"To be honest." The Dorne Foreign Minister sighed and tiredly rubbed his temples. Facing the diplomats of the Great Tang Empire, he truly felt aged, with no energy left to maneuver around these fervent Tang People.
"This is already tantamount to unconditional surrender..." He paused, seeming to weigh his words: "We know the defeat is certain, we just hope to retain a bit of dignity and accept failure with grace."
The Tang Country diplomat slightly nodded, his tone calm: "It is evident that your country is indeed sincere. At least at the negotiating table, your attitude is commendable."
The Dorne Foreign Minister managed to squeeze out a slight smile: "We only request the assurance of the Royal Family's personal safety, including their relatives and servants. At the same time, we also hope to ensure the safety of the Ministers, as well as those law-abiding Nobility's safety and asset security..."
His voice lowered, carrying a hint of plea. This was the issue most concerning Dorne's high-ranking officials and one he must resolve—if after surrendering he still faces bankruptcy and losing his life, isn't it better to resist until the end? So everyone's basic bottom line is straightforward: give us a way to survive.
"Regarding this point..." The Tang Country diplomat's tone remained calm: "I have mentioned before, we can meet your demands. We are not interested in Dorne the First's life; we pursue peace and stability, not killing and plunder."
He paused and added, "As for the safety of Royal Family members and Ministers, we will also do our best to ensure it."
In reality, this was all he could guarantee because the Great Tang Empire would inevitably settle accounts with certain infamous criminals whose hands are stained with the people's blood. This is the policy of the Great Tang Empire and is part of which no compromise can be made.
Tang Mo has always believed that if the Great Tang Empire compromises with those relics of the old world, then his Great Tang Empire will certainly tread back onto its old path in the future and ultimately become corrupt and fallen, eventually being wiped out by others.
As a Monarch, what he wants is an eternal lineage and long-lasting rule... not to seek unification quickly and compromise with those fools who stand against the people.
"Regarding property..." The Tang Country diplomat's tone became serious: "In terms of protecting your private property, we can only safeguard lawful property after screening. Any property obtained through illegal means will be confiscated by law. Everyone, including you, is subject to this rule."
"I understand." The Dorne Foreign Minister nodded, taking out a handkerchief to wipe the sweat from his forehead: "We will fully cooperate with your investigation."
He had done his best to preserve the lives of the majority and that little Gold Coin in people's pockets... There's no other choice, as the Great Tang Empire's blade is already poised at his throat, he cannot afford to care about the fates of those usual rotten folks.
"All Dorne troops must lay down their arms and surrender immediately." Another diplomat from Tang Country emphasized his tone, speaking from the side as a reminder: "The way you're wasting time now, delaying the negotiation process, is extremely irresponsible towards Dorne soldiers and civilians. Every second of delay will leave thousands of Dorne People displaced, dead in the wilderness. I hope you can recognize the situation and make the right choice quickly."
The Dorne Foreign Minister continued to wipe the sweat off his forehead with the white handkerchief in his hand: "We have already issued orders to stop the resistance, all troops have received the ceasefire directive. However, our order transmission needs time, and the situation of each unit is not the same, some remote areas might still need some time to receive the orders."
At that moment, the assistant of the Tang Country diplomat walked to his side, leaning down to whisper a few words in his ear. After listening, the Tang Country diplomat's expression changed slightly.
"Sorry, please wait a moment. There's an urgent matter I need to deal with." He said to the Dorne Foreign Minister, then looked at his assistant: "What's the matter?"
The Dorne Foreign Minister looked at him in confusion, seemingly wanting to inquire about what exactly happened, unfortunately... no one here would answer his query because no one considered him of importance.
"Report, just received an urgent communication from the front line, news sent from the Air Force." The assistant leaned close to the Tang Country diplomat, lowering his voice: "A Dorne fighter jet attempted to attack our aircraft. The Air Force believes this incident might aid our subsequent negotiations."
The Tang Country diplomat's originally relaxed expression instantly froze, he turned to look at the Dorne Foreign Minister, who appeared bewildered, as if just roused from a dream.
"Didn't you say the resistance has stopped?" He asked with a hint of doubt in his voice: "Are you sure all resistance has ceased?"
The Dorne Foreign Minister rubbed his eyes, the expression in his eyes baffled. "Yes, we have issued a ceasefire command..."
"The information is absolutely true." The assistant interrupted again: "This Dorne fighter jet indeed fired two air-to-air missiles at our aircraft."
"Missiles?" The Tang Country diplomat raised his voice, asking unbelievably.
"Dorne's fighter jet? Fired missiles at us?" His tone was filled with shock and confusion.
He was familiar with every word in this sentence, but combined they left him somewhat bewildered. Where did Dorne's Air Force get missiles, what exactly was going on?