Pei Yuan lowered his eyes, suppressing the turmoil in his eyes, "I don't deserve it."

The King of Chu stared at him for a moment, then suddenly changed the subject: "Pei Yuan, I have received a secret report that the envoy from the Great Qin is on the way and will arrive in the capital soon."

He took two steps closer and his voice deepened, "They are here to take you back!"

Pei Yuan suddenly froze, his expression complicated.

"The Qin Empire has been in turmoil for many years, and the royal bloodline has withered." The King of Chu said slowly: "You have the blood of the Qin Empire flowing in your veins, and you have learned the art of power from Zhaoyang."

He paused, staring at Pei Yuan: "Now, it's time for you to make a choice!"

"I will continue to stay in Da Chu and serve as your great general protecting the country..."

"Or should we go back to Daqin and fight for that position?"

Inside the imperial study, the candlelight flickered. Outside the window, the autumn wind blew fallen leaves against the window frame, making a rustling sound.

The green smoke from the ambergris swirled between the two of them, like an invisible barrier.

After a long time, Pei Yuan slowly raised his head, suddenly knelt on one knee, and spoke in a low but firm voice:

"I, your servant, wish to return to Daqin."

There was a gleam of light in Emperor Chu's eyes, and the hands behind his back tightened subconsciously.

"Have you thought it through?"

"yes!"

Pei Yuan's eyes were like torches, and his tone was sincere: "I will keep your teachings in mind. If the situation changes in the future, I will..." He paused, his Adam's apple rolled, and he spoke with some difficulty; "The identity of a king of a country is always more important than that of a general."

The present Chu State seems peaceful, but in fact it has been plagued by internal and external troubles. The Crown Prince is mediocre but ambitious, the noble families are intertwined, and the Di tribe in the north is eyeing them covetously. There is also the Third Prince in Youzhou, who is also a troublemaker, and the Princess...

No matter how strong she is, she is still a woman. If the day comes when the mountains and rivers collapse...

Pei Yuan didn't dare to think about it.

Even if it cost him his life, he would never allow such a situation to happen.

Pei Yuan's tightly clenched fists slowly loosened, and he said, "Before I leave, I have one more thing to ask of you."

Emperor Chu raised his eyebrows: "Speak."

"The autumn hunt is coming soon. I want to..." His eyes flashed with coldness, "to eliminate a few hidden dangers for your majesty and the princess first."

The King of Chu tapped the dragon table lightly with his fingers and pondered for a moment.

"Yes, but——"

He stood up again, walked to Pei Yuan, and spoke without hesitation:

"I want you to fake your death and escape during the Autumn Hunt!"