Xu Tianran's pupils suddenly contracted. He knew that with Kong Deming's prestige accumulated over hundreds of years, his profound influence on the Empire's Soul Guidance System, and his current strength as the number one person in the Sun Moon.
He was fully capable of pushing for a peace resolution that was "popularly desired" in the court.
If, at that time, half or even more of the court officials sided with peace talks, and the emperor himself still forcibly opposed it, he would be seen as a tyrant and a traitor, going against the will of the people.
However, Kong Deming had not finished speaking.
He slowly stood up from his seat, his imposing figure casting a shadow that completely enveloped Xu Tianran, who was sitting in a wheelchair.
He leaned down slightly, his gaze calmly lowered, looking down at Xu Tianran.
"If Your Majesty still insists on going your own way, disregarding the blood of the soldiers and the future of the empire..."
He paused, making sure each word was etched into Xu Tianran's ears like a brand.
"Then at that time, someone in the imperial court will naturally... propose a memorial stating that 'a country cannot be without a wise ruler for a single day; for the sake of the empire, a virtuous ruler should be chosen.'"
"There's absolutely no need for me to do it myself."
Xu Tianran's face turned ashen instantly; the fierce courage he had shown earlier, even at the risk of death, had vanished completely.
Death might be acceptable; it could even be a kind of destiny for a powerful figure.
But if his own ministers, in the name of "righteousness," joined forces to force him to abdicate, it would be the complete collapse of his lifelong ambition and dignity, a humiliation more unbearable than death!
Xu Tianran's right hand, which was resting on the armrest of his wheelchair, trembled almost imperceptibly. He was genuinely "afraid" now!
Kong Deming took in the subtle changes in his expression, slowly sat down again, picked up the slightly cool teacup and took a sip, as if the thrilling exchange between the two of them just now was merely a small interlude in their casual conversation.
"Actually," he put down his teacup and said slowly, "The purpose of pushing for peace talks this time is not merely to stop the fighting."
"I also want to take this opportunity to promote a new system on this continent— Federation..."
He then outlined the Federation system in concise language.
Instead of imperial annexation or a tripartite alliance, a supreme Federation parliament will be established, transcending national boundaries and composed of representatives from various factions.
Each member retains considerable autonomy in military affairs, economy, Soul Tool Technology, and even the management of Soul Master, but must abide by the basic legal code jointly agreed upon by the Federation and develop together.
Xu Tianran listened silently throughout, his brows sometimes furrowing and sometimes relaxing, his eyes flickering with uncertainty, clearly digesting this unprecedented idea at a rapid pace.
Finally, Kong Deming's gaze returned to Xu Tianran's face.
"I am unwilling to help you start a war, but if it's about building Federation... I will stand on the side of the Sun Moon Empire."
"I will strive to secure the most advantageous position, the greatest say, and the largest share of resources for the Sun Moon Empire in the future Federation structure."
Seeing the sudden gleam in Xu Tianran's eyes, he finally offered an extremely tempting deal.
"As for you personally, if you have enough courage, wisdom, and skill..."
"Perhaps you could try to become the first speaker of this newly formed Federation."
Xu Tianran lowered his eyes and fell into a long silence.
Kong Deming's sudden announcement of the " Federation " blueprint completely caught him off guard and disrupted his well-prepared response.
He was absolutely unwilling to become the first emperor Sun Moon history to be forced to abdicate by his subjects; for him, compromise seemed inevitable except for death.
What Kong Deming offered at this moment was not just a stepping stone, but also a path he had never considered before.
Unable to become the emperor who unifies the continent, then as the first speaker who unites the forces of the entire continent...
This seems like a good decision for someone like him who craves power!
His mind raced, calculating that becoming Speaker meant he would have to relinquish some of the Emperor's absolute power and contend with other forces within the framework of the Federation.
Conversely, this could also allow his influence to truly expand across the entire continent, not just the Sun Moon Empire.
If the Federation had continued this practice, he, as the Federation's first Speaker, would have been remembered throughout the continent!
Time flowed by in silence. Kong Deming did not rush him, but slowly sipped his tea, giving him ample space to think.
After a long while, Xu Tianran finally raised his eyelids, the intense emotions in his eyes replaced by a deep calculation.
He spoke slowly, his voice regaining its imperial composure. "This matter concerns the very foundation of the nation and has far-reaching implications. I... still need to carefully assess it."
Kong Deming put down his teacup, looked at Xu Tianran, and said calmly, "I'm afraid there isn't enough time for careful analysis."
"If His Majesty cannot express his stance and push for peace talks at tomorrow's grand court session..."
"Then someone will make the decisions for His Majesty!"
Xu Tianran let out a suppressed snort. Kong Deming's words crushed the glimmer of hope and expectation that had just arisen in his heart into an urgent crisis and humiliation.
Another suffocating silence followed, before Xu Tianran spoke again, "Tomorrow... I will give the Palace Master an answer."
He said only this one sentence, and then said nothing more, not even glancing at Kong Deming again.
He simply raised his hand and gently patted the back of Ju Zi's hand, which had been standing quietly behind his wheelchair.
Without a word, Ju Zi immediately understood.
She bowed slightly, gripped the wheelchair armrests firmly with both hands, and pushed Xu Tianran, moving slowly and steadily towards the outside of the hall.
Kong Deming remained seated, not getting up, and calmly watched the wheelchair disappear through the living room doorway.
Kong Xuan followed silently, keeping a few steps' distance, and escorted him all the way to the courtyard gate.
He reached out and pulled open the wooden door, and the chilly night wind and the chilling aura of armored warriors immediately rushed in.
Outside the door, Shadow Douluo Xue Chen looked up almost the instant the door opened. Seeing Xu Tianran in the wheelchair appear unharmed, his figure, hidden in the shadows, seemed to relax almost imperceptibly for a moment.
However, when his gaze swept over Kong Xuan, he couldn't help but pause, a deep sense of apprehension flashing in his eyes.
Clearly, Kong Xuan's "mental shock" had left a deep impression on him.
After seeing Xu Tianran off, Kong Xuan gently closed the courtyard gate. He turned and walked through the courtyard back to the still warmly lit reception room, where he sat down in the seat below his grandfather.
Kong Xuan then looked at Kong Deming and asked, "Grandpa, what do you think... Xu Tianran will choose tomorrow?"
A confident smile flickered in Kong Deming's eyes, "When a road seems destined to crash into a mountainside, if another path happens to appear that might lead to higher ground, anyone with common sense knows to take that step."
He paused, looked out at the deep night sky, and slowly said, "He will definitely order peace talks tomorrow. That bit of resentment will ultimately be no match for his innate instinct to weigh the pros and cons and his ambition for power."
Upon hearing this, Kong Xuan smiled knowingly, "It seems that Grandpa not only forced him to choose a path, but also prepared the necessary provisions and maps for the journey? You intend to personally oversee the upcoming peace talks?"
Kong Deming nodded slightly. "Of course I'll be there."
The chessboard is set up, and the pieces are in place.
"In this game of chess that concerns the fate of the mainland for the next century, the first move must always be made by the one who is playing the game."
Everything is ready, we just await... tomorrow's sunrise.