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Chapter 1132: Chapter 1035: Spirit
Thus, facing the emperor’s words of detention, no one questioned further, and there was even a hint of excitement in their hearts!
For once the nation is established, they would be the Founding Ancestors, meritorious nobles, enjoying lofty status, and receiving imperial seals in the future that would greatly surpass their successors.
"I give you half a month’s time to recruit aristocrats, subjects, generals, and gather various materials, weapons, etc., but you must not take away the citizens, nor let everyone know, stirring up unrest."
Having said that, the emperor waved his hand to have someone escort them away.
In the emperor’s eyes, sparing their lives was merely a utilitarian move, using these people to drive away some inconvenient elements, and the vacated positions would naturally be filled by the students he trained.
Beyond that, the emperor had another purpose!
That was to use this opportunity to suppress the ancestors associated with those princes, civil, and military officials!
Not that he would refuse to grant them imperial seals, the emperor was not so foolish, but he could use it as a pretext to demote their ranks, reducing the consumption of the dynasty’s luck and ancestral blessings.
Those ancestors might be discontented, but the justification and leverage were in the emperor’s hands, and it would also facilitate his favor in the future.
"I hope you all do not let Us down."
After the princes were expelled from the imperial palace, they immediately hastened non-stop to the major clans and residences of the scholars and military officers in the capital they favored.
In just one night, many of high status learned of this shocking news.
Many clans were moved, including those of the founding heroes of the Daqian dynasty, for large families do not put all their eggs in one basket, and some harbored ambitions.
Being a subject, after all, could not compare to being an emperor.
They had never had the opportunity to inherit the complete Methods of the dynasty, but now they did, including various measures and insights that had propelled the dynasty’s prosperity over decades!
If they got hold of that, they could potentially establish a nation of their own!
With various thoughts, many families accepted the invitation of one or even several princes.
A half month passed in the blink of an eye.
That evening, the usually tightly closed heavy city gates were now open, and a long and extensive procession of carriages appeared on the empty streets into the night.
Despite the vast number of people and horses, due to the utilization of Divine Power, not a single noise was made; they silently left the bustling capital.
The city gates remained open for one night until all the processions had departed.
"Your Majesty, King Han and others have left the capital, followed by numerous families, and it will take a bit more time to compile and verify the detailed roster."
The emperor, who had just woken up, responded and ordered, "Send someone to follow them, I want to know their whereabouts."
A glint appeared in the emperor’s eyes, plotting something unknown.
"Yes!" The servant paused for a moment, seeing no further orders, he quietly withdrew.
After breakfast, the emperor went to hold the morning court at the Daqian Palace.
After all the necessary however tedious ceremonies concluded, the emperor’s deep voice echoed in the hall, "King Han, Prince Zhao and the others are plotting rebellion, revoke all their grants of land and titles, have ministers from the Ministry of Personnel, Ministry of Revenue, and the Metropolitan Procuratorate manage them and handle matters as soon as possible."
"Verily!"
Officials from the two departments and the one bureau bowed slightly in response.
The courtiers inside the hall clearly understood the fate of these individuals, hence no one inquired about their disposition, thus concluding this matter.
"Furthermore, the cultivators that we defeated not long ago, recent reports have shown their traces again near the dynasty’s borders, esteemed ministers, do you have any opinions?"
"Your Majesty, those Cultivators are nothing but cowards, so long as we wield sufficient strength, we can obliterate them to ensure they dare not return, only then can we eliminate future troubles!" A white-bearded but robust old general spoke first.
Following him, the faces of the military officers showed excitement and eagerness, as generals, they inherently relished battling and defeating enemies on the battlefield, not to mention that it also benefited their cultivation.
"Improper!"
A venerable old man, giving off a spring-like comforting aura, spoke softly yet firmly, "Your Majesty, continual wars have caused colossal impacts on the people and the economy, we cannot continue to fight!"
"We and the Cultivators are of the same human race, and unlike the Demon Cultivators who commit evils, we should seek opportunities to negotiate and reach peace to end this war." 𝓷ℴ𝓋𝓅𝓊𝒷.𝒸𝓸𝓶
The emperor silently watched the argument unfold, his thoughts no longer present there, considering whether to enact a policy that had always been in his mind.
He believed the policy would be more beneficial than detrimental, but it would cause significant effects initially, especially since the dynasty was already unstable internally and externally.
Concerned that disclosure might sow more chaos, the emperor had been hesitant, unable to make a decision.
"Alas!" The emperor silently sighed, redirecting his focus, only then hearing the ongoing debate.
Knock knock—
Impatiently knocking on the armrest, the sound instantly quieted the grand hall.
"Both sides present valid points, but to coexist peacefully with the Cultivators, we must demonstrate sufficient strength, otherwise, we will always be at a disadvantage in the relationship; what kind of peace would that be?"
The emperor’s stance was clear—that war was inevitable!
"The concerns Minister Wen raised could indeed occur, but with King Han and others’ properties and lands confiscated to the dynasty, we have ample reserves to face any unforeseen circumstances."
