Chapter 1229 - 303: Flames of War Rise (Part 2)

Chapter 1229: Chapter 303: Flames of War Rise (Part 2)

Therefore,

it is most appropriate for Tian Wujing to lead the troops and immediately attack the Chu State from the Three Jin lands, considering that the military power in the Three Jin lands has long been under the control of Lord Jingnan.

On the way to the capital earlier,

Lord Pingye proved it by using Lord Jingnan’s military order to directly dispatch various camps outside Ying Capital City.

Finally,

the Yan Emperor nodded,

and said:

"Tomorrow’s court meeting will first set the war agenda, and then directly point towards attacking Chu."

Below, the high-ranking officials in the royal court bowed together:

"We obey the order."

"We obey the order."

The meaning is simple, today’s theme has been confirmed, and when you return, communicate with your respective factions. Tomorrow, everyone together will formally confirm these two guidelines.

In fact, the words of the Yan Emperor, like those of the Crown Prince earlier, damage the image of a "holy ruler."

Speaking so clearly and openly about such manipulative political control is obviously inappropriate.

But while they dare to criticize and question the Crown Prince,

no one dares to question the Yan Emperor.

"That’s enough, Zheng Fan, stay behind."

"We take our leave."

"This child takes his leave."

The officials and the two Princes left.

Wei Zhonghe led a group of eunuchs to remove the chairs but left one behind. He even moved it forward, indicating that Lord Zheng should sit closer to His Majesty.

The Emperor has many daily affairs, and he doesn’t waste time every day on "granting seats" or "granting tea" or "sitting closer." It has to be translated through this close eunuch.

Lord Zheng sat down,

the Yan Emperor stood up and left the imperial desk.

As the Emperor stood up, Lord Zheng could only stand up again.

"It’s been quite a while since we last met, hasn’t it?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, it has been more than two years."

"Yes, time passes quickly."

"Although I have not witnessed Your Majesty’s august presence for more than two years, the imperial grace has always been beside me."

The Yan Emperor laughed upon hearing this, and said:

"You’re something else. Clearly a general, yet you speak flatteringly more smoothly than those sycophantic ministers."

"......" Zheng Fan.

"Zheng Fan, tell me, is it the times that create heroes, or do heroes create the times?"

"I believe it can be both."

"I dislike hearing vague answers from subjects."

"Forgive me, Your Majesty. That’s not what I meant. In my view, it’s the times that create heroes. If it weren’t for your wise and valorous reign, extending outward, I certainly couldn’t have been ennobled through military merit. Perhaps I would still only be a commoner or a low-ranking officer and Commander in Hutou City or Green Willow Fortress;

but in Your Majesty’s case, it is heroes who create the times.

National wars are decided by your thoughts, thousands of Tiger Guards are expanding territories for you, rises and falls of tides are all controlled by your will."

The Yan Emperor pointed at Wei Zhonghe beside him,

and said:

"Learn."

Wei Zhonghe immediately smiled, "The servant is constantly learning."

"Zheng Fan, now it’s just you and me. Tell me, how difficult is it really to attack Town South Pass?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, Town South Pass has towering walls and is heavily garrisoned. The Chu people also manage it earnestly. It is indeed difficult to breach."

"Difficult, yet you promised me confidently."

"In reply to Your Majesty, I’ve always despised the enemy strategically but taken them seriously tactically."

The Yan Emperor contemplated the sentence, slowly nodding, "Intriguing."

"As I must let Your Majesty know, Town South Pass is like a thorn in the side of Jin land. Until this thorn is removed, Jin land can never be at peace."

"I know the importance of Town South Pass, but I also understand that in this world, there is no wall that cannot be conquered. I believe you can achieve it, as can Tian Wujing.

You all are fighting at the front lines,

What I can do,

is to stay strong in the capital, ensuring all worries behind are resolved."

"I shall do my utmost, risking life a thousand times without regret!"

"Come, talk in detail to me about that regent of the Chu State and that ruler of Qian State, what sort of people are they?"

Only then did Lord Zheng realize that the actual reason the Yan Emperor asked for him to stay was not for Town South Pass, which was just casually mentioned earlier, but to understand through him more about his two counterparts.

"Your Majesty, which one should I speak of first?"

"The ruler of Qian State, I’ve heard he has a knack for self-preservation?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, the ruler of Qian State is indeed adept at self-preservation. He has likely practiced some breathing and sitting methods; when I saw him, he wore a Taoist robe, half revealing his figure."

"What about his character? How does he compare to me?"

"I am afraid."

"Just speak plainly. I forgive you; there’s no need to be so cautious, just speak the truth."

"Yes, I believe the ruler of Qian State is worthy of being called an enlightened sovereign. His disposition and methods are exceedingly brilliant, but compared to you, Your Majesty, I think he lacks your breadth and ambition.

Your Majesty is a heroic ruler who lays the foundation for millennia; he, on the other hand, is an enlightened sovereign who maintains success."

"And, that regent of the Chu State?"

"In reply to Your Majesty, he is young."

As an emperor, the regent of Chu State is undoubtedly young.

Furthermore, the regent of Chu State has a spiritual creature by his side, meaning he is a cultivator himself.

The Yan Emperor contemplated those two words,

and let out a sigh.

Young,

If only he could be ten years younger,

If only Li Liangting were also in the prime of his youth,

This world,

would it be so difficult to unify entirely?

"I understand now; you may leave. The day after tomorrow, you will depart from the capital and return."

"I will obey the decree."

"Do your work well, and I will never forsake a meritorious subject."