"Lord Chu, rest assured, this subordinate will not fail your trust this time," the Wei army general guaranteed.
Chu Chen waved his hand, then added a few more instructions before leaving with Zhang Zhiyuan and the other.
"Young Master, why do I feel like the Chu family is facing a brewing storm, like the calm before the tempest? Could it be that the Chu family is in trouble?" Zhang Zhiyuan couldn't help but say.
"The Chu family in trouble? That's impossible. After all, the Chu family is deeply entrenched in the Northwest region. Even the imperial family wouldn't dare to act rashly, would they?" the Wei army general said.
"You all forgot, the imperial family has the Qin family behind them," Chu Chen slowly exhaled, saying, "The imperial family has delayed their actions for so long.
It's because they haven't found a way to deal with the Chu family yet. But if the Chu family actively provokes them, the imperial family will definitely seize the opportunity to eliminate the Chu family."
"Young Master, in my subordinate's opinion, the imperial family has delayed their actions for so long, most likely because they are wary of our strength.
After all, our Chu family has hundreds of years of heritage in the Northwest region. If we were to mobilize our entire force,
it would be a significant loss for the imperial family." the Wei army general said.
"No matter the reason, our Chu family cannot stand idly by. Therefore, we must take the initiative and resolve the current crisis as soon as possible."
Chu Chen's eyes glinted with coldness. "However, before that, we must make thorough preparations to let the imperial family understand our stance."
Inside a luxurious palace in Handan City, the high echelons of the imperial family were gathered.
"My esteemed ministers, I have heard that the Chu family has been very active recently, especially Chu Chen, who has been frequently contacting the other major aristocratic families, seemingly plotting something."
The Emperor on the dragon throne pondered for a moment and then spoke.
"Your Majesty, although the Chu family is currently the overlord of the Northwest region, they are ultimately too young and their foundation is shallow. They are no match for us.
If we can find their weakness, we might even be able to threaten them into relinquishing their military power."
The Prime Minister spoke, his tone carrying a strong killing intent, clearly still harboring resentment for past events.
"The Prime Minister speaks wisely. The Chu family's influence in the Northwest region is weakening day by day. If we do not eradicate them sooner rather than later,
we may find ourselves in a passive position in the future," a minister seconded.
"The Prime Minister is correct. Only by uprooting the Chu family can we eliminate future troubles forever!" another minister stated.
These ministers expressed their opinions one after another.
The Emperor on the dragon throne scanned the faces of everyone present, finally focusing on the Prime Minister and saying, "Prime Minister, what is your view on this matter?"
"Your Majesty, this humble servant believes that whoever dares to defy Your Majesty's imperial decree must be exterminated along with their nine generations of kin!" the Prime Minister said coldly.
A sinister and venomous glint flashed in his eyes. He had nearly died at Chu Chen's hands in the past, an event that became his lifelong shame. He had always wanted revenge.
The Emperor nodded, his gaze shifting to other ministers. "What are your opinions?"
"Your Majesty, this humble servant believes it is not advisable to act rashly. If the Chu family truly falls, our chances of victory will be greatly reduced. Therefore, I suggest
we first send an envoy to the Chu family to exert pressure. If the Chu family is sensible, all well and good. If not, then we can secretly employ thunderous means," a minister said, bowing.
"This humble servant seconds the motion!"
"This humble servant also agrees!" At once, all the ministers agreed to this proposal.
Seeing this, the Emperor nodded and said, "Very well. Since everyone agrees, this matter will proceed according to the Prime Minister's proposal. We shall dispatch an envoy to the Chu family to deliver an imperial decree."
"Yes!" All the ministers respectfully cupped their hands and accepted the order.
Soon, this news reached the Chu family.
"His Majesty has sent someone?" Upon hearing the news, Chu Tianxiong was filled with uncertainty.
"Old Ancestor, it is said that the person sent is from the imperial family," Chu Yunfeng said.
"Someone from the imperial family?" Chu Tianxiong's expression immediately turned solemn. "Sending someone this late, it's likely not good news, is it?"
"Father, don't worry. I estimate that the person coming this time is likely here to win us over, or rather, to seek cooperation with our Chu family," Chu Feng said.
"Cooperation?" Chu Tianxiong's brows furrowed.
"Father, this is a golden opportunity. Our Chu family has operated in the Northwest for a hundred years and has a deep foundation. Even the imperial family cannot ignore us.
If we can establish a connection with the imperial family, then in the future, even when facing the Marquis of Nanyang, we will not need to be afraid," Chu Feng said.
Hearing this, Chu Tianxiong fell into silence.
He understood this logic in his heart, but he also felt a vague sense of unease.
The Chu family was already at its limit. If the imperial family wanted to make a move against them, the Chu family's current strength would be insufficient to resist.
Chu Yunfeng said, "Father, Feng'er is right. We are already at our wit's end. Moreover, if we can climb onto the imperial family's great tree,
our Chu family will have no shortage of opportunities to turn things around."
"Indeed, you two may withdraw now," Chu Tianxiong waved his hand, dismissing them.
A moment later, only Chu Tianxiong remained in the study.
He stood by the window, gazing at the starry sky in the east.
After a long while, he murmured, "Chu family, can I help you overcome this difficult time? Can you wait for that day?"
The next day, the imperial envoy arrived at the Chu mansion, with Chu Feng accompanying him.
"Young Master Chu, please follow me," an official-like person said with a smile.
"Oh? May I ask the name of this esteemed official?" Chu Feng asked politely.
"My humble name is Zhao Wenbo, the Prime Minister's deputy," the official said, a hint of arrogance in his demeanor.
"So it is Lord Zhao. May I ask what His Majesty wishes to see us for?" Chu Feng asked.
"Young Master Chu, stop playing coy. You must have already guessed the purpose of my visit today," Zhao Wenbo said with a faint smile.
He looked at Chu Feng with a playful gaze and said, "Young Master Chu, after so many years, it's time you woke up and stopped being stubborn.
If you pledge allegiance to the imperial family now, I believe His Majesty will not treat you unfairly."
Chu Feng snorted inwardly upon hearing this.
"Heh heh, Lord Zhao jokes. This humble Chu is dull-witted and does not understand Lord Zhao's meaning," he replied with a faint smile.
"You..." Zhao Wenbo's expression suddenly darkened. His eyes flickered for a moment, then he put on a smile again and said, "Young Master Chu, why pretend to be foolish when you know what's going on?
Do you think there is still room for negotiation at this point? I advise Young Master Chu not to be obstinate."
"Lord Zhao's words are somewhat alarmist, wouldn't you say? My Chu clan is loyal and patriotic. His Majesty is benevolent, how could he be unfavorable to my Chu family?" Chu Feng retorted.
Zhao Wenbo's lips curled into a sneer upon hearing this. He snorted and said, "Hmph! Chu Feng, Chu Feng, you've read so many books, yet
you've become so foolish now. It's truly a disgrace! Do you really think your little tricks can deceive others, and that they can deceive His Majesty?"