Golden Ranking Appears, My Empress Turns Out to Be Wu Zhao

[Renowned Marshal Ranking – Rank 9]

[Zhou Yu]

[Nation: Vast Sea Dynasty]

[Marshal Rating: Five Stars]

[Military: First-Rate]

[Political: First-Rate]

[Strength: First-Rate]

[Reward: One Top-Tier weapon, one set of Top-Tier generals and marshals' armor, one Top-Tier naval formation, national fortune of the affiliated nation increased by 5%]

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"Fellow Daoist, do you know anything about this Vast Sea Dynasty?"

"The Vast Sea Dynasty? I'm not very familiar with it."

"But I do know their Imperial Observatory Li Chunfeng. We once discussed Dao together."

"He is a Dao cultivator not inferior to Tang Dynasty's Bad Marshal, Yuan Tiangang."

"For him to leave the Tang Dynasty and serve the Vast Sea Dynasty, it must be an extraordinary place."

Zhang Yuchu spoke calmly.

Ever since the appearance of the Sage Realm, he had been closely observing the Vast Sea Dynasty.

Unfortunately.

Even with his strength as a God Demon Realm cultivator, he still couldn't uncover much.

The national power of the Vast Sea Dynasty far exceeded expectations.

He didn't even recognize Zhou Yu, the Rank 9 marshal on the ranking.

He wasn't sure of Zhou Yu's position or status within the Vast Sea Dynasty either.

"Well then, Fellow Daoist, matters concerning the Vast Sea Dynasty should be left to the Emperors of the dynasties."

"We only need to focus on our own paths."

"War is the concern of generals and marshals. Our sole pursuit is the Dao."

"You're absolutely right."

==========

"Zhou Yu? Never heard of him. How did he make the Renowned Marshal Ranking?"

"Why haven't so many renowned marshals of the Qin Dynasty and Tang Dynasty been ranked yet?"

"Maybe they'll rank even higher."

"The closer to the top, the stronger the marshal's capabilities."

"I think I've heard of Zhou Yu. He was originally from the Han Dynasty!"

"The Han Dynasty? Then how did he end up becoming a marshal of the Vast Sea Dynasty?"

"That's easy. The Han Emperor is utterly foolish, with the Imperial Court controlled by a Demon Consort. No capable generals or renowned marshals would ever choose to serve under such a regime!"

"Only powerful dynasties like the Qin Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, and Ming Dynasty would even be considered by top-tier talents."

"Of course, those with grand ambitions wouldn't be content to serve under anyone."

"This time, it seems the Vast Sea Dynasty got ahead of everyone."

"The Emperor of the Vast Sea Dynasty has been searching for talented people across the Nine Provinces for years. It's clear he has grand ambitions."

"Compared to Qin Dynasty's Ying Zheng, Tang Dynasty's Li Shimin, the Yuan Dynasty's Temujin, or Ming Dynasty's Zhu Houzhao, he's certainly not inferior."

"The Nine Provinces are in for quite a spectacle."

"Who will ultimately become the master of all Nine Provinces?"

==========

Qin Imperial Palace.

"Black Shadow, when I ordered you to investigate the Vast Sea Dynasty, what did you find?"

"Start by telling me about this Zhou Yu in detail."

"Yes, Your Majesty. The Vast Sea Capital is located at the center of an island chain in the southern part of the Nine Provinces."

"At present, the Vast Sea Dynasty's national strength is rapidly increasing."

"Compared to the Qin Dynasty, Tang Dynasty, or Ming Dynasty, they're no less powerful."

"They are absolutely a major threat to the Qin Dynasty and may even surpass the Ming Dynasty."

"This Zhou Yu is currently the strongest naval general in the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"When it comes to naval warfare, there are very few in the Nine Provinces who can rival him."

Black Shadow reported everything he had uncovered about the Vast Sea Dynasty.

Standing nearby, Shang Yang and Bai Qi listened silently.

As they heard more, their expressions turned grim.

They could sense an overwhelming threat from the Vast Sea Dynasty.

"Your Majesty, this is only part of the information we have."

"There is much more that remains unknown."

"For instance, the Southern Region of the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"It is extremely difficult for us to enter that area."

"The entire sea zone has been sealed off by their navy. Any of our ships that approach are immediately destroyed."

"There may be even greater secrets hidden there."

A glint of sharp light flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.

The Southern Region.

Could it be that there's more territory in the south of the Nine Provinces that he never knew existed?

"Your next mission is to dispatch more agents and uncover every move the Vast Sea Dynasty makes."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

"Sir, do you believe this Vast Sea Dynasty might become a major threat to the Qin Dynasty?"

"Your Majesty, they are without a doubt a major threat."

"Not just to the Qin Dynasty, but to the Tang Dynasty and Ming Dynasty as well."

"A large-scale conflict is inevitable in the future."

"The troubling part is that we know almost nothing about them."

"Even their cultivators seem to outclass ours. Only the Ming Dynasty has some means to resist."

"What a formidable Emperor the Vast Sea Dynasty has. He must have prepared for this long in advance."

"His ambition is definitely immense."

"Your Majesty, we must be cautious."

"We must not fall into any of their traps."

"It's possible that the internal unrest and rebellions within the various nations are their doing."

Shang Yang spoke darkly.

"However, for now, Your Majesty need not worry."

"The Vast Sea Dynasty is still far from the Qin Dynasty. Even if they become enemies, their primary targets will be the Southern Song Dynasty, the Yuan Dynasty, Northern Song Dynasty, and Ming Dynasty."

"The Tang Dynasty and the Sui Dynasty still stand between us and them."

"By the time the Vast Sea Dynasty borders the Qin Dynasty, we will already have fully investigated them."

==========

Han Imperial Palace.

Consort Yu Chambers.

"You've confirmed that this Marshal Zhou Yu was once from the Han Dynasty?"

"It's been confirmed. It's true."

"His entire family has now disappeared as well."

"They've likely joined the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"Zhou Yu... A remarkable talent, what a pity!"

"But perhaps this isn't necessarily a bad thing for us."

"Even if he were still from the Han Dynasty, he would never submit to me. He would only end up serving those with greater ambition."

"If that's the case, he might as well go to the Vast Sea Dynasty."

"At least for now, they don't pose a direct threat to us."

"In the future, when I become invincible, how could I care about these so-called renowned marshals or ministers?"

"Those who submit to me shall live. Those who defy me shall die."

"Armies? Ha! In my eyes, they are nothing more than ants."

"No matter how many there are, what can they possibly do?"

"But, Your Highness, our investigation shows that many of the Vast Sea Dynasty's officials and generals were once from the Han Dynasty."

"These are great losses for our nation."

"If they had submitted to Your Highness, wouldn't your grand undertaking be much easier?"

"Heh. With their personalities, do you really think they would ever submit to me?"

"If they were willing, they wouldn't have left the Han Dynasty in Rank 1."

"They were the ones most strongly opposed to me."

"Their disappearance is actually a great advantage for me."

"As for the losses to the Han Dynasty, what does that have to do with me?"

"That is not my Han Dynasty. In the future, I will build a brand new Han Dynasty."

"One that exterminates all worms who oppose me and obeys my every command."

At present, Jiang Yuyan had already reached the Heavenly Human Realm and had even consumed Dragon Essence, making her strength extraordinary.

She was confident in her ability to fulfill her grand ambitions.

Besides, with a limitless lifespan, even if she failed now, she could always start over in the future.

Her vision had long since transcended.

She wanted the Han Dynasty, and she wanted all of the Nine Provinces as well.

==========

Vast Sea Capital.

Inner Court.

"Zhou Yu greets Lord Xiao."

"Gongjin, you're here. Please, sit down."

"Congratulations on becoming the Rank 9 marshal of the Nine Provinces!"

Xiao He smiled as he looked at Zhou Yu.

After working together for years, he had come to deeply respect Zhou Yu's military talent.

Especially in naval warfare, Zhou Yu was truly unmatched.

In the future northern campaigns of the Vast Sea Dynasty, Zhou Yu's role would be irreplaceable.

"Lord Xiao is too kind."

"Marshal? Heh. Compared to General Li Jing or General Han Xin, I still have a long way to go."

Though Zhou Yu spoke humbly, his eyes gleamed with a strong fighting spirit.

Perhaps he wasn't their equal now, but one day he would catch up, even surpass them.

No doubt those generals would also be ranked on the Renowned Marshal Ranking.

He wondered what rank they would take.

Hopefully, within the top five, or even top three.

Ideally, one of them would claim the number one spot.

That would greatly enhance the national fortune of the Vast Sea Dynasty.

It would be a tremendous boost to their ambition of unifying the Nine Provinces.

"Alright, the reason I summoned you today is to inform you that the northern expedition will begin very soon."

"Really? I've been waiting for this day for so long!"

"Are we launching a direct assault on the Southern Song Dynasty?"

"Right now, the Southern Song Dynasty is being invaded by the Yuan Dynasty and may soon become their territory!"

"Shouldn't we move quickly?"

"After all, the Southern Song Dynasty is easier to deal with than the Yuan Dynasty."

Zhou Yu's eyes lit up and he immediately stood, speaking with excitement.

"While the Southern Song Dynasty may be easier to conquer, the Yuan Dynasty is the foreign power."

"Attacking the Southern Song Dynasty and attacking the Yuan Dynasty will have completely different effects."

"It would also affect how the people of the Nine Provinces view us."

Xiao He replied solemnly.

Zhou Yu instantly understood.

In the eyes of the people of the Nine Provinces, although the Yuan Dynasty and Qing Dynasty were dynasties, they were never truly accepted by the people.

No matter what they did, they were always seen as foreigners by the Chinese people.

Attacking the Southern Song Dynasty would seem like infighting among fellow nationmen.

It would not earn the people's support.

But attacking the Yuan Dynasty would be seen as driving out the invaders and restoring the mountains and rivers of the Chinese.

It would win the hearts of the people.

From this perspective, they had to choose their timing carefully.

Only by striking at the right moment could they gain the greatest advantage.

Not only would they avoid resistance, but they would be welcomed with open arms.

— — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — — —

List of Characters:

Qin's Moon ( 秦时明月 )

・Ying Zheng ( 嬴政 ) — Emperor of Qin Dynasty

A Step Into The Past ( 寻秦记 )

・Shang Yang ( 商鞅 ) – Prime Minister of Qin Dynasty

Historical

・Zhang Yuchu ( 张宇初 ) — National Master of Ming Dynasty

・Xiao He ( 萧何 ) — Prime Minister of Vast Sea Dynasty

Xiao Yu'er and Hua Wuque ( 小鱼儿与花无缺 )

・Jiang Yuyan ( 江玉燕 ) — Illegitimate Daughter of Jiang Biehe

Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber ( 倚天屠龙记 )

・Zhang Sanfeng ( 张三丰 ) — Founder of Wudang Sect

Romance of the Three Kingdoms ( 三国演义 )

・Zhou Yu ( 周瑜 ) — General of Vast Sea Dynasty