Rejected Beauty Practices the Villain Play

Chapter 825 - 803: Embarrassed and Angry

The King of Sannan nearly jumped up, almost failing to maintain his honest persona in front of Xie Jue. Sannan had a total of twenty-three cities, and Shuilan City was the first city on the border between Sannan and Beining. Generally, small border towns are barren and rundown, but Sannan was the opposite. The border cities between Sannan and Beining were very prosperous, and suddenly Beining wanted six cities, which was simply cutting the flesh of the King of Sannan.

The King of Sannan felt his heart bleeding, while Han Ziqi was unsurprised. When it came to silver and gold, they made such outrageous demands; naturally, the concession of territories would be even more absurd.

"Impossible!" the King of Sannan fumed, "Beining is truly bullying us too much!"

"King of Sannan, you took the initiative to attack twelve states, and having lost the battle, such consequences were to be expected. At the time, your hundreds of thousands of troops invaded, aiming to seize all of our twelve states’ cities. We only ask for compensation with six border cities, which is already very polite." Fang Chuning couldn’t help but mock.

In fact, it was a bit of bullying. Not only were these cities rich, but Beining’s cities were larger than Sannan’s. Originally, Sannan’s cities were Beining’s, and border cities were built relatively small. Though later expanded, they still didn’t match the scale of places like West State and Yangzhou. Shuilan City was considered a big city.

These coastal cities, close to Beining, were also favored by the Beining people, with flourishing trade. To cede border cities, Sannan would naturally be unwilling.

Fang Chuning’s words were so sarcastic that they almost triggered a cardiac episode for the King of Sannan.

Han Ziqi feared that the negotiations would end on a bad note, as both conditions were too harsh.

Xie Jue’s emotions were too stable. The King of Sannan was furious but refrained from speaking angrily, so there were no uncontrollable incidents, and the negotiations were not confrontational. The main reason was the great disparity in strength between the two nations. The King of Sannan had no voice before Xie Jue, unlike the past negotiations between the Yuwen Dynasty and Beiman, which were constrained because the strengths were similar, and there were internal and external troubles. Now the situation is different, and naturally, the attitude is firm.

The King of Sannan couldn’t agree to cede six cities. These were Sannan’s six most important agrarian border cities. Giving them to Beining would greatly weaken Sannan’s strength, turning it into Beining’s vassal state, one that Beining could bully at will, never able to rise again. It was precisely to avoid being cornered that led to fighting back then. The King of Sannan also knew the disgraceful scenario they would face after defeat.

"If you are unwilling to compensate with silver and gold, and unwilling to cede cities, then there’s nothing to discuss. Sannan has only one path left, to surrender to Beining and be governed under Jiangnan. We will dispatch troops to occupy."

"..."

Xie Jue’s intentions were clear, and everyone knew it.

The King of Sannan and Han Ziqi also understood.

So upon hearing these words, they didn’t explode with rage.

The High Priest asked, "If Sannan surrenders, how will Beining treat the people of Sannan and the Royal Family?"

Xie Jue replied, "We treat all surrendered Beiman people equally. And Sannan is the same. Moreover, Sannan and Beining are linked by blood as compatriots, making us even closer. I assure you, the people’s lives will not change. Beining and Sannan have different administrations, requiring adjustments. But no matter what, changes won’t be drastic. As for the Sannan Royal Family... it’s simple. Similar to the Beiman Royal Family, the King of Sannan can retain his title, residence, and rights over the fiefdom, with three thousand personal guards. All of Sannan’s troops will be disbanded to farm, with Jiangnan’s troops taking over military affairs."

This equates to stripping the King of Sannan of military power. Not only would the Jiangnan troops take over military affairs, but they might take over all of Sannan. What good treatment can the Royal Family receive?

After the fall, no one can escape!

Xie Jue continued, "If the High Priest and the King of Sannan wish to understand the details, they are flexible, and we can discuss them. Beining’s principle is to not deviate from the foundation while refining clauses. Any requirements you can propose. If the King of Sannan doesn’t wish to settle in Mudan City, he can come to the Capital City. The Capital City welcomes you. Nowadays, Prince Jingbei and his family are in the Capital City without suffering any persecution. The Beiman Noble Lady receives the Empress’s favor just like our noble ladies, frequently entering the court. Duke Wu’an, Dugu Jing has become a cherished person of the Emperor. Perhaps there might be an alliance with the Fang Family in the future, becoming the brother-in-law of General Fang. We Beining do not engage in the business of turning against those we relied on after they are of no use anymore, be assured. Even if you are worried, since you acknowledge my bloodline, I will also ensure your lifelong peace."

Xie Jue always gives the impression of being icy and emotionless, untouched by worldly concerns. Even when speaking, he is cool and detached, devoid of emotion. Though he pledges to protect someone, even if sincere, others find him cold and untrustworthy.

"So, is there no third path for us Sannan to take?" the King of Sannan asked.

"There is!" Xie Jue curled into a smile that somehow sent shivers down everyone’s spine, "Sannan can also reject our proposal, kill us all in Mudan City, and declare war on Beining, fighting to the bitter end, risking it all!"

Everyone, "..."

That is practically a dead-end, a path dragging countless civilians to their deaths, yet Xie Jue mentioned it so nonchalantly, turning the King’s surroundings icy cold.

Mr. Gu saw the situation was uncontrolled and hurriedly spoke, "King of Sannan, actually surrendering is not as disgraceful as you might imagine. Your treatment, though slightly lesser compared to now, would not be inferior to Prince Beining. Your descendants could live in security, instead of with constant anxiety. The former Beiman King, now Prince Jingbei, chose surrendering Beining to cease battle. He hopes for his descendants and people to live peacefully, without further warfare or senseless death. He and his family are treated with respect in the Capital City; the Emperor is benevolent, not holding grudges. As long as you drop your guard and sincerely surrender, you will receive the same treatment. Why stir up trouble? If you truly raise an army, there will be countless casualties. We Beining have an army of a million, and the Ningzhou Iron Cavalry is invincible. Sannan stands no chance. Thousands of Sannan citizens will die under the cavalry. It’s a war with no suspense, devoid of meaning. When future generations discuss these lost souls, they will say, King of Sannan, that you were selfish, only concerned with your power and position, disregarding your soldiers’ lives. Yet the Beiman King endured humiliation for the good of the people, willing to permanently reside in the Capital City, leaving behind hatred. But our king? He led his soldiers to death. How would you feel then?"

No wonder he’s Beining’s top diplomat. He directly hit the King of Sannan where it hurt. Comparing people is indeed infuriating.

Fang Chuning raised an eyebrow, finally understanding why Xie Xun insisted on having the Minister of Honglu Temple in the envoy. Just now, such insinuating words were something Xie Jue couldn’t utter. The effect was excellent.

The King of Sannan’s face turned alternately blue and red, unclear whether from anger or shame.