The Qin Emperor was also thinking that, although he did not approve of war, the troops of the Great Song were truly no match for the hundreds of thousands of Jin Kingdom cavalry. The chances of victory were slim, and defeat was more likely; winning was impossible!
However, these useless Civil Officials below were acting too absurdly! They actually wanted to use the heads of their own ministers to negotiate with the Jin Kingdom. Was there any chance of success? It would only make them look down on them even more!
He did not directly curse them out; after all, the Peace Faction made up the majority, and such actions could lead to a poor relationship between the emperor and his ministers.
Looking down, among the many people dressed in purple robes, he also saw a figure that resembled him; it should be him.
He said, "Where is Qin Feng? Hurry up and come out to see me. Explain this clearly, or you will not be spared."
The murmurs of discussion stopped immediately at the sound of the emperor's booming voice.
Qin Feng certainly heard it as well. Did the emperor really hear what these Corrupt Officials were saying and intend to execute him?
He was truly frightened! His face turned pale, and he trembled all over as he slowly walked out from the crowd.
He felt completely drained of strength; he was so scared that his body felt heavy. As he walked forward, he eventually stopped.
Since the emperor still gave him a chance to explain, it proved there was still some hope, so he should not be too discouraged.
He said, "The Jin Kingdom is not as benevolent as the Chancellors say; their kindness is actually that of a wolf in sheep's clothing. They have long since invaded our Song State's borders and have already occupied several state cities. They are now at the gates of Taiyuan City. It is not something I can resolve with my head; those Jin troops will definitely continue southward!"
"I proposed a strategy not to provoke their large-scale invasion; they had already launched a massive invasion. I merely blocked their advance and killed tens of thousands of Jin troops. This was a great victory, not a mistake."
Minister Qin Feng observed that the Jin Kingdom would definitely not back down easily; they would surely continue southward to capture Tokyo City. He advised the emperor to quickly mobilize troops from various regions to defend Tokyo.
Many Civil Officials in the surroundings also heard this and felt that he had a point. The bad laughter disappeared, and they became alarmed!
One by one, they began to discuss that they must transfer their accumulated wealth and their wives, concubines, and children away first; otherwise, it would lead to serious trouble!
However, the Civil Officials and Generals of the War Faction appeared very pleased; this was undoubtedly a Loyal Minister and a capable official, unlike those spineless members of the Peace Faction.
A mere Civil Official, originally from Tokyo City, who could only compose poetry, actually devised such a brilliant plan that resulted in the deaths of over ten thousand Jin Bing, which is truly rare.
They cast appreciative glances; the War Faction gained another high-ranking official, which is indeed a cause for celebration! They began to support him, not only without fault but rather with merit!
Bai Shizhong also felt that if this person continued to act recklessly, it would ruin everything. He had already received a considerable amount of Silver, and failing to eliminate him would be a disservice to those who had given gifts.
Moreover, they were solely seeking peace, like a Pug wagging its tail in submission to the Jin people, as pathetic as one could be.
They believed that by offering their heads to the Jin people, they would surely agree to negotiate peace; at that point, giving them more Silver would definitely secure a Negotiation.
He said: "Your Majesty, please do not listen to this person’s nonsense. As a Peace Envoy, he is deliberately sabotaging the Negotiation; this is already a capital offense! There is no need to hear any more of his drivel; quickly take him out and execute him!"
The situation on the battlefield was becoming increasingly tense; they should swiftly execute him, place his head in a box, and send it by swift horse to Taiyuan. Who knows, it might just bring about peace—what a wonderful thing!
Li Bangyan and his group from the Peace Faction echoed this sentiment; this person truly deserves death for ruining the Negotiation between the two nations. As long as his head is sent over, peace between the two countries could be achieved.
Qin Feng looked on in hatred; how could these High Officials be so foolish and incompetent? They were like dogs raised by the Jin Kingdom, leaning towards the Jin people while failing to serve the Song State diligently.
Having done everything possible for the country, how could it come to such an end? If that were to happen, it would be a death without closure.
His hands clenched tightly together, filled with strength! If those standing before him were not colleagues but enemies, he would have long since beaten them to death.
He was engaged in a fierce debate about why he should not die! But serving the country like this—how would the common people view me in the Song State?
The Qin Emperor watched in confusion as the two factions below engaged in heated debate; the Peace Faction almost unanimously agreed with Bai Shizhong's view of offering his head to the Jin people to prompt their withdrawal.
But is that really possible? He is also a young man in his twenties, not a child anymore. He understands the wolfish ambition of the Jurchens, truly a Vicious Wolf that cannot be easily tamed.
The people from the War Faction are not wrong; rather, Qin Feng has done well. However, the one who severely injured the Jurchens is indeed the Sovereign's top Civil Official, and he must be rewarded!
His heart agrees; Qin Feng should be rewarded! But after all, he is a Peace Envoy who proposed military action—wouldn't that be asking for trouble?
More than half of the court belongs to the Peace Faction, making up over seventy percent. If he lets Qin Feng go, wouldn't these people cause an uproar? They would definitely follow him around, making it impossible for him to find peace.
He felt an intense anger; it was truly chaotic! How has the court become so muddled, like a marketplace?
He shouted loudly, "Everyone shut up! I don't want to hear your voices; let me think properly. It's so noisy! I will not speak; no one is allowed to talk."
His voice was already loud, but when he was angry, it roared like thunder, instantly silencing those below.
It turned out that both the Peace Faction and War Faction were debating and arguing, creating quite a mess. They were not standing properly but had turned to insult each other.
Now everyone became obedient; after all, the boss here is the Emperor, and they are merely employees.
One by one, they returned to their original positions, losing the feeling of a street brawl and becoming more refined.
The Qin Emperor was still indecisive, unsure how to deal with Qin Feng. If he let him go, the Peace Faction would definitely stir up trouble. If he didn't let him go, the War Faction would also not back down.
Suddenly, a man dressed in a red robe appeared. He was strong and robust, resembling a butcher, with a fierce expression! He ran past Qin Feng and approached the front.
He should be over fifty years old! Looking at his beard, many strands were white; he appeared somewhat aged but had a strong sense of integrity and loyalty, wholeheartedly devoted to his country!
"Minister Li Gang, I must advise the Sovereign that Qin Feng is not only innocent but has also rendered great service."
"Sovereign, do you remember how you ascended to the Throne? It was given to you by the Predecessor Emperor when the Jin Army was advancing, and it was the Predecessor Emperor who abdicated in favor of the worthy."
"The Jin Kingdom has repeatedly violated the treaty between our two nations and does not regard our Song State at all. If we continue to treat our loyal ministers this way, who will dare to fight for the Great Song? Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Upon hearing this, the Qin Emperor could not help but tremble slightly, appearing somewhat fearful.
"The Jin Kingdom is indeed a fierce and treacherous force, and they have been very untrustworthy, having torn up several treaties. Despite having ceded land and paid reparations, they still march their armies southward."
He looked excitedly at his loyal ministers, including Li Gang and Qin Feng.
If he wanted to maintain his position as emperor, he needed the support of these loyal ministers and capable officials. He could not treat them carelessly or hurt their feelings; he must distance himself from useless officials.
"I declare that Qin Feng is not only innocent but has also contributed greatly by devising a brilliant strategy that severely damaged the Jin troops. I will reward him for his merits and will not punish Loyal Minister Qin Feng; I still need his assistance."
"The Jin people are like vicious wolves that cannot be tamed; they have invaded our Great Song multiple times, which is truly detestable."
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