Chapter 912 Wang Lang Persuades Him to Inherit the Throne

Chapter 912: 912 Wang Lang Persuades Him to Inherit the Throne

"The Han dynasty declined, eunuchs caused chaos, powerful clans ran rampant, the country was in turmoil, and the land was in turmoil. After the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Dong Zhuo, Cao Cao, and others rose up one after another, kidnapping the emperor and ravaging the people.

"As a result, in the imperial court, corrupt officials held office, and beasts ate the people’s salaries, leading to the rise of treacherous and heartless individuals in power.

"Slaves and sycophants held power, causing the nation to be reduced to ruins, and the people to suffer immensely.

"At this time of national crisis, what can I, as a veteran minister of the Han dynasty, do?

"I was born in Tao County, Xiliang. My ancestors have served the Han dynasty for generations, achieving great things in both civil and military affairs, pacifying Xiliang. I should be supporting the Han dynasty, ensuring its stability and prosperity. Why should I become a traitor? Plotting to usurp the throne, my crimes are heinous and unforgivable!"

After Lu Ming finished speaking, it seemed he was belittling himself, implying that he was utterly unqualified to inherit the throne.

" Whether it’s feigned concern or a show, it all proves one thing: Lu Ming does have this idea, but he needs to push it forward.

Wang Lang seemed to have received a hint or suggestion, so after Lu Ming finished speaking, he continued, bowing his head, "Since the reigns of Emperor Huan and Emperor Ling, the Yellow Turban Rebellion has raged, the world has been in turmoil, the state is in grave danger, and the people are in dire need of help. Your Highness, the Prince of Qin, has swept across the land, conquering all, winning the hearts of all people, and earning the admiration of all corners of the world. This was not achieved through power or force, but truly by the mandate of Heaven!"

"Your Highness, the Prince of Qin, is divinely gifted and martial, inheriting the throne, acting in accordance with Heaven and the people, following the example of Yao and Shun, ruling over all nations in China. Is this not the will of Heaven and the people?"

"Now Your Highness possesses great talent and ambition, comparing yourself to Guan Zhong and Yue Yi. Why then do you act against the principles of Heaven and the sentiments of humanity?"

"Have you not heard the ancients say: ’Those who obey Heaven prosper, those who defy Heaven perish.’ Now, our Great Qin boasts a million armored soldiers and a thousand excellent generals. The other feudal lords are but fireflies among rotten grass; how can they compare to the bright moon in the sky?

"If they surrender with honor and lay down their arms, they will still retain their titles and ranks. The country will be at peace, and the people will be happy. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?"

Lu Ming stroked his chin, looking thoughtfully at the kneeling officials.

"Jingzhou is not yet secured; how dare we speak of unification? This matter is over. Court adjourned!"

As Lu Ming left, the ministers in the court couldn’t help but look at the composed Jia Xu.

As the head of all officials, the Prime Minister was undoubtedly the one closest to the Emperor’s will.

Jia Xu simply said to them, "Go back and do your work diligently. When we have taken Jingzhou, we will then persuade His Highness to inherit the throne."

"If any of you have connections, you might as well write a letter to the gentry of Jingzhou, explaining the pros and cons. Whether they become wealthy gentlemen or die by the sword, they will surely know the answer."

Xu Shu left with Jia Xu; the matter of pacification was not urgent.

Today was merely a test, a beginning. It was all about building momentum. To seize the throne, momentum was essential.

Today was about building momentum. The ancients had the saying of three refusals and three offers; this was just a formality.

After the court session, the entire city of Zheng quickly received the news.

Everyone was discussing it. Relatives of wandering knights were spreading the word in the streets and alleys. These gossipy women might be difficult to get done with other things, but spreading gossip was a piece of cake!

"Have you heard? That damned Emperor Xian of Han is going to abdicate to the Prince of Qin!"

"Is there really such a good thing?"

"Your Highness Prince Qin is truly a saint! Without him, who knows how dark this world would be!"

"Yes! Yes! My nephew was conscripted, and I felt so sorry for his bride. But then His Highness came and let him come back. He has the heart of a bodhisattva!" "

Rumors circulated among the common people and within official circles.

Those with connections were frantically writing letters, the Prime Minister’s message clear:

Conquering Jingzhou would mean the day he would declare himself emperor.

And the amount of effort each person contributed would determine their future official rank. Therefore, everyone was pulling strings, writing letters outlining the advantages and disadvantages.

On the other hand, Guo Jia had already loosened restrictions, sending messengers into Xiangyang.

The besieged city of Xiangyang was gradually losing supplies and was now extremely wary, its soldiers dwindling with each battle.

They were also frequently targeted by sneak arrows, especially after the veteran general Huang Zhong took office, who launched a campaign of sneak arrows, using his superior archery skills to fire at the soldiers guarding the city gates from afar.

Often, a single shot was fatal, even..." Even without it, one would be crippled.

This led to a situation where no one dared to appear on the city walls, hiding beneath the parapets for fear of being targeted.

Morale in the city was low, and several organized counterattacks were repelled. A somber atmosphere permeated Xiangyang.

Moreover, as time passed, this atmosphere gradually became strange, revealing a subtle division.

Initially, Liu Biao had unconditionally trusted the four major families.

However, after Lady Cai returned to the Cai family and never came back, rumors circulated that the King of Qin intended to take her as a concubine, which made Liu Biao even more suspicious.

Furthermore, the Cai brothers had suffered a defeat; who knew if they had deliberately offered their lives!

The powerful families within the city had also been won over; the number of accusations received in just the past few days was countless, and even his youngest son, Liu Zong, was advising him... Surrender, like Liu Yu, and you might even preserve your life and fortune, perhaps even securing a minor official position.

Serving as an official is the same no matter who you serve, why risk your life?

Liu Zong was Liu Biao’s second son, born to Lady Cai.

Liu Zong received the news, delivered by his uncle Cai Mao.

It was a letter from Guo Jia, stating that if the Cai family helped the Qin army conquer Xiangyang, the King of Qin would take Lady Cai as his queen.

At that time, Cai Mao would be the emperor’s brother-in-law, naturally free from fear of retribution, and any merit would bring future rewards!

This letter shocked and tempted Cai Mao. His relationship with Liu Biao was merely one of subservience; Liu Biao was a member of the Han imperial family, while the Cai family was a powerful clan in Jingzhou. A union between them seemed like a good thing.

Now that Liu Biao’s ship was sinking, Cai Mao couldn’t possibly allow his family to... It was utterly unreasonable for the entire clan to be buried with the enemy.

Therefore, after careful consideration, Lady Cai chose to return to live with the Cai family.

To prepare for the future, even though she was a mature woman in her thirties, being chosen by Lu Ming was an honor.

The Cai family controlled the navy, which made Liu Biao hesitant to act rashly.

The Kuai family was also somewhat restless. Kuai Yue was loyal to Liu Biao, but the survival of a family could not be changed by loyalty alone.

The eight great families of Jingzhou—the Pang family (Pang Tong), the Ma family (Ma Liang and Ma Su), the Xi family, the Yang family (Yang Yi and Yang Ti), the Huang family (Huang Chengyan), the Cai family (Cai Mao), the Kuai family (Kuai Yue and Kuai Qi), and the Huan family (Huan Jie)—had all pledged allegiance to Lu Ming. Liu Biao, who could use them but dared not, was left with no one to rely on.