Firefly Journey

Chapter 274 Chu Ting’s Grand Stage (11)

One by one, military officers knelt down to plead for their orders, creating a rather spectacular scene that had a hint of a coup.

Lin Yuanran carefully observed Emperor Zhuang's expression and found that he did not change. Indeed, those in high positions usually do not show their emotions.

He's probably used to this kind of situation countless times, so he's naturally as steady as a mountain.

"What are you doing! This is outrageous!"

Emperor Zhuang rebuked him twice, then turned and returned to his throne, seemingly somewhat angry.

The emperor's majesty was displayed at this moment.

However, beneath that imposing demeanor, his eyelids blinked almost imperceptibly, and in the very next second, Zhao Zheng, the tutor of two emperors, stepped forward at just the right moment.

"Marshal Xue, you have misunderstood His Majesty," Zhao Zheng said slowly.

Xue Ruyue held extremely high prestige in the army. His position was earned through real battles, and no military officer dared to challenge him. He had been the commander-in-chief of all the major and minor battles in the Chu Kingdom over the past few decades.

Even though the State of Chu has been recuperating and has hardly been at war in recent years, the title of Marshal has naturally been retained.

Emperor Zhuang pretended to be angry, sitting on the dragon throne and tilting his head to one side, somewhat like a child arguing with an adult.

Xue Ruyue looked up, glanced at the furious Emperor Zhuang, then turned to look at Zhao Zheng, his face full of confusion.

"Prime Minister Zhao, you don't need to persuade us. We are soldiers of Chu, and we would rather die than be humiliated. If His Majesty does not rescind the decree, we will kneel here forever!"

"You!" Zhao Zheng sighed, then stood up from his seat and walked towards him, step by step.

Upon getting closer, Zhao Zheng reached out and gently tapped him on the head.

“You were so stubborn when you were young, and you haven’t improved at all over the years. If you let me finish speaking, you’ll understand His Majesty’s intention.”

Xue Ruyue said, "Very well, then please, Prime Minister Zhao, explain your reasoning and clear up our doubts. If your explanation makes sense, then we can get up later."

"Enough, enough." Zhao Zheng, both amused and exasperated, turned and bowed to Emperor Zhuang, speaking slowly and deliberately:

Why did Debasa launch his eastern expedition in the first place?

Xue Ruyue said, "Naturally, they coveted our vast and abundant land."

"That's only part of the reason. The Debasa army's eastward expedition didn't actually pose a threat to us; the reason for their defeat was beyond human control."

Upon hearing this, all the officials present, except for Lin Yuanran, sighed inwardly. They had not only lost to the Debasa Empire, but to the entire world.

The State of Chu had long dominated the continent, like a sharp thorn aimed at the necks of other states and ethnic groups.

How to remove this thorn became everyone's common goal.

At this very moment, the Debasa Empire underwent a change of imperial power, with Henry I ascending to the throne. He used ruthless methods to make Debasa rise to power, which inevitably led to a clash with the world's strongest nation.

Everyone except the State of Chu was happy to see that battle happen.

Furthermore, in order to ensure that the Debasa Empire removed this thorn, other countries offered their support, resulting in the defeat of the Chu Kingdom and the complete rise of the Debasa Empire, which became a new power on the continent.

However, although the Debasa Empire won the war, it also suffered considerable losses, which meant that even as the victor, it did not gain much benefit.

At least, even after its rise, it could not compare to the Chu state before its defeat.

In order to maintain the balance of power on the continent, the principality extended a helping hand to the State of Chu at the right time. From then on, the major powers lived in peace for more than ten years.

The Debasa Empire's ambitions grew, and it began to greedily hurl its spearhead northward, but with little effect, as it faced interference from the principality.

Now that the State of Chu has recovered, its ambitions will only become more difficult to realize.

Zhao Zheng continued, "Indeed, countless men of our Great Chu have perished at our magnificent defenses, but we cannot act solely on emotions."

If my Chu state does not take any measures and continues to grow stronger step by step, it will only face the same fate as before.

There are two advantages to a marriage alliance with the Debasa Empire.

First, at the most basic level, the Crown Prince's marriage was resolved, ensuring the continuation of the Chu state's lineage.

Secondly, by revealing its weakness to the outside world and resorting to marriage alliances to beg for peace, the Great Chu was no longer the strongest nation on the ancient continent, but merely a figurehead with the name of a great power but no real strength.

After listening to Zhao Zheng's words, Xue Ruyue seemed to be deep in thought.

The Battle of Kolenbutz was a genuine defensive battle for the State of Chu, as the invading force was the Debasa Empire.

Even though the Chu Kingdom has recovered most of its strength, everyone understands the lesson of the past: the tallest tree in the forest is the first to be felled by the wind. For the sake of the future of the Chu Kingdom, Xue Ruyue gradually calmed down.

"Get up, all of you! What are you still kneeling for!"

Emperor Zhuang flicked his sleeve and said irritably.

The kneeling officials all looked towards Xue Ruyue, the pillar of their state. Just now, Zhao Zheng had made his point very clear: the marriage alliance was not a sign of weakness, but rather a means of self-preservation to prevent Chu from becoming a target of public criticism once again.

Xue Ruyue finally stood up and bowed to the dragon table: "Your Majesty, I am foolish. After hearing Prime Minister Zhao's words, I suddenly understood. I disobeyed the imperial decree earlier, and I hope Your Majesty will forgive me!"

Seeing that Xue Ruyue had stood up, the others behind him also stood up one after another.

Emperor Zhuang said, "Marshal Xue is utterly loyal and has committed no crime. If anyone is to blame, it is only me for not speaking clearly. Now, take your place."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"Alright, let's leave it at that." Emperor Zhuang turned his gaze to Lin Yuanran.

Lin Yuanran thought to himself, "Finally, it's my turn."

“Mr. Morris, you and my son were classmates, and now you happen to be an official in the Ministry of Rites. Since ancient times, the Ministry of Rites has been responsible for the diplomacy of our Great Chu.”

Since we are seeking a marriage alliance with the Debasa Empire, we naturally need an ambassador. Looking around at this hall of civil and military officials, after much deliberation, I believe only you are qualified for the position!

Lin Yuanran didn't care and cupped his hands in greeting: "I'll do whatever Your Majesty commands."

Emperor Zhuang nodded in satisfaction and said, "Minister Du, your son has been working diligently in the Ministry of Revenue for many years. Although he did not attend court today, I think he is intelligent and capable of serving as the deputy envoy. What do you think?"

Du Fufeng said, "It is my son's good fortune to be valued by His Majesty. I will inform him as soon as I return."

"Well. My dear ministers, it's getting late. If there's nothing else, let's end the court session here today."

After the report covered all the political matters and everyone was free, Emperor Zhuang waited a few seconds. Seeing that the ministers had nothing else to report, he prepared to get up and leave.

But as soon as he moved, he heard the Left Chancellor Zhao Zheng say, "Your Majesty, this old minister has another matter to report."

Emperor Zhuang sat down again, his buttocks still hanging in the air.

"Please speak, Left Prime Minister."

"Your Majesty, I am nearly eighty years old and have recently felt my energy waning. I am afraid I can no longer serve in the palace."

After saying that, he deliberately slipped and almost fell over, but the officials behind him caught him quickly.

Emperor Zhuang frowned, and his ministers began to speculate wildly.

Zhao Zheng had mentioned retirement many times, but Emperor Zhuang had always refused. If he were allowed to return to his hometown, it would be difficult to find a model minister like him who was prestigious, capable, and unambitious.

Why bring up this old story now?

It should be noted that Emperor Zhuang was very concerned about his teacher's health. He would have the doctor give him a check-up every few days. According to the latest report, he was in good health and had no problems at all.

So, he had other ideas.