Chapter 569

·

·

·

Protagonist:

Yan Qianqian

Shangguan Xingyan fell silent for a moment, then proposed, "Father Emperor, why don't we leave this matter for tomorrow's morning court to discuss further? After all, even if we make a decision here, if the ministers disagree, it will be difficult to implement. Moreover, they might even think we are sinners for all eternity."

Shangguan Peilin nodded and said, "We think the same. Calling you here today was mainly to give you a heads-up in advance, so you have a bottom line in your heart.

Tomorrow's morning court will likely see a fierce debate. We personally hope to surrender; that way our whole family can move to the capital of the Dachang Kingdom, and thus we can see Yu'er often — wouldn't that kill two birds with one stone?"

Upon hearing his words, Shangguan Xingyan fell into deep thought; after a while he said, "Tomorrow's morning court will probably be hard to manage."

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the palace windows onto the imperial court; the ministers, as usual, held memorials and reported various affairs to the Emperor in turn.

Most of these matters were trivial and unimportant, attracting little attention.

However, when the ministers' reports neared their end, Shangguan Peilin suddenly spoke: "Regarding how our Dongying should develop after the Dachang Kingdom has conquered both Xishang and Beilin, all beloved ministers may boldly express your opinions."

These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

The ministers looked at each other in dismay; clearly none had expected Shangguan Peilin to raise such a question. For a moment, the court fell into silence.

But this silence did not last long. Just a moment later, a minister stepped forward and said respectfully: "Your Majesty, this subject believes that compared to previous countries, the Dachang Kingdom is indeed very friendly.

Therefore, while developing ourselves, our Dongying Kingdom can actively engage in friendly exchanges and trade with the Dachang Kingdom. This would not only promote relations between the two countries but also bring more opportunities and room for development to our Dongying."

After hearing this minister's words, Shangguan Peilin nodded slightly in agreement. His gaze swept across the other ministers in the court, as if waiting for more opinions and suggestions.

Just then, another minister in the court stood up; he had always been at odds with the previous minister.

He stepped forward, bowed, and declared loudly: "Your Majesty, this subject believes that the Dachang Kingdom's territory is now so vast that its national power must be flourishing. With the Dachang Kingdom's strength, I fear they simply would not put our tiny country in their eyes at all.

Even if we dispatch envoys to engage in friendly exchanges, I'm afraid before the exchanges even begin, we would first suffer a show of force from them.

Moreover, if our actions provoke the Dachang Kingdom's displeasure and they turn around and attack our Dongying Kingdom, that would truly be a losing bargain. Therefore, this subject believes we need only focus on developing ourselves, adhering to the principle 'if the enemy does not offend me, I will not offend anyone'."

His words plunged the entire court into silence. Shangguan Peilin couldn't help but frown slightly, falling into brief contemplation.

However, before he could speak, another minister immediately stood up. Shangguan Peilin fixed his eyes and instantly understood — this man was Shangguan Xingyan's person.

This minister walked unhurriedly to the center of the hall, likewise bowed, and said carefully: "Your Majesty, this old minister has some opinions, but I fear they may be somewhat treasonous; I do not know whether I should speak or not."

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Peilin immediately understood — this was likely someone Shangguan Xingyan had specially instructed after leaving the palace yesterday.

Shangguan Peilin said without hesitation: "Today is the time for discussion; all beloved ministers may speak freely. Whatever views you put forth, We will pardon you of any crime."

Hearing this, that minister only then steadied his heart somewhat, but still spoke trembling: "Your Majesty, this old minister believes that power is truly a tempting thing; it easily arouses human desire. The Dachang Kingdom has just conquered two countries and its morale is high; if its ambition swells and it seeks to unify the world, I fear it will be unfavorable to our Dongying Kingdom.

And given our Dongying Kingdom's current condition, we truly have not the slightest strength to fight. Therefore, this old minister thinks we had better take the initiative to show weakness, try to negotiate some terms favorable to Dongying with the Dachang Kingdom, and then hand over Dongying to them."

His voice had barely fallen when a loud "Bang!" rang out — Shangguan Peilin slapped the Dragon Throne in uncontrollable rage and shouted sternly: "Utterly absurd! How can Our dignified Dongying Kingdom retreat without a fight and directly surrender?"

That old minister was scared out of his wits; he hurriedly knelt and begged for mercy, cursing inwardly, resenting Shangguan Xingyan even more: "Of all people to offend, why did this thankless task have to fall on me? Isn't this asking for my life?"

Despite his dissatisfaction, he still forced down his emotions and faced the various gazes cast by the many ministers.

He took a deep breath, raised a hand to wipe the cold sweat from his forehead, then steadied himself and said: "Your Majesty, the reason this old minister proposed thus is truly out of consideration for the common people.

After all, if war truly breaks out, our country currently has absolutely no strength to resist. At that time, those who will suffer in the end are still those innocent common people."

As soon as his words fell, Shangguan Peilin did not fly into a rage as everyone expected; instead he slowly sat back on the Dragon Throne, as if pondering something.

The entire court instantly fell into a dead silence; everyone held their breath, awaiting the Emperor's reaction.

At this tense moment, another minister suddenly stood up, breaking the silence.

He respectfully saluted Shangguan Peilin and said: "Your Majesty, this subject believes the adult's words just now have some merit, but our Dongying Kingdom has over a hundred years of history after all; if it ends in our hands like this, I fear Your Majesty will also find it hard to answer to the ancestors. So, in this subject's view, better to drag it out one day at a time, first find a way to develop our own strength."

As soon as this minister's words fell, Shangguan Peilin's gaze landed on him. Shangguan Peilin nodded slightly, expressing agreement with his words.

Then, Shangguan Peilin turned to look at the minister who had proposed surrender earlier, and said gently: "Beloved minister, rise first. We said before, today in court everyone may speak freely; there is no need to be so restrained."

That old minister, pardoned as if by great amnesty, hurriedly wiped the sweat from his forehead, then stood up trembling and went to stand to one side.

Next, everyone launched into a fierce debate over the opinions just raised by several people.

Some believed they should engage in friendly exchanges with the Dongying Kingdom and resolve the issue peacefully; some advocated closing the doors and muddling through; and a small minority even proposed surrender.