Rebirth of a Lost Nation: Princess, Please Respect Yourself

Chapter 275 Provocation

"I heard that you married Prince Xu of Sheng Ling. Are you happy now? Normally, I should have prepared some gifts for your wedding, but there was constant friction between the two countries at that time, so I was unable to congratulate you. Chuchu, please don't blame your father."

A hint of hatred flashed in Jiang Chuchu's eyes, but she didn't show it on her face. She waved her hands in panic and responded quickly.

"Why? I know how difficult it is for my father, so why would I care about such trivial matters? My father's health and the prosperity of our Southern Chu nation are what I have always wished for!"

These words were so soothing that the smile on Emperor Nan Chu's face widened a little, and he patted Jiang Chuchu's shoulder with satisfaction.

"Chu Chu, you are truly my good daughter, my good princess of Nanchu!"

After laughing, Emperor Nanchu remembered to be concerned about Jiang Chuchu and asked.

"Come to think of it, shouldn't Chuchu be in Shengling right now? Why did she suddenly come to this remote place?"

Jiang Chuchu said, "When Chuchu heard the news of Nanchu's defeat, she was extremely anxious and couldn't stay any longer. So she hurried over here. Now that I see that my father is fine, I am relieved. However..."

"Just what?"

Jiang Chuchu frowned, hesitating for a long time before she spoke vaguely, "I've heard a lot of messy news along the way. I'm not in a position to talk about it, so I hope your forgiveness, father."

The Emperor of Nanchu was now completely intrigued and began to persuade him in a gentle and persuasive manner.

"There's nothing we can't talk about between father and daughter."

Jiang Chuchu was still hesitant, "But...but this matter involves my sister. Chuchu really doesn't know whether she should tell me or not."

"Li Ge?" Emperor Nan Chu's eyes darkened. "So, it's all family matters, but you can talk about it."

Jiang Chuchu sneered secretly, but her face still looked worried, as if she was finally persuaded by Emperor Nanchu and had just made up her mind, she whispered.

"Father, everything I've seen and heard along the way has been detrimental to Nan Chu. I'm truly worried."

Emperor Nan Chu frowned slightly, his eyes showing obvious displeasure. "How is it disadvantageous?"

"The people all say that although Crown Prince Ning Yunxiao of Shengling lives in a foreign country, he truly treats the people well. My sister is also wise and kind, deeply loved by the people. The people praise them both endlessly, and some even call them guardian gods. My sister is my Princess of Nanchu. Her reputation is far-reaching, which is a good thing for Nanchu. However... my sister's charitable deeds are not presented as the Princess of Nanchu. Everyone only praises Shengling for having a good Crown Princess. Who would praise this Princess who has been supported by our Nanchu for so many years?"

Jiang Chuchu's voice became lower and lower, and each word was heavy, weighing heavily on Emperor Nanchu's heart.

Jiang Chuchu knew that she had made the right move, so she lowered her eyes in a worried manner and decided to strike while the iron was hot.

"Alas, my sister and Crown Prince Sheng Ling's reputations are growing day by day. The people's admiration for them is beyond words, but they are gradually complaining about our father..."

"Criticism?" The Southern Chu Emperor's brow furrowed ever deeper, a subtle glint of sinister intent flashing across his eyes. "Which unscrupulous person dares to slander me?!"

Jiang Chuchu pretended to be frightened and patted her chest, but still patiently advised softly.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. The people were just being careless. They meant no harm. However, this war was indeed started by us, Nan Chu. The people don't understand the overall situation and are short-sighted, so it's normal for them to make some inappropriate remarks."

The Southern Chu Emperor snorted softly, "What did those unruly people say about me?"

"Say...say..."

Jiang Chuchu's eyes flickered, as if she was looking for the right words, which almost exhausted Emperor Nan Chu's patience, and she couldn't help but roar.

"What is it? Tell me!"

"They say, Father, you provoked this war out of selfishness, without regard for the lives of the people. They say Sheng Ling and Nan Chu could have coexisted peacefully, but your ambition has plunged the people into dire straits. Even worse, they say... that not only did you fail to protect your own people, but instead you caused them to suffer the pain of war. Such a foolish ruler will surely be infamous for eternity."

Jiang Chuchu seemed to be frightened by the Emperor of Nanchu, and tearfully blurted out the "words of the people".

Upon hearing this, Emperor Nan Chu's face instantly turned pale. He gritted his teeth, overturned the teacup on the table, and said angrily.

"This is absolute nonsense! Everything I have done is for the eternal cause of Southern Chu and for the long-term peace and stability of my people! How dare they slander me like this!"

Jiang Chuchu sneered even more in her heart when she heard this, but her face became more humble. She took a step forward, gently helped Emperor Nan Chu to calm down, and spoke softly.

"Your Majesty, please calm down. I know you have great ambitions in your heart, but the people do not understand them. They only see the war and hardship before them. But I believe that as long as Southern Chu grows stronger under your rule, it will be a matter of public opinion. Rumors, however foolish, can often determine the rise and fall of a nation. Your Majesty, you must not allow these rumors to continue to spread, otherwise they will only shake the people's hearts!"

After hearing this, the Emperor of Southern Chu's expression eased a little, but he could not hide the anger in his heart.

Those common people who mistake fish eyes for pearls are really stupid!

Although he did make a mistake in judgment this time, he had been sitting firmly on the throne for many years and had devoted a lot of effort and thought to governing the country.

What about Ning Yunxiao and Jiang Lige? Just by showing off some small favors in front of others, they can make these people worship them so much. It's really ironic!

Jiang Lige is also a traitor!

No wonder Jiang Lige didn't speak up for his father at all during the previous negotiations, and acted impartially. Did he think that with Ning Yunxiao's support, he felt that his position as the Crown Princess of Sheng Ling was a sure thing?

It’s really funny!

Before claiming to be the Crown Princess Sheng Ling, Jiang Lige must first understand that she is the Princess of Nanchu first, and only then the Crown Princess Sheng Ling.

Without Nan Chu's support, did she really think she would be able to take the position of Crown Princess Sheng Ling?

Even if she sat on it, Jiang Lige wouldn't be able to sit still without Nan Chu!

Those harsh words grew wildly in Emperor Nan Chu's heart like vines, and in an instant they entangled him and made him upset.

Jiang Chuchu was right. If these rumors were allowed to continue to ferment, it would inevitably threaten his kingdom.

Thinking of this, Emperor Nanchu felt angry and turned to ask Jiang Chuchu.

"Chuchu's reminder is absolutely correct. This is a matter of national destiny. We must not allow these absurd words to continue to poison the people's hearts. Chuchu can see the inappropriateness of this, but has she ever thought of a countermeasure?"

Jiang Chuchu still maintained that gentle and virtuous look on her face. She bowed slightly and spoke softly.

"Chuchu is dull and doesn't know what to do. I just think about the good reputation my sister and her friends have earned by participating in the post-war reconstruction. Father, why not follow your example and let the people see your kindness? This situation might turn around. But..."