Chapter 1199
The Unfavored Princess 21
“If we give in now, we’ll probably have to give in even more in the future,” Azhen said. “It’s not just Liang, but also those small neighboring countries. Logically speaking, our Chu shouldn’t be suffering such repeated defeats.”
"The previous events did indeed damage our morale, but to surrender so easily after losing cities one after another makes it seem like Chu is powerless to fight. Even if Marquis Guangde is beheaded, Chu still has troops. Are there really no capable generals among them?"
Azhen's words struck a nerve with Dou Yuexin.
Her face immediately darkened: "It's not just a matter of not having a suitable candidate; there are too many things involved that you wouldn't understand."
When Marquis Guangde was alive, he held military power and had rendered meritorious service, so he could keep the area in check and no one would go too far. Now that Marquis Guangde has fallen, many things are not so easy.
She was the Empress Dowager, so she couldn't care less about such things.
Even Emperor Cheng'er can't manage things that far.
So what if he's angry?
What if we send someone to investigate?
It's not something that can be solved so easily. It's too far away, the relationships are too extensive, and affecting everything is impossible to manage.
The State of Chu is so large, there must be talented people among them. However, given the current situation, how can we find suitable talent? Even if we promote them, can we really solve everything quickly? Not only will we not be able to solve it, but they might even die before they even get there.
Or perhaps, once we get there, something will inexplicably happen to us.
Seeing Dou Yuexin's unpredictable mood, Azhen didn't ask any more questions.
What else could it be?
When emperors and empresses dowagers have it too easy, they don't deal with potential problems in normal times, so when it comes to critical moments, things naturally get out of control.
Some people only care about their own interests; even when the country is on the verge of collapse, they will try every means to profit from it.
Besides, the State of Chu hasn't reached that point yet. Knowing that the State of Liang can't defeat them, they naturally want to take advantage of the situation to gain more.
So what if we lose?
They weren't the ones who died, and they couldn't possibly defeat them all. In fact, the war could even make them richer. The relationships between these people are like a spider web, incredibly complex. If they don't address these issues one by one during peacetime, when trouble really strikes, they'll be entangled in the web, unable to move, barely able to protect themselves, let alone deal with the problems.
When lunchtime came, Yuan Cheng came over, and the conversation inevitably turned to the situation between the two countries.
Recent events have been giving Yuan Cheng a major headache.
Azhen suddenly spoke up: "Brother, if there were a capable person willing to become the commander-in-chief and attack Liang Kingdom at this time, would you agree?"
Yuan Cheng suddenly raised his head, stared at Azhen for a long while, and then asked, "Whom do you want to recommend?"
"You should stay with your mother. You don't need to worry about these things. We've already made peace, and our Chu state can't start a war. Otherwise, if we really anger the Liang state, who knows what might happen?" Yuan Cheng said.
“Even if this person is a brilliant strategist and confident that he can defeat the Liang Kingdom, and other hidden dangers are not a problem at all, you still won’t agree?” Azhen asked.
She was just saying it casually, but she actually knew Yuan Cheng's answer.
In fact, very few emperors would have the courage to take such a gamble, because if things went wrong, they would be infamous for eternity.
"You can joke now," Yuan Cheng said, a rare laugh from him. "I'm curious, who are you talking about? Whoever it is, if they are truly capable, I'm still willing to give them an important position. However, we can't fight now; we can lie low for now and find an opportunity later. What Liang took, Chu will take back sooner or later."
Is it really possible to get it back?
After the peace negotiations, Yuan Cheng was indeed invigorated for the first two years, seemingly poised for a resurgence. However, he later realized it was too difficult and simply gave up.
If he had struggled even slightly, even if he couldn't change the ultimate fate of the Chu state, he could at least have demonstrated some spirit of seeking change.
He is the emperor, the ruler of the world. If he doesn't make any changes or efforts, how can he expect those insignificant people who are still struggling to make ends meet to do so?
Therefore, he only deserves to be a king who brings about the downfall of his country.
As a monarch, no matter how difficult or bitter life may be, once you're in this position, you must die standing. "Royal sister, tell me quickly, who is this person?" Yuan Cheng was genuinely curious. Having such a talented person meant he could at least secretly make preparations, as he had been feeling quite stifled as emperor lately.
Although dissatisfied with the Guangde Marquis's residence, it must be said that the Guangde Marquis was quite loyal; with him in that position, many things would proceed more smoothly. Since the Guangde Marquis was executed, the power balance in the court has been somewhat disrupted.
Azhen smiled and said to Yuan Cheng, "It is indeed your younger sister. During those years abroad, you learned a lot, otherwise you would not have returned safely. Now that the State of Chu is in crisis, it is only right that we do our part."
"If Your Majesty grants your permission, I am even willing to pledge my loyalty and pledge my life. If not, I will bear all the consequences."
"Nonsense."
"Nonsense!"
Despite the two playful remarks, Azhen simply smiled, completely unconcerned about their attitude.
I was just teasing them.
Even if the client's wishes didn't include the two of them, she still didn't like their cowardly behavior. Her words today would only make them feel uncomfortable in the future.
If you miss this opportunity, you might never see it again.
Azhen picked up the chopsticks and threw them far away; the chopsticks stuck straight into the gate.
The two who had initially said it was just a joke were both stunned, clearly finding it hard to believe.
Azhen maintained her smile. Even so, they wouldn't change their minds. She really had a good grasp of Yuan Cheng, Dou Yuexin, and the others' mentality.
Because she had seen far too many people like that.
"So, my royal sister learned such skills while she was away. No wonder she was able to return safely." Yuan Cheng laughed. "But fighting a war isn't just about having martial arts skills. Besides, you're a woman. Doing these things is too outrageous. If word gets out, won't people laugh at our Chu Kingdom for having no one capable?"
"Does our Chu state have someone?" Azhen raised an eyebrow.
Yuan Cheng was somewhat embarrassed and angry, and stood up abruptly: "Let's not talk about this anymore. I know you want to share my burdens, but the affairs of the world are not something a young woman like you can understand."
Watching Yuan Cheng leave, Azhen didn't say much; she had already anticipated the outcome.
"The situation isn't that bad yet, so let's listen to your brother. There are many troubles right now, so just stay here and keep me company. Don't cause any more trouble," Dou Yuexin said.
Azhen agreed, "Okay, let's not talk about it anymore."
I was just teasing them.
Soon, the Liang Kingdom finally replied.
Besides demanding various benefits and changing their attitudes, their condition was that they send Princess Jiahe, the younger sister of the Chu emperor, to the Liang state. They even mentioned that other conditions were negotiable, but the Chu princess had to be sent; otherwise, there was no point in discussing anything further.
As long as the State of Chu agrees, a peace treaty will be signed immediately.
The news caused an uproar.
Many were tempted, and if other conditions were negotiable, sending a princess there wouldn't be a loss at all. After all, Princess Jiahe had been sent for political marriages before. It was unexpected that she possessed such charm, catching the eye of the new ruler of Chu.
Some people secretly wondered if Princess Jiahe was a femme fatale.
The last time I went to the Great Wilderness Tribe Empire, something went wrong there.
If I go to Liang this time, will something happen there too? (End of Chapter)