in2ebook Chapter 389 Persuading Surrender
Chapter 389 Persuading Surrender
Fortunately, the defenders fought hard and barely blocked the charge of the Daqian army.
But it was only a temporary defense. Once more city walls were damaged, failure was inevitable.
At this time in the palace, the troubled Philip III summoned his ministers to discuss matters.
"Damn Daqian! Why on earth is this happening? Why do they have such advanced artillery?"
"How can we continue like this? Is our country really going to be destroyed?"
"Who among you can tell me what we should do?"
Philip III roared with a ferocious look on his face.
At this moment he was in extreme anger.
He really couldn't understand how Daqian invented such advanced cannon with such great power.
"Your Majesty, please calm down!"
"Your Majesty, the most important thing now is to solve the problem."
"Yes, Your Majesty, Daqian possesses such advanced weapons that it is indeed difficult for us to resist."
"In my opinion, Your Majesty should leave the capital and head to the western provinces before the Daqian sieges the city."
"If Your Majesty doesn't leave, and the Daqian army breaks through the city, everything will be over."
Several ministers advised.
"Hmph! As the emperor of a country, how can I abandon my people?"
"Even if I die, I won't leave."
Hearing what everyone said, Philip III snorted coldly.
His words were powerful and unquestionable.
Hearing this, all the ministers looked at each other in confusion.
They encouraged His Majesty to escape out of selfish motives, hoping to leave with His Majesty when the time comes.
But I didn't expect His Majesty to be so stubborn.
"Your Majesty, the current situation is extremely critical. It is best for you to evacuate as soon as possible."
A minister continued to advise.
"Shut up! You are afraid of death, but I am not."
"I would rather die on the battlefield than live in vain."
"Come, pass on my order. The entire city is under lockdown. No one is allowed to leave the city without my order."
"Anyone who violates this rule will be shot to death!"
"His Majesty!"
The ministers were shocked.
By doing this, Your Majesty, aren't you forcing everyone into a dead end?
"Shut up and do as I say!"
Philip III shouted angrily and turned away.
The ministers turned pale, knowing that the situation was hopeless.
Soon, the imperial guards blocked the four gates and no one was allowed to leave the city.
"Your Majesty, I have completed the task you requested."
In the back hall, the prime minister came to Philip III to report.
"Well, they were all sent out safely."
"Yes, Your Majesty, several princes and princesses have already left the city secretly."
"Well, that's good. This way I don't have to worry about it anymore."
"Your Majesty, do you really intend to live and die with the capital and not leave?"
The Prime Minister asked in a deep voice.
"I am the ruler of a country, how can I escape from the battlefield?"
"Besides, I am already old and will not live long anyway. You are still relatively young, and you are the only loyal minister among all the officials."
"I will allow you to escape when the city is breached. I will leave that secret passage to you. I hope you can escape safely with your family."
"Thank you for your grace!"
Upon hearing this, the prime minister knelt on the ground, tears of gratitude.
"Haha, my life is worth it, and my death will not be unfair!"
Then he looked up to the sky and let out a long roar.
"Your Majesty, I have something to report."
Suddenly, the Prime Minister's expression became serious.
"Oh, what's the matter?"
"Your Majesty, this is a secret letter from Daqian."
The Prime Minister took out a letter from his sleeve.
"How did you get the secret letter from Daqian?"
"Your Majesty, it was sent by a Daqian spy in the city."
The Prime Minister whispered.
"Huh? I can understand there are Daqian spies in the city, but how did he get the letter? Do they have a secret channel to communicate with the outside world?"
Philip III was surprised.
"No, Your Majesty, this letter was already written. He simply delivered it to me on the agreed date."
The Prime Minister smiled bitterly.
"Haha, you've already written it? You're really prepared for a rainy day."
Philip III sneered, then opened the letter and read it carefully.
After a moment, a gleam appeared in his eyes.
"Hahaha! Daqian actually wants me to surrender!"
"I am the emperor of the mighty Arab Empire! How could I submit to a mere Daqian!"
"What, a letter of surrender?"
The prime minister next to him was shocked when he heard his words.
"Yes, it is indeed a letter of persuasion to surrender."
"They said that as long as I surrender, they will guarantee the safety of me, my children, and my harem, and that I can also keep some of my property."
Philip III spoke slowly, a hint of sarcasm on his face.
"And then, how do they plan to accommodate His Majesty?"
The Prime Minister asked cautiously.
"They are going to send me to Europe."
Philip III said lightly.
“So that’s how it is…”
Hearing this, the prime minister seemed to be thinking about something.
"What's wrong, my dear, do you have any ideas?"
Philip III noticed the other party's abnormality.
"Your Majesty, I have something to say, but I'm not sure if I should say it or not."
The prime minister hesitated for a moment, but finally spoke.
"Tell me?"
"Your Majesty's determination to live and die with the capital is beyond my comprehension."
"But even if Your Majesty is determined and ultimately perishes with the capital, so what? The outcome will be what it will be."
"I believe that if Daqian can fulfill its promise, Your Majesty might consider it."
"My dear, what do you mean by this?"
"You want me to surrender?"
Hearing the prime minister's words, Philip III frowned slightly.
"That is exactly what I mean, Your Majesty."
"After all, meaningless sacrifice is worthless."
The Prime Minister took a deep breath and said.
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
"I am the great emperor of the Arab world, and I will never surrender to anyone!"
Philip III shouted sharply.
"Your Majesty, I actually have another reason that I haven't told you."
"Your Majesty, this letter was written before Daqian laid siege to the capital. This means that Daqian had already made preparations and was very far-sighted."
"So, if there is one letter, there may be a second, a third, or even more."
"These letters were hidden by their spies near the capital, or hidden somewhere else."
The Prime Minister spoke again.
"What do you want to say?"
"What I want to say is that they can persuade Your Majesty to surrender, and they can also persuade others to surrender."
"For example, important officials in the court, and generals in the army."
"Perhaps these letters have already been delivered to them, and some have already surrendered."
The Prime Minister said solemnly.
Before the prime minister finished speaking, the back hall suddenly became quiet and Philip III's face showed shock.
Obviously, he hadn't thought of this at all.
"Therefore, I implore Your Majesty to reconsider and make a decision as soon as possible. Otherwise, if time passes, we may be destroyed without even Daqian's attack!"
The Prime Minister said sincerely.
"I understand. I understand your opinion, my dear."
After hearing this, Philip III murmured.
Although he was unwilling, he also understood that the prime minister was right.
The letter of surrender was delivered to him, how could the important officials and generals in the court not have received it?
"Please step back first and let me think about it."
Philip III waved his hand wearily.
"According to the order!"
The prime minister bowed and then respectfully withdrew.