Two days later, the banquet was held at the Hall of Supreme Harmony in the Imperial Palace. The Hall of Supreme Harmony was chosen because of its literal meaning, symbolizing the hope that all four kingdoms would enjoy peace, prosperity, harmony, and well-being.
The banquet was attended by members of royal families from various countries, as well as officials of the third rank or above.
During the banquet, Rong Yuan brought up the peace agreement between the four countries. Many ministers agreed with it, but a small number of officials opposed it.
The first to be targeted was General Ji Wenzhong. He was skilled in martial arts and loved to fight. He and the Right Chancellor Lin Youguo were usually at odds, and Ji Wenzhong would disagree with anything the Right Chancellor agreed to.
"Your Majesty, our Azure Dragon Kingdom is now strong and well-equipped, with abundant resources and ample provisions for our army. Why sign such an agreement? Why not take this opportunity to conquer more cities and strive for our Azure Dragon Kingdom to rank first among the four kingdoms?"
Lin Youguo, standing nearby, scoffed at Ji Wenzhong's words: "Ji Wenzhong, just as you said, our Qinglong Kingdom is now strong and well-equipped, with abundant resources and ample provisions. Doesn't that prove that under His Majesty's rule, our Qinglong Kingdom is growing stronger day by day and is no less powerful than any other country? Why must we show it on the battlefield? Isn't it better for the country to be stable, for the people to be stable, and for the four kingdoms to be stable?"
Ji Wenzhong looked at Lin Youguo with disdain: "Prime Minister Lin, do you remember how the other countries bullied us when we were ranked last in the past? The tribute we paid every year, the suppression from other countries, and their disrespect towards us—have you forgotten all of this?"
Lin Youguo stood up: "That happened so many years ago, and so much time has passed, is there any need to bring it up? Besides, none of that matters anymore, Ji Wenzhong, you don't need to keep dwelling on it. Furthermore, what's wrong with peace? Ultimately, isn't it all for the good of the people? If you start a war, how many people will be sacrificed, how many will be displaced? Is that what you, Ji Wenzhong, want—the financial, material, and human resources lost?"
Ji Wenzhong pointed angrily at Lin Youguo: "You... There are sacrifices in war. I believe that our soldiers will fight for the country and die without any complaints."
"Can you guarantee that your soldiers are all orphans, without homes or responsibilities? They may be able to complain without complaint, but what about the civilians who have suffered because of the war and the homeless? Doesn't a country's financial, material, and human resources all come from its people? How can you bear to do this?"
"Say what you will, I disagree."
Ji Wenzhong couldn't argue with Lin Youguo, and at the same time, he felt that what Lin said made sense, but he just couldn't swallow his anger.
Emperor Rong Yuan listened quietly as they finished arguing. He actually understood Ji Wenzhong's feelings, after all, both Ji Wenzhong and the Right Chancellor were quite old and had experienced those oppressive times. Ji Wenzhong was also a military general, so it was inevitable that he would have some pride.
"Alright, General Ji and Prime Minister Lin, this matter was decided by me after careful consideration. You need not argue further; I understand your intentions. However, with the four kingdoms at peace, there is no need to waste resources and manpower on past events. Living well in the present is the most important thing. The reason for signing this four-kingdom peace agreement is so that for the next ten years, or even longer, our four kingdoms can enjoy the same prosperity we have today, where everyone, every nation, and every citizen is equal. There will be no longer any distinction between high and low status, nor between any two nations."
The officials below were whispering among themselves when Emperor Wuyou spoke first.
"Your Majesty of the Azure Dragon Kingdom, on behalf of our Holy Feather Kingdom, I first agree to sign the peace agreement between the four kingdoms that Your Majesty mentioned. Wuyou came here on the orders of my father, the Emperor, to discuss this matter. Originally, my father wanted to visit in person, but Your Majesty knows that my father has just taken office and has many things to deal with, so he sent Wuyou instead."
Rong Yuan was in a great mood: "Good, good, good. I am honored that you can come, my nephew Wuyou. Please give my regards to your father. I am very happy to welcome your father and his family to visit Qinglong Kingdom. I will personally receive them."
Emperor Wuyou nodded: "It is also an honor for our Holy Feather Kingdom."
After Emperor Wuyou sat down, You Xueming also stood up, and You Xuewu looked at her imperial brother in disbelief.
It seems my elder brother is also here to sign the four-nation agreement, but he has never mentioned it to him before.
You Xuewu gently tugged at You Xueming's sleeve: "Royal brother..."
You Xueming ignored her and quietly pulled out her sleeve.
"Your Majesty of the Azure Dragon Kingdom, Xue Ming has come here for this very reason. My father once told me that the four kingdoms are one family, and there is no distinction between high and low, noble and lowly, or ranked."
Rong Yuan waved his hand: "Good, good, you are all good children. When you go back, please give my regards to your father, the Emperor. At the same time, I also very much hope that he can come to Qinglong Kingdom."
You Xueming nodded: "It is also an honor for our Youlan Kingdom."
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