Just as the words were spoken, Bai Qingyan’s heart suddenly pounded violently, causing her chest to constrict inexplicably. Her heart thumped rapidly, as if it were about to burst out of her chest. She gripped the table tightly, forcing herself to maintain a calm appearance.
Xiao Rongyan said with a smile, "Yan and Zhou have different governing philosophies, just like their interpretations of the teachings of sages... each believes their own way of governance is the correct path. Therefore, a war between Zhou and the Yan Kingdom seems inevitable."
The war between Zhou and Yan is unavoidable due to irreconcilable differences in their governing philosophies.
Bai Qingyan agreed with what was written in the books left by Empress Ji... the importance of enlightening the populace.
Yet the Yan Kingdom believes in ruling the people through means of ignorance.
Enduring the discomfort in her chest, Bai Qingyan nodded, saying that with such fundamental differences, the only way forward is to see whose fist is stronger.
"In that case, I want to make a gentleman’s agreement with the Ninth Prince of Yan," Bai Qingyan clenched her fists tightly, trying to keep her voice clear, "We can capture cities and seize lands, but we must never massacre or harm civilians!"
War in itself already causes great harm to the people. There have been precedents of the Yan Army massacring people after capturing cities, and Bai Qingyan said this to prevent such instances from occurring again.
After some contemplation, Xiao Rongyan looked up at Bai Qingyan, seeing her leaning against the table as if preparing to stand. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed the masked prince across from him also seemed ready to rise with him, so he sat back down and nodded to Bai Qingyan: "Conquering cities, never massacring!"
Among the delegates from Xiliang and Yan who came to Dadu this time, in private matters, the relationship between Zhou and Yan was somewhat closer. Yet unexpectedly, they were unable to form an alliance and were instead the first to issue a declaration of war.
Since the opposing sides have been established, from this point on... it will be a contest of abilities, with the stronger unifying all.
"Kid?" Xiao Rongyan, looking at Bai Qingyan’s pallor, felt a surge of worry.
Bai Qingyan waved her hand, signaling that she was fine, adjusted her posture, and struggled to maintain a normal expression. Yet her heart’s fierce pounding did not stop, as if ready to burst at any moment. She said, "Zhou is the opponent most worthy of Yan’s reverence, and Zhou will exert all its efforts, so I ask the Ninth Prince to spare no mercy."
Seeing Bai Qingyan seemingly fine, Xiao Rongyan sought confirmation with his eyes. When Bai Qingyan nodded with a faint smile and showed no irregularity, he slightly relaxed his upright posture, nodding: "Rest assured, Your Majesty, it shall be so."
Since a war is imminent between the two countries, the original marital alliance proposal was naturally canceled, which also aligned with Xiao Rongyan’s intention to have the "Ninth Prince destroy any marriage alliance between Yan and Zhou."
During this conversation today, Xiao Rongyan provided Bai Qingyan with much enlightenment...
For instance, Xiao Rongyan said that Zhou’s unity today is because Bai Qingyan set a goal for the people, allowing them to cast aside minor issues and work towards a common objective.
On this path of governance, Bai Qingyan must be extremely vigilant and alert, constantly making corrections.
Bai Qingyan closed her eyes, with only the sound of her heartbeat and rushing blood remaining in her ears. As her heartbeat surged, so did her blood, rushing to her head. Her consciousness flickered, and her vision slowly darkened.
Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: Rebirth: The Journey of an Heiress