Chapter 24: The Astonishing Talk in the Hall (Part 2)

  Quiet and simple, meticulous in reading books, good at writing articles, and excellent calligraphy. Also has a certain understanding of Buddhist studies, can be considered a versatile talent.

  Calligraphy was also learned from the seventh grandson of Wang Xizhi, Zhiyong and Shang, who were in contact with famous scholars such as Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang and Xue Ji.

  His brother Yu Shiji was very favored by Yang Guang, but there was a great gap between Yu Shenan and Yu Shiji, and they disdained each other's way of dealing with people. They didn't get along well, and although they were biological brothers, they were no different from strangers. Therefore, even though he had an elder brother who was favored by the emperor, Yu Shenan remained a secretarial officer for nine years without being promoted.

  Yu Shinnan's talent and reputation were known to Yang Guang, so he specially transferred Yu Shinnan to assist Xiao Shouren. It seems that Xiao Shouren didn't understand the rules either, sending a soldier to handle diplomacy is like asking a chef to fly an airplane.

  These days, Yu Shijie has been teaching Xiao Shouren about the aspects he should pay attention to when meeting with Goguryeo envoys. Xiao Shouren is indeed very diligent in his studies, but there are truly too many items on the list, and Xiao Shouren only managed to learn a rough outline of them.

  The day had finally arrived, and Xiao Shouren was already waiting in front of the Anding Hall after washing up early. Yu Shen Nan also arrived on time, not long after Xiao Shouren's arrival, and soon everyone else followed suit.

  After all, it's not their own territory, so the Goguryeo envoys didn't dare to be too arrogant. Before long, they arrived and both sides were present, so the talks could begin.

  Yang Guang secretly gave Xiao Shouren three conditions: First, Goguryeo must acknowledge its defeat and be willing to surrender to the Great Sui.

  Secondly, King Gao Yuan of Koguryo must personally come to Luoyang to apologize and show submission. Thirdly, Koguryo must annually offer tribute to the Great Sui.

  It seems that this is already Yang Guang's bottom line. Xiao Shouren knew that the first and third items were easy to handle, but the second item was estimated to be difficult. No one is stupid, everyone knows that if Gao Yuan comes to Luoyang, it will be hard to say whether he can return safely or not.

  "Lord Pei, everyone has gathered here today to discuss a matter. Let's not beat around the bush and get straight to the point." Xiao Shouren also didn't bother wasting words and directly started discussing.

  The Lord Pei inside is the envoy sent by Goguryeo for this peace talk, Pei Chen. This person entered officialdom together with Yi Wen De, but Yi Wen De was promoted quickly. He has a good relationship with Yi Wen De and was promoted by Yi Wen De's own hands.

  Pei Chen was taken aback, thinking that Xiao Shouren would first make some small talk about the weather and then get to the point, but unexpectedly this Xiao official was straightforward and unlike other Sui officials.

  "That's right, Sir Xiao is absolutely right. We've come all the way here just for this talk. Since you're willing to start negotiating, we couldn't be more eager." Pei Chen said excitedly.

  "Since that's the case, I'll just say it straight out. Our Holy Emperor has no other requests, only three points. First, you Goguryeo must hand over a letter of surrender in front of envoys from various countries and swear to be forever subordinate to Great Sui. Second, every year, you Goguryeo must offer tribute as a vassal state, and it must be your king who personally comes to present it. This year is exempted, but starting from next year... Ah yes, for this war, you have to pay 2 million taels of white silver as indemnity. Third, originally Goguryeo was part of the Central Plains, and we wanted all your territory to return to the Central Plains. However, considering the chaos of war and various different opinions, let's just forget about it... but the Lelang Commandery and surrounding cities must be returned to Great Sui. Hmm, that's all. If Your Majesty has any further instructions, I'll tell you later." Xiang Shouren said with a big smile, chatting away as if he was discussing how to divide up lychees between east and west households, and the great affairs of state were thus settled. After finishing speaking, Xiang Shouren didn't care about what expression Pei Chen had on his face, and simply drank tea by himself, propped up his second leg, and hummed a little tune.

  Yang Guang had discussed with Xiao Shouren at the time, and Yu Shen Nan was aware of it. The specific content Yu Shen Nan also knew. Now hearing that Xiao Shouren did not speak as Yang Guang said, but instead opened his mouth wide like a lion, not just adding a little bit, but adding a lot. This Yi Zhong Wende is just the prime minister, just the emperor's teacher, can this be used to return and exchange land? Is there comparability? Can these Koreans agree? Unless they are fools.

  The original admission of defeat has now become an acknowledgment in front of the envoys of various countries, and it is a permanent surrender. The original tribute has now become the ruler himself coming to pay homage, and two more items have been added out of thin air: 2 million taels of silver to atone for defeat, and the return of the Rangrang Commandery's territory. If this really happens, it would be a great achievement. However, if we suddenly provoke the Goguryeo envoys, who knows what unexpected consequences might arise.

  "Xiao, sir, aren't you trying to destroy our country? The first clause can be negotiated, but the second is impossible. Two million taels of silver is something we cannot afford even if we were given another hundred years to recover. And as for the king personally coming to pay the tribute, that's simply unreasonable. The king has a multitude of tasks to attend to and cannot possibly make every decision himself. As they say, 'a country cannot be without its ruler for a single day.' The third clause is even more impossible - Nangnang-gun's Pyeongyang Castle is our capital city, how can we give it up? This is absolutely out of the question!"

  "Let's talk and talk, since it's a negotiation, it's a harmonious discussion, Lord Pei don't get angry, we still have things to discuss. I think, well, His Majesty is being a bit too harsh, but this isn't unreasonable either, considering your Goguryeo's history of going back on your word, we can't help but do this. How about this: 2 million taels, we won't demand full payment at once, seeing the scale and strength of your army this time, you pay 60% first, 1.2 million taels, and the rest will be paid in installments over 5 years? What do you think? As for your king, he's indeed quite busy, considering your performance over the years has been disappointing, it seems your king isn't that great either, after all, he hasn't received proper education from Confucius. How about this: send your crown prince to receive our Great Sui Dynasty's excellent culture? As for Lelang Commandery, this is a bit tricky, since your capital is in Lelang, how about exchanging the two commanderies behind it instead? Neither side will lose out." Seeing Pei Chen unwilling to accept his proposal, Xiao Shouren came up with another idea.

  I hope you like it, and after reading it, leave a comment below, vote for it, collect it, or do whatever you want. As long as I know someone is still reading this book, that's enough to give me the motivation to keep writing!