Chapter 1842: Chapter 1842: Let’s Compete (Part 5)
Finally, once there were no more officials stepping forward to flatter the Emperor, no more dancers coming up to perform, and even the music had halted, Jiu E quickly rose and walked over, then knelt down on one knee: "Your Majesty Xuanhuang, I sincerely apologize for my earlier behavior."
"Envoy Jiu, you are too kind. I have already forgotten about it."
Jiu E’s mouth twitched slightly, You forgot but don’t give me food? However, he quickly showed a grateful expression: "Your Majesty Xuanhuang, you are wise. So, shall we discuss the peace agreement now?"
Only then did Emperor Xuanjing look up, smiling: "Of course."
Jiu E suddenly felt like he had fallen into a trap. Could it be that the other side had been waiting for him to apologize all along? But no matter what, since the other side agreed, it could now be discussed. Just as he looked up, he found Emperor Xuanjing getting up, and he hurriedly stood as well.
"My beloved ministers." Emperor Xuanjing walked down the stairs and stood in the center of the grand hall, "Yuan Country previously committed unforgivable acts against our Daxuan citizens. Now, coming to seek peace, we naturally do not wish to continue the war. Thus, the peace agreement can be signed, but how to sign it and what to sign must not be taken lightly."
Everyone nodded: "Your Majesty is wise."
"Let us go now, to the training grounds." With a wave of Emperor Xuanjing’s hand, everyone followed him out of the Taihe Hall, even the Empress Dowager joined.
"What’s going on?" Yang Ruxin asked Gu Qingheng.
Gu Qingheng smiled slightly: "The Yuan people acted overly egregious in Jin City, and the Emperor is truly angry. However, with instability to the south and west, if we continue to battle the Yuan army, it will inevitably drain the national treasury and cause the people to suffer unspeakably. So, for now, a northern expedition is not possible..."
"But the Yuan people still need to fear!" Yang Ruxin’s eyes brightened, "It seems our Emperor is quite a courageous and wise person."
Gu Qingheng was noncommittal.
Just to the east of the Taihe Hall, there was a large training field, a place where the likes of the Imperial Guards and other soldiers would typically train.
At this time, guards in distinct uniforms surrounded the entire training field; they were clearly soldiers under the Emperor’s command.
Preparations were already in place, so on one side of the training field, a tall platform had been erected.
Emperor Xuanjing led the Empress Dowager and his consorts to the seats on the platform; on either side were civil and military officials along with their families.
As the Yuan envoy, Jiu E represented the King of Yuan, so he was placed beside Emperor Xuanjing.
"Doesn’t your Yuan Country always pride itself on being brave and adept at fighting?" Emperor Xuanjing glanced at Jiu E, "This time your cavalry caused quite a commotion on my frontier."
Jiu E swallowed, thinking, who told your Daxuan to have so much grain? Now is just not the right time; once it is, I will surely annex Daxuan into our Dayuan’s territory. But he dared not speak rashly, instead modestly replying: "In wars between nations, well... it’s not something a civil official like me can prevent, right?"
Emperor Xuanjing nodded: "That makes sense. So, I won’t make things difficult for you, as it is customary not to harm an envoy."
Jiu E immediately felt relieved.
"However, I know you have brought skilled fighters, so let your experts compete with ours. If you win, the agreement will be signed, and Hei Shu will be returned to you. But if you lose, the agreement will be signed according to our terms, and Hei Shu will be executed on the spot."