12dz Chapter 2231 Chu Xuan's Refusal
Chapter 2231 Chu Xuan's Refusal
Chu Ning's words were like a bucket of ice water poured over Chu Xuan's head, which was burning with ambition, and also made Li Shiming, who was burning with anger, suddenly look serious.
They were not fools, and naturally understood that what Chu Ning said was true.
They knew better than anyone the greed and destructive power of the grassland forces.
Once the Central Plains loses a powerful dynasty and falls into complete chaos, it will inevitably attract even more brutal covetousness and plunder.
At that time, the land and power they fought so hard for may very well become ruins under the iron heel of foreign invaders.
Finally, Chu Ning fixed his gaze entirely on Chu Xuan's face, his eyes deep, as if he could see through all the struggles and calculations in Chu Xuan's heart.
His voice regained its previous calmness, yet carried an undeniable certainty:
"Prince Xuan has chosen to negotiate with a tiger for its skin, to compete for the Chu Kingdom's heritage, which seems vast but is fraught with danger, surrounded by powerful enemies, and may even invite wolves into the house."
"Or choose to join forces with me, first eliminate the biggest external threat at hand, and acquire a relatively complete, stable, and legitimate Tang Dynasty that you can control..."
He paused slightly, giving Chu Xuan some final time to think, and then slowly said:
"How to choose the right path to maximize your benefits, truly gain a foothold, and create your own imperial empire?"
"I believe that with your wisdom, my elder brother, you will have a clear judgment in your heart."
As soon as he finished speaking, an even more deathly silence fell over the pavilion slope.
The sunlight seemed to have dimmed, and the air was so heavy it was suffocating.
All eyes were on them—the tension of the Chu soldiers, the vigilance of the Tang soldiers, and the bewilderment and anticipation of the Youzhou warriors.
In the end, they all stared intently, without blinking, at Chu Xuan's face.
His decision will, at this moment, completely change the fate of the three parties and even the entire world.
Is it a war?
Is it and?
Is it an alliance between Tang and Chu?
Or should we ally with Chu to attack Tang?
A critical moment hinges on the decision of one person.
Chu Ning's analysis of the threats to the grasslands and their long-term interests was like a stone thrown into a deep pool, stirring up ripples in Chu Xuan's heart that were difficult to quell.
Pros and cons, risks, ambition, hatred—countless thoughts collided and tore at his mind.
The sunlight seemed to freeze on his ever-changing face, and time seemed to stretch out.
On Changting Slope, the gaze of thousands of eyes converged into an invisible pressure, weighing heavily on his shoulders.
Li Shiming held his breath, his clenched fists slightly sweating. He knew that Chu Xuan's choice would determine everything.
Chu Ning maintained his almost cold calm, but gripped the silver spear more firmly, his gaze as calm as a frozen lake, reflecting Chu Xuan's struggling figure.
The silence seemed to last for a very long time.
Finally, Chu Xuan slowly raised his head.
The hesitation and weighing of options on his face gradually faded, replaced by a resolute determination, a mixture of icy hatred and a desperate gamble.
He first glanced at Li Shiming, whose face showed anticipation, and finally fixed his gaze firmly on Chu Ning.
"Chun Ning!"
Chu Xuan spoke, his voice no longer feigning politeness, but carrying a chilling intensity that seemed to have shattered his pretense.
"Your proposal does sound very appealing: join forces to destroy Tang, and Tang territory will belong to us. To be the ruler of a nation—what a glorious prospect!"
His tone abruptly shifted, and a surge of hatred burst forth: "But! Between you and me, there are some scores that were settled much earlier and are more deeply etched in our hearts than this empire!"
Chu Ning's gaze sharpened slightly: "Oh? I'd like to hear more details."
"personal enmity!"
Chu Xuan squeezed out these two words through gritted teeth, his eyes burning with a flame that had been simmering for many years: "When my father passed away, his will was unclear, and the court was in turmoil!"
"In terms of age, I am the elder brother; in terms of seniority, I have managed Youzhou for many years, protecting the territory and ensuring the safety of the people, and my achievements are outstanding!"
"Why? Why was it you, this younger brother who only relied on a few military merits and a bit of luck, who sat on that nine-dragon throne, received the worship of all the officials, and called yourself 'I am the king'?"
"This throne should have been mine! You stole what was rightfully mine!"
He had suppressed these words for too long, and now, on the battlefield where life and death would be decided, he finally roared them out without hesitation.
This is not merely a struggle for interests, but a deep-seated hatred stemming from the usurpation of dignity and destiny.
Chu Ning frowned slightly, but did not refute, and simply listened quietly.
After venting his pent-up resentment, Chu Xuan's emotions calmed down slightly, but his tone became even colder and more realistic:
"As for the advantages and disadvantages you mentioned, hmph, the State of Chu now occupies the former territory of eight dynasties, and its territory is the largest among all the states."
"The land is vast, and even though the population is sparse, its potential is limitless. If we join forces with the Tang Emperor to kill you here, the Great Chu will collapse soon."
"At that time, I will divide the land with the Tang Emperor. Even if he only gives me a few northern prefectures, it will still be ten times larger than the small corner of Youzhou we have today! More importantly—"
He stared intently at Chu Ning, his eyes filled with undisguised apprehension and distrust.
"I know your personality all too well! You're resolute and decisive, you have a strong sense of right and wrong, and you're absolutely vengeful!"
"If I were to follow your advice today and launch a counterattack against Tang, even if I succeeded, you might temporarily keep your promise and give me the Tang territory."
"But given your character, how could you possibly allow me to grow too powerful, to rule across the river from you, and to become a thorn in your side?"
"You will never forget this betrayal today. Once you have consolidated your power and stabilized your internal affairs, the first person you will settle accounts with will be me, Chu Xuan!"
"At that time, how long can my so-called Tang Kingdom hold out against your unified Great Chu? It will only delay its demise!"
Chu Xuan's analysis directly points to the deepest suspicions in people's hearts and the cruel nature of power struggles.
He didn't believe Chu Ning's promise afterward at all. Or rather, he believed that Chu Ning would keep his promise and give him the land, but he was even more convinced that Chu Ning would never let him go.
"Hahaha! Well said! Prince Xuan is indeed insightful and understands people's hearts!"
Upon hearing this, Li Shiming on the western chariot couldn't help but clap his hands and laugh, his laughter filled with joy and admiration.
"Has Chu Ning been treacherous and ruthless enough to betray his promises? Cooperating with him is like asking a tiger for its skin—a sure path to certain death!"
"Your Highness's choice today is a wise one! I will certainly live up to Your Highness's trust. After this is accomplished, the northern border of Chu will belong entirely to Your Highness!"
With Li Shiming's affirmation and promise, Chu Xuan's last trace of hesitation vanished.
His gaze toward Chu Ning was now filled with nothing but icy killing intent.
Upon hearing this, Chu Ning knew that verbal persuasion was ineffective.
The calm on his face was finally broken; his brows furrowed, and he still tried to make a final effort.
“Brother, you only see that I will settle scores, but you don’t see that after the Tang alliance attacks me, the iron hooves of the grasslands will sweep south. Will you be able to defend this stolen territory?”
"At that time, beset by internal and external troubles, everything will perish..."