Master of Strange Dao

Amidst the swirling chaos, various tensions brew in places untouched by sunlight.

Yu Ziqing could sense these clearly but also knew that a full-blown outbreak was unlikely in the short term.

The new Emperor of Daqian had just ascended the throne a few days ago. Whatever the Divine King's plans, they wouldn't happen overnight.

Yu Ziqing wished to figure it out in advance, but unfortunately, the sly fellow hadn't given any orders to New Five recently, only instructing to maintain the status quo.

The Old Emperor Qian had completely abdicated, which required considerable time to wash away the influence brought by the powers of the Daqian Divine Dynasty, preparing for future advancements.

Meanwhile, on the side of Dali, things remained stable. Emperor Li retreated for cultivation, with the Crown Prince acting as regent, seemingly not planning to ascend before Dadui's return.

Their approach was completely different from Daqian's.

Both Dali and Daqian sought stability; with Emperor Zhen facing no external pressures, he had the time, energy, and opportunity to deal with internal affairs.

Recently, the effort to reduce the power of vassals was progressing well, with wise Sealed Kings proactively submitting petitions to request the reduction of territories, consolidation into state holdings, disbanding of private soldiers, and more.

This was not only the will of Emperor Zhen, but more importantly, since the migration of people from North Zhen to the south, squeezing the southern living space.

The contradictions among various Sealed Kings intensified, exacerbating conflicts, and some weaker Sealed Kings were nearly unable to sustain themselves.

Commoners within the fiefs lived in misery, and the Sealed Kings had to sustain many, especially the maintenance of private soldiers which was a massive expenditure.

These weren't just individuals they had to sustain, but the families behind each one.

Dazhen was overwhelmed by the issues related to the Sealed Kings, similarly, the Sealed King's territories had cumbersome issues.

Emperor Zhen with such thoughts in mind, King Xiang took the opportunity to lead the way, causing some to falter.

Anyway, first admitting defeat allowed the comfort of being a Prince, and perhaps by shedding those burdensome expenses, they could live better.

This strange weather was becoming weirder each year; better leave the headaches to Emperor Zhen.

Some yielded in submission, and Emperor Zhen generously rewarded, making the Sealed Kings' lives better and more relaxed, though lessened in power.

During good years, exploiting the people below was enjoyable.

But in bad years, when even those exploited were poorer than dirt, combined with various pressures, it was better just to lie flat.

Emperor Zhen originally planned to deal with the powerful Sealed Kings first, and then slowly handle the weaker ones.

If things needed to get rough, it would only take a few times; afterward, force would likely be unnecessary. Check latest chapters at novelꜰire.net

This was the least labor-intensive approach, and certainly, the most cost-effective.

The mobilization of large armies turned money into paper, burning faster than gold ingots offered to ancestors.

Emperor Zhen was busy dealing with Dazhen's Sealed Kings, making pleasing progress, without plans for seclusion at the moment.

Besides this, he was busy nurturing the next generation, aiming to produce a competent new Crown Prince.

This matter wasn't urgent, as he believed he would live quite a while longer.

He didn't wish for Dazhen to become like Daqian, where the Princes would almost fight to the death.

He was tempted to hand the throne to King Xiang; besides intelligence, no one's identity, strength, or prestige matched his suitability.

Unfortunately, King Xiang himself was unwilling, and You Zhen was also reluctant.

Among Emperor Zhen's current sons, each had shortcomings, making them unsuitable.

Counting downward to grandsons or great-grandsons, although some could be barely chosen, they weren't young.

Emperor Zhen considered either having more children himself or selecting a few younger ones and sending them out for training.

The most suitable place appeared to be Jinlan Mountain.

He had met Gu Shitou but knew little. He could see that Jinlan Mountain could teach such sly fellows a sense of awareness, knowing where to draw the line and how to go wild without getting killed showed true skill.

With the lesson of the deceased Crown Prince, Emperor Zhen felt that Jinlan Mountain's philosophy was quite fitting.

No matter the rest, ensuring they weren't killed first was primary to having further discussions.

If one dies, there's no point in further debate.

Having some free time lately, Emperor Zhen selected a group of people, informed King Xiang, and invited Gu Shitou for help in initial selection and testing.

If the ones sent to Jinlan Mountain were weaklings, it would be fine; the problem would be if they had poor character.

Those with poor character could just be nurtured in Dazhen for the sake of their bloodline.

Meanwhile, Yu Ziqing also received a message from King Xiang.

King Xiang conveyed Emperor Zhen's thoughts about sending some younger members of the Imperial Family to Jinlan Mountain for training and checked if it were suitable.

These were children with excellent talent and root bone; if appropriate, they'd be sent for a try.

After a bit of consideration, Yu Ziqing realized Emperor Zhen had thought things through quite a bit.

He truly sought to maintain bonds rooted in bloodlines.

You Zhen had already abandoned all past powers and even refrained King Xiang from becoming the Crown Prince.

Yet, the relationship was still there; if anything truly happened to Dazhen, You Zhen wouldn't coldly sit by.

Now with these children sent over, odds are one of them would eventually occupy the Crown Prince's position.

But officially, nothing would be declared now; mentioning it likely aimed to maintain ties with Jinlan Mountain.

In the Divine Dynasty, Imperial family members sending their offspring to other powers for mentorship and training was a very normal matter.