Chapter 42: The Longevity Festival, Banquet at Hongmen

What does this mean? Chu Xiong still wanted to ask the Emperor of Tianwu what it meant that Afugan Tamon had arrived. In order to seize his military command, was he willing to ally himself with a formidable enemy? Indeed, there are no eternal enemies—only eternal utilities. His sworn brother truly had remarkable methods.

For the sake of military power, he disregarded the fact that the Chu family army was hemmed in on all sides. Brother, do not forget that those soldiers are also citizens of Tianqing!

“Brother, I mean nothing else. It is merely an ordinary name,” Chu Xiong lowered his head. He had lost—completely. To preserve the lives of a million soldiers, he was willing to surrender his command in the next moment.

The Emperor of Tianwu had not pressed further when a gentle, childish voice spoke up: “Han’s name is not ordinary at all. Father told Han its deeper meaning. Hmph! Han’s name is the most special!”

“Han, don’t speak nonsense!” Xi Feng’s face was dark. Since her husband had chosen compromise, they dared not stir any further trouble.

Chu Junhan poked out her little head, hands on her hips and lips pouting.

“Tell us then, what is so special about it?” The Emperor of Tianwu’s face was cold.

“Your Majesty, the child is young. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness and ask that you not take her words to heart,” Chu Xiong cupped his hands, bowing very low.

He understood that if he made any move, the Emperor of Tianwu would join forces with Afugan Tamon to strike from within and without, leaving the Chu family army caught between a rock and a hard place.

Compromise was the wisest choice.

Or was it? Not everyone thought so.

“There’s no need to be nervous, my good brother. I simply wish to hear what is so special about my nephew’s name,” The Emperor of Tianwu smiled faintly, his gaze meaningful.

The ministers in the hall held their breath, not daring to utter a sound. This was a sign the Chu family was to be utterly destroyed!

Chu Junhan bowed to the middle-aged man seated on the dragon throne, nodding slightly. “In response to Your Majesty, Uncle, Han’s name bears great significance. Just as Father cares for his troops, Han’s name is extraordinary.”

Dog Emperor, do not forget: there are fifty thousand Chu family elite troops stationed outside Pingzhou City.

The Emperor naturally heard the threat in those words, his expression dark as he stared at the child, “You and your father both enjoy jesting. What does your name have to do with your father’s compassion for his soldiers?”

“Father said Han must always remember to be upright and never chill the hearts of brothers! He told me that one must know their place; even a cornered rabbit will bite, let alone a living person. If the fish die and the net breaks, only those who watch from the shore profit!” The little girl spoke clearly and forcefully, standing tall and spirited.

Dog Emperor, even if my father has rebellious intentions, what can you do? Do you think a mere alliance of minor states can swallow the Chu family army? Ridiculous! Beware of reaping the opposite result!

“Brother Xiao, don’t listen to a child’s nonsense,” Afugan Tamon’s face was also grim.

He had not expected that the little girl before him would dare threaten the Emperor of Tianwu with mutual destruction, and with just a few words, sow discord.

Anyone who could sit upon the throne was far from ordinary; how could he not understand the meaning behind Chu Junhan’s words?

The middle-aged man on the dragon throne slowly rose, hands clasped behind his back. “My good brother and I have known each other for decades—our bond is like that of brothers. How could we ever turn on each other over a mere name? Junhan, I see you as my own kin. My good brother, to have such a child, brings me great joy!”

“Your Majesty flatters me!” Beads of sweat gathered on Chu Xiong's brow; he had nearly been frightened to death by his own daughter.

“Brother Xiao…” Afugan Tamon stepped forward, wanting to say something more.

The Emperor of Tianwu raised a hand to interrupt, “Brother Tamon, you’ve come from afar. You are a guest—please, take a seat.”

“If Brother Xiao will not keep his word, then I shall not remain any longer. We will meet upon the battlefield!” Afugan Tamon flung his sleeves and departed with his two attendants.