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

In the early morning, the autumn wind swirled over the imperial city, carrying fallen leaves. Although it was still dark, the city gates were already bustling with people inside and outside.

The people crowded both sides of the streets, looking eagerly towards the palace, waiting for their emperor to go to war.

Chu Ning was dressed in military uniform, with a long sword hanging from his waist, riding on a pure white warhorse. Behind him were three thousand white cavalrymen led by Zhao Yu. Their silver armor reflected the morning light, and the air was filled with a murderous atmosphere.

Behind him, Empress Shen Wanying, Vice Empress Wu Zhao, and Imperial Noble Consort Feng Mulan stood side by side, with young princes and princesses beside them.

The eldest prince Chu Tian, ​​the eldest princess Chu Xiuning, and Prince Wei Chu Ying who was held in the arms of the nanny.

Civil and military officials stood on both sides, and the atmosphere was solemn and dignified.

On the streets, people knelt and shouted, "Long live His Majesty! Great Chu will win!"

Chu Ning rode his horse slowly forward until he reached the city gate, then he reined in his horse and turned around. His eyes swept over everyone and finally fell on Shen Wanying.

"Queen, the affairs of the harem are now left to you."

Shen Wanying nodded slightly, dignified and calm: "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will fulfill my duties conscientiously and will not distract Your Majesty from the rear."

Chu Ning knew her personality. She was always calm and steady. He had no worries about leaving the harem to her.

Then he turned his gaze to Wu Zhao and said, "The Vice Empress and the cabinet ministers will jointly decide on all matters of state. If there are any matters that are difficult to decide, please send a letter to me by carrier pigeon."

Wu Zhao's expression was solemn. She bowed and replied, "This battle is of great importance. I will ensure sufficient food and military supplies and will not delay the battle on the front lines."

Chu Ning nodded and then looked at Feng Mulan.

Feng Mulan pursed her red lips slightly, with a hint of unwillingness in her eyes. She was obviously upset about not being able to go to the battlefield with the army.

But in front of all the civil and military officials, she finally suppressed her emotions and whispered, "The King of Wei is still young, so I will stay in the palace to take care of him."

Chu Ning raised the corner of his mouth slightly, knowing that she was dissatisfied, and added: "In addition, the defense of the imperial city and the capital will also be handed over to my beloved concubine."

Feng Mulan's eyes flashed with joy, and the corners of her mouth finally curled up into a smile: "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will not let the imperial city suffer any mishaps!"

Although she cannot go to the battlefield, being able to command the defense of the capital is a great trust in her.

Finally, Chu Ning's gaze fell on the Minister of Revenue Liu Shouren.

This old minister who had followed him since the uprising in Bingzhou was now gray-haired, but his eyes were still as sharp as before.

"Master Liu, the matter of food and fodder dispatch is now entirely your responsibility!"

Liu Shouren bowed deeply and said in a resounding voice, "Your Majesty, please concentrate on the battle. I will definitely fulfill your trust in the rear!"

Chu Ning nodded with satisfaction, then reined in his horse and turned to face the white horse cavalry arrayed outside the city, and said loudly:

"Send the message! Head for the Yangtze River at full speed!"

"drive!"

Three thousand white horse cavalrymen responded in unison, their horses neighed, their iron hooves thundered, and amidst the flying dust, the army rushed out like a silver torrent and disappeared from everyone's sight in the blink of an eye.

Two days later, at the Tang Dynasty Palace.

In the imperial study, candlelight flickered as Emperor Li Shimin of Tang was bent over his desk reviewing memorials.

He looked calm, and wrote on the memorial with the red pen in his hand, sometimes frowning, sometimes pondering.

Suddenly, hurried footsteps were heard outside the hall, followed by the voice of Prime Minister Changsun Wuji:

"Your Majesty! Happy news! Great news!"

Li Shiming didn't even raise his head, still concentrating on the memorial. He said calmly, "What has caused the Prime Minister to lose his composure like this? Come in and talk."

The palace door was pushed open, and Changsun Wuji walked in quickly, his face full of joy, holding a secret letter in his hand.

"Your Majesty, the Chu State has sent troops to the Han Dynasty!"

Li Shiming paused with the red brush in his hand, and a sharp light flashed in his eyes.

Changsun Wuji presented the letter: "The Shadow Guard just sent a message that Chu Ning is personally leading the White Horse Cavalry to the Yangtze River to prepare for a naval battle!"

Li Shiming took the letter, glanced at it quickly, and then burst into laughter: "Hahaha! Good! Good!"

"The war between Chu and Han is a godsend for the Tang Dynasty!"

A cold glint flashed in his eyes, and he immediately asked, "How are the Scorpion Tribe doing? They promised to send troops, but have they made any moves?"

Changsun Wuji said solemnly, "The Scorpion Tribe's 100,000-strong army is on its way and will reach the border soon!"

Li Shiming sneered and slammed the table: "Pass on my order to mobilize 100,000 troops and rush to Wei immediately!"

"We already have 100,000 Tang troops stationed in Wei, plus the newly mobilized 100,000 and the Scorpion Tribe's 100,000, totaling 300,000!"

"Humph, although the Chu army has some troops in Wei, they have no chance of winning against an army of 300,000!"

A glint of excitement flashed in Changsun Wuji's eyes: "Your Majesty is wise! If we win this battle, Wei will become part of the Tang Dynasty!"

Li Shiming's eyes were deep as he spoke slowly, "Send a message to Qin Qiong. He will lead this battle. He must seize the opportunity of the war between Chu and Han to capture Wei!"

"I obey your command!" Changsun Wuji bowed and accepted the order, then quickly withdrew to make arrangements.

Li Shiming stood alone in the imperial study, looking at the map of the territory on the wall, a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth.

"Chu Ning, you were careless after all!"

"Last time, I killed your Chu State's King Chu Kuang, and now it's your turn!"

"If I can beat you once, I can beat you countless times!"

After saying this, Li Shiming slowly walked into the inner hall, the dim candlelight illuminating his stern face.

He reached out and brushed away the dust on the altar, then took out a spirit tablet from the secret compartment - "The spirit tablet of Li Ge, the fourth prince of the Tang Dynasty."

His fingertips trembled slightly, and his knuckles turned white from the exertion.

Two years ago, Li Ge led his army to fight against Chu Ning, but was surrounded and attacked by the Chu army on the battlefield. In the end, Chu Ning cut off his head and hung his body on the banner of the Chu army and exposed it to the sun for three days!

"Ge'er!" Li Shiming's voice was low and hoarse, and his eyes were filled with anger that had been suppressed for many years.

He still remembers every word in that battle report - "The Fourth Prince fought hard and refused to surrender, but was ultimately outnumbered and beheaded by Chu Ning for public display."

"Chun Ning!"

Li Shiming gnashed his teeth, his knuckles leaving deep marks on the spirit tablet: "You killed my son and humiliated the Tang Dynasty. This hatred is irreconcilable!"

He suddenly looked up, his eyes bloodshot, like a beast that had been dormant for a long time and finally waited for the opportunity for revenge.

"Do you think I will watch you annex the Han Dynasty and rule the world?"

He sneered, his fingers slowly stroking the name on the spirit tablet: "No, I want you to watch with your own eyes as your kingdom crumbles inch by inch!"

"With three hundred thousand troops approaching, Wei will surely be conquered!"

He whispered grimly, "When you return to help, I will personally lead the army and surround and kill you on the banks of the Yangtze River!"

"For Ge'er's revenge, I will use your head as a sacrifice!"

He abruptly placed the spirit tablet back on the altar, turned around and strode out of the inner hall, his robes fluttering and his face filled with murderous intent.

"Chu Ning, this time, I want you to pay with blood!"

He is confident about this battle!