Chapter 1885

Any existence or plan that threatens the rule will be eradicated by the ruling class, even if the plan is truly excellent and could multiply Great Ming's strength several times over—the ruling class will never adopt it.

Just like the Qing, Kangxi and Qianlong were both well-versed in Western learning and understood the benefits of science.

But why did they not learn Western advanced technology?

The reason is simple: science benefits China, yet it would shake the very foundation of Qing rule.

Therefore, no matter how beneficial science might be, it was never accepted by the ruling class of the time; indeed, they closed the nation's borders to delay science's entry into the Central Plains, aiming to stabilize their rule.

The Sunflower Manual is precisely such a secret manual!

Its sole purpose was to cultivate a few useful Eunuch masters to guard against Wu Lin members entering the Forbidden Palace.

At all other times, the rulers adopted a strategy of strict defense—if anyone within the Forbidden Palace dared secretly cultivate the Sunflower Manual, death was their inevitable fate.

The leakage of the Sunflower Manual occurred decades ago.

When Zhu Yuanzhang founded the dynasty, the Ming Cult contributed greatly.

Having risen from the ranks of outlaws, Zhu Yuanzhang understood all too well the dangers posed by Jianghu figures, and secretly devised a plan to weaken the Jianghu.

The Sunflower Manual was one move in this plan—this was the Great Ming Dynasty's tool, released through the Southern Shaolin Temple, designed to incite conflict within the Jianghu.

The Southern Shaolin faithfully executed this plan, releasing the Sunflower Manual and provoking fierce battles between Huashan, the Five Mountains, and the Sun and Moon Divine Cult…

The plan was flawless—the Jianghu's power was gradually weakened…

It should have proceeded thus.

But—several months ago, the Sunflower Manual that had been released became the source of chaos.

This was entirely beyond the Great Ming Dynasty's expectations.

Didn't Jianghu people, upon acquiring a secret manual, merely cultivate it in secret?

How could they have recklessly spread this divine art far and wide?

Over a hundred thousand people simultaneously cultivating the Biexie Sword Art—that is an immense force. Even if the Great Ming army still maintained its peak combat effectiveness, eliminating this force would require crippling losses.

Moreover, the current Great Ming army's combat effectiveness is no longer what it once was.

If this group stormed the imperial palace, could the tiny garrison within the Forbidden City possibly hold them off?

"Tell me—what should we do?"

Zhu Houzhao looked at his ministers, rubbing his temples, hoping they could propose a solution.

The ministers exchanged glances, none daring to speak.

As scholar-officials, they had never cultivated Wu Gong.

But they were well aware of the methods used by Jianghu outlaws.

Even if they had not known before, the recent surge of swordsmen in the capital—with their lightning-fast swordplay—had made them acutely aware of how dangerous this situation was.

On an open battlefield, these men might not withstand volleys of crossbows or artillery fire.

But how could they possibly confront the imperial army head-on?

"Your Majesty, why not spread rumors to lure them into gathering in one place? Then, the court can unleash overwhelming firepower to bury them all."

Zhu Houzhao nodded: "But what excuse should we use?"

"Your Majesty, these martial men seek only fame and profit. Let someone secretly incite them to challenge Shaolin. We can covertly stir the pot—perhaps most martial artists across the land will flock to Shaolin, fighting to the death. That will be our opportunity!"

Zhu Houzhao's eyes lit up: "This plan is brilliant. Mobilize all artillery, secretly transport it to Songshan—I will settle this matter in one decisive strike. I shall personally oversee this battle!"

"Your Majesty, please reconsider."

"Yes, Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven—how can you risk yourself personally?"

Zhu Houzhao waved them off: "Enough. If this battle fails, there may be no place left for me as Emperor."

He saw clearly: the Jianghu's power had grown too great.

If it is not eradicated, the dynasty will collapse utterly.

PS: Thank you, Xia Weiliang, for the push; thank you, great patrons, for your support.