Dragon's Origin

Chapter 393: The Beginning of the End of a Kingdom (Part 2)

Of course, the Emperor couldn't possibly want nothing. The representatives from the three families were all aware of this. They initially thought the Emperor would make exorbitant demands, like wanting a piece of land in exchange, but unexpectedly, he only wanted wealth and gold coins.

If the Emperor had really wanted to exchange land, the three families' representatives would have likely suppressed that thought immediately and without hesitation. Expanding territory? Not a chance! No matter which noble it was, they wouldn't tolerate such ambition from the Emperor.

However, since he only wanted wealth and gold coins, it was a different story. Although a third of Triumphant Country's ten-year output was a considerable sum, the three families could easily pool together that amount. In return, the three countries could divide Triumphant Country's territory. Even if each family only got a third, it would still be a large piece of land, hundreds of miles in radius!

Moreover, besides the tangible land and population, there was also the title of Duke, and the righteous cause of suppressing rebellion for the Emperor. Plus, there was the Emperor's future acknowledgment of their military actions. If they missed out on such a good thing, the three marquises would kill them.

Those representatives who got up and left earlier would regret it immensely when they returned and learned they had missed out on such a great opportunity. Those arrogant fellows wouldn't even need the Emperor to deal with them; their own patriarchs would teach them what regret truly meant.

Unfortunately, among the Tang, Xia, and Feng families, only the Tang family was directly adjacent to Triumphant Country. The other two families weren't, so acquiring the land would be troublesome. Either the Xia and Feng families would each own a piece of exclave not connected to their original territory, or they would exchange it with the neighboring countries.

But no matter how they dealt with it, a substantial benefit was guaranteed. Now, everyone had to weigh the possibility of destroying Triumphant Country and the potential losses it might bring.

Based on everyone's understanding of Triumphant Palace, they had a rough idea of the number of experts in Triumphant Palace. Subtracting those building the camp in the Perpetual Killing Ground, those killed by Wang Sheng, and the enforcement disciples lost this time, the three families could basically estimate the number of experts still stationed in Triumphant Country.

This number wasn't a threat to the Tang, Xia, and Feng families. The three families combined would absolutely be overwhelming, and destroying Triumphant Palace would be a cinch. The only thing to consider was how to act without letting any members of Triumphant Palace escape, and how to prevent the other families from taking advantage of the situation and seizing the territory they had worked so hard to conquer!

Since they were going to do it, they naturally had to do it thoroughly, leaving no loose ends. This was a war to destroy a country, no small matter. After destroying Triumphant Palace, how to digest the population and territory were all problems that needed to be considered in advance.

“Can Your Majesty issue an imperial decree for us to send troops?” The Tang family’s elder, being experienced and prudent, asked again.

“Yes!” The Emperor nodded without hesitation. “The decree is limited to you three families. If other vassal states send troops, it will be considered an act of aggression, and you can jointly attack them. In addition, after the country is destroyed, if you can decide in advance how to distribute the territory of Triumphant Palace, you can also write it in the imperial decree.”

In this regard, the Emperor could be said to be unconditionally cooperative. He would give them the legitimacy they wanted, and the imperial decree they wanted, without ambiguity, all for his own satisfaction.

Of course, this was the public explanation. The real reason was clear to everyone. In the end, wasn't it all for profit? But in the imperial court, how could one speak of petty gains? Naturally, it was all about righteousness, explaining with reason, moving with emotion, and destroying with force, upright and unambiguous.

“In addition, Changsheng Marquis suffered heavy losses in this matter,” the Emperor didn't forget to ask for more benefits for Wang Sheng while asking for benefits for himself. “We can’t let Changsheng Marquis suffer losses for nothing. After it’s done, some compensation is needed for Changsheng Marquis.”

The three representatives nodded at the same time. They had already given the Emperor the lion's share, so giving Wang Sheng some more was nothing. Moreover, based on their understanding of Wang Sheng, Wang Sheng was not a greedy person. As long as they didn't play any tricks on him, he was easy to talk to. Since Wang Sheng was also involved in this matter, he would naturally get some benefits.

“We take our leave!” Under the leadership of the Tang family elder, the three representatives bowed to the Emperor and took their leave. Their respectful appearance pleased the Emperor greatly. “We will inform our lords and report the results to Your Majesty in five days.”

Such a big matter, even if the three representatives in the capital agreed, they still had to inform their respective lords. Moreover, such a big matter, the three families would definitely act jointly, and a specific plan had to be made. It was impossible to decide in a short time.

The Emperor happily sent off the three representatives. He watched them walk away until they were no longer visible, then turned to Chief Li and said, “When there is profit, it's 'Your Majesty, we take our leave.' When there is no profit, they stand up and turn around and leave. Isn’t it interesting?”

“I believe there will be more and more of these profitable things in the future, and more and more people will call themselves subjects,” Chief Li said with a smile, congratulating the Emperor. “This humble servant congratulates Your Majesty. Unifying the world is just around the corner!”

The Emperor smiled and happily accepted Chief Li’s congratulations.

The three representatives of the Tang, Xia, and Feng families were not as calm as the Emperor. After leaving the imperial city, they went straight to a large courtyard of the Tang family and discussed for a long time, then quickly sent letters to their respective lords.

The three lords were shocked and ecstatic when they received the news. Despite receiving the news in the evening, they immediately summoned their respective important officials to discuss.

Everyone quickly confirmed that Triumphant Country had indeed done these things. There were witnesses and material evidence, and they couldn't deny it. It was normal for the Emperor to be unhappy. Borrowing everyone's strength to take action for himself, and only wanting wealth and not land and population after it was done, this condition was definitely acceptable to everyone.

What everyone was discussing was not whether to help the Emperor, but how to help, how the three families would coordinate, and how the territory would be distributed. While they were discussing, they had already ordered the experts of their respective families to be ready to strike at any moment. Once a decision was made, they would set off immediately.

This was not just a simple attack on the capital of Triumphant Country. The capital, Carefree City, the Perpetual Killing Ground, and various countries had to take action at the same time to ensure a fatal blow and not give Triumphant Palace any chance to rise again. At that time, having an extra piece of territory out of thin air, in terms of national righteousness, this was an unparalleled achievement of expanding territory, definitely the kind that could be recorded in history!

There was fame, profit, and a righteous cause. There were many benefits after success, and the possible losses were negligible compared to the gains. What was there to be dissatisfied with? Do it!