If you're made a fake emperor, why did you change the country's name?

Chapter 159: Offering Sacrifice to Heaven and Changing the Country's Name!!!

The moonlight, as white as frost, cast dappled shadows through the branches of the old locust trees that peeked out from the palace walls onto the bluestone-paved palace path.

A cool night breeze stirred the hem of Zhao Yu's dragon robe.

Qiu Ping fell half a step behind and then gradually fell behind.

Meng Qianshan followed on the other side, his footsteps sounding particularly heavy, each step seeming to be treading on his own heartbeat.

He has remained silent ever since Wei An collapsed.

The words, "But Your Majesty, you are an imposter," were like a poisonous thorn, piercing his heart and making him restless.

His hand gripping the knife hilt loosened and tightened repeatedly.

After walking for a long time, the palace lanterns ahead grew brighter and brighter, and the outline of Xuanzheng Hall came into view in the distance.

"Ask anything you want to know."

Zhao Yu suddenly stopped, breaking the oppressive silence.

His voice was flat and emotionless, yet it made Meng Qianshan's heart skip a beat.

Meng Qianshan stopped in his tracks.

On the palace path, only the rustling of leaves in the wind could be heard.

Meng Qianshan's Adam's apple bobbed, and his heavy breathing was particularly clear in the night.

He raised his head and looked at the not-so-broad back of the young emperor before him.

Everything that has happened these past few days flashed through my mind like a revolving lantern.

Cannons drove back the Wolf Kingdom, Dragon Abyss Palace slaughtered the aristocratic families, and Wei An was eliminated with swift and decisive action.

Is this really the same emperor who used to only know how to debate with civil officials and fight for power?

Wei An's roar still echoed in my ears.

How can we explain the royal family's unique skills?

Countless doubts swirled together, driving him almost to madness.

Finally, as if he had made up his mind, he spoke in a hoarse voice.

"Your Majesty, are you... really Your Majesty?"

Asking that question made him feel like all his strength had been drained away.

This is utter disrespect, a question worthy of execution of nine generations of one's family.

He was ready to face the wrath of thunder.

Zhao Yu turned around, the moonlight illuminating his calm face.

He neither got angry nor offered an explanation; he simply stared straight at Meng Qianshan.

"no."

These two simple words struck Meng Qianshan like two heavy hammers.

Meng Qianshan's pupils suddenly contracted, his whole body froze, and his mind went blank.

He had considered countless possibilities, including His Majesty's fury, his attempt to deflect the issue with the excuse of royal blood, or even his direct order to arrest him.

I never expected to receive such a straightforward and honest acknowledgment.

Zhao Yu continued speaking, his tone remaining calm and even.

"I am just a substitute."

"At that time, it was three days before the Wolf Kingdom's army was at the gates of the city. He ran away, and I took over this mess."

After saying that, he took a step forward, bringing him closer to Meng Qianshan.

"Now you know the truth."

What is your choice?

"It's just the two of us here. If you want to make a move, it will be a piece of cake."

Meng Qianshan's breathing involuntarily became heavier.

He stared intently at Zhao Yu, his hand gripping the knife trembling slightly.

My mind is a complete mess.

fake……

Is it really fake?

Loyalty to the emperor and service to the country were the teachings he received from childhood, and a belief etched into his very bones.

But to whom should he be loyal?

Is it that old emperor who abandoned his people and fled alone?

The one before us, though fake, managed to turn the tide and revitalize the corrupt Liang Dynasty in just a few days: Your Majesty?

He recalled the time when he led his remaining troops in a desperate defense on the city wall.

It was the earth-shattering cannon fire that gave them hope.

He recalled how arrogant and domineering those powerful families were in the imperial court, and how they were all ruthlessly wiped out by the "Emperor" before him.

He recalled how Wei An, that traitorous eunuch, had been swiftly and decisively executed.

If it were the previous emperor... what would he have done?

He only knows how to betray the country, only knows how to beg for mercy, only knows how to throw the face of the royal family on the ground and let the wolf country trample on it!

Loyalty to bloodline?

Does that bloodline even deserve it?!

In an instant, Meng Qianshan understood.

What is true dragon bloodline, what is the so-called ruler of the world, none of them are as good as a strong person who can lead them to survive and lead the Great Liang to stand up again!

Do not!

Those who can do this are not only the strong, but also—immortals!

"thump!"

A dull sound echoed in the silent palace corridor.

Meng Qianshan knelt on one knee, his knee hitting the hard bluestone slab, but he felt no pain at all.

He lowered his head, his voice hoarse, yet carrying an unprecedented firmness.

"This humble general, Meng Qianshan, is willing to die for Your Majesty!"

Zhao Yu raised an eyebrow.

He was indeed somewhat surprised.

He had prepared for the worst, and even considered how much of a chance he and Qiu Ping would have if Meng Qianshan made a move.

Unexpectedly, the other party made a choice so quickly.

Meng Qianshan suddenly raised his head, his eyes shining brightly in the moonlight, gleaming with an almost fanatical light.

"This humble general sensed something was amiss long ago!"

"How could His Majesty, who was previously so conservative and cowardly, have become so wise and decisive overnight? Now I understand completely!"

"Your Majesty! You must be a celestial being from heaven, who could not bear to see the suffering of the people and descended to earth to save the people of my Great Liang!"

"The cannons that repelled the Wolf Kingdom that day were no ordinary feat! They were divine magic! They were heavenly thunder!"

"..."

Zhao Yu's lips twitched uncontrollably.

Fairy?

Immortal arts?

Looking at Meng Qianshan, whose face was filled with fervor and who seemed to have found a rational explanation for all his actions, he was momentarily at a loss for words.

This ability to fill in the blanks is just too strong.

but……

This doesn't seem like such a bad thing.

Zhao Yu stepped forward and personally helped Meng Qianshan up.

He neither admitted nor denied it, but simply patted the other person's strong arm heavily.

"Do a good job."

"What I want is not for you to die for me."

"I command you to lead the army of Liang and conquer a vast territory for me!"

These words ignited the flames in Meng Qianshan's heart more powerfully than any explanation.

When immortals descend to earth, they naturally intend to restore order to the land and recreate the universe!

And I will be the sharpest blade in the immortal's hand!

What an honor!

"This humble general will certainly not fail His Majesty's trust!"

Meng Qianshan was so excited that his whole body was trembling, and his voice changed.

"This humble general will surely pacify the world for Your Majesty, even unto death!"

Under the moonlight, the shadows of the emperor and his minister were stretched very long.

……

When they returned to Xuanzheng Hall, the hall was brightly lit.

Several key ministers were still there, clearly waiting for Zhao Yu to return.

When they saw Zhao Yu, Qiu Ping, and Meng Qianshan walk in together, but Wei An, who used to always be by the emperor's side, was nowhere to be seen, everyone's hearts sank.

Everyone here is shrewd, and they immediately understood what had happened.

No one asked any questions; the hall was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Zhao Yu walked straight back to the dragon throne and sat down, his gaze sweeping over the crowd below.

"My esteemed ministers, there is something I wish to announce."

Everyone bowed in unison: "Please give your instructions, Your Majesty."

"The grand ceremony to worship Heaven will be held in three days."

"I have decided that after the sacrificial ceremony to Heaven, I will change the name of the country and the era name to signify the rebirth of the Great Liang."

This statement was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples all around.

Change the country's name?!

That would be a matter of utter importance that could shake the very foundations of the nation!

Throughout history, the name of a country has only been changed when a dynasty changes!

Immediately, an old minister stepped forward, his voice trembling as he advised, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! The name of the nation was established by our ancestors. Changing it without authorization would surely invite criticism from the people and unsettle the populace!"

"Yes, Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance; please reconsider!"

Opposition voices rose and fell.

Zhao Yu sat upright on the dragon throne, his expression unchanged.

He waited until they finished speaking before slowly opening his mouth. His voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears.

"My mind is made up."

"Who's in favor, and who's opposed?"

The cold and domineering words lowered the temperature in the entire hall.

The ministers looked at each other, seeing no room for negotiation on the young emperor's face.

It was an absolute, unquestionable will.

The newly subdued Meng Qianshan was the first to step forward, his voice booming like a bell.

"This humble general agrees!"

With the military representative taking the lead, the other ministers exchanged glances and ultimately chose to compromise.