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

"Yes, Deng Qing handled the matter of summoning officials well."

Chu Ning then cut to the heart of the matter: "So, regarding the funeral itself, have all the ceremonies, venues, personnel, and expenses been properly arranged?"

Deng Hongwen's spirits lifted, knowing this was the part His Majesty cared about most. He quickly took out a thick scroll from his sleeve and presented it with both hands:

"Your Majesty, this is the 'Detailed Record of Funeral Rites for Han Xing, the Loyal and Martial Duke of Zhongguo,' which was jointly drafted by me, the Court of Imperial Sacrifices, the Court of Imperial Banquets, the Imperial Observatory, and the Imperial Household Department. Please review it."

“We have carefully considered all matters to ensure they are complete, solemn, and in accordance with the highest rites for dukes.”

Seeing that Chu Ning did not immediately turn the page, he succinctly summarized the key points: "The mourning hall is set up in the side hall of Fengxian Hall, and has been properly arranged according to regulations. The coffin will be kept for five days for officials and members of the imperial clan to pay their respects."

"On the day of the funeral, the procession started at Chenshi (7-9 AM), proceeded from Fengxian Hall, passed through Chengtian Gate and Zhuque Avenue, and was buried at the 'Zhonglie Mausoleum', an auspicious site selected by the Imperial Astronomical Bureau in the western suburbs."

"The honor guard consisted of the Imperial Guards, the ceremonial procession, the flags, the incense pavilion, the shadow pavilion, and the imperial edict pavilion, totaling 1,200 people."

"The five city garrisons have been ordered to clean the streets and pacify the roads, and the people may set up incense tables and offer sacrifices along the roadside."

"The funeral rites include reading the eulogy, sealing the earth, and erecting a monument. The inscription was drafted by the Hanlin Academy and has been submitted to His Majesty for approval. The chief officiant..."

Deng Hongwen paused slightly at this point, glanced at Chu Ning's expression, and then continued:

"According to regulations, the chief officiant should be the highest-ranking official in the Ministry of Rites, namely your humble servant. I wonder what Your Majesty's opinion is?"

Chu Ning listened quietly, her fingers tapping lightly on the table.

He did not comment much on the specific procedures reported by Deng Hongwen. The Ministry of Rites was an expert in this area, and as long as it conformed to regulations and was solemn enough, it was fine.

Upon hearing the name of the chosen high priest, he nodded, his tone calm yet firm:

"As the Minister of Rites, Deng Qing is highly respected and well-versed in etiquette. It is most appropriate for you to serve as the chief officiant and preside over Han Qing's funeral. I am at ease."

Relieved by the emperor's approval, Deng Hongwen quickly bowed.

"Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to live up to your trust and ensure that the funeral of the Duke of Zhongguo is solemn, grand, and without any regrets."

After the funeral arrangements were reported, the atmosphere in the hall seemed to relax slightly.

Just as Deng Hongwen was about to take his leave to continue overseeing those tedious details, he suddenly remembered something, and a hint of hesitation appeared on his face, but he ultimately decided to report it.

"His Majesty,"

Deng Hongwen spoke again, lowering his voice: "There is one more matter that needs to be reported to His Majesty."

"This morning, the Court of State Ceremonies forwarded a letter from the Great Tang Dynasty, issued in the name of Emperor Li Shimin of Tang."

"Oh?"

Chu Ning raised an eyebrow, a cold glint in his eyes: "Li Shiming? What brings him to send a letter of state at this time? Could it be to mourn General Han?"

His tone was clearly sarcastic.

Deng Hongwen shook his head and took out another copy of the document, sealed with sealing wax and stamped with the Imperial Seal of the Tang Dynasty, from his sleeve.

He respectfully placed it on a corner of the imperial desk, then stepped back and reported:

In the official letter, Emperor Li Shimin of Tang said that this southern expedition was a misunderstanding, caused by the instigation of treacherous people, which led to the two countries going to war and causing great suffering to the people.

"Now that the Tang army has retreated, we are willing to cease hostilities and make peace. To show our sincerity, the Great Tang is willing to relinquish its imperial title, submit to the Great Chu, and become a vassal state of our dynasty, paying tribute every year."

"And hopes to sign a permanent peace treaty with our country, demarcate the borders, and agree not to invade each other."

To submit?

A vassal state?

Peace Treaty?

Upon hearing this, Chu Ning showed no joy whatsoever.

Instead, his expression suddenly darkened, a cold, fierce glint flashed in his deep eyes, and a chilling smile curved his lips.

"Ha... Li Shiming, even at this point, you're still clinging to illusions and playing these delaying tactics!"

Chu Ning's voice was not loud, but it was like a blade chilled by ice, sending a chill through the warm hall.

"Remove the imperial title? Submit to the emperor and pay tribute? Sign a peace treaty? Does he really think I'm a three-year-old child who can't see through his trick of prolonging his life, buying time to recruit soldiers and regroup?"

He slammed his hand on the imperial desk with a loud thud, startling Deng Hongwen, who immediately lowered his head.

"In the battle of Jianghuai, Li Shiming suffered heavy losses and fled eastward in a sorry state. At Changtingpo, he lost all his allies and looked northward in panic!"

"Although my Great Chu is exhausted now, its imperial power is at its peak. How can he be fooled by a mere utterance of submission?"

"He merely wants to use this empty title and a little tribute to buy himself a chance to recover. Once he has regained his strength, he will surely break the alliance and make a comeback!"

"Such a faithless and fickle villain dares to talk about peace with me?!"

Chu Ning stood up, walked to the window, and looked out at the gloomy sky, as if he could see the enemy in the north retreating in panic.

His back was tall and firm, his voice carrying an undeniable, decisive edge.

"Reply to Li Shiming!"

Chu Ning turned around, her gaze flashing like lightning as she looked at Deng Hongwen: "Tell him to wash his neck clean and wait patiently in Chang'an!"

"Sooner or later, I will personally lead the army north, break through Tongguan Pass, and besiege Chang'an!"

"At that time, I will personally cut off his head to appease the spirits of the fallen soldiers of my Great Chu and to comfort General Han's soul in heaven! Want to make peace? Dream on!"

This response was tough and domineering, filled with an unwavering belief in victory and a burning desire for revenge, completely severing any possibility of peace talks with the Tang Dynasty in the short term.

This also clearly declared the next strategic goal of the Chu state—to completely destroy the Li Tang dynasty, rather than accepting its submission.

Deng Hongwen was intimidated by the chilling killing intent in Chu Ning's words, though he felt that such a reply might be too forceful and direct.

But I know that His Majesty's mind is made up, and these words are indeed in line with the current situation and His Majesty's character.

He dared not say more and quickly bowed, replying, "Your subject... obeys the decree! Immediately order the Court of State Ceremonial to draft a reply to the Great Tang with this intention!"

"Well, let's go."

Chu Ning waved his hand and sat back down at his desk. His expression had returned to calm, but the cold glint in his eyes lingered for a long time.

Deng Hongwen dared not be negligent. After bowing again, he left the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

The hall fell silent again, with only the occasional crackling of the charcoal fire.

Chu Ning's gaze fell on the copy of the Great Tang Dynasty's official document. He sneered and casually swept it aside.

His thoughts had already drifted to the funeral five days later, and to the preparations for the Northern Expedition in the spring of the following year.

In his eyes, Li Shimin's attempt to make peace was nothing more than an insignificant interlude.

The enemy's weakness and cunning only strengthened his resolve to completely wipe out the north.

Of the nine great dynasties in the Central Plains, only the Chu Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty remain.

He would absolutely not leave this Tang Dynasty behind.

Whether it's to avenge Han Xing or to seize the world, whether it's for public or private reasons, whether it's for emotion or reason, he has no possibility of stopping!