The King of Goguryeo's nerves instantly went taut.
Cold sweat suddenly broke out on his back.
Changes of regime were often accompanied by slaughter. Whether he and the other members of the royal family lived or died rested on a single thought from this emperor of the Great Han.
"...You have earned merit by voluntarily surrendering. Your rank shall be reduced to Marquis, and the entire royal family shall be relocated to the Great Han, never to return to Goguryeo Commandery."
Liu Xie had not chosen to slaughter them.
Mainly because there was no need.
The King of Goguryeo had voluntarily requested that his country be incorporated into the Great Han. Killing him afterward would have been far too brutal and heartless.
When they marched against other countries in the future, those countries would certainly choose to resist to the bitter end once they learned of Goguryeo's fate.
If surrender meant death either way, why not stake everything on a fight?
At these words, the King of Goguryeo nearly wept with joy. He kowtowed repeatedly and said, "Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty! Thank you for your mercy, Your Majesty!"
His happiness came from the bottom of his heart.
Although he had lost the power his throne afforded him, being made a Marquis and continuing to enjoy wealth and honor within the Han State was already the best outcome he could have hoped for.
It was better than being exterminated to the last man!
Liu Xie waved a hand, had the King of Goguryeo hand over his seal, then dismissed him.
At that moment, Yang Xiu stepped forward, his face beaming as he cupped his hands toward Liu Xie. "Congratulations, Your Majesty, on successfully reclaiming our Huaxia's former territory and adding another commandery to our Great Han!"
"This is