The envoy felt the air grow hot and stifling.
When he came back to his senses, his heart was pounding so hard it felt ready to leap from his throat.
This abdication edict offered him two layers of protection.
First, the saying that "envoys are never killed during war" was a load of nonsense fit to fool children. Shen Tang still needed him to carry the edict back, so she would never kill him. That guaranteed he would return from this mission alive. Second, once the abdication edict was issued, Wu Xian—the reigning sovereign trapped deep in enemy territory—could legally and legitimately become Retired King. His political value would plummet. Apart from his old confidants, who might grumble a little, the other ministers, even the royal clan, could finally breathe easy and abandon him without a shred of guilt or damage to their reputations. A double victory!
As for Shen Tang refusing peace talks?
The envoy was more inclined to think she was simply bargaining for a better deal.
The abdication edict in his hands was the best proof!
If she had no such intention, why give him an edict that benefited Gao Country? Wasn't that a tactful signal that she was open to reconciliation? Wasn't the unspoken message: "I've already laid out the steps for you. If you still refuse to take them, then you're asking for trouble!"
This move let her openly keep Wu Xian prisoner and flaunt her country's strength, while also putting pressure on Gao Country to offer more bargaining chips. The envoy wiped away his sweat in secret, still shaken. "Truly, she's a terrifying woman, skilled in schemes."
He carefully tucked the edict into his sleeve. Knowing he would live, the envoy felt bolder, stood straighter, and replied without servility or arrogance, "I will take