"Liu Yun, Crown Prince of Houcang Kingdom, pays respects to Emperor Taiping of Zhao Han!"
Zhao Cheng sat upright on the dragon throne, squinting as he sized up the crown prince below the steps.
Although he was the crown prince, he looked to be over forty years old, but he did not appear old and his eyes were very bright.
Zhao Cheng said, "I have heard from the Xuanwu Divine General that Your Highness is a martial arts master. Seeing you today, I can see that you are indeed extraordinary."
"The Emperor of Han is too modest."
Liu Yun smiled warmly and said respectfully, "Although I am a Grandmaster, I am the only Grandmaster in the entire Hou Cang. Compared to Zhao Han, I am worlds apart and dare not boast."
"But I've also heard that you were able to separate Cangwu and Luowushan with a single Flowing Cloud Water technique. Such a skill is probably the best in the world, isn't it?"
Liu Yun laughed and said, "The only one who can be called the greatest in the world is the Han Emperor!"
Although Liu Yun's flattery was pleasant and none of the officials in the hall objected, some people began to look at Liu Yun with new respect, feeling that his groveling to Zhao Cheng and his constant flattery were a disgrace to the integrity of the Hou Cang royal family.
"In the battle of Yongliang, the four grandmasters were no match for Wen Hu. It was only because the Han Emperor used his own life as bait to poison Wen Hu that the four grandmasters had the opportunity to kill him. The Han Emperor's strategy and courage are unparalleled, not to mention being the best in the world, what does it matter if he is the best in heaven?!"
Liu Yun raised his arms and continued, "Whether it's Cangwu or Luowushan, they are just warriors. Compared to the mighty Zhao Han, warriors are nothing to fear under the iron heel of the empire!"
Upon hearing this, even someone as thick-skinned as Zhao Cheng felt a little embarrassed, and those who had previously despised Liu Yun began to change their opinions of him.
This person may be groveling and flattering, but there's a skill involved!
"I am well aware of my own strength and the power of Zhao Han." Zhao Cheng coughed twice and asked, "What is the purpose of Your Highness's visit to Changsui this time?"
"This foreign envoy has come to present the letter of state!" Liu Yun took out the letter of state from his pocket and personally handed it to Huang Hua.
Huang Hua took the letter of state and handed it to Zhao Cheng, who was stunned after reading it.
"Does Hou Cang wish to submit to Zhao Han and be reduced to a fiefdom?"
These words immediately caused a great commotion in the court.
No one expected that while the Zhao Han court was debating whether it was war or not, the crown prince of Hou Cang would personally come to submit a letter of state, surrendering as a fiefdom. This was a surrender without a fight!
Could such a good thing really happen?
When Xiao Luofeng recaptured Southern Zhou, the Zhou territory surrendered without a fight because Kangye had fallen and the Southern Zhou emperor had died. Any resistance in the localities could only be carried out at the prefecture level, and it was not legitimate.
However, Houcang is easy to defend but difficult to attack. The Liu family has been operating in Yundu for generations, and frankly speaking, they can fight Zhao Han if it really comes down to it.
This is why the courtiers dared not believe it.
Zhao Cheng was also suspicious and said, "Since you Hou Cang are being so polite, I naturally have no reason to refuse. But I want the truth, otherwise it will be a hot potato."
Liu Yun cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, the truth is very simple. The people of Hou Cang do not want war, the army of Hou Cang do not want to fight, and my father and I do not want to start a war that we cannot win."
"It's that simple?"
"It's that simple."
Liu Yun sincerely said, "The Han emperor has been fighting since the Da Jing era, and may not know much about the lives of the people of Hou Cang. Under the Han emperor's rule, although the people of Hou Cang are not as wealthy as the people of Zhao and Han, they live very happily."
"Is all of this just for the sake of the people?"
"Why did the Han emperor unify the world? Why did he choose the reign title 'Taiping'? Wasn't it to ensure peace and prosperity for the people?"
Zhao Cheng narrowed his eyes even more, looking at Liu Yun's sincere face as he listened to him continue, "As for Hou Cang, we also have a choice. If Zhao Han is defeated by Wen Jin and ultimately destroyed by Wen Jin, then Hou Cang will definitely resist to the very end. Because Wen Hu is not a benevolent ruler!"
"Cough, cough..." Zhao Cheng put his fist to his mouth and said, "I was just too merciful..."
"Therefore, Hou Cang is willing to submit to Zhao Han, and hopes that the Han Emperor will treat the people of Hou Cang well!" Liu Yun said loudly.
During this conversation, Zhao Cheng had already sorted out his thoughts, and even felt a little ashamed in front of Liu Yun.
Zhao Cheng had seen countless people, and he could usually spot the pretense of ordinary people, but all he saw in Liu Yun was an aura of brilliance.
This guy is a saint!
But Zhao Cheng still wanted to try, so he leaned forward, his expression becoming serious, and asked, "Liu Yun, I ask you, is this your idea, or your father's idea?"
"Both my father and I share this intention."
"How is your father's health?"
Liu Yun paused for a moment, then sighed, "I'm getting old and plagued by serious illnesses."
Zhao Cheng narrowed his eyes for the third time and said, "Your father has been on the throne for a long time, and you have been the crown prince for thirty years. Now you are about to ascend to that position. Are you willing to be a prince in the future?"
Liu Yun suddenly laughed heartily and said, "Crown Prince, Emperor, or King—what difference does it make to my duties and life?"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Cheng's eyes finally lit up, and he burst into laughter. He slapped the armrest and shouted, "I accept Hou Cang's submission, but I have conditions!"
"Please speak, Emperor Han."
"I hereby enfeoff Yundu and the southwestern prefectures of Houcang as the Cang Kingdom, and the northeastern prefectures of Houcang as Zhao Han prefectures and counties. You should immediately write to your father and see if he agrees."
Liu Yun appeared calm, but the expressions of the courtiers in the hall varied.
Some looked at Liu Yun with concern, fearing he would get angry.
Some were amazed by Zhao Cheng's wisdom and quick thinking.
If Zhao Cheng had not made this condition, although Hou Cang had been demoted to a fiefdom, the Liu family would still govern Hou Cang in the same way. Although they would be affected by Zhao Han's national policies, their geographical and strategic position would not have changed.
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