These Two Are Also Capable People

The next morning.

On the nine-hall stage, Di Xin sat on the throne, with civil and military officials bowing in worship below.

"Great King, may we ask about yesterday's events?"

Shang Rong stepped forward, holding a jade tablet. The officials quietly pricked up their ears, listening carefully.

"Yesterday, I went to the Holy Mother Hall to offer incense to the Holy Mother. Who would have thought that a strange person would dare to hide behind the Holy Mother's statue and use bewitching arts to make me offend the Holy Mother. Fortunately, I was restless the day before yesterday and went to the Three Sovereigns Hall to pray for the people of my Great Shang. I 'accidentally' gained the approval of the Human Race's Three Sovereigns and was bestowed the Human Race's supreme treasure—the Kongtong Seal—for self-defense. It was only then that I killed that strange person and did not make a fool of myself in the Holy Mother Hall, thus profaning the Holy Mother's sacred might!"

Anger was mixed in Di Xin's tone, clearly visible even through the beaded curtain. As he spoke, the luck above his head surged, manifesting the image of a Black Bird, which held an ancient bronze seal in its mouth.

With the appearance of the Kongtong Seal, the great hall was instantly filled with resplendent light and auspicious energy. The officials' luck was stirred, and myriad beasts appeared above their heads.

"Great King, you are wise! With the blessings of the Three Sovereigns, our Great Shang will surely endure for eternity!"

Royal Uncle Bi Gan stepped forward from the ranks, kneeling on one knee, tears welling up in his eyes!

Good Di Xin, good Human King! With the recognition of the Three Sovereigns, the empire of Yin Shang is now as strong as gold and iron!

"The Great King is virtuous, and the Three Sovereigns bear witness. Our Great Shang will surely have continuous fortune and virtue, leading the Human Race through hardships, never to fall for ten thousand generations!"

Prime Minister Shang Rong's expression moved. He knelt on one knee, looking at the Kongtong Seal in the Black Bird's mouth with excitement!

Since the ascension of the Five Emperors, which Human King in ancient times had received the praise of the Three Sovereigns, let alone the honor of being bestowed the supreme treasure of the Human Race?

And today, the ruler he assisted was so outstanding. Naturally, he had found a wise lord, and in the future, he would also follow this wise lord to be remembered for eternity, his spirit immortal even after death!

"The Great King is virtuous, and the Three Sovereigns bear witness. Our Great Shang will surely have continuous fortune and virtue, leading the Human Race through hardships, never to fall for ten thousand generations!"

The remaining civil and military officials knelt with Shang Rong, shouting in unison, their voices reaching the heavens!

The hearts of the officials were won over, and the luck of Yin Shang grew once more. The Black Bird flapped its wings, circled the roof beams, and returned to Di Xin's body. The visions of the officials then dispersed, and the great hall fell into an eerie silence.

On the throne, Di Xin's anger turned into a smile. Revealing his greatest trump card at the beginning was naturally to gain greater benefits.

What use is there in seeking gods and buddhas to change the Human Race? None at all! It still requires the rulers below, these humans. Only when they submit and follow my ideas to change and act can I realize my plans step by step!

The common people are like water; water can carry a boat or capsize it. And the material to make the boat is these people!

Today, by revealing the Kongtong Seal, I have made this boat more secure, and it can naturally sail farther, faster, and deeper!

"The techniques of the strange people are too bizarre, often making it impossible to guard against. I tossed and turned yesterday, unable to eat or sleep, all while thinking about how to deal with these strange people. However, my own wisdom is limited, and I haven't come up with any good methods. I wonder if any of my beloved ministers have any good ideas? Preferably a solution that can resolve this matter once and for all!"

"Great King, give me ten thousand cavalry, and I will turn the lands of our Great Shang upside down. I will surely sweep away all the strange people!"

The speaker was Fei Lian, the father of E Lai, known for his speed.

As Fei Lian spoke, two richly dressed officials stepped out from the civilian ranks, holding jade tablets. One of them first bowed to Fei Lian, then raised his head with a hint of mockery:

"Are you joking, Grand Official Fei Lian? Ten thousand troops? How many slaves would be needed? How much grain and fodder? How would the lives of our Great Shang's people be disturbed?"

"Great King, Fei Zhong is right! If Grand Official Fei Lian were to lead ten thousand cavalry, the auxiliary soldiers and slaves needed would number in the millions! The grain and fodder would be immeasurable! Such a move that exhausts the people and wastes money is also only a temporary fix. No matter how prosperous our Great Shang is, we cannot do this!"

Fei Zhong spoke, and You Hun naturally followed. Although these two were treacherous officials who engaged in corruption, their abilities were undeniably strong!

"Then what methods do you have? I would like to learn from you!"

Fei Lian turned his head, his eyes glaring, and a murderous aura rose. He was also a fierce general of the Shang Dynasty. When he got serious, the temperature of the entire hall dropped by several degrees.

Fei Zhong and You Hun were startled by him and instinctively shrank their heads. They glanced at each other and nodded slightly.

"Grand Official, do not be hasty. This is a court discussion, not a martial contest. Your demeanor..."

"If we didn't know that your family, Lord Fei Lian, has served the Great Shang for generations, we would think you were trying to assassinate the Great King in court!"

Fei Zhong spoke first, and You Hun followed. With their back-and-forth banter, they lightly pinned the charge of assassination and rebellion onto Fei Lian.

"Silence! Lord Fei Lian's family has served our King for generations, how could he possibly assassinate the Great King!"

Huang Feihu stepped out from the ranks, also glaring at the two treacherous officials, Fei Zhong and You Hun. These two scoundrels truly deserved to be punished!

"Your Highness King Wucheng, I did not say that Lord Fei Lian intended to assassinate the Great King. I was merely reminding Lord Fei Lian that such behavior in court could be considered disrespectful before the King."

Seeing Huang Feihu speak, You Hun quickly changed his tone, but he continued to sow discord against Fei Lian.

Huang Feihu held the title of King Wucheng, was the brother of Consort Huang, one of the three imperial consorts, and a disciple of Grand Tutor Wen Zhong. Even with Di Xin's favor, You Hun did not dare to provoke him now.

However, not daring to provoke him did not mean he would suffer in silence. If Fei Lian dared to threaten them in court, with their petty natures, they would naturally not let it go.

"Great King, Grand Official Fei Lian is a military general. If military generals are not passionate and spirited, should our Great Shang let people like Fei Zhong and You Hun be passionate and spirited!"

Shang Rong saw You Hun's relentless pursuit and could no longer hold back. He clasped his hands and spoke, directly confronting them!

He had finally met a wise ruler and naturally would not let such treacherous officials mislead Di Xin and ruin his great future of being remembered for eternity.

"Moreover, Grand Official Fei Lian is already of such an age and still possesses such bravery and spirit. This is a blessing for the Great King, the people, and the empire!"

"Prime Minister, you cannot say it like that..."

"Enough!"

Di Xin rubbed his slightly throbbing temples and stopped Fei Zhong from continuing to sow discord. I asked you to do serious business, and all you know is how to fight amongst yourselves!

Treacherous officials are difficult to manage; if not used properly, they can stab you in the back.

"Many of our generals have learned from strange people. Such a ruthless approach is not advisable."

"Then what does the Great King mean?"

Hearing Di Xin speak, Royal Uncle Bi Gan's eyes twitched. His mind raced, and he figured out Di Xin's intention: I have a plan in mind, quickly ask me!

"Ahem! Royal Uncle, please be patient. My plan is a bit crude. Let's hear what the ministers have to say first."

Di Xin nodded with satisfaction. You old man understands me, but I won't say it directly. You know what to do, right?

"Please, Great King, enlighten us..."