Lianshan Xin had not expected Top-Ranked Big Brother to have the resolve to scrape poison from his bones.
Speaking of bone-scraping-
Ahem. Lianshan Xin collected himself and pointed out the hole in Emperor Yongchang's logic. "Your Majesty, didn't we agree that you would help me become the Divine Emperor? How did this turn into me helping you secure your realm?"
Emperor Yongchang's approach could indeed resolve Great Yu's current problem of land annexation to some extent. Of course, only to some extent. Without addressing productivity, all the problems would merely be delayed.
Even so, for daring to turn the blade inward against his own Lineage, Emperor Yongchang could count as an enlightened ruler even across the sweep of history.
He was simply too good at swapping the beams and pillars under people's noses.
Something that benefited him far more had been made to sound like an enormous favor to Lianshan Xin.
Emperor Yongchang had his own explanation. "A-Xin, you possess Dragon-Slaying True Intent, and I'm entrusting you with such a weighty responsibility. Give yourself twenty years. Who in this world could still be your match?"
Lianshan Xin thought that he did indeed believe he might be invincible under heaven twenty years from now.
But that promised pie was too far in the future.
"Twenty years is too long. I fight for every moment."
Emperor Yongchang patiently persuaded him. "A-Xin, you can't eat hot tofu in a hurry. Once you grow strong, no one can outcompete you. Among my children, none is more outstanding than Xunyang. If even Xunyang won't contend with you, the Crown Prince's position will be yours sooner or later."
Lianshan Xin frowned. "What would I want the Crown Prince's position for?"
Emperor Yongchang's heart lurched, but he controlled his emotions and said earnestly, "My position will be