Beginning of Cultivation
Chapter 28: Successful Subjugation

Chapter 28: Successful Subjugation

The group quickly set off, and within a few days, they finally reached the encampment of Chu Wu. Dao San Qian, looking into the distance, spotted a group approaching, led by Jun Wu Xiao and Yue Guang. He ran to find Chu Wu to report:

"Hey, Jun Wu Xiao brought many people back."

At that moment, Chu Wu was in the camp and, hearing the news, felt pleased. He said:

"This guy really works fast. It’s only been a week and he’s already brought people here. I should go out and welcome them along with that emperor."

Then he left the camp, preparing to gather his forces to greet the arriving group.

"I’ll go along to watch the plays. After all, I don’t have any power or anything right now, so I can’t really do much." Dao San Qian said as he followed Chu Wu to get in on the action.

Chu Wu went to the soldiers’ quarters and said:

"Everyone prepare to go with me to welcome this emperor."

"Yes sir!" the soldiers responded in unison.

Then they spurred their horses towards Jun Wu Xiao’s group. After a while, the two groups met face to face.

The emperor stared intently at Chu Wu, having identified him as the person he would have to negotiate with. Even though Dao San Qian was walking beside Chu Wu, he didn’t think a young man would be a general.

Chu Wu looked at the emperor and decided to speak first to give the emperor a chance to save face for easier conversation:

"I wonder if the emperor is ready to discuss terms with me?"

The emperor nodded, as being ready or not wouldn’t change anything. He said:

"What does General Chu Wu propose to offer us if you take over my kingdom?"

Seeing the emperor’s straightforwardness, Chu Wu knew that the emperor understood the current situation. He said:

"Then could you tell me why your dynasty exists? And why you are the emperor?"

After hearing the question, the Emperor felt a bit stunned. He was not the only one, his court officials were all frightened by the question. It was not unusual for court officials to panic, after all, under normal circumstances, asking this question and losing one’s head were synonyms.

Seeing the group dumbfounded, Jun Wu Xiao spoke:

"Old emperor, if he asks, just answer him. What’s the use of standing there bewildered?"

Hearing this, the emperor regained his composure and said:

"The dynasty exists to provide a better life for the people. And my role as emperor is for the same reason."

Jun Wu Xiao also observed the emperor’s demeanor as he spoke. Compared to the previous despicable emperor he had captured, the man before him seemed far more worthy of the title.

Chu Wu nodded, sensing the emperor’s honesty, he said:

"Good, then do you think the condition of the people in this country is too dire? I’ve been out observing for the past few days, and it seems to me that both the trade and agriculture of this kingdom are not doing very well."

The emperor did not dispute this, as he was well aware of his kingdom’s situation. It was a burden on his heart, but he did not know how to solve it. He sighed:

"You are not wrong, but there is little else I can do. Our ancestors settled here, surrounded by majestic mountains ahead and seemingly endless deserts behind. The land is incredibly barren, and we are but a small kingdom. Venturing out means facing the threat of attack from other kingdoms, risking death or enslavement. Reluctantly, we can only strive to survive here."

Chu Wu felt a degree of sympathy upon hearing this. He knew no one could choose their starting point, but with enough sacrifice, one could indeed change their standing. He said:

"What if I told you I could help you, and you could continue to run this kingdom, not as an emperor but still as its leader. Would you agree to submit to my kingdom?"

The emperor was quite astonished, unable to think of any reason why Chu Wu would help him and his people. He asked with a skeptical tone:

"Are you serious?"

"Ha ha, yes, seriously. Of course, I am not a cruel man, otherwise I would have already executed some of your officials to set an example." Chu Wu laughed and said.

The court officials were startled by his remark, but quickly regained their composure. If Chu Wu was speaking thus, it was highly likely they would survive.

Hearing Chu Wu speak so candidly, the emperor realized he genuinely had no ill intentions. From his observations, although the military force Chu Wu brought was not large, having Jun Wu Xiao and Yue Guang alone meant that eliminating all the ruling figures would not be difficult.

"Good, good, then I surrender. From today onwards, I will no longer be the emperor." the emperor declared with resolve.

Initially hesitant about Chu Wu’s proposal, the emperor reflected on his role. After all, any emperor would naturally resist relinquishing his throne.

However, he can be considered a wise ruler, although unfortunate because his kingdom has no real development potential, at least for the time being.

The technological and agricultural limitations, coupled with the unsupportive terrain and climate, had indeed pushed the kingdom to a desperate state.

"Your Majesty..." the court officials seemed to want to say something, but found themselves unable to voice their concerns.

They held immense respect for their emperor, unsure if they could make such a resolute decision themselves.

After all, most of these court officials were good people. If they were merely corrupt, the kingdom would have long ceased to exist, and chaos would have prevailed much earlier.

"My mind is made up, please support my decision." the emperor told his officials.

"Ha ha ha, good, good, good. Not every emperor is a fool. This one is far more agreeable than the last emperor I captured. Since he has promised, he will do as he said, so you can rest assured. Chu Wu, remember to take good care of him." Jun Wu Xiao laughed heartily upon witnessing the scene.

Both the emperor and the court officials looked bewilderedly towards Jun Wu Xiao. They hadn’t expected someone who had covertly captured an emperor to speak so candidly with a general.

Dao San Qian and Yue Guang watched Chu Wu trying to contain his laughter.

Chu Wu’s face darkened, as this was a decision he should have made, yet now Jun Wu Xiao was speaking as if he were the general, not Chu Wu. Chu Wu cleared his throat a few times:

"Ahem, ahem. I will definitely assist you. For now, everyone should return and retain your current positions. Once I have arranged a new place, you can relocate your people to live there."

The emperor looked at Chu Wu with gratitude, understanding what truly mattered to him. For the emperor, the well-being of his people was far more important than his title.

The emperor bowed his head in thanks and said:

"Thank you, the existence of an emperor is originally for the people. If I can help improve their lives, then I, this old man, am satisfied. Thank you sincerely."

Chu Wu helped him up and responded:

"There’s no need for that. A wise ruler like you, if you continue to lead the people, will surely make them feel very fortunate. Just continue doing what you believe is right."

Afterward, the emperor led his court officials away to prepare for the relocation. Only Chu Wu and his group remained at the location.

"Now, let’s return." Jun Wu Xiao said.

Chu Wu nodded. Although his face had darkened earlier, it was just for a moment. He wasn’t bothered by such trivial matters.

"To all troops, hear the command, we pack up and return to the capital." Chu Wu ordered.

"Yes sir!" the soldiers shouted and began their preparations.

Then, the group quickly returned to the capital. This journey, both going and returning, took just over two months, and they had successfully subdued a small kingdom.