Chapter 158: The ultimate yang scheme, the Tui En Order

Qilin Wang's Mansion.

As Tianmo Lao Ren appeared, Qilin Wang's face changed involuntarily.

"May I ask, Senior, what advice do you have?"

Qilin Wang's voice sounded; he was somewhat puzzled and also curious, not knowing what had happened.

"Someone asked me to come out and meet you, to settle some disputes."

Tianmo Lao Ren spoke slowly, staring at Qilin Wang.

"Settle the grudges?"

"May I ask, Senior, where have I fallen short? Have I offended you?"

Qilin Wang was somewhat doubtful.

Not understanding who invited Tianmo Lao Ren, after thinking carefully, I seem to have no grudges.

"It is Gu Jin Nian, the Da Xia Crown Prince; he has shown kindness to me."

"I promised to help him once; just now I already killed the Eminent Monk Luo Ze of Ata Temple, and incidentally came to find you."

Tianmo Lao Ren's voice was calm.

He directly said that Gu Jin Nian had sent him.

The reason is simple; mainly it's about Ata Temple, which cannot be concealed; by then everyone will know that the Eminent Monk Luo Ze died at my hand.

By then everyone will know that Tianmo Lao Ren is Gu Jin Nian's master; this will raise a question: will the heroes of the world, because of me, dare not provoke Gu Jin Nian? Tianmo Lao Ren clearly knows that this brat Gu Jin Nian is crafty; wanting him to honestly use the three jade pendants is basically impossible.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian is both the Da Xia Crown Prince and the sage of the Confucian Dao appointed by Confucius.

Normally, few dare to target Gu Jin Nian; even if someone wants to target him, generally Gu Jin Nian can resolve it himself.

Tianmo Lao Ren does not want the world to misunderstand that he is Gu Jin Nian's master.

Instead, he wants the world to know that he only helps Gu Jin Nian once; after this, he will not help again.

This makes it convenient for some people to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian, and Gu Jin Nian will then have to use the Jade Pendant Token to summon himself again.

This is his idea.

"Senior, I am the Da Xia Prince; Gu Jin Nian and I merely have minor grudges, not worth mentioning."

"In a few days, the Crown Prince's investiture ceremony will begin; I will personally apologize to him. What do you think?"

Qilin Wang spoke.

He wore a ferocious mask, yet his eyes showed calm.

Da Xia was already preparing the investiture ceremony; he also wanted to go to the capital, thinking whether this way could resolve the grudges.

"No!"

Tianmo Lao Ren shook his head, directly refusing the request.

But as his words fell, Qilin Wang's figure vanished from the spot; he fled to the desert, turning into a beam of light.

"Why struggle?"

"You cannot escape from my palm."

Tianmo Lao Ren sighed; Qilin Wang's strength is not bad, he is a strong expert of the Martial King realm, but before him he is utterly insignificant.

Letting Qilin Wang run for a day is fine; anyway he cannot escape my grasp.

However, Qilin Wang did not speak, but kept fleeing into the desert.

After a full hour.

In a certain desert.

Qilin Wang stopped running.

But the next moment, Tianmo Lao Ren appeared before him, speaking calmly.

"Why aren't you running?"

Tianmo Lao Ren asked.

"Senior, vent your anger here."

"The mansion has many people."

Qilin Wang spoke lightly.

He is very calm; Tianmo Lao Ren will not kill him, after all he is a different-surname prince of Da Xia, and Tianmo Lao Ren has no need to do so.

It's merely to beat himself up to vent anger for Gu Jin Nian.

Therefore, he came to such an uninhabited place to reduce the impact.

Hearing this, Tianmo Lao Ren fell slightly silent.

He really didn't expect that Qilin Wang would have such an idea.

Indeed, it's rather unique.

Those who can become the Da Xia Prince are indeed not ordinary people.

At this moment.

Da Xia Capital.

Gu Jin Nian recalled the Immortal King's Jade Carriage; he did not want to be too ostentatious, so he and Kong Xuan were outside the capital by a hundred li.

The two proceeded together; along the way, Gu Jin Nian pondered a matter.

That is the drowning incident.

When I drowned, the main suspects were Yang Hanrou and Zhang Yun, but later investigation revealed they had no motive.

Thus this case has a feeling of being unsolved.

With Li Lengqiu's explanation, Gu Jin Nian roughly understood the cause and effect.

In the Northwest Border, an incident of killing civilians to pose as bandits occurred; such matters will eventually be exposed, and the number of people involved is certainly not small.

Officials like Xu Jian are not few; sooner or later they will cause trouble.

Thus, to protect themselves, this group placed the trigger on 'war'.

This perfectly explains why someone would want to start a war; once they do, the Da Xia Dynasty launches a war, and then no matter what they do.

Everything must be put aside until the war ends, then dealt with one by one.

But if the war ends and the Da Xia Dynasty loses, these generals cannot move at all; moving them would be detrimental to the Da Xia Dynasty.

If they win, they will possess a death‑waiver medal, for they are meritorious officials; having just won the war, after a bit of embellishment, they become great meritorious officials, the pillar of the Da Xia Dynasty.

If we punish or implicate them together, that would be killing meritorious officials; after all, to kill civilians and brand them as bandits, you lack solid evidence, you only know part of the information.

We must not act rashly.

Considering all this, to start a war, finding oneself to take action is the best.

If I were to die.

The Gu Family will surely fly into a rage, definitely tearing apart with the civil officials; at that time they will indiscriminately target anyone—whether civil minister or military general—as long as there is suspicion, the patriarch will act.

Thus the entire Da Xia court will become extremely tense; to stabilize the court, Emperor Yongsheng must send the patriarch to the border to fight the Xiongnu State.

If the patriarch refuses, internal war will break out immediately; if he agrees, external war will break out immediately.

That is the benefit of letting oneself drown.

After figuring this out, Gu Jin Nian fully understood the whole cause and effect.

The Sheyang Marquis participated in the act of killing civilians and branding them as bandits, and he was not just a participant but one of the leaders.

Therefore, to provoke a Da Xia war, the Sheyang Marquis had his own son, namely Wu An, administer poison to himself.

However, what none of them expected was that I survived—this was an unforeseen variable for them.

What comes next, Gu Jin Nian can roughly guess—it concerns Jiangning Prefecture.

A flood breaks out, triggering internal unrest, then combined with the Xiongnu State coming for a marriage alliance; all of this aims at 'war'.

What a pity.

I have shattered all these plans one by one.

Having understood the cause and effect, Gu Jin Nian finally grasped how vast this situation is.

Indeed, in this world there is no hatred without cause, nor love without reason.

However, Gu Jin Nian intends to inform His Majesty and the patriarch, letting them handle it personally.

The officials involved are likely more than imagined, and getting involved in this struggle would not be good for me.

With my temperament, that would be a straight sweep—kill anyone I see.

Killing can solve some troubles, but not all; it would make His Majesty's position difficult and also make it hard for the patriarch to deal with.

For now, after returning to the capital and completing the investiture ceremony, I should wholeheartedly focus on developing the economy.

That is the fundament.

Of course, the first batch of people must still be killed; it's impossible to pretend ignorance, otherwise more innocent civilians would likely perish at the hands of these beasts.

Gathering my thoughts, I look up and see that we are soon to reach the capital.

On the official road.

Kong Xuan remained silent the whole time, walking alongside me.

"Brother Kong, have you ever been to the Jixia Academy?"

The two walked along the official road; perhaps out of boredom, Gu Jin Nian spoke up, asking Kong Xuan about this to find a topic.

"I have been there once."

Kong Xuan nodded and said so.

"How did it feel?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up to ask; calculating, he would need to go to the Jixia Academy after a while, so naturally he should prepare in advance.

"The Jixia Academy is the holy land of scholars under heaven; every member of the academy is a present‑day Great Scholar, and all are versed in music, chess, calligraphy and painting."

"Moreover, within the academy there are many handwritten notes of the sages, marvelous beyond words; it is the foremost holy land of Confucianism, and even the Kong Family's Main Residence cannot compare to it."

"The Kong Family even once wanted to copy an academy, but found it too difficult and thus gave up."

Kong Xuan gave the answer.

Regarding the Jixia Academy, Gu Jin Nian only had scattered bits of information, knowing only that this place is where all scholars under heaven dream of going.

Now, having heard Kong Xuan's words, Gu Jin Nian has a clear idea.

Around the Jixia Academy it is still academic contention; the Kong Family's Main Residence's greatest advantage is Confucius.

This is the Kong Family's Main Residence's golden signboard; the two paths are completely different—one is a sage clan, the other is the academy. Scholars under heaven naturally wish to make a pilgrimage to the Kong Family; if one could become a branch of the Kong Family, that would be best, allowing one to draw on the Kong Family's influence to help oneself.

However, the Jixia Academy is the purest place for scholars; here they raise their doubts, and someone will provide clarification.

Or they may publish their own academic essays, thereby forming their own school.

It amounts to a proving ground.

All scholars, after becoming Great Scholars or having gained Confucian insights, if they wish to gain others' recognition, must go to the Jixia Academy.

It is not that the Jixia Academy's endorsement makes the essay recognized by all under heaven; rather, the Jixia Academy is a grand stage, the stage of scholars.

The place that all scholars under heaven pay attention to; every move they make is watched by all scholars under heaven.

This is far better than remaining obscure and publishing an article in a village.

Even if the article is excellent, it still has little impact.

"Brother Jin Nian, I, your humble younger brother, greatly look forward to your overturning the literary world on this trip to the Jixia Academy."

Kong Xuan spoke, his eyes full of anticipation.

"Forget about overturning the literary world."

"My first visit to the Jixia Academy—just look around and learn a bit."

Gu Jin Nian does not indulge in such pleasant dreams.

The Jixia Academy is not a poetry gathering where reciting a couple of verses suffices.

Once your doctrine is spoken aloud.

It must then be explained clearly, at least enough to make the logic coherent, and a crowd will come to question you, essentially picking at your flaws.

Not the polite kind of critique, but a vicious, underhanded picking that proves what you say is worthless.

Indeed, it is meant to strike you down.

Moreover, you must never get angry, or rather you may be angry, but you cannot forbid others from picking at you.

After all, in the eyes of the world, a New Learning must be tempered; if it cannot withstand blows, the doctrine itself is flawed.

This is why new scholarship rarely emerges; when you conceive a few good ideas and voice them, you immediately face all sorts of attacks.

And each year you go, the outcome is one of two.

Either you eventually discover your doctrine truly has problems and give up.

Or you eventually complete your doctrine, gain universal recognition and fame, but then the question arises: how many will follow you?

There will certainly be some; numbers decide everything.

You toil and bleed, endure countless hardships, gain approval, yet cannot spread it—this is the most tragic fate.

Precisely for these reasons, New Learning seldom appears; most scholars still follow the path of the four saints.

When ready-made doctrine lies before you, those who come to learn your new teaching—if they succeed it's fine, if not it wastes a lifetime; no one dares to gamble their future.

"Brother Jin Nian."

"You are too modest; one who can speak of establishing the heart of heaven and earth cannot lack New Learning."

"But for the first trip, it is indeed best to study diligently, after all you are still young, Brother, and have plenty of time."

Kong Xuan is a typical little fan of Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing.

So it was.

The two arrived at Da Xia Capital.

"Brother Kong, I, the humble brother, will go to the imperial palace; if there is any matter, you may find me at the academy."

Arriving at the capital.

Gu Jin Nian bid Kong Xuan farewell.

"Very well, Brother, if you go to Jixia Academy, remember to take me along; I indeed need to go to Da Xia Academy during this period to discuss matters with Mr. Wen Jing."

"Very well."

"Brother Kong, the affairs of the Kong family, I will report to the emperor in the palace; rest assured."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Regarding Kong Xuan, Gu Jin Nian felt favorable; after all, he is sensible, and the feud with the Kong family has largely settled.

Both he and the Kong family have suffered losses.

Reconciliation is naturally best.

Of course, the main reason is that Gu Jin Nian does not wish to waste time on the Kong family.

"Thank you, Brother Jin Nian."

"Then I, the humble younger brother, will take my leave first."

Kong Xuan was overjoyed, bowed once toward Gu Jin Nian, and after speaking left the place.

As Kong Xuan departed, Gu Jin Nian headed straight for the imperial palace.

Within Da Xia Capital.

Gu Jin Nian returned very low‑key, without fanfare, and went straight to the imperial palace.

Upon arriving at the palace, the guards outside were all astonished.

"We have seen the Crown Prince."

The guards shouted in unison, but someone immediately spoke up.

"Stop calling him Crown Prince; call him Lord."

The crowd still didn't react; they were accustomed to calling him Crown Prince and couldn't change the address right away.

"No need for formalities."

Gu Jin Nian nodded at the crowd, his expression gentle, and walked directly toward the palace.

Under the heavens, only Gu Jin Nian can enter the palace so freely.

Gu Jin Nian's foot entered the palace first.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Emperor Yong Sheng then learned the news.

"Has Jin Nian entered the palace?"

Upon learning Gu Jin Nian had entered, Emperor Yong Sheng appeared very pleased.

"Your Majesty, the Lord has already entered the palace; he will arrive within half a moment."

Wei Xian replied with a smile.

"Very well."

Emperor Yong Sheng beamed; Gu Jin Nian's journey took quite a while, but fortunately he did not miss the Shangyuan Festival.

The entire Ministry of Rites was also rushing; the Shangyuan Festival's investiture ceremony should pose no problem.

After a short while.

A voice sounded from outside.

"I, Gu Jin Nian, bow before His Majesty, wishing my emperor ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten ten thousand years."

Outside the Yangxin Hall.

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

"Enter."

Emperor Yongsheng did not pretend; he rose immediately, greeting with a smiling face.

As Gu Jin Nian appeared, Emperor Yongsheng's voice involuntarily rang out.

"Jin Nian."

"Why didn't you give a greeting when you returned? I have already prepared to welcome you personally; why did you come so low‑key?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

"Your Majesty, I have urgent matters to report, so be swift."

Entering the main hall, Gu Jin Nian did not smile; his face was serious as he informed Emperor Yongsheng of certain matters.

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng instantly understood that Gu Jin Nian likely had important business.

At once, he gave a glance, and Wei Xian and the other person immediately withdrew from the hall, directing their gaze toward Gu Jin Nian.

"Speak, what happened?"

"Is it a matter concerning the Buddhist sect?"

Emperor Yongsheng asked directly, still thinking it might be a Buddhist matter, since Gu Jin Nian had dispatched three hundred thousand troops to Ata Temple, though later he recalled the army.

But there must be some problem.

"The Buddhist sect has no major issues."

"Your Majesty, I have already executed Li Lengqiu and obtained some information."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, answering thus.

"You killed Li Lengqiu?"

"That's impossible."

"Luo Ze, the high monk, is a peerless master of the Buddhist sect; how could you possibly execute Luo Ze?"

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng's face was full of astonishment, finding it hard to believe.

"Your Majesty."

"A peerless strongman of the Demon sect sought to take me as a disciple, so he gave me three jade pendants; crushing any one allows him to strike once."

Gu Jin Nian did not elaborate, but upon reaching this point, his own uncle also understood.

Sure enough, hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng instantly had an epiphany.

However, his brows knit tightly, inexplicably feeling some pressure.

"If he is to be killed, then he shall be killed; such a person deserves death. I know what he did wrong; even if he falls into my hands, I will not spare him, only perhaps change the method."

Regarding Gu Jin Nian's actions, Emperor Yongsheng felt nothing; if he is to be killed, he will be killed—what else can be done? After all, he is his own nephew, and since Li Lengqiu is already dead while Gu Jin Nian lives, even if Emperor Yongsheng does not wish Li Lengqiu to die, he would not offend Gu Jin Nian.

Of course, his words also concealed other meaning; the latter half is the key point.

Gu Jin Nian discerned this and thus spoke.

"Your Majesty, Li Lengqiu not only killed the villagers of Ruins Village, but also was involved in killing civilians to become bandits."

"Before Li Lengqiu died, he informed me that Marquis Sheyang was the principal culprit. As for the White Heron Residence affair, it involves the Buddhist sect and the Xiongnu Nation. Though I do not know what conspiracy lies within the White Heron Residence, I ask Your Majesty to investigate thoroughly," Gu Jin Nian said, conveying this crucial information to Emperor Yongsheng.

"Killing civilians to become bandits, and Marquis Sheyang is the main culprit?"

This time Emperor Yongsheng could no longer remain calm; Li Lengqiu's killing of civilians to become bandits, he does not care—not that he truly cares nothing for the common people, but that Li Lengqiu, a decadent scion, recklessly slaughters innocents as normal, and after killing, he conveniently uses the bodies to offset silver.

One can only say Li Lengqiu is audacious to the extreme.

Now he gets the punishment he deserves.

But if this matter involves a marquis of Da Xia, it is no small affair.

If a marquis also gets involved, it means more than just him; many forces are implicated, meaning the death toll could be not merely hundreds of civilians but possibly thousands, maybe even more.

"Marquis Sheyang?"

Emperor Yongsheng repeatedly chewed over the name, pondering something in his mind.

After a while.

A sharp glint flashed in Emperor Yongsheng's eyes, as if he had just thought of something, and his gaze fell upon Gu Jin Nian.

Obviously, Emperor Yongsheng's speculation matched Gu Jin Nian's, having guessed who was causing trouble in the court.

"Damn it."

"Truly, an enormous audacity."

A moment later, Emperor Yongsheng thought more carefully; he possessed more information than Gu Jin Nian, so the cause and effect instantly unfolded before him, and he also inferred many other matters.

Inside the Yangxin Hall.

Gu Jin Nian appeared very calm.

After Emperor Yongsheng finished his speculation, Gu Jin Nian finally spoke.

"Your Majesty."

"Now the Northwestern Frontier suffers; since the battle at Luolong Plain, the Xiongnu Nation cannot threaten our Da Xia Dynasty within a short time. Your Majesty may act, investigate this matter thoroughly, and also secure the Northwest Two Frontiers."

Gu Jin Nian's voice carried a slight allure.

Indeed.

Now the external threats to the Da Xia Dynasty have been resolved by Gu Jin Nian.

Now only one problem remains: internal troubles.

The livelihood of the people can be set aside for now; power struggles are the core. To make the dynasty flourish, centralization must be achieved. Once supreme power is in hand, it is a great boon for the whole nation.

Under the imperial decree, who dares disobey? And what is the greatest internal worry? Isn't it the issue of the Northwest Two Frontiers, where Prince Ning and Prince Qilin eye each other warily? Prince Qilin is somewhat better; he is close to Prince Ning but shows no sign of rebellion.

Ning Wang's intentions are known to every passerby.

But Ning Wang is, after all, the most prominent follower of the Dragon, and his own foundation is strong; if we truly have to clash with Ning Wang, honestly the internal affairs would inevitably become a mess.

Internal chaos itself isn't the real fear; the fear is that when internal strife occurs, external troubles will arise.

Therefore, the Da Xia Dynasty's policy toward Ning Wang is very simple.

Boil.

Slowly boil Ning Wang to death.

Rebellion isn't something one can just decide to do; after all, timing, geography, and popular support are all indispensable—missing any one leads to failure.

Unless Ning Wang is indifferent to whether I become emperor, merely wanting to disgust you, Yong Sheng, otherwise, for Ning Wang to rebel he must conserve his strength, mobilize public opinion, and seize the right moment to strike.

Otherwise, don't even think about it.

Therefore, killing Li Lengqiu is not a good thing.

It gives Ning Wang a chance to rebel.

Now this "killing the people to become a bandit" is truly a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years opportunity; if we seize it, present all the evidence publicly, Ning Wang will inevitably lose the people's support.

Once the charges are proven, even if Ning Wang wants to rebel, it will be difficult.

Thus, for Emperor Yong Sheng, remaining unmoved is impossible.

Nevertheless, Emperor Yong Sheng let out a sigh.

"Jin Nian, the affairs in the northwest are not as simple as imagined."

"Even if I investigate thoroughly and find this matter linked to Ning Wang, what then? It would only force him to rebel outright."

"He could publicly claim that I wanted to kill him, so he just found an excuse."

When Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, he was very tempted, but he understood even more that at Ning Wang's level, indicting him or not has no effect.

Whether the common folk believe it is one issue; whether evidence can be found is another.

Those who have never rebelled may not understand, but for those who have, Emperor Yong Sheng is very clear.

As long as public opinion isn't unanimous, rebellion is possible.

A one‑sided consensus is truly terrifying; exploiting people's sympathy is enough.

After all, rebellion, to put it bluntly, is something the common folk do not wish to happen, but once it occurs, what power do they have to stop it?

All they can hope for is a swift end to the fighting; whoever wins, they just want peace.

Precisely because of this, the court deliberated and finally decided on endurance.

Boil Ning Wang to death.

"I understand."

"However, as long as Your Majesty investigates this matter thoroughly, I have a way to completely resolve the feudal princes' rebellion."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, his eyes filled with certainty.

"Completely resolve the feudal princes' rebellion?"

"Jin Nian? What are you talking about?"

"This isn't idle chatter."

This time, Emperor Yong Sheng could no longer sit still.

I had thought Gu Jin Nian was angry because of the Ning Wang affair, but I didn't expect him to claim he could completely resolve the feudal princes' rebellion. The feudal princes' rebellion is the Da Xia Dynasty's biggest trouble; if it can be solved, future generations could follow suit—what a tremendous boon.

Emperor Yong Sheng stared at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes widening.

"Your Majesty."

"I have a plan, called the 'Push‑Kindness Decree.'"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He voiced his idea.

The feudal princes' rebellion is nothing more than the concentration of power in fiefdoms, becoming local emperors, akin to the vassal states.

The founding emperor of Da Xia at that time partitioned lands for descendants to guard, simply expecting his own people to manage their own affairs.

Having selfish motives is reasonable.

But the mistake lies within one's own people.

From the Confucian and Daoist perspective, as long as the emperor is not an outsider, whether the elder son or younger son ascends, encountering loyal ministers who would rather die than surrender, most officials or scholars could not possibly possess such resolve; even Gu Jin Nian might not have it.

As for the founding emperor, he surely considered the trouble of the feudal princes, but he was also human; ultimately, even if the undesirable scenario unfolded, the dynasty still belonged to the Li family.

Since it's the Li family, what can be said? Even if we step back, the fact that one's own people can rebel shows the emperor is ineffective; better that the riches don't flow to outsiders.

Gu Jin Nian has every reason to believe that the founding emperor held this view back then.

Of course, many restrictions were set, such as feudal princes not being allowed to enter the capital at will; entering the capital would be a capital crime of treason.

But these measures are useless; before true rebels, textual loopholes can always be found.

Only the Push‑Kindness Decree is different.

The Push‑Kindness Decree can effectively resolve the feudal princes' rebellion.

"Push‑Kindness Decree?"

"Please explain in detail quickly."

Emperor Yong Sheng listened attentively, his eyes on Gu Jin Nian, eager for the details of the Push‑Kindness Decree.

"Your Majesty."

"The plan is extremely simple."

"All that is required is for Your Majesty to issue an edict, from now on abolishing the senior‑junior distinction among feudal princes: the eldest son inherits fifty percent of the estate, including titles, while the younger son inherits the remaining fifty percent and may also be granted a title."

"Support the younger and illegitimate sons, recognize each other; within twenty years, there will be no sovereign king with sole authority within Da Xia."

"However, to completely quell the feudal princes' rebellion, Your Majesty must do three things."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, revealing the contents of the Push Benevolence Decree.

The Push Benevolence Decree is the ancient first Yang scheme; its content is very simple, and anyone with a bit of brain knows where the scheme's malice lies.

In feudal society, inheritance usually passes to the elder, not the young; after Prince Ning's death, his son, Li Lengqiu, inherits the princely title, and all troops are under Li Lengqiu's control.

As for Li Lengxin, he gets nothing; at least the court will not grant any additional titles, but because of good family ties, Li Lengqiu will give some rewards, equivalent to a small portion of the family estate to the other party.

This is still considered a harmonious family.

If the family is not harmonious, basically they either keep you alive or let you handle some business, and that's about it.

Letting you enjoy wealth and honor in this life is already quite generous to you.

When encountering ruthless rivals, half‑siblings from the same father, the ones to be killed are killed, the ones to be imprisoned are imprisoned, the ones to be married off are married off—no hesitation at all.

You have no authority to speak.

Naturally, aside from the eldest son, the other aristocratic descendants are all dissatisfied, but what can dissatisfaction do? They can only bow their heads and play dead.

Yet if the court issues an imperial edict, the feudal princes have no say.

Apart from Prince Ning, other feudal lords typically have a dozen sons; some powerful princes may have a hundred descendants without surprise.

The imperial edict backs them; once the old man dies, they can legitimately fight for the inheritance.

Their mothers will also do everything to seize the estate; if you refuse, they'll go to the capital to lodge a complaint.

The court will come to deal with you.

What? You eldest sons are not satisfied? Unite to rebel?

No problem—what's the cost of rebellion? Are your soldiers willing to bring their whole families to rebel with you? If you succeed, fine; if you fail, your entire family will be wiped out.

At this moment, the Second Son, Third Son, Fourth Son, Second Madam, Third Madam, and Fourth Madam all step forward and say a word to the already wavering soldiers.

Why must you rebel? How about this: you capture the Eldest Son, we partner up, and let you rise? Upon hearing this, how many can stand firm? Even if this subordinate is loyal, fine—go directly to the Deputy General.

Brother, want to become official? It's just a single sentence.

Everything is about profit; bluntly put, if the Emperor doesn't give benefits to the lower ranks, rebellion will still occur.

If the ministers have no power and the Emperor monopolizes authority, handling everything personally, tolerating not a grain of sand, working seriously for three years, in an ordinary world one would either die violently or drown.

In this world, the outcome wouldn't be much different.

Honestly ask yourself, among all the aristocratic classes of the Da Xia Dynasty, how many have not enjoyed aristocratic privileges?

If you lift everyone's foundations, how many shoes are not muddy? The Gu Family can't be spotless, and saintly families can't either.

This is heavenly principle.

Emperor Yong Sheng instantly understood what the Push Benevolence Decree implied.

It would make these nobles fight each other, even father against son, wife against concubine.

These princes and marquises appear first‑class to outsiders, lofty and supreme, but within the family they're just people; a concubine whispers pillow‑talk, and people go numb.

Moreover, while the eldest son is certainly important, the other sons are still sons; some eldest sons may even be inferior to other sons.

This is a strategy of attacking the heart.

This is a Yang scheme.

An unsolvable Yang scheme.

Emperor Yong Sheng found it hard to control his excitement; he could already imagine the expressions of the various princes if the plan were carried out.

However, Emperor Yong Sheng was curious about the three things Gu Jin Nian mentioned.

"Speak."

"I listen, Your Majesty."

Emperor Yong Sheng restrained his inner excitement and asked about Gu Jin Nian's words.

"Your Majesty."

"Whether the Push Benevolence Decree can truly be implemented depends entirely on when Your Majesty issues the imperial edict."

"But implementation and effectiveness are the most important."

"Once the edict is transmitted, it may provoke resentment among the feudal princes; this could become an opportunity for them to criticize, forcing the court either to abolish it or to rebel. This point Your Majesty must consider clearly."

Gu Jin Nian stated one of them.

"This I understand."

"This Push Benevolence Decree can pacify the rebel princes, but it may also trigger a rebellion among them."

"Therefore, before the Push Benevolence Decree, I must kill the chicken to warn the monkey."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, understanding Gu Jin Nian's meaning.

This edict, anyone with eyes knows what it is, will inevitably stir rebellious thoughts in the feudal princes and may be twisted by schemers.

After all, today is the Push Benevolence Decree; tomorrow may well be the Decree to Reduce Feudal Powers.

"I have thought of it."

"Kill civilians to fuel bandits, strike the north‑west frontier, publicize this matter to the world, leave room at the critical moment, do not oppress too tightly, then bring out the Push Benevolence Decree again."

Emperor Yong Sheng only needed a brief thought to grasp the key point.

Once the Push Benevolence Decree is released, it will inevitably spark disputes among the feudal princes.

But before releasing it, amplify the story of killing civilians for bandits, execute all main culprits, avenge the people, and point the spear at the various feudal princes.

Whether they participated or not, make everyone feel insecure.

At the critical moment, step back, then bring out the Push Benevolence Decree again; though still displeased, compared with continuing the turmoil, the princes will choose to accept.

After all, public opinion among the people will be considerable at that time.

No one dares to oppose the people, not even Prince Ning.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Gu Jin Nian offered a courteous compliment.

Anyone fit to be emperor, if they lack even this bit of intelligence, can definitely be replaced.

"Second, if the Order of Extended Grace is issued, the court must constantly monitor; those nobles who have already divided their estates must re-divide, and those about to divide must intervene in the division."

"Doing this can effectively let a group of people gain advantages, after which the court will covertly support them, granting titles and lands, symbolically giving them some ceremonial robes and jade carriages."

"This way, more people will envy them, and then they can leisurely sit and fish at the Fishing Terrace."

Gu Jin Nian stated the second point.

This point is crucial.

Once the matter is settled, we will definitely let these nobles have fun, have fun everywhere; the court will give them money to spend, also give them fiefdoms, plus specially made robes, jade pendants, and tokens.

Nobles just like to show off with these things, right? If we toss a few back and forth, can the second and third sons of other princely and ducal mansions withstand it? They absolutely cannot.

By then, the Da Xia Dynasty won't need to do anything; they can just peacefully watch the various vassal princes' households argue, however they argue, best if they argue irreconcilably.

As long as no violence is used, the court will absolutely not intervene; after you finish arguing, the court will handle the enfeoffment fairly and justly.

The fiercer the fighting, the harder this noble faction collapses; several brothers and sisters will end up estranged till death.

But the court is not afraid of them being disobedient.

Because they all want to keep holding power; a single Prince Ning need not fear the court, but if Prince Ning's force is split into ten factions, they would not dare to act against the court, only able to honestly work.

Whoever dares to rebel, the court need only say: whoever kills him gets his fiefdom, guaranteeing no bloodshed, and can quell all regional turmoil.

This is human nature.

The Order of Extended Grace targets human nature.

The greatest Yang stratagem of all ages.

Emperor Yongsheng grew more excited and thrilled the more he listened.

"Jin Nian."

"What about the third point?"

Emperor Yongsheng inquired.

"Your Majesty, this third point is even more important."

"Kill Prince Ning."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng fell silent.

"Kill the king?" "What does that mean?"

Emperor Yongsheng somewhat didn't understand; in theory, having come this far with the Order of Extended Grace is already sufficient, so why kill Prince Ning?

If the Order of Extended Grace is implemented.

Prince Ning's rebellion plan would be at least halved, because by then few vassal princes would respond to Prince Ning.

It's not that they dare not, but that their descendants are unwilling.

Before, aside from the eldest son, others had no power nor a good life, so families would rebel, willing to give it a try; if successful, they could seize power.

Now, without doing anything, one can share the throne, well-fed and idle—why rebel?

Thus, no one will support Prince Ning.

Why still kill Prince Ning?

"Your Majesty."

"Only by killing Prince Ning can the Order of Extended Grace be truly carried out."

"Otherwise, it will ultimately be just an imperial edict."

"Only an Order of Extended Grace stained with royal blood can awe the vassal princes everywhere."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Having said that, he fell silent, merely bowing to Emperor Yongsheng.

Order of Extended Grace.

The reason it can be called the greatest Yang stratagem of all ages is not because the scheme is flawless.

But because the scheme exploits human nature.

However, the most crucial problem is that the emperor must possess absolute power, so that all feudal lords and vassal princes fear this emperor.

Only before absolute power can the Order of Extended Grace manifest its divine effect.

After killing Prince Ning, all vassal princes under heaven will only be able to accept honestly and sincerely.

After three generations, the vassal princes' rebellions will be completely resolved.

But if Prince Ning is not killed.

It will ultimately still be just an imperial edict.

If one truly intends to rebel, they could simply, before rebelling, kill all direct-line relatives except the heir apparent; having made up their mind, what is there to fear? Prince Ning is bound to die.

Da Xia is at the time when it needs to establish imperial authority.

Emperor Yongsheng has remained silent for thirteen years.

Indeed, it is time to draw the sword once.

Inside the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

Emperor Yongsheng appeared utterly tranquil.

He understood Gu Jin Nian's meaning.

After a moment.

Emperor Yongsheng's voice also sounded.

"This matter."

"I understand."

Jin Nian.

Your scheme truly is the first yang plot of all ages!

The Yong Sheng Emperor's heart seemed to have made a decision.

But he did not answer Gu Jin Nian, instead praising Gu Jin Nian's scheme.

The thoughts of an emperor are hard to guess.

Gu Jin Nian did not know how his old uncle had decided.

But he knew that, even if he did not kill Prince Ning, for the sake of this Order of Grace, his old uncle would certainly not let Prince Ning off.

(End of chapter)