Chapter 98: The endless river of history, all emperors past and present shine upon it; dragon spirits are transformed to guard the l

In the imperial palace.

The Yongsheng Emperor stared straight at Gu Jin Nian.

He was very puzzled.

He was also very curious.

Neither the court officials nor the emperor himself knew why Gu Jin Nian knew that the Xiongnu State had come this time for a marriage alliance in order to steal the nation's fortune.

Where is the evidence? Facing his maternal uncle, the emperor of Da Xia, Gu Jin Nian appeared quite calm.

"Uncle."

"My nephew has Heaven's Mandate within him; upon the Xiongnu State's arrival this time, my nephew sensed something, leading him to conclude that the Xiongnu State came this time to steal the nation's fortune."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this was an excuse he had prepared long ago.

But as soon as his words fell,

The Yongsheng Emperor's gaze was utterly calm, staring fixedly at Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian, do you think I would believe you?"

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke calmly, looking at him and saying:

As soon as these words were spoken, the latter fell silent instantly.

With such a reasonable explanation, you still don't believe it?

"Jin Nian, speak frankly; I won't blame you."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, urging Gu Jin Nian to tell the truth.

"I have an ancient tree inside me; as long as it absorbs gold and jade, it can reveal everything under heaven."

"Uncle, do you believe this?"

Gu Jin Nian inquired.

The Yongsheng Emperor: "."

It was obvious the Yongsheng Emperor did not believe this; compared to that, he would rather believe the former.

As for Gu Jin Nian, this was his anguish—speaking the truth, yet no one believes him.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian remain silent, the Yongsheng Emperor did not continue pressing, but changed his approach.

"Jin Nian, I ask you, regarding this Xiongnu State plot, how certain are you that it's true?"

The Yongsheng Emperor did not press further.

Gu Jin Nian did not speak up; perhaps he had his own thoughts, he could be indifferent to this, but what he now cares most about is this question.

If it were merely a simple guess, that would be nothing; but if Gu Jin Nian had full confidence, then he would have assurance in his heart.

"Completely certain."

Gu Jin Nian gave an affirmative answer; the ancient tree never errs, so he believes it is completely certain.

"Completely certain."

Upon receiving the answer, the Yongsheng Emperor's expression turned somewhat strange.

He believed Gu Jin Nian's words.

But after a moment, the Yongsheng Emperor sighed, his expression showing a hint of sorrow.

"Even so, Jin Nian, you shouldn't have spoken up."

"If the Xiongnu State dares to steal Da Xia's fortune, it means this matter is not as simple as it appears on the surface."

"This involves too much—the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and even other forces are mixed in."

"You have seen through their plot; you should have informed me at once instead of bearing it alone. Now the Xiongnu State hates you to the bone, and the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty likely also bear you a grudge."

"This is not good for your future."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke, knowing in his heart that Gu Jin Nian did this for himself.

But doing so would make him a target; these people dare not move against the emperor, yet they would dare to act against Gu Jin Nian.

Moreover, if this matter is true, then it means there is a traitor in the court.

The post is not a minor one.

These people already hate Gu Jin Nian to death, will target him everywhere; this is also not a good thing.

That is absolutely true.

The other side hides so deeply that catching them is hard; given time, once I am gone, it will be easy for them to target Gu Jin Nian.

Even if I am still here, does that mean others cannot impeach Gu Jin Nian over this matter? Would Gu Jin Nian not make a mistake?

Making too many enemies is not a good thing, although he knows why Gu Jin Nian has made enemies.

"Uncle, this matter must not be left unsaid."

"My nephew intends to cut off all thoughts of treachery."

"If my nephew were aware, he would inform his uncle at once; given the uncle's character, he would surely choose to act covertly."

"But this matter, after all, involves the nation's fortune; if one chooses to act covertly, one can indeed follow the vine to melon and capture the traitor."

"But a mere insider will eventually show his tail; if today we do not expose him, the Xiongnu State will devise other ways to steal the nation's fortune."

"By then, defenses will be overwhelmed; he could err a thousand times, but my Da Xia cannot afford even a single mistake—clearly we would suffer a loss."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He had his own thoughts.

Faced with this matter, the Yongsheng Emperor would certainly choose to investigate covertly, use other methods to block the marriage alliance, and then follow the vine to melon in hopes of uncovering who the traitor is.

This idea is certainly good.

But the problem arises: how could one dig out someone who can hide so deep in the Da Xia Dynasty? How much time would be needed? Even if you, the Yongsheng Emperor, are first in scheming, perhaps half a year is needed; but if during that half-year you refuse the marriage alliance, they will use other means to steal the nation's fortune.

When defenses are overwhelmed, if Da Xia makes a single mistake, the result will be the theft of the nation's fortune—is it necessary? What is a mere insider?

As long as you know, that's enough; sooner or later we can pin them down.

Anyway it's just among this group; if it really doesn't work, before the throne changes we can just reshuffle everyone, right?

But seizing the nation's destiny is no small matter; even if all civil and military officials are killed, it won't help, and it would become a laughingstock to the world.

Gu Jin Nian said.

It is indeed very reasonable, and Emperor Yongsheng also approves this reasoning; it's just that they have thoughts at their level, while Gu Jin Nian has his own, and either approach works.

As long as the result is good, there's no problem.

"If this happens again, you must tell me."

"You haven't entered the court yet; there are many things you don't know."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, acknowledging Gu Jin Nian's remarks, but he still had to remind him: after all, he is the elder and the emperor of Da Xia, and any matter can be discussed with him.

"Uncle, rest assured; if this happens again, your nephew will notify you promptly."

Gu Jin Nian smiled.

Emperor Yongsheng exhaled, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Jin Nian, you're about to be ennobled as a marquis; how do you feel?"

Emperor Yongsheng opened his mouth, asking about other matters.

"Fine."

"Anyway, I'll inherit my father's marquisate sooner or later; it's just an early promotion."

Gu Jin Nian remained calm; he is already a noble, and being made a marquis now is merely a way to prove his capability to the world.

He felt nothing particularly significant in other respects.

"An early promotion?"

"Don't let that comment get out; beware of being plotted against."

Emperor Yongsheng said irritably, explaining that to others, being made a marquis is a massive event, a chance to bring glory to the family, and they'd wish to hold banquets for ten days and ten nights.

To Gu Jin Nian, it's just an early promotion; if it spreads, those civil and military officials would tear Gu Jin Nian's skin.

"By the way."

"Jin Nian, answer me properly."

"If Da Xia were to fight the Xiongnu, what chance of victory would we have?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian this question as a test.

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian answered almost without thinking.

"When the Da Xia army marches out, we have a ten‑point certainty."

Gu Jin Nian said earnestly.

He was praising the Da Xia Dynasty.

"Be more serious."

Emperor Yongsheng gave Gu Jin Nian a glance, urging him to be truly serious.

With that, Gu Jin Nian became a bit more sincere.

"Uncle, it's not that the nephew is being careless; for such a huge matter, you let me speak? If I speak poorly, it could affect morale; if I speak well, you still won't trust it."

This really isn't Gu Jin Nian being slick; for such a massive issue, are the Six Ministries' secretaries just eating dry rice? Is the prime minister just eating dry rice?

To put it bluntly, for something this big, it's better I stay silent; whether we can win depends on circumstances, and if my words sway Emperor Yongsheng's judgment, that would be a loss. "Your opinion, I only hear it, I won't care much."

"Consider this a test from me, to see whether you truly have learning. Speak quickly."

For some reason, Emperor Yongsheng felt that his nephew's belly was full of knowledge, but he kept it hidden.

Speaking of Gu Jin Nian's steadiness, in politics he's truly honest and overly cautious, lacking any martial family flair, just like those civil officials, all shadowy.

But if you call Gu Jin Nian impulsive, he is indeed impulsive; he seeks justice for the people, the Da Xia Poetry Society, and this marriage alliance—everyone stays out, yet Gu Jin Nian insists on stepping forward, albeit on a righteous cause.

If it were in other respects, the controversy would be huge, which wouldn't be good.

Hearing his uncle's question, Gu Jin Nian pondered for a moment.

Then he slowly began to speak.

"If it's merely a skirmish, Da Xia has a ninety‑percent chance of beating the Xiongnu."

"After all, to a point, Da Xia has countless soldiers and, with the Longmen Cannon, the problem is minor."

That was Gu Jin Nian's assessment.

If it's just to a point, the Da Xia Dynasty's victory probability is high; the Fuyu Dynasty and Great Jin Dynasty wouldn't intervene, and a big nation must act with a big nation's demeanor.

It couldn't possibly involve so many things; the Da Xia Dynasty would say nothing, send people over, and not fight just to vent—would the people and soldiers obey?

Dynasties may sabotage each other, but when fundamental issues arise, they accommodate each other as long as my interests aren't involved.

Gu Jin Nian's answer wasn't a big problem.

Yet Emperor Yongsheng continued to ask.

"If I were to retake the Twelve Cities?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian, and asked thus.

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

To a point, Da Xia can definitely win; retaking the Twelve Cities is troublesome, not ordinary trouble but extremely troublesome.

"Sixty percent."

"The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will inevitably intervene; normally it's forty percent, but now Da Xia's morale is high, the people support us, and if it comes to a full‑blown clash, we have a sixty‑percent chance of winning."

"But uncle, there are many things the nephew doesn't know, especially regarding Da Xia's military, so if I err, don't blame me."

That was Gu Jin Nian's judgment; sixty percent is already the ceiling, given Da Xia's strong army, no internal strife, and popular support, sixty percent is feasible.

But there are many matters Gu Jin Nian hasn't taken part in, nor knows about; how it truly stands, Gu Jin Nian really doesn't know.

After receiving this answer, the Yong Sheng Emperor smiled slightly, appearing somewhat inscrutable.

"What if I were to trample the royal court with my horses?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor continued to ask.

As soon as he said that, Gu Jin Nian immediately fell silent.

"You're getting more and more outrageous."

"The first two were fine, but trampling the royal court? What are you thinking?"

In ancient militarized warfare, to destroy a country, what price must be paid? It almost requires mobilizing the entire army, and also ensuring no other country harasses you, and that your state's treasury is full, with money and grain, enough to fight a ten-year war.

Otherwise, given the current situation of the Da Xia Dynasty, launching a full-scale attack to crush the Xiongnu would be no problem, but when the Yong Sheng Emperor returns home, he will shockingly discover that his own home is gone.

It's that simple.

The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty would never agree to let the Da Xia Dynasty crush the Xiongnu, even to the death.

Moreover, around the Xiongnu state there are over a hundred tribes of various sizes; the smaller ones may have a few thousand people, the larger ones tens of thousands, and they all follow the concept of everyone being a soldier.

Want to destroy the Xiongnu state? Unless the Da Xia Dynasty, starting now, vigorously develops people's livelihood and economy and military, guarantees no natural or man-made disasters, guarantees ruler and minister are of one heart, ensures that policies from above are conscientiously implemented below, and guarantees that no other country will come to cause trouble.

Maintaining this for about fifty years would enable trampling the royal court; at that point, grain, fodder, and silver would be abundant, making war possible.

Such a war, lasting at least ten or twenty years, wouldn't be excessive, would it?

How many variables are there in this? Ancient warfare is like that: logistics and supply are always first, and then domestic stability is also very important.

If one truly intends to trample the royal court, the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will surely strongly condemn it; if the Da Xia Dynasty refuses to listen, it is highly likely they will also join the war together.

Therefore, this is impossible.

Of course, if one changes the method to trample the royal court, it becomes much simpler.

This method is neither simple to say it's simple, nor difficult to say it's difficult.

Modern economic sanctions.

Gu Jin Nian has actually been researching this matter since his transmigration, though he hasn't fully organized it yet, but he more or less knows some things.

For example, the simplest thing is currency.

The main currency of the Da Xia Dynasty is copper cash, followed by silver; gold has little use, at most serving as a unit of measurement, unless it's in a high-consumption place like the capital.

Otherwise, in a normal prefecture city, having someone look for a tael of gold is also troublesome.

And the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, including the Da Xia Dynasty, as well as the surrounding hundreds of large and small vassal states, all lack a unified currency.

Do you count gold as currency?

Counting it is not entirely counting.

It's simple: in some places gold production is high; dig a few hundred gold mines and come here to buy things—can you withstand that? In other places there are many silver mines; a hoe digs them up—can your household silver withstand that?

As for copper mines, let's not even talk about them.

If you really dare to accept it, I wouldn't even fight a war; I'd just dig copper ore every day, cast it into copper coins, and buying out your country would be no big deal.

Domestic trade is based on the court's minting of coins; currency circulation is fine, and of course they strictly crack down on such border currency issues, because there are always people who try to sneak around; enforcement is strict, and discovery means beheading.

Private minting by the populace is the same.

Moreover, because this is a xianwu world, there are some mysterious methods; often catching one person basically allows you to follow the vine to find the mastermind behind it, and if a country dares to play with this, it essentially amounts to a declaration of war.

The three great dynasties have all signed the corresponding contracts, after all no one wants this to happen, and everyone still has a sense of currency.

As for border trade, it is purely barter; the Da Xia Dynasty's abundant silk and porcelain can be exchanged in the Great Jin Dynasty for some precious medicines and gemstones.

The Fuyu Dynasty can exchange for fine horses and jade ware, or some special gold and silver that are not used for minting coins.

In that case, if a new type of currency could be produced, things would become much more interesting.

Economic extraction, colonial control, currency war.

When these three are combined, what is a mere Xiongnu dynasty worth? Of course the idea is wonderful, but if one wants to realize it, the difficulty is extremely high.

The two simplest problems lie before us.

First, if the state is not strong enough, truly producing this would just be letting others reap the fruits.

Second, what should be directly pegged to the currency? In a previous life, a certain country used gold and oil, but in this world gold, although also rare, is absolutely not as scarce as in that previous life, and besides, nobody needs oil anyway.

If the pegging object cannot be solved, the new currency you promote will not be accepted by anyone.

The Da Xia Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and even the Zhongzhou Dynasty have all tried to promote paper money.

They gave it the beautiful name of "Precious Note".

But basically all attempts to implement the Precious Note have failed, because the people don't trust it; even if you issue an imperial edict forbidding the use of copper cash, the people will find many ways to settle things privately.

Market prices fluctuate, the Precious Note depreciates; this is the biggest obstacle to promoting currency.

Originally, a Precious Note worth one tael of silver could buy five dou of rice; but three days later, without doing anything, going to buy rice again you find you can only buy three dou—if this happens even once,

it guarantees that the people will all dare not want it.

It is obvious that during the Taizu era this already happened, arousing huge popular resentment, nearly causing a major incident; the officials who promoted the Precious Note were all executed, not because they truly did something wrong, but because if they weren't killed, it would be hard to vent anger.

Therefore, the Precious Note plan in the Da Xia Dynasty belongs to an extremely failed plan.

But.

Gu Jin Nian has a way to solve this problem, and he is completely unafraid that the people won't buy into it, because the people will definitely buy into it.

However, this requires long-term planning; saying it now has no meaning at all.

Everyone wouldn't understand, and before there is any effect, they'd probably just stir up more trouble; being scolded a couple of times, Gu Jin Nian doesn't care.

But if someone sets their sights on it and directly copies it, that would be real trouble.

If this plan is successfully implemented, the Da Xia will have the qualification to unify all under heaven.

"What are you thinking?"

Just then, the Yong Sheng Emperor suddenly spoke, his voice much more excited than before.

He asked Gu Jin Nian, startling Gu Jin Nian.

"Huh?"

"Uncle, what did you say?"

Gu Jin Nian came to his senses; he had been thinking deeper and deeper, and truly forgot that his uncle was right in front of him.

"What were you just thinking about?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor is not stupid.

His earlier question—whether he could ride a horse into the Xiongnu Nation—was entirely a casual remark.

No matter how Gu Jin Nian answered, he wouldn't say anything.

But the issue is, Gu Jin Nian didn't answer; instead he fell into contemplation, thinking a great deal, which shocked the Yong Sheng Emperor.

If it were another person—say, his own grandson Li Ji—thinking here for a while, he would immediately feel Li Ji's mind drifting outward.

But the person before him was Gu Jin Nian.

This nephew who learns from him at every turn and achieves perfection everywhere.

Then the Yong Sheng Emperor's thoughts changed.

He vaguely sensed that what Gu Jin Nian had just been pondering was how to annihilate the Xiongnu Nation, and Gu Jin Nian hadn't frowned at all, implying he had a plan.

Moreover, this plan seemed possibly capable of actually destroying the Xiongnu Nation.

With any other person, the Yong Sheng Emperor wouldn't think so, but if the person were Gu Jin Nian, he inexplicably felt there was a certain possibility.

Thus he asked Gu Jin Nian what he was thinking.

"Do you have a plan in mind?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor asked.

He wanted to hear what Gu Jin Nian was thinking about.

But Gu Jin Nian immediately shook his head and said,

"Uncle, the nephew has no plan. In military matters I know a bit of strategy, but I understand nothing else."

Gu Jin Nian pretended to be dead.

He couldn't say it, because if he did the Yong Sheng Emperor would certainly refuse; it's better to achieve something first before speaking.

Moreover, he couldn't be 100% sure whether his plan could work.

If it failed, the energy and resources spent would not be a small amount, so he kept it unsaid.

Of course, another reason not to speak was that the benefit to himself wasn't especially great; if he succeeded, he would control the fate of the world.

It's not that he must challenge Da Xia, but that he would gain absolute self‑preservation ability.

His own uncle, Gu Jin Nian knows, wouldn't harm him, yet there's no certainty—what if. At present this uncle is still vigorous, almost youthful.

But what if he grows old? Emperor Wu of Han was sensible when young; what about his later years? He didn't even trust his own son.

So what can this nephew do? Stepping back, his uncle has great talent and strategy; what about the crown prince? The great‑grandson? The great‑grandson's son? Though it's early, it's normal to have a safeguard.

If he truly has no thoughts about himself, he wouldn't harm Da Xia, and would honestly assist Da Xia in becoming the world's foremost dynasty, his own power would keep growing—a win‑win. But if not, then don't play at all.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's reply, the Yong Sheng Emperor was truly silent for a moment.

This nephew, clever indeed, and full of cunning ideas, sometimes truly expands people's thinking.

Breaks stalemates.

But he's overly cautious, especially when dealing with himself, and no one knows who taught him that.

Probably taught by that Gu Lao Liu again.

The Yong Sheng Emperor could easily guess what Gu Ningya would teach Gu Jin Nian.

Things like "serve the ruler as one would a tiger."

Things like "don't treat the emperor as your own," "you can't guess the emperor's thoughts."

Things like "keep distance."

Such remarks could be thought up with a toe.

Otherwise, how old would he be? Probably only seventeen. A seventeen‑year‑old wouldn't have so many thoughts. Damn Gu Lao Liu, after the assassination business is over, see if he'll deal with you.

With that thought, the Yong Sheng Emperor stood up, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Jin Nian."

"I won't say much more, Jin Nian. In short, if it benefits the Da Xia Dynasty, I can grant you a special privilege."

"Also, you are my nephew, you have Li family blood in you; I am your uncle, there's no need to guard against me."

"Alright, go back and rest well; you've been tired today."

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke, telling Gu Jin Nian to return and rest.

They talked for almost an hour, while civil and military officials waited in the main hall.

He couldn't delay any longer.

"Fine."

"By the way, Uncle, if I must say…"

Gu Jin Nian said nothing, but at the end he shouted,

"What?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor looked over curiously.

"Uncle, you did such a good job this trip, you have to give me some silver, right?"

"Fifty hundred thousand taels of gold, not much, right?"

"Uncle, honestly, regardless of whether the Xiongnu Nation is stealing the nation's fortune, this nephew has brought so much fortune to the Da Xia Dynasty; fifty hundred thousand taels of gold must be given, right?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and his first words were about five hundred thousand taels of gold.

But this time, Gu Jin Nian's demand for so much silver wasn't to buy information from the ancient tree; it was to accomplish something.

The timing isn't ripe yet; mainly because there isn't enough silver.

"Five hundred thousand taels of gold?"

"What do you need so much silver for?"

The Yongsheng Emperor frowned; this amount of silver is too much, equivalent to five million taels of silver.

"Don't worry about it, five hundred thousand taels of gold is definitely worth it, Uncle; you won't be reluctant, will you?"

Gu Jin Nian started to talk cheekily.

Hearing this, the Yongsheng Emperor was somewhat displeased; this unlucky child.

After thinking it over, the Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

"Wei Xian, give him all the silver from my inner treasury, cut some expenses in the palace, and gather two hundred thousand taels of gold for Jin Nian."

"Jin Nian, two hundred thousand taels of gold is all I can provide; the shortfall is not enough, go ask your grandfather."

The Yongsheng Emperor did not draw funds from the Ministry of Revenue, but used his own inner treasury, that is, the privy purse, plus cutting palace expenses, which counts as having emptied it out.

In theory, it really isn't shortchanging Gu Jin Nian.

"Thank you, old uncle."

"By the way, old uncle, where's the imperial edict?"

Gu Jin Nian wore a full smile; although the amount differed from his expectation, two hundred thousand taels of gold was enough, and at the same time he recalled another matter.

The imperial edict that had been promised earlier.

"Wei Xian will give you the edict; I have other matters, I won't idle chat with you."

"Scram back to the academy to rest."

The Yongsheng Emperor wasn't wordy either; decisive and swift, he headed straight for the main hall.

Leaving Wei Xian with a beaming smile, watching Gu Jin Nian.

Feeling the dangerous smile, Gu Jin Nian inexplicably felt a bit odd, but still responded.

Not long after, Wei Xian fetched the edict, which indeed bore the seal.

"Your Highness, two hundred thousand taels of gold will need some time to prepare; may it be sent to the academy tomorrow?"

There is silver in the court, but this is the Yongsheng Emperor's privy purse; withdrawing it takes time, impossible to produce a stack of banknotes on the spot.

"All right, Wei Eunuch, no need to be polite."

Gu Jin Nian replied with a gentle smile.

"No, no, no, today it's Your Highness who is exerting effort; surely nothing unexpected will happen."

"At this time tomorrow, everyone under heaven will know that today Da Xia refused the marriage alliance; Your Highness's fame will truly be known throughout the world."

"I hope Your Highness will look after us servants more in the future."

Wei Xian didn't dare to overstep.

If it were another Crown Prince, he could indeed put on airs, but this Crown Prince before us is different.

"Too kind, too kind."

Regarding these eunuchs, Gu Jin Nian maintains a wait-and-see attitude, because as things stand now, Liu Yan and Wei Xian are fairly diligent in their duties, but if they truly held power in the future, that would be another matter.

Or perhaps they themselves are fine, but the eunuchs behind them will cause trouble.

In any case, these are hidden dangers; it's better to leave a good karma, so that if something really happens later, I won't be implicated.

After receiving the edict, Gu Jin Nian left directly, his mood still quite good.

As for the main hall of the imperial palace.

It was unusually solemn; compared to Gu Jin Nian's good mood, the civil and military officials inside the main hall had heavy thoughts.

Especially after the Yongsheng Emperor appeared.

That pair of icy eyes made everyone present feel a chill in their hearts.

"Your subjects pay their respects to Your Majesty."

"Long live the emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."

At this moment, everyone spoke in unison, but the Yongsheng Emperor said nothing; everyone could only maintain the salute.

It was evident that the Yongsheng Emperor was very angry.

"Hmph."

"Impressive."

"Truly impressive."

"All the civil and military officials, yet not a single one guessed that this marriage alliance with the Xiongnu State was actually to seize the nation's fortune."

"You lot are truly a bunch of good-for-nothings."

"Such a major matter, a hair's breadth from causing a great disaster; if not for my foresight, the fortune of the Da Xia Dynasty would have been stolen by the Xiongnu State."

"You deserve to die; it's not a loss."

The Yongsheng Emperor completely lost his temper; in front of Gu Jin Nian he was actually fine, but seeing this crowd, he couldn't help but flare up.

A hair's breadth.

A hair's breadth and this emperor would have been ruined in reputation and fortune, the nation's fate stolen, and indeed by the Xiongnu State.

What a major affair! Everyone under heaven will laugh at me.

First, twelve cities were occupied, part of the fortune lost, and territory gone as well.

Now a marriage alliance, and again the fortune is lost; from now on, any natural or man-made disaster will be my problem.

I have not done well as emperor.

To say I am ruined in reputation and fortune is absolutely not an exaggeration.

How could the Yongsheng Emperor not be furious? At this moment, all the civil and military officials dared not speak, heads bowed, silent.

Especially the Ministry of Rites.

It was as dead as silence.

"Come in."

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng spoke, his gaze icy.

"Send the Ministry of Rites' Left Vice Minister and Right Vice Minister to the Suspended Lantern Office."

"All Ministry of Rites personnel suspected of involvement in marriage alliances shall be sent to the Suspended Lantern Office for thorough investigation."

"Temporarily dismiss Minister of Rites Yang Kai; after the investigation concludes, if no issues arise, we will discuss further action."

"Furthermore, from today I establish the Eastern Depot, tasked with supervising all civil and military officials. It may mobilize the Suspended Lantern Office, the Township Office, the Dali Temple; by imperial prerogative, the chief eunuch shall have the authority to behead first and report later."

"Appoint Wei Xian and Liu Yan as the principal and deputy heads of the Eastern Depot."

"Wei Xian will handle internal affairs, Liu Yan external affairs; throughout Da Xia, every prefecture and commandery shall fully cooperate with the Eastern Depot. Anyone who dares to impede its work shall be beheaded without exception."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

When these words were finished, the entire court of civil and military officials was instantly stunned.

A major reshuffle of the Ministry of Rites is something they can accept; after all, such a huge incident occurred. To put it bluntly, even if it isn't directly the Ministry's fault, some responsibility must still be borne.

Since marriage alliances are the Ministry of Rites' responsibility, failing to punish severely would be indefensible.

But targeting the ministerial level is somewhat exaggerated; a Minister of Rites is a heavenly official, and essentially his influence touches every affair in Da Xia.

Yang Kai's dismissal, though only temporary, is even more terrifying, as countless others are waiting for that position.

If the emperor truly becomes displeased and swaps him out, what can you do? Yet once Minister of Rites Yang Kai is dismissed, countless people will be implicated, and innumerable factions, big and small, will collapse—so exaggerated.

Nevertheless, all this is tolerable; Yang Kai is fairly well‑liked in court, and as long as the emperor isn't set on removing him, once the storm passes, people will speak kindly.

If the Crown Prince also steps forward, that would be about it.

However, establishing the Eastern Depot is utterly absurd.

Supervising all officials.

Isn't that a sword hanging over their heads? And to have a group of eunuch officials supervise them? Honestly, every move they make would be exposed; gathering evidence against them isn't hard—just keep them under constant watch.

Thus, everyone's lives are entirely in the emperor's hands.

The concentration of imperial power is extreme; they have no right to remonstrate, and if they truly offend the emperor, they risk posthumous retribution. To put it bluntly, Emperor Yongsheng is still rational, but what if the next emperor is not?

Whoever provokes him will be investigated by the Eastern Depot, and after the probe there will inevitably be some issues.

If a problem arises, *Crunch! * a blade slices the head off, and no one will speak for you, because you were at fault—death is deserved.

Da Xia Dynasty already has enough Censors.

Now adding an Eastern Depot—how can that not make people uneasy?

"I earnestly request Your Majesty to think thrice before acting."

"Establishing the Eastern Depot to supervise officials will cause officials to cower, and no one will dare speak frankly thereafter, bringing chaos to the court. Moreover, even if the Eastern Depot is set up, eunuchs should not govern; upright Confucian and Daoist officials should be appointed to power."

"That would ensure fairness."

At this moment, Prime Minister Li Shan spoke, solemnly urging the emperor to retract his decree.

This matter cannot be taken lightly.

"I earnestly ask Your Majesty to reconsider; eunuch rule is an unprecedented tale in history."

At this moment, all officials spoke in unison, even the generals joining in.

There's no choice; originally civil and military were opposed, we spat at each other, the enemies on both sides were clear, and the stances differed, so the back‑and‑forth spat caused no real harm.

But now there's an Eastern Depot supervising officials? Its power exceeds even that of the Censors.

After all, for a Censor to impeach someone, they must first gather evidence, then investigate slowly, and only after confirmation proceed with impeachment. Once impeached, people start arguing—if they win, it's no big deal; if they lose, they're unlucky.

Everything leaves room for maneuver.

Now that eunuchs command the Eastern Depot, no one should play games; these eunuchs clearly follow the emperor, meaning who is investigated and who isn't is entirely at the emperor's discretion.

It even means that offending these eunuchs could bring misfortune upon oneself.

Naturally, civil and military officials must unite to resist this.

"Think again?"

"If any of you had told me beforehand about the Xiongnu State's usurping of national fortune, I would not have acted thus."

"As for officials cowering? If they have done nothing wrong, why fear?"

"Do not look for excuses here; my mind is already made up on this matter."

Emperor Yongsheng was also very direct.

He used this matter to directly establish the Eastern Depot.

The concept of the Eastern Depot had long floated in his mind, but he never knew when to voice it.

Because speaking it would inevitably be attacked by officials.

Now, seizing this opportunity, he put it to use—that is the art of imperial balancing.

Every action he takes is thoroughly considered.

If he can say it, it is basically set to be implemented.

Facing the officials' remonstrance.

Emperor Yongsheng merely sneered inwardly.

"I earnestly request Your Majesty to reconsider; I absolutely do not agree with this matter."

At this moment, Li Shan knelt, his gaze steadfast as he stared at Emperor Yongsheng, resolutely refusing the decree.

As Li Shan knelt.

The other officials also hurriedly knelt.

"Please, Your Majesty, think again."

They aren't that resolute, but once they kneel it means they are aligned with Li Shan.

After all, Li Shan is the head of all officials, the current Prime Minister; he has spoken, and if anyone refuses to follow, they should expect to be taken down one by one.

The flaw of imperial authority versus prime‑ministerial authority is exactly this.

The emperor is always a single individual.

Setting aside the eunuchs—these heavenly household slaves—doesn't count.

But the officials are a crowd; though they criticize each other, when a matter arises they unite, and there is only one thing they resist.

That is the imperial authority.

"Good."

"Good."

"Good."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded three times in succession.

He said no more.

The officials' stance was firm; they resolutely refused, warning that forcing the issue would cause great trouble.

Even though imperial authority is supreme, without the officials it has no effect.

As for simply replacing the whole batch, that's empty talk; how many affairs does the state have each day? Not a single day can be delayed.

If they were to replace them outright, Da Xia would inevitably encounter trouble.

Moreover, every court official has countless back‑room forces; if they were all dismissed, Da Xia would fall into complete chaos.

Finally, Emperor Yongsheng took a deep breath.

He spoke slowly.

"Regarding the Eastern Depot, I have pondered it repeatedly; the setup must remain, the authority to execute before reporting is withdrawn, the power to dispatch is changed to assistance, the Suspended Lamp Office and the Town Government Office shall cooperate fully with the Eastern Depot, and the investigative authority shall be retained."

"Liu Yan, investigate thoroughly for me the marriage alliance matter; who is the mastermind behind it?"

Emperor Yongsheng adopts a retreat‑as‑advance strategy; these officials fear above all the practice of executing before reporting, compounded by the Eastern Depot's excessive power.

Given that, we will make slight adjustments, retract these powers for now, and reassess later.

But the moment those words were spoken—

Li Shan still spoke.

"Your Majesty, I will investigate this matter until the truth surfaces; please rest assured, grant me six months, and I will give you an answer."

"Regarding the Eastern Depot, under no circumstances may eunuchs wield authority; the Eastern Depot may be established to supervise officials, but it should be controlled by the Great Scholar, otherwise public anxiety will rise, harming court affairs and Da Xia."

Li Shan said expressionlessly.

He still refused.

Such matters cannot be agreed to unless the Great Scholar is put in charge; after all, the Great Scholar would handle them from a neutral standpoint, favoring neither the emperor nor them.

These eunuchs are different; they are purely biased toward the emperor.

To put it bluntly, they are the emperor's lapdogs; letting them wield power is absolutely impossible.

"Great Scholar in charge?"

"How can you be sure this marriage alliance has nothing to do with the Confucians?"

"Enough idle talk; if you all refuse, you will all be dismissed to retire back to your hometowns."

Emperor Yongsheng was rather straightforward.

He stepped back, yet these people wouldn't yield, so he decided not to play any further.

But, as soon as those words were spoken—

Li Shan, however, with a resolute expression, slowly removed the official hat from his head.

"Since Your Majesty insists, I, Li Shan, resign my office today."

Li Shan spoke.

In an instant, the great hall fell deathly silent.

It was almost suffocating.

The esteemed Prime Minister of Da Xia resigning in office? This alone could spark dynastic turmoil.

But the next moment, another voice rang out.

"I, Hu Yong, wish to resign and return home."

It was the voice of the Minister of Personnel.

Hu Yong spoke, his rhetoric a bit smoother, not as resolute as Li Shan's.

Soon, voice after voice rose.

On the civil officials' side, almost everyone took off their hats.

The military generals, together, clenched their teeth in hesitation, then finally took a deep breath and removed their hats.

Because if the emperor persists in this way,

they will eventually get into trouble.

Rather than that, it's better to seize the moment, follow the leader, and cause a disturbance together.

After all, the law does not punish the masses.

At this moment,

Emperor Yongsheng fell silent.

Yet his inner anger erupted like a volcano.

Uncontrollable rage.

(End of Chapter)