"I am the Son of Heaven, the Emperor. My word is my bond, and my actions are decisive. I never go back on my word!"
Emperor Long Kun's voice was resonant and his attitude firm.
"King of One-Word Alliance?"
"Hiss..." The surrounding princes and nobles couldn't help but gasp, their expressions filled with shock!
To be enfeoffed and appointed minister! Chu Chen, who was merely an abandoned son of the Chu family, was actually bestowed such a title by Emperor Long Kun, the King of One-Word Alliance!
Upon hearing this, Chu Chen's heart trembled slightly.
To be enfeoffed and appointed minister, wielding immense power, the Chu family would from then on soar to the heavens and become a top-tier noble family in the capital!
Alas... Chu Chen shook his head, "I refuse."
The refusal was immediate, without any hesitation!
"What?" As soon as Chu Chen's words fell, everyone around was stunned, clearly not expecting Chu Chen to dare to refuse.
"Hahaha! Chu Chen, are you mad? This is the honor of being enfeoffed as the King of One-Word Alliance!" A prince and noble roared with laughter.
"What is your decision?" Emperor Long Kun looked at Chu Chen.
"No need," Chu Chen said indifferently.
Emperor Long Kun frowned, "Chu Chen, don't be too greedy. You should know what the King of One-Word Alliance represents!"
The Emperor's tone had become serious. Chu Chen's refusal of his invitation made him feel insulted.
"My father once vowed to protect the Chu family for generations. How could I fail his expectations?" Chu Chen said calmly.
"Hmph! Do you think you can turn the tide with your own strength? It's simply wishful thinking!" another prince and noble sneered.
"The Chu family will collapse sooner or later! This is a fact no one can change!"
"Exactly! The Chu family is not qualified to lead the Northern Wilderness Domain at all!"
Emperor Long Kun's gaze swept across the crowd, a cold glint flashing in his eyes. His oppressive aura spread outwards, and he said indifferently.
"My lords, I respect you as officials of the court, which is why I have summoned you here today to share fine food and wine.
But if you dare to use your status to bully my honored guest, do not blame me for turning ruthless!"
"Chu Chen, if you are sensible, you will obediently leave. Otherwise, do not blame me for being impolite!"
Emperor Long Kun said coldly, his voice chilling to the bone, filled with intense imperial majesty.
"What if I refuse?" Chu Chen remained standing.
"If you refuse, then I can only send you to your demise." Emperor Long Kun's face darkened, his cold eyes revealing a chilling murderous intent.
Emperor Long Kun's attitude suddenly became forceful, causing the atmosphere in the hall to become rigid.
Emperor Long Kun's stance was clear: he did not want Chu Chen to remain in the Chu family!
He wanted to eliminate Chu Chen!
"Heh heh, Your Majesty has great courage, actually wanting my life." Chu Chen sneered coldly, "Does Your Majesty truly believe that the Chu clan can contend with the Xuan You Kingdom's royal family?"
"I believe Your Majesty understands the terrifying strength of the Xuan You Kingdom better than anyone else," Chu Chen said.
"Hmph! A mere Xuan You Kingdom, a tiny nation. I can destroy it with a wave of my hand!" Emperor Long Kun said dismissively.
"Heh heh, Your Majesty, you are mistaken." Chu Chen sneered contemptuously, "Although the Xuan You Kingdom is weak, it is not something your small dynasty can contend with."
"I am the dignified ruler of the Xuan You Kingdom!" Emperor Long Kun glared at Chu Chen.
Chu Chen shrugged and said, "The Xuan You Kingdom, in my eyes, is just so-so."
Hearing Chu Chen's words, the princes and nobles in the hall immediately became furious, roaring with anger.
"Your Majesty, listen to him! He says he doesn't even take the Xuan You Kingdom seriously! This is utter treason!" a prince and noble exclaimed excitedly.
"Your Majesty, this minister suggests we immediately dispatch troops to quell the rebellion and execute Chu Chen!"
"Please, Your Majesty, issue an imperial decree immediately to mobilize troops from all regions to encircle and suppress the rebel Chu Chen!"
The crowd was agitated, their emotions running high!
Chu Chen sat calmly in his seat, slowly closing his eyes, too lazy to bother with these self-important fools.
Chu Chen did not want to argue with them.
After all, in his eyes, these people were not even worth being called clowns.
"Your Majesty, since Chu Chen is unwilling to pledge allegiance to you, why not have him killed!" a prince and noble suggested, glaring at Chu Chen with venom.
"Exactly! Such a rebellious beast is not fit to live in this world!"
"Your Majesty, this minister suggests revoking Chu Chen's title and stripping him of all his positions!"
For a time, the crowd was incensed, all responding in unison. The civil and military officials present all deeply hated Chu Chen!
Because in their opinion, if it weren't for Chu Chen, how could the Chu family have fallen to this state?
"Your Majesty, this minister has a plan! Since Chu Chen is unwilling to pledge allegiance to you, let me subdue him for Your Majesty!"
A prince and noble stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said respectfully.
Chu Chen opened his eyes and his gaze fell upon that prince and noble.
"Your Majesty, this minister boldly implores Your Majesty to entrust this matter to me! I will surely not disappoint Your Majesty!"
This prince and noble bowed, looking fawningly at Emperor Long Kun, as if he were a dog trying to please the Emperor.
"Hmm?" Emperor Long Kun narrowed his eyes slightly, seemingly considering whether to agree.
"Your Majesty, this minister believes this proposal is excellent! This hunting banquet was originally intended to win over young talents and make them loyal to the Chu family!"
Another prince and noble stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, this minister also believes this plan is perfect! Chu Chen is unwilling to fight for Your Majesty, and instead obstructs Your Majesty's ascension to the throne.
Such a traitor should be rooted out to prevent future trouble!" another prince and noble chimed in, his eyes filled with deep hatred.
Almost all the direct descendants of the Chu family were dead, leaving only Chu Chen, the one who slipped through the net!
"Your Majesty, this minister also agrees with this proposal. Chu Chen's existence is always a threat! It is best to eliminate him as soon as possible!" another prince and noble stepped forward.
The various princes and nobles offered their advice, urging Emperor Long Kun not to let Chu Chen go.
"Hahaha!" Chu Chen suddenly burst into laughter, his laughter filled with mockery, "Your Majesty, so you all wish for my death!"
"Chu Chen! What nonsense are you spouting!" a prince and noble roared.
"Your Majesty! This child is stubborn and unrepentant, he must be dealt with immediately!" another prince and noble stepped forward, saying righteously, his gaze fierce.
"Your Majesty, this rebellious son is beyond saving. It is better to execute him now, lest he continue to harm Your Majesty!"
"Yes! Kill him!"
In an instant, the crowd surged, everyone supporting the killing of Chu Chen.
Chu Chen's lips curved into a cold arc. He scanned the crowd indifferently, then raised his hand and pointed at three of them, saying, "You, you, you!"
"All three of you, kneel before me!" Chu Chen's gaze finally settled on three young men and women.
He said in a cold tone, "I'll give you one more chance. Kneel and kowtow immediately, and I might spare your lives."