Chapter 844

Ouyang Mingri: "My father refused to accept Huangfu Zhong as city lord, so he assassinated him."

Zhang Taixuan: "Yes, he resented it. In martial prowess, in talent—where did he fall short of Huangfu Zhong? What was the one thing that made Huangfu Zhong truly credible? Benevolence!"

Zhang Taixuan: "To him, benevolence is pure nonsense. What kind of power is one that relies solely on benevolence? When you watch anime, don't you hate protagonists who only ever act Yasaxi?"

Xiao Mai: "【Laughter】That's an anime trope!"

Su Xiao: "It's infuriating—how can someone who only acts Yasaxi still get a harem? Now I understand Ouyang Feiying's resentment. To him, Huangfu Zhong was exactly that kind of person."

Su Xiao: "And yet this man of action was outshone, failed to become city lord—it's simply unjust."

Zhang Taixuan: "Exactly! Of course, the real situation is—Huangfu Zhong was certainly capable enough, he just wasn't good at scheming. Otherwise, he wouldn't have been overthrown!"

Zhang Taixuan: "One thing Ouyang Feiying got right: a benevolent ruler is unsuited to chaotic times. If Huangfu Zhong had remained in power, Four Cities might never have gained its current prestige—perhaps it would have been wiped out long ago."

Zhu Yuanzhang: "Your Majesty's words hold merit. In the chaos of the late Tang, excessive benevolence becomes a fatal flaw. If you don't know how to scheme, you've already been schemed to death. Ouyang Feiyang seized power through conspiracy—though dishonorable, it's entirely normal in political strategy."

Yue Buqun: "My lord, why then did Ouyang Feiyang so easily change his stance later?"

Zhang Taixuan: "In political scheming, can Ouyang Feiyang match Li Er? In governance, how does he compare? His earlier conspiracy stemmed only from resentment. Now that Li Er has taken over, even if he resents it, he must swallow it! No matter how confident he is, can he possibly stand beside Li Er?"

Ouyang Mingri: "I see. So the root lies here. If it were Your Majesty Li Er, my father would surely have nothing to say."

Zhu Yuanzhang: "Indeed, Li Er's talents are undeniable. In governance, military command, and political strategy—he stands unmatched among all emperors in history."

Li Shimin: "Your Majesty flatters me—it's merely minor tricks."

Ouyang Mingri: "Then the plan must be accelerated. Gentlemen, I'll take my leave now—we'll speak again later."

Ouyang Ming said, "So that's how it is. So the crux lies here. If it's His Majesty Li Er, I imagine Father would have nothing to say."

Zhu Yuanzhang said, "Indeed, Li Er's talent is plain for all to see. Whether in governing the realm, commanding the army, or political stratagem, among the emperors of the ages, none can surpass him."

Li Shimin said, "The Dao Lord flatters me; they are merely a few minor tricks."

Ouyang Ming said, "In that case, the plan must be carried out as soon as possible. Everyone, I'll log off first; we'll chat again later."