After being demoted, my 300,000-strong army trampled the imperial city!

"What do you think is the Grand Wizard's purpose in this trip?"

Chen Futu toyed with his wine cup and asked Zhang Liang a question.

Zhang Liang pondered and said, "In my opinion, the Northern Martial's strategy has always been to take over the Central Plains. The Grand Wizard is obviously familiar with the Queen. This trip is probably to inform the Queen of something in private, to cooperate with the Northern Martial in some action, or to retrieve something from the Queen."

"Is it?"

Chen Futu fell into deep thought.

The first possibility is clear to most people.

The second possibility is more interesting: what does Liu Longyue possess that would warrant a personal trip by the Grand Wizard?

While he was pondering, a scholar stood up and asked, "Your Majesty, now that the Northern Frontier has broken with the Great Qian Dynasty, what will you do next?"

"Yes, Your Majesty, the Great Qian will not sit idly by and let this happen; they may very well send troops to invade."

The scholars chattered amongst themselves, with Cui Shanwu shaking his head and saying, "The crown prince's coronation has shaken the world. If the Great Qian Dynasty launches a northern expedition, how will the crown prince conduct himself?"

He was a man of the Great Qian Dynasty, and even though he was in the Northern Frontier Royal Court, he kept calling out to the Great Qian Royal Army.

The generals present all sneered.

Guan Yu said, "Looking at the Great Qian army and all its nobles, they seem to be like people who have been put up for sale. What is there to fear?"

"General Guan is not afraid, but if we rashly resort to arms, the people will be plunged into the flames of war, which is probably not what the Prince of Zhenbei wants."

Cui Shanwu mentioned his deceased lord, and the other scholars all nodded in agreement.

In the past six months, the northern border has been ravaged by war, and the people live in fear, unable to sleep at night, lest they be killed by sword or axe. This is not the behavior of a wise ruler.

Chen Futu picked up his wine cup, strolled down from the royal court, and laughed: "I am a foolish man, but I have been blessed by Heaven with such great achievements. My initial wish was nothing more than to live a carefree life of singing and dancing. However, after my father passed away, the emperor summoned me to the capital under false pretenses, intending to seize my military power on trumped-up charges and even kill me. Thinking about it carefully, it is truly lamentable."

His calm words made the scholars present blush with embarrassment.

What Chen Futu said was true, and they could not refute that.

"As the saying goes, a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. If they want to harm me, how dare I sit and wait for death? Then my soldiers risked their lives to protect me and escape far away. Along the way, I traversed mountains and passes, conquered beyond the pass, pacified the eastern plains, fought in the western frontier, swept away the scourge of war, and killed the barbarian tribes who fled at the mere sight of me. In the end, I was crowned king and my power subdued the four seas!"

Chen Futu's words were passionate and inspiring, leaving everyone present astonished, especially the military officers, whose expressions were filled with fervor as if it were all just yesterday.

Chen Futu approached the scholars and said arrogantly, "I know that some people see my power and suspect me of having ulterior motives, and want to strip me of my military power to restore peace to the world. Hmph, if I am ennobled and return to my country, I fear I will be harmed by treacherous people. If I am defeated, the world will surely be in chaos."

Cui Shanwu gritted his teeth and said, "Your Highness, you're exaggerating."

"Who else but me can protect the borders and the people of the North?" Chen Futu asked, his eyes narrowed, his words carrying a murderous intent.

Cui Shanwu was immediately speechless.

"The barbarian tribes of the grasslands have never given up their desire to destroy us. The emperor is old, muddle-headed and incompetent. The officials in the court do not think of serving the country, but instead oppress the people to satisfy their own desires. What hope is there for such a country?"

Chen Futu's words were utterly scathing, leaving the scholars scratching their heads in frustration and growing increasingly ashamed and angry.

The chaos in Chenzhou is imminent. The officials in charge have not provided disaster relief but have instead driven away the people, leaving them to live and die at will. If it weren't for the Northern Frontier King's benevolent rule, the ground would probably be littered with corpses.

Zhuge Liang and his trusted advisors, including Zhang Liang, exchanged glances, their smiles growing wider. The king was becoming more and more regal, and his words were truly awe-inspiring.

Chen Futu turned around and looked at everyone. "Today is a joyous occasion. I have just thought of a fine piece of writing that is perfect for this occasion. You may all listen to it."

"We respectfully request your presence."

The courtiers laughed and jeering, but the scholars and members of the delegation all had dark faces and resentful eyes.

Chen Futu took a sip of wine and said leisurely, "From humble beginnings, I rise like a raging storm across the vast universe; I stand firm against rumors and gossip, and usher in a new chapter for the nation."

Upon hearing this, Cui Shanwu and his party turned ashen-faced.

What does it mean to "open up a new chapter for the nation and its people"?

This was practically telling the world that Chen Futu would definitely invade the Central Plains, overthrow the Great Qian Dynasty, and establish a new one!

"Only the boundless heaven and earth can praise the endless grace of the heavens and earth, and the painstaking efforts of those who have devoted themselves to serving others are beyond compare throughout history."

Chen Futu was reciting the famous scene from Romance of the Three Kingdoms, where Cao Cao was in high spirits at the Bronze Sparrow Terrace.

"Your Majesty's talent and virtue are unparalleled; the world is fortunate indeed."

Zhuge Liang was surprisingly good at flattery. He smiled and praised them, then waved his feather fan and looked at Cui Shanwu and his group, "What do you all think?"

Cui Shanwu said awkwardly, "Your Majesty's talent is admirable."

From then on, the royal court was filled with singing and dancing, and there was no more discord.

During the banquet, cups clinked and the military officers drank to their hearts' content, while the guests from outside the capital were preoccupied with their own thoughts.

I had thought that Chen Futu could only succeed by standing on the foundation laid by his father and brother, and by shining with the light of heaven. But now it seems that this is not the case. He himself is stronger and more ambitious than his father and brother. Such a hegemon is like a rising star, how can one not be moved?

The banquet finally came to an end.

Chen Futu's poems were also deliberately leaked by his subordinates.

Inside Pingkang Ward, Li Xiuning showed Yan Qing a transcribed poem. Yan Qing examined it closely, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "As expected of the King, this is too domineering..."

Who else, besides Chen Futu, would dare to declare a change of dynasty so soon after being crowned?

The daughters of noble families, who had also read the poems and expressed their feelings, were also deeply moved. They were growing increasingly fond of the overlord of the Northern Frontier, but they were unsure when he would hold a public selection of candidates, perhaps giving them a chance to rise in rank.

In the inner palace of the royal court, Qingyi clicked her tongue in amazement after reading the article, "This kid is incredibly arrogant, but he suits my temperament perfectly."

Her disciples in green robes should be this domineering; the royal family is all bullshit!

"The King has arrived!"

As the maid called out, Chen Futu arrived leisurely.

The woman in green smiled and said, "Ah Man, you've had a hard day."

"Auntie, you haven't rested yet. Going to bed early is good for your skin," Chen Futu greeted her cheerfully.

The woman in green snorted, "Are you saying I'm old and unattractive?"

"Not at all, not at all. I'll research a skin-moisturizing formula for you later, and I guarantee you'll look younger and more energetic."

"What's the use of being so young? You're all alone anyway."

"Hehe, Auntie, haven't you ever thought about remarrying?" Chen Futu said half-jokingly.

Upon hearing this, Qingyi suddenly leaned closer and said in a teasing tone that only the two of them could hear, "How about I take a loss and become your mother's daughter-in-law?"

Upon hearing this, Chen Futu was so frightened that his hair stood on end. He quickly covered her mouth and nervously looked around.

Thank goodness I'm not here, otherwise if she had heard me, things would have been terrible!

"Tch, you're just like your father, all talk and no action."

"what?"

Chen Futu found this strange. So, she had been in unrequited love all along? Her father had never even touched her?

It’s really useless!