Heavenly Dao Engine
Chapter 1380 - 1380 0784 You Dont Agree Huh_2

Chapter 1380: Chapter 0784: You Don’t Agree, Huh?_2 Chapter 1380: Chapter 0784: You Don’t Agree, Huh?_2 Emperor Tian Rui glanced at Qi Tian and said, “Young man, why do you ask such a question? I don’t seem to have ever met you before.”

The corners of Qi Tian’s mouth curled into a sneer as he said, “Your Majesty, whether or not you recognize me, I only hope you will do me a favor. If you agree, I can let you live. This is a transaction that requires mutual consent. If you do not agree, then I can only stand by and watch you.”

Emperor Tian Rui, feeble, asked, “What is it that you need me to do for you? If it is beyond my capability, I am afraid I cannot help you.”

Qi Tian stated, “It’s simple. I hope Your Majesty can issue an imperial edict to declare to all of Great Zhao Nation that Prince Zhao is the legitimate heir you have chosen, who can inherit the throne and become the new Emperor of Great Zhao Nation. As for the eldest prince, the heir you had appointed, his claim to the throne is illegitimate, having been fabricated with deceit and collusion, behind your back—it’s false. I hope you can denounce him as a traitor in the edict.”

Emperor Tian Rui’s eyes narrowed slightly; he had not expected Qi Tian to make such a demand. He fell silent. Who was Prince Zhao? Of course, he knew. He was the son of the lowest-ranking palace maid whom he had overpowered in a drunken state, a child who had been disdained from the moment of his birth. He had not anticipated that Qi Tian would conspire with Prince Zhao to usurp his empire. Had he been in Great Zhao Nation, he would never have allowed such a thing to happen, but now, he knew his own condition—he was incredibly weak and Qi Tian could easily crush him with just a finger. Arguing with Qi Tian at this moment would be completely pointless.

Nevertheless, Emperor Tian Rui still wanted to bargain. He said, “Won’t you consider any other conditions? If you are willing, I can appoint you National Master of Great Zhao Nation, the sole National Master, above all but me, admired by thousands, holding infinite power.”

With a chuckle, Qi Tian produced a royal decree, unfolded it, and placed it in front of Emperor Tian Rui’s eyes, saying, “Your Majesty, open your eyes and see what this is. This is the decree from Prince Zhao appointing me National Master of Great Zhao Nation, with full authority to handle all affairs of Great Zhao Nation. I can execute a foolish emperor and cut down treacherous officials, and mobilize all resources of Great Zhao Nation for my own use. With such a decree, do I still need another appointment from you?”

Darkness threatened to overcome Emperor Tian Rui, and he almost fainted. How could he not recognize the authenticity of the decree? The seal pressed upon it was unmistakable. Qi Tian holding such a decree implied two things: The first was that Qi Tian had already supported Prince Zhao to sit on the throne of Great Zhao Nation, and Prince Zhao had become the de facto emperor. Whether he issued an abdication edict or not, nothing would change—the only difference it would make would be to spare Prince Zhao some vilification. The second was that Prince Zhao, in order to secure Qi Tian’s support, had sold out the interests of Great Zhao Nation to such an extent. He knew that offspring from a lowly palace maid could never amount to much—nothing but a worthless loach. Otherwise, how could Prince Zhao issue such a disgraceful edict, one that betrayed him and all the ancestors of Great Zhao Nation?

Qi Tian put away the decree and smiled, “Your Majesty, I ask you one last time, will you write an abdication edict in favor of Prince Zhao according to my demands? If you are willing, it will be a joy for us all. If you are not, it does not matter. Your abdication edict is entirely superfluous.”

Fury in his eyes, Emperor Tian Rui glared at Qi Tian, “Qi Tian, I have long known of your disloyal heart, but I never imagined you would interfere with the royal succession of Great Zhao Nation. Your boundless ambition knows no limits; are you not afraid of incurring the wrath of the entire world?”

Before Qi Tian could respond, Emperor Jianwu strode over and slapped Emperor Tian Rui across the face. Emperor Jianwu held back, for the slap would have burst Emperor Tian Rui’s head had he not, but even so, a crisp sound echoed from Tian Rui’s cheek as it instantly swelled.

“Emperor Tian Rui, you disrespectful scion, open your dog eyes and look, do you recognize me?”

Emperor Tian Rui was somewhat stunned; he couldn’t believe someone had dared to strike him. He was even more surprised that it wasn’t Qi Tian but someone else. As he was about to erupt in anger, he caught sight of the imperial robe on Emperor Jianwu, shivering with realization as his gaze shifted fully to Emperor Jianwu. Emperor Tian Rui found Emperor Jianwu’s face familiar but could not place who he was in that moment.

Emperor Jianwu, cursing under his breath, said, “What nonsense were you spouting just now? Do you even realize how magnanimous Master Qi’s heart is? If he had wanted to, he could have pinched you to death with a single finger. Would there be any need for this much talk? The reason he spoke so much to you is out of Master Qi’s compassion, considering past bonds. That’s why he saved you and is willing to negotiate with you. If it were me, I wouldn’t care whether you agreed or not; I would have forced you to write it already. Emperor Tian Rui, let me tell you, you should know to recognize when you’re being honored. Master Qi has been negotiating with you out of respect. You fail to see your own worth; what sort of rubbish is the heir you’ve chosen? Prince Zhao, having received Master Qi’s support, shall be the true monarch who will revitalize the Great Zhao Nation, a king capable of making our nation even stronger. It is not only a personal honor for Prince Zhao to have Master Qi’s guidance but an unsurpassable glory for the entire Zhao royal family. And yet here you are, putting on airs before Master Qi? I am astonished. We all share the blood of our Grand Ancestor, how can you be so foolish, lacking any of the cleverness that I possess? It’s a good thing you’re not my direct descendant; otherwise, I would slap you dead, you little bastard.”

Emperor Tian Rui stood, completely drenched in Emperor Jianwu’s metaphorical dog’s blood, somewhat muddled. He didn’t know how he had managed to provoke such a person. He didn’t dare to retort; he knew very well that within the Imperial Family Secret Territory, those wearing imperial robes were emperors who had abdicated from the Great Zhao throne, his ancestors. In terms of hierarchy, each was superior to him; in terms of strength, each was mightier. If he dared to speak back, no Prince would indulge him.

“You… Who are you? Forgive my poor eyesight, I failed to recognize you at first, I beg Ancestor to enlighten me.”

Emperor Jianwu said, “Open your dog eyes wide and see clearly, I am Emperor Jianwu. Even if I call you a little bastard, would you dare to object?”

Emperor Tian Rui trembled, a chill rising from his tailbone and sweeping through his body, as he quickly said, “Ancestor speaks well, I dare not harbor any resentment.”

Emperor Jianwu snorted coldly and said, “Don’t blame me for not warning you, I know you still want to act as if you can intimidate Master Qi with your status as an emperor, as if that might compel Master Qi to treat you more favorably. Stop being so naively hopeful. What sort of emperor are you? You have already abdicated. An abdicated emperor isn’t worth much, especially here in the Imperial Family Secret Territory—isn’t that so? Look at me. How do you compare? Not well, I suppose? But even I, before Master Qi, regard him as nothing short of a deity, offering reverence. To follow Master Qi means meat to eat and soup to drink; to oppose him means no good end awaits. If you don’t believe me, ask other Princes in the Imperial Family Secret Territory, and you’ll understand, won’t you? I’ll tell you one more thing: your second prince, who reached the level of Half-step Nascent Soul, was recently defeated by Master Qi. He has now pledged allegiance to me and plans to follow my lead. Do you think you can outdo your second prince?”

The words of Emperor Jianwu crashed down on Emperor Tian Rui like mountains, piling onto him, rendering him speechless, leaving him terrified and as if plunged into an icy abyss.