Legend of Swordsman

Chapter 5362: National Warfare?

Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation   Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation

Therefore, careful consideration was necessary when devising a plan. The expedition to the MO Luo Nation might have been strategized thousands of years ago, with someone already well-prepared. All that remained now was to articulate the plan.

On the elevated throne, the indifferent tier 5 Emperor showed no interest, leaving the representation to tier 4 Emperors.

Among the Xia Mang clan, there were not many strong individuals, and even fewer qualified to speak. The discussions were mainly conducted by influential courtiers.

The deliberations lasted for three days, resulting in the selection of two proposals.

One was put forth by the Second Prince and was to be presented by the Duke’s Mansion.

The other proposal came from a current high-ranking official, a peak tier 5 power with numerous followers, holding sway over the court.

The Crown Prince watched with a glint of coldness in his eyes.

It was disheartening to see a Prince meddling in matters of external warfare. His aura as the Crown Prince was truly lacking.

Fortunately, he currently advocated for peace; otherwise, he wouldn’t be able to face anyone.

Given the current situation, it was likely that the strategy proposed by the Second Prince would be adopted. A eunuch sitting in the Grand Teacher’s chair delivered the two strategies to a side hall, awaiting Xia Mangs decision.

The hall fell into silence.

Jian Wushuang showed no interest in the proceedings. He knew the Crown Prince would surely obstruct the decision later.

The affairs of the royal family were just as they were, with nothing worth scrutinizing.

Those seated here were sly old foxes who had lived for countless years; they could easily discern the current situation.

The main purpose of this expedition was to weaken the power of the imperial courtiers. If they won, the courtiers would become even more audacious, but at the same time, Great Xia would become stronger. If need be, they could trim their influence again. As long as the Ancestor was around, Great Xia would remain stable, though difficult to manage.

If they lost, it wouldn’t matter. It would serve as paving the way for the Crown Prince.

Despite the Second Prince’s current arrogance, if he lost, he would become a fallen dog, everyone condemning him.

On the other hand, the Crown Prince, having shown benevolence and justice, would be better at controlling these courtiers.

This is like nurturing gu worms.

But ultimately, strength speaks. This struggle is not just about power; it’s about resources. With resources, one becomes increasingly powerful.

That’s why the Immortal Dynasty still adopts the methods of mortal dynasties.

Before long, a message was sent out from inside, instructing the Xia Mang clan to stay for the family feast, while the others could leave.

The faces of those powerful ministers remained unchanged, but in their hearts, they cursed silently.

The world within a family is like this.

All decisions have nothing to do with outsiders like them.

Inside the hall, there were many strong members of the Xia Mang clan. Those of higher seniority usually didn’t participate in court affairs; they followed the ancestors in the ancestral temple.

Nowadays, in both court and the common people, most of the powerful individuals are relatively young.

Among them were four tier 5 Emperors and dozens of tier 4 Emperors. Almost all were Emperors, except for Jian Wushuang.

Following these people into a side hall, a long table was already prepared, adorned with exotic flowers and fruits of considerable value.

Everyone took their seats. Jian Wushuang sat at the end, with Xia Mang Yunzhan next to the main seat, along with the tier 5 Emperor who presided over the Beastfight Arena.

After a while, Xia Mang Yunxing came over with two jade slips, casually throwing them onto the table. In a calm tone, he said, “Second son, judging by your expression, are you planning to go all out against the MO Luo Clan?”

“Father, this battle is the foundation, a decisive battle. It will be a national war, a rare encounter in countless epochs!” The Second Prince, Xia Mang Guanjun, stood up, his voice resounding.

Seeing the opportune moment, the Crown Prince stood up in opposition, “This may not be the case. How many times has our Great Xia engaged in a national war? We don’t even have a budget for the costs involved. How can we fight the Demon Clan?”

“Hmm, makes sense. What do you think, Second Prince?” Xia Mang Yunxing sat upright in the main seat, then turned to the Second Prince.

The Second Prince knew that this battle was inevitable, and now it was up to him to provide a decent reason. If he could articulate it, it would prove that the Emperor had given him a fair chance at competitive decision-making.

At this moment, he couldn’t afford to panic. After some contemplation, he calmly said, “Budget? The decisive battle is about determining the trend. Our Great Xia has been accumulating strength for millions of years, while the MO Luo has only risen in the past few years. It used to be a small sect, but it has expanded too rapidly in recent years. If we don’t eradicate it now, we may not have another chance in the future.’

“Younger brother says it’s just a small threat. With our Ancestor overseeing, are we afraid of a demonic sect? In the Southern borders, amidst the chaotic domains, we have guarded for millions of years. If a national war breaks out now, what if the chaotic domains attack the Southern borders?” The Crown Prince spoke confidently, evidently well-prepared.

Jian Wushuang sat at the back, eating and drinking without even looking at them.

At some point, Xia Mang Yunxing noticed his youngest son, Xia Mang Guanyu. He waved his sleeve, interrupting the debate between the Crown Prince and the Second Prince, and asked, “Guanyu, any opinions on this expedition?” Clatter!

Suddenly hearing this question, Jian Wushuang accidentally knocked over his cup on the table. He quickly stood up and said, “Everything depends on Imperial Father’s decision!”

“Haha!”

Xia Mang Yunxing was pleased with this response, seemingly beyond his expectations.

“Good!”

“I see no difference between you and those outside. You only know petty schemes and ignore the big picture.”

“In Guanyu’s words, you should really think carefully about it with the Second Prince!” Xia Mang Yunxing glanced at the Crown Prince and the Prince, his voice somewhat cold.

No matter how many calculations were made, they would never figure out what the Emperor was really thinking.

In fact, it was simple: strength is paramount, with the Ancestor present, the fate of the Great Xia is secure.

The Dao is supremely simple!

Xia Mang Yunxings thoughts were straightforward, just like what Xia Mang Guanyu had said – everything depended on the Imperial Emperor’s decision.

National warfare!

It wasn’t up to the Prince and the Second Prince to decide; it was a matter to be consulted with the Ancestor.

People from the same side were present; saying a few words would be enough. Saying too much would make it awkward and hinder their ability to weaken others when their own people were in conflict.

“Uncles, Imperial Brothers, the matter of the expedition has been decided. It will be announced to the world shortly. The Royal Teacher has also given a date, and all departments are ready. In the first year of the new calendar’s fourth era, the day of the expedition will arrive!” Xia Mang Yunxings face showed some weariness, and after leaving these words, he departed.

Only the somewhat stunned Crown Prince remained, while the Second Prince smiled faintly.

After Xia Mang Yunxing left, the other members of the Xia Mang family were not polite. They chatted casually and enjoyed the food and wine on the table.

It didn’t look at all like preparations for an imminent expedition.

The Crown Prince stood there, feeling like he was being played.

Everyone seemed indifferent; he took things too seriously.

There were no outsiders here, why be so harsh?

Anyway, when the time came, his own people would help spread the news, saying a few words would be enough, no need to take it seriously.

Jian Wushuang was also amused by the Crown Prince. This person was fit to be a Crown Prince for a lifetime. When he became the Emperor, the country would probably be in danger.

After a brief sweep, Jian Wushuang bid farewell to the elders at the table and left.

The following days were tumultuous, but all of this had nothing to do with him..