The ministers around frowned. Some of the clauses sounded very domineering, but why did many of them sound quite reasonable? And some of them sounded a little childish
For example, air rights seem a bit childish—aren’t all the masters of cultivation flying in the sky
Also, weren't the defeated in the past all forced to surrender and pay tribute? Why are Anyang's negotiation terms so weird?!
Compared with traditional negotiations, Anyang directly abandoned some honorary clauses - for example, Anyang did not mention anything about honorary matters such as "submission of allegiance".
The only thing related to "name" is the first one: Jin admitted defeat. This is a big premise, there is nothing to say.
In addition, almost all of Anyang's terms were linked to "interests." Especially the 53.7 million taels of gold, which was almost five years of Jin's fiscal revenue!
"Li Xian really is a complete businessman!" Some people sneered and were angry.
But the truly wise officials did not speak, but savored the text carefully. The emperor was even more so, reading the clauses over and over again, and the more he read, the more he could appreciate the differences between them.
After a long while, the Emperor of Jin finally spoke, "Let's spend two days discussing these terms and see what Anyang means. Also, try to invite some merchants from Anyang and listen to their opinions. Don't be ashamed to ask questions!"
No, wait, something seems to be missing? As soon as he finished speaking, His Majesty the Emperor felt that something was missing. At this moment, someone came to report that Li Lisong had led the troops back.
Prisoners! Yes, prisoners! The emperor threw the messenger aside and looked at Prime Minister Sima Xuan, "Where are the prisoners we captured by Anyang? How can Anyang be willing to exchange prisoners?"
Sima Xuan smiled bitterly again, "Your Majesty, Anyang admitted that he had captured Cheng Liqiu, the son of General Cheng Yunbo, and handed over all the remaining captives to Nanyang County and Dongyuan County. Therefore, Anyang only has Cheng Liqiu as a prisoner. According to Li Xian, Cheng Liqiu will be sent back after he recovers from his injuries."
The Jin emperor was silent for a long time, and finally gave a bitter smile, "What a good Li Xian, he is so evil at such a young age."
The ministers continued to remain silent.
Handing over all the captives to Nanyang County and Dongyuan County was another form of "being generous to others". Using the captives of Jin State as gifts could appease the unhappiness of Nanyang Bureau and Dongyuan County.
Similarly, with these captives, Dongyuan County and Nanyang County have the qualifications to confront Jin State. And Anyang can stay out of it!
Moreover, Jin was a big country after all, and holding Jin's captives was a hot potato; if not handled properly, it would easily start another war. Therefore, Anyang cut the Gordian knot and directly threw all the captives unconditionally to Nanyang County and Dongyuan County, so that he could be free from trouble.
Of course, the fact that Anyang did not attach importance to the prisoners also conveyed a message indirectly - I, Anyang, am not afraid of you, Jin State, if you dare, just try to pierce me.
After sorting out all the matters, the Emperor of Jin said to Sima Xuan: "Go to the East China Sea. If the ironclad ships in Anyang are still attacking, tell them to cease fire. If the ironclad ships have already left, forget it. And tell General Cheng Yunbo about his son."