The Jade Emperor listened to Li Jing, stroking his beard. This was indeed not a bad idea.
"Since our Heavenly Court is the ruler of the Three Realms, if we wish to strengthen it, we should recruit worthy talents from across the Three Realms. Once these talents come to the Heavenly Court, we should treat them generously, just as they say in the mortal realm: respect the worthy and humble ourselves before men of talent."
Li Jing continued speaking to the Jade Emperor.
"Respect the worthy and humble ourselves before them?" The Jade Emperor frowned again.
Li Jing said, "In the mortal realm, many kings issue proclamations seeking talent in order to strengthen themselves and their nations. They recruit capable people from all under heaven, whether they belong to their own country or another. So long as they are willing to help us, we are willing to offer them generous treatment."
"In this way, all the worthy talents under heaven will be willing to come to that country, because talented people long for enlightened rulers. If our Heavenly Court can do the same, then talents from all corners of the Three Realms will gather here."
"At that time, the Heavenly Court will be overflowing with talent of every kind, and it will grow strong because of it. Then, no one in the Three Realms will be a match for the Heavenly Court, because most of the capable people in the Three Realms will have gathered here."
The Jade Emperor sat upon his throne. At first, he had not thought much of it, but the more he listened, the more tempted he became. Li Jing's idea truly was not bad.
The other gods in High Heaven Hall listened quietly as well, and inwardly, they all agreed with him.
However, they also