Wang Mang moved swiftly and ruthlessly, purging his rivals to rise to Chancellor. Once he became Chancellor, purging his rivals became easier still.
In a quiet room, Wang Mang gathered with his trusted allies, excitement written across every face.
After all, acquiring power had been far too easy. Their opponents were riddled with openings, unable to withstand a single blow, while everything looked bright for their own side.
Not only their own faction-even the emperor's staunch supporters were beginning to grow dissatisfied.
Seated at the head, Wang Mang said gravely, "Having come this far, we have only one final obstacle left.
"Once we cross it, we can begin our reforms in earnest."
One final obstacle?
Everyone immediately grew curious. Who was still worthy of being called an obstacle to them?
But seeing Wang Mang's solemn expression, they instantly realized: who else could it be but that capricious emperor, forever wavering between conservatism and institutional reform?
Was the Chancellor going to move against the emperor?
Could he be planning regicide?
This was no longer the Spring and Autumn period!
In that age when rites crumbled and music fell into ruin, rulers had been murdered in droves. But over the Great Han's two hundred years, rites and music had been restored. Regicide was something they dared not even contemplate.
Even though they all belonged to Wang Mang's faction, this remained intolerable. To bear the charge of regicide in the clear light of history, to stink for ten thousand years, and even implicate their descendants-
But on second thought, Wang Mang could not possibly do such a thing. Would he abandon the unblemished reputation he enjoyed throughout the world?
If he continued along his present course, he was destined to leave his name in history, standing shoulder to shoulder with King Wen of