Chapter 134: The Kong family is in dire straits, three-way peace talks are underway, the treasury is bare, and you dare to think you

Xiongnu King's court.

He sat upright on the throne.

The Xiongnu King looked at the secret letter in his hand, his eyes filled with anger and unwillingness.

"Why!"

He let out a low angry roar.

The Great Jin Dynasty demanded that he return the twelve cities.

He was unwilling.

"Father."

"What should we do?"

The Xiongnu Prince spoke, looking at his father, asking this.

"What should we do?"

"What else can we do?"

"If we lose the aid of the Great Jin Dynasty, how could the Xiongnu State possibly go to war with Da Xia?"

"Could it be that we are truly waiting for Da Xia's horses to trample our court?"

The Xiongnu King spoke.

Actually, if the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu State went to war, the Xiongnu State would have the capacity to resist; the outcome would likely be defeat, but the Da Xia Dynasty would also have to pay a huge price.

Therefore, the Da Xia Dynasty dare not start a war, and likewise the Xiongnu State dare not engage in full-scale war.

This is the balance of power among great nations.

Behind the Xiongnu State stand the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty, supporting it; the Da Xia Dynasty likewise dares not move, and with these two dynasties' support, the Xiongnu State can do many things.

Now the Great Jin Dynasty gives no support; to the Xiongnu State, that is a catastrophe.

"But if we return the twelve cities and suffer defeat without fighting, first it will shake morale, and second the Da Xia Dynasty will press its advantage—what should we do?"

The Xiongnu Prince asked.

"The Da Xia Dynasty will not do that."

"If it truly comes to that, then we will fight to the death."

"Even without the support of the Great Jin Dynasty, my Xiongnu State fears nothing."

The Xiongnu King spoke with forced bravado.

At present he really has no other option; he can only grit his teeth and shout a couple of lines.

"Surely we can't just charge out now?" "Right, summon your third brother, make a trip to the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty, bring the Ministry of Rites personnel, and see if there's still a chance to turn things around."

The Xiongnu King continued speaking.

"I will obey the king's order."

He didn't waste words and left directly.

After he left,

Not long after, a figure also slowly appeared outside the great hall.

"Subject, I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

He was a Great Scholar of the Kong family.

To be precise, he is no longer a Great Scholar but a Qi Cultivation Realm scholar.

"Beloved, please enter."

The Xiongnu King spoke; although the other party was not a Great Scholar, behind him still lingered the shadow of the Kong family.

He also did not dare to be negligent.

"Your Majesty."

"Subject, I have come today to resign my office."

He spoke, looking at the Xiongnu King and saying this.

Hearing these words, the Xiongnu King's expression changed involuntarily.

"Sir, have I done something wrong?"

"Or has someone provoked you?"

The Xiongnu King couldn't help but speak, looking at him, his face somewhat uneasy; after all, the Xiongnu State itself has seen talent wither, and now another is leaving—how could he be at ease?

"No."

"It's only that there is an order from the clan, forcing me to withdraw from the Xiongnu State."

He spoke, appearing somewhat distressed.

In fact, he did not want to leave either.

In the Kong family, although he was a core member, among the core he belonged to the lower tier; after coming to the Xiongnu State, he was treated as an honored guest, one could say he enjoyed the best of everything, a true superior—even the Xiongnu Prince dared not show him the slightest disrespect.

Now, to have him leave the Xiongnu State, he is a thousand times unwilling.

But there is no choice; the clan has issued an order, he must return, not to involve himself in other disputes, unless he abandons his Kong family identity.

"An order from the clan?"

"Sir, the Xiongnu State cannot be without you; furthermore, the soul‑summoning rite is nearing its end, to leave at this critical point would truly cause the Xiongnu State to lose all vitality."

"Please, sir, stay; I am willing to give you everything, I beg you to remain and assist me."

The Xiongnu King was nearly in tears, earnestly pleading for him to stay.

"Your Majesty."

"It is not that I wish to leave, but the clan's command cannot be ignored; the clan likely also demands my return to the Kong family because of this soul‑summoning affair."

"Subject, I cannot resist."

The latter shed tears; he truly does not wish to leave, but there's no way.

"Sir."

"There are some words I, the king, should not speak, yet at this moment I must."

"The Kong family now suffers a severe loss of vitality; the Da Xia Kong family is no longer the Kong family it once was."

"If you are willing, why not establish a new Kong Family's Main Residence in my Xiongnu Kingdom? Rest assured, the Xiongnu Kingdom will, for generations to come, venerate the Confucius Temple and enshrine you as the new Holy Ruler, hereditary and unreplaceable."

"May I ask, sir, could you stay?"

The Xiongnu King spoke, even offering extremely generous terms to help the other side establish a new Kong Family's Main Residence.

I must say, those words gave Kong Yi an idea.

Reestablish a Kong family? That indeed could work.

He fell silent for a moment.

The Xiongnu King, pressing the advantage, continued.

"Sir, no one has ever claimed that the Da Xia Kong family must be the legitimate line."

"Moreover, Confucius's wrath punished the Kong family, specifically the Da Xia Kong family, which has nothing to do with you; you are merely implicated."

"To put it bluntly, many people in the Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Da Xia Dynasty have been severely punished by Confucius."

"Does that mean everyone under heaven is at fault?"

The Xiongnu King gently enticed, causing an idea to arise in Kong Yi's mind.

"Establishing a new residence would be a betrayal of teachers and ancestors."

"However, I am not opposed to staying."

"Your Majesty is so sincere; the sage says I must not betray my lord. Heaven, earth, ruler, parent, and teacher—if I were to leave, it would be the greatest betrayal, unworthy of a gentleman. Therefore I will draft a petition to sever ties with the Da Xia Kong family."

"I still hope, Your Majesty, that you do not disdain a mere commoner like me."

Kong Yi spoke, and indeed his heart was moved.

Moreover, the Xiongnu King was not wrong at all.

The Da Xia Dynasty's Kong Family's Main Residence has completely lost its foundation; elsewhere there are indeed talents superior to those of the Da Xia Kong Residence, but the sacred artifact resides in the Da Xia Kong Residence, and Confucius himself hailed from Chu Fu.

Thus, the ancestral home of the Kong family is set at Chu Fu.

If this had not occurred, and the Kong family let me return, I truly would not dare to leave the Kong family, because its symbol is too great.

Now it is different; if I were to leave, it seems there would be no loss.

At worst, I could establish a new Kong Family's Main Residence in the Xiongnu Kingdom.

Becoming the Xiongnu Kingdom's Holy Ruler—what joy in not doing so? Indeed, once this thought entered my mind, it spread wildly in an instant.

"How could I dare to despise it."

"In my eyes, sir, you surpass all."

"When will you, sir, draft that petition?"

The Xiongnu King was extremely pleased.

Yet his heart was cold; what could a mere Kong Yi amount to in his eyes? Previously, he valued the power of the Kong family, for it was his bridge to them.

But now, with the Kong family severely weakened, does he need to save face? He can control it entirely.

The reason he kept him is mainly because of the soul‑offering matter.

"After the soul offering, draft the petition."

"These days, the Kong family also has many affairs to attend to; they won't rush me for a short while. After the soul offering, I will confront the Kong family; otherwise, speaking prematurely might provoke them to interfere."

Kong Yi spoke up, immediately beginning to guard against members of his own family.

This is a vicious cycle.

Controlling hearts with benefits has the worst flaw: when you can no longer provide benefits, they will turn on you.

Now it is just so: the Kong family wishes to reform, intending to start anew; will everyone agree?

The superiors understand how severe the situation is, but the subordinates don't care; once their interests are affected, they disregard whether you are a clan head or not.

What else can you do?

Earlier it was fine, with the sacred artifact present and the main power holders within the Kong family; each Great Scholar guarded it, effectively a centralized authority.

Now the sacred artifact is gone, the Confucian‑Daoist realms have been diminished, and the Kong family has offended many; I fear the major dynasties will soon act against the Kong family.

When a wall falls, everyone pushes it down—that's how it is.

"Sir, for the people of my Xiongnu Kingdom, this is a great righteousness."

The Xiongnu King shed tears again.

However, he also had his own thoughts: after the soul offering, if Kong Yi obeys, he will be kept; if Kong Yi disobeys, he will be silenced.

Simple and clear.

Meanwhile.

Great Jin Dynasty.

The Great Jin Emperor, somewhat aged, sat on the dragon throne, with a senior monk before him, one of the four heads of Da Yin Temple.

"I have informed the Xiongnu Kingdom to return the twelve cities."

"The condition is to let the Buddhist sect cross eastward."

"I have already fulfilled the promise to your Buddhist sect; how many more years until the Buddhist sect Golden Lotus is achieved?"

The Great Jin Emperor Qing Wei coughed; his gaze was calm yet sharp.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty; once the Buddhist sect crosses eastward and gains the cosmic qi, the Golden Lotus will be born in the Eight Treasure Pool."

"Then I, the humble monk, will personally deliver the Buddhist sect Golden Lotus to extend Your Majesty's life."

The latter spoke, calmly saying.

"Fine."

"If there is a Buddhist Golden Lotus, from now on, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Western Buddhist sect will share auspicious qi; I, the emperor, will keep my word."

Upon hearing this reply, the Great Jin Emperor also showed a pleased expression.

He appears young, but in reality he is already gilded on the outside and rotten within, exhausted, his life nearing its end; therefore he needs the Buddhist Golden Lotus to extend his life, to add another hundred years of flourishing.

Thus, he is confident, causing the Great Jin Dynasty to ascend to a brilliant pinnacle.

"Your Majesty, the only worry of this humble monk is that the Da Xia Dynasty will not agree to cross eastward."

"If the Da Xia Dynasty refuses, what then?"

The latter spoke, yet did not appear extremely delighted by the Great Jin Emperor's agreement.

"Then we go to war."

"The Xiongnu Nation is a sharp knife, and its soul‑sacrificing rite is about to be completed; once finished, stained with the blood of Da Xia's people, the Da Xia Dynasty will inevitably pay a painful price."

"However, this approach merely requires sacrificing the Xiongnu Nation's royal family."

"When war erupts, Da Yin Temple and Xiao Yuan Temple, the ascending esoteric sect can seize this chance to convert resentful souls; first, they gain Buddhist merit, second, they can feign crossing eastward. As for the Fuyu Dynasty and my Great Jin Dynasty, we only need to issue a decree."

"Execute the Xiongnu Nation's high officials to appease the people's anger, then replace them with another batch of Xiongnu nobles—simple beyond measure."

The Great Jin Emperor is extremely confident, and treats the Xiongnu royal family as tools; in his eyes, the Xiongnu royalty is like a pack of dogs he raises—use them when needed, slaughter them at will when not.

"Amitabha Buddha."

"Heaven possesses the virtue of nurturing life."

"This humble monk still hopes the Da Xia Dynasty can act for all living under heaven, and avoid war."

The old monk spoke, with a feeling of compassion for the world.

Meanwhile, the emperor of the Great Jin Dynasty had a calm gaze, but his heart was full of contempt.

If one says the Kong family acts arrogantly and uses unscrupulous means, it is merely because the Kong family has become swollen; yet the Kong family is, after all, a saintly lineage, and in many matters they remain rational—except for a few individuals, most still possess conscience.

But the Buddhist sect is different; this group truly is a great terror—they understand restraint, seek only the final outcome, and are willing to spend a hundred years.

Thus, all great dynasties fear the Buddhist sect, not because the sect is especially strong, but because its conversion ability surpasses Confucianism and Daoism by tenfold, even a hundredfold.

To enter Confucianism or Daoism, one must first be able to read, recognize characters, and be cultured.

Moreover, Confucianism and Daoism look down on each other.

The Buddhist sect is different; as long as you say you believe in Buddhism, you are a disciple; if you say you do not believe, that is merely ignorance, requiring me to convert you.

If conversion fails.

Then let the Buddha convert you; as for how to meet the Buddha, just keep it in mind.

Originally the Great Jin Dynasty could not allow the Buddhist sect to settle, but once the emperor's greed awakens, nothing is almost impossible.

For longevity.

For extending life.

As long as they are not forced to surrender the realm, they are willing.

Not long after, the old monk left.

About half a quarter hour later, a figure slowly walked into the main hall.

It was the Great Jin Dynasty's Third Prince.

"Your son respectfully bows before Father Emperor."

"May Father Emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

The Third Prince entered; his head was full of silver hair, his bearing heroic, clad in bronze armor, exuding a powerful aura.

Young and full of vigor.

"Jing'er."

"Immediately inform the Ministry of Rites to reform the rites, and have the Ministry of Punishments investigate the Great Jin Kong Family's Main Residence for any corruption or abuse of law."

"If the investigation is clear, punish them severely across the board."

The Great Jin Emperor spoke, directly ordering the investigation of the Kong Family's Main Residence.

"Father Emperor."

"Are you in such a hurry?"

"Although the Kong Family's Main Residence has lost influence, the Great Jin Kong Family's Main Residence is still loyal to our Great Jin Dynasty; directly investigating might appear somewhat cold."

"This Kong Family's Main Residence still holds certain prestige; this seems improper, doesn't it?"

The Great Jin Third Prince slightly frowned, presenting his own view, deeming the matter somewhat improper.

The Kong Family's Main Residence has just been heavily damaged; if the Great Jin Dynasty directly investigates, it will draw bad commentary, and countless scholars are watching, which would chill people's hearts, and that would not be good.

"I am not truly intending to investigate the Kong Family's Main Residence."

"Rather, to strike a warning bell for them."

"Also to seize the Kong Family's Main Residence; now the Da Xia Kong Family's Main Residence has been suppressed by saints and has lost its supreme status in the hearts of scholars worldwide."

"At present, investigating the Kong Family's Main Residence makes it fearful, causing it to obediently submit to the dynasty."

"Over the years, the Kong Family's Main Residence has enjoyed endless benefits from various dynasties, amassing unknown wealth; now, seizing this chance, we will directly take half to fund military expenses."

"Furthermore, let the Kong Family's Main Residence understand that their rise and fall rests on a single thought of mine; thus they will become completely obedient, becoming tools of my Great Jin Dynasty. If any new national policy arises, the Kong Family's Main Residence can directly persuade other scholars, who in turn persuade the populace."

"For the dynasty, this is a good thing that must be done."

The Great Jin Emperor spoke.

He expressed his thoughts.

"Do not be fooled by the Kong family's arrogance in the Da Xia Dynasty; in fact, wherever they are, the Kong family stands lofty, chiefly because scholars across the world regard them as godlike."

"Thus, whether it is the Great Jin Kong Family's Main Residence, the Fuyu Kong Family's Main Residence, or the Da Xia Kong Family's Main Residence, it is the same."

No dynastic power dares to offend the Kong Family's Main Residence.

The Kong Family's Main Residence's division of the world appears scattered, but in fact it controls the interests of every place, serving all major powers, while those powers also dare not act against the Kong family.

Offending one household is equivalent to offending scholars across the world, offending the entire Kong family.

But now it is different.

The Kong family's prestige has fallen to the lowest, the Kong family no longer possesses any sacred artifact, seventy percent of the Great Scholars have been stripped of their talent; although some foundation remains, the major dynasties are not intent on slaughtering them.

Rather, they are being handled.

"Your son understands."

Third Prince Mingwu, acting against the Kong family at this time, the Kong family, though resentful, will eventually compromise; the investigation is intimidation, the real purpose is to control the Great Jin Kong family.

Break their connections; in that case, the Kong family will not be able to unite.

After all, the Kong family poses a huge threat to imperial authority, not only to the Great Jin Dynasty; all major powers would act likewise.

Sever the Kong family's chains, making them split, which allows perfect control.

Use their remaining prestige to serve the court.

"Yes."

"Jing'er, father emperor looks favorably upon you."

"In a few more years, father emperor will truly be unable to continue."

"You must act quickly, quickly achieve merits, so that father emperor can safely pass this position to you."

"If father emperor truly cannot hold out until then, you must not blame him."

The Great Jin Emperor spoke, looking at his third son, and said thus.

"Father emperor will surely live long; please do not think otherwise."

The latter spoke, his heart filled with joy.

Seeing the delighted Third Prince, the Great Jin Emperor also showed joy in his eyes.

After the Third Prince left.

The Great Jin Emperor also rose, walked out of the main hall, and entered the imperial garden.

Soon, a figure appeared.

It was the Great Jin Second Prince.

"Your son, I bow before father emperor."

The Great Jin Second Prince wore a white jade qilin scholar robe, looking like a scholar, and bowed before the Great Jin Emperor.

"Yu'er."

"The overseas Immortal Island is about to open."

"This is the Immortal Order for island ascent."

"Upon reaching the Immortal Island, you will carefully investigate the matter of the dragon cauldron."

"If you find the legendary dragon cauldron, this throne of mine shall be yours."

"Whether your elder brother or your third younger brother obeys or not, I will push aside everything and help you sit on this position."

The Great Jin Emperor spoke, took out an Immortal Order, and handed it to the latter.

Hearing this, the Second Prince instantly rejoiced beyond expectation.

He, somewhat startled by the favor, received the Immortal Order.

"Thank you, father emperor."

"Rest assured, father emperor, your son will spare no effort to bring you the dragon cauldron."

The Second Prince said, extremely excited.

However, the Great Jin Emperor shook his head.

"It is not for me to find it, but for you yourself to find it."

"The Nine Provinces Dragon Cauldron is a dynastic imperial vessel; the Great Jin Dynasty possesses the Qingzhou Dragon Cauldron, thus can produce Great Jin dragon rice, making the Great Jin Dynasty's strong ones as numerous as clouds."

"The Da Xia Dynasty possesses the Yangzhou Dragon Cauldron, thus can forge divine weapons."

"The Central Continent Dynasty has two dragon cauldrons; the remaining five are of unknown whereabouts. I have investigated for thirty years to find a clue; if you can locate this dragon cauldron, only you can sit on this throne."

"And the Great Jin Dynasty will inevitably reach ultimate brilliance; one day, it may surpass the Central Continent Dynasty."

"Yu'er, father emperor places great expectations on you."

"This throne, father emperor will not sit on for long; perhaps in a few days he will pass away. Time waits for no one. If father emperor departs, this throne will belong to your elder brother."

"You should weigh it carefully yourself; father emperor can only help you up to this point."

The Great Jin Emperor said earnestly, his eyes full of expectation.

This made the Second Prince even more excited, wishing he could go to the overseas Immortal Island right now to bring the dragon cauldron for the Great Jin Dynasty.

"Please rest assured, father emperor; if I fail to find the dragon cauldron, I will have no face before you."

The Second Prince said, extremely excited.

"Very well."

The Great Jin Emperor nodded with satisfaction; after a while, the Second Prince left.

About half an hour later.

A eunuch approached.

"Your Majesty, the Eldest Prince has returned to the capital."

The senior eunuch approached, bowing respectfully before the Great Jin Emperor.

"Yes."

"Tell the Crown Prince that the Second Prince is on the overseas Immortal Island seeking the dragon cauldron, and the Third Prince intends to control the Kong Family's Main Residence."

"I worry for him; let him speed up, enter the King of War realm sooner. If he becomes King of War, this Great Jin throne will surely be his. I will push aside all opposition and abdicate as quickly as possible."

"There is no sixty‑year emperor in this world; I am weary, let him hurry."

The Great Jin Emperor said so.

"I obey."

The latter nodded, then left to deliver the imperial decree.

After he left, the Great Jin Emperor slowly exhaled, then showed a look of ruthlessness.

Indeed.

Is there any emperor who reigns sixty years in this world? Then I shall become one—a hundred‑year emperor.

He may be somewhat aged, yet his eyes still hold ambition.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, seven days passed.

These seven days did not cause the world to forget Confucius's descent; on the contrary, as it fermented, the common folk's discussions grew louder.

Confucius descended, punishing the scholars of the world, cutting the Confucian way with a single stroke.

It also sapped the fortunes of the people of the Eastern Wilderness.

Gu Jin Nian was further chosen by Confucius as the saint of later generations; these matters would not even fill a month.

But as the seven days fermented,

All the great dynasties also began to act.

First, the Great Jin Dynasty promptly sealed the Great Jin Kong Family's Main Residence, detaining all its members and families in the heavenly prison.

The Great Jin Ministry of Justice listed ten crimes, each to be thoroughly investigated. After this occurred, the Fuyu Dynasty also immediately rigorously inspected the Kong Family's Main Residence, checking for collusion with foreign nations; the people were also detained in the heavenly prison.

It was thought that the Da Xia Dynasty would do the same.

But unexpectedly, the Da Xia court did not act thus.

Or rather, they have not yet begun the investigation.

However, scholars across the world all learned one thing: the Kong family's great influence has vanished.

Originally, the Kong family, with a stateless philosophy, governed by branch families; regardless of dynastic rise or fall, the Kong family's status would never be affected.

But now, because of Confucius, the Kong family is on the brink of total disaster.

Many at this moment left the Kong family, fearing trouble.

The Da Xia Kong Family's Main Residence can be described as a cloud of sorrow and gloom.

Though angry inside, there is no way; they can only silently accept. Their ancestral house cannot help them; the only aid is to agree to release some who had entered the Kong family, severing ties.

There was a time when scholars took pride in joining the Kong family, but now they avoid it like snakes and scorpions.

A small fraction still wish to stay in the Kong family, sharing life and death, but beyond moving themselves, it serves no purpose.

This is a backlash.

Using benefits to control others can only last temporarily.

Using righteousness to subdue others can endure a lifetime.

This time, the Kong family has thoroughly reflected.

Moreover, for several consecutive days, the Da Xia Kong family lost several once‑renowned Great Scholars; their talents were stripped, and now, facing such blows, they each passed away.

Sorrow shrouds the Kong family.

With each incoming letter, the situation worsens, as these letters are all pleas for help.

Facing this scene, the Kong family is utterly numb and desperate.

Late at night.

Kong Zheng lit a lamp to write articles and letters, sending them to various nations, hoping the great dynasties would raise their noble hands.

The entire Da Xia Kong Family's Main Residence also tried every means, contacting all friends, rescuing each other.

It can be said.

A massive clan, after a single family banquet, collapsed instantly; though some residual power remains, that little remains only adds to the joke.

There are already many remarks speculating when the Da Xia Dynasty will act against the Da Xia Kong Family's Main Residence.

If the Da Xia Dynasty strikes again,

The Kong family would truly fall into an irrecoverable abyss.

When the letters were finished, Kong Zheng felt even more hateful.

"Descendants of the Kong family, obey the command."

"All my Kong descendants must each month witness Kong Wuya's thunder punishment and suffer! Take it as a warning!"

He was truly angry.

If it weren't for Kong Wuya, how could there be so many affairs.

How hateful.

And at this moment.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

The Six Ministers, as well as Chancellor Li Shan, gathered here, discussing state affairs.

"Your Majesty, all provisions have been sent to the northwestern frontier; Da Xia now possesses a complete foundation for war; this is the report from the Marquis of State Stabilization."

Minister of War Zhao Yiyang handed a memorial to Wei Xian, who presented it to Emperor Yongsheng.

Receiving the memorial, Emperor Yongsheng carefully read it, then nodded.

"Very good."

The grain and forage are sufficient; within a year, there will be no major problems.

Tell the Guardian Prince to guard the border, not yielding an inch, grant him all military authority; if any incident occurs, he has the power to act first and report later.

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke, even giving the Guardian Prince absolute trust; a general stationed abroad actually presents too many possibilities for the emperor.

Normally, supervision is constant, yet the Yong Sheng Emperor gives such high trust.

This suffices to show how much trust the Yong Sheng Emperor has in the Guardian Prince.

Of course, they also understand that it is mainly because of Gu Jin Nian.

With Gu Jin Nian present, the Guardian Prince will certainly not act recklessly.

"I present this memorial, Your Majesty."

"The Ministry of Rites of Great Jin and the Ministry of Rites of Fuyu bring news, willing to conduct mediation talks regarding Da Xia's border affairs, secretly intending to prompt the Xiongnu state to return the twelve cities."

Minister of Rites Yang Kai spoke.

He stated this matter.

Upon hearing this, everyone was startled.

"Return the twelve cities? This is a major matter; if we could retrieve them without bloodshed, it would be a heaven-shaking joy for both the Da Xia Dynasty and the present emperor."

However, the Yong Sheng Emperor remained calm, showing no joy.

"We can discuss this matter."

"Let's see what their purpose is."

"Returning the twelve cities certainly entails a greater plot."

"Better to be cautious."

The Yong Sheng Emperor won't accept this; how could the twelve cities be returned for nothing? If the other side dares to let them go, they must have another scheme.

"As you command."

Yang Kai nodded; he also had a sense of it.

But the Yong Sheng Emperor spoke again.

"Regarding the talks among the three states, there's no rush; the urgent matter now is how to deal with the Kong Family's Main Residence."

"The Kong family scholars have disrupted rites and music, drawing the sage's reproach; over these years I have also heard that the Kong family members act in an overbearing manner."

"How to punish them is the urgent task for the Ministry of Rites."

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke.

His tone was calm, yet the brows of the six ministers and the prime minister involuntarily twitched.

Are we finally going to act against the Kong Family's Main Residence?

They seemed to have anticipated this, yet hearing these words still startled them inwardly.

"Your Majesty."

"I believe this is inappropriate, after all the Da Xia Kong Family's Main Residence is ultimately the ancestral land; although the Great Jin and Fuyu dynasties strictly investigate the Kong family, those are only branch offices."

"The Kong family has already been rebuked by the sage; if we punish them again, it may provoke the sage's displeasure and cause the Kong family to bear a grudge, and with everyone watching, if the Da Xia Dynasty makes a big issue small and a small issue disappear."

"This also serves to pacify the hearts of scholars worldwide; for the Kong Family's Main Residence, it is also a vast imperial grace, and surely they will remember this favor."

Yang Kai spoke.

After all, he is the Minister of Rites and has some connection with the Kong family; naturally he does not wish for the Kong family to suffer another blow.

If struck again, the Kong family would truly be gone.

"Oh? Minister Yang's meaning is that the Da Xia Dynasty should still guard against the Kong family bearing a grudge?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke lightly.

In an instant, Yang Kai immediately clasped his hands and said.

"Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."

"I harbor no such intention."

"I"

Having said this, Yang Kai really did not know what to say.

"Your Majesty."

"Minister Yang harbors no such intention."

"I believe that all dynasties are targeting the Kong Family's Main Residence; although when a wall falls everyone pushes, the Da Xia Dynasty could completely reverse course, making scholars worldwide feel that our Da Xia Dynasty is ultimately a land of propriety."

"And for the Kong family, this is vast imperial grace, which they will keep in mind; at least for a hundred years, the Kong family will surely remember this firmly."

"Furthermore, the Kong family now has Kong Zheng acting as the Holy Ruler; Kong Zheng is the sage's appointed orthodox Confucian, and suppressing them would ultimately be bad."

Li Shan spoke.

To explain for Yang Kai.

As Li Shan's voice sounded.

The other ministers also echoed in agreement.

However, the Yong Sheng Emperor did not care.

But he said nothing; after a while, the Yong Sheng Emperor spoke.

"Whether to investigate the Kong family, we'll discuss later."

"However, by order of the Ministry of Rites, in the Da Xia Dynasty all academies must not have Kong family members as heads; if they are closely related, order them to resign voluntarily; if they have some connection, transfer them to other academies and demote them to instructors."

"Furthermore, the Da Xia elementary texts for scholars shall be changed to National Learning; henceforth in the Da Xia imperial examinations, the Confucian Way shall be tested in a three‑year cycle."

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke.

The strict investigation of the Kong Family's Main Residence is put on hold for now, but these matters must be done.

The Da Xia scholars' elementary texts are indeed the learning of Confucius; precisely because of this, for those ignorant young students, from the moment they first touch a book, the Kong family's seed has already taken root in their hearts.

Besides, the exam questions for Da Xia's imperial examinations must be related to Confucius; it is precisely for this reason that the Way of Confucius binds scholars.

This is also one of the foundations of the Kong Family's Main Residence.

In the past, no dynasty dared to abolish this, but now it can be abolished.

Once abolished, the blow to the Kong family would be even more terrifying, but for a dynasty it would mean genuine centralization of power.

"Your Majesty, reforming the rites and laws is absolutely out of the question."

Yang Kai spoke up, immediately disagreeing.

But when he saw the icy gaze of Emperor Yong Sheng, Yang Kai fell silent.

The other ministers, including Li Shan, also did not continue speaking.

The reason is simple.

This has little to do with them; or rather, they know Emperor Yong Sheng will not let this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity slip, so whether they speak or not won't affect the final outcome.

"First, deal with the academy."

"Next year we will change the elementary texts."

"After this examination, we will change the topics for the next session."

"I don't want to say it a second time."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, saying this is not a compromise but a gradual unfolding, after all, he himself had taught Gu Jin Nian.

Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish.

No matter what a dynasty does, it cannot take a one-size-fits-all approach; it must proceed gradually, like boiling a frog in warm water, achieving silent nourishment—only then is it truly excellent.

"I will obey your order."

Yang Kai didn't waste words; he simply agreed.

After settling this matter,

Emperor Yong Sheng continued speaking.

"Minister He Ai Qing, prepare five million taels of silver to build a marquisate residence for Gu Jin Nian; I have already chosen the site, the area of He Shuo Garden is just right for construction, and it is also close to the imperial palace."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

He wants to build a marquisate residence for Gu Jin Nian, opening with five million taels of silver, intending to give Gu Jin Nian a grand marquisate residence.

But as soon as these words were spoken, everyone was startled.

He Shuo Garden covers fourteen hundred mu—larger than a prince's residence—quite extravagant.

It does not conform to ritual propriety.

More importantly, five million taels of silver is truly extravagant.

Seeing everyone frown, Emperor Yong Sheng became annoyed.

"Gu Jin Nian has made such contributions to my Da Xia; is it really difficult to build a proper marquisate residence for him?"

He spoke, his tone slightly angry.

Before, no matter what, he would never show anger, but when it came to Gu Jin Nian's affairs, he flew into a rage.

"Your Majesty, it's not difficult.

"However, the treasury has no silver; please forgive my inadequacy."

He Yan was very straightforward.

He is not disagreeing; the problem is there is no silver.

"The treasury has no silver?"

"How could there be no silver?"

Now it was Emperor Yong Sheng's turn to frown.

"The Duke of the State, commanding five hundred thousand troops, just rewarding the three armies and the corresponding military expenses already spends two hundred million taels of silver."

"Jiangning County's flood disaster reconstruction expended thirty million taels of silver."

"Jiangling County's subsidies to the populace expended seven million taels of silver."

"The capital inspection is about to begin; all expenses, altogether, amount to one million taels of silver."

"In a month's time will be the Spring Yuan Festival, when the whole nation celebrates; the Ministry of Rites must prepare imperial articles, as well as palace rewards, plus imperial subsidies, totaling fifteen million taels of silver."

"Furthermore, ten days ago, Guangping County suffered two consecutive months of drought, allocating four million taels of silver; Jinzhou experienced continuous heavy rain, allocating 1.5 million taels."

"In the Guangnan region, military expenses for suppressing bandits reach as high as three million taels."

When silver was mentioned, He Yan launched into a long-winded discourse; in short, money is needed here, money is needed there.

Listening to this, Emperor Yong Sheng felt his head about to split.

"Speak plainly, how much silver remains in the treasury?"

Emperor Yong Sheng grew somewhat annoyed.

"Your Majesty, the surplus is less than two million taels of silver."

"However, I do have a method to resolve this."

He Yan spoke up, stating the actual amount of silver.

"Only two million taels of silver remain?"

"How is that possible?"

"Wasn't there nearly forty million taels of silver before?"

This time Emperor Yong Sheng was shocked.

"Your Majesty, military expenses alone account for more than half; all the various matters domestically, with memorials from everywhere demanding funds, this silver is simply not enough."

"If Your Majesty does not believe me, I will immediately send someone to the Ministry of Revenue to fetch the ledger."

He Yan spoke.

Not managing the household, one doesn't know the cost of firewood, rice, oil, and salt; he also has no way.

Don't look, don't look.

Seeing the bill gives me a headache.

Just tell me, what can we do?

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

Stop work on the Yongsheng Grand Ceremony.

It can save a large amount of silver.

In twenty days, tax revenues from all regions will also be submitted, and then there will be silver to fill the gap.

He Yan spoke, giving an answer.

No.

The Yongsheng Grand Ceremony cannot be stopped.

Yongsheng shook his head and directly refused.

Then I have no way.

He Yan also didn't waste words, directly lowering his head to play dead.

For a moment, the Hall of Mental Cultivation fell silent.

Forget it.

First select the site, have the Ministry of Works draw up the plans.

Wait twenty days, then resume work.

The Yongsheng Emperor could only do this.

Your Majesty is wise.

However, Your Majesty, in two months it will be the Founding Emperor's centennial, requiring sacrifices.

Moreover, this year's tax revenues from all regions are not optimistic.

Furthermore, officials' salaries and the silver needed by all departments make the national treasury likely very tight this year.

The northwest border is constantly at war; we must set aside silver for military expenses.

Your Majesty needs to consider raising taxes.

He Yan spoke lightly.

But he uttered a sentence that no emperor would want to hear.

Increase tax revenue.

Since ancient times, war has always increased tax revenue.

But for an emperor who aspires to create a prosperous age, raising taxes means making the people suffer more.

After ascending the throne, the Yongsheng Emperor once raised taxes; originally during the Founding Emperor's reign, the grain tax was only twenty percent.

He ascended the throne and increased it by three percent; if further increase is needed, at least another two percent must be added.

To the people, that is simply unbearable suffering.

Even saying that the people now are already somewhat suffering.

A thirty percent tax seems low, but this is only the dynasty's taxation; local officials will inevitably engage in extorting the people's fat and ointment.

How much exactly, no one knows.

As long as the court issues an increase in taxation, saying fifty percent, once implemented it could become sixty or even seventy percent.

This matter will certainly happen.

Thus the Yongsheng Emperor frowned.

One sentence.

The Da Xia Dynasty has no silver.

This matter, let me think again.

The Yongsheng Emperor didn't bring up this matter; let's just say this for now, since we haven't started fighting yet.

At the very least, wait until after the first three-party talks before speaking.

It's just then.

Liu Yan's voice sounded from outside.

Your Majesty, Mr. Wenjing requests an audience.

As this voice sounded.

The Yongsheng Emperor waved his hand, ordering the officials to withdraw.

Seven people bowed, then all left the hall.

Just after leaving the hall, faint sounds could still be heard.

This year, the Ministry of Justice's allocation must not be less than eight million taels of silver.

The Founding Emperor's sacrificial rites, plus the Spring Yuan Festival, require at least fourteen million taels of silver.

After saying a few less, the Ministry of Personnel needs thirty million taels of silver.

You all want so much; is it unreasonable for the Ministry of Works to ask for five million taels of silver?

Get lost; does the Ministry of Works even deserve to ask for silver?

Go, go, go, cool off elsewhere; first settle our matters before talking.

The chaotic voices sounded; truly they didn't care at all that I could hear them.

The Yongsheng Emperor felt somewhat uneasy.

Soon.

Su Wenjing walked into the main hall.

A look of joy on his face.

"Your Majesty, I have already thought of a bestowed character for Jin Nian."

"What do you think of the character Ming?"

"I hope he will have a clear heart and righteous intentions."

"Does it sound good?"

Su Wenjing, his face full of joy, walked into the main hall.

Upon hearing this.

The Yongsheng Emperor, who had already been somewhat displeased, became even more unhappy at that moment.

Bestowing a character?

You think you are worthy to grant a character to my nephew?

Do you think you deserve this cheap privilege?

"Where do you place me?" The Yongsheng Emperor's eyes were filled with displeasure.

Su Wenjing's smile on his face was somewhat stiff.

He then slightly frowned.

"Your Majesty, shall I propose another?"

Su Wenjing said slowly.

And at that moment.

Another voice sounded.

"Your Majesty, the Commander of the Suspended Lantern Department, Gu Ningya, requests an audience."

Soon, with the Yongsheng Emperor's consent.

Gu Ningya rushed over in a blaze of urgency, his face excited.

"Your Majesty."

"I have thought of a character for Jin Nian: Da Peng."

"I hope Jin Nian can be like Da Peng, spreading his wings and soaring in the future. He will then be called Gu Da Peng. What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Gu Ningya said, his face full of excitement.

Seeing Su Wenjing, he became even more thrilled.

"Mr. Su Wenjing, do you think it has meaning?"

He said proudly.

"Get lost!"

Two voices shouted in unison.

Do you think you're worthy? The same sentence floated in my mind—Thank you to Alliance Leader Daidai a bit dazed, Haoyue Yinghui, Reader20190904181055148, ThisPasserby, SnackLover123789, SparklingFlames, XingyuKehangxing, thanks to all the bosses; unfortunately I'm not a girl, otherwise I'd dance for you all, of course gender doesn't have to be that strict, it's not impossible.

Thanks again to the other reader big‑wigs for their donations!!!!! To every generous donor, many thanks!!!!

Special thanks to Silver Alliance boss KanKanLouxxx, who was #1 on QQ Reading and now #1 on Qidian, so moving!!!!!!!!! Boss, I love you!!!!!!!!!! Trojan~~~~~please give me monthly tickets!!!