Chapter 2212: This Generation Should Be Changed

Initially, anger fueled the determination of all parties to seize control of the territory. However, to their surprise, it was Sun Pu, a seemingly unremarkable figure, who led the charge into battle, bolstering everyone’s morale.

Subsequently, the Prefect of Hangzhou further solidified their resolve.

With the expansion of Huaixi Province’s territory by more than a third, coupled with population growth and a bolstered military, the situation appeared favorable. Under such circumstances, who would willingly submit to the authority of the three princes?

The followers of the Second Prince were only average, and the Third Prince even less impressive. Why should they bow to either of them?

Throughout history, the descendants of Ms. Qin had fostered a noxious atmosphere. Why should they be revered as the rulers of the world? Wasn’t their own world wrested from the hands of the previous dynasty?

Given the present generation’s incompetence, it was time for a change.

Moreover, the shamelessness of the Third Prince was evident! When Sun Pu’s army assaulted Huaixi Province twice, he remained passive, observing from the sidelines. Likewise, when the Prefect of Hangzhou incited conflict and war, he remained silent, indifferent to the chaos.

As he contemplated their audacity, Shao Yunduan couldn’t help but question their entitlement to such significant gains solely on account of their scholarly pursuits.

In response to the protests, Shao Yunduan offered a reassuring smile and remarked, “Fear not, since I’ve taken the initial step, I won’t easily backtrack, nor am I at liberty to do so.”

“These Qin Family princes are essentially cut from the same cloth. Though the Third Prince may speak amiably now, there’s no telling if he’ll harbor grievances in the future. I can’t afford to take that risk. Each of you here is one of us, and I won’t conceal anything from you.”

“However, now that someone has approached us, we must handle the situation judiciously. At this stage, it’s not prudent for us to be at odds with the Third Prince.”

Following one or two years of ruthless competition, only eight major forces remained, alongside mountain bandits, outlaws, and gangs. Shao Yunduan’s territory, while not the largest, held a significant position among these forces. Hence, he was disinclined to antagonize any of the others.

In terms of power, the Fourth Prince and the Second Prince reigned supreme—one controlled the capital, while the other commanded the majority of the Central Plains, boasting abundant resources and expansive territories.

The remaining forces included the Northwest Army, intermediary factions, Nanyue, the Third Prince, and Shao Yunduan.

Additionally, there were a few smaller factions, akin to isolated islands, which remained untouched for peculiar reasons.

The primary concern was that any attempt to interfere with these smaller factions would come at an exorbitant cost. It simply wasn’t worth the trouble. Therefore, it was best to mind one’s own business and refrain from causing unnecessary conflicts or launching attacks elsewhere.

When Liao Mingzhong arrived bearing the imperial decree, clearly articulating the Emperor’s wishes, Shao Yunduan found himself in a quandary. He needed to carefully consider whether he could find a valid reason to decline the proposal.

Upon learning that Shao Yunduan harbored no intentions of submitting to the Third Prince, a wave of relief swept through the assembly, prompting discussions on potential countermeasures.

Ironically, the more courteous Liao Mingzhong appeared, the more difficult it became to rebuff him. As the group deliberated, they even contemplated whether it would be preferable to deal with someone like Sun Pu instead.

At least with Sun Pu, there were ample vulnerabilities to exploit. Any minor misstep could serve as a pretext for retaliation.

After several rounds of discussions, they ultimately decided to buy time.

They would stall for time.

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