becomes even stranger.

The words are quite well said.

But the Ministry of Rites' mouth is a deceitful ghost.

With such massive benefits before you, would you refuse?

Even saints can't stand it; can a single emperor endure it? For a moment, the scene became awkward.

But the Da Xia soldiers were each supremely proud; Gu Jin Nian's actions truly matched their taste.

Now this looks like a peace talk, now it looks like a negotiation.

Go straight into it, damn it.

If you're not happy, spew.

If you disagree, retort.

If you have no advantage, that's one thing; but with advantage, you still tolerate? Still being polite?

What? You say Da Xia is a nation of etiquette?

Sorry, it's a personal quality issue; please don't elevate it to the dynasty.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, calm your anger, calm your anger."

"You are the one being taught."

"Minister Zhen Ye, you need not say more; after all this concerns the Xiongnu Nation, just make two remarks."

"May I ask, Your Highness the Crown Prince, what are your thoughts?"

After a while, Ha Lumu spoke, lest the scene become completely awkward, and he was still angry inside.

"Is Minister Zhen Ye's brain malfunctioning?"

"So it's not your family being bombarded, right?"

"Keeps shouting, shouting, shouting?"

"Calling your mother?"

"If you truly won't submit, after I finish the peace talks, you'll duel Gu Jin Nian, and your Fuyu will declare war on Da Xia."

"Listen as Ha Lumu opened like that."

Minister Zhen Ye fell completely silent.

"Even the rightful ruler said so; if I speak again it would be self‑defeating."

"My Crown Prince's request is simple."

"Return the twelve cities."

"Compensate with one hundred million taels of silver."

"Thirteen years ago, all chief offenders who invaded the twelve cities, of rank fifth or above, shall be handed over to the Da Xia Dynasty for beheading and public display."

"Then let the Xiongnu King issue a self‑condemnation edict."

"Nothing else."

Gu Jin Nian calmly spoke, putting forward his demands, just as before, with no change.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"Ten million taels of silver, our nation truly cannot spare it."

"Could it be a little less?"

"Moreover, the principal offender has taken his own life, and the king would certainly not agree; if we consent, domestic turmoil is inevitable."

He wore a mournful face, bargaining with Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian's asking price was indeed harsh.

The Xiongnu Nation could muster ten million taels of silver, but once spent, the treasury would be certainly empty.

It was easier to speak before, but now with a loss of three hundred thousand troops, the compensation alone must be astronomical; taking out another ten million taels of silver for reparations…

Then it's truly gone.

Now it feels that even a self‑punishment edict is no big matter.

"Having been defeated, do you still have the right to bargain?"

"Moreover, this Crown Prince is not negotiating with you now, but informing."

"If possible, this Crown Prince agrees to seek peace."

"If not, then prepare to declare war."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly.

It also displayed his dominance.

Now Da Xia holds absolute advantage; originally the Da Xia Dynasty would not tolerate the Xiongnu Nation.

Even without us.

It's just that the cost would be higher, but retaking the twelve cities will not be a very hard task.

Five hundred thousand troops are not enough.

Then a million troops.

The Xiongnu Nation also cannot withstand it.

My appearance gives Da Xia the greatest advantage, so at this moment, if the Xiongnu Nation continues to whine here, it is meaningless.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"May I be permitted to report this?"

"In three days, shall I give you an answer?"

Harumu truly does not dare to make the decision.

He can only return first to report.

"No need for three days."

"If a decision cannot be made today, do not blame this Crown Prince for losing restraint."

"These four firestones, this Crown Prince cannot guarantee they can be retrieved."

"If they cannot, do not blame this Crown Prince for showing no mercy and indiscriminately killing civilians."

"Oh, I forgot, none of the Xiongnu are innocent."

Gu Jin Nian appeared calm.

This is not a threat either.

Anyway, if it doesn't work, let's go to war.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"The Xiongnu Nation has lost three hundred thousand troops; the compensation alone is astronomical, forcing the Xiongnu to produce ten million taels of silver is surely an unreasonable demand."

"As for handing the principal offender over to the Da Xia Dynasty, that only risks affecting the Xiongnu's internal affairs."

"Please, Crown Prince, think carefully before acting."

Chen Song spoke.

He spoke favorably for the Xiongnu Nation.

"Think carefully?"

"Thirteen years ago, when the Xiongnu invaded our Da Xia border, did they think carefully?"

"Now you ask this Crown Prince to think carefully?"

"How laughable."

Gu Jin Nian's eyes were full of sarcasm.

However, he paused briefly, then turned his words.

"In this way, the Xiongnu truly cannot produce ten million taels of silver."

"But at least they must deliver fifty million taels of silver; not a single tael less, and the remaining fifty million taels can be paid in another form."

"By repaying with equivalent treasure notes, but the amount would not be fifty million taels of silver, but ten million taels of silver, limited to land purchase transactions."

"At the same time, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty each must provide fifty million taels of equivalent treasure notes, also limited to land purchase transactions."

Gu Jin Nian did not stress that ten million taels of silver must be taken out.

After all, forcing the Xiongnu to produce it is indeed like demanding their lives.

The compensation for three hundred thousand soldiers is indeed substantial.

But it is none of our business.

Gu Jin Nian's switch to this method is not out of pity for the Xiongnu Nation, but to scheme for the future.

Free land acquisition.

"Land transaction?"

Harumu was somewhat surprised, while Chen Song and Zhen Ye couldn't help but frown.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, why does our court also have to pay equivalent treasure notes?"

The two of them were puzzled.

To put it bluntly, this is none of our business—why are we being made to foot the bill?

Although they are treasure notes that can be printed at will, the word "equivalent" makes it different. Since they are limited to land purchases, the two are a bit less averse; otherwise they would never agree.

"Well, I, the Crown Prince, intend to do some business. Since the Xiongnu are seeking peace, it naturally can boost trade."

"Doing business requires buying land. I'm reluctant to part with silver directly, so using treasure notes to purchase is better. The common folk won't pay, and the court can't either, so it's limited to land purchases."

Gu Jin Nian gave an explanation, then looked at Chen Song and the other and said.

"Haven't you both been pushing for a peace talks? Do you think words alone can achieve that?"

"Without showing some sincerity, how can we know whether you truly want to foster friendship between the two nations or are merely stirring discord here?"

Gu Jin Nian let out a cold laugh.

Business in Da Xia's Nightless City is destined to expand into other realms; doing trade abroad naturally brings many hassles, the biggest being land acquisition.

Seizing this chance to demand treasure notes is reasonable; later using these seemingly valueless notes to buy land abroad is essentially free riding.

As for them refusing to honor it? Gu Jin Nian isn't worried.

The two great dynasties won't turn hostile over this single transaction; the cost of losing credibility would be far greater.

When the business gets going, will each court try to swallow it up?

Definitely.

But Gu Jin Nian has enough means to keep them from daring to devour it—on a basic level, he courts the aristocracy, such as princes of various realms, court ministers, especially mid‑level officials.

He keeps only a small share—30% for himself, 70% for them—to earn silver together.

If the Great Jin Dynasty dares to annex, fine—do the Six Ministries and officials agree? When it concerns their own interests, who would consent? Do the regional princes agree? They've poured silver in, made huge profits, splitting tens of thousands of taels of gold each month, and now the court wants to gobble it up? Isn't that opposing the masses?

Even if the court insists on going its own way, that's fine too.

The biggest selling points of this venture are just two: either core technology—things others can't even produce—sold cheaply, even at a loss, as a highlight.

By using minimal cost to attract traffic, if you dare to annex, I'll simply stop supplying goods; the populace won't pay, and over time your appetite looks ugly, you lose credibility and offend many nobles.

If you still make no profit, who suffers? The second tactic is to constantly roll out new items, tinkering with each product, using small gimmicks to catch the public's eye—launch a new gadget every three months to guarantee traffic.

If you dare to cross me, the old rule applies: cut off supply.

The core technology is in my hands; you still can't earn money.

And you've offended…

Who would commit such a foolish act?

Thus, Gu Jin Nian truly isn't worried about anything going wrong.

"If that's the case, we can agree."

"However, can those fifty million taels of silver also be converted into treasure notes?"

Ha Lumu replied without hesitation.

"Just treasure notes, give them!"

"It's the genuine fifty million taels of silver—can it be exchanged?"

"Impossible."

"This is the lowest price."

"If that won't do, please return."

Gu Jin Nian remained expressionless and looked at Chen Song and the other.

The two thought it over and had no objections.

After all, they're treasure notes, not real gold or silver, and they're only for buying land, which is straightforward—sell them as they are; after all, the land is in the Great Jin Dynasty, you can't just take it to Da Xia, can you?

It's just rather unpleasant.

"Fine."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I can decide on this matter, but regarding the third point, I ask you to think it over."

Ha Lumu gritted his teeth and agreed.

But regarding the third point, his face remained full of worry.

"I'll give you half a day."

"If you're willing to agree."

"Sign the peace treaty."

"If you refuse, within three months there will be no Xiongnu nation left in the world."

Gu Jin Nian rose; on this point he would not budge an inch.

He demands blood debt repaid with blood.

The principal offender must be handed over to the Da Xia Dynasty for slow‑slicing execution.

This also serves as a sacrifice to the departed souls of the Twelve Cities.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian left the camp.

Inside the camp, the hundred commanders each left, offering no face at all.

Three pale‑faced men remained.

Finally.

Ha Lumu still gave no answer.

They could only return first.

The three rode hard, and along the way Chen Song and Zhen Ye shouted curses, berating each other all the way without calming down.

Ha Lumu remained silent.

Just as quickly as possible, inform the Xiongnu king of Gu Jin Nian's demands.

After the Xiongnu king learns of it.

Instantly flew into a great rage.

He was furious and flustered.

He roared inside the great hall.

After the anger subsides, what then? Or must we face it again?

The Xiongnu king fell silent.

He remained silent for a long, long time.

Eventually, the sky grew dim.

The Xiongnu king wrestled with his thoughts for several hours, finally clenched his fists, and had Ha Lv Mu go ask again whether they could negotiate a settlement, hand over some people, and compensate the rest in other ways.

But it also clarified the situation: if Gu Jin Nian does not agree.

Then we will follow Gu Jin Nian's wishes.

Thus.

Ha Lv Mu again spurred his horse to Tongguan City.

He arrived outside the city in the final hour.

He first begged desperately.

But seeing that Gu Jin Nian was unmoved.

Finally agreed to all of Gu Jin Nian's conditions.

Subsequently drafted the peace treaty.

After both sides reviewed it and found no doubts, they departed with the peace treaty.

Upon arriving at the Xiongnu king's court, it was necessary to sign the document formally, with each emperor affixing his seal, and then announce it to the world.

Only then could the peace be considered truly successful.

Once announced to the world, it cannot be changed.

And this document was also sent to the Da Xia Dynasty at the earliest opportunity.

However.

At the same moment.

Longzhong County.

Ruined Village.

A troop also appeared in this tranquil village.

(End of chapter)