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Across the whole of Yangzhou, aside from the declining hegemonic Ning Country, the emerging nations like Lingnan’s Su Country, Nanhai Country, or the western countries of Hanzhong and Xichuan were far weaker than the newborn Chu State.

None of these four nations had the potential to vie for hegemony.

Apart from these countries under the former Yue system, the only remaining ones in the territories of Yangzhou were numerous large and small Yi countries in the southwest.

Although those Yi countries were not weak, and their might even surpassed the Chu State, they were ultimately considered separate entities, culturally separated from the Yangzhou norm represented by the Jinling court.

Moreover, although the southwestern Yi countries had vast territories, even after the elimination of Jinghai Country, they still held an equivalent of six or seven Jiangnan counties.

However, these six or seven counties were divided among three great Barbarian States. These Barbarian States were fraught with internal conflict, with many tribes fighting each other for generations and harboring deep-rooted blood feuds.

Therefore, they remained entangled in internal strife and could not extricate themselves from it to participate in the power struggles of Yangzhou.

Hence, only the Chu State with its territory spanning three counties, thousands of miles in size, millions of households, and an elite army of more than two hundred thousand men was capable of challenging the hegemony of Ning Country in Jinling.

To be in such a vibrant and thriving country, and to become an official within it, participating in the struggle for power…

How could any ambitious civil or military official not be thrilled and inspired by this?

Bang, bang, bang!

At that very moment, splendid fireworks that had been prepared within the palace, roared and bloomed across the night sky.

The dazzling array of colors embellished the elegance and vigor of the present Great Chu.

“Gentlemen, although my Great Chu has broken free from Ning Country and stands on its own, establishing our own regime, the new dynasty is still fresh and everything remains to be done.

We need to reorganize national affairs, govern the people, defend against external enemies, and conquer the world.

In the future, may the wise ministers assist us in achieving many great deeds.

May the monarchs and ministers unite in heart and purpose, and bring about the divine martial prosperity that belongs to us.”

After several rounds of resplendent fireworks, Lu Yuan stood up, holding a wine cup, and bellowed loudly to the ministers below.

“With the king’s wisdom, we will surely use our hearts and minds to assist the king and create a divine martial era!”

“Born in the age of the holy king, in this life, I dare not fail in my duties!”

“Long live our king!”

At this time, many ministers below also raised their wine cups, offering heartfelt congratulations.

Upon hearing this, Lu Yuan smiled, and then said, “You may take your time. The queen and I will not disturb your enjoyment.”

After saying this, he carefully helped Lan Cai’er beside him and left with her in his arms.

The ministers behind him performed a ceremonial bow, sending off the king and queen.

Then, with the sovereign no longer present, the ministers swiftly raised their glasses and mingled with their acquaintances.

Having left the Hall of Virtuous Merits far behind, Lu Yuan could still hear the lively sounds and turned to Lan Cai’er at his side, saying, “My queen, this flourishing world belongs to our children in the future.”

He pointed to the palace behind him and to the city of Baling, illuminated by twinkling lanterns, expressing his grand ambition and aspirations.

Hearing this, Lan Cai’er tenderly stroked her swelling belly, looked at Lu Yuan’s face, leaned in close, and whispered, “I entrust my child and myself to the king in this life.”

Lu Yuan held Lan Cai’er and gently smiled, “My queen, rest assured. Even for the sake of our children, I will conquer vast territories and allow you to enjoy all the riches and splendors of this world.”

As they spoke, he felt the warmth of the person in his arms, listened to the rhythm in her belly, and experienced the sound of life, lapsing into a trance.

From the beginning of the 18th year of the Longqing period when he had crossed over to this day, the first year of the Shenwu era, 20 years had already passed.

After 20 years of traveling back and forth, was he finally going to have a child of his own in this world?

He was going to be a father.

This miraculous experience caused Lu Yuan, a Grandmaster and Cultivator, to waver in his thoughts.

On one hand, he wished to be close to his child, to leave his mark on this world. On the other hand, he feared that investing too much in these emotions would lead to overwhelming grief and sorrow if he had to bid them farewell, damaging his spirit and heart.

Feeling torn, he struggled to make a decision.

‘Forget it, just let everything take its natural course.’

After the inner turmoil, Lu Yuan sighed deeply.

“What’s the matter, your Majesty?”

His sigh caught Lan Cai’er’s attention, and her heightened sensitivity due to her pregnancy prompted her to look up.

“It’s nothing, it’s just getting cold. Let’s go back,” said Lu Yuan, looking down and smiling softly before helping his wife walk towards their sleeping quarters.

Behind them, the lanterns blazed with splendor, and the inner attendants and palace maids accompanying them on both sides moved lightly and breathed gently, careful not to disturb the royal couple’s ambiance.

During the walk, Lu Yuan gained new insight.

Regardless of whether or not he would feel heartache for his children in the future, having a child at this time was undoubtedly of the utmost importance in stabilizing the country and consolidating its foundation.

In fact, having one child would not suffice. He needed to have several more, perhaps even dozens.

‘Perhaps if I have many children, I’ll endure less heartache if I lose a few.’

Thoughts swirled in Lu Yuan’s mind.

Neither in his past life nor in this one has he ever been a father.

Therefore, he was utterly unfamiliar and bewildered by the bond between father and child and did not know how to respond.

At this moment, he could only make such speculations based on his own thoughts.

As for whether they were correct, only time would tell.

However, at this moment, it was necessary to strengthen Chu State for the sake of himself and his soon-to-be-born child.

He could not neglect the cultivation practice concerning the Taiping Dao book.

For this protective method on his path to immortality, he absolutely couldn’t abandon it.