Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 669 - 669 0430 The Crown Princes Opinion_2

Chapter 669: Chapter 0430: The Crown Prince’s Opinion_2 Chapter 669: Chapter 0430: The Crown Prince’s Opinion_2 All the different reactions of the people around him were taken in by Qi Tian, who gave a chuckle as he recollected his latest scan via the Heavenly Dao Engine of the Bei Rong Crown Prince. This led him to discover a lot about the prince. With the sudden impulse to stir the pot, he turned his gaze towards the young prince and smiled lightly as he spoke, “Your Highness, might you shine a light on your perspective? Do you feel that your father should issue this Self-Admonishment Edict?”

The Bei Rong Crown Prince was stunned that Qi Tian had asked for his opinion. Although he was cursing inwardly, he quickly painted an expression of fear on his face, and tried to avoid having to contend with this issue. However, Qi Tian, not intending to give him the chance to voice his thoughts, spoke again, “I would strongly advise you to deliberate before answering this question of mine. Your response will determine my decision to insist on hosting you as a hostage in the Great Zhao Nation. If your answer pleases me, perhaps in my good mood, I might not demand your presence here after all.”

As Qi Tian’s words echoed out, the crown prince’s heart skipped a beat. He had no desire to become a hostage sent to a foreign nation like the Great Zhao. However, given his powerlessness against current circumstances and Qi Tian’s fearsome reputation, coupled with his added ultimatum of becoming a hostage or having his father executed so that a new heir could be appointed, what could he do? Though he might have concealed his true abilities, his power was not overwhelmingly superior. His first and foremost hurdle was the National Master, Jiang Yalin, who was fully loyal to his father. Even if he wanted to protest, he wouldn’t surpass the master’s might.

He had initially resigned himself to the fate of becoming a humiliated hostage, and thought it was a situation beyond salvation. But he had never anticipated that Qi Tian would throw him this lifeline. Regardless of his answer, he was certain that unpleasant outcomes awaited him. To his frustration, the person who proposed the question and the referee was Qi Tian himself. No matter how the prince answered the question, Qi Tian could always declare it incorrect. In other words, regardless of whether he answered correctly or not, unless Qi Tian was willing to accept his reply, he still had to unwillingly become a hostage.

The pressure was unbearable, and, given the choice, the Bei Rong Crown Prince would have preferred not to be present here. But the reality was, he couldn’t dodge Qi Tian’s question.

The Emperor of Bei Rong, too, heard Qi Tian’s question. Temporarily averting his gaze from the Self-Admonishment Edict, he wanted to hear how his son would answer. He couldn’t quite pinpoint when it had started, but he began to feel a sense of being unable to control his son. The seed that he thought was merely a patch of grass, hidden beneath him was gradually developing into a great tree, on the verge of displacing his dominance.

“Indeed, my dear son, I am very eager to hear your opinion.” The Emperor of Bei Rong also spoke in a moderate tone, seemingly unconcerned. However, both the National Master Jiang Yalin and the Crown Prince knew him well enough to understand that he was more likely to be bothered the less that he cared. Regardless of what was spoken or done at this moment, it was likely to be highly scrutinized by the Emperor of Bei Rong.

The Crown Prince of Bei Rong felt the pressure mounting. He glanced back and forth between Qi Tian and his father. The age gap between the two was great, yet both were grinning. But upon closer observation, it was clear that Qi Tian was brimming with profound confidence. He seemed as if everything was within his grasp. The Emperor of Bei Rong, on the other hand, strained to maintain a smile, revealing a hint of gloom, grimness, and cruelty.

The Crown Prince of Bei Rong let out an internal sigh, acknowledging that what must come will come, and it’s unavoidable. He said, “As a son, it is not my place to critique my father’s actions. But now, since both Master and my father wish to hear from me, I shall voice my humble opinion. I think that the Emperor, my father, should abide by Master’s request, issue the imperial edict to the world, and enact this Self-Admonishment Edict.”

Bitterly cornered by Qi Tian, the usually silent prince finally spoke at greater length.

“Really? Are these your sincere thoughts?” Qi Tian stared at the Bei Rong Crown Prince and asked.

The Bei Rong Crown Prince didn’t evade Qi Tian’s stare and respectfully replied, “Indeed, these are my true thoughts. In front of you, Master, I dare not lie.”

Qi Tian chuckled, turning to the Emperor of Bei Rong: “Your Majesty, did you hear that? The Crown Prince wants you to issue the edict to the world, so everyone knows you are declaring your guilt. That’s the Crown Prince’s idea.”

Upon hearing this, the Bei Rong Crown Prince almost overturned the table. He wished he could point straight at Qi Tian’s nose and confront him – could this man have any shame? Clearly, the Self-Admonishment Edict was premeditated by Qi Tian, who personally delivered it into the Emperor’s hands and required him to sign the edict. Yet, now, that had somehow become the ‘idea’ of the Crown Prince. He wanted to yell, “What kind of joke is this? This is no way to treat people!”

Ignored by Qi Tian, the latter’s eyes remained on the Emperor of Bei Rong. “Your Majesty, what do you think of the Crown Prince’s opinion?” he inquired.

The Emperor hid his clenched fist beneath his sleeve, his nails digging into his flesh. However, his face didn’t betray his emotions. He nodded, “I agree with the Crown Prince’s opinion. I will sign and seal this Self-Admonishment Edict now and circulate it throughout the world so that everyone knows that I will be accountable for the primary leadership responsibility for the invasion of the Great Zhao country.”

Then, the Emperor took out his stationery and imperial jade seal, witnessing Qi Tian, signed and sealed the Self-Admonishment Edict that had been prepared in advance by Qi Tian.

He prepared two copies of the Self-Admonishment Edict. After signing and sealing both copies, Qi Tian kept one while the other was handed over to the National Master, Jiang Yalin, by the Emperor. “Master Jiang, in accordance with the demand of Master Qi Tian, I request you to duplicate this Self-Admonishment Edict and circulate it throughout the world.”

“Of course.” Jiang Yalin took up the Self-Admonishment Edict. He kept his head low and mouth sealed. Although he was unafraid of the Emperor, at this moment, he didn’t wish to add fuel to the fire.

“Your Majesty, in addition to circulating the Self-Admonishment Edict throughout the world, you must also apologize to the citizens of Great Zhao.” Qi Tian calmly remarked after collecting the Self-Admonishment Edict.

The Emperor of Bei Rong stood up without hesitation and bowed to Qi Tian, “I apologize for my error, Master. I offer you my sincerest apology.”

National Master Jiang Yalin and the Bei Rong Crown Prince quickly stood up, ready to bow and apologize to Qi Tian.

Qi Tian waved his hand, saying, “Don’t rush to apologize to me. Although I am a citizen of Great Zhao, I don’t represent everyone. Also, Jin Jin, has Zhou Qingyu positioned his forces at the Yanming Pass yet?”

Jin Jin promptly replied, “About an hour ago, Zhou Qingyu, leading 3000 troops, officially garrisoned the Yanming Pass. He came to pay his respects to you, but I stopped him.”

An hour ago, while Qi Tian was cultivating, Jin Jin, on Qi Tian’s behalf, thwarted Zhou Qingyu’s plan to meet him. Hence, Qi Tian’s command, “In this case, find Zhou Qingyu and ask him to select seven or eight individuals from his army that represent a general cross-section of ranks. Let them get here quickly so they can accept the Emperor of Bei Rong’s apology.”

Jin Jin nodded and quickly left the city wall, and easily found Zhou Qingyu not too far away. Ideally, with the recapture of Wild Goose Falling Mountain, Zhou Qingyu should be very busy. However, understanding that Qi Tian was akin to a large tree that he could latch on to for support, it wasn’t a surety that he could do it, but actively approaching it wouldn’t hurt. There was a chance that he might successfully hold on to this tree, and his future in Great Zhao Nation would be smoother.

With this fleeting hope, Zhou Qingyu remained below the city walls, whether it was eating, drinking, or dealing with official business, he stayed put.