World's First Traitor System (400)

Chapter 400 - The Encouragement to Ascend

News of the victory in the defense of Peng City quickly reached Wei, Han, and Wu.

The three emperors dispatched special envoys to Peng City to congratulate Fan Li.

But these envoys weren't familiar faces like Deng Zhi; instead, they were three young men he’d never met before.

When the three young men stood before Fan Li, he was taken aback.

The envoys were all exceptionally refined and dignified, their attire far exceeding the usual standards for officials.

“I am Liu Chan, envoy of Han, dispatched by His Majesty the Han Emperor to congratulate Duke Jin on his victory against the invading enemy!”

“I am Cao Huan, envoy of Wei, dispatched by His Majesty the Wei Emperor to congratulate Duke Jin on his triumph, which has spread his name throughout the world!”

“I am Sun Hao, envoy of Wu, also dispatched by His Majesty the Wu Emperor to congratulate Duke Jin on his great victory over the stubborn foe!”

Liu Chan?

Cao Huan?

Sun Hao?

Fan Li looked at the three men before him with surprise and bewilderment.

“Um... esteemed envoys, please, have a seat.”

Inside the Rivers and Mountains Pavilion, Fan Li instructed his servants to prepare a lavish feast, exceeding the standards of a typical state banquet.

Throughout the meal, dancers performed.

Fan Li looked at the three envoys, who, despite their noble lineage and the extravagance of the banquet, remained composed and unfazed. He inwardly praised them.

They were indeed born with silver spoons in their mouths; they were certainly different from the children of commoners.

Among the three, Sun Hao had the greatest capacity for drink, Cao Huan was the most skilled in literature, and Liu Chan was the most adept at appreciating music and dance.

Fan Li couldn’t help but ask, “Anle... cough, cough, esteemed Han envoy, do you miss Shu?”

How could Liu Chan possibly know what Fan Li was thinking?

He simply felt that Fan Li was being an incredible host, and so, he happily uttered the now infamous line:

“This place is so pleasurable; I do not miss Shu.”

Fan Li’s smile instantly froze. He had expected to laugh heartily, but he didn't. Instead, he felt a strange, unsettling sensation.

Since his transmigration, Fan Li had quietly investigated the world. In this alternate world, with its chaotic timeline and numerous dynasties, the Sima family from He Nei didn’t exist.

Could it be…?

Fan Li was lost in thought when he noticed that the three envoys had exchanged a glance. Clearly, before visiting Fan Li, they had secretly met and reached some form of agreement.

Among the three, Liu Chan was the eldest. He rose from his seat and bowed to Fan Li.

“I have something to say. May Duke Jin listen?”

Fan Li was startled. He knew the envoys were about to discuss official business. He nodded.

“Esteemed Han envoy, please speak. I am all ears.”

He even straightened his back, sitting upright to show respect to the Han envoy.

“Yes.”

Liu Chan bowed again.

“Since Duke Jin began to govern Great Chu, his benevolence has spread in all directions, his kindness reaching all things. He surpasses the ancients; even the Sage Rulers of the past cannot compare.”

“My Han, Wei, and Wu all share borders with Great Chu, yet throughout the years, there have been no wars. We have always maintained a neighborly and friendly relationship. While the emperors of my three kingdoms are indeed benevolent, it is also thanks to Duke Jin’s virtuous conduct and wisdom.”

“Therefore, the emperors of my three kingdoms believe that the Chu’s destiny is over. It is time that the Chu Emperor follows the path of Yao and Shun, yielding the land and people to Duke Jin. This is in accordance with the will of Heaven and the people.”

“If this comes to pass, it will bring great fortune to the people of Chu, and great fortune to the Five Kingdoms Alliance.”

His words were magnificent, his tone polished, yet they were actually urging Fan Li to usurp the throne?

Fan Li was utterly stunned. He had never expected that after such a recent victory, Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan would send their envoys to encourage him to become Emperor?

What was happening?

Fortunately, Fan Li was no fool. His mind raced. As he analyzed the current situation, he searched for answers.

Between nations, only self-interest was eternal. What advantage did Wei, Han, and Wu gain from him usurping the throne?

Cao Cao and the others should know that he had an uneasy relationship with Empress Yao Guang.

While Xiang Chong was a pro-Yao Guang leader, Fan Li’s ascension would undoubtedly create a government that was opposed to or at the very least, distanced from Yao Guang.

So, did the three kingdoms want to tear apart their relations with Great Ci?

Fan Li shook his head. That shouldn't be happening so soon.

Even if they were ‘clever birds hiding the bow, cunning rabbits killed the dogs that caught them,’ that wouldn’t happen until after Emperor Jiajing died.

Moreover, how could Yao Guang, with only her power, dare to swallow Cao, Liu, and Sun whole?

Those three were not ordinary people; each was a formidable ruler!

Liu Chan and the others, seeing that Fan Li was lost in thought rather than overcome with joy, were filled with doubt.

They had believed that Fan Li was the greatest treacherous minister of their time, so why didn’t he want to usurp the throne? Or perhaps, he was worried and doubted their sincerity?

Liu Chan, having reached this conclusion, glanced at Cao Huan and Sun Hao, who were still sitting at the table.

Why were they still sitting?

They had to support him!

Cao Huan and Sun Hao understood, and immediately rose from their seats, joining Liu Chan.

Cao Huan said, “Duke Jin, please, do not have any doubts. As soon as you ascend the throne, my Emperor will immediately announce to the world that your status as the Son of Heaven is valid.”

Sun Hao added, “My Emperor of Wu will also fully support you. You need not worry. Ascend the throne as soon as possible!”

So they were in such a hurry?

Fan Li could now confirm that the three kingdoms were sincerely attempting to strengthen their ties with him.

But what exactly was the source of pressure on Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan?

He couldn’t figure it out, but he had to understand.

Seeing Fan Li still hesitant, the three envoys exchanged another glance and finally made up their minds.

Liu Chan stepped forward and whispered, “There is a very important matter that you might be unaware of.”

“Oh? Tell me.”

Fan Li immediately became interested.

“Empress Yao Guang, she…” Liu Chan lowered his voice once more, his tone suddenly laced with a hint of fear. “Her cultivation has perhaps advanced, reaching the ninth rank of the Great Vehicle realm.”

This was truly shocking news!

Even for Fan Li, it was bad news!

Empress Yao Guang was strong, but in the past, she hadn't been that strong.

But now that she was a ninth-rank Great Vehicle cultivator, wasn’t she equal to Emperor Jiajing?

No wonder Cao, Liu, and Sun were becoming so anxious. With the current situation, where the Five Kingdoms Alliance was attacking Great Ming, the most likely outcome was for Yao Guang to become the dominant power.

After Jiajing’s death, who could control her?

The Great Jin’s Shi Jingtang?

The Southern Tang’s Li Yu?

From the three envoys’ attitudes, they clearly didn’t hold those two ‘Celestial’ Emperors in high regard.

Why?

Fan Li didn’t know. But each of them likely had their own secrets that they were guarding closely, and he couldn't simply ask them directly.

“All three of your Emperors have mastered Pangu’s Giant Body,” Fan Li said, “With such abilities, surely, you aren’t afraid of a ninth-rank Great Vehicle?”

Liu Chan smiled wryly, nodding and shaking his head.

“In the past, they were sufficient.”

“Now… it’s hard to say.”

Fan Li frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Rumor has it…” Liu Chan sighed. “In the immortal realm, Pangu’s Giant Body isn’t invincible.”

Fan Li was startled, then it finally dawned on him.

“Shi Jingtang and Li Yu possess the secrets to counter Pangu’s Giant Body?!”

Damn it!

Fan Li wanted to curse!

What kind of celestial kingdoms were they? These two were merely experience packs given to the world. It was simply a matter of who could kill them first.

“Your Majesty, whether it is Yao Guang or Jiajing, I fear we will be unable to resist them,” Liu Chan said worriedly. “Only if you ascend the throne can our four kingdoms unite and form an unbreakable alliance, capable of deterring any future threat...”