Chapter 113

She gained countless insights in an instant!

She looked at Gao Yang with a complex expression; "shift the conflict, divide and conquer"—these eight characters summarized the art of emperors!

What followed exhausted the art of imperial balance!

"As for how to do it, the answer is simple: the conflict between the eldest son and the second son has always existed, but it lacks an opportunity to be ignited. This point must rely on Your Majesty!"

Hum!

Following Gao Yang's voice, it was as if a thunderbolt from the nine heavens had suddenly struck Wu Zhao's mind, dispersing the fog within.

For a moment, the entire private room fell into silence.

What was Gao Yang referring to?

He had even specifically mentioned him and Gao Changwen; the answer was self-evident!

A monstrous wave surged in Wu Zhao's heart, and her face was full of emotion!

She was no fool; she understood Gao Yang's meaning almost instantly.

Wu Zhao's eyes flickered.

Shangguan Wan'er was also full of shock.

She had not expected Gao Yang to propose such a method!

But immediately after, Gao Yang spoke again, "Your Majesty, but I must remind you: once the vassal princes are significantly weakened, have you ever thought about what will replace them?"

"Troops must be stationed everywhere for defense!"

"Once the vassal princes are gone, or lack military power, a new system must take their place!"

"This system has both advantages and disadvantages; Your Majesty should be clear about this in your heart."

Gao Yang's gaze was deep as he looked at Wu Zhao and spoke.

Wu Zhao's eyes were solemn; she understood Gao Yang's meaning.

The greatest point about the vassal princes was that they were family. Besides needing to be a bit better to one's own kin and enjoying prosperity together, another very important point was that they shared the same bloodline!

After all, even if they rebelled and truly seized the empire, it would still be the empire of Da Qian!

But without vassal princes, sending generals to hold down the fort—these were people of different surnames. Once they rebelled...

The empire could change hands in a single morning!

"This world is too vast; the vassal princes standing like a forest can also guard Changancheng!"

"Information from various regions is blocked, and relying entirely on the Court's decisions is almost impossible. This portion of power must be delegated!"

"This is their greatest function!"

"Without vassal princes, generals must be used to fill the gap!"

"If Your Majesty wants to take action against the vassal princes, you must think this through!"

Gao Yang did not point it out too clearly, nor did he throw out terms like 'regional military governors' or 'recruitment systems'; if these things were said too bluntly, it would imply he was teaching the Empress how to do her job.

This was a great taboo, and Gao Yang would naturally not commit it!

But Wu Zhao knew in her heart that what Gao Yang was saying was to use generals to check the various regions and guard against foreign enemies!

Gao Yang had very cleverly given the choice back to her!

Wu Zhao's eyes flickered; in fact, she had also thought about this problem.

If the power of the vassal princes weakened, power had to be given to the generals!

This involved the way of balance!

She stood up abruptly, "I understand your meaning!"

"But this weakening of the vassal princes is imperative; otherwise, my imperial power will eventually be constrained, and... I have my own plans!"

She was the Empress; the resistance from the vassal princes would be even greater for her!

Compared to the vassal princes, generals were easier to control!

This was the difference in her status.

And if she did not move against the vassal princes, her grand ambitions would all be bubbles!

"I will summon the hundred officials tomorrow and act according to what you said!"

"I will record this strategy as a merit for you!"

Wu Zhao's eyes brimmed with excitement; she seemed to have already seen the wailing and howling of the vassal princes!

She stood up, about to leave.

But at this moment, Gao Yang's voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, do not be hasty!"

"Since Your Majesty has already made up your mind, I will naturally do my utmost to help Your Majesty complete the weakening of the vassal princes!"

"It is just that, at present, there is one more piece of bad news regarding the weakening of the vassal princes!"

Wu Zhao sat back down, her brows furrowed tightly.

She gave a look to Shangguan Wan'er, who picked up the teapot and poured a cup of water for Wu Zhao.

Wu Zhao picked up the teacup and took a sip of the mellow, rich tea.

But at this moment, Gao Yang's voice also rang out simultaneously.

"The good news is that weakening the vassal princes can be done without bloodshed, by dividing conflicts and sanctioning the princes; the bad news is that if you weaken the vassal princes now, Da Qian will perish, and Your Majesty will die!" ===== CHAPTER 115 =====