Zhao Youlang did not know that everyone's silence was a test. If he followed his own wishes, he would hurry back to Dingfeng and take control of Northern Zhou's government.
Yet Southern Chen's turmoil presented a rare opportunity. To do nothing felt like a bitter waste.
But if he attacked Southern Chen and suffered a defeat, would he not be painting legs on a snake and ruining an excellent position?
He brooded over it, unable to settle his mind.
His foundations in Dingfeng City were shallow, and the Northern Zhou imperial family was still there. Now that the immediate danger had passed, someone in the rear was bound to start entertaining other ideas...
Better to return to Dingfeng. Once the time is ripe, I can attack Southern Chen and unite the realm.
He was about to speak when the thought of uniting the realm brought back the dream in which he had met an Immortal.
In that dream, the Heavenly Lord had told him he was the Fated Lord of the Age, destined to pacify the realm and usher in a new age of peace.
Pacify the realm... Southern Chen is in chaos. This chance is too rare to lose. Southern Chen has stood for over two hundred years, far longer than our northern dynasty. If it crushes the Long-Haired Rebellion and recovers, when will I ever see an opportunity like this again?
He looked up at the others in the tent. Only then did he faintly notice the scrutiny in every gaze.
His mind cleared, and he suddenly understood.
Why have so many of the realm's finest come to serve me? Isn't it because I'm said to bear Heaven's mandate?
And if I don't act like its true bearer, how could they ever give me their loyalty?
Cold sweat