Chapter 1253: Severing Ties [Seeking Monthly Tickets]
It's impossible to call for help.
Zhai Le didn't want to make too much of a fuss and get scolded by the court officials.
His jaw muscles were taut, his whole body like a bowstring stretched to its limit, his peach blossom eyes deep and dark, now carrying a newfound authority. He tried to coerce Shen Tang into getting up with his gaze, but Shen Tang's skin was as thick as a city wall.
Not only did she refuse to get up, she also used the memorial to fan herself.
In the end, Zhai Le couldn't hold back any longer. He clenched his fists to suppress the urge to fight and tried to reason with him: "You are the king of Kang, and you should sit on the throne of Kang. This is Qu, and you are sitting on the throne of Qu!"
After several years apart, don't push him to swear or hit someone!
Shen Tang said, "The throne lies in the spirit, not in the form. Without the glory of the throne, it is ultimately just a broken chair to sit on. If I sit on this chair, does that make me the king of Qu Kingdom? Xiao Fang, you are attached to appearances."
Over the years, Zhai Le had honed his eloquence through his interactions with court officials, and his sharp tongue could leave people speechless: "Attached to appearances? I thought you were just seeking coolness by shaving your head, but I didn't expect you to actually intend to become a monk."
Shen Zixu Tang: "..."
The fan in his hand, holding the memorial, moved with decreasing arc until it became stiff.
She suddenly erupted in anger, throwing the memorial in her hand like a boomerang at Zhai Le's face: "Zhai Xiaofang, you called me bald?"
He stepped onto the table and leaped over it with a large stride.
Zhai Le was prepared for this, but the "memorial boomerang" was too fast, and he was too close to Shen Tang. He could only stiffen his body, plant his feet firmly on the ground, lean back and let the memorial pass by his face. Then he twisted his waist, flew to the side, and easily caught the returning memorial with two fingers.
He said, "Don't play with these memorials."
Shen Tang clapped her hands and exclaimed, "Great back!"
Startled, Zhai Le stumbled and almost twisted her ankle. She said irritably, "Save these lewd words for your male lovers."
Shen Tang scratched his face, not expecting Zhai Le to react so strongly.
I couldn't help but give him a thumbs up: "Perfect score for male virtue!"
They used to be able to compete in handstands with stones between their legs, and discuss how to train their chest muscles to strengthen their friendship. Now, even a compliment on their waist makes them defensive. This makes Shen Tang sigh at how things have changed, but also appreciate the other man's excellent character.
Zhai Le: "..."
No, he simply felt offended by being verbally harassed as the ruler of the country, and his anger flared up instinctively. But when he calmed down and realized that she was the one who said those words, it seemed perfectly normal. What was abnormal was that after all these years, she still looked exactly the same.
Growing older, taller, losing hair, but not growing smarter.
Zhai Le, who prided himself on being calm and composed, didn't bother arguing with her.
As Zhai Le leisurely walked towards the throne to take his seat, Shen Tang swiftly sidestepped and flashed back, sitting down before him. Zhai Le looked at the throne, unable to bring himself to childishly push someone aside. He suppressed the bulging veins on his forehead and took a deep breath.
"Tell me, what brings you here this time?"
"Can't I contact you if there's nothing wrong?"
Zhai Le tossed the memorial back onto the table and said, "Hehehe, the King of Shen has been operating in the central region in disguise all these years. This place is much closer to Qu than Kang is to Qu. Have you ever paid him a visit during festivals? You don't come here unless you have a reason!"
Forget about paying a visit, there's never even been any diplomatic exchange between the two countries. Shen Youli came without any ulterior motive this time; Zhai Le's name is written backwards!
Being exposed to his face did not embarrass Shen Tang.
The main point is that she's not embarrassed; it's others who are embarrassed.
"Xiaofang understands me perfectly!"
Zhai Le: "...So this is what a confidant is?"
He gazed at Shen Tang with his peach blossom eyes, waiting for the next part.
Before his patience ran out, Shen Tang suddenly dropped a bombshell, like a thunderclap in a dry field, almost stunning Zhai Le's brain. Shen Tang said, "If we weren't close friends, why would I think of you every time something good happens? Zhai Xiaofang, are you interested in sharing this lucrative piece of land in the central region with me?"
Zhai Le: "..."
He remained silent for a long time, so long that Shen Tang thought he hadn't heard him clearly, when he suddenly asked, "Why did you suddenly bring this up?"
Many years ago, Zhai Le knew that Shen Tang did not play by the rules.
However, I never expected that after so many years as a ruler, his temper not only hadn't changed, but had actually become "terminally ill".
When Zhai Le entered, he had dozens of guesses about her intentions, none of which were about dividing up the central continent. He certainly hadn't expected her to utter something so casually that could stir up bloodshed in the court. Did she even know what she was saying?
"I'm not crazy, don't look at me like you're suggesting I see the imperial physician. I'm serious this time!" As she said this, Shen Tang completely changed her previous nonchalant attitude and sat up straight. "Zhai Xiaofang, you have to help me!"
Zhai Le felt as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world.
The young man's once amorous eyes were now cold, and his words were merciless: "If our two countries are to establish diplomatic relations, I would like to ask the King of Shen to send an envoy to visit us. If this is a private request, then we two young men may have some acquaintance, but such acquaintances mean nothing in the face of our nation."
Zhai Xiaofang was indeed helpless against Shen Youli, forced to watch as she sat on her throne without being able to retaliate because she couldn't defeat her one-on-one. However, the King of Qu was unlikely to show any leniency or weakness towards the King of Shen. Zhai Le frowned, preparing to dismiss the guests.
Shen Tang said calmly, "Why don't we listen to what he has to say before drawing a conclusion?"
Zhai Le raised his hand, indicating that he was all ears.
Even on Zhai Le's home turf, Shen Tang showed no awareness of being an away player, calmly saying, "I think you'd better agree. Take this opportunity to grow stronger, and you'll still have the strength to fight me in the future. If you miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to expand your territory... Xiao Fang, when our two countries clash in the future, with such a disparity in national strength, no matter how unwilling you are, you'll have no choice but to offer your head!"
For so many years, no one has dared to offend Zhai Le like this.
"My head?" Zhai Le's eyes darkened, and a long weapon surged from his palm, its blade pointing at Shen Tang. "This is the Kingdom of Qu. Is it because I'm too easygoing that you've become so reckless?"
A strong wind blew, causing the hanging landscape painting curtain to flutter.
The atmosphere inside the hall was tense and confrontational.
The guards outside the palace noticed the commotion and tried to enter, but Zhai Le shouted, stopping them in their tracks: "Get out! No one is allowed to enter without an imperial edict!"
These people had no idea when Shen Tang entered or how long he spent reading the memorials. They were just causing trouble; they'd be better off staying away. Zhai Le's robes fluttered without wind, and the subtle aura he exuded made Shen Tang understand something: "Gong Xi Chou said back then that you couldn't stay, that keeping you would become a great threat. You haven't disappointed him. Managing the country while cultivating to this level. Brother, you are the true King of Scrolls! Seriously, consider my suggestion carefully; it won't do you any harm."
Zhai Le laughed angrily: "Sink! Young! Pear!"
His tone was colder than ever before.
With a flick of his wrist, the blade changed direction, as if he were about to cut off the robe in front of Shen Tang, clearly intending to sever ties!
Shen Tang spoke before he made his move.
"I'm tidying up the southwest."
Zhai Le's movements froze in mid-air.
Having ruled for many years, he could easily guess the general outline of events. Kang Kingdom was focused on the southwestern battlefield, while the central continent, not wanting its continued expansion, prepared to intercept it. Feeling overwhelmed, Kang Kingdom sought an alliance with Qu Kingdom. As long as Qu Kingdom restrained the central forces, no one could interfere with Kang Kingdom anymore.
"So, you're asking someone for a favor?"
Zhai Le was so angry he almost laughed.
This is the first time in my life I've seen someone asking for a favor be so arrogant.
Shen Tang disagreed: "How can this be asking for favors? The intervention of the central forces will only add a few obstacles for me and delay things for another year or two! They can't stop my progress!"
"If the King of Shen is so confident, what is he now?"
Shen Tang pointed to himself with his thumb: "I'm awesome!"
Zhai Le: "..."
Shen Tang tested him on the verge of losing control and getting angry: "Even if you don't intervene to restrain the central forces, I can still annihilate them, but it will take too much time. By then, I will control the Northwest, Southwest, and Central regions. To protect yourselves, you and the Northeast forces will definitely put aside your past grievances and cooperate. As for me, my years of conquest have greatly depleted my strength. It won't be easy to swallow you all up at once. To ensure stability, I will definitely need to recuperate for a few years, stabilize society, and restore production..."
Zhai Le said indifferently, "You've got quite the nerve!"
Even before anything was actually planned, he was already determined to become the ruler of the world.
Does she think she's dead?
Zhai Ledao said, "Since you are so confident, I, Zhai, will wait here for the Kang Kingdom's iron cavalry to press on our borders, no matter how many years it may take!"
Shen Tang sneered, "Neither of us can wait any longer."
Zhai Le asked sternly, "What do you mean?"
If it were just a statement that Zhai Le couldn't wait, it could be considered a provocation, but Shen Tang added her own words, which completely changed the context.
Zhai Le observed Shen Tang suspiciously, seemingly trying to discern a hint of playfulness or teasing on her face, but only saw seriousness and solemnity. A thought flashed through his mind: "Could it be that there's something wrong with your health?"
If that's the case, he won't argue with a dying person.
Shen Tang shook her head and said, "It's not this one."
When she mentioned the "tightening spell" left by Yunda to outsiders for the first time, Zhai Le's face was a colorful mix of emotions, quite a sight to behold.
"This is absurd and ridiculous. So what if the Yun Da you mentioned is a 20th-rank Marquis? Let alone one 20th-rank Marquis, even if a hundred or so attacked together, they couldn't destroy the world. You overestimate him." Zhai Le shook his head, concluding that it was just another mockery.
Shen Tang replied, "If you believe, it exists; if you don't believe, you'll die young."
Zhai Le: "..."
Shen Tang took a sip of the tea that had long since gone cold: "If we must decide the fate of the world in one battle, I hope my opponent will be you! Even if we are ultimately powerless to turn the tide, at least we can see the one-of-a-kind apocalypse together."
In the end times, you should always spend it with those you find agreeable.
Surrounded by steadfast friends and family, and facing an enemy who was also a childhood friend, how could it not be romantic? Shen Tang put down his teacup and continued, "Of course, I'm not saying this expecting your help. Between nations, there's only the exchange of interests. We share a piece of fat meat, and you won't lose out. If you're unwilling, that's fine too. I'm willing to gamble sixty percent of the continent in a life-or-death situation!"
"I have won. I am the ruler of the world."
"If we lose, we'll die together, friend and foe alike!"
Even if it really came to that, Shen Tang wouldn't believe that Zhai Le would willingly submit for the sake of all living beings. Such an idealized fairytale ending wouldn't appear in this broken world. After all, if it's all for the sake of all living beings, why should Zhai Le have to take a step back?
Why can't Shen Tang take the step back and act as the great sage?
Shen Tang will not back down, nor can she back down! She either survives the game to reach the grand finale with one life, or she dies with one life!
Zhai Le stared into Shen Tang's eyes.
Those once passionate, alluring eyes are now cold and sharp, as if trying to see through the truth hidden beneath Shen Tang's facade.
After a long silence, he said, "There's another possibility: I win!"
Unifying the world isn't something that only Shen Youli can do, is it?
"I will discuss this matter with others further."
Zhai Le exhaled a breath of stale air and closed his eyes in thought.
"Whether it's true or false, I will know for myself."
It's impossible for Shen Tang to say whatever she wants.
Shen Tang said, "I'll wait for your news."
After she left, Zhai Le immediately found Yu Hai and told him about Shen Tang's visit. Yu Hai was so shocked he almost stood up. Seeing that Zhai Le was unharmed, he was slightly relieved: "If she dared to come, the master should have someone take her down!"
Instead of having heart-to-heart talks like long-lost friends.
"Didn't Guilong know that she was merely an avatar?"
What's the use of taking down an avatar?
It's a lot of effort and doesn't even bring any reward.
Yu Hai said, "Even so, the Lord cannot tolerate this! If this matter gets out, how can the Lord maintain his authority?"
It wouldn't sound good if it were passed down to later generations, as if it were inferior.
Zhai Le waved his hand, indicating that he didn't care about such trivial details, and what future generations said was none of his business: "Guilong, give me your opinion, do you think what Shen Youli said is true or false?"
Yu Hai said, "Whether it's true or false, or whether we win or lose, is not important. What's important is that Shen Youli can withstand the pressure from both sides. If we take over the Northeast region in the future, or join forces with the Northeast forces to fight against her, we will be in a passive position."
When a potential enemy reveals their hand, they must either keep up or surpass them; there is no room for hesitation, as that leads to certain death.
Zhai Le made some assumptions in his mind.
"Given her temperament, I'm afraid she won't take a break."
They would only gamble everything on a single life-or-death situation.
Rest and recuperate?
While she recuperates, will the enemy remain stagnant? It would be better to take advantage of their high morale and attack them all at once; the chances of victory would be much greater! Zhai Le would do the same.
Give the enemy no chance to breathe!
Yu Hai looked at Zhai Le with a strange expression.
Zhai Le seemed unaware that he subconsciously believed Shen Tang could succeed, but who could say for sure about such things?
“These concerns of yours, my lord, will only arise once Shen Youli successfully transcends her tribulation. If she fails, Kangguo will be devoured by the two vultures of the southwest and central regions, and naturally, there will be no further trouble.” Yu Hai frowned deeply. “I will send someone to verify the truth of her talk of world destruction. If it is true…”
"I will be her match!"
The destiny to unify the world could also belong to him!
Yu Hai: "What if it's fake?"
Zhai Le lowered his head, looking at the cold, peach-blossom eyes reflected in the blade, a contemptuous killing intent curling at the corner of his lips: "If it's a lie, then we'll sever all ties! The vultures that are devouring Kangguo won't be two, they'll be three!"
Shen Tang's appearance served as a wake-up call for him.
To establish a separatist regime and live in isolation is ultimately a short-sighted solution.
Unification is the only way to truly eliminate future troubles!
"Guilong, don't you think there are too many countries in the world?"
Yu Hai gazed at the lush scenery outside the window.
"There are too many; one outstanding one is enough."
ヾ(▽)ノ
Back in early July, I bought a small used Polo to practice driving, but the delivery time for the Xiaomi car was awkward, and I just missed the deadline for the provincial subsidy. Yesterday, I saw on Xiaohongshu that the ZJ provincial subsidy was retroactive, and I met the requirements. So today, I hurriedly sold the Polo to a used car dealer. After deducting the loss from the Polo, I can still make a profit of about 10,000 yuan from the subsidy. Hehe, I can buy a new phone now.
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