He knew some of this information, and he didn't know some of it.
But Zhao Muyun's confident statement clearly indicated that he had already made up his mind.
"General...is there really hope for the revival of the Great Yin Dynasty?" he asked in a trembling voice.
"It's not that it exists, it's that it's already reviving." Zhao Muyun turned around. "His Majesty is young and capable, the Great Yin is militarily strong and prosperous—"
He walked up to Zhao Guang and said, word by word, "The hearts of the people still belong to the Yin Dynasty. Although Li Jingang was emperor for a year, there is lamentation everywhere."
"As for my Great Yin, the new emperor issued an edict to reduce taxes and grant amnesty to the whole country as soon as he ascended the throne. The people's hearts are with us, and this is the fundamental reason."
"Furthermore, within our Great Yin, there are also foreign tribes such as the Wuhuan, Murong, Qiangrong, and Dangxiang living together. What's wrong with having one more Nanyue?"
Zhao Guang remained silent for a long time before finally taking a deep breath: "General, I am willing to write this letter. But... could you grant me a request?"
"explain."
"If my uncle submits, please do not strip him of his title or his military power. Lingnan is remote, with high mountains and dangerous roads, and it is difficult for non-locals to govern it."
Zhao Guang solemnly said, "My uncle has managed Lingnan for thirty years. Although he declared himself king, he protected the territory and its people and never invaded the Central Plains. I beg the court... to grant him a peaceful end."
Zhao Muyun looked at Zhao Guang, a hint of admiration flashing in her eyes.
“Very well, I agree.” He nodded. “Not only will I not strip him of his title, but I will also officially confer upon him the title of ‘King of Nanyue,’ a hereditary title.”
"He will still be in charge of military and political affairs in Lingnan. He only needs to pay tribute on time and follow the calendar."
After the dynasty is unified, it is not necessary to reclaim it militarily; political and economic means are also acceptable.
Zhao Guang was overjoyed and knelt down to kowtow: "Thank you, General!"
"Get up," Zhao Muyun helped him up. "Now, may we write a letter?"
"This humble general will write it right away!"
Zhao Guang sat back down at his desk, and this time without hesitation, picked up his brush and began to write.
The letter was written in a mixture of Lingnan dialect and Mandarin. Zhao Muyun watched it from the side. Although he couldn't understand it all, he could grasp the general meaning.
In the letter, Zhao Guangxian first reported the defeat at Lushan and his capture, but deliberately downplayed the tragic nature of the defeat, only saying that he was "ambushed by Yin's army and could not defeat them despite his best efforts."
He then described in detail the courteous treatment Zhao Muyun had shown him, as well as the terms of surrender offered by the Dayin court:
The title of King of Nanyue was recognized, the hereditary succession was permitted, Lingnan's autonomy was guaranteed, and the salt and iron monopoly remained unchanged.
Naturally, Zhao Muyun would definitely want to acquire the resources of Nanyue, such as rice, rubber, and tropical crops like timber.
However, Zhao Muyun did not bring it up here, as it would be too early to do so, and it could be developed gradually in the future.
He then analyzed the general trend of the world and pointed out that Li Jingang's defeat was already evident and the restoration of the Great Yin Dynasty was imminent.
He then reminded Zhao Mu: "Uncle is getting old and should think about his descendants. Li Jingang makes empty promises but is unable to fulfill them, while Yinchao provides real benefits and can ensure long-term stability. It is obvious which is better."
Finally, he wrote emotionally as his nephew:
“My nephew is unfilial. He was defeated and captured. He should have committed suicide to preserve his honor.”
"However, the general treated him with courtesy, explained the greater good to him, and said that the world was about to be settled and the people longed for peace."
“After much deliberation, I believe that if I were to jeopardize the future of millions of people in Lingnan for the sake of my own reputation, it would be a grave sin. Therefore, I dare to offer this advice, hoping that you will reconsider, Uncle.”
After writing the last character, Zhao Guang put down his pen and let out a long breath.
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