Chapter 280 Fighting for the World
Chapter 280 Fighting for the World
Ning Yunxiao's expression remained unchanged as he spoke.
"Your Majesty, you are too kind. I, Sheng Ling, have no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of Nanchu, but the prevailing situation is such that I am acting not for personal gain but for the greater good. During your Majesty's reign, disputes were constant and the people suffered. It is an indisputable fact. Today, Nanchu is in turmoil, the people are full of resentment, and there are powerful enemies surrounding it. If your Majesty insists on not stepping down, it will not only bring suffering to the people, but also harm yourself. However, if you prioritize the greater good and step down, you will not only stabilize Nanchu's internal affairs, but also strengthen your alliance with Sheng Ling and jointly resist foreign enemies. This is a win-win strategy. I hope your Majesty will reconsider."
Although Ning Yunxiao's tone was gentle, every word he said was an insult to Emperor Nan Chu. Hearing this, Emperor Nan Chu's face became even gloomier, his fists clenched, and his joints made a "creaking" sound.
He did not argue with Ning Yunxiao anymore, but turned to look at Jiang Lige and spoke viciously.
"Why, my precious daughter also thinks that I should abdicate and let someone else take over?!"
Jiang Lige lowered his head, his attitude was respectful, but his tone was very resolute.
"Father said earlier that his health is declining. I believe that abdicating the throne and becoming a leisurely emperor, enjoying the company of grandchildren and living out your days in peace, would be a good thing for you."
Emperor Nanchu's face was so gloomy that water could drip from it. He sneered, waved his sleeve and overturned the hangover soup that Jiang Lige had sent earlier, and said angrily.
"You are such a jerk! I think you have been bewitched by that Crown Prince Sheng Ling. Now you dare to help outsiders deal with your biological father. Do you think you are worthy of my kindness in giving birth to you?"
Jiang Lige did not lower his head this time, but looked up and looked directly into Emperor Nan Chu's eyes, with no trace of retreat in his clear eyes.
"Your Majesty, I owe you my gratitude for your kindness in raising me. However, as children of the royal family, enjoying the support of the entire nation, I should prioritize the well-being of the people. Your Majesty, honest advice may be unpleasant to hear, but what I say today is all for the sake of Southern Chu's country and its people."
"Common people? Hahaha!"
Emperor Nanchu laughed sarcastically a few times and cursed at Jiang Lige while pointing at his nose.
"You are lying. I believe I have done nothing wrong to the people. Your complaints are really unreasonable!"
"Common people? Hahaha!"
Emperor Nanchu laughed sarcastically a few times and cursed at Jiang Lige while pointing at his nose.
"You are lying. I believe I have done nothing wrong to the people. Your complaints are really unreasonable!"
Jiang Lige calmly replied, "I, your son, dare to ask, Father, what do you consider good? Is it the insistence on launching pointless wars, the heavy taxes, the hunger and lack of clothing, or the loss of innocent lives and the shattering of happy families?!"
The Emperor of Nanchu, who had been autocratic all his life, had never thought that his daughter would point out his mistakes so bluntly. His face turned pale with anger.
He strode in front of Jiang Lige, almost poking her face with his fingers.
"Jiang Lige! Do you know what you are talking about?!"
Jiang Lige's eyes were firm. "I know what I'm talking about. I understand that the people don't want endless wars and heavy taxes. What they need is peace, tranquility, and food and clothing!"
"evil creature!"
Emperor Nanchu cursed angrily and brought his raised hand down heavily, as if he wanted to pour out all the pent-up dissatisfaction and anger into this palm.
Jiang Lige looked at the palm wind coming, but did not dodge at all.
Her behavior was unfilial, and she was willing to endure any beatings or scoldings from the Emperor of Nanchu.
Jiang Lige was willing, but Ning Yunxiao was not. He flashed and stood in front of Jiang Lige. He raised his hand lightly and took the palm from Emperor Nan Chu.
The voice was calm and firm, guarding Jiang Lige behind him with an almost paranoid attitude.
"Your Majesty, have you forgotten that Ah Li is not only your Nanchu princess, but also my Sheng Ling's Crown Princess. Do you want to touch her? Your Majesty should ask me if I agree!"
Seeing this, Emperor Nanchu became even more furious and roared.
"Ning Yunxiao, although you, Sheng Ling, are powerful now, my Nanchu is not without any fighting power. Now that you are in my Nanchu territory, you dare to be so presumptuous! I want to see how you can force me to abdicate!"
Ning Yunxiao smiled slightly, slowly took a step forward, and looked into the eyes of Emperor Nanchu, not fearing his anger at all.
"Your Majesty, you exploited power to harm the people and secretly orchestrated the collapse of the refugee shelter. You don't truly believe that your actions were flawless, do you? Furthermore, do you truly believe that the death of Han Zhuo can completely atonce your guilt for insisting on starting the war?"
Upon hearing this, Emperor Nan Chu's face suddenly changed. He never expected that Ning Yunxiao would know about his conspiracy to secretly manipulate the collapse of the refugee shelter. He also didn't expect that his plan, which he thought was secret, had already been seen through by his opponent.
He glared at Ning Yunxiao, his eyes flashing with complex emotions.
Shock, anger, and a hint of imperceptible fear.
"You...you can always find a pretext to accuse me of a crime. What is your intention in slandering me this time?" The Emperor of Nanchu's voice trembled slightly, but he still maintained his majestic demeanor.
Ning Yunxiao simply said coldly, "I have evidence. If Your Majesty hadn't taken action this time, to be honest, I wouldn't have wanted to move your throne. After all, the previous incident was instigated by the Han family. It was nothing more than the emperor's foolishness and the mistaken trust in treacherous ministers. That's understandable. In the future, as long as there are wise ministers to assist them, the people of Southern Chu may not be able to see the truth."
But now, Your Majesty, for your own selfish desires, has disregarded the lives of countless civilians and your own daughter. You are a despicable person, unfit to be an emperor! In the hands of someone like you, Southern Chu will only rot and decay, and the people will suffer! Although Sheng Ling is not a nation that loves war, we cannot sit idly by in the face of injustice and tyranny, and we cannot watch innocent people suffer.
If Your Majesty wishes to abdicate today, you can at least remain as the Supreme Emperor, ensuring a life of peace and prosperity. However, if Your Majesty refuses to abdicate, I, Ning Yunxiao, swear to personally lead the Shengling army to crush Southern Chu and save the people from their suffering. Do you, Your Majesty, think you will have any choice then? Forget wealth and glory, I'm afraid you might even lose your life.
"What I said is not a threat, but a sincere suggestion. He who knows the current situation is a hero. Rather than living in fear on the throne, it is better to retreat while the tide is high, live a stable life, and be a wealthy and idle person. What do you think, Your Majesty?"
When Emperor Nanchu listened to Ning Yunxiao's words, his heart was in turmoil. Anger, unwillingness and fear intertwined together, making his old face even more distorted.
"Is Crown Prince Sheng Ling so certain that Nan Chu will lose?!"
Ning Yunxiao's eyes were deep, he shook his head slowly, and his words were full of oppression.
"Your Majesty is wrong. Regardless of victory or defeat, I, Sheng Ling, do not wish to engage in war. After all, countless bones are buried beneath every inch of our land. Your Majesty only cares about power. Have you ever opened your eyes to see the wishes of the people of Southern Chu? Have you ever asked them if they are willing to serve as your pawns?"
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