NOVEL WEB Chapter 410: Battle of the Two Emperors
"I am powerless, not only failing to save the people of Daxia but pushing the nation into an abyss."
"The famous families of Wei Country, constantly threatening Daxia. Should Daxia fall into their hands, the long-cherished wish of the Confucians will never be fulfilled."
"My crimes are beyond redemption, my death is not worth lamenting. Before dying, if I can take several Semi-Saints of Wei Country with me, and contribute a bit to Li Nuo's path as a Magic Saint, at least it would be redemption through my sins…"
"The hope of Daxia, the hope of the people, rests with you young ones. My life has been futile, and I am ashamed to face the ancestors of Confucianism…"
The Right Prime Minister spoke somberly, his expression dark.
Li Xuanjing handed over a cup of tea, saying: "Pushing the nation into the abyss... not necessarily. Wei, Chu, and Qi, all aspire to unify the continent. Even without Liang Country's defection, they would sooner or later invade. Today's situation was inevitable, and... how do you know the Emperor will definitely lose?"
The Right Prime Minister suddenly looked up, shocked: "What!"
Li Xuanjing did not explain further, only saying: "Don't worry, everything is still in control."
...
Chang'an.
Not only Chang'an.
Almost the entire realm of Daxia has learned one thing.
The court's army suffered major setbacks on the southwestern border, with the Semi-Saints of the famous families either dead or injured, and the Xia Country's troops crushed all the way through. Daxia's demise is imminent.
The victory of Wei over Daxia is laid bare. To reduce casualties and prevent the suffering of innocents, thinking of the people of Daxia, Emperor Wei has decided to give Daxia a chance.
He submitted a battle letter to the current Emperor of Daxia.
To decide the outcome of this war with a duel between two Emperors.
Though this move seems playful, in truth, Wei Country has the assurance of victory.
The people of Daxia also possess national pride. In the conflict between the two countries, who wouldn't hope for their own nation to win? But reality shattered all their illusions. Under the absolute overpower, the Daxia Dynasty, after over three hundred years of continuation, finally meets its end.
"A tyrant!"
"If he hadn't clung to power, dedicated himself to governance, and selected virtuous and capable people, how could Daxia have been defeated so quickly?"
"It's all that incompetent tyrant's fault!"
"Pitiful Daxia's three hundred years of foundation, ruined by his hand!"
"Incompetent tyrant!"
...
As the nation faces its demise, naturally, the reigning Emperor cannot escape blame.
If he were a wise ruler, one might say the situation is beyond control, human power is hard to reverse.
Yet in the hearts of Daxia's people, he is a complete tyrant, none of the tyrants in Daxia's history added up to his incompetence.
Obsessed with the Path of Immortality, neglecting court affairs for over a decade, appointing treacherous men, causing national ruin, for the sake of immortality, exterminating his kin completely. The words 'tyrant' and 'incompetent' are far from sufficient to describe him!
Everyone is awaiting his decision.
Will he continue to stay holed up in the Imperial Palace, waiting for Wei Country's army to reach Lin City, drag him out from the palace, and nail him onto the pillar of shame in history…
Or will he battle Emperor Wei, preserve the dignity of the last Emperor, and provide a dignified exit for Daxia.
At this time, within Wei Country's camp.
"Emperor, think thrice!"
"You must not risk yourself!"
"If anything happens to you, how shall we explain to the court, what of Dawei then?"
Unlike Xia Country's desperate situation, as the Wei Country's army continues advancing, Chang'an will inevitably fall. Although the loss might be slightly higher, this is the most prudent approach.
The Emperor personally leading the army is already a reckless act.
How could he challenge the Xia Country's Emperor to a battle?
Though it's certain the Emperor cannot lose, still, against all odds...
Emperor Wei stretched out his hand, pressing down, and only then did the voices quieten.
He looked at the bustling crowd below and said in a deep voice: "I can't bear to see my Dawei soldiers suffer any more casualties. Each soldier is someone's son, someone's husband, someone's father. This war, is your war and also my war. I will take it upon myself, fear not, I will not lose!"
Such benevolent Emperor, upon hearing his words, the soldiers at the front couldn't contain their excitement and knelt down one after another.
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live the Emperor!"
"Long live ten thousand years!"
The thundering voices echoed above the camp, Emperor Wei, looking down at this scene, couldn't resist clenching his fist within his wide sleeves.
He not only wants to destroy Daxia but also demands the head of the Daxia Emperor.
If he waits for the army to approach Chang'an, then kills the Daxia Emperor, it will be meaningless. By then, Daxia would only be a small country.
Therefore, even with overwhelming advantage, he halted the army's actions.
He must ensure that before the Xia Emperor dies, he is still the Emperor of the Five Great Dynasties, possessing the cultivation of the Sixth Realm. Only then, his Essence Blood will be useful…
Just as the Wei army's morale reached its peak, a figure swiftly approached, half-knelt before Emperor Wei, saying: "Emperor, Xia Country's court has responded!"
...
Chang'an.
One unfavorable battle report after another arrived in Chang'an.
Perhaps fearing that if the Emperor loses to Emperor Wei, Wei Country will quickly seize Daxia, Chu Country on the southeastern frontline is rapidly reinforcing, accelerating its annexation steps.
And meanwhile, the court has responded to Wei Country's battle letter.
The Emperor has resolved to meet the challenge; three days from now, the two Emperors of the Five Great Dynasties will engage in a royal duel at the forefront of the two armies.
This is a battle gambling the fate of two dynasties, unprecedented since the beginning of recorded history.
No one could have anticipated that the war between Wei and Daxia would progress to this stage. How could Emperor Wei conceive ending the war in such a manner?