We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Feng Ji was dragged away by the guards, and eunuchs immediately came forward to clean up the bloodstains in the hall.

The air was filled with the smell of blood, but Emperor Qing and Li Che were both veterans of the battlefield, so they didn't feel uncomfortable.

Emperor Qing pondered for a moment, then said with a worried look on his face, "The incident has already happened. It's not enough to just punish the person who made the mistake. We need to find a way to remedy the situation."

The books sent to India were retrieved, but they are still in other countries.

The Ministry of Rites would present a reward to every envoy that came to pay homage to Emperor Qing, and the specifications of the return gifts were similar.

The Ministry of Rites was so lazy that God knows how many valuable books and drawings they gave away in order to save trouble.

"Che'er, do you have any ideas?" Emperor Qing asked.

Li Che pondered for a moment and felt that the situation was a bit tricky.

These books must definitely be recovered, but recovering the reward is easier said than done.

After all, Daqing still has its face to save. Even if it gives up its face, the envoys from other countries will probably not be willing to do so.

Moreover, there may be quite a few people who have already read the contents of the books and realized the value of this knowledge.

Don't underestimate the ambition of small countries. As long as the envoys are a little loyal, they will be willing to exchange their lives for these books.

Li Che's eyes flashed, and he said:

"We definitely have to take it back, but I'm afraid conventional methods won't work."

"Your Majesty, perhaps you can use today's incident with the Indian delegation as an example. Many delegations from other countries have disturbed the people since entering the capital."

"Using this as an excuse, Father can order a thorough search of the envoys' residences and confiscate their weapons."

"Take this opportunity to collect these books one by one according to the list and replace them with classics, history, and miscellaneous works. Then Daqing's worries will be relieved."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Qing hesitated and said, "While this move can solve the problem, isn't it a bit too overbearing? I'm afraid it will affect the other countries' views of Daqing."

The Confucian idea of ​​magnanimity in a great country is deeply rooted. Even a powerful ruler like Emperor Qing believes in using courtesy to win people over.

This idea cannot be said to be wrong, but we should not be rigid in looking at things and should deal with them based on the facts.

The current situation is definitely not the time to convince people with reason.

Li Che said, "Father, if the delegation has the intention of peace, they will not resist our search."

"But if someone shows resistance, it means they have something to hide and are a potential enemy of Daqing."

"We don't need to treat our enemies with courtesy. The tougher we act, the more submissive they become."

After hearing this, Emperor Qing was still hesitant.

This year's New Year's Day Ceremony was the first to have so many countries come to pay homage, which means that Daqing has won the respect of neighboring countries.

If this incident offends envoys from other countries and they all break off diplomatic relations with Daqing, it would become a diplomatic incident.

Seeing that Emperor Qing was silent, Li Che immediately understood what he was worried about.

After thinking for a moment, Li Che suddenly remembered something and said, "Father, I am willing to share your worries on this matter!"

"Oh?" Emperor Qing raised his head.

"Your Majesty, please issue an order and leave this matter entirely to your son. I will personally lead my soldiers to the embassy to search for the books."

"If this displeases the envoys, Your Majesty, please feel free to blame it on me and simply say you didn't know I would act this way."

"Then, Father, all you need to do is issue an imperial decree to punish me, comfort the envoys with kind words, and then bestow some gold and silver as a soothing gift. The envoys from other countries will no longer harbor resentment towards you, but will instead be filled with gratitude."

Emperor Qing looked surprised and felt a little moved.

Is Lao Liu going to take the blame and bear the resentment and criticism from the envoys of various countries?

Emperor Qing didn't know why Li Che did this. He had always been the one who sacrificed for the princes and took on tremendous pressure to make each of his sons a king.

But with so many sons, they only have their eyes on the throne under him. Has anyone ever thought of truly sharing his worries?

Instead, it was Lao Liu, the person he once disliked the most, who stood up at the critical moment.

Guilt flashed in Emperor Qing's eyes: "Che'er...why did it come to this?"

Li Che smiled slightly and said seriously: "As a prince, I should share the worries of my father and the emperor. This is my responsibility as a prince."

"Furthermore, this matter was caused by Feng Ji. He used my reputation to commit crimes. Although I did not instigate it, I was also guilty of negligence and should be held responsible for it."

"Besides, I am a vassal king on the border, and my fiefdom is in a remote place outside the Great Wall. Even if these envoys hate me to the core, they can't do anything to me."

Emperor Qing sighed, "Foolish child, do you know... if the nations harbor resentment towards you, it will be extremely disadvantageous to you in the future."

Although Emperor Qing's words were very obscure, Li Che understood immediately that he was talking about the position of crown prince.

The position of the emperor was too critical. Not only did it cause endless fighting within the country, but it also affected the political environment of neighboring countries.

Just like Song Renzong, when he passed away, Yelu Hongji of Liao also changed his face and sighed, "I haven't thought about war for forty-two years." Then he burst into tears and built a cenotaph for Song Renzong.

If Li Che takes over this matter now, other countries will surely be dissatisfied with him, which will directly affect his chances of winning the throne.

After all, the ministers did not want the succeeding emperor to be hated by all the surrounding countries, and not want the emperor to be criticized by the people of Daqing because of his personal reasons.

Li Che was certainly aware of this, but he didn't care.

Fengguo is going to take the path of industrial development, which will inevitably be accompanied by high-intensity industrial competition and colonial rule over other countries.

To me, the countries around me are enemies, not friends!

By then, neighboring countries will not hate us, but will only fear us.

As the fear deepens, it turns into a fanatical worship.

Besides, Li Che is not someone who will suffer a loss.

This job seems to be of no benefit to him and has attracted a lot of hatred for him, but in fact it is a great opportunity to reach out to other countries.

Li Che was very concerned about several of the countries that came to Daqing to pay tribute.

Taking this opportunity, Li Che can find a way to establish contact with them and lay the groundwork for future plans.

Thinking of this, Li Che's eyes became clear, and he raised his hands and bowed again:

"Your Majesty, I am determined. It is my duty to help the country. I beg Your Majesty to grant my wish!"