Regarding Su Ziluo’s words, before Emperor Qizhen could speak, the Crown Prince became anxious on the side.

He immediately said, “Master Su, is it? Regardless of whether this person was killed by Magistrate Ji or not, in any case, isn’t it just a life for a life? If it was killed by Magistrate Ji, then sentence him accordingly. Could it be that you want our Dalin to compensate ten for one?”

These words were truly offensive!

Yet—

Emperor Qizhen was very satisfied with the Crown Prince’s words. After all, this was also what he wanted to say.

Good son, well done!

You’ve said everything your father was thinking!

However, on the surface, he couldn’t be too indulgent. For now, he glared at Jinghua.

Saying, “Do not be rude!”

“Your son acknowledges his error!”

Jinghua reluctantly retreated.

In turn, Emperor Qizhen wore a cold smile on his face and said to Su Ziluo, “Regarding this matter, We will certainly give you Qujiang an explanation. Master Su should temporarily remain at the courier station.”

Su Ziluo nodded slightly, “Since that’s the case, I hope this matter can be resolved quickly.”

“Certainly!”

“However…” Su Ziluo suddenly said, “This matter concerns the friendship between two nations. Some things are indeed not so simple. I hope the Emperor understands.”

His words contained deep meaning.

Even a fool would know!

What life for a life? What handling it according to Dalin’s laws? These were not the goals Su Ziluo wanted to achieve!

Jinghua looked at him furiously and couldn’t help but speak out again, “Could it be that you truly want ten lives to compensate for one life?”

“The Crown Prince is mistaken!” Su Ziluo replied.

“How am I mistaken?”

Su Ziluo said solemnly, “If lives could be used as compensation, wouldn’t your Dalin owe our Qujiang countless lives?”

Uproar~

Su Ziluo’s seemingly casual words drew shock from everyone.

Before everyone could react, Su Ziluo had already restrained that eerie smile at the corners of his mouth, raising those eyes as deep and dark as ink.

He continued, “Five years ago, Dalin and Qujiang fought at Cangshui. In the end, countless died and were wounded, blood flowing like rivers. Our Qujiang troops were defeated and besieged in the city, forced to pay tribute to your Dalin every year, and we also surrendered two cities at Luhai Pass to you. This has become a knot in the hearts of our Qujiang people for many years. Now, we only hope to untie this knot. Then the matter of General Yuchi can be dropped.”

The moment the last word landed—

“Impudent!”

Emperor Qizhen was furious, his hands heavily striking the dragon throne.

Immediately, dozens of sword-bearing guards rushed in, surrounding Su Ziluo and his attendants in the middle.

As the sword blades were drawn from their sheaths, they rang out loudly!

The two people surrounded in the middle showed no fear whatsoever.

Su Ziluo was still the same Su Ziluo!

The attendant beside him naturally followed his lead.

Extremely calm!

But in the next moment, Emperor Qizhen heavily struck the dragon throne again.

Following this came another shout of “Impudent!”

Then everyone saw all the guards throw their swords “clatter clatter” on the ground and instantly knelt down.

All prostrating themselves on the ground.

“Who gave you the audacity to bring swords into the hall?”

Emperor Qizhen rebuked furiously!

The lead guard raised his head and tremblingly glanced at Crown Prince Jinghua.

Jinghua broke out in a cold sweat and gave him a look, telling him to shut up.

You boy, if you dare reveal that it was this Crown Prince’s order, your entire family will know no peace!

That guard understood this very clearly, so he lowered his gaze again.

He said nothing.

Emperor Qizhen burned with fury, pointing at that guard, “Someone, execute him!”

“Your Majesty, spare my life!”

“Drag him out.”

People came from outside and dragged him out, while the other guards kneeling on the ground, holding their swords, all retreated in panic.

The scene just now was like a farce.

Su Ziluo watched them coldly from beginning to end, not caring at all, only waiting for Emperor Qizhen to give him a response.

Emperor Qizhen suppressed his anger before explaining to Su Ziluo, “What just happened was not directed at Master Su.”

“I understand!” After he finished speaking, “However, even if Your Majesty were to execute us both here, it would be understandable.”

“If We were to kill you here, where would Our dignity be?”

“Is that so? Then regarding General Yuchi’s death, what about Your Majesty’s dignity?”

“You want this prince to return those two cities? Impossible!”

Not a hint of negotiation!

“Whether it’s possible or not, Your Majesty need not rush to respond. There is plenty of time—you can think slowly.” Su Ziluo’s tone was very slow.

Others listening felt anxious.

Su Ziluo made his intentions clear and immediately cupped his hands, “During this period, I will remain at the courier station. I hope Your Majesty will think carefully. In any case, my suggestion remains unchanged!”

His attitude was also resolute.

Finally, under everyone’s watchful eyes, he left Zhangzhi Hall!

One human life in exchange for Dalin returning two cities won with the fresh blood of tens of thousands of soldiers.

Dream on!

Emperor Qizhen absolutely refused!

However, someone in court said, “Your Majesty, today’s Qujiang is no longer the Qujiang of five years ago. Just look at this time—with thirty thousand troops, they threw our border garrison of one hundred thousand troops into great chaos. From this, you can imagine their power cannot be underestimated!”

“Is Minister Zhang’s meaning for Us to return them?”

“Your subject is merely stating his own opinion!”

Daring to conflict with the Emperor’s thoughts—you’re doomed!

At this time, Jing Yi should speak. He first glanced at Jingrong before saying, “Father Emperor, your son feels that although this matter involves the friendship of two nations, returning the cities is completely unnecessary. That Master Su is merely a minor military officer, not worthy of concern.”

Emperor Qizhen glanced at him narrowly, “Then what is your meaning?”

“There’s no need to pay attention at all. Since the incident occurred in the capital, it should be handled according to Dalin’s laws. This is the rule and cannot be broken. The so-called equality for all—even if the other party is Qujiang’s great general, we can simply compensate with some gold, silver, and jewels.”

“Mm, what you say is also correct.”

“Moreover, they came to the capital this time under the pretext of seeking marriage alliance. Whether they have other ulterior motives also needs investigation. Father Emperor is the ruler of a nation and naturally cannot be led by the nose by a small Qujiang.” Jinghua spoke logically and systematically!

Others listening thought this made sense!

Jinghua also couldn’t contain himself and directly said, “This time, your son thinks the same way. At worst, we kill Magistrate Ji and compensate them with a life.”

Extremely furious!

Although his future Crown Princess was Ji Li’s own younger sister, he helped principle over family—on this point, the incompetent Jinghua actually understood quite thoroughly.

Or perhaps fundamentally he had inherited his Father Emperor’s temperament, believing that killing people could solve problems!

But if he became Emperor in the future, wouldn’t there be lonely ghosts and wild spirits everywhere, with even the underworld unable to contain them all?

The ministers also all voiced different opinions!

Except for Jingrong—he didn’t say a word. After the court session ended, he immediately pursued to outside the palace gates and stopped Su Ziluo, who was about to board his carriage.

“Does Prince Rong have business?” Su Ziluo was quite polite to him.

“Master Su, why don’t we find a place to talk?” Jingrong was straightforward.

“At this critical juncture, Prince Rong wants to talk with me? Isn’t that somewhat inappropriate?”

“Only private matters, not official business!”