Human Clan Defender-Chapter 615 - s 9 to 12: Demon Evil Attacks the City, The Barking of Dogs (Four in One, Requesting Monthly Tickets)_6

However, Gu Xing dared not agree to the peace talks with the Barbarian Clan on his own. If there were indeed any problems with it, he would find himself in trouble. Ascending the throne did not equate to being able to do whatever he desired. On the contrary, the responsibility and pressure were even greater, and a single misstep could have immeasurable consequences.

After a long silence, Gu Xing looked towards the other officials. "The proposal of the Barbarian Clan's envoy is clear to all. I wonder, what are your thoughts on this matter?"

As soon as he finished speaking, someone immediately stepped forward. "Your Majesty, the Barbarian Clan is cunning. Even if we agree to peace now, they may not abide by it later. It would be better to let the Demon Evil eradicate the Barbarian Clan, thus removing a future threat to Great Qin once and for all."

"Your Excellency is mistaken," Kurzan said, his eyebrows arching slightly as he directly interrupted the speaker. "Our clan's invasion of the Great Wilderness Prefecture was solely for survival. If we could reach peace with Great Qin, mutually sharing resources, and my clan could gain basic resources, then why would we waste lives attacking Great Qin? To put it plainly, we are merely seeking a way to live. I believe that if Great Qin were in the position my clan originally was, you would make the same choice." Towards the end of his speech, he looked at Gu Xing and gave a slight bow.

Upon hearing this, some of the ministers imperceptibly nodded their agreement. In their view, Kurzan's words indeed had no fault. The Barbarian Clan's environment was harsh. Coupled with a large population and insufficient resources, a considerable number of people died from starvation each year.

Gu Xing heard this but did not immediately respond. At this moment, Kurzan continued, "Moreover, the Demon Evil are a common enemy to both of us. Should they annihilate my clan, it is possible that all our people might be transformed into Dead Corpses. Emperor Qin, consider this: millions of Barbarians transformed into Dead Corpses, under the command of the Demon Evil, assaulting the Great Wilderness Prefecture. By then, there would be havoc and great suffering!"

At these words, the expressions of many present changed. Although what the envoy said was somewhat alarmist, it wasn't without possibility. If the Barbarian Clan were to be exterminated, the Demon Evil truly might drive the Dead Corpses to invade Great Qin. If such an event were to happen, the casualties would be far from few.

Gu Xing felt a tremor in his heart. He knew that what Kurzan had said was not without reason.

At this time, General Wei Gao, who had returned from the Great Wilderness Prefecture, stepped out, his expression cold. "Great Qin fears no war! The Barbarian Clan slaughtered the people of our Great Qin; this hatred is irreconcilable! If they were to perish at the hands of the Demon Evil, it would be a great satisfaction to all."

"General Wei, I understand you have a deep prejudice against my clan, but what war has ever been without death? Why should you, for your personal desire for vengeance, cause suffering for the rest of Great Qin's people?" Kurzan's face also turned cold.

Just then, a calm voice came from outside the hall. "In the Imperial Court, whence comes this sound of dogs yapping? It's truly detestable!"

Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall momentarily froze. Kurzan's expression darkened. He turned to look towards the entrance of the hall and saw two individuals walking in slowly. "Who are you, to dare speak so impertinently here?" He recognized Dongfang Zhao but did not recognize the person beside him, yet it was the latter who had spoken.

Subsequently, Kurzan turned to Gu Xing with a cupped-fist salute, his expression displeased as he looked at Shen Changqing. "Emperor Qin is present, and yet you openly hurl insults. Do you have no understanding of hierarchy and respect?"

While he spoke, the civil and military officials bowed and paid their respects to the newcomer. "Greetings to Lord Shen!"

The Great Qin Defender. His position was equivalent to an imperial kinsman of Great Qin not bearing the imperial surname; his status and rank were not far below that of Emperor Qin himself. Seeing Shen Changqing, regardless of their position in court, all had to greet him respectfully.

Lord Shen! Hearing this title, Kurzan was inwardly shocked. There were many with the surname Shen in the world, but only one who could command such regard from all civil and military officials, and who also bore the surname Shen, could exist.

At this, Gu Xing felt a wave of relief, and a warm smile appeared on his face. "It turns out Defender Shen has arrived. Your arrival is timely, as we are discussing this matter with the Barbarian Clan. Perhaps the Demon-Subduing Division also has some views to share."

With that statement, Kurzan was completely certain of the newcomer's identity. The Great Qin Defender! Shen Changqing! Recalling his own previous words, he felt momentarily disoriented, but then, thinking of his status and the Barbarian Clan he represented, he regained his composure.

As the figure approached, Kurzan greeted him with a clasped fist. "So it is the Great Qin Defender. I failed to recognize Mount Tai before my eyes; I hope Defender Shen will be magnanimous." His tone was somewhat enthusiastic, but the other party ignored him, making him look rather uncomfortable.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!" Arriving at the center of the hall, Shen Changqing gave a slight cupped-fist salute.

Gu Xing commanded, "Attendants, bring a seat!"

"'A seat won't be necessary.' Shen Changqing waved his hand. The eunuch, who was just about to fetch a chair, paused and looked towards the Emperor. Gu Xing made a slight gesture, indicating that it was not needed."

"I happened to hear quite a bit of the discussion in court just now," Shen Changqing said. "Regarding this, I wonder, what are Your Majesty's thoughts?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xing gently shook his head. "Regarding this matter, I myself am somewhat undecided. It would be good to hear Defender Shen's opinion on the Barbarian Clan's desire to negotiate peace with Great Qin." He genuinely found it a hard choice to make. To fight or to make peace—each decision could lead to unpredictable consequences. If only the decision could be made by someone else, there wouldn't be a problem.