Chapter 407: Congenital Arrogance (1/2)

Chapter 407: Congenital Arrogance

Translator: Sparrow TranslationsEditor: Sparrow Translations

The light brightened up the stone house, shining on the golden parchment in the hands of the Minister of Rites, causing the parchment to glow.

The decree represented the wishes of the Emperor.

Going against it meant going against the Emperor's orders.

Yan Qing clenched his fists tightly. Even though he was the leader of the Dragon Protection Squad, he would not go against the will of the Emperor.

After all, this had nothing to do with life or death. This had to do with his honor and the reputation of the 13 Constabularies.

But...

He did not want to stand by and watch this golden opportunity to disappear. This concerned the lives of thousands of Great Xia Dynasty soldiers.

”Minister, if this delay causes this opportunity to slip and kills the army where it stands, will you take responsibility?” Yan Qing's voice was icy

”If we fail to come to an agreement, I will pay for it with my life!” The Minister had a steely determination.

Then, without taking a breath, he continued. ”Diplomacy should always take precedence

”Without it?”

”There would be no order, no value system. The leader of a country can use diplomacy to allow his country to prosper.”

”Only diplomats can ensure that the power stays with the throne.”

”War!”

”War is definitely a way to resolve conflicts.”

”However, the best method to win is always to do so without any losses on either side. Diplomacy has to be tried first.”

”If we just use force without discretion, would we be any different from barbarians?”

The Minister straightened his back as he finished. Even though he was aged, his eyes continued to glimmer with vitality.

”Stubborn!” Yan Qing bellowed when he heard this. He felt a wave of rage well up in his chest as he did so.

The Minister has his point.

However, even though it was a well thought out argument...

This was a battlefield... and the battlefield was unforgiving.

As such, there were many things that could not be measured using theories. The Minister thought that the victory put them in a good position to negotiate.

However, in the grand scheme of the war, victory here was insignificant. The Southern Region continued to hold the advantage.

Where would they have the chips to negotiate?

Furthermore, there were the Demons. The Demons would never allow the negotiation to happen!

Stubborn!

Yan Qing could not think of any other words to describe the glow in the Minister's eyes.

They were two people with very different ideals.

They each had their own points and ideas. At the end of the day, there was no absolute right or wrong. As a result, Yan Qing was exasperated.

”It doesn't matter what you call me, I will continue to stand my ground. Furthermore, this is the will of the Emperor. Will Official Yan ignore the will of the Emperor?” The Minister ignored that outburst.

The will of the Emperor?

Xing Yuanguo squinted.

Xing Yuanguo had spent most of his life interacting with the Emperor. The Emperor did have his weaknesses.

He pampered Ping Yang too much and would sometimes use some questionable tactics.

But...

When it came to international relations, the Emperor had never made a single mistake.

That was how he managed to build the Great Xia Dynasty into the powerful empire it now was.

Something was wrong!

Xing Yuanguo frowned. Normally, there would be some delay for the situation here to reach the capital, but it could not have taken too long.

A day or two at most.

As such, Fang Zhengzhi's actions in the Thunderous Lion region would have reached the eyes and ears of the Emperor.

As such...

The Emperor would have definitely expected Fang Zhengzhi to strike at the Icy Monkey Settlement!

Once that battle unfolded, the plan would be spoilt.

The Emperor would definitely have expected this.

Furthermore, the falling of the Mountain Stabilizing Pass happened days before. Yet, the Emperor did not send people to retake the pass, choosing instead to send the Minister of Rites.

What was the aim?

”Minister, could you please let me take a look at the decree?” Xing Yuanguo spoke once again, his tone calm.

”The Emperor's decree? Erm... if Xing Hou wants to take a look, by all means!” The Minister hesitated, then nodded and unfurled the decree.