Chapter 309: Counterattack Step Two

November 20, Star River Marshal's Mansion Realm.

The Right Counselor of the Star River Marshal's Mansion arrived early to open the realm venue, and Emperor Gao Ye of Chen Guo, who had received the invitation, arrived at the venue.

Sitting in this familiar yet alien venue of the Star River Marshal's Mansion, Emperor Gao Ye felt a flood of emotions.

Twenty years ago, he was the Emperor of Chen Guo, and here, he too had his seat.

At this meeting, the Chen Guo delegation consisted only of Spirit Record Star Jun and the Emperor of Chen Guo.

But that great upheaval twenty years ago directly severed him from the center of present-world power.

It also allowed his replacement, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao, to gradually grow in influence until today!

Now, at last, he could return to the center of Chen Guo's present-world power.

Even as an emperor, he felt a touch of excitement.

"Your Majesty, it has been a long time."

Starlight descended—it was the Star of the Cangming Star Jun arriving at the venue. Emperor Gao Ye rose to greet him, smiling broadly.

Then, the Star of the Tianyang Star Jun descended; before he could speak, Emperor Gao Ye hurriedly bowed in welcome.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, everything has been arranged." The Tianyang Star Jun whispered to Emperor Gao Ye, instantly putting his mind at ease.

The Tianyang Star Jun's authority and influence had always been supreme in the present world, unmatched by any.

Within moments, the Zhen'e Star Jun, Emperor of Da Hong, and Emperor of Da Chu arrived in turn and greeted Emperor Gao Ye.

Only State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao had not yet arrived.

Seeing everyone had arrived except Cheng Yuexiao, Emperor Gao Ye grew inwardly furious.

On such a major occasion, you, Cheng Yuexiao, need not come first—but you certainly shouldn't come last!

Your wolfish ambition may not be glaringly obvious, but it has clearly emerged.

Emperor Gao Ye felt even more certain his decision was correct.

Just before the meeting deadline, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao descended as starlight.

"Your Majesty."

Cheng Yuexiao bowed slightly, then straightened and greeted each Star Jun and Emperor in turn.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, the Nine-Star Tide has entered its final phase. All nations have responded actively; overall, especially compared to the last Nine-Star Tide, the results are quite favorable."

"But losses remain severe, especially for Chen Guo—the heaviest of all!"

"According to reports from all sides, in this battle, over 410, 00 civilians in Chen Guo perished tragically, over 2, 00 cultivators died in combat, and other material losses exceeded ten million taels of gold."

"In the barbarian territories, over 360, 00 civilians perished tragically, and over 2, 00 cultivators died in combat."

"In Da Chu, over 310, 00 civilians perished tragically, and over 1, 00 cultivators died in combat."

"In Da Hong, 290, 00 civilians perished tragically, and over 1, 00 cultivators died in combat."

After reading the statistics, Marshal Wei Xu continued, "On the Star River battlefield, 297 foreign star-gates appeared and have all been sealed. Total battlefield deaths across all sectors: 14, 35; enemy slain: over 210, 00. The results are abundant!"

"But the task ahead remains heavy and long."

"New star-channels are appearing more frequently, and the number of locations requiring defense and combat grows ever larger. In the coming years, the focus will remain on three points: resources, population, and number of cultivators."

Following this, Wei Xu urged all nations to continue encouraging childbirth and cultivation, proposing several policies to promote both.

Such as continuing subsidies for Star-Pointing expenses, and others.

Naturally, all present power brokers approved—this was mutually beneficial.

The meeting quickly neared its end, and Emperor Gao Ye involuntarily sat up straighter.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, we now proceed to the final agenda item. The Tianyang Star Jun proposes that over the past twenty years, the Emperor of Chen Guo has diligently governed, cultivated virtue, and achieved remarkable results; Chen Guo's national strength has risen steadily, and in this Lousheng War, Chen Guo has led all others—this is evident to all."

"Since the Tianyang Star Jun proposes that the Emperor of Chen Guo be restored to the rank of Emperor Jun!"

"Then, per the Star River Marshal's Mansion meeting charter, we shall vote by show of hands. If more than half agree, the Emperor of Chen Guo shall be restored to the rank of Emperor Jun and enjoy all rights thereof."

"If it fails, all remains unchanged, and this matter shall not be raised again for three years," Wei Xu said.

Beside him, Emperor Gao Ye glanced nervously at those present, silently tallying votes in his mind.

There were seven votes total. The Tianyang Star Jun spoke again: the Emperor of Da Hong was certainly no problem; according to Marshal Wei Xu's earlier remarks, the Tianyang Star Jun had assured him of support—that made three votes.

Add Cheng Yuexiao's vote—that's four.

It will surely pass!

Moreover, according to the Tianyang Star Jun's instruction, the Star of the Cangming Palace would also be ordered.

With good fortune, it could pass by a landslide—or even unanimously!

"Ladies and Gentlemen, please raise your hands to vote."

As Wei Xu spoke, he raised his hand first: "Personally, I believe the Emperor of Chen Guo is the head of Chen Guo, its policymaker and executor. Restoring him to the rank of Emperor Jun will strengthen the bond between the Star River battlefield and Chen Guo."

"Therefore, I support the restoration of the Emperor of Chen Guo to the rank of Emperor Jun."

"I proposed this, so naturally I support it! Moreover, the Emperor of Chen Guo has great vision and long-term perspective; restoring him to the rank of Emperor Jun is urgent," the Tianyang Star Jun declared, raising his hand.

"The Emperor of Chen Guo is inherently one of the Emperor Jun. Restoring him is merely returning what belongs to him!" The Emperor of Da Hong also raised his hand.

Three votes.

Emperor Gao Ye and Marshal Wei Xu turned their gazes to the remaining four, especially Emperor Gao Ye, whose eyes lingered on State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao, urging him silently.

At this moment, if Cheng Yuexiao raised his hand in support, the outcome would be sealed.

He could be restored as Emperor Jun.

From now on, in every Star River Marshal's Mansion meeting, his participation and decision-making would be indispensable, and all related powers would return to his hands.

Twenty years of humiliation could be partially washed away today.

More importantly, once restored as Emperor Jun of Chen Guo, he could directly intervene in personnel matters within Chen Guo's sector of the Star River battlefield—unlike now, where many decisions are made by State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao, and even placing a single person requires going through Chen Guo's Three Kings and Seven Marquises.

"I oppose!"

The first to speak against was the Zhen'e Star Jun. This startled Emperor Gao Ye, who had been expecting Cheng Yuexiao's support, but his expression remained calm.

Opposition was normal.

One or two votes against would not derail his restoration.

"Your Highness, what is your reason?" Marshal Wei Xu asked.

"Reason?"

The Zhen'e Star Jun smiled. "During this Nine-Star Tide, the number of Chen Guo civilians killed was excessive—nearly double that of Da Hong. I personally believe this reflects poor territorial defense. I oppose."

Wei Xu nodded, turning to the three who had not yet voted.

"I also oppose!"

The moment the Star of the Cangming Star Jun spoke, Emperor Gao Ye's heart sank, and even the Tianyang Star Jun's expression shifted slightly—though he could do nothing.

He had already instructed the Star of the Cangming, but lately, the Star of the Cangming had increasingly defied him.

This was beyond his control.

He could not even sway State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao, let alone the Star of the Cangming, his equal. "During this Nine-Star Tide, the number of Chen Guo civilians killed was excessive—this figure is nearly equal to the civilian deaths during the last Nine-Star Tide!"

"Yet compared to the last Nine-Star Tide, Chen Guo's combat strength has surged dramatically—large increases in seventh, sixth, and fifth-rank cultivators."

"That raises a problem!"

"Therefore, I oppose," the Star of the Cangming stated.

Emperor Gao Ye's face turned slightly pale; he did not even look at the Emperor of Da Chu.

The Emperors of Da Hong and Da Chu, though titled Emperor Jun, were in truth mere mouthpieces of the Tianyang Star Jun and the Star of the Cangming.

These two Star Jun were like retired emperors over their nations.

This was one reason Emperor Gao Ye had so eagerly awaited this moment.

For once restored as Emperor Jun, State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao would naturally be half a step below him—and he would truly become the Emperor of Chen Guo.

Not an Emperor Jun like those of Da Hong and Da Chu, mere puppets.

But the true, sole sovereign of Chen Guo!

"I also oppose. Chen Guo suffered too many civilian casualties during the Nine-Star Tide!"

Without surprise, the Emperor of Da Chu cast his opposing vote.

The next instant, all eyes turned to State Tutor Cheng Yuexiao.

Especially Emperor Gao Ye's—his anticipation grew.

The Emperor of Da Hong even bowed in advance: "Then, I extend my congratulations in advance, Brother Gao, on your restoration as Emperor Jun!"

The Tianyang Star Jun also bowed with a smile, yet a sense of unease stirred within him.

This felt wrong.

If Cheng Yuexiao truly intended to support, why this theatrical delay?

The next instant, amid all eyes' anticipation, Cheng Yuexiao suddenly bowed slightly toward Emperor Gao Ye and apologized: "Your Majesty, logically, I should support your restoration as Emperor Jun."

At these words, Emperor Gao Ye's face turned utterly white!

Cheng Yuexiao's meaning was clear.

Marshal Wei Xu stared in astonishment at the Tianyang Star Jun.

The Tianyang Star Jun immediately whispered: "Your Majesty, what have you done? You cannot even control your own State Tutor?"

Emperor Gao Ye grew desperate; seeing Cheng Yuexiao had not yet voted against, he urged: "State Tutor, we can discuss certain matters later—but this concerns Chen Guo's future. Please, be prudent!"

He nearly begged him to name his terms.

But the next instant, Cheng Yuexiao's expression hardened: "Your Majesty, precisely because this concerns Chen Guo's future and the safety of its people, I have made this decision!"

With that, Cheng Yuexiao returned to his seat, sat upright, and declared: "I oppose!"

At these words, each person present felt a storm within—each had their own calculations, yet all were seasoned schemers and showed nothing.

Especially the Star of the Cangming—his heart was bursting with joy.

This is a great boon for Da Chu and the Cangxing Star Palace!

If the Da Chen court is divided, it will inevitably come to rely heavily on the Cangxing Star Palace in the future!

Star River Grand Marshal Wei Xu furrowed his brow, turned to Tianyang Star Jun, exchanged a brief whisper with him, then regarded Cheng Yuexiao with solemn gravity: "State Master Cheng, given your sensitive position, you must explain your reasoning. Otherwise, all of us here have grounds to suspect you of undermining imperial authority and harboring disloyal intentions!"

"Reasoning?"

Cheng Yuexiao smiled faintly. "Failure to discipline subordinates."

Wei Xu frowned, but Tianyang Star Jun spoke up: "State Master Cheng, failure to discipline subordinates? That hardly counts as a valid reason."

Among those present, whose household doesn't harbor a few deceitful, treacherous underlings?"

This excuse doesn't hold water."

Especially not from someone of your standing!"

Tianyang Star Jun's meaning was clear: others might use this excuse, but not you, Cheng Yuexiao.

"Oh, then let me elaborate further!"

Cheng Yuexiao glanced at Emperor Gao Ye of Da Chen. The emperor, who had been about to speak, suddenly realized something—his face drained of color.

"My emperor's trusted Grand Eunuch of the Inner Court, Chu Zheng, driven mad by his desire to break through the eighth rank, committed blood sacrifice during the Nine Stars Tide, exploiting imperial authority to slaughter countless souls in Yangjiang County, Danzhou, seeking to forge the Ten Thousand Blood Soul Elixir to aid his breakthrough!"

I discovered it and slew him on the spot, rescuing over one hundred thousand unconscious civilians."

Yet over seventy thousand innocent civilians perished!"

This is the very reason why civilian casualties during this year's Nine Stars Tide in Da Chen were so extraordinarily high!"

And all of it stems from my emperor's failure to discipline his subordinates!"

Therefore, I oppose!"

With that, Cheng Yuexiao bowed again to Emperor Gao Ye: "Your Majesty, it is not that I refuse to support you—it is that your Inner Court remains unclean, your corrupt ministers unremoved. You bear the future of Da Chen. How can I, then, lend my support?"

I beg Your Majesty, upon your return, to purge the Inner Court and root out these villains!"

If you do, then in three years, I shall surely support Your Majesty's restoration as Emperor!"

With that, Cheng Yuexiao sat down quietly. The entire Star River Assembly fell utterly silent.

Emperor Gao Ye's face turned ashen; he had no words, no defense.

Cheng Yuexiao had laid the entire affair at the feet of Grand Eunuch Chu Zheng, sealing every possible avenue of self-defense.

This matter cannot be contested—once contested, the truth might surface.

Then, it would no longer be as it is now.

If it is confirmed that this emperor was responsible, the Three Star Jun could unite and force Da Chen to depose him—or even erase Da Chen entirely!

So he cannot contest it.

Nor dare he.

As for State Master Cheng Yuexiao, he showed no trace of triumph—only a sigh of relief.

The weight upon his heart had finally lifted.

By opposing Emperor Gao Ye's restoration, he had buried this massive bomb.

The deaths of over seventy thousand civilians in Yangjiang County, Danzhou, the tens of thousands in comas, the complete annihilation of the Yangjiang County Dao Academy's leadership and disciples—too many were involved.

It could not be covered up.

These past days, though the Star-Picking Tower in Yangjiang County had been sealed and martial law imposed,

spies from all sides had multiplied, and rumors had spread further.

Seizing this opportunity, the matter had been definitively classified.

It had temporarily suppressed Da Chen's most dangerous threat.

Otherwise, with such damning evidence, the Three Star Palaces could legally annex Da Chen.

As for the people—if this were widely publicized, public sentiment would collapse entirely.

Amid flickering starlight, Emperor Gao Ye had slipped away without a word.

He had no face to remain here.

The others naturally dispersed one by one.

State Master Cheng Yuexiao of Da Chen was the last to leave, his eyes filled with resolve.

Today was merely the second step in countering this foolish emperor.

It was only the beginning.

(End of Chapter)