Chapter 1462: Chapter 1379: A Once-Unreachable Hope

“What ill intentions could I possibly have? It’s just that Imperial Concubine Ying Yue misses her father and hopes that he and those brothers and sisters could come and stay in Chang’an for a while.” Tang Mo spoke seriously as he received the envoy from the Great Qin Empire.

At times like these, letting the Qin Country go really was wishful thinking. It’s not just that Tang Mo has controlled the Great Tang Empire for so many years and has long since developed the mindset of an emperor. Even before he crossed centuries when he was an arms dealer, he understood the principle of leaving no chance for the opponent.

The current Qin Country has very little chance of a comeback unless Tang Country makes a serious mistake on their own side, and not just once or twice. Otherwise, the direction of the war won’t change.

“Your Majesty! The Great Tang Empire has already taken Chu Territory and Dahua. Couldn’t it let the Great Qin Empire have some parts, and the two countries coexist peacefully, forming close kinship ties between in-laws? Isn’t this something enviable?” The Qin State Envoy pleaded, bracing himself.

He had previously offered numerous conditions, including recognizing the Great Tang Empire’s rule over the Dahua region, the withdrawal of the Qin Army from the Dahua region, and ceding half of Shu Territory, among others.

Additionally, the Qin Country would compensate the Great Tang Empire with a large sum, and even be willing to bow their head and accept the Great Tang Empire as the overlord of the Western Continent.

But all these conditions were personally rejected by His Majesty The Emperor of the Great Tang Empire. Tang Mo had no intention of using the diplomatic department as a buffer; he directly met the envoy from the Qin Country and stated his purpose.

Indeed, Tang Country intends to devour Qin Country, becoming the sole country on the Western Continent — as for the Orc Empire on the other side of Qin Country, that’s just fish on the chopping block.

Great Tang Empire’s ambition to control the entire Western Continent no longer needs to be hidden. Tang Mo even wants to become master of this world, and this has already become the consensus of many ministers of Tang Country.

This is the reason why many subjects of the Great Tang Empire willingly assist Tang Mo, wishing to change for Tang Mo, and transform themselves to become the backbone of the Great Tang Empire.

In their former countries, they were unable to touch that ultimate goal of being subjects, being part of the ruling class, reaching the pinnacle of power, and they couldn’t see the hope of achieving their highest political aspirations.

But now, they found that the dream that was once beyond reach was within their grasp! For this dream, those past temptations seem to have lost their charm.

Yes, they’ve seen the hope of achieving their life’s goals — unification of the world! They’ve envisioned the future where the Great Tang Empire sweeps across and sees their names recorded in history, awaited the opportunity to exercise what they’ve learned their entire lives…

It’s a stage that they never dared dream of before, where the spotlight shines with an enticing glow.

Those former Prime Ministers in Dahua, ministers surviving in Qi Country, generals frustrated in Zheng Country, and the humble ones trampled in Brunas… they all have the opportunity to rule the entire world!

Faced with such an opportunity, who would be willing to give it up? Who would continue to indulge in the gold and silver treasures before them, who would short-sightedly choose to degenerate?

They want to be the Prime Minister of this world, to be the invincible generals, to be the great men leading the era, to be the brightest star beneath the emperor!

When the entire country is running for that ultimate goal, not even the emperor can stop the machine from turning. Those who try to stop it will inevitably be crushed by inertia.

“Let me ask you a question, and I hope you can answer me honestly.” Tang Mo stared into the eyes of the Qin State Envoy and slowly spoke: “Tell me, if you were me or my subjects, would you give up such an opportunity?”

He didn’t specify what opportunity, but the Qin State Envoy thought of something he never dared imagine before in an instant. Although he hadn’t touched it, it was deeply buried in his heart…

Thus the Qin State Envoy hesitated; he was silent, flustered not knowing how to respond. He wanted to speak but it was as if something choked his throat. His mouth opened and closed repeatedly but he couldn’t make a sound.

At this moment, he really wanted to worship the man before him, but he still forced himself to stabilize his emotions as his knees almost bent.

So, he lowered his head, silent without speaking, which was as good as giving an answer that didn’t betray his own conscience, an answer that he didn’t need to voice but was crystal clear.

“Go back and tell Emperor Ying Duo that I do not wish to see more slaughter; sibling rivalry is displeasing. If he can come to Chang’an and end this war, I would be grateful for his contribution to the Great Tang Empire.” Tang Mo extended great goodwill, hoping for the war to end a day earlier.

This was already the greatest compromise he offered: If Emperor Qin Ying Duo is willing to submit, then the gratitude of the Emperor of the Great Tang would be extremely “valuable”. Tang Mo’s gratitude might sometimes be more useful than sitting on the throne, who knows.

Unfortunately, Ying Duo isn’t someone who would give up his power. At this moment, he is making great efforts to mobilize the military, hoping to halt the advance of the Tang Army.

It proves that no one is willing to easily relinquish what they hold, nearly everyone stubbornly clings to their wealth and power, willing to struggle until the last moment.

True sages are rare, and Emperor Qin Ying Duo clearly isn’t one. He’s already pushed recruitment to the point of madness, a million Qin Army has been armed, then sent to the front line relying on less-than-strong transport capabilities.

These troops have almost no training, they were merely given guns. Most commanders are appointed from rear officers or retired officers and soldiers, the troops lack artillery, and even communication equipment is woefully sparse.

The Qin Country side understands this clearly: Since the radio would be jammed, why bother with communication at all? Just let the troops use old tactics and rely on couriers to convey orders! Anyway, commanders are old-timers, back in their day they fought using couriers, so it’s more convenient now.

While Qin Army madly expands, Tang Country’s 7th Corps have already advanced their defense line to within 70 kilometers of Qingluan Port. They have also established contact with the northeastern 6th Group Army and received some supplies.

Further north, the 8th Corps already spans across Shu Mountain front, with the 1st Corps deployed behind.

Ying Xu faced with hundreds of thousands of Tang Army has been scared out of his wits, fortunately, someone has helped share part of the pressure: The returned Zhang Xuan was appointed as the highest commander in Shu Territory, taking over Ying Xu’s command.