Xu Ding said, "We are incompetent, but how innocent are the people of Qi Country. Behind you, this Qingzhou City houses tens of thousands of families, yet none have fled. They still believe they can survive. I only ask that the two of you cease the war, and do not let Qingzhou City become a wasteland of suffering souls."

Wei Junzhuo’s eyes deepened as he looked at the father and son before him, suddenly recalling his younger self.

Rong Heng’s voice was clear and indifferent as he retorted, "Wei Junzhuo, do you truly believe that Wei Country’s advantage in numbers means a greater chance of victory over Yan Country?"

"Prince, the Pingnan Army is still here!"

Su Yi arrived just after bandaging his shoulder wound, catching Rong Heng’s words, and shouted loudly.

Wei Junzhuo looked at these Yan people around him, their eyes devoid of fear, while in the night, the citizens of Qingzhou City knelt, begging for mercy alongside Xu Shu.

Yet, the faces of the Wei soldiers around him showed hesitation.

A sense of powerlessness suddenly rose in Wei Junzhuo’s heart.

Rong Heng said he had forgotten his true self, 𝗳𝐫𝚎𝗲𝚠𝚎𝗯𝕟𝐨𝘃𝚎𝗹.𝗰𝗼𝗺

his true self,

was simply to live well and not be bullied by anyone anymore, which he had long achieved. So why had he relentlessly waged war? He and his sister seemed, without realizing it, to have become another Yuan Zhen.

"Great General... perhaps we should withdraw."

"Great General, if we continue, we probably can’t defeat these Yan people..."

"General, the hearts of Qingzhou’s people are lost. It’s better to abandon it, and we should consider the long-term strategy."

As whispers of doubt and defeat reached his ears, Wei Junzhuo realized that this expedition could go no further. The Wei Army had lost its fighting spirit, and continuing would surely lead to defeat. He, too, was growing weary.

In war, there are no true winners.

Wei Junzhuo withdrew the long halberd in his hand, his clear voice echoing across the battlefield:

"Since Qingzhou City is already retaken by you, I do not wish for more unnecessary sacrifices... Great Wei is willing to withdraw, but the cities previously captured by me are now Wei territory and will not be ceded."

"The General is wise!" The Wei commanders heaved a sigh of relief, collectively cheering.

"Thank you, Great General, for fulfilling Qi... No, from now on, there will be no Qi Country." Still kneeling, Xu Ding wept tears of joy.

He indeed was not fit to be a king, only clinging to powerful nations for survival, but he truly loved his people as his children, unwilling for Qi to become ruins from the war between Yan and Wei, unwilling for his people to suffer the ravages of war.

"I thank the Great General and the Prince on behalf of the people of Qingzhou for restoring peace, congratulating Yan and Wei for achieving armistice and turning swords into plowshares," Xu Ding cried.

"Thank you, Great General, thank you, Prince!"

Within the city, the cheers of the soldiers and civilians rose to the sky.

"Armistice..." Rong Heng murmured softly, his eyes subtly reddening.

Wei Junzhuo took a deep breath and said coldly:

"Between Great Wei and Yan Country, the east shall be bounded by Qingzhou, the west by the Cang River. Yan people shall not cross the boundary, and Wei shall not raise arms."

Rong Heng immediately responded, nodding decisively and quickly saying:

"With this agreement, I, as Prince Xiang of Dayan, on behalf of the Emperor of Dayan, pledge renewed friendship with Wei Country, for generations, never to violate."

Wei Junzhuo’s mouth twitched as he said, "Who said for generations—"

Now, half of Qi Country was occupied by Wei Country. He needed time to digest thoroughly. In three to five years, ten to eight years, if the Yan people showed any sign of restlessness, wouldn’t he strike preemptively?

Wei Chengyuan spoke softly, "Brother, now that we won’t fight, when will you take me to see Sister?"

Wei Junzhuo’s retort was caught in his throat, and he subconsciously replied, "I’ll take you home right away, brother."

"Then be quick. After I see Sister, I want to tell Lanlan everything. She loves stories the most; this time’s story will be especially interesting," Wei Chengyuan said, his amber-like eyes curving, resembling a fluffy dog.

Wei Junzhuo’s heart softened instantly.

Rong Heng rolled his eyes, "It’s okay; you can stay with your brother and sister for a lifetime. I, representing Dayan, will send Deputy General Wei Chengyuan to Wei Country for marriage. You can dispose of him as you wish."

Wei Chengyuan: "..."

The sky had darkened, and after a simple cleanup of the battlefield, the Yan army entered the city in an orderly manner.