Chapter 2732: Petition for Duty

Second Prince Gao indeed did not think of surrendering; he thought of making peace.

While writing a letter to the Wang Ting, he issued a strict order, “We must hold Anshi City, not allowing the Jin army to advance further.”

Only if they held long enough would negotiations be possible, and they would have more leverage.

“Prince, we now have fewer than seventy thousand men, and our supplies may not last half a month.”

Second Prince Gao’s face changed color.

The one hundred thousand troops he commanded were spread throughout the city, and naturally, their supplies were also placed in various locations.

As the Jin army advanced too quickly, they didn’t have time to take all the supplies with them during the retreat. The main issue was that many soldiers either couldn’t withstand yesterday’s and today’s battles or surrendered, naturally allowing the Jin army to seize supplies from occupied areas.

Calculating the situation, Second Prince Gao felt that ten days were insufficient, so he said, “Gather the wealthy families and merchants in the city and ask them to donate food.”

He added, “If the Jin army takes Anshi City, they won’t fare well either. Remember, many big families in Liaodong City and Baiyan City were relocated to the Jin inland, far from their homeland, possibly never to return.”

The generals, after exchanging glances, felt it feasible, so they bowed and left.

Indeed, they received a batch of supplies.

The news somehow reached the Jin army, and the Emperor frowned slightly, asking State Duke Zhao, who was covered in the smell of blood, “When can Anshi City be taken?”

State Duke Zhao thought for a moment and said, “If Your Majesty wishes, it can be done in a day.”

“Oh?” The Emperor curiously asked, “How would you attack it?”

“With fire,” was the reply.

The other generals thought this idea was good.

Bai Shan pursed his lips, and other courtiers quickly said, “Your Majesty, this violates the natural order.”

They then criticized State Duke Zhao, “What kind of lousy idea is this?”

State Duke Zhao maintained his calm demeanor, saying, “Your Majesty, as the weather turns cold and snow approaches, even though we are not short of supplies now, it is not ideal to linger here long. To resolve matters swiftly, this is the best approach.”

“As for the civilians in the city, they can be relocated through the northern city gate, forcing the hidden Goguryeo soldiers out. In one day, we can continue eastward and southward.”

The Emperor pondered, clearly considering the situation; indeed, they could not linger here, as time was of the essence.

Bai Shan said, “Your Majesty, we attack Anshi City to bring it under the rule of the Central Plains. The city’s civilians will become citizens of Great Jin and should not view Jin as an invader. Your Majesty is their father, not their foe.”

He continued, “Spending more days, or even months, now equates to years, decades, or several lifetimes in the future. Please be patient, Your Majesty.”

Other courtiers quickly added, “Please be patient, Your Majesty.”

The Emperor nodded, “Very well, attack slowly then.”

State Duke Zhao said, “There is another way; we can send someone to persuade them to surrender.”

He added, “After all, we’ve taken half of Anshi City, and many have surrendered, likely filled with unease. At this time, persuading them might not work, but we could sow discord, certainly.”

Bai Shanxin had an idea, immediately saying, “Your Majesty, why not send someone to the domestic city?”

General Ashina remembered too, “Yes, Minister Feng has yet to arrive at Anshi City, likely heading for the domestic city. If we send envoys to Anshi City, we could disrupt their support for Anshi City and dampen the domestic city’s morale.”

Everyone then discussed the likelihood of success in this endeavor.

The Emperor asked, “Who is willing to go to the domestic city, and who will go to the city opposite Anshi City?”

After a brief silence, Ministry of Rites Vice Minister Zhang Hui stepped forward, “I am willing to go to the domestic city to persuade the Gao Clan to surrender wholly.”

Given Great Jin’s current strength, the Gao Clan Wang Ting wouldn’t dare kill the envoys, not to mention the universally accepted diplomatic etiquette: Two countries at war do not harm envoys.

Bai Shan thought for a moment and then stepped forward, “I am willing to go to persuade Second Prince Gao to surrender.”

The Emperor wasn’t worried about Zhang Hui because he knew the Gao Clan Wang Ting most likely wouldn’t trouble him, at most driving him out.

But he was concerned about Bai Shan, frowning slightly, “The atmosphere is tense on both sides; the Gao Clan might harbor hostility, should they ignore protocol and harm you…”

Bai Shan said, “Your Majesty, others going face the same risk, and I am young; I stand a chance to escape.”

The Emperor contemplated; pushing any of his ministers into this role wasn’t ideal. Since Bai Shan volunteered, he nodded, “Very well, you may go.”

Bai Shan immediately said, “I request two things from Your Majesty.”

“Speak.”

“First, I request the authority to act at my discretion upon arrival.”

The Emperor nodded, “As an envoy, you naturally have this authority, as does Lord Zhang.”

Zhang Hui indeed had; he was heading to the domestic city, far from oversight, but the other route was only a few streets away from the Emperor, wasn’t it?

Bai Shan continued, “The second is to request the gold, silver, and jewels collected by Your Majesty during this time.”

The Emperor paused and then smiled slightly, waving his hand, “Granted, use them as you see fit.”

Bai Shan bowed in acknowledgment.

Xue Gui, who had been standing at the end, suddenly stepped forward, “Your Majesty, I am willing to guard Lord Bai on his journey.”

The Emperor remembered him, especially his daring charge in a white robe into enemy lines, creating a clearing with his valor. He laughed heartily, “Excellent, with such worthy ministers, how can we fear disobedience from Liaodong? You are permitted.”

So Bai Shan and Zhang Hui left together, going to divide the Emperor’s treasures.

Zhang Hui directly selected the beautiful gems and said to Bai Shan, “The domestic city is full of royalty and nobles with discerning tastes, so I will take these.”

Bai Shan, unhesitating, took all the precious medicinal herbs from a few boxes and said, “Right now, with Anshi City under siege, life-saving herbs are rare; they are needed by both wealthy households and generals. I won’t be courteous with Lord Zhang.”

Zhang Hui: …

So they divvied up fabrics and jewels between them.

Before long, they had split up most of the tribute the Emperor had received, leaving some cumbersome antiques and paintings for him.

Xue Gui, who watched from behind: …

And Gu Zhong, who escorted them: …

Gu Zhong couldn’t help but say, “Once you two have divided it, please depart. I must return to serve the Emperor.”

Bai Shan had his chosen items cataloged and moved out, joking with Gu Zhong, “Don’t worry, Lord Gu. These items are merely going on a trip; once Anshi City falls, they’ll return to the Emperor’s hands.”

Zhang Hui dared not make such a promise; who knows if the domestic city could be captured?

Once they left the tent, Bai Shan decided first to bid farewell to Manbao and see if she had any life-saving items.

Daji did not quite understand, “Young Master, you have always cherished your life; why take on such a mission?”

Bai Shan laughed, “Valuing life does not equate to cowardice. The generals carry too much hostility, making them unsuitable as envoys. Among possible envoy negotiators, besides Lord Zhang and Lord Fang, there is only me. I also want to strive and achieve some accomplishments.”

He continued, “Even Xue Gui knew to don a white robe, risking his life for the Emperor’s attention. When I have a better opportunity, why should I live in mediocrity?”