Chapter 95: Counting the Ten Greatest Tyrants in History!

The seven days have passed; today we tally the history's top ten tyrants list.

Since it's a tyrant list, those on it receive no reward.

A golden heavenly banner stretched across the sky, and an imposing voice rang through all dynasties; one moment the monarchs and ministers of each realm awaited the new tally, the next they fell silent together.

Great Qin, Xianyang Palace.

Ying Zheng's tea cup clanged onto the desk with a "clang", his face as black as a pot bottom: "Tyrant list? No reward?"

Beside him, Li Si, Meng Yi and others watched his eyes, his nose, his heart, daring not to breathe, and ranted in their minds:

"Your Majesty, why the excitement? You just topped the eternal emperor list; does this tyrant list have even a half‑cent relation to you?"

"Your reaction—those who don't know would think you were about to make the list."

Ying Zheng snorted coldly,

"I, the solitary ruler, am merely curious what kind of person in later ages could bear this 'honor'."

In his mind, Ying Zheng secretly thought:

"It would be best if there were a rebellious son like Hu Hai! I want to see how this scoundrel could ruin Great Qin!"

Great Han, Weiyang Palace.

Liu Bang, arm‑in‑arm with Consort Qi, was drinking and gazing at the sky; when he heard "tyrant list", a mouthful of wine nearly spat out.

"What nonsense? There's even such a list? This is far more exciting than the eternal emperor list!"

Lv Zhi gave him a cold glance from beside, and Liu Bang felt a chill at the back of his neck, scoffing: "Um… I am merely looking, purely out of curiosity, with no glee at disaster whatsoever."

In truth, Liu Bang's heart blossomed with joy:

"Hehe, I wonder which unlucky fool will be disgraced across the heavens and myriad realms; this is far more interesting than watching a play."

During Emperor Wu of Han's reign.

Liu Che furrowed his brows: "Tyrant? No reward for making the list? The purpose of this list is likely more warning than praise."

He looked at Wei Qing and Huo Qubing, "I want to see which future emperors could be so foolish as to be cursed for ten thousand generations."

Wei Qing said calmly, "Your Majesty's northern campaign against the Xiongnu secures everlasting merit; it will not be listed here."

Huo Qubing, youthful in spirit, grinned broadly:

"Your Majesty, I think watching others get scolded is also quite entertaining."

Great Tang, Zhen Guan era.

Li Shimin had just finished a meeting with his ministers, cheerfully envisioning the glory of the "Heavenly Khan", when he heard the words "tyrant list"; his smile froze on his face.

Wei Zheng was the first to step forward, bowing to Li Shimin: (Here we give a close‑up, those with pictures can display them.)

"Your Majesty! Previously the 'wise ruler list' served as a mirror; now the 'tyrant list' serves as a lens! This is a heavenly‑gifted opportunity; please, Your Majesty, observe it together with us. If there are faults, amend them; if none, strive harder. Constant vigilance will ensure we do not betray the Heaven‑Banner's warning!"

Li Shimin's mouth twitched as he looked at the upright‑looking Wei Zheng, who seemed to be saying "Your Majesty, come see the negative example"; he inhaled deeply and forced a smile,

"Xuan Cheng… you speak reasonably. Bring the seats, I shall 'study' together with you all."

Cheng Yaojin poked Qin Qiong from below, lowering his voice:

"Second brother, look at Your Majesty's face, it's turning green; we still have to praise old Wei for being right—it's killing me with laughter."

Qin Qiong glared at him: "Watch your words! Be careful Your Majesty hears."

Ming, Hongwu era.

Zhu Yuanzhang slapped the dragon‑throne armrest with a "pop", startling the entire court.

"Tyrant list? Good! This list is good! We must root out those scourges that ruin the realm and harm the people, so future generations may curse them for all ages!"

"Biao, you all note this: if anyone dares emulate those tyrants on the list, we won't need the heavenly banner to strike them; we'll personally skin them!"

Crown Prince Zhu Biao and Prince of Yan Zhu Di hurriedly bowed: "Your son, I shall remember!"

Zhu Di's heart, however, thumped a bit:

"Father, your reaction is a bit overblown; those who don't know would think someone from our old Zhu family is about to make the list… pfft, unlucky!"

Qing, Kangxi era.

Xuan Ye was reviewing memorials when he heard "tyrant list"; his pen tip paused slightly, his brows furrowing.

Beside him, Li Guangdi, Zhang Tingyu and others wore solemn expressions.

"Tyrant… in our Great Qing, who could make the list?"

Xuan Ye's voice revealed no joy or anger, yet the hall's atmosphere suddenly grew oppressive.

Nalan Mingzhu said cautiously,

"Your Majesty, since our founding ancestors Taizu and Taizong, we have striven for governance, though there may be…"

"No need."

Xuan Ye cut him off, "Since the heavenly banner has emerged, it has its own logic. Just watch it."

He felt a vague ominous premonition, his sharp gaze sweeping over the numerous princes.

The princes bowed their heads, feeling uneasy:

"No way? This list can embarrass across dynasties?"

"If anyone were singled out before the Imperial Father and all the world… that scene would be too splendid to imagine."

The tenth on the top ten tyrants list — Qing Dynasty's Qianlong Emperor — Aisin Gioro Hongli.

The heavenly banner's words fell,

In the scene, an elderly figure in a bright yellow dragon robe, plump face, and a beard appeared, with golden letters "Qianlong" beside him.

"Boom—!"

Reactions from all dynasties exploded instantly.

Qing, Kangxi era.

Inside the Qianqing Palace, a death‑like silence.

Xuan Ye's expression froze; he stared fixedly at the words "Qianlong" and "Aisin Gioro Hongli" on the celestial screen, as if unable to believe his own eyes.

Hongli? Isn't he my grandson?

He… he's on the Foolish Emperor List? Rank ten?

"Pfft—!"

Among the pile of princes below, someone—unknown—couldn't hold back and let out a very faint snicker, then immediately stifled it.

Fourth Prince Yinzhen's face turned deathly pale; with a "thud" he fell to his knees, trembling all over,

"Your Majesty! This… this must be an error in the celestial screen!"

"Hongli is still a child; how could he… how could he be the Qianlong Emperor? And be on the Foolish Emperor List? That's impossible!"

The other princes—such as Eldest Prince Yinti, Third Prince Yizhi, Eighth Prince Yinsi, and so on—had expressions that were a spectacular display.

Some were gloating, some were bewildered, some bowed their heads in thought, and others slipped back quietly, fearing to be implicated.

Yinzhen felt a massive shock in his heart.

Hongli? My son?

Qianlong? He actually became emperor, and a foolish one at that?

This… my future heir, is it him?

Kangxi took several deep breaths before suppressing the surging Qi in his chest; his voice was as cold as ice shards,

"Celestial screen… keep watching!"

Ming dynasty, Hongwu era.

Zhu Yuanzhang was startled at first, then slapped his thigh and burst into wild laughter,

"Hahaha! Qianlong? The Qing emperor? Fine!"

"The barbarian emperor made the Foolish Emperor List, and at rank ten—how satisfying! Absolutely satisfying!"

"Biao Er, did you see that? That's what we call retribution!"

Zhu Biao couldn't help but laugh,

"Father, this celestial screen… truly impartial and unbiased."

Zhu Di stroked his chin, his gaze playful,

"The Qing… it seems even this foreign barbarian cannot escape the cycle of foolish emperors. Only wonder what 'good deeds' Qianlong actually did."

Song dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin era.

Zhao Kuangyin was drinking with Zhao Guangyi when they saw "Qing dynasty" and "Qianlong", looking utterly bewildered:

"Qing dynasty? What dynasty is that? How have I never heard of it?"

"Looking at the reign title, it doesn't resemble my legitimate Chinese succession."

Zhao Guangyi also shook his head: "Elder brother, I too know not. Could it be a newly emerging dynasty of later ages?"