Chapter 448: Better to be a slave of a fallen nation than to be a ghost of a surrendered city

I believe the Third Prince's proposal is inappropriate.

Minister Kang, how could peace and prosperity not be what you hope for? How could Da Ning's stability not be what you wish to see?" At that moment, the old minister who had spoken earlier looked at Kang Lian and chuckled as he spoke.

Upon hearing someone speak, others chimed in: "Minister Kang, you cannot, just because the acting general went to the Xijiang battlefield, seek military merit for the Kang Clan while ignoring the people's lives."

Minister Kang, your vision must not be so short-sighted.

Before Kang Lian could even open his mouth, several high hats had already been placed on him.

Kang Yi glanced at his older brother's back; at this moment he did not move.

His status is special—he is Jiang Fengsheng's husband, a son-in-law of the Jiang Clan, and his position will become a loophole for many to attack the Kang Clan.

His not speaking now is actually the best outcome.

"Minister Li is just joking," Kang Lian chuckled, without arguing, without anger, without even blushing, still maintaining his elegant demeanor.

All the officials say the people live in peace and prosperity, and that the realm is tranquil and prosperous.

Have you considered that the people cannot live in peace and prosperity in the two cities we have ceded? Are they not the people of Da Ning? Are they not the subjects of His Majesty?

Gentlemen, that joke is not funny at all.

When Kang Lian spoke, even though he ought to have responded indignantly, he remained elegant, without any overbearing aura.

Minister Kang, you are indeed thinking of the people.

The old official who had just been rebutted now had a somewhat dark face; for years no one had dared to argue with him in court, yet this Kang Lian has set a precedent.

What about Minister Kang's proposal—will we fight? Who will fight? How about provisions? The treasury is empty; does the Ministry of Revenue have any silver?" The old official looked at Kang Lian, gave a cold smile, and said, "Minister Kang, you speak frankly—why not you lead the troops?"

Kang Lian glanced at him, lightly shook his head, and said, "When Da Ning needs it, not only me but the entire Kang Clan would not hesitate to die for the country."

Better to be a slave of a fallen nation than to be a ghost of a surrendered city.

"When did your backbone bend?" Kang Lian's words, sentence by sentence, were like soft blades; his gentle voice pierced hearts like knives.

The old official's complexion worsened further; he narrowed his eyes slightly and began to ponder the Kang Clan's intentions.

Emperor Ning watched below, saying nothing, not even showing any stance on the exchange between the two.

"It seems the esteemed officials have reached no conclusion; let us discuss again tomorrow." Emperor Ning's expression remained calm, showing no support for anyone.

"Your Majesty! The people of Xi Fang are suffering, Your Majesty, we should act early, not delay!" The old minister fell to his knees at that moment.

Emperor Ning chuckled lightly and said, "What does the Chancellor think—should I surrender?"

"Should we also hand over the Ning capital to Xijiang?" As he spoke, Emperor Ning's voice turned cold, his eyes icy, concealing nothing.

"Your Majesty, this old minister's heart is wholly loyal; everything I do is for Your Majesty and for Da Ning."

"Even if Your Majesty were to kill this old minister today, he would not hesitate to stain the court with his blood, seeking this peace for the people of Xi Fang." The old minister's face was filled with sorrow, resembling a heroic martyr.

"You have mistaken your plea; if we surrender, it will be the people of Xijiang who suffer, yet you, for Xijiang, are giving your all."

At that moment, an aged voice entered from outside the court; his hair and beard were completely white, yet his eyes were like an eagle's—just one glance made many with ulterior motives lower their heads.

He now stood at the center of the court, wearing a suit of golden armor and holding a great blade.

"What is the divine might of Da Ning, that we would surrender without battle?"

"Da Ning has no one who can go."

"Old man, I will go!"

In that instant, the final three words, infused with inner power, shook the entire court.

Kang Lian stepped back; as a civil official, he had done what he should, delayed as long as he could, and afterward…

"Old General Han, you are old; you should be enjoying your retirement." The old minister's face turned livid—how did this old fellow come here?

He had not set foot in the court for three years; now that he has come, what they were discussing may not be completed.

"I am old, but I am not dead, and my blade is not dead either!"

"With treacherous ministers running rampant, I cannot rest easy—how could I enjoy my retirement with scum like you around?"

He need not accept anyone's deference!

Back then, at court, he had almost sliced that little chick in half; if he had known today would come, he would have just cut it outright without hesitation.

So as to prevent this little chick from now causing turmoil among people's hearts.

"Old General Han, this is the court." That person obviously recalled the past; when looking at Old General Han, a flash of resentment crossed his eyes—those events were a lifelong stain he could not wash away.

Old General Han burst out laughing: "I don't know if this is the court? If it were your home, I'd still complain it smells of chicken droppings!"

The officials all burst into laughter, especially Kang Yi—who had just been unable to speak—now showing no mercy in his mockery.

In contrast, Kang Lian merely smiled faintly, still maintaining his gentle elegance.

"That's enough for today; I am weary." Emperor Ning then left.

This time no one stopped him; the man who had just been ready to die heroically now shrank like a turtle, his face flushed, and after Emperor Ning left, he flicked his sleeve and departed the court directly.

"Minister Kang, General Han, please wait." Chief Eunuch Xi approached and whispered something into the ears of the two.

The two nodded, then followed Chief Eunuch Xi as he left.

The Third Prince glanced at the three people walking past him, furrowed his brow, and wondered when his father's attitude had begun to change.

He needed to go back and discuss things properly.

"Your Majesty."

The two arrived at the Study, facing the Your Majesty whose face was dark as iron, and exchanged a glance.

"Having reached the Study, with no outsiders present, the two officials may speak." Emperor Ning, already somewhat suspicious, had learned the news even faster, and moreover possessed a letter from Jiang Yun Chu.

Part of the outside news was his own doing, to confuse the spies watching Ning Jing; another reason was to see just how many fish there were in Ning Jing.

Who would have thought that this fishing attempt would be no big deal—here comes the Third Prince…

Kang Lian could not believe such casual talk—"serving a ruler is like serving a tiger"—was his father's family precept: either withdraw from court, or forever remember that a blade hangs over one's head, and never become complacent.