vrcanaries Chapter 289 What’s wrong?
Chapter 289 What’s wrong?
Also coming along were Jiang Chuchu and Ning Luyang.
The Emperor of Southern Chu still had his usual smiling face. After calling everyone who was paying their respects to stand up, he ordered the palace servants to serve the wine and delicacies first, and raised his glass.
"The peace agreement between the two countries is a great joyous occasion, and we should be celebrating. However, after days of fatigue, I believe you all need a break. How about some wine and food to show my sincere gratitude?"
Ning Luyang stood to the side of Sheng Ling, raised his glass and said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your consideration. We would naturally like to drink together for the friendship between our two countries."
As soon as these words were spoken, the matter was instantly elevated to the level of friendship between the two countries. How could others question it?
Thinking of this, everyone raised their glasses to thank Emperor Nanchu for his hospitality.
This kind of thing is not without precedent. Besides, it was the Emperor of Nanchu who proposed it after all. As a daughter, Jiang Lige couldn't refute it and could only raise her glass with everyone else.
Although Ning Yunxiao was a little hesitant, he thought that he had also planted many of his own people in this ceremony. If there was any movement, he would have received the news long ago. Thinking of this, he relaxed a little.
In addition, Ning Yunxiao didn't want to embarrass Jiang Lige because of this glass of wine, so he didn't say much, raised his glass, and said a few polite words as a courtesy.
"Then let us celebrate the peace and prosperity of the world."
Everyone echoed the words, raised their glasses and wished in unison: "Peace and prosperity for the world!"
After drinking a glass of wine, Ning Yunxiao spoke at the right time.
"Your Majesty, we are deeply grateful for your kindness. Let us proceed with the ceremony. After all, etiquette and laws cannot be abolished."
The Emperor of Nanchu still maintained his smiling expression, "Your Highness, why are you so anxious? The ceremony is complicated, and we can't let you all go hungry the whole time, right?"
Ning Yunxiao chuckled and said coldly.
"Your Majesty still underestimates us, the officials of Sheng Ling. In the past, we also had to wait for the grand ceremony with empty stomachs. The war was brutal, and countless refugees migrated thousands of miles hungry wherever it was affected. Even if we starve for another day, it would not be half as painful as what they endured."
Emperor Nanchu's face froze, and he spoke reluctantly.
"Your Highness is right. Etiquette and laws cannot be abolished. If that's the case, then let's begin."
After the Emperor of Nanchu finished speaking, he waved his hand, and the ceremonial officials and palace maids quickly took action, and the Yihe Hall suddenly became busy.
The ceremonial officers guided everyone to their seats according to the established procedures and presented the documents such as the peace terms that had been drafted long ago for the ministers present to review.
The terms had been negotiated previously, but now they had been compiled into a formal document. To be on the safe side, Ning Yunxiao took the booklet and checked it word by word.
Ning Yunxiao was so diligent, so how could the ministers dare to slack off? They also pretended to investigate.
However, as time went by, everyone's state of mind gradually changed without them realizing it.
Jiang Lige was not allowed to get involved in politics, so she could only sit in her seat and do nothing, playing the role of a princess obediently.
Seeing that he had reviewed half of the documents, Jiang Lige could no longer sit still. He was about to get up and go outside to get some fresh air, but as soon as he stood up, he felt a slight dizziness.
Her heart tightened and she quickly held onto the table leg, but she found that her whole body was so weak that it was difficult for her to even stand.
Jiang Lige raised his head in surprise, and happened to meet the face of Emperor Nan Chu, which was always smiling. An ominous premonition instantly surged in his heart.
As expected, Jiang Lige's movements quickly attracted everyone's attention. At the same time, everyone began to feel physically weak to varying degrees, and several weak civil officials even collapsed on the ground.
Jiang Lige looked at his father on the platform in astonishment, who was still smiling warmly, and spoke in disbelief.
"Father?"
When Emperor Nanchu heard this, he finally put away the smiling mask and sneered in disgust.
"Hmph, you unfilial daughter, you colluded with outsiders to force me to abdicate, and you still have the nerve to call me father?"
Jiang Lige collapsed on the chair, his face full of disappointment.
"Father, please don't make the same mistake again."
"Wrong?" The Southern Chu Emperor laughed heartily before questioning. "How have I done anything wrong? You short-sighted wretch! I'm doing all this for the good of Southern Chu! Expanding our territory is what every emperor should do!"
"And what about now? During the peace talks, you resorted to such despicable tactics, simply treating the peace talks between the two countries as a joke! Do you know that your actions today are forcing Sheng Ling to reignite the flames of war? Once the war breaks out again, how much blood will flow like a river of tragedy!"
Ning Yunxiao also suppressed his discomfort and advised, "It is not uncommon for subordinates to make mistakes occasionally. If Your Majesty can correct them in time, I will not care about such trivial matters. The peace talks can continue."
Ning Yunxiao's words gave Emperor Nan Chu enough room to maneuver.
Unexpectedly, the Southern Chu Emperor was unimpressed. "Don't think I don't know what you're up to! Southern Chu is my kingdom. How can I allow outsiders like you to dictate my will? You want me to abdicate and forgive my sins in exchange for world peace? Screw world peace, what does it have to do with me? Only when I'm on this throne will the life and death of Southern Chu matter! Once I'm no longer the emperor, any baseless accusation would be enough to shatter me. After all, how can I allow others to sleep beside my bed? How could the new emperor allow himself to be oppressed by a retired emperor who could erode his power at any time?"
Seeing this, Jiang Lige felt even more sad and angry.
She could hardly believe that the person in front of her who was saying so crazily that the world was at peace and it had nothing to do with him, and who was questioning their every word, was the father she had respected all her life!
Her eyes widened as she tried to explain.
"How could Your Majesty think so of Bo Xuan? Bo Xuan grew up in the imperial court. You should know his character best. He has always been filial and would never do such a thing as patricide to seize power. Your Majesty is speculating on your children's thoughts with full malice. Aren't you really afraid of disappointing us? Moreover, I have never considered Nanchu to be the property of the royal family. A country should be the home of countless people, not a pawn in the game of those in power. Your Majesty's words are extremely selfish and you are unfit to be an emperor!"
Jiang Lige's words completely enraged Emperor Nanchu. His face was distorted and he pointed at Jiang Lige's nose and roared.
"Whether I am worthy of being the emperor is not for you, a wicked creature, to judge!"
Ning Yunxiao spoke at the right moment, "Your Majesty, it's never too late to repent. The opportunity to become the Supreme Emperor and enjoy a peaceful life is right before your eyes. Sheng Ling and Nan Chu could have coexisted peacefully and prospered together. Why do you have to cling to this?"
"How ridiculous! Look at your Highness the Crown Prince's condescending attitude. It's truly disgusting. Does your Highness the Crown Prince truly believe that even this opportunity for peace talks is a gift from you?"
The Emperor of Nanchu laughed out of anger, his eyes full of sinister sarcasm.
"Unfortunately, your wishful thinking has failed."
After Emperor Nan Chu finished speaking, he saw two unexpected figures standing up in the hall where many people had fallen.