Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 45 - Schemes of Sovereignty: The Unfolding Gambit

In the opulent Meeting Hall of Rensha Palace, a month prior, a captivating scene took shape. The ambient glow from braziers adorned every corner, their flickering light casting a warm dance across the walls. The sacred flame, tended by Rensha's devoted shamans and priests worshipping the Light God, contributed an enduring white radiance, highlighting the kingdom's spiritual dedication. Amidst this setting, the Harmony Summit Conference unfolded. Prince Luzhoushen, stationed at the center of the conference table, commanded attention, with his right-hand man and brother, Prince Shafeng, standing by his side. Leaders from the Southern lands, convening for their annual discussions on current events and future plans, added a sense of significance to the proceedings on both sides of the table.

Beside his father, King Chengle, Prince Ming Zhe sat silently, observing as the ambitious King Chengli spearheaded the discussions with unwavering determination.

"The territories west of the South Sea are now claimed by shadowy forces, likely rebels who defy the dominion of the leading kingdoms, seizing barren expanses for their insurrection," reported one sagacious leader, their gaze directed pointedly at King Chengli. "I believe the majority of these areas fall within the jurisdictions of Khufu and Xiao Yu. Your Majesty, do you intend to confront these adversaries? If not, we are more than happy to deal with these rebels ourselves considering these lands are in proximity to our kingdom of Sha Hai."

King Chengli responded with a calm, knowing smile. "I believe these unlawfully claimed lands fall more under the jurisdiction of Xiao Yu than Khufu," he said, locking eyes with King Ming Cheng, the seasoned ruler of Xiao Yu.

King Ming Cheng, a wise sovereign in his late sixties, father-in-law to King Chengli and grandfather to Prince Kai Ze, embodied a calm, gentle demeanor, belying his strategic acumen. Despite Xiao Yu's relatively lesser power, the union forged through the marriage of Queen Mei Hua and King ChengLi had solidified a long-term alliance between the kingdoms.

Facing King Chengli, King Ming Cheng replied, "We shall attend to these rebels and restore order accordingly."

Smirking with an air of arrogance, King ChengLi added, "Alternatively, we can dispatch our forces to deal with these opposing forces on your behalf. I'm sure your grandson would relish the opportunity to assist his grandfather in eradicating these pestering vermin."

King Ming Cheng maintained a measured silence, responding only with a composed smile. King Chengli, still smirking, continued with his political maneuvering.

"Furthermore, I would like to propose a profound convergence of realms," he declared, his gaze sweeping across the assembled leaders.

The revelation sent a seismic wave of shock through the assembly, though whispers of suspicion had already murmured through the room.

"Some of the smaller kingdoms currently aligned with the Kingdom of Khufu—I propose their assimilation into our dominion, forging a formidable empire of Khufu," he declared, locking eyes once again with King Ming Cheng. "This includes the Kingdom of Xiao Yu."

King Ming Cheng's eyes widened in a mixture of surprise and anger. "What did you just say?" he demanded.

Unyielding, King Chengli continued, "Xiao Yu and its neighboring realms, under our benevolent protection, would find it more expedient to merge with Khufu. Such unity ensures seamless oversight and robust protection."

King Ming Cheng, incensed, retorted, "Are you insinuating that we should relinquish our sovereignty to Khufu?"

King ChengLi smiled with an air of calculated diplomacy. "Consider it a more efficient arrangement. You retain the semblance of authority as the head of your household, but as a Lord, rather than a King."