Five days passed in the blink of an eye.
During those five days, Chen Cuo absorbed what he had gained and gradually came to understand his new Authority over the Huai Region.
"The Authority over the Huai Region came from the Crescent Moon Blade and the Court Gavel. It concerns military affairs and civil governance, and isn't limited to the Chen Kingdom's territory—it reaches into the Qi Kingdom as well! It stretches from the Bian, Si, and Yi rivers in the north to the Great River's northern bank in the south, taking in major cities such as Pengcheng, Xiapi, Shouchun, Fengyang, Shanyang, and Liyang. The lower Huai River and the lands on both sides are all within its grasp!"
Seated in the Quiet Chamber, Chen Cuo contemplated his Authority. Incense coiled around him, and divine light shone without cease. Together, the smoke and light traced the contours of the Huai Region. Countless points of light glimmered within it, mingled with the thoughts of its people.
"To secure the Southeast, one must vie for the Great River and the Han; to cast one's eyes upon the Central Plains, one must take Huai-Si! This truly is a strategic crossroads, extending across North and South, the pivot of the realm. It bears on the fortunes of both regions. No wonder Hou Jing valued it!"
As his thoughts shifted, the outline of Huai-Si grew hazier, while the myriad stars shone brighter.
"Authority like this may bring glory for a time, but that means little unless it can aid my path! My path lies with people, yet this Authority over the Huai Region weakens the multitudes to fatten one man, raising him above all living beings and dividing those above from those below. To understand it, I must turn it on its head: disperse its