This kind of thing is basically unspeakable unless these people think they have too many heads. But they have to ask because it's a question from the Great Tang Empire.
To live or to die, that is a question. If the Shen Emperor truly wanted to be a dead man, he could resist to the end.
The reason why the Shen Emperor chose surrender negotiation is because he doesn't want to die, nor does he dare to die, or at least it's safe to say he is unwilling to die.
In reality, when death truly approaches, who would genuinely want to die? If there is hope, everyone wishes they could live.
...
The goblin troops trapped in Dingcheng also want to survive. The reason they have held on until now is because those familiar with the truth, few can endure until the next day.
