Chapter 1029: First Volume, Chapter 1029: Fighting Is Less Effective Than Negotiating

First Volume, Chapter 1029: Fighting Is Less Effective Than Negotiating

Wu Fangxu analyzed methodically: "Moreover, the benefits of not attacking the Imperial Palace—preserving strength, avoiding casualties—are self-evident. Furthermore, both officials and Common People will be grateful for Marquis Qin's benevolent rule, seeing him as a magnanimous man who will earn their unwavering loyalty in the future."

"Although the mere existence of the Imperial Palace may cause concern among the Common People in the short term, in the long run, the advantages of not attacking it far outweigh those of attacking it."

Wu Fangxu's words struck a chord with Qin Feng, yet they still lacked sufficient persuasiveness.

As the saying goes, hearts are hidden behind ribs; guessing others' intentions will only lead to great losses, so one must always prepare for the worst from the very beginning.

What if the Imperial Palace's Morale remains strong and its Materials and Supplies plentiful? If the Northern Di King truly holds out for one or two years, must everyone waste their time waiting?

Thus, from the current perspective, not attacking the Imperial Palace is merely the most idealized option—but it may not align with reality.

Wu Fangxu naturally understood Qin Feng's concerns, but right now he had no better solution.

Fortunately, Wu Fangxu was not the only Official present.

With collective wisdom, they soon devised a plan.

A Minister of Justice, hands behind his back, spoke solemnly: "Ultimately, not attacking the Imperial Palace is only temporary—it cannot be prolonged indefinitely."

"The key lies in how to make those inside the Imperial Palace surrender quickly."

"Spreading rumors inside might have some effect, but it won't be significant."

"First, the Imperial Guard is hard to influence; second, the Imperial Palace lies within Wang Du, and its walls allow direct observation of the outside—ordinary rumors will collapse on their own."

"Therefore, the Northern Di King's choice is the key."

Another Minister of War immediately countered: "How can we make the Northern Di King surrender voluntarily?"

This was both the crux and the difficulty, for if the Northern Di King were willing to surrender, he would not have holed up in the Imperial Palace, choosing death over submission.

Moreover, all Officials present knew the Northern Di King's character well—getting him to surrender was as difficult as climbing to heaven.

Just as everyone was at a loss, Qin Feng's voice suddenly rang out.

"Everyone has weaknesses—even the Northern Di King must care about something."

"Who among those present is willing to enter the Imperial Palace and confront the Northern Di King directly?"

At these words, the previously noisy room fell instantly silent.

The Officials exchanged glances, none willing to be the Chuhuoniao—even Wu Fangxu fell silent, head bowed, saying nothing.

Qin Feng felt no anger toward their timidity; he could understand it. After all, they had all once been the Northern Di King's trusted ministers. Now, faced with an external enemy, they had betrayed their former lord without hesitation. Anyone with even a shred of propriety, integrity, and shame would find it impossible to face the Northern Di King again.

But someone must enter the palace—and that person must not be Qin Feng's own man.

The reason is simple: the Northern Di King is now cornered and desperate, willing to do anything. If he sees anyone from Qin Feng's side, he will kill them without hesitation, denying Qin Feng any chance to speak.

Thus, for Qin Feng, the Imperial Palace has now become a true forbidden zone.

Qin Feng's gaze swept the room, finally settling on Wu Fangxu.

"Minister Wu, no one is more suitable than you."

"First, you are a Minister of Rites, and thus naturally close to the Northern Di King. Second, you have a special connection with Li Yu—surely Li Yu will protect you."

"If you can persuade the Northern Di King, you will earn the foremost merit. Gold, silver, jewels, and other rewards need not be mentioned—you will be a pillar of the new court when the empire is founded."

Wu Fangxu was, of course, utterly unwilling—even if his face were as thick as leather, he could not bear to face his former lord.

But Qin Feng had spoken. Wu Fangxu knew he had no choice. Better to yield than provoke Qin Feng's wrath.

Wu Fangxu sighed softly: "What leverage does Marquis Qin offer?"

Qin Feng gestured for Wu Fangxu to come closer, then whispered in his ear with the faintest voice: "As long as you persuade the Northern Di King, you will never face any reckoning—this lifetime, I guarantee you peace and security."

Hearing this, Wu Fangxu froze.

Qin Feng straightened, his voice returning to normal, smiling with deep meaning: "Minister Wu, this guarantee is granted to you alone."

Wu Fangxu sighed inwardly—this leverage was irresistible. And Qin Feng's personal promise meant more than anything else.

This campaign determined the honor or disgrace of Wu Fangxu's entire Clan—he had no choice but to commit fully.

The other Officials exchanged glances, their eyes filled with suspicion.

They understood Qin Feng had secretly promised Wu Fangxu some advantage; the nature of that advantage could be guessed from Wu Fangxu's excited expression.

All of them simultaneously revealed envious glances.

Qin Feng ignored the others and continued: "As for the terms offered to the Northern Di King, there are two."

"First, if the Northern Di King surrenders voluntarily, I swear I will not take his life. Though he will be under Soft Detention for the rest of his days, he will not be mistreated—he will have food, drink, and comfort, merely cut off from the outside world."

"Second, all Harem Consorts and descendants of the Northern Di King will also be pardoned. Their fate will depend on their own choices."

"If they wish to stay with the Northern Di King, they will be similarly Soft Detained. If they have other aspirations, they may be Banished to commoner status and fend for themselves."

"To prevent any disloyal intentions, they will not be allowed to remain in Di territory—they will all be relocated to the Northern Border of Shedynasty. Thus, they can live anonymously as Common People, and second, they will have no chance of rebellion—their lives will be secure."

Hearing Qin Feng's terms, Wu Fangxu's confidence surged, and he inwardly marveled: No wonder Qin Feng was Qin Feng—he truly had boldness!

Had it been anyone else, they would have wanted to flay the Northern Di King alive and exterminate his entire line.

But for caution's sake, Wu Fangxu still offered: "Marquis Qin, I have one more suggestion."

Qin Feng nodded: "Speak freely."

Wu Fangxu gathered his Courage and said solemnly: "Could Li Yu be pardoned?"

In the past, Qin Feng would never have agreed—Li Yu was too dangerous. But now that Yexiao was destroyed, Li Yu was merely a talent, no longer a threat—this could be considered.

Yet Qin Feng still asked: "Why?"

Wu Fangxu replied bluntly: "If the Northern Di King remains obstinate, Li Yu will be a safeguard."