" Great Liang?"
Everyone's hearts skipped a beat, then their expressions changed drastically. Great Liang had actually made a move too?
This news filled them with utter despair. The Great Liang was far more ruthless than the Great Han and the Great Tang; they had an army of millions. If they were to intervene, the outcome would already be sealed.
Everyone knew one thing: once Great Liang got involved, Frostwest would inevitably fall!
Even a complete empire couldn't defeat the Great Liang, let alone the Frostwest, which was now being invaded by two armies; it was utterly powerless to resist.
We're doomed!
Thinking of this, they couldn't help but feel fear as they looked at the papers in Bill IV's hand.
What on earth is this thing that could cause His Majesty such fear and panic? Could it be that the massive army of Great Liang has finally arrived?
For a moment, the hall fell into an eerie silence, so quiet it was practically deathly still.
However, their heavy breathing revealed the turmoil in their hearts; rather, it was a turbulent and struggling state of mind.
Finally, someone couldn't hold back any longer and asked in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, what exactly happened?"
Click click click!
Bill IV did not speak, but his fist clenched tightly around the statement, as if he instinctively wanted to tear it to shreds.
After hesitating for a long time, he finally released his grip, handed over the declaration, and said in a deep voice, " Great Liang has made its move. They are using Princess Anne's name to attempt to interfere in the internal affairs of Frostwest. A great war is likely imminent!"
He knew in his heart that it was no use trying to cover it up now; the thing had probably already been thrown into every corner by Great Liang, and it was too late for him to hide it now.
Instead of doing that, it's better to explain the situation clearly to everyone.
When interests align, even if they know the details, they will still choose to go down the same path and risk everything.
For example, Aksu and his group were heroes of the coup. Even if the Great Liang said they would forgive them, would they dare to go?
Of course not!
These are the people who killed Princess Anne's father. If Princess Anne were to settle scores with them later, they wouldn't even have the power to resist. Therefore, they must follow me.
Ashley knew the contents were crucial, so he disregarded etiquette and grabbed the declaration to examine it.
After reading it, he couldn't help but gasp and mutter, "This is a huge problem. If this thing spreads throughout Frostwest, the entire country will be shaken!"
This was written in the Frostwest language, and it not only recorded the detailed process of Bill IV's murder of his father and usurpation of the throne, but it was also something that could absolutely shake the imperial power.
How utterly depraved and insane is it for an emperor to kill even his own father?
If you don't even love your own father, how can you care for the people below? This is something the people cannot forgive. Even if they dare not say much, they will still become disloyal.
The title "false emperor" is particularly damaging, directly undermining the authority of the current emperor.
At this moment, Princess Anne stepped forward as the heir to the dynasty, which would likely sway the people's support for the princess and for the Great Liang!
If the Great Liang were to attack, the people of Frostwest would have to stand by and help open doors and cook breakfast. Just thinking about that scene is terrifying.
Others also saw the article, and their expressions changed in various ways.
Great Liang actually made a move, and it was a game-winning move!
They didn't just invade; they're actually using Princess Anne's legitimate right of succession to fight against His Majesty's illegitimate right of succession. Frostwest is probably in for a tough time now!
Now that the announcement has been posted here, the people in the east have probably seen it already. This feels like something big is about to happen.
Some of the fence-sitters have already begun to waver and are starting to consider whether to side with Princess Anne. It's clear that the current emperor is doomed!
Bang!
Seeing the thoughts on everyone's faces, Bill IV sneered.
He slammed his hand on the table beside him and sneered, "You are all subjects of Frostwest, and also the meritorious officials who helped me ascend the throne. Do you also think this declaration that slanders me is true?"
Upon hearing this, the room fell silent; no one dared to speak.
Although the emperor didn't say it explicitly, his words to the meritorious officials were practically an accomplice. How could they not understand the emperor's meaning? This was clearly a warning.
Cough cough!
An old minister stepped forward righteously and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, the Great Liang is absolutely slandering us. The late emperor died of illness, how could it be as they say?"
Forehead!
Everyone's lips twitched. Although they were filled with contempt, they still nodded. Frostwest needed to be stabilized right now, and they couldn't let this news get out completely, or it would be all over.
"Well, it's good that you know. My sister has misunderstood me. She sent the announcement throughout the country, but the people will probably be misled by her. This is not a good thing!" Bill IV said meaningfully, seeing how sensible they were.
Hearing his words, everyone nodded silently, pondering how to break the deadlock.
"Got it!"
At this moment, a seemingly clever minister stepped forward and said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, they are slandering you on the grounds that you killed your father and usurped the throne. Because of this preconceived notion, it is probably useless to explain now."
"If we were to declare that His Majesty is not the son of the late Emperor, but rather the son of the late Emperor's enemy, wouldn't that be perfectly legitimate?"
Holy crap!
Upon hearing this, everyone exchanged bewildered glances. Although the method seemed crude, it actually made some sense; at least this way, the possibility of patricide would be eliminated.
Avenging one's father is the ultimate moral imperative!
Ashley's lips twitched. This guy was quite the clever little devil. The logic was sound, but to portray His Majesty as the son of the late emperor's enemy, without even a name, wouldn't that make him a bastard?
Bill IV's face instantly darkened, and he roared, "Throw him out and tear him apart by five horses!"
What kind of nonsense is this? Calling me a bastard is one thing, but the worst part is that only an idiot would say something like that.
Without this identity, what am I?
He knew perfectly well that without his identity, Aksu would not help him; he might as well have ascended the throne himself.
Although the Frostwest royal family has weakened considerably, its power is no joke. After all, it has existed for hundreds of years. Even a pig can carve out its own territory after existing for a few hundred years, let alone a royal family.
He dared to say that if he dared to declare himself not the son of a third generation, as this fellow had said, Aksu would be attacked and he would be declared emperor the very next day.
He looked at his ministers with a grim face and said in a deep voice, "Ministers, what do you think we should do? Ashley, what do you think?" There are still enemies in the north, and we must deal with them quickly.
Ashley was called upon and was about to speak when the Secretary of Commerce stepped forward.