Chapter 560: He Should Be Let Go

Chapter 560 should have let him go.
Following this line of thought, Li Chen directly jumped into the first agenda item of today's court session.
"As you all know, yesterday we received good news from the front lines. Su Pingbei led our army to a decisive victory against the enemy forces of the Eastern Isles. Not only did we kill tens of thousands and capture countless prisoners, but we also captured the Eastern Isles' commander-in-chief, Kusachi Kyōjirō. This proves that in the Great Qin vs. Xian Dynasty war, we have won. And not just a win, a spectacular victory!"
At this point, Li Chen's gaze swept over the officials in Taihe Palace.
The vast majority of them were those who had insisted on opposing the military action at the time.
These people all turned away their eyes, embarrassed to meet Li Chen's gaze.
With a cold expression, Li Chen spoke: "This palace knows that some of you don't really think much of this victory. You believe that even if we win, it won't benefit the Qin Dynasty in any way and instead will cost the lives of many of our soldiers."
"As for such people, this palace has only one word: quickly remove your official hats and robes, go home to farm, and this palace will surely give you a few acres of fertile land where you can grow comfortably."
According to the battle reports, since the start of the war, over 40,000 enemy soldiers and officers have been killed.
"A mere little country like that, how many able-bodied men could the Eastern Isles muster? With a loss of 40,000 men, it would take them at least thirty years to recover. As for us, the pressure on our maritime defenses will be reduced by at least half."
"Therefore, this battle was not merely a battle of confidence fought at the cost of soldiers' lives and finances, but a battle that brought tangible benefits: a significant reduction in 30 years of coastal defense pressure!"
Li Chen's words were spoken with conviction, each syllable resonating in the Taihe Palace.
No one contradicted.

None dared to contradict further.
If we lose this battle, it's fine. But now that we've won, the Crown Prince is in high spirits and riding a wave of popularity. Who would dare to contradict him at this moment?
Seeing no one speaking, Li Chen continued, "This palace has ordered Su Pingbei to bring the main commander of the Eastern Isles, Kusuzaki Kyōjirō, back to the capital in advance. At that time, he will be executed in front of everyone under heaven, and let those barbarian countries see that offending my Great Qin Dynasty will have no good ending!"
At this moment, Wang Tenghuan suddenly stepped forward and said: “Your Highness, I have something to say.”
Li Chen looked at Wang Tenghuan, who had only one ear left but was still wearing the official robes of a first-rank scholar, and said nonchalantly, "Lord Wang, do you have anything to say?"
“In my humble opinion, after the Eastern Isles commander Soji Kyōjirō is escorted back to the capital, we should not execute him. Instead, we should return him to the Eastern Isles. This would demonstrate the magnanimity of our great nation. Otherwise, we risk being criticized for lacking tolerance and failing to be a gracious host.”
Wang Tenghuan's words obviously represent the thoughts of most officials.
So, as soon as Wang Tenghuan spoke, an official immediately echoed, "I agree."
"As Wang-daren has said, it is indeed so."
"That Dongying is but a small country, my great Qin using its military against them would be like using a cleaver to kill a chicken. If we were to capture their commander and execute him, it would make the foreign nations think that my great Qin is petty. It's better to let him go, allowing Dongying to be grateful to my great Qin. This would also be a beautiful thing. Other foreign nations seeing this would inevitably praise my great Qin for its magnanimity."
In the face of growing calls for the release of Cao Zhi, Li Chen remained expressionless.
He spoke slowly, "In this court, who else thinks Wang is reasonable? Come forward and let me see."