Ivan fell silent for a moment, torn by an intense inner struggle.
On the one hand, he was indeed shaken by the formidable military might Heavenly Strategy had displayed and feared sinking into the mire of a prolonged war. On the other, as the sovereign of a nation, doing this would be tantamount to cutting off his own arm, showing weakness to his opponent, and damaging both the Empire's prestige and his own authority.
Now that the moment of decision had truly arrived, Ivan began to hesitate, a flicker of conflicting emotions crossing his eyes.
Although he had never explicitly approved this operation, he had tacitly permitted it to some extent. Could Li Chen really be trusted?
"Draft the decree." Ivan finally made his decision, his voice regaining an emperor's calm and majesty. "Proclaim Andrei's crimes to the world. Use stern language and make it clear that he acted alone, with no connection to the Empire. Send an envoy to the Heavenly Strategy Army's camp with my handwritten letter and the criminal Andrei, to express our dynasty's sincerity in laying down arms and ending hostilities."
He paused, then his tone abruptly hardened, carrying an unquestionable imperiousness. "But at the same time, make Heavenly Strategy understand this! Our Great Luo Dynasty is no band of cowards! If they refuse to appreciate this gesture and insist on war, I will fight them to the bitter end!
"Let us see whose blood runs dry first upon this vast land! I am giving them face because I wish to spare the people from suffering, not because I fear their Heavenly Strategy!"
And all of this had long been within Li Chen's expectations.
That day, Li Chen was chatting in the courtyard with several graceful, beautiful married women.
Sunlight filtered through gaps in the vines,