Chapter 1573: Emperor Jing Run’s Ambition

Emperor Jing Run clasped his hands in front of him. “This student engraved your teachings to his heart, teacher. He dares not forget them for even a moment.”

“Is that so? But look at the current state of Chu right now. The result seems to say otherwise.”

The Chief Libationist shook his head in disappointment. “Because of you, Chu is restless and in turmoil. Because of you, Strangers are running rampant, and the people are suffering. Because of you, the other empires are prowling, and Chu may not be Chu in the near future.”

“This outcome is only possible if the ruler possesses no virtue, humility, or benevolence. Am I right?”

Emperor Jing Run said regretfully, “It is true I have erred. It is true I have let down your teachings and expectations.”

“However, this student promises that he would reflect on his mistakes and caution himself in the future. I will govern myself with humility, govern others with virtue, and govern the state with benevolence. I promise to clear the skies, restore our mountains and rivers, and return eternity to the sun and moon. I promise that I will return a bright and clear realm to Chu, and peace and prosperity to our people. This will be the foundation of Chu now and forever!”

Emperor Jing Run’s tone was passionate and sincere. It was so inspirational that the ministers of the court could not help but drop to their knees and chant, “His Holiness’ virtue and benevolence reaches the heavens! The heavens’ blessing is with Chu!”

“His Holiness’ virtue and benevolence reaches the heavens! The heavens’ blessing is with Chu!”

“His Holiness’ virtue and benevolence reaches the heavens! The heavens’ blessing is with Chu!”

“Please rise, everyone.”

A teary-eyed Emperor Jing Run gestured for his ministers to rise. “I only ask that you work together with me to restore Chu to eternal glory.”

“We will die a million deaths to fulfill your command, Your Holiness!”

It was such a wonderful scene, and yet the Chief Libationist could only look upon it with unbridled ridicule and disdain.

Emperor Jing Run finally turned back and bowed to the Chief Libationist. “This student is still lacking in virtue, teacher. I humbly ask that you offer me your advice and correct me should I make a mistake.”

“To err is human, to forgive divine; but to correct one's mistakes is the best of all.” The Chief Libationist asked, “The question is, are you actually going to correct yourself?”

Emperor Jing Run declared with absolute certainty, “The sun and moon as my mirror, and the heaven and earth as my witness, this student

will

change, teacher.”

“It is true that the sun and moon can affirm the heart. It is also true that the heaven and earth can prove a person’s will.”

The Chief Libationist murmured to himself, “However, one can fool heaven and earth, but they cannot fool themselves. Ask yourself this: Can you really do it?”

Emperor Jing Run declared without hesitation, “This student can.”

It looked like this was the point where the Chief Libationist finally relented and forgave Emperor Jing Run, but to everyone’s surprise, he shook his head and said, “No, you cannot. You cannot change. You couldn’t change in the past, you cannot change in the present, and it will only be harder for you to change in the future.”

Emperor Jing Run wore a confused expression, “This student does not understand your meaning, teacher?”

“If you can change, you would not have colluded with the villains of the Way of Old Worship. If you can change, you would not have plotted to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of innocent lives for your selfish purposes. If you can change, you would not have thought to summon the evil god, the Impending Disaster, and corrupt the world!”

The Chief Libationist’s voice grew harsher and more severe with each accusation. In the end, it almost felt like he was shouting at Emperor Jing Run. His voice echoed throughout the Hall of Supreme Harmony and threatened to deafen everyone present.

At first, both the civil and martial ministers present in the court were confused as to why the Chief Libationist had intruded the Hall of Supreme Harmony without permission, and even more displeased with the fact that he had pressed Emperor Jing Run so aggressively and publicly.

When they heard that Emperor Jing Run was colluding with the villains of the Way of Old Worship, when they heard that he planned to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of lives to summon the Impending Disaster, when they heard that he desired to corrupt the world and plunge it into chaos though... to say that they were shocked and in disbelief would be an understatement.

They were no foolish and illiterate commonfolk. They were well aware what was the Way of Old Worship, who was the Impending Disaster, how cruel it was to sacrifice hundreds of thousands of lives, and what kind of consequences would be incurred should the Impending Disaster be summoned.

That was why they could not believe their ears.

“Is there some sort of misunderstanding, Chief Libationist?” Wan Yiqiu, the Censor-in-chief, asked.

Wan Yiqiu did not stand out amidst a court of high-ranking officials, but his father was the famous Pillar of Chu, the Senior Grand Secretary of the Grand Secretariat, Wan Bainian.

Wan Bainian wasn’t present in the court today because the biggest river of Chu recently flooded, and over a hundred thousand people were affected by it. Countless people were starving and dying right now. That was why Emperor Jing Run had sent him away to organize the disaster relief and rescue.

Wan Yiqiu’s words were a perfect reflection of every minister’s thoughts in the court.

“Your Holiness would know best if it is a misunderstanding or not.”

The Chief Libationist looked at Emperor Jing Run and asked, “Your ministers are asking you a question. Speak up!”

For a time, everyone’s gaze was centered on Emperor Jing Run.

Emperor Jing Run was silent for a long time. He wasn’t paying any attention to his ministers. Finally, he lifted his head, looked the Chief Libationist directly in the eye, and smiled. He said, “So, you found out!”

He admitted to it and ruthlessly crushed the last ray of hope and optimism in his ministers’ hearts. The confession most afraid to hear and least wanted to happen had, despite their sincerest wishes, happened.

“Why... Why did you do it, Your Holiness? Just why?” An old minister with white hair and a whiter complexion asked while looking like he might faint at any moment.

Emperor Jing Run paid the old minister no heed. Still looking at the Chief Libationist, he asked, “Why do you think I did it, teacher?”

The Chief Libationist answered, “To fulfill your selfish desires. That about sums it all up.”

Emperor Jing Run turned around and faced his ministers next. “Why do you all think I did it?”

No one said a word.

And yet it was clear that the answer they arrived at was the same as the Chief Libationist’s.

“I see that none of you understand me.”

Emperor Jing Run sighed deeply. “When a song is difficult, few can sing it. When a person is lofty, many will slander them. I can understand why my mediocre subjects cannot understand me, but you too, mister? That truly pains me!”

The Chief Libationist said indifferently, “Why don’t you enlighten us regarding your grandiose views, then?”

Emperor Jing Run replied matter-of-factly, “To ensure the eternal longevity, prosperity and strength of Chu, of course. It is also to ensure that the people of Chu will be well cared for and prosper be it old or young.”

The Chief Libationist asked, “And you think the Impending Disaster alone can do this?”

“But of course.” Emperor Jing Run declared, “If the Impending Disaster is summoned, and it casts down disasters, tribulations, scourges and calamities upon Yan, Qi, and Wei, they would be too busy to threaten us. Chu will be rid of its foreign threats then.”

The Chief Libationist scoffed. “Let’s pretend that is true. How will that make Chu strong or prosper the people of Chu?”

“Of course that’s not all.” Emperor Jing Run countered, “Do you know why I specifically wanted to summon the Impending Disaster instead of another god or demon, teacher? There are plenty of ancient deities who are stronger than them, am I right?”

The Chief Libationist frowned but said nothing.

“That’s because the Impending Disaster is born from death and disasters and manifested from the muddiness of the Heavenly Way. It is a great calamity upon all the living. However, all things come in pairs such as yin and yang, fortune and misfortune. The Impending Disaster may be a calamity and tribulation, but it is also a blessing and virtue if used correctly.”

Emperor Jing Run said with a bit of excitement, “In ancient times, the Human Sovereign slew the Impending Disaster and did a great merit to all of the living. That is why the heavens blessed him with virtuous karma and cemented his name. That was how the Human Sovereign’s glorious reign began.”

“If I slew the Impending Disaster as well, then it stands to reason that the heavens will also bless me with virtuous karma and grant me their protection. When the time comes,

I

will become the new Human Sovereign. Yan, Qi, whatever. They will all have to submit to me. Strangers, evils, they will all turn to ash before my power. When the time comes, I will unite the four seas and the eight directions and benefit all of the living! I will accomplish an unparalleled accomplishment that will be remembered for thousands of years to come! I will become the emperor all of the world will look up to!”

“Tell me, teacher. How can Chu not be strong, wealthy, and eternal if I succeed?”

He then looked at his ministers and spread his arms. “Tell me, my ministers. How can the people of Chu not be well cared for and prosper if I succeed?”

No one could say a word for a time. It wasn’t because they understood him though. Oh no, it was because they were shocked by his insanity.