Chapter 2162 - 2166: Ascend the Throne?

The Fourth Prince of the Imperial City has secretly contacted the Dragon Clan?

Upon hearing this news, Qin Tian was momentarily stunned.

Not only Qin Tian, but the majority of people in the meeting hall were all shocked and found it somewhat unbelievable.

"No way, the Dragon Clan is our ally."

"Exactly, the Fourth Prince has a notorious reputation; such a person is not to be trusted. The Dragon Clan Empress, Long Tianwu, must be aware of the Fourth Prince's character?"

"I think so too, the Dragon Clan has always coveted the East State of the Tianyuan Dynasty. If the Fourth Prince were to form an alliance with them, would the Dragon Clan still have the audacity to attack the East State?"

"That's what we're saying, but what if... what if the Fourth Prince secretly colludes with the Dragon Clan, and one of the conditions is to give the East State to Long Tianwu?"

"Oh my, wouldn't that be absurd? The Fourth Prince has just ascended the throne, and to deal with us, he gives away one of the five states of the Tianyuan Dynasty to an enemy of hundreds of years? I can't imagine the consequences of such an action."

"Indeed, there have always been enough people in the Tianyuan Dynasty expressing dissatisfaction with the Fourth Prince's usurpation. If he really hands over the East State to the Dragon Clan, it's likely that the Tianyuan Dynasty will plunge into chaos!"

Everyone discussed fervently, with most expressing disbelief that the Fourth Prince and Long Tianwu could strike an alliance.

Qin Tian pondered for a moment, then looked up to ask Zuo Yuanhao: "Zuo Adviser, they all think it's impossible for the Imperial City and the Dragon Clan to cooperate. What do you think?"

Zuo Yuanhao seemed prepared, saying: "I have a slightly different perspective from them."

"Oh?"

Zuo Yuanhao was known for his startling remarks, and this time his opinion indeed captured the room's attention with surprise.

Zuo Yuanhao explained: "In reality, whether the Imperial City and the Dragon Clan can form an alliance mainly depends on the sincerity of the Imperial City."

"In this interaction between the Imperial City and the Dragon Clan, as far as I know, it was initiated by the Imperial City. Their intention is obvious; at this critical moment, our influence is expanding continuously, making the Imperial City feel somewhat strained. Hence, they are forced to seek external support again."

"With the Demon Clan and Barbarian Clan as external support unavailable, the Fourth Prince can only search for the strongest backing, the Dragon Clan. At this juncture, approaching them means offering conditions, followed by alarming talks in negotiations with Long Tianwu."

"The so-called alarming talks are nothing more than threats and inducements. If my guess is correct, the Imperial City will certainly propose generous alliance conditions to Long Tianwu; perhaps concessions of cities, or compensations, in short, the conditions offered will surely be enticing to Long Tianwu."

"Of course, mere inducements won't suffice; the Fourth Prince will certainly employ threats, telling Long Tianwu that as King Qin grows, he already controls West State, South State, and extensive territories of Demon, Demon, and Barbarian Clans, making his military the strongest. In terms of territory and troop strength, King Qin presently holds the greatest power."

"The Fourth Prince will inform Long Tianwu that once King Qin becomes powerful enough, he will strike the Imperial City. If he overcomes the Imperial City, King Qin will be unmatched... here, they'll surely praise King Qin extravagantly then threaten Long Tianwu, indicating that if she doesn't act soon, once Qin Tian takes over the Imperial City, the Dragon Clan too will face destruction eventually!"

Zuo Yuanhao continued speaking, and everyone listened intently.

"I don't know well about Long Tianwu's character, nor whether this talk or these actions will sway her. But one thing is certain: with her intelligence as a peerless young woman of the century, she surely understands that the downfall of the Imperial City offers her no benefits. Therefore, personally, I believe the Dragon Clan is likely to waver..."

After the words were spoken, all fell silent.

Everyone understood that the current situation resembled a tripod.

Should one power be eliminated, the remaining weaker party will inevitably suffer.

Long Tianwu isn't foolish; she knows this situation, so she will surely make preparations.

With Zuo Yuanhao's analysis, the crowd seemed swayed by his words.

Qin Tian, in fact, had previously considered the possibility of the Dragon Clan's move, even suspecting during the stand-off between War God and Long Tianwu that the Dragon Clan might have reached an alliance agreement with War God.

"Given the situation, Zuo Adviser, do you have any brilliant strategies?"

Zuo Yuanhao, with excellent wit, was unmatched in the military, having proposed ingenious strategies several times that earned everyone's admiration for his brilliance. This time, eyes were again focused on him.

Zuo Yuanhao pursed his lips and said: "King Qin, if we hope to destroy the Imperial City in front of the Dragon Clan, it won't be feasible in the short term unless the Dragon Clan doesn't interfere when we act."

"This possibility is too slim. Hence, I offer King Qin two suggestions now."

"First, after the Demon Clan war, we've suffered significant losses. I suggest King Qin recruit soldiers, recuperate, and strengthen our forces. Then, when the timing is right, we strike."

"Second, I advise King Qin to ascend the throne as Emperor..."

Swish, swish, swish!

Before Zuo Yuanhao finished speaking, everyone's surprised expressions froze!

Even Qin Tian himself was momentarily stunned upon hearing this suggestion, feeling a sudden tight contraction!

Ascend the throne as Emperor?

This thought hadn't crossed Qin Tian's mind recently.

He felt he has too many tasks ahead.

The Imperial City hasn't been conquered yet; War God and State Preceptor, two father-killers, remain unpunished. Jin Lin hasn't been dealt with, with many issues unresolved--ascend as Emperor?

Qin Tian felt it wasn't appropriate.

"Well! Zuo Adviser, both your recommendations are excellent!"

"Indeed, especially the second one!"

"Hahaha, I also think King Qin, with his illustrious name, is much better known than that Fourth Prince. If the Fourth Prince can ascend as Emperor, so can King Qin!"

"Right, King Qin is the legitimate child of Long Jun, of the royal bloodline of the Tianyuan Dynasty, even more legitimate than the Fourth Prince. Now that the Fourth Prince has become Emperor, if King Qin doesn't claim the throne, in the eyes of uninformed outsiders, we might be seen as traitors!"

"Exactly, I strongly urge King Qin to ascend as Emperor!"

Unexpectedly, after Zuo Yuanhao proposed it, the entire main hall, except Qin Tian, was in full agreement with both hands raised!

"Please, King Qin, ascend as Emperor!"

"Please, King Qin, ascend as Emperor!"

"Please, King Qin, ascend as Emperor!"

All generals and advisors stood up, knelt before Qin Tian, and called out thrice.

Qin Tian was bewildered; he saw Zhou Yang, Lin Yu, Xiaozhuang, Duan Xiaodao... all his brothers and confidants were cheering along with other ministers, persuading Qin Tian to ascend as Emperor.

"Old Zhou, you too... Second Brother, Third Brother, what are you causing such a ruckus for..." Qin Tian felt helpless.

However, Zhou Yang, Lin Yu, and others raised their eyes, staring earnestly at Qin Tian, exclaiming in unison:

"We're serious! Please, Boss, become Emperor!"