Chapter 30 - Declaration of War

The next day. Zhou Yuan and his group finally arrived at Great Zhou City after traveling at full speed.

However, the moment they entered the city, a short message spread from Qi Manor.

"Qi Manor seeks independence to establish the Great Qi Empire. Hence, we announce our withdrawal from the Great Zhou Empire."

"King Zhou's mediocrity has caused the Great Zhou Empire to become fractured and broken, its citizens forced into suffering. The Great Qi Empire seeks to follow the will of heaven and replace the Great Zhou Empire."

Due to this the entire Great Zhou Empire was shocked.

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"Rebellion!"

In the royal palace. Zhou Qing's face was white with rage, his fists hammering the table thunderously, while his eyes overflowed with chilling murder. It was obvious that the message from Qi Manor had already spread to his ears.

There were also numerous military leaders and ministers in the large hall whose expressions were currently fluctuating indeterminately. Practically everyone knew that King Qi had harbored thoughts of rebelling for the past few years, but no one had expected him to go all the way today.

"King Qi has already revolted, what do all of you think we should do?" Zhou Qing's gaze swept downwards, his penetrating eyes locking onto the group of ministers below.

He knew that due to the decline of the royal clan over the years, it was inevitable that some of these ministers and military leaders would be swayed by Qi Manor, their stances shaken. After all, everyone knew that the Great Wu Empire was backing Qi Manor.

Qi Manor's decision to become independent may even have happened due to the support from the Great Wu Empire. If the royal clan was overthrown by Qi Manor, the fates of those who went against Qi Manor now would not be pleasant.

Thus, the great hall became somewhat silent for a time.

A voice suddenly rang out at this moment, "Your majesty, Qi Manor has already grown too powerful and is a difficult force to match. I suggest we allow Qi County to separate themselves from the empire and try our best to negotiate peace with them such as to prevent any conflicts."

Everyone looked over, only to find that the one who had spoken was Liu Hou.

Liu Hou was Liu Xi's father and had grown very close to Qi Manor over the past few years.

Zhou Qing's expression turned extremely dark when he heard this. The corners of his mouth raised to form a mocking smile as he stared at Liu Hou and said, "So Liu Hou means that not only should I restrain from sending any military force to curb this rebellion, but also give them control of their land and beg for peace?"

Liu Hou had a fair complexion and no beard. His expression remained unchanged as he faced Zhou Qing's man-eating gaze and said, "Then may I ask if his majesty has any confidence in eliminating King Qi?"

Zhou Qing's five fingers clenched tightly as cracking noises were emitted. Qi Manor had already grown strong and had the support of the Great Wu Empire. Hence, this rebellion was not on a whim. Even Zhou Qing himself did not dare to affirm that he would be able to suppress King Qi.

Zhou Qing's shut his eyes and took in several deep breaths, controlling the emotions in his heart. When he gradually opened his eyes again, they were filled with a chilling coldness. "I will no longer compromise even if it means battling to the death."

The hearts of everyone present shivered when they heard the icy killing intent in Zhou Qing's voice. It seemed that a life-and-death battle between the royal clan and Qi Manor was unavoidable.

Liu Hou indifferently said, "Your Majesty's decision will put the Great Zhou Empire in huge danger."

"Does Your Majesty still not understand how much power the current Great Zhou Empire has? The empire's strength is at most only equal to Qi Manor's. In addition, the great general, Wei Canglan, does not follow any of the royal commands and instead holes himself up in Canglan County, refusing to leave. He will likely ignore Qi Manor's rebellion."

"Therefore, a forceful approach will instead cause the Great Zhou Empire to fall into a state of near destruction."

Liu Hou's words resounded in the hall, causing the faces of the many ministers and military leaders to turn gloomy. Some of the originally somewhat spirited military officers had lost their morale due to having truly understood the crisis they potentially faced.

Zhou Qing's complexion turned ashen when he saw the fallen morale in the hall.

"Liu Hou's words are laughable. If we give in and seek peace, Qi Yuan will press us harder and harder until the day our Great Zhou Empire ends up fully devoured. From what I can see, this idiot's advice will only lead to death!"

While the hall was silent, an icy laugh suddenly rang out.

The sudden voice caused the numerous ministers and military leaders in the hall to be taken aback. They quickly turned their heads and found a slim youth walking in from the entrance.

"Prince Zhou Yuan?"

Upon seeing who it was, everyone was stunned.

Liu Hou merely glanced at Zhou Yuan and sneered, "Your Highness is still too young and naturally will not consider the consequences. Given the Great Zhou Empire's current strength, what confidence do we have in a direct clash against Qi Manor?"

"I feel that Your Highness should go wait in the rear hall. This is a place to discuss official matters, not a place for you to say whatever you want."

Zhou Yuan's expression was indifferent as he replied, "Liu Hou, looks like Qi Yuan did not tell you everything."

Liu Hou's eyes narrowed. "What are you trying to say?!"

Zhou Yuan's frosty gaze locked onto the former as a mocking smile rose on his lips, "Aren't you interested to know why Qi Yuan was in such a rush to escape from Great Zhou City, not daring to stay even a moment longer in is his own Qi manor?"

Liu Hou sneered. "Oh? Might it have something to do with your highness?"

His tone was filled with mockery but who could have expected that Zhou Yuan would nod in response? "Looks like your brain is still functional. Qi Yuan was indeed afraid that I would come back ahead of time, giving him no chance to even escape from Great Zhou City."

The moment these words were said, the numerous ministers and military officers in the great hall looked at each other in disbelief, evidently unable to take His Highness's words seriously. How could a mere Qi Nourishing stage kid like you possibly scare Qi Yuan so much that he did not even dare to stay a moment longer in Great Zhou City? This was practically the biggest joke of the century.

"Nonsense." Liu Hou sneered.

Zhou Qing frowned. Zhou Yuan's words were indeed rather arrogant, but they did confuse the former. After all, given Zhou Yuan's character, it was very unlikely that he would brag in such a senseless manner.

If so, why had Zhou Yuan said such things?

Zhou Yuan ignored everyone's gazes and merely turned his body to the side as his gaze looked outside of the hall.

Upon seeing his actions, everyone in the hall, including Zhou Qing, also cast their puzzled gazes at the entrance.

As everyone watched with rapt attention, the sound of heavy armor clinking was suddenly heard, and everyone soon saw a well-built figure wearing heavy armor walk into the hall. The figure came to a stop at the center of the hall and knelt on one knee.

He slowly removed his helmet as a low voice resounded across the hall.

"General Wei Canglan greets his majesty!"

*Uproar!*

Every person in the hall stared at the figure in shock, and even Zhou Qing abruptly stood up as he gazed at Wei Canglan's figure in disbelief.

Ever since the Black Venom King attacked Canglan County many years ago, Great General Wei Canglan had never taken a single step into Great Zhou City and not responded to a single one of the imperial edicts.

Hence, everyone believed that he would continue to be independent. No one would have even dreamt that on the same day, Qi Manor announced its rebellion, he would once again come to Great Zhou City and display a posture of servitude.

Liu Hou's expression changed. Wei Canglan would undoubtedly be a huge aid if he chose to side with the Great Zhou royal clan.

However, he could not fathom why Wei Canglan would make such a decision after ignoring the royal command for so many years.

Wei Canglan said in a low voice, "I've stubbornly persisted in my wrongdoings for far too long, and it was only thanks to his highness that I was recently enlightened. I am deeply ashamed of my past actions and hope that Your Majesty can send me to deal with the rebels!"

Everyone had a strange look in their eyes as they turned towards Zhou Yuan, even Zhou Qing was rather bewildered. They did not understand what Zhou Yuan had done to bring about such a change in Wei Canglan's attitude.

Zhou Yuan merely smiled in response to the puzzled gazes before he looked towards Zhou Qing and said, "Father need not worry about those Qi Manor rebels."

Next, he extended both hands and clapped softly.

Under everyone's watching eyes, a black-robed figure walked in from outside the hall. The figure also stopped at the center of the hall and knelt on one knee as his raspy voice sounded out, "I am the lord of Black Venom City and have long heard of the mighty Great Zhou Empire. I have specially visited today to submit to the empire and am willing to do all I can for the empire!"

The Lord of Black Venom City? The Black Venom King?!

The moment these words were said, an uproar arose in the hall as a portion of the crowd pulled back in fear. Everyone was dumbstruck as they stared at the Black Venom King, evidently no stranger to his name.

However, after fright came utter confusion. The situation was now a little beyond their comprehension.

The Black Venom King was a tyrant in Blackwater and had the strength of the Alpha-Origin stage. No one would believe that such a ferocious individual would submit to the empire after hearing of its might.

Thus, the corners of Zhou Qing's lips twitched slightly. Who better knew the Great Zhou Empire's might than himself? Wanting an Alpha-Origin expert to join them after hearing of their might was practically a pipe dream.

Hence, after a long silence, everyone in the hall turned towards Zhou Yuan.

He was the one behind this.

However, Zhou Yuan ignored these gazes and looked toward the now pale-faced Liu Hou as an indifferent voice echoed in the hall.

This time, however, no one dared to look down on the young man's words.

"Does Liu Hou still feel that the Great Zhou Empire needs to give in and beg for peace? If so I suggest you go and train with your now idiot daughter who is now receiving treatment."

As Zhou Yuan's voice resounded within the great hall, Liu Hou became ashen-faced and unable to speak for some time. After all, no one would have imagined that Zhou Yuan would obtain the support of Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King.

A flash of understanding struck everyone as they recalled Zhou Yuan's earlier words. No wonder Qi Yuan did not dare to linger in Great Zhou City, he had already known all of this information regarding Zhou Yuan.

It was indeed true that Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King working together was enough to ensure Qi Yuan was unable to leave the city.

"But… just how did he do it?"

The hearts of the many ministers and military leaders shook as they looked towards Zhou Yuan's rather young face. To think that the Wei Canglan issue that had troubled Zhou Qing for numerous years had been so easily resolved by Zhou Yuan.

It was inconceivable.

Liu Hou's heart was akin to a churning sea as he gazed at the calm face of the young man. A sliver of regret suddenly arose within him, regret due to the marriage Zhou Qing had proposed between Zhou Yuan and his daughter Liu Xi.

Though nothing came out of it due to Liu Xi's vehement disagreement, it must be said that then, Liu Hou himself was not optimistic about the future of the royal clan and Zhou Yuan.

Thus, he ultimately allowed and made use of Liu Xi's objection to refuse the marriage.

Yet, the one whom they had not been optimistic about had undergone an almost magical transformation in less than a year. Not only had he defeated Qi Yue, taking the number one spot in the Great Zhou Institute's class ranking exam, but he had now even managed to gain the support of Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King through some unknown method.

How could an ordinary person achieve such feats?

In the great hall, Zhou Qing finally returned to his senses after a period of shock. He immediately looked towards Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King and said, "Please rise. With your help, the Great Zhou Empire will eliminate the rebels!"

The originally low morale that had blanketed the hall soared at this moment as the many military officers began to volunteer themselves one after another. It seemed that their morale would be rather high for some time.

With the support of great general Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King, the Great Zhou Empire's power now surpassed Qi Manor.

Upon seeing that the morale had recovered, Zhou Qing's face looked much better. His gaze swept across the great hall as a strong voice rang out, "From today onwards, the Great Zhou Empire began to prepare for war. The imperial guard will take charge of Great Zhou City and send out scouts to observe every movement of those rebels Qi Manor!"

His eyes fell upon Liu Hou before he continued in an icy voice, "As for Liu Hou, you will not be allowed to leave your residence over this period."

It was obvious that he intended to confine Liu Hou. Moreover, it was easy to imagine how Zhou Qing would begin to purge the Great Zhou Empire of Qi Manor's spies, some of whom were currently present and would likely not be able to escape.

Liu Hou's face was deathly pale. He knew that it was all over for the Liu family.

Zhou Qing's decisiveness and ruthlessness caused the atmosphere in the great hall to become somewhat heavy.

"All other military officers will guard their current allocated areas. We will not allow the Great Zhou Empire's land to be taken!" Zhou Qing's solemn voice boomed in the hall.

"Understood!"

A series of respectful responses emerged within the hall.

After he had given his instructions, Zhou Qing allowed everyone to leave while making sure to send someone to prepare accommodations for Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King.

The hall suddenly became rather empty. Zhou Qing and Zhou Yuan were the only ones who remained.

Zhou Qing looked at the slender youth in the hall, happiness overflowing in his eyes. He walked towards Zhou Yuan and gently patted the latter's shoulders. "Yuan'er, I have to thank you this time."

If Zhou Yuan had not gained the support of Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King, the only option left would be a battle to the death with King Qi.

Zhou Yuan grinned. "Father has shouldered such a huge burden for so many years, it is only right for me to help ease it a little."

How could he not know Zhou Qing's pains? The Great Wu Empire's rebellion from many years ago had shattered the dignity of the royal clan. Even though they had managed to painstakingly preserve the Great Zhou Empire, it was not so easy to recover the lost dignity.

In such a situation, the royal clan would naturally fall into a decline. If it was not for Zhou Qing's bitter persistence, their clan would have disappeared long ago.

For the sake of the Great Zhou Empire's safety, he had given time and time again to the unreasonable Qi Manor, swallowing all the terrible resultant feelings into the pits of his stomach without even the slightest grumble.

As he gazed at Zhou Yuan, even the eyes of someone like Zhou Qing could not help but turn a little red as he mumbled. "Yuan'er has finally grown up."

Qi Manor's rebellion together with their declaration to establish the Great Qi Empire undoubtedly set off towering waves that swept across the entire Great Zhou Empire. Everyone feared that the events from many years ago would replay once again. For a time, everyone's hearts were shrouded in trepidation.

It was at this time however that Wei Canglan appeared in Great Zhou City and announced with his status as the great general of the Great Zhou Empire that Qi Manor were rebels and would be dealt with using force.

Wei Canglan was a well-known and respected figure in the Great Zhou Empire. It was only because he had not left Canglan County for the past few years that rumors that he and the royal clan were at odds had spread. His appearance immediately dispelled these rumours, while also slightly easing the troubled hearts of the citizens.

After Wei Canglan, the Black Venom King also made an appearance and proclaimed that Black Venom City had submitted to the Great Zhou Empire.

News of this caused wave after wave of uproar to spread. Who did not know of the infamous Black Venom City that constantly infringed on Great Zhou borders, who could have imagined that such a ferocious character would choose to submit to Great Zhou at this juncture?

Although the news stupefied countless people, it also gave everyone a little more confidence in the Great Zhou royal clan. Hence, the people's hearts were put at ease.

While the addition of Wei Canglan and the Black Venom King bolstered the Great Zhou Empire's might and reputation, there was not even the slightest hint of any response from Qi Manor. The latter merely continued to train their forces as if completely unaffected.

King Qi, Qi Yuan, even sent out a declaration of war.

"Our troops will arrive at Great Zhou City after ten days."

This declaration immediately caused countless uproars. From the looks of it, Qi Yuan intended to tackle the root of the problem. Once Great Zhou City was breached, it was easy to imagine the fate of the royal clan.

Great Zhou would be overthrown.

The only thing that everyone did not understand was that since there were now three Alpha-Origin experts stationed in Great Zhou City, just where did Qi Yuan find the confidence to make such a declaration of war?

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END

3232 Words