As the war in the north raged on, the conflict in Yue continued unabated.
When the conflict first began, King Si Yun Chang of Yue possessed the strongest position. After all, he was in Yue, and Si Yun Chang was the legitimate successor to the throne. Thus, Si Yun Chang could be said to hold a strong hand.
Si Yun Chang was eager to restore Yue's situation and bring the nation back to order from the chaos as soon as possible. Therefore, from the outset, Si Yun Chang actively managed state affairs, issuing several decrees to revitalize the populace.
Within a short period, he had regained control of most of Yue's territory, restoring order to the nation.
At this time, Si Yun Chang was ambitious, wanting to accomplish great things and restore Yue to its former glory under his reign.
However, who could have foreseen that the Chu state's intervention in Yue was not merely about territorial demands, but a coveting of Yue's land?
This was something Si Yun Chang had never anticipated. The invasion by Chu enraged Si Yun Chang, who initially had no intention of peace talks, directly severing diplomatic ties with Chu and preparing to engage their massive army.
Yet, unable to withstand the earnest pleas of his ministers, Si Yun Chang finally suppressed his anger and engaged in negotiations with Chu, hoping to exchange some territory for peace in Yue.
What Si Yun Chang did not expect, however, was that while Chu was ostensibly negotiating with Yue, they were secretly reinforcing their troops within Yue.
By the time Yue realized what was happening, Chu had already made preparations for war within Yue's borders.
At this point, the Yue court began to scramble to mobilize its forces to fight the Chu army. However, Yue had just endured internal strife, and its military strength, population, and tax revenue were insufficient.
Although Si Yun Chang desperately wished to confront Chu directly, reason dictated that he should continue to negotiate with the Chu state.
Ultimately, Si Yun Chang did not initiate direct conflict. Instead, he engaged in continuous negotiations with Chu, hoping to resolve the imminent danger through diplomatic means.
However, unexpectedly, while Yue and Chu were in a standoff, the Wu state secretly dispatched troops, capturing Yue cities.
By the time Yue reacted, the Wu state had already captured nearly an entire commandery.
At this juncture, Si Yun Chang was in a frantic state, shuttling between the two nations.
However, both the Wu and Chu states seemed to perceive Yue's weakness. They feigned compliance with Yue but, on the other hand, never intended to withdraw their troops from Yue.
While Si Yun Chang was overwhelmed with these matters, his brother, Si Gou Jian, who had fled to the south, seized this opportunity to build his own strength.
Si Yun Chang felt as if the heavens were conspiring against him, with one setback after another exhausting him and leaving him in despair. His father, who had been King of Yue for decades, had never encountered so many troubles.
Si Yun Chang could not comprehend why he, as the King of Yue, had to bear such immense pressure.
In the end, Si Yun Chang completely abandoned his former ambition and aspirations, becoming engrossed in the inner palace and neglecting state affairs. He entrusted the administration of the government to his ministers and remained alone in the Yue royal palace, indulging in daily revelry.
Meanwhile, Yue's situation continued to deteriorate. Outside, the armies of Chu and Wu were relentlessly encroaching upon Yue's territory, while internally, Gou Jian was leading his troops in capturing cities and territories.
Many discerning individuals in Yue also perceived the utter corruption of the court. Some defected to the Wu and Chu states, while others pledged allegiance to Gou Jian's faction, which greatly bolstered Gou Jian's strength.
Under these circumstances, the territory controllable by Si Yun Chang's diminished court shrank further, and the nation's demise loomed.
The Yue Royal Palace.
Si Yun Chang lay on his couch, picking up a wine goblet and slowly pouring its contents into his mouth. Several concubines by his side continued to urge him to drink.
Si Yun Chang was now hazy, seemingly losing consciousness, merely chuckling foolishly.
At this moment, Prime Minister Liu Yu strode in with hurried steps into the main hall of the Yue Royal Palace. Upon seeing Si Yun Chang in this state, he was filled with great anger.
Liu Yu approached Si Yun Chang and said, "Your Majesty! You must stop drinking! It is said that excessive indulgence in wine and women harms the body. You remain in the palace day after day, neglecting state affairs. Do you know that in a few more days, Gou Jian's rebels might break into the palace?"
Liu Yu's face was full of anxiety and disappointment that Si Yun Chang was not striving for better. Yet, at this moment, Si Yun Chang seemed utterly indifferent.
Si Yun Chang replied, "Prime Minister, what is there to fear? Whomever occupies this royal city, with your seniority and ability, you will surely secure a position. Why should the Prime Minister be so anxious?"
"You!"
Liu Yu looked at Si Yun Chang's careless demeanor, feeling a blockage in his chest. After a good while, he recovered.
Liu Yu suppressed his anger and said to Si Yun Chang, "Your Majesty, if you do not act soon, perhaps the great Yue will truly perish!"
"If it perishes, then so be it. I have nothing to regret," Si Yun Chang declared.
Liu Yu seemed to freeze in place, gazing at his former student as if seeing him clearly for the first time.
Liu Yu finally sighed deeply and stood there for a long time.
Then, he turned and left the Yue Royal Palace without looking back.
After saying this, Si Yun Chang turned back, picked up the wine goblet on the table, and said to the concubines beside him, "Come! Drink!"
The decadent music of the Yue Royal Palace once again filled the air, making it seem like a paradise, isolating Yue's urgent situation from Si Yun Chang. Here, Si Yun Chang could numb himself, avoiding distressing thoughts. He merely wished to live each day as it came, preferring immediate pleasure.