Published: March 7, 2025
Chapter 196: Pressuring Tie Butian
Chu Yang wearily closed his eyes and said softly, "Hall Master Chen, you may leave now. Qianqian, you too."
The two looked at Chu Yang with concern before slowly stepping out, knowing he wanted to have a private conversation with Tie Butian. Moreover, this conversation would likely not be pleasant!
Watching them leave, Chu Yang remained silent for a long time.
"I am listening," Tie Butian said softly.
"I actually don’t want to say much, but after thinking for a long time, I still have to say it," Chu Yang's voice became somewhat sharp as he continued, "In your view, with the emperor gravely ill, you, as the crown prince, should naturally be by his side."
"Moreover, in the eyes of the ministers, the emperor's life and death also determine the fate of Iron Cloud; thus, the crown prince needs to be present. He should exert all his strength to heal the emperor!"
"This is perfectly understandable; as a child, making such decisions is beyond reproach!" Chu Yang said quietly. "But do not forget, you are still a monarch!"
"The reasons I just mentioned can be well articulated everywhere, and people can understand them, but it does not work in the army!" Chu Yang said heavily.
Tie Butian suddenly raised his head, wanting to say something; but Chu Yang quickly cut him off, saying, "In the army, orders are what matter! Soldiers in the army, even if their parents are on the brink of death, must immediately set off for the battlefield as soon as the call to arms is issued! Being late for even a moment could cost them their lives!"
"Military law is ruthless! Military law does not entertain reasons. Whether it’s a father falling ill or a mother gravely ill, they must obey orders!" Chu Yang said lightly. "Just last night, with a single command, nearly four thousand people laid down their lives here!"
"Tell me, Your Highness the Crown Prince, what compensation can you offer them?" Chu Yang asked sharply. "What compensation can make up for a mother losing her son, or a wife losing her husband?"
"War is merciless, and sacrifice is inevitable! For many years, millions of men have died on the battlefield without anyone saying anything! Such sacrifice is necessary!" Chu Yang continued, "However, when unnecessary sacrifices occur—sacrifices that could have been avoided—any regrets or compensations are of no use!"
Tie Butian stood quietly, listening to Chu Yang's words; he knew that Chu Yang was a bit agitated today. So he said nothing...
"Chu Imperial Seat, are you being a bit too harsh?" a shadow guard appeared, coldly stating.
"I am not Tie Butian's subordinate!" Chu Yang retorted coldly. "I am here to help, and all of us are safeguarding the Iron family’s legacy! If Tie Butian himself does not care, we certainly have no reason to care!"
He narrowed his eyes, looking coldly at the shadow, and said, "If my honest words are hard to listen to, then His Royal Highness the Crown Prince can choose to disregard them! He may also choose to expel me!"
Tie Butian sighed deeply, waving his hand to silence the shadow's response, and said, "Today, Chu Imperial Seat should take good care of his injuries. This matter… I… was at fault! In due time, I shall come to ask for your forgiveness!"
After finishing, he stood up and said, "Chu Imperial Seat should rest well."
As he reached the door, Chu Yang coldly said, "The soldiers who died in battle, their bones are still uncooled! The remnants of the Golden Horse Knights Hall have not yet been subdued! Your Highness the Crown Prince, do not chill the hearts of the soldiers!"
Tie Butian paused at the door, wanting to say something, but ultimately remained silent; he sighed heavily and walked out.
Chu Yang heavily lay back on the bed, squinting his eyes as he pondered.
Today, Chu Yang was a bit impulsive. He wanted to control it, but the moment he saw Tie Butian, he suddenly decided not to hold back any longer!
Tie Butian is a king!
But such a blunder is something a king should never commit!
Indeed, he had justifiable reasons, but justifiable reasons do not necessarily mean they will be accepted! If in the future the situation worsens, and Tie Butian continues to cling to this filial piety praised by the entire world, it may trigger unprecedented chaos and disaster in Iron Cloud!