41 The Request for War
The hall stayed hushed after Queen Wu's welcome.
Then, King Tang Lu stood, his golden robe gleaming under the candlelight.
Tang Lu: "Your Majesty of Wu, I will speak plainly. The Ling Clan grows bold. They have attacked our people, destroyed the Wei Clan's home, and harmed our heirs. War is upon us. We need your strength."
A ripple of murmurs spread through the room, but the Queen remained utterly still. The red mask gave away nothing — no smile, no frown, not even a twitch.
Tang Lu continued, his voice firmer:
"Your clan is unmatched in elemental power. If the Wu Clan joins us, the Ling will fall."
Silence.
Finally, the Queen stepped forward. Her robes whispered across the polished floor.
Her voice was soft, yet it cut through the air like a blade:
"You ask for my help… but tell me, why should Wu Clan shed blood for you?"
The question hung heavy.
From the Wei Clan's side, Wang San whispered to Wei Xie,
San: "Because we're all handsome? That should work, right?"
Wei Xie: "San. Not now."
King Tang did not flinch.
"Because if the Ling rise further, no clan — not even Wu — will be safe."
The Queen tilted her head slightly, as if amused.
"And yet… Wu has been safe for centuries."
The tension in the room grew. Even Yun Zhan's usually calm face darkened.
The Queen's gaze — unseen beneath the mask — swept across the hall. She seemed to be measuring each of them, deciding who was worthy.
Queen Wu: "I will consider your request. But first… I will see with my own eyes if your heirs can stand against what is coming."