Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Chapter 272: Execution of Han Zhuo

"This war was caused by my failure to discern the Han family's evil ambitions, which led to the suffering of all people. I feel deep regret and pain. Of course, I also have the sincerity that Sheng Ling seeks."

Emperor Nan Chu's expression froze, and he sighed deeply, looking helpless and self-blaming.

"I am willing to return the previously occupied territory of Shengling. At the same time, I will cede Nancheng, Yongzhou and five other cities adjacent to Shengling as compensation for this war, to show Shengling my sincerity in seeking peace. In the future, the annual tribute to Shengling will be tripled to show our determination to mend our old friendship! In addition, I will personally write a letter to the state, promising that Nanchu will strictly discipline its border commanders and will never again encroach on Shengling's territory. I only hope that the two countries can put aside their hostility and work together for peaceful development."

Ning Yunxiao tilted his head slightly, his eyes met Jiang Lige's for a moment, then a faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, and he responded.

"War affects the livelihoods of both nations. This matter is of such magnitude that I cannot decide it alone. I must return home and report to my father before making a final decision. However, I am afraid that simply witnessing your Majesty's sincerity is not enough. If you want to make your position clear, your Majesty must start from the ground up."

"Oh? What does Wangsu think we should do?"

Ning Yunxiao spoke calmly, "I believe that although the Han family is no longer a powerful force, its remnants have not been eliminated, and it is inevitable that they will resurface. Your Majesty needs to execute Han Zhuo and others as soon as possible to calm the anger of the people of both countries, right? In addition, Your Majesty must also order the arrest of the remaining Han family members as soon as possible and make them public as a warning to others. In addition, Your Majesty must be the most clear-headed about which treacherous officials in the Southern Chu court are colluding with the Han family. They should also be dealt with as soon as possible to restore a clean government to the Southern Chu court."

Ning Yunxiao said this calmly, without any sharpness in his voice, but as long as the Emperor of Nanchu was not stupid, he would know that this was a killing move.

Although the Han family has many faults, they have always fought for the Emperor of Southern Chu. Now that the Emperor of Southern Chu has beheaded them in front of the people of both countries, it is not only a slap in the face of himself, but also will chill the hearts of those who are loyal to him.

In this case, who would be willing to work for him in the future?

Emperor Nanchu had a lot of thoughts in his mind, but he didn't show it on his face. After all, he knew very well that the initiative in this matter was not in his hands at all.

If you need help from others, you should have the right attitude. Ning Yunxiao's attitude should be his attitude.

Emperor Nan Chu pondered for a moment, then spoke slowly in a compromising tone, with a barely perceptible bitterness in his voice.

"The Han family's affairs are indeed a disgrace to Nanchu. For the sake of peace between the two countries and the well-being of the people of Nanchu, this matter must be addressed without delay!"

Having said this, the Emperor of Southern Chu turned around and gave instructions to the Southern Chu minister beside him.

"Pass on my decree. Tomorrow at noon, I will personally execute Han Zhuo and his main accomplices in the camp. At the same time, send a decree back to the palace, ordering the Minister of the Central Secretariat to search for the remaining Han family members throughout Southern Chu. Once discovered, they will be executed on the spot without mercy. As for those treacherous officials in the court who colluded with the Han family, I will also punish them one by one, and will show no leniency!"

After giving orders to the ministers, Emperor Nanchu looked at Ning Yunxiao again.

"Wang Su, do you think this is a proper solution?"

Ning Yunxiao's expression did not change, he just nodded slightly.

"Your Majesty's decision is a blessing for both countries. Shengling is not a warlike country. It is for the sake of the people of both countries to avoid the suffering of war.

I will also do my best to facilitate the peace talks."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Nanchu finally breathed a sigh of relief and said hurriedly.

"In this case, I will wait patiently for good news from Wang Su."

……

The next day, at the Nanchu military camp.

A simple yet solemn execution platform was built in the center of the former training ground, and the area around it was crowded with civilians and soldiers from both countries who had come after hearing the news.

Directly opposite the execution platform, a simple viewing platform was temporarily set up. Ning Yunxiao and Jiang Lige sat upright in the upper seats, watching the Emperor of Nanchu, dressed in a dragon robe, walk heavily onto the execution platform.

The Emperor of Southern Chu had a solemn expression on his face. His gaze swept across the people in the audience, finally stopping at Han Zhuo, who was about to be executed.

Han Zhuo was tied up, his body covered with wounds, and he stared at the Emperor of Nanchu with eyes full of unwilling resentment.

Emperor Nanchu glanced at Han Zhuo with a complicated look and spoke.

"The criminal Han Zhuo has betrayed his country, his crime is unforgivable! I will personally execute him today to let everyone know that anyone who betrays the country and undermines diplomatic relations and peace between the two countries will be punished! Execution!"

After Emperor Nanchu finished speaking, he waved his hand coldly, signaling the executioner to proceed.

The executioner received the order and quickly raised his long sword. With a flash of cold light, the blade fell, blood gushed out, and Han Zhuo's head rolled to the ground. The surrounding people and soldiers all exclaimed in surprise.

Emperor Nanchu closed his eyes, took a deep breath, and finally calmed his turbulent mood. Then he announced loudly under the gaze of everyone.

"The traitor has been slain. From today on, Nanchu and Shengling will put aside their past grudges and work together for peace. The people of both countries will share peace and prosperity."

On the training ground, the voice of Emperor Nan Chu echoed in everyone's ears.

However, everyone knew that the purpose of Emperor Nanchu's words was to express his stance to Ning Yunxiao.

As for the main character, Ning Yunxiao, his gaze passed lightly over Emperor Nan Chu and fell on the lifeless body, but he did not say a word. Instead, he turned his head and whispered a few words to the person next to him.

He said, "Ali, the Xu family's revenge has been achieved. What remains is the hatred of the nation."

Jiang Lige smiled and said, "I understand. Your Highness should prioritize the overall situation."

There is no need for words as their eyes move around, as their feelings for each other are already expressed without words.

Ning Yunxiao stood up slowly, his sleeves fluttering in the wind, making him stand out among the crowd of black-clad warriors.

"Peace between the two countries and the tranquility of the people are the general trend of the times. I have sent a pigeon back to the capital regarding the peace talks, and I believe a conclusion will be reached soon. In the meantime, there will be a truce, and I hope everyone can temporarily put aside their hatred. Wherever there is war, there is devastation, and we need everyone to work together to rebuild our homeland."

Ning Yunxiao's voice was steady and powerful, penetrating the noise of the crowd and falling into everyone's heart.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Nanchu also hurriedly responded.

"Your Highness is absolutely right. The people have suffered greatly in this battle, and I am deeply saddened. If we can use this opportunity to promote peace between our two countries, it is my wish and will bring happiness to the world!"

As Ning Yunxiao finished speaking, the atmosphere, which had been a little heavy due to the execution, gradually eased.

The civilians and soldiers nodded in agreement, and some even shed tears silently, their eyes filled with expectations for the future and desire for peace.

"Great, great!"

The cheers that rose one after another gradually echoed over the empty training ground, like a spring breeze blowing away the gloom and heaviness of the past few days.