Chapter 1592: Chapter 1265: Pyrrhic Victory
“The Great Zhou is likely to be in turmoil for a while, but who will restore the land in the end?”
The commotion of Human Dao’s dragon energy was so immense that any cultivator practicing Human Dao within the borders of Great Zhou could see it from any corner.
So, many insightful people could foresee the impending situation in Great Zhou.
At the same time, quite a few ambitious people planned to emerge from hiding, intending to use this great opportunity to showcase their talents, or to acquire some cultivation resources for themselves.
——
Zhou Maochang became the Crown Prince, and the First and Fourth Princes felt as if they were hit hard with a hammer, leaving them dazed, unable to recover for a time.
“That old bastard can’t rest even as he’s dying! Still thinking of causing trouble for me!” The First Prince couldn’t help but curse. His original opponent was only the Fourth Prince, but now there was another.
Moreover, Zhou Maochang, after becoming Crown Prince, was much more difficult to deal with than the Fourth Prince!
For no other reason than his legitimate claim!
Especially in the eyes of those old stubborn Confucians, nothing is more important than rightful authority!
And these old stubborn ones, due to their age and deep qualifications, have taught countless disciples all over the world.
Once they come out to support Zhou Maochang, the situation under him, originally lacking in power and practically devoid of influence, will instantly reverse!
Furthermore, the army currently held by Emperor Zhou Honggu will also be handed over to this Crown Prince, allowing his strength to immediately surpass the First and Fourth Princes.
It’s just that the two of them didn’t know that Great Zhou Mountain also supported Zhou Maochang, or else they would surely be even more despairing!
However, now that things have reached this point, they are just short of openly raising the banner of rebellion and engaging in combat, so there’s no question of surrendering; they can only fight desperately to carve a bloody path and seize the venerable emperor’s throne to survive!
“I didn’t expect this Emperor to truly make such a decision, it seems he genuinely despises those two princes.” Li Zhirui felt quite shocked upon hearing that declaration; with things thus, he still wanted to trip up those two.
However, this is excellent news for Zhou Maochang, for Great Zhou Mountain, and for himself.
Zhou Maochang, having become Crown Prince, the next step is to ascend the throne, become at least the supreme Great Zhou Emperor, and his cultivation could directly reach ascension to the rank of Heavenly Immortal.
For Great Zhou Mountain, having an Emperor close to their own, and needing to rely on their power during his ascent to the position, allowing them to grasp authority, brings them a step closer to the grand goal of becoming a Human Dao nation.
Li Zhirui had nothing much to say; he hoped to leave soon without wasting too much time, and if he could obtain a few more Earth Immortal Level Spiritual Items, that would be even better.
——
“Chang’er, your father can hold on for a while longer, but you must seize the time, grasp power and strength, defeat those two scoundrel brothers, and secure the throne!”
Zhou Honggu advised some, “Meanwhile, you still need to learn from me how to be an Emperor, manage various affairs, and develop Great Zhou.”
It was evident that his few moments of paternal affection were all used on Zhou Maochang; other offspring could not access it at all.
“Father, I will do my best to fulfill what you instructed.”
And so, in the following days, Zhou Maochang constantly accompanied Zhou Honggu, rapidly absorbing and learning all sorts of useful knowledge, and mastering the handling of various affairs.
At the same time, he needed to summon and assess ministers wishing to join his allegiance, and establish rapport with the soldiers at the borders to gain their support.
In addition, he had to maintain connections with Great Zhou Mountain, gaining their backing.
In fact, with the situation reached this stage, Great Zhou Mountain could not possibly withdraw.
Otherwise, wouldn’t all these years of investment be in vain?
And these matters had little to do with Li Zhirui, an Immortal Dao Cultivator; he just stayed in the capital’s residence, awaiting the outbreak of the great war.
During this critical time of transition between the old and new, the luck of the originally thriving Great Zhou Dynasty showed signs of stagnation and even reduction.
——
Spring passed and autumn came, and Zhou Honggu finally reached the day when his oil lamp was about to burn out and he was about to die!
Compared to the ambitious self six months ago, he was now completely different.
Anyone could see that this person had not much time left.
“After I die, your two brothers will surely make a move, possibly even temporarily joining forces to deal with you, so you must be careful and not fall into their trap!”
Zhou Honggu spoke with considerable effort, but he still managed to convey these words.
“Father, I have memorized all you taught, but is there really no other way?” Zhou Maochang said mournfully, tears brimming in his eyes.
“Hahaha, foolish child, don’t act like a maiden. Prepare to ascend the throne.”
A Human Dao Emperor is usually invulnerable to a hundred poisons, almost immune to illness, but when life is at its end, even immortals cannot save him. Zhou Honggu was in precisely this condition now.
He could clearly feel his vitality continuously draining away; perhaps in mere moments, it would vanish completely.
And in these final moments of life, he was still teaching his most beloved son, hoping he could become a universally praised Emperor, leading the Great Zhou Dynasty to further expansion.
Soon, the hour arrived!
“Chang’er, take care!”
As if knowing the exact time of his death, Zhou Honggu stopped his teachings and formally bid farewell to Zhou Maochang.