Chapter 94: Controversy

"Rebellion!"

Inside the royal palace, Zhou Qing's face was ashen. His fists slammed the table, making thudding sounds, and his eyes were filled with chilling killing intent. Clearly, the news from Qijun had reached him.

Below the main hall, numerous generals and ministers stood, their expressions shifting unpredictably. It was an open secret that King Qi harbored rebellious intentions for years, but no one expected it to fully erupt today.

"Now that King Qi has rebelled, what do you all propose we do?" Zhou Qing's gaze swept over his officials, sharp and piercing.

He knew that the imperial family had been weakening over the years, and it was inevitable that some ministers and generals had been influenced by King Qi's mansion, their loyalties wavering. After all, everyone knew that the Great Wu Dynasty supported King Qi. King Qi's decision to declare independence might have been backed by the Great Wu Dynasty. If the imperial family were truly overthrown by King Qi, those who now opposed him would likely face dire consequences. Consequently, a silence fell over the hall.

"Your Majesty, King Qi's current momentum is fierce and unmatched. It might be better to cede Qijun and other territories to ease his offensive and seek peace, avoiding further conflict," a voice suddenly suggested. Everyone looked over, only to see that the speaker was Marquis Liu. Marquis Liu, father of Liu Xi, had maintained close ties with King Qi's mansion for years.

Hearing this, Zhou Qing's face grew exceedingly grim. He stared at Marquis Liu, a sneer playing on his lips. "So, according to Marquis Liu, not only should I not suppress the rebellion, but I should also surrender territory in exchange for peace?"

Marquis Liu, with his pale, beardless face, remained composed despite Zhou Qing's piercing gaze. "Does Your Majesty have the confidence to eliminate King Qi?"

Zhou Qing clenched his fists, which creaked audibly. King Qi's mansion had grown powerful, and with the support of the Great Wu Dynasty, this rebellion was undoubtedly well-prepared. Even he wasn't certain he could truly suppress King Qi.

Zhou Qing closed his eyes briefly, taking a few deep breaths to calm his emotions. Then, he slowly opened his eyes, which were filled with icy resolve. "Even if I die in battle, I will not compromise again."

A shiver ran through those present upon hearing the cold killing intent in Zhou Qing's voice. It seemed that this time, a life-or-death struggle between the imperial family and King Qi's mansion was inevitable.

"Your Majesty is truly leading our Great Zhou into a perilous situation," Marquis Liu remarked indifferently.

"Does Your Majesty not understand the current strength of our Great Zhou? At best, our power is equal to that of King Qi's mansion. And General Wei Canglan, who disobeys royal commands and remains in Canglan Commandery, will likely ignore King Qi's rebellion this time as well. Therefore, forcing this issue will only lead to widespread suffering for the people of Great Zhou."

Marquis Liu's words echoed through the hall, causing many ministers and generals to look grim. Some formerly sharp-witted generals also became dispirited, seemingly having understood the dire situation of Great Zhou.

Zhou Qing's face was ashen as he observed the low morale in the hall.

"Marquis Liu's words are laughable. If we cede land for peace, Qi Yuan will undoubtedly press on, step by step, until he completely annexes our Great Zhou. In my opinion, Marquis Liu's proposal is a path to ruin!" Just as silence filled the hall, a clear, cold laugh suddenly rang out.

The sudden sound startled many generals and officials in the hall. They turned their heads to see a slender young figure walking in through the entrance.

"Prince Zhou Yuan?" Everyone was taken aback upon seeing the newcomer.

Marquis Liu glanced at Zhou Yuan and sneered, "Your Highness is young and impetuous, naturally not thinking of consequences. With Great Zhou's current strength, how can we possibly confront King Qi's mansion head-on? I suggest Your Highness return to the rear hall. This is a place for serious discussion, not for childish antics."

Zhou Yuan's expression was calm as he said, "Marquis Liu, it seems Qi Yuan hasn't revealed all the information to you."

Marquis Liu's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean?!"

Zhou Yuan stared at him with cold eyes, a sneer gracing his lips. "Aren't you curious why Qi Yuan was in such a desperate hurry that he didn't even dare to stay in King Qi's mansion, fleeing directly from Great Zhou City?"

Marquis Liu gave a mocking smile. "Oh? Could this possibly have something to do with Your Highness?" He spoke sarcastically, but to his surprise, Zhou Yuan nodded. "It seems you do have some sense. Qi Yuan was indeed afraid of my early return; otherwise, he wouldn't even have had the chance to flee Great Zhou City."

At these words, many ministers and generals in the hall exchanged glances. However, by their expressions, it was clear they didn't take Zhou Yuan seriously. How could a mere Qi Nourishing realm youngster make King Qi so terrified he wouldn't dare stay in Great Zhou City? It was an absolute joke.

"Nonsense," Marquis Liu sneered.

In the hall, Zhou Qing also frowned. Zhou Yuan's words indeed seemed arrogant, but he was also somewhat puzzled. After all, Zhou Yuan's usual disposition wasn't one to make empty boasts. So why would Zhou Yuan say such a thing?

Zhou Yuan ignored their gazes. He simply turned sideways, looking towards the outside of the hall. Noticing his action, everyone in the hall, including Zhou Qing, turned their bewildered gazes towards the entrance.

Under the gaze of many eyes, the heavy clanking of armor suddenly sounded. Then, everyone saw a robust figure, clad in heavy armor, stride into the hall with heavy footsteps, finally kneeling on one knee in the center of the main hall. He slowly removed his helmet, and a low voice echoed through the hall.

"Your humble general, Wei Canglan, greets Your Majesty!"

In the hall, everyone's gaze was fixed in shock on the figure. Even Zhou Qing abruptly stood up, staring incredulously at Wei Canglan below.

Since King Black Venom invaded Canglan Commandery years ago, General Wei Canglan had never entered Great Zhou City again, nor had he ever obeyed a single royal summons. Everyone had assumed he would choose independence, but no one had expected that on the very day King Qi's mansion declared rebellion, he would once again come to Great Zhou City, and in such a submissive posture.

Marquis Liu's expression also changed. If Wei Canglan chose to assist the Great Zhou imperial family, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous help. However, what he found incredible was why Wei Canglan, who had consistently defied royal commands, would make such a choice now.

"Your humble general was misguided in the past. It was His Highness who enlightened me, and I am deeply ashamed. I beg Your Majesty to send me forth to suppress the rebellion!" Wei Canglan stated in a deep voice.

In the hall, strange glances were directed towards Zhou Yuan, who stood to the side. Even Zhou Qing's eyes flickered with doubt and surprise. They had no idea what Zhou Yuan had done to make Wei Canglan declare such allegiance.

Facing those bewildered gazes, Zhou Yuan simply smiled and looked at Zhou Qing. "Father, there's no need to worry about King Qi's rebellion." He extended his hands and clapped them together lightly.

Then, under the watchful eyes of the assembly, a black-robed figure walked in from outside the hall, also came into the main hall, knelt on one knee, and said in a hoarse voice, "I am the City Lord of Black Venom City. Having long heard of Great Zhou's renown, I specifically come today to pledge my allegiance and offer my humble service!"

The City Lord of Black Venom City? King Black Venom?! At these words, a large group of people in the hall immediately recoiled, scattering backward. Everyone stared dumbfounded at King Black Venom, clearly familiar with that name.

However, after the initial shock, their minds were filled with confusion; clearly, they couldn't comprehend this situation. King Black Venom was a hegemon of the Black Abyss, and a powerhouse of the Primeval Realm. For such a formidable figure to claim he had long heard of Great Zhou's renown and wished to pledge allegiance—such words would obviously be believed by no one.

Consequently, a corner of Zhou Qing's mouth twitched slightly. Did he not know the true reputation of Great Zhou? To reach a point where a Primeval Realm expert would pledge allegiance upon hearing of its fame was simply a fool's dream.

Thus, after a long silence, the gazes of everyone in the hall converged, as if by prior agreement, on Zhou Yuan, who stood to the side. It was clear he was the orchestrator of this astonishing turn of events.

However, Zhou Yuan ignored these gazes. He simply looked at Marquis Liu, whose face alternated between pale and green, and his calm voice echoed through the hall. But this time, no one dared to underestimate the young man's words again.

"I wonder now, Marquis Liu, do you still believe our Great Zhou needs to cede land for peace?"