"Chen Zhennan, are you really going to do this to me?"
Chen Zhennan stood up, his figure appearing exceptionally tall in the dim light: "Wu Yunyin, this is the seed you planted yourself, and now you can only bear the consequences."
Wu Yunyin's hands trembled, the surrender document in front of her felt as heavy as a thousand pounds, making it hard for her to breathe.
A multitude of complex emotions surged within her, a mixture of despair, anger, and helplessness, which made her face appear pale and haggard.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice into the imperial study, casting shadows on her face as if reflecting her inner struggles.
Chen Zhennan slowly turned around and walked to the door of the Imperial Study. His footsteps were particularly clear in the quiet space.
"Wu Yunyin, you only have half an hour to make a decision. The entire court of the Great Wu is already on its way to the Hall of Establishing Government. In half an hour, whether you like it or not, I will announce the demise of the Great Wu."
Wu Yunyin's heart sank, and a hint of panic flashed in her eyes.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself down.
She understood that she only had two choices: life or death.
Her fingers traced lightly across the surrender document, as if trying to find a glimmer of hope, but she only felt a chilling despair.
"Chen Zhennan, are you really going to be so heartless?" Her voice trembled, carrying a hint of accusation and resentment. "I have devoted myself to Dawu, is this how it should end?"
Chen Zhennan was slightly taken aback, and he really couldn't understand how Wu Yunyin could be so shameless.
"For the Great Martial Arts? Do you even believe that yourself? You're too self-centered. Everything you do is for yourself. Stop deceiving yourself."
“Self-deception? I am the emperor of Great Wu, the only member of the royal family. I am doing this for myself, isn’t it all for Great Wu? What’s wrong with that?” Wu Yunyin asked through gritted teeth.
"The victor is king, the loser is villain. It's okay if you don't think you're wrong, because the outcome won't change because of your stubbornness. Make your choice. I'll be waiting for you in half an hour."
After speaking, Chen Zhennan stepped out of the imperial study, gave Wu Yunyin a wink, and the two left one after the other.
...
Half an hour later, in the Lizheng Hall, sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating the solemn hall.
All the civil and military officials of the Great Wu Dynasty gathered together, each with a solemn expression and their heads bowed, as if they were silently praying for something.
The air was thick with tension, almost suffocating.
Everyone waited quietly, their hearts filled with unease.
Just then, the palace doors slowly opened, and Chen Zhennan's figure appeared at the entrance.
Clad in armor, he exuded an imposing aura. Behind him followed Zhou Xiang, Song Yunyang, and numerous military generals, he was like an unstoppable storm, instantly pushing the atmosphere of the entire hall to a climax.
"Greetings, Commander!"
The civil and military officials shouted in unison, their voices like thunder, deafeningly loud.
Chen Zhennan walked up the steps and looked down at everyone with an air of majesty. He was secretly pleased with himself, but he forced a smile on his face and revealed a sense of composure and calmness.
"Please rise, everyone," Chen Zhennan said slowly, his voice deep yet exuding immense authority.
As he spoke, all the officials stood up.
"General, you are a unique figure throughout history. Why not ascend the throne, unify the Great Wu and the Great Yan, and become an emperor for all time?"
An older civil official spoke first, his tone full of pleading and expectation, as if the entire Great Wu would be revived in his hands if Chen Zhennan nodded.
"Yes, Commander, you should become our emperor!"
"What everyone says makes sense, Commander-in-Chief! You should ascend the throne!"
Faced with such hospitality, Chen Zhennan was delighted, but the smile on his face gradually faded, and he slowly shook his head.
"Gentlemen, the time is not yet ripe. I am now the Emperor of Great Yan, and it would be inappropriate to take over Great Wu. I will temporarily govern Great Wu, and the matter of my ascension to the throne will be discussed later."
These words immediately sparked a murmur of discussion, and the crowd exchanged bewildered glances with varying expressions.
Some were disappointed, some were confused, and some were even secretly dissatisfied.
"General, if you are unwilling to ascend the throne, what will become of the future of our Great Wu?"
"Yes, without a wise ruler, how can the people live in peace?"
All eyes of the court officials were on Chen Zhennan, and their enthusiastic invitations poured in like a tide, but Chen Zhennan still firmly refused.
"I appreciate your kind intentions, but I must say I cannot accept them."
Just then, Zhou Xiang stepped forward, his figure standing out in the crowd.
"General, your achievements are unparalleled and your virtue matches heaven and earth. It would be a great pity for the world if you did not ascend the throne."
Upon seeing this, Chen Zhennan frowned slightly. He hadn't expected even his own subordinate to step forward and volunteer. This was truly putting him in a precarious position.
He thought quickly and suddenly came up with a plan. He immediately said, "Zhou Xiang, I think you are both talented and virtuous. Why don't you be the regent of Da Wu and preside over the affairs of Da Wu in the capital?"
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiang was overjoyed, his smile barely concealed, but he still feigned modesty and declined.
"General, this is absolutely impossible. I am not worthy of such a responsibility."
"Huh?" Chen Zhennan waved his hand slightly and beckoned Zhou Xiang to come up to the steps.
"Zhou Xiang, I am really not capable enough. The reform of the customs in the thirteen states is underway, and I am simply unable to be in two places at once."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Xiang was very excited and was about to agree, but he saw Hou Jing and Li Can shake their heads slightly at him.
Seeing this, Zhou Xiang shook his head again, "General, reforms cannot be rushed. I truly dare not shoulder this heavy responsibility. Please, General, withdraw your application..."
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