After Diku ascended the throne, he indeed lived up to expectations. He promoted benevolent governance, lightened taxes and labor duties, encouraged farming and animal husbandry, and greatly developed the Human Clan's productivity.
At the same time, he recruited talented people far and wide. Regardless of their origins or status, anyone with ability was given important responsibilities.
Under his rule, the Human Clan flourished, and its fortune grew ever more prosperous.
However, the peace did not last long.
Although Shaohao guarded the east, he remained unwilling to accept Diku's ascension and secretly contacted forces from the Chan Sect, building up his strength.
Though Zhuanxu appeared obedient on the surface, he wavered between the Jie Sect and the Chan Sect, attempting to use the two factions' power to seize the imperial throne.
Meanwhile, the Nine Li tribe in the south grew increasingly powerful under Chi You's leadership. The Witch Clan's fortune intertwined with that of the Human Clan, causing many to regard them with deep apprehension.
Chen Xuan knew full well that Diku's position on the throne was far from secure.
Therefore...
He often entered and left the Human Clan's palace, offering Diku counsel. "Human Sovereign, Shaohao and Zhuanxu both have the Profound Gate's support. Their ambitions are boundless, and they must be guarded against. Chi You's southern tribe is powerful. While they serve as a shield for the Human Clan, they may also become a hidden danger. On one hand, we must consolidate our own strength; on the other, we must divide the various sides and make them restrain one another."
Hearing this, Diku nodded. "What you say is most true, sir. I have already ordered the defenses of the capital strengthened and dispatched envoys throughout the lands to spread enlightenment and win over the people's hearts. But the Profound Gate