"Although the Puntian Great Emperor is hailed as the dynasty's emperor of the ages and its nominal ruler, in reality, Emperor-level experts have little interest in power. What matters most to them is comprehending the Great Dao and understanding nature! Thus, the true greatest rulers of the dynasty are these Eight Princes! To put it precisely, the power controlled by the Eight Princes is even more frightening than that of the Nine Emperors. That is why Yunzhou City has a saying: better offend the Nine Emperors than provoke the Eight Princes!"
Ye Tao continued.
"Better offend the Nine Emperors than provoke the Eight Princes?" Nie Yun nodded.
The Nine Great Emperors did not control political power. Though the families behind them sounded imposing and carried great prestige, they did not possess much actual influence. Even if one offended them, so long as it did not go too far, Emperor-level experts would not bother to take issue with it. They were not too terrifying.
The Eight Princes were different. They controlled real power, and their influence was tangled together like roots and branches. Offending one of them was like poking a hornet's nest—nearly impossible to withstand!
Furthermore, all eight princes had hopes of inheriting the dynasty. They would certainly each cultivate trusted followers and fight for the throne. Once offended, if matters were not handled properly, one would inevitably suffer every kind of suppression!
Thus, better offend the Nine Emperors than provoke the Eight Princes was no empty saying. Emperor-level experts were too distant; even if offended, they would not bother to pursue the matter. The Eight Princes who held actual power were different. If one truly offended them, there would definitely be no peaceful days ahead!
"What about the remaining Twelve Dukes?"
Having learned about the Nine Emperors and Eight