The Endless Uses of a Treacherous Minister

In the imperial court, the silence was so profound that a needle drop could be heard. No one could guess what Di Xin intended to do, and naturally, no one dared to speak rashly.

A thousand-foot tower, built by a hundred thousand slaves. It seemed like a grand spectacle, but in reality, it was of no consequence to them.

The land belonged to Di Xin, the provisions were Di Xin's provisions, and the slaves were Di Xin's slaves. Their own interests were not affected in the slightest, and their well-being was not disturbed.

However, they didn't know what Di Xin was truly after with this series of events. They couldn't understand Di Xin anymore, and that was the most dangerous signal!

"Great King, the Grand Tutor is still fighting Yuan Futong in the North Sea. To undertake such a massive construction project in Chaoge..."

It was ill-timed.

Royal Uncle Bi Gan was the first to speak, and the atmosphere in the grand hall eased. The officials all seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, their eyes fixed on the two men, afraid of missing even the slightest piece of useful information.

"Royal Uncle Bi Gan, please calm yourself. I will only ask one question: if this thousand-foot tower and one hundred thousand slaves can bring about the Grand Tutor's triumphant return, would it be worth it?"

Di Xin asked with confidence.

"Worth it! Let alone one tower, even three, five! If all two hundred thousand slaves die from exhaustion! It would still be worth it!"

Bi Gan said with conviction!

The common people and soldiers were the foundation of Yin Shang. Slaves... were merely property!

In the nine grand halls, apart from a select few, no one would consider slaves as human beings. Trading a pile of property for victory in war was truly worth it!

"Then that's settled. I will use this one tower to exchange for victory in the North Sea!"

The Kongtong Seal in Di Xin's hand disappeared. He flicked his sleeve and descended the high platform and jade steps, heading towards Qingxian Hall without any hesitation.

After Di Xin left, the civil and military officials exchanged bewildered glances, unsure of what to do. At this moment, a court official stepped forward and shouted loudly:

"Court dismissed! Royal Uncle Bi Gan, Prime Minister Shang Rong, King Wucheng Huang Feihu, and Doctors Fei Zhong and You Hun will proceed to Qingxian Hall for discussions!"

"Yes!"

In Qingxian Hall, Di Xin stroked the Kongtong Seal, his thoughts racing.

If this plan succeeded, it would be killing three birds with one stone!

One stone was to gather all the extraordinary individuals in the world and bring them into national service.

The first bird was Kong Xuan, the Peacock Great Bright King. If the West had him, our Chaoge could have him too!

The second bird was the slaves. After the Star-Gathering Pavilion was built, the hundred thousand slaves would be returned to civilian status, a preliminary release to observe the effects.

And the third bird was Yuan Futong in the North Sea. He had kept Wen Zhong fighting for years; I want to see who is truly behind you!

"Everything is proceeding according to plan. The general trend cannot be changed? Seeing the big picture from the small, I will definitely shake the great trend and see if it can be changed!"

"Great King, Royal Uncle Bi Gan, Prime Minister Shang Rong, King Wucheng Huang Feihu, and Doctors Fei Zhong and You Hun are waiting outside the hall."

"Let them in and grant them seats!"

"Yes!"

A moment later, each person entered the grand hall, clasped their hands together, bowed in thanks, and then took their seats on either side.

"May we know what matter the Great King wishes to discuss with us?"

Royal Uncle Bi Gan looked at Di Xin, his face filled with confusion. All matters had already been decided; what else was there to discuss?

"Royal Uncle, do not be anxious. My actions are still regarding the Star-Gathering Pavilion."

Di Xin laughed heartily, dispelling everyone's concerns, and then spoke again:

"The Star-Gathering Pavilion is the most important matter for Yin Shang right now, and its purpose is extraordinary. Therefore, I cannot entrust it to others."

"Then what is the Great King's intention?"

Fei Zhong's eyes lit up. He thought it was something else; it turned out to be about dividing the spoils and skimming off the cream. This was his specialty!

"Shang Rong, Huang Feihu, You Hun, heed my command!"

Di Xin's tone changed, and the atmosphere instantly became solemn.

"Your subject is here!"

The three ministers stood up and bowed, awaiting Di Xin's decree.

"The construction of the Star-Gathering Pavilion will be overseen by Prime Minister Shang Rong, assisted by Doctor You Hun, and Huang Feihu will lead five thousand soldiers to guard it! As I said in the court, select one hundred thousand slaves and begin construction immediately! I have only one requirement for this matter: all one hundred thousand slaves must be kept alive for me!"

"Great King, this!"

Di Xin's words shocked all five people present. Even Shang Rong found it hard to believe: building a palace without slaves dying? How was that possible?

"You think it's impossible? I want one hundred thousand strong slaves. Anyone who dares to play tricks on me in this matter will have their entire family's heads chopped off!"

Di Xin's gaze was like a knife, directly at You Hun. His words were like the biting wind of the coldest winter, chilling people to the bone.

You Hun's heart skipped a beat. Feeling Di Xin's gaze, he struggled to lift his head, looking at Di Xin's sharp eyebrows and bright eyes. He immediately broke out in a cold sweat:

It's over, it's over. Are these words directed at me? This is not a good job at all; it's clearly a life-threatening one!

"Your subject, Shang Rong, accepts the decree!"

Di Xin's words were resolute, and Shang Rong naturally would not oppose him again. Recalling what the guards had said outside the door earlier, he also had some guesses in his heart.

If this matter succeeds, it will be a great achievement for generations to come, and it's no wonder even the ancient Three Sovereigns favored Di Xin!

"Your subject, Huang Feihu, receives the decree!"

"Your subject, I, I, You Hun, receive, receive the decree."

You Hun responded tremblingly, his heart hardening at that moment: if this matter succeeds, he would definitely be able to push Fei Zhong aside and gain the Great King's sole favor, never again having to share the spoils with Fei Zhong! In that case, he couldn't be blamed. Whether they were dukes, ministers, or regional lords, they all had to hand over the strongest slaves from their households! If I'm going to die, I'll drag you all down with me!

"Then you may go and prepare for this matter."

Seeing the ruthlessness hidden in You Hun's eyes, Di Xin nodded with satisfaction. This was precisely why he had involved You Hun in this matter!

Shang Rong and Huang Feihu were upright individuals who couldn't bring themselves to do such a heaven-defying and universally detested "good deed." However, You Hun didn't care about such things. By stirring up trouble first, he would make it easier for Shang Rong and the other to act, and he himself could then see clearly who was thinking what.

"Yes!"

The three bowed and withdrew, leaving Bi Gan and Fei Zhong looking confused.

"Great King, what if some of the hundred thousand slaves die from illness?"

Royal Uncle Bi Gan still felt that Di Xin's actions were not proper. Was this something a human could do?

"Royal Uncle's temper is getting more impatient, hahaha!"

Di Xin chuckled and shook his head, but he deliberately said:

"You Hun also has unusual individuals among his retainers. If they fall ill, have them treat them. These are not major issues. The major issues are what you and Fei Zhong need to handle!"

Major issues? Building the thousand-foot Star-Gathering Pavilion without a single slave dying wasn't a major issue, so just how big could a major issue be?

Fei Zhong trembled inwardly. He was more panicked than anyone else because he could no longer fathom Di Xin's intentions. For a treacherous official, this was undoubtedly the most fatal blow!

"What exactly is this great matter that makes the Great King so solemn?"

Bi Gan asked curiously.

"This great matter is the General of Sanshan Pass, Kong Xuan! Royal Uncle, you and Fei Zhong will take my royal decree and go together to Golden Rooster Ridge to invite him to Chaoge!"

As Di Xin spoke, he took out the Kongtong Seal, channeled the Human Race's destiny, and pressed it lightly onto the silk!

In Yin Shang, the only thing that could move Kong Xuan was the profound destiny of the Human Race!