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

The scorching sun in early May was burning the land of Wei.

Outside the city gate, dust was flying, and the ten thousand white horse cavalry led by Chu Ning rushed in like a silver torrent.

Flags fluttered on the city walls, the defenders stood in solemn formation, swords and spears were like a forest, flashing cold light in the sunlight.

The city gate slowly opened, and Han Xing, dressed in military uniform, led the generals out, bowed, clasped his fists, and said loudly:

"I will see your Majesty at last!"

Chu Ning reined in his horse, smiled slightly, raised his hand and said, "No need to be so polite."

Han Xing stood up with a respectful smile on his face. "Your Majesty has come a long way and must be exhausted. I have prepared a welcoming banquet. Please come into the city and rest!"

Chu Ning did not refuse. Firstly, Han Xing was the commander-in-chief on the front line. In front of the soldiers of the three armies, he had to give him enough respect.

Secondly, he did have many important military matters that he needed to discuss in detail with Han Xing.

He dismounted, patted Han Xing on the shoulder, and said with a smile, "General Han is thoughtful."

Jicheng was originally the capital of Wei State, but now it has become the command center of the Chu army.

Although the Wei Imperial Palace was not as luxurious as the Chu Imperial Palace, it was also magnificent and grand. It has now been converted into Chu Ning's palace.

Inside the main hall, the banquet was ready, filled with delicious food and the aroma of wine.

Chu Ning sat high in the main seat, and Han Xing and the generals took their seats in turn.

After three rounds of drinks, Chu Ning put down his glass, glanced at everyone, and slowly spoke:

"General Han, tell me about the current situation."

Han Xing's expression turned serious. He put down his chopsticks and clasped his fists, saying:

"Your Majesty, the Han army on the western front has not made any unusual movements recently. However, according to the Jinyiwei's investigation, they have been stepping up the construction of siege equipment such as ladders and battering rams."

Chu Ning nodded slightly, a hint of amusement flashing in his eyes: "It seems that Huo Quji is very cautious and will not act rashly."

He chuckled lightly, his tone slightly mocking: "I guess he's still feeling the effects of last year's battle."

Last year, Chu Ning led his army to defeat Huo Quji, and the Han army suffered heavy casualties and retreated in embarrassment.

Now Huo Quji kept his troops in place, obviously waiting for Liu Che to arrive in person before planning a decisive battle.

Chu Ning asked again: "How is the Tang army on the eastern front?"

Han Xing pondered for a moment and replied, "Li Ji's army is also cautious. Furthermore, Lord Jia Xu has arrived on the eastern front to take charge. The Tang army has not taken the initiative to attack. Currently, the two sides are in a state of stalemate."

At this point, he gave a bitter laugh: "It is His Highness Chu Kuang... who has always wanted to send troops to fight, but has been stopped several times by Lord Jia and General Ma Chao."

Chu Ning frowned slightly when he heard this, shook his head and sighed, "It seems that the death of the old King Qin has made Brother Thirteen feel very angry."

Chu Kuang had been taught by the old King of Qin before, and it was he who destroyed the old King of Qin.

Now Chu Kuang is the commander of the legion, so he is naturally dissatisfied with this matter, but he dare not attack him, so he can only vent his anger on the Tang army.

Chu Ning's eyes turned slightly cold, and he said in a deep voice: "Because of this, we must be more cautious, so as not to fall into Li Ji's trap."

Suddenly, a meaningful smile appeared on the corner of his mouth. He put down his chopsticks and said slowly, "I have an idea."

Everyone was stunned, and Han Xing quickly asked, "What are your plans, Your Majesty?"

Chu Ning's eyes were deep as he said calmly, "I would like to invite the emperors of the Han Dynasty and the Tang Dynasty... to have a chat!"

As soon as this statement came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

Han Xing was stunned and hesitated, "Your Majesty, do you want to...meet with Liu Che and Li Shiming?"

Chu Ning smiled slightly, with a sharp light flashing in his eyes: "Not bad."

Han Xing was puzzled: "Your Majesty, what is the purpose of this action...?"

Chu Ning picked up the wine glass, shook it gently, and said leisurely: "To hit their morale."

He glanced at the crowd and slowly explained, "Liu Che and Li Shiming will lead the army in person. Their arrival will undoubtedly boost the morale of both the Han and Tang armies."

"So, I must dampen their spirit before the battle!"

Han Xing suddenly realized what was going on and immediately clasped his fists and said, "I'll arrange it right away!"

What is important in fighting a war?

In addition to military pay and food, military morale is naturally more important.

With the arrival of Emperors Liu Che and Li Shiming, the morale of the troops of the two dynasties will surely be high!

Under such circumstances, fighting against the armies of the two dynasties would result in heavy casualties even if victory was achieved.

Therefore, the best way is to undermine the enemy's morale before the battle.

This is something he has always wanted to do, but he has no way to do it.

Now that Chu Ning is here, he believes that his Majesty can do it.

Three days later, the Han army camp on the western front.

Huo Quji held Chu Ning's invitation letter in his hand, his brows furrowed. He glanced at the generals in the tent and said in a deep voice:

"Generals, Chu Ning invites His Majesty to meet with the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty. What do you think?"

A general immediately slammed the table and stood up, sneering:

"Why bother with him? When your Majesty arrives, our army will directly attack the Tang army from both sides and annihilate the Chu army in one fell swoop!"

Another general echoed, "That's right! Chu Ning's move must be a trick, trying to delay time or test our army's strength!"

"Humph, Chu Ning is worried that he can't win, so he wants to negotiate peace with my dynasty, right?"

"It's possible that the Emperor of the Tang Dynasty will personally lead the army this time. How can he fight against our two great dynasties alone?"

"I think there is no need to pay attention to this matter."

The generals all spoke out in opposition, believing that Chu Ning's invitation should not be accepted.

However, Huo Quji shook his head and said in a deep voice, "This matter is of great importance. I leave it to Your Majesty to decide."

He immediately ordered: "Come, quickly deliver this letter to His Majesty's camp!"

Liu Che was still on his way, so such an important decision naturally had to be made by the emperor himself.

At the same time, in the Tang army camp on the eastern front, Li Ji also received an invitation letter from Chu Ning.

He summoned all the generals to discuss the matter, and they all sneered.

"General, why bother with this? Chu Ning has always been cunning, this move must be a trick!"

"That's right, there must be a conspiracy behind this meeting. Don't pay any attention to it!"

"General, why don't you let me lead the troops to seize the opportunity and capture a few cities!"

"Chu Ning's words are not to be trusted. General Li, just pretend you didn't receive this letter!"

All the generals did not want to deal with this matter, thinking it was a trick.

However, the counselor Zhang Gongjin pondered for a moment, stepped forward, and said with a bow, "General, Chu Ning is a man of deep scheming. I'm afraid he has other motives for this invitation."

Li Ji nodded and asked, "In your opinion, how should we deal with this?"

Zhang Gongjin stroked his beard and said, "This matter concerns the safety of Your Majesty. You cannot act arbitrarily. You should report this to Your Majesty first and ask for your decision."

Li Ji nodded slightly and immediately ordered: "Send a fast horse immediately to deliver this letter to His Majesty's camp!"

Chu Ning's invitation was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, causing ripples.

Neither the Han nor the Tang armies dared to make decisions on their own and could only wait for the response from their respective emperors.

At this moment, Chu Ning stood on the top of Jicheng City, looking into the distance with a sneer on his lips.

"Liu Che, Li Shiming... do you dare to come?"

An unprecedented imperial game is about to unfold on this battlefield ravaged by flames of war!