"If we can bring him under our command, his power will be at our disposal. At that time, we will be able to avenge the humiliation suffered by Dai Mubai with even greater strength, and the entire Douluo Continent will be under the feet of our Star Luo Empire."
"What His Highness the Crown Prince said makes some sense, but since Lin Yuan dared to provoke our Star Luo Empire in this way, how could he easily surrender? I'm afraid that recruiting him will be quite difficult, and he might even take the opportunity to humiliate us and damage our Empire's reputation."
The hall was once again filled with debate, with ministers who supported recruiting Lin Yuan and those who firmly opposed it each holding their own opinions and refusing to yield.
Davidson leaned back on his throne, listening quietly to the debate, constantly weighing the pros and cons in his mind.
He knew in his heart that Dai Weisi's proposal was indeed extremely tempting. If Lin Yuan could be brought under his command, the strength of the Star Luo Empire would undoubtedly increase greatly, and the process of unifying the Douluo Continent would be greatly accelerated.
However, Lin Yuan's attitude and thoughts are hard to fathom. If he feigns surrender and waits for an opportunity to act, the Star Luo Empire will surely fall into an abyss of no return.
After a long silence, Davidson raised his hand to signal everyone to be quiet. The hall fell silent instantly. He then looked at Dai Weisi and said in a deep voice, "Your plan has its merits, but it's too risky. Are you confident you can persuade Lin Yuan? And how can you ensure his genuine surrender?"
After all, Lin Yuan is a powerful expert at the Titled Douluo level. If he were so easily persuaded, he wouldn't be the youngest Titled Douluo on the Douluo Continent.
Just like Tang Hao back then.
Although the Clear Sky Sect claims to support their imperial family, it has not truly joined their empire. Moreover, the Clear Sky Sect has been living in seclusion for many years, which is an unimaginable disaster for the Star Luo Empire.
Dai Weisi raised his head slightly, a hint of smugness flashing in his eyes, and replied respectfully yet confidently, "Father, I think it would be better to let the women of the Zhu Family speak. The Zhu Family has a deep foundation in the Star Luo Empire, and the women in the family have always been known for their intelligence and beauty, and are extremely loyal to the royal family."
"We can select the most outstanding woman in the Zhu Family and offer Lin Yuan wealth, honor, and immense power, allowing her to use her skills to get close to Lin Yuan. With a woman's gentleness and wisdom, she might be able to gradually soften Lin Yuan's heart. Once he develops feelings for that woman, he will naturally be more likely to accept the olive branch we extend."
"At that time, he will be closely connected with the Star Luo Empire through this marriage, and his surrender will be a matter of course. Even if he is wary at first, with that woman by his side, we can be informed of his movements at any time, and we can take precautions in advance should he have any ill intentions."
Dai Weisi spoke eloquently, gesturing unconsciously with his hands, as if he could already see Lin Yuan surrendering and the Star Luo Empire dominating the Douluo Continent.
Although the Zhu Family had intermarried with the imperial family for generations, they had no choice but to do so for the sake of the overall situation.
"Utterly absurd!"
However, just as Dai Weisi finished speaking, General Carter, an Imperial general, stepped forward once again, his face full of anger, and loudly retorted:
"How can a dignified empire use a woman to appease an enemy? This is not only disrespectful to the women of the Zhu Family, but also a desecration of the dignity of my Star Luo Empire! If word gets out, won't the whole world laugh at us?"
At this moment, a civil official who supported Dai Weisi hurriedly stepped forward and said in a shrill voice, "General Carter is mistaken. Those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trifles. Throughout history, marriage alliances have always been a common means of consolidating power and resolving disputes."
"What does it matter if we use some means to achieve our goal? This is for the long-term prosperity of the Star Luo Empire, not for personal gain."
The two sides once again engaged in a heated debate, their words becoming increasingly inflammatory, with spittle flying everywhere, and some even rolling up their sleeves, looking ready to fight.
Davidson watched the arguing crowd, feeling extremely annoyed. He rubbed his temples and pondered to himself.
Dai Weisi's method, though risky, is a viable way out. However, if things go wrong, the consequences could be disastrous. But if he insists on being tough, he will find it difficult to avoid the intervention of the Spirit Hall.
Davidson said softly, "Fine, let's do as he says and let Zhu Zhuyun handle this."
These words caused an uproar in the audience.
Even Dai Weisi, who had been offering advice, stood there dumbfounded, hardly believing his ears...
What did you just say?
Should Zhu Zhuyun be sent to curry favor with Lin Yuan?
Behind Dai Weisi followed a tall young woman, almost as tall as him, with an extremely voluptuous figure and alabaster-white skin, also wearing a smile.
This person is Zhu Zhuqing's older sister, Dai Weisi's woman, Zhu Zhuyun!
Zhu Zhuyun never expected that these words would come from His Majesty's mouth. Wasn't this clearly saying that she wanted to become Lin Yuan's woman?
Zhu Zhuyun's face turned deathly pale instantly, her eyes filled with disbelief and anger. She bit her lower lip tightly, her nails digging deep into her palms, and her body trembled slightly.
As Dai Weisi's woman, she usually enjoyed a life of luxury, but now she was being pushed out to please others, which was undoubtedly a great humiliation for her.
"His Majesty!"
Zhu Zhuyun suppressed her anger, took a step forward, and said in a slightly trembling but resolute voice, "I, Zhu Zhuyun, am loyal to the Star Luo Imperial Family and would not hesitate to risk my life for the empire. But this matter concerns my reputation, and I hope Your Majesty will rescind your order."
As she spoke, Zhu Zhuyun turned to look at Dai Weisi, her eyes filled with pleading and grievance, hoping he would speak up for her.
Dai Weisi then came to his senses and immediately looked at his father's cold face and Zhu Zhuyun's desperate expression, feeling conflicted.
Knowing full well that his father's decision was unlikely to change, he still forced himself to say, for the sake of his own face and Zhu Zhuyun's sake, "Father, Zhu Zhuyun... she has always been deeply in love with me, and she is also the Crown Princess of the Empire. This... this is really inappropriate."
Davidson's face darkened, and he glanced at Dai Weisi, saying coldly, "As the Crown Prince of the Empire, you should prioritize the greater good. You should have expected this outcome when you proposed this plan. Zhu Zhuyun is the pride of the Zhu Family. If she can complete her mission, she will be a great contributor to the Star Luo Empire, and I will bestow upon her unparalleled honor."
Carter snorted coldly and said, "Your Majesty, this is utter nonsense! Even if a woman must be sacrificed, it shouldn't be Zhu Zhuyun. She and His Highness the Crown Prince are deeply in love; how can we separate such a loving couple?"
The civil officials who supported the marriage retorted, "This is for the sake of the empire. What do personal feelings matter? If Zhu Zhuyun can consider the overall situation, she will surely be remembered for generations to come."
Zhu Zhuyun listened to the argument, tears welled up in her eyes, seemingly unwilling to make a decision according to His Majesty's request.
That's how it is between the emperor and his subjects. Even if she's the Crown Princess, as long as she can help His Majesty, everything is negotiable, especially at this time.