Chapter 397 Peace Negotiations
The barbarian army was thrown into chaos by the beasts, and the attack and defense map was also stolen by Sheng Sheng.
With the commander-in-chief dead, the morale of the barbarian army plummeted, compounded by their already pressing food shortage.
The barbarians have virtually no chance of turning the tide.
The people of Yu were not warlike; war was something that every soldier of Yu had to do to defend their homeland.
In the end, it is only the common people who suffer in wars between two countries.
Moreover, the barbarians have mobilized their entire strength for this war, and if the war against them continues, the barbarian people will certainly not fare well.
Therefore, after discussion, it was decided to negotiate peace with the barbarians.
This decision was made out of deep compassion for the people of both countries.
The war has exhausted both sides; continuing would only result in mutual destruction and widespread suffering.
Whether they were soldiers at Zhennanguan Pass or warriors of the barbarians, they all had families waiting for them to return home. Victory in war is ultimately not about destruction, but about protection.
Choosing to negotiate peace is not cowardice, but a responsibility that requires even more courage and wisdom. It can bring a chance for land ravaged by war to breathe and bring precious peace to the people of both countries.
Of course, Zhennanguan did not suffer any losses in this battle. If Xie Yunyang and Shengsheng had not arrived and brought a quick turnaround to Zhennanguan, would the barbarians have let them go so easily?
The barbarians sought to solve their own food supply problems, but this cannot justify their attempt to conquer other people's homes.
Therefore, the peace negotiations between Zhennanguan and the barbarians were naturally conditional.
First, the barbarians had to cede the three border cities they had previously occupied as compensation for their previous aggression.
Secondly, the barbarians need to compensate for the economic losses caused to Zhennanguan during the war and promise not to cross the border again for ten years.
Finally, and most importantly, the barbarians must release all the border peoples they had abducted during the war and ensure their safe return.
These three conditions were their final concessions.
The barbarians were brave and tenacious, and warlike by nature, but the current situation did not allow them to continue like this. Despite their reluctance, they had no choice but to negotiate peace.
Just then, a special envoy from the capital also brought back the imperial decree. However, the envoy did not expect that when he rushed to Zhennanguan, the war had already ended. He was shocked for a long time.
However, winning the battle was a great thing, especially since it also brought ten years of peace to the southwestern border region.
So, without even taking a break, the special envoy rushed back to the capital with the latest news from Zhennanguan.
When Xie Yunyang came over to tell Shengsheng the result, Shengsheng was by Yanhu's side, watching the military doctor apply medicine to Yanhu the whole time.
The army doctor was also a veterinarian because he often treated the horses in the camp.
Therefore, after the military doctor said that Yan Hu was not in any danger, Shen Shen breathed a huge sigh of relief.
But Hurt was incredibly strong, and he didn't hold back at all when he kicked Yan Hu, hitting him squarely in the abdomen, causing severe shock to Yan Hu's internal organs.
Although his life is not in danger, the abdominal injury means that Yan Hu will need a long period of rest and careful care.
If Yan Hu is not careful, he may suffer from a lifelong illness.
Sheng Sheng watched Yan Hu lying on the ground, his wounds bandaged but still trembling slightly from the intense pain, and felt a sharp pain in her heart, as if being pricked by needles.
"Yan Hu, I'm sorry..."
Yan Hu nuzzled against her: "I promised the Second Prince that I would protect you."
Besides, even without the Second Prince, I already consider you my master and my family.
Protecting you is my mission.
Sheng Sheng's eyes reddened even more, and she hugged Yan Hu and cried silently for a while.
Xie Yun-yang happened to see this scene when she came in. The little dumpling felt very guilty, and Xie Yun-yang frowned with heartache.
"how's it going?"
The military doctor briefly explained Yan Hu's condition to him: "With careful care, he will be just as before, Your Highnesses, please rest assured."
"Okay, thank you, medic."
The military doctor curtsied and withdrew.
Xie Yunyang sat next to Sheng Sheng and comforted her, "Don't worry too much. The military doctor said that as long as we take good care of her, Yan Hu will fully recover."
"Yes, Sheng Sheng knows." Sheng Sheng buried her head in Yan Hu's body and said in a muffled voice, "Sheng Sheng just feels very sorry for you."
Sheng Sheng sniffed, wiped her face, and perked up, asking him, "How's it going? What's the barbarian's attitude?"
"The barbarians have agreed to peace talks, and all their conditions have been met. My elder brother has also led people to bring the abducted people home," Xie Yun said. "The special envoy sent from the capital has already set off for the capital. Now we are just waiting for Father and the court to discuss the details of the peace talks. Before long, Yu Kingdom will sign a treaty with the barbarians."
Upon hearing this good news, Sheng Sheng finally smiled: "That's wonderful! It means there won't be any more wars on the southwestern border for the next ten years, and the people there can finally live a peaceful life!"
"Hmm." Xie Yunyang smiled as well. "This time, Shengsheng, you deserve the most credit. You not only minimized the losses at Zhennan Pass, but also brought us so many unexpected joys."
"Huh?" Sheng Sheng shook her head. "No, Sheng Sheng just used a little cleverness. How can that be considered a merit?"
"Why doesn't it count!"
Xie Yunli walked in with a carefree attitude, followed by Shi Tou. As soon as Shi Tou came in, he couldn't wait to rush to Sheng Sheng's side. First, he affectionately pressed his cheek against hers, and then he worriedly lay down next to Yan Hu, licking him with his big tongue.
"Waaaah, big brother, are you alright?"
Yan Hu turned his head away silently in disgust: "...It's nothing, your drool is really annoying."
The voice asked the stone, "How is it?"
Stone let out a howl: "Stone, as Master said, wanted to settle all the animals down temporarily, and Master went to express his gratitude to them personally. However, everyone said it was their honor to help Master, and besides, they hadn't done anything, so there was no need to be polite, and then they left. But Master, don't worry, I have already expressed my gratitude to them on your behalf!"
"Oh, I see." Sheng Sheng felt a little guilty. The animals had helped her a lot, how could she say she hadn't done anything?
She looked at the stone, feeling both touched and somewhat disappointed.
Those animal companions were so simple and kind, asking for nothing in return, which made her feel even more grateful to them.
She'll express her gratitude in another way when she has the chance later.
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