He intended to listen—no, scrutinize—what these so-called loyal ministers had to say. If he walked away now, leaving behind only the ghost of his presence, wouldn't that just ruin their little performance?
No, he'd play along—masterfully.
[System Notification: Host has selected Option One – Remain in Court. Reward: 100 Destiny Points.]
Chu Yuan's voice carried through the grand chamber like rolling thunder.
"The Prime Minister stands as one of the founding pillars of our nation. Alongside the valiant General, he marched beside former emperors through campaigns across the land. Their merits are etched into the annals of Great Wu's history.
But now, with the passing of the late emperor, we stand in the eye of a brewing storm. As sovereign and ministers, we must act to restore stability. Today marks my first court assembly as the ruler of Great Wu—and I want to hear your truths."
From his throne, Chu Yuan's gaze glinted coldly. A faint smile tugged at his lips.
This moment was eerily familiar. Just like before—schemes masked as counsel, loyalty twisted into betrayal. Selling off Great Wu, piece by piece, under the illusion of order.
But this time, he would not be sold.
"Your Majesty!"
A middle-aged official stepped forward, bowed low, and spoke gravely.
"Our Divine Martial Army is the backbone of Great Wu. The sudden destruction of 300,000 elite troops was seen as a divine curse. The cost—measured in gold, silver, and morale—has nearly emptied the treasury.
Natural disasters plague the provinces. Relief is overdue. And on top of all this, we must allocate resources to guard against foreign incursions from the Four Nations."
Chu Yuan gave a subtle nod. Maintaining a massive standing force that consumed half of Great Wu's annual funds was never sustainable.
Another minister stepped forth—the Assistant Minister of Rites.
"Your Majesty, rumors have begun to spread—children chanting ominous rhymes in the streets. They say the heavens curse us. That Great Wu has angered the gods. That these calamities are divine punishment."
He hesitated before continuing. "There are whispers that the dynasty is nearing its end."
Chu Yuan's voice dropped to a frigid tone.
"Nursery rhymes? Rumors? These are nothing more than the poison of saboteurs. Cowards and traitors stirring unrest from the shadows. And I suspect some among you know this better than I."
"Those who spread such rumors should be charged with treason!" Shangguan Qingyun offered smoothly. "I am willing to lead troops to investigate."
Oh? You'll investigate? Chu Yuan nearly chuckled.
The Prime Minister and this 'General' were likely the ones planting the rumors in the first place. Sending them out would be like tossing meat to wolves.
"There's no need," Chu Yuan replied coolly. "Once the realm is stable, the lies will collapse on their own. Prime Minister, speak your mind."
Li Yun bowed. "Domestically, we may regain order. But beyond our borders, danger grows. The Great Yan Dynasty has stationed over a million troops at the Nan County frontier. Should that county fall, their armies could reach the capital within months."
Memories flashed through Chu Yuan's mind—of the betrayal, the siege, and the years spent defending the capital with dwindling hope.
Li Yun continued, "Not just Great Yan. The Great Law, Great Sheng, and Great Administration Dynasties are mobilizing. The moment our southern line breaks, they'll descend upon us like starving beasts. Right now, Your Majesty… Great Wu cannot resist."
Shangguan Qingyun nodded grimly. "In its prime, Great Wu towered above all. Now, though weakened, we still surpass any single nation. That is precisely why they seek to carve us apart before we rise again."
Chu Yuan's voice turned glacial. "Then what strategies do the General and Prime Minister propose?"
Li Yun and Shangguan exchanged a look.
"A few days ago," Li Yun said, "envoys from the Daqian Dynasty arrived. They proposed peace—if we cede Qingyang, Heyang, Quanyang, and fifteen prefectures including Shuohua and Anping. In addition, they demand 300 million in military compensation."
He presented the letter. "If Your Majesty refuses, the next letter will be a declaration of war."
Shangguan Qingyun added, "If we agree, Daqian promises not to invade the south for one year. A year of peace, Your Majesty."
**[System Prompt]
Option One: Accept Daqian's terms. Cede territory, pay 300 million compensation.
Reward: 100 Destiny Points. Achievement: Ceding Territory and Paying Compensation.
(Note: Each time this achievement is completed, future compensations are reduced by 10%.)
Option Two: Refuse all terms. No cession, no compensation.
Reward: 100 Destiny Points. Achievement: Firmness and Resilience.
(Note: Equip to gain Art of Firmness, enhancing defensive power.)**
Two stark choices shimmered in Chu Yuan's mind.
He stood.
Thunderlight sparked along his robe. The pressure of imperial might flooded the hall.
"You call this a strategy? Sell out the soil of our ancestors? Break the backs of our people for a year of survival bought on our knees?"
"I will never cede territory. I will never pay tribute. I will never sign treaties soaked in shame!"
[System Notification: Host has selected Option Two – Refuse. Reward: 100 Destiny Points. Achievement Unlocked: Firmness and Resilience.]
A faint sphere of shimmering force enveloped Chu Yuan—Art of Firmness.
Soul Forging Third Tier attacks would break like waves against iron.
Li Yun's expression darkened. He stepped forward. "If we refuse, we face war on four fronts. We will burn."
"Then let us BURN!" Chu Yuan declared.
Shangguan Qingyun frowned. "Without the Divine Martial Army, we are vulnerable. This war will bring devastation."
Chu Yuan's voice cut through the air like a sword. "Afraid, General? Or have you already pledged allegiance to Daqian, planning to sell out our realm for your own gain?!"
The imperial sword at Chu Yuan's side howled.
"Answer me, Shangguan Qingyun!"
The general trembled under the weight of Chu Yuan's sovereign might.
"This old minister dares not! If Your Majesty demands war—then this old minister will fight!"
"Good," Chu Yuan said coldly.
Li Yun stepped forward again, clearly unwilling to give up.
"The Daqian envoys await outside the Divine Martial Hall, requesting an audience."
[System Prompt]
Option One: Meet them now – Gain 100 Destiny Points.
Option Two: Make them wait three days to show imperial majesty – Gain 100 Destiny Points.
Option Three: Expel them from the capital – Gain 100 Destiny Points.]