Amid a barrage of questions, the secret envoy asked only one: "Things have come to this. The army outside the city has completed its fortifications. At a word from the Grand General, the army can storm into the city at any time. Is there any need for the Grand General to put on a false show with you here and waste time?"
This was what Gu Yuanda could not understand either. Did they want to reduce casualties by tricking him into surrendering first, then punishing him once he fell into their hands?
If that were truly the case, were they not treating him like a fool? How could he fall for such a trick!
The secret envoy spoke frankly. Hu Yan Wuhen did indeed wish to reduce battle casualties. Qi Kingdom had reached its present state—given Hu Yan Wuhen's character, how could he be someone who sacrificed public duty for private grievances? If it benefited Qi Kingdom, Hu Yan Wuhen would not hold his two sons' deaths against anyone.
If it benefited Qi Kingdom, Qi Emperor Hao Zhen would likewise let bygones be bygones. Had Hao Zhen not already pardoned countless people before this?
Once the city was attacked, the rebel army would surely be driven into a corner and fight like trapped beasts.
Qi Kingdom now needed to concentrate its strength against external enemies. Rather than drain that strength here, it would be better to accept the rebel army's surrender and present a united front against outsiders.
Of course, what had happened before could not be treated as though nothing had occurred. Afterward, Gu Yuanda would have to surrender his military authority. If he truly surrendered, he would have no choice but to hand it over.
After the surrender, the Qi Army would disband the rebel troops and distribute