Chapter 643: Chapter 643

Han Ziqi felt displeased but suppressed his anger and said to Xie Jue, "Elder brother, you and I share the same ancestry. Xie Xun is your brother, and the Sannan Royal Family is your kin. Sannan has been defeated, and my father the king truly seeks peace. I hope you can consider the bonds of blood and affection, intervene on behalf of Sannan, and grant us a path to survival."

"It was Sannan who instigated this war. A defeated nation must pay reparations—this is an immutable principle. During the second round of negotiations, we will naturally present Beining’s demands, so there’s no need for you to approach me privately. In the war between Sannan and Beining, we suffered over ten thousand casualties, and soldiers harmed by toxins were left with severe chronic illnesses that will haunt their lives forever. If Sannan is expecting leniency, it won’t come so easily."

Han Ziqi said, "A defeated nation should indeed provide compensation, and we have agreed upon reparations. We’ve even ceded border cities to Beining. But why have I heard that your cabinet wants Sannan to permanently belong to Beining? Xie Xun seeks unification, planning for Sannan to be under Beining’s governance in the future. When you negotiated with the Beiman back then, you didn’t demand their submission, so why is Sannan faced with such a vicious condition? Sovereignty and independence are my father’s final bottom line. We are willing to pay as much money and grain as possible; Sannan’s grain yield surpasses that of Beining’s total production. We can transport grain to Beining at low prices every year. Back when you were fighting to the death with the Beiman, lacking food and weapons, my father provided Marquis Zhenbei with grain to help the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry resist Beiman. Even if you don’t consider blood ties, can’t you at least remember this favor?"

"What conflict is there between recalling a past favor and remembering your invasion?" Xie Jue asked indifferently. "If Sannan seeks peace negotiations, it must happen at the negotiation table. You coming to me privately is useless. As for making an issue of my identity, it holds no significance. Who could prove anything? Those who could prove it are already dead."

"The Grand Marshal can prove it!" Han Ziqi grew visibly anxious. "He has always known your identity and has evidence. Do you think Fang Chuning was really accompanying you to train with the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry? He was the Grand Marshal’s planted spy beside you, monitoring your connections with Sannan."

Xie Jue’s Adam’s apple moved slightly, but his expression remained unmoved, as if the matter had no impact on him. "Xie Xun will ascend the throne, and I will be a prince. With peace across the four seas, even if the Grand Marshal knows my background, he will vehemently deny it. Han Ziqi, you underestimate the responsibility of a military leader to safeguard the people. The Grand Marshal will not provoke another war or create turmoil between two nations. Whatever you’re scheming, it will be meaningless."

"Do you truly have no regard for familial affection at all?"

"There is no affection between us to regard," Xie Jue coldly rejected Han Ziqi. "Beiman will undoubtedly submit to Beining. Beining’s national strength will reach unprecedented heights. I also urge you to carefully consider Sannan’s future. Will it submit or resist? Sannan was originally part of Beining’s territory, ceded by former emperors. Zhixu is no exception, and one day, unification across the land will be realized."

"Sannan declared independence and established its own monarchy over fifty years ago. We have long freed ourselves from Beining’s rule. And now, you brothers are determined to force us into subjugation, aren’t you?" Han Ziqi’s tone gradually grew out of control.

Xie Jue became even colder. "It’s only a matter of time."

Han Ziqi flew into a rage and suddenly stood. Xie Jue could tell his temper had been pushed to the breaking point—Han Ziqi was never a man of good temperament.

But Han Ziqi didn’t storm off. Instead, he asked coldly, "Xie Jue, what if my father is willing to abdicate the throne?"

Xie Jue hadn’t expected that the King of Sannan would go to such lengths, but upon reflection, he knew this was merely a ploy—a ruse to drag him into negotiations.

"Oh, is that so?" Xie Jue seemed intrigued. "Do go on."

Han Ziqi, seeing his tone finally soften, immediately gained hope. "Although you and Xie Xun do not share the same mother, you are both sons of Marquis Zhenbei. You are the elder brother; he is the younger one. Your prestige within the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry is no less than Xie Xun’s. Why is it that he ascends as emperor, and you remain a mere prince under his firm control? Just because you are born of a concubine while he is born of a legitimate wife, your status is worlds apart? Even the lands you’ve fought to secure must be handed over to him. Do you willingly accept this?"

Xie Jue poured himself some tea, silently savoring its aroma. Off to the side, Ying Si privately thought to himself that this person truly didn’t know the master at all. His master had no interest in becoming emperor; he wished for nothing more than a quiet household where he could read undisturbed. To be confined to the palace handling government affairs day in, day out—it was intolerable to him. His worst temper had always surfaced when managing Ningzhou’s governance, a time when his foul mood was plainly visible. These days, he was far more composed. Updates are released by novel-fire.ɴet

With unparalleled brilliance of mind, all Xie Jue ever longed for was to rest at ease.

"And then?" Xie Jue asked leisurely.

Han Ziqi dangled the bait. "My father is willing to abdicate, cede Sannan entirely, and support you as Beining’s emperor. If you so desire, Sannan will be your staunch ally. After all, we are family."