Weighing the Pros and Cons, Ji Boying Debated the Heroes

"That's right, Guo Jing, in my heart you are the only choice to be emperor."

Upon receiving Ji Boying's affirmative reply, Guo Jing became even more flustered.

He held up both hands as if pushing something terrifying away, shaking his head like a rattle drum.

"No, no, I have no right to be emperor. I'm so stupid, Brother Ji, please don't joke with me."

But Ji Boying looked very serious, not at all like he was joking.

He didn't speak, and Guo Jing was also affected by the atmosphere, unable to figure out Ji Boying's true meaning.

Even Qiu Chuji, who had just been laughing heartily, and the Six Freaks of Jiangnan all became solemn.

"Junior brother, you can't be serious, can you?"

Wang Chuyi couldn't believe it.

People in the martial arts world often comment on major events, but it's usually just empty talk.

Even the farmers in the village lanes, who didn't know whether the emperor used a gold or silver hoe, would often discuss royal secrets and how many dishes they ate at a time.

But everyone knows that they were just joking.

When they heard Ji Boying suggest making Guo Jing emperor, they naturally burst into laughter; it was a very amusing conversation.

But Ji Boying didn't seem to be joking.

This is a serious matter, it's not something to be taken lightly.

Did Ji Boying really want to change dynasties and destroy the Song, Jin, and Mongols?

"Gentlemen, of course I am serious. Just think about it, is there anyone in the world more suitable to be emperor than Guo Jing? He is not corrupted by wealth and power, nor subdued by force. If someone like Guo Jing is emperor, we don't have to worry about the emperor not keeping the people in mind, not having to worry about the emperor being obsessed with power, or not having to worry about the emperor indulging in pleasure."

"Now that Guo Jing has practiced my internal energy, not only will he be physically healthy and have superb martial arts skills, but he will also live to be over eighty years old with clear hearing and eyesight and a sound mind. With such an emperor in charge, the world can be kept peaceful for sixty years. Some short-lived dynasties cannot last that long."

Ji Boying's words make a lot of sense.

But people still found it hard to accept at first.

"Jing'er... how could Jing'er become emperor? We've never even considered such a thing. We, the people of the martial world, uphold justice and righteousness, why should we pursue power, wealth, or the throne?"

Ke Zhen'e said in a deep voice.

"Master Ke, you are mistaken. The greatest heroes are those who serve their country and its people. Even if one possesses the unparalleled martial arts skills of the Five Greats of the Martial World Masters and roams the martial world, how many lives can one save? Back then, even the most skilled martial artist in the world, Patriarch Chongyang, still failed in his resistance against the Jin, and countless people lost their lives under the hooves of horses. If Guo Jing had been a good emperor, all the people in the world would have benefited from his benevolence. Wouldn't that be the true mark of a great hero?"

Ji Boying paused for a moment, then continued.

"If one abandons the common people and the world for a moment's sake of lofty ideals or the carefree life of a wandering swordsman, how can one truly be called a chivalrous hero? Wouldn't that be... wouldn't that be pretentious..."

Upon hearing this, everyone was speechless and fell silent.

Ji Boying chuckled inwardly. Sure enough, moral blackmail was the most effective tactic against these people with principles.

"But Jing'er... Jing'er's personality is quite like the Fourth Prince's, quiet and reserved, somewhat dull. How could she possibly compete with those corrupt officials in the imperial court? She's probably been deceived..."

Zhu Cong shook his tattered paper fan, looking quite discouraged.

"It is not enough for an emperor to be honest and kind to the people; he must also be good at political maneuvering and adaptable."

Ji Boying readily admitted this with a smile.

"But Guo Jing may not be stupid. I think he is wise beyond his years, with inner brilliance. Secondly, even if Guo Jing is slightly lacking in political acumen and resourcefulness, we still have Zhuge Liang to assist him. Miss Huang, the female Zhuge Liang, don't you agree?"

"Huh? Me?"

Huang Rong's pretty face was also filled with surprise.

Even though she usually considered herself clever and resourceful, comparing herself to Zhuge Liang made Huang Rong feel uneasy.

"Miss Huang is intelligent and resourceful. Most importantly, she is of one mind with Guo Jing. There is no need to worry about this strategist betraying him, having any selfish interests, or harboring ulterior motives. Isn't she the perfect choice to make up for Guo Jing's shortcomings in political maneuvering and strategy?"

Ma Yu said, "... Although the young girl is intelligent and pretty, she is still a bit young and perhaps lacks experience..."

Ma Yu, the old Daoist priest, was actually implying to Ji Boying not to have unrealistic ideas and to stop bragging.

Huang Rong nodded repeatedly, actually admitting that she couldn't do it.

"Ha ha."

Ji Boying chuckled softly.

"Miss Huang is indeed not skilled enough, but there is another cunning old fox on Peach Blossom Island!"

"Huang Yaoshi???"

"My dad!!!"

His words only made it seem more like Ji Boying was indulging in wishful thinking.

"What? Is Huang Yaoshi not qualified?"

In front of Huang Rong, no one would say she wasn't qualified.

When Huang Yaoshi was mentioned, Ma Yu was full of admiration.

"Eastern Heretic Huang Yaoshi, the Eastern Heretic, was well-versed in astronomy and geography, and was proficient in the Five Elements, the Eight Trigrams, Mysterious Gates and Hidden Jia, chess, calligraphy, and painting. He was truly a polymath. He was also knowledgeable and proficient in agriculture, water conservancy, economics, and military strategy. Even the Patriarch Chongyang greatly admired his talent."

Ji Boying nodded and said, "A man of Huang Yaoshi's stature is hard to find anywhere in the world. If we appoint him as prime minister, how can we worry that Guo Jing's love for the people will not be upheld?"

At this point, everyone had already fallen into Ji Boying's rhythm.

They all lowered their heads and pondered, naturally admiring Huang Yaoshi's talent. If they could really get such a person's help, they would certainly not have to worry about lacking wisdom and strategy.

"But Huang Yaoshi is unconventional and disregards social norms, how could he possibly do such things?"

Qiu Chuji frowned slightly.

"Actually, that's not the case."

Ji Boying said, "Huang Yaoshi may seem unorthodox, but he actually despises the formalities of Neo-Confucianism. He truly respects loyal ministers and filial sons. Not to mention, Huang Yaoshi's lifeblood is already tied to Guo Jing, so he has no fear that Huang Yaoshi will not risk his life to assist Guo Jing."

Everyone turned to look at Huang Rong, and they all knew that Huang Rong was Huang Yaoshi's only daughter.

Even Huang Rong sighed, "I never expected Brother Ji to understand my father so well. If my father knew, he would definitely consider Brother Ji a close friend."

Ji Boying chuckled lightly upon hearing this, neither confirming nor denying.

Now that we need to persuade everyone to start an uprising, we naturally need to say nice things. Huang Yaoshi is actually not easy to get along with; he has a strange temper and is ruthless.

All the apprentices had their legs broken, and the island was full of deaf and mute people.

However, those who achieve great things do not concern themselves with trivial matters, not to mention Huang Yaoshi's disciples, who were so loyal that these flaws were negligible compared to Huang Yaoshi's value.