Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

The next morning, the sun rose, and its golden light shone on the glazed tiles of the Chu Imperial Palace, reflecting a brilliant scene.

Chu Ning got up early and dressed neatly with the help of the palace maid.

He was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a jade belt inlaid with nine pearls around his waist. He looked majestic and solemn.

"Convey my order and summon all the ministers to the Imperial Study for a meeting."

Chu Ning gave orders to the chief eunuch beside him in a low and powerful voice.

"I will do it right away." The eunuch chief Zhao Ming bowed and retreated.

The emperor emeritus was a thing of the past. After Chu Ning ascended the throne, he fulfilled his promise and continued to let Zhao Ming serve as the chief eunuch.

In less than an hour, important officials from the Chu court arrived at the imperial study one after another.

The thirteenth prince Chu Kuang was dressed in military uniform, with a sword at his waist, looking very heroic.

Minister of War Feng Anguo had a solemn expression and a furrowed brow, while Vice Minister of War Han Xing looked excited, with a fighting spirit flashing in his eyes.

Cabinet Minister Zhang Xuan, Minister of Revenue Liu Shouren, Minister of Personnel Lu Xiuwen, Minister of Rites Deng Hongwen, Minister of Justice Ling Haoran and others also arrived one after another.

The last to enter were the Imperial Censor and Commander Jia Yu, and two generals, Ran Ming and Zhao Yu.

In the imperial study, the air was filled with the scent of sandalwood and the atmosphere was solemn.

Chu Ning sat behind the dragon table, scanning the ministers with a sharp gaze.

After everyone finished their greetings, he narrowed his eyes and his voice exploded like thunder:

"My dear ministers, the allied forces of the Tang, Wei, and Han dynasties dared to attack our borders while I was on the throne!"

"This matter cannot be taken lightly."

Upon hearing this, Thirteenth Prince Chu Kuang's eyes blazed with rage: "Your Majesty, how dare these scoundrels be so rampant! I beg your command to lead the army and fight to make them pay with blood!"

Han Xing, the Minister of War, immediately echoed his sentiments: "Your Majesty, I am willing to be the vanguard and defend the territory of Great Chu to the death!"

Chu Ning nodded slightly, his eyes firm: "I have decided to lead the army in person!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the study fell into a brief silence.

Cabinet Minister Zhang Xuan frowned, stepped forward, and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, reconsider! The Three Kingdoms coalition is coming with such force. Your Majesty is the ruler of a nation, how can you lightly venture into such danger?"

"Besides, you have just ascended the throne and need to stabilize the domestic situation. You must not rashly go to war."

Liu Shouren, the Minister of Revenue, also hurriedly advised: "Your Majesty, although the treasury is full, the people need to rest and recuperate after years of war. It would be safer to send the generals to fight first, while Your Majesty stays in the rear."

Minister of Personnel Lü Xiuwen then said, "Your Majesty, the court is overwhelmed with affairs of state. If Your Majesty leaves the capital, something unforeseen may happen!"

Minister of Rites Deng Hongwen even knelt on the ground and said, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter requires further consideration. The alliance of the three kingdoms is no small matter. It is too risky to launch an expedition rashly!"

For a while, voices of persuasion and remonstration were heard one after another in the study.

However, Chu Kuang and Ran Ming, two notorious warmongers, disagreed.

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Chu Kuang shouted, "The coalition forces of the three kingdoms are going too far. If we don't give them a head-on blow, how can we demonstrate the power of our great Chu?"

Ran Ming also laughed proudly and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to be the vanguard! Those scoundrels are nothing to worry about."

The two factions had diametrically opposed opinions, and the debate in the study became increasingly intense.

Zhang Xuan insisted that the border defense should be stabilized first, and then plans should be made.

Liu Shouren was worried about excessive military spending.

Chu Kuang and Ran Ming, on the other hand, advocated sending troops immediately to defeat the enemy with lightning speed.

Chu Ning frowned slightly as he looked at the ministers who were arguing endlessly.

He raised his hand to signal for silence, his voice steady and forceful, "My dear ministers, I have made my decision. Now I will begin to explain the arrangements after I depart for the expedition."

Seeing this, everyone knew that the emperor had made up his mind, so they had to calm down and listen to the imperial edict.

“Zhang Xuan!”

Chu Ning looked at the cabinet minister and said, "You will continue to be responsible for the political affairs of Zhao and ensure local stability."

Zhang Xuan bowed deeply: "I accept your order."

"The daily affairs of the court..."

Chu Ning continued, "The cabinet consisting of Liu Shouren, Lu Xiuwen, and Deng Hongwen is responsible for reviewing the memorials."

"If you three are undecided about a major matter, please come and consult me."

The three of them responded in unison: "We obey your order."

Chu Ning turned his gaze to the Minister of War, Feng Anguo. "Lord Feng, the Jin territory is now in your hands and in the hands of General Ran Ming. You will lead your troops to provide support and stop the Tang army's offensive."

Feng Anguo and Ran Ming exchanged a glance and simultaneously bowed, "We will certainly live up to your Majesty's trust!"

Chu Ning knew very well that the Tang army was powerful, so he did not expect these two people to be able to counterattack, as long as they could defend the border.

Finally, his gaze fell on Han Xing: "General Han, you will lead your troops and follow me in this battle."

"I have decided to take down the State of Wei within one year!"

Han Xing's eyes lit up when he heard this. He knelt on one knee and clasped his fists, saying, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will definitely help you conquer the State of Wei!"

"I hereby pledge my loyalty to Your Majesty. If I cannot help Your Majesty conquer the State of Wei, I will submit to military law!"

Chu Ning nodded with satisfaction: "Great! With General Han's help, I am even more powerful."

He looked around at his ministers and said, "My dear ministers, if you have no other important matters, please withdraw and prepare to go."

All the ministers bowed and left.

After everyone left, Chu Ning pondered for a moment alone in the imperial study, then got up and went to the palace where the Empress Wu Zhao of the Great Zhou was housed.

The palace where Wu Zhao lived was called "Fengqi Palace", which was decorated in a gorgeous yet elegant way.

When Chu Ning arrived, Wu Zhao was admiring the flowers in the courtyard.

She was dressed in a lavender phoenix robe, her hair was tied up high, her eyebrows and eyes were picturesque, and her every move showed the demeanor of an emperor.

"How come the Emperor of Chu has the time to come to me today?" When Wu Zhao saw Chu Ning, the corners of her mouth slightly raised, with a hint of ridicule in her tone.

Chu Ning walked up to her and said directly, "I will lead the army in person."

When Wu Zhao heard this, her brows furrowed, and a look of worry appeared on her face:

"Although your Chu State has been invincible in recent years, are you confident that you can take on the three great dynasties at once?"

Chu Ning smiled confidently: "This requires the Great Zhou to send troops to contain the Han Dynasty's troops and buy time for me."

"In just one year, I will conquer the State of Wei!"

Wu Zhao raised her eyebrows, a sly look flashing in her eyes: "You want my help again? What's in it for me?"

Chu Ning laughed heartily, suddenly took a step forward, and whispered in Wu Zhao's ear: "Didn't I say that I would announce our relationship after I unified the world?"

He paused, a mischievous glint in his eyes: "Of course, if the Empress wants to ask for benefits in advance, then I will give you another child!"

"You——" Before Wu Zhao could react, Chu Ning had already picked her up and carried her sideways.

"Chu Ning! Put me down!" Wu Zhao struggled, but a blush appeared on her face.

Chu Ning turned a deaf ear and strode towards the bedroom, his hearty laughter echoing in the palace:

"Hahahaha, don't worry, Queen, I will do what I say!"

The beaded curtain of the bedroom was roughly opened and then slowly fell down.

The feeling is something that cannot be described to outsiders.