375 Daylight robbery

Everyone from Nanling were satisfied with Shiyou's humble appearance. Though act still to see their nemesis acting humble and below his status was very pleasing.

Hearing the words that they wanted prime minister Chen doesn't act humble and states their demand straightforwardly "emperor is wise...with all the calculations presented by our ministry of finance...10 million gold coins is needed for the reconstruction and to compensate the martyrs family...we want the entire eastern territory of huajin...along with the yearly tribute....

huajin has to promise in written form not 5 but 10 years to halt any activities related to military sector... both General su and Hao are to retire from their positions...we will also be sending our men to check on each of your barracks...and finally huajin is to declare all the reparation are paid with your willingness and not forced upon by Nanling to the entire world.."

Shiyou and Mo Yan was trembling from rage while the ministers took deep breath to calm their soul. More than reparations it was better to call it daylight robbery. The ministers doubted whether they had 10 million gold coins in their states treasury. The entire eastern territory was like asking an entire limb from huajins body.

They had calculated and relented to cede half of the eastern territory with bleeding heart. Though half the land is very fertile and good for agriculture. The other half contains three of their major mines of iron, copper and jade. If they are to pay 10 million gold coins and cede the entire eastern territory sooner or later huajin will face severe financial crisis.

The ministers looks at their emperor with tredipation while cursing the people from Nanling to their 18 generations. Shiyou's face was dark clearly showing his anger and discontent while Mo Yan was much better, inorder to stop Shiyou from raging out he was quick to reply.

"Minister Chen...it's not that we are selfish and greedy but your demands are sky high to meet with...we might not be able to pool out such heavy amounts of gold...there are some major mines which is the key to have our country running if we are to cede the entire eastern territory then we will face severe financial crisis...the entire foundation of huajin will crumble...it's not bargaining but humble request for you to leave us a way to live on..."

Duke Chen without caring to give face snorts and replies "hah..we are already leaving you all way out...if not why would we be wasting our time here when we could have just charged in your lands with spears and sword...no matter what the reason..it's far too late to brush yourselves off this matter...

The entire world knows General Tao had long retired and now for him to suddenly appear with such large army fully prepared...even a child wouldn't believe that you were unaware...who are you trying to fool...

If not for our emperor still valuing over the balance of the world this general had long wanted to dye your lands and rivers red...do not squabble wasting our time...state the simple words...agree or not...if you agree then though unrelented we will pull back our men.. if not then we shall meet your men on the battlefield while you shall wait here as spectators.."

Even Mo Yan at this moment felt fear from the raging General. He knew Nanling was well prepared and determined to tighten the knot on their throats. If not agreed reaching to huajin unscathed was basically a dream. They were trapped in this place and unless agreed would now be taken as hostages while the Nanlings army invades their land.

He curses himself for falling in their trap again. If they were to be held as hostages then all their previous plan of escape and raising internal chaos was just a wishful thinking. Then again how can they agree to such daylight robbery in name of reparation.

Shiyou takes in long breathe and then after taking some time replies calmly "general Chen...we fully empathize with what had occurred in Nanling and have no intentions to shirk from our responsibilities..but even if Zhen is the lord to cede the entire eastern territory needs to have nods of the entire royal consuls...the eastern territory is one of the life line of huajin and without it huajin will perish for sure...thus Zhen cannot agree without consulting...

But it doesn't mean we disagree...Zhen will go back to huajin to consult with ones subjects and while at it also come up with solution to protect huajin from crumbling...also currently we don't have that much gold in our treasury and need some time to fork out the golds...Zhen won't ask for much but a month to give you the answer..."