When Xue Qinghe heard this, he spoke up:
"Father, since we have neither Spirit Bones nor money to compensate Spirit Hall, the only thing our Heaven Dou Empire can offer is land. We could cede the province closest to Spirit Hall to them as an apology. I think that would keep Spirit Hall from making things difficult for us."
As soon as Xue Qinghe finished speaking, before Xue Ye or any of his trusted ministers could respond, Xue Xing, the prince, spoke up first. He flatly objected:
"No. Spirit Hall has always harbored wild ambitions. If we give them a province, who knows what might happen in the future? And is ceding territory and paying reparations really all our Heaven Dou Empire can do? Can't we defend the lands our ancestors left us?"
No one present said a word. They all turned their eyes to Xue Qinghe.
Xue Qinghe spoke up in response:
"If we don't do this, how else can we quell Spirit Hall's anger? Are you going to go beg them, Xue Xing? Or do you have a better idea?"
Xue Xing, who had just been fuming, was left speechless.
Then Xue Qinghe looked toward Xue Ye and said:
"Father, this is the best way I can think of to resolve this problem for our Heaven Dou Empire. And forgive me for speaking so boldly, but if we're reluctant to cede territory and pay reparations to preserve the lands our ancestors left us, then consider this: our Heaven Dou Empire has ten provinces, but we only control six. The other four have been taken over by one duchy and three kingdoms. They may still be called our vassal states, but everyone here knows the truth. They stopped listening to our empire long ago. They all want to rule