Chapter 658: Meeting Zi Shou at Night

Translator: Atlas Studios Editor: Atlas Studios

The horses in the Primordial World were also quite strong. When the Li Residence of Chentang Pass held the 100-day banquet for the newborn, Wen Zhong and Zi Shou had already secretly returned to Chaoge City.

Li Changshou could only hurriedly represent the servants and servants of the Li family to give a warm welcome to Jinzha’s birth. He also arranged for the best orchestra of Chentang Pass. He pretended to be drunk and left early.

At night.

Most of the people of Chaoge City had fallen asleep. Only some service streets were still noisy.

In the Emissary’s Residence, the patrolling guards walked past the front yard and backyard on time. Occasionally, they would laugh and mutter softly that the emissary was ascetic.

Li Changshou’s paper effigy sat in his study room. He was dressed in a dark red robe, and his grayish-white hair was combed neatly. He looked like a strict teacher.

Beside the window, there was a wine banquet that had been arranged in advance. Although the dishes were simple, there were a lot of them.

After all, the guests that he was going to invite today were all famous in Chaoge City.

At midnight.

Two black shadows in cloaks climbed over the wall from the backyard. The cloaks carried extremely weak Dharma powers and could hide their figures in front of mortals.

Li Changshou smiled.

Wen Zhong could be considered to have understood something. Although he was trying his best to hide the fact that he was an extraordinary person, he had also learned to act at an advantage.

He had to continue growing.

Not long after, there was a knock on the door. Li Changshou stood up. The door of the study opened by itself, and the two black shadows rushed into the room.

The first person was naturally Wen Zhong. After entering, he took off his cloak and wide hat and cupped his hands at Li Changshou.

“Greetings, Emissary.”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “Junior Master, you’re too polite. There’s no need to be reserved.”

After saying that, his gaze landed on the burly figure behind Wen Zhong. There was joy in his eyes.

What was standing in front of him now!

The person who had been cursed for thousands of years, the typical representative of the Daoless Tyrant, the sender of the Shang Dynasty, Zi Shou!

He was eight feet tall and had long arms. At that moment, he slowly raised his head and took off his cloak, revealing a young and angular face. His narrow eyes emitted an unconcealable confidence.

Li Changshou activated his clear Dao heart to avoid being affected by the calamity when he came into contact with Emperor Zhou.

Then, he cupped his hands and bowed to Zi Shou.

At the same time, according to the rules of the Shang Nation, unless one was a slave, there was no need to kneel normally.

“Greetings, Prince Zi Shou.”

“You’re welcome, Lord Emissary.”

Zi Shou cupped his fists and lowered his head slightly. He said seriously, “Emissary, you are an important minister of the six ministers. There is no need to bow to me.”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “Prince, you’re being too serious. Please take a seat.”

“Have a seat, Emissary.”

Wen Zhong also said, “Emissary, take a seat. Otherwise, I won’t dare to take a seat.”

Li Changshou did not insist. He sat on the main seat. Wen Zhong and Zi Yi stood on both sides of the small round table, forming a triangular formation.

Then…

The atmosphere was a little awkward.

Zi Jin supported his knees with both hands and sat upright with his chest straight. For a moment, he did not know what to say.

Wen Zhong deliberated over his words and smiled. “Speaking of which, it’s all thanks to Zi Shou’s frankness in front of the hall back then.”

Li Changshou looked at Zi Shou and smiled. “What do you think, Prince?”

“Um…”

Zi Xin pondered for a while, but he knew that Li Changshou was testing him. He had to be careful.

All these years, Junior Master had already praised the emissary to the heavens. He had even said that he was an immortal. It was somewhat exaggerated.

Zi Shou quickly said, “I’m very grateful to you for what happened back then. However, I’m only grateful that you can follow the rules and speak frankly.”

“Hahaha.”

Li Changshou laughed out loud. “I’m just doing my job.”

Wen Zhong smiled and said, “Zi Shou, actually, I have some personal ties with the emissary.”

“Oh? Why haven’t I heard Junior Master mention it before?”

“This matter should not be made public. Otherwise, it will easily attract gossip.”

Li Changshou said seriously, “Let’s not talk about that. Why did you come today, Prince?”

Zi Jin cupped his hands and said, “I’m here to seek advice.”

“Yes?”

Li Changshou chuckled and touched the wine pot. Wen Zhong was quick to react. He picked up the wine pot and poured wine for Li Changshou.

“Prince, what are you here for?”

“Previously, the generals of the army wanted to return to Chaoge City to complain.”

Zi Jin laughed at himself and revealed a helpless expression.

“Father, you have been ordered to lead the troops. I have already stated the rules. I have ordered them not to abduct commoners as captives. There are still generals who agreed on the surface but disagreed on the inside. They took off the military uniforms of the enemy troops who had died in battle and put them on the young and strong bodies of the commoners to deceive them. He had to kill one to warn the others. However, if this matter gets blown up when we return to Chaoge City, I’m afraid we will be in a passive position. The generals and military families will probably attack us together.”

Li Changshou pondered for a while and asked, “Is the rule that you are not allowed to abduct commoners as captives written by you?”

Wen Zhong sighed and said, “That’s right. It’s indeed me. Ahem, I drafted it.”

Disciple?

Zi Shou pondered.

He then heard Wen Zhong continue, “Slaves passing through the masses is already the chronic illness of the Shang. Under the building, the foundation is already floating. Although there were few battles in the Shang Nation now and the slaves obtained through plundering were far inferior to the slaves accumulated over the years, this was the first step that he could take. Only by rejecting the style of plundering prisoners of war as slaves could he return the slaves who had been captured by his ancestors to their normal identities as civilians. In that case, there will be many young men in the Shang Nation. The troops can be strong. There will be an endless stream of people who can be used in all kinds of matters. The power of the country will rise. It’s just a matter of time!”

“And then?”

Li Changshou asked with a smile.

Wen Zhong pondered for a while and said, “Are you asking?”

“Let’s not talk about anything else but the Shang Nation itself.”

“Then, the Shang Nation can extend the destiny of the country and live forever…”

Li Changshou looked at Zi Shou and smiled. “Prince, do you think so too?”

Zi Jin’s eyes were filled with light. He said firmly, “I accept Junior Master’s words!”

Li Changshou slowly sighed. “Let’s raise our glasses and drink together. We can talk while drinking.”

The three of them raised their cups and drank together. After drinking the wine in their cups, Li Changshou closed his eyes and placed his hands in his sleeves, as if he had fallen asleep.

He was thinking if he should enlighten King Zhou tonight…

Although Li Changshou knew that even if he were to help, the power of the Heavenly Dao’s restraint could not be resisted. However, when a possibility was in front of him, Li Changshou still wanted to give it a try.

Most importantly, this matter would not have any negative effects on him.

From another perspective, there were not many chances for him to affect Di Xin. Now, Di Xin was still a “prince”, and he was still malleable.

“You’re wrong.”

“Wrong?” Wen Zhong was puzzled.

Zi Shou hurriedly said, “Could it be that the Shang Nation has other ways to revive?”

Li Changshou sighed and said, “Junior Master’s words are reasonable, but your actions are too rash. The prince has learned the history of the Shang Dynasty. Do you know why the Shang Dynasty is gradually losing power?”

Zi Shou said, “I have been thinking about this question every day for four reasons. Firstly, before the ancestors of the Wencheng Clan decide on the method to pass down the position of the eldest son of the legitimate wife, the competition for the throne will result in a bloodbath. The internal energy of the country would be severely exhausted. Secondly, the aristocratic families are becoming more and more stable. Most of them do not want to advance and only want to enjoy themselves. There are many people who are in position and eating. Thirdly, there are too many slaves and they are already a hidden danger. Merchants are impatient and can no longer enjoy luxury. They are almost hopeless and gradually cannot be used. The fourth is the marquis. When Shang Nation was in chaos, the eight hundred marquis cultivated and rested. There was no lack of ambitious people. The girl who is about to get married is the daughter of Marquis Dongbo. I don’t know her yet. I only saw her portrait. However, she will definitely become my queen. This is Father’s stable plan.”

Li Changshou picked up a piece of beef and placed it in his mouth. He smiled and said, “Prince, why don’t we deduce it? If you obtain the support of the King this time, the matter of killing generals in the army will become the beginning of your reformation of internal governance. What will happen later? Wen Zhong, think about it too.”

Hence, Wen Zhong and Zi Shou each pondered.

After all, Wen Zhong was a Qi Refinement cultivator. He had lived for a long time and was experienced and knowledgeable. He considered the problem more comprehensively. Soon, he realized the seriousness of the problem and frowned.

Zi Shou was still a little angry. After thinking for a while, he said, “Many old officials will definitely object.”

Wen Zhong hurriedly continued, “That’s not all. This matter doesn’t just involve the military families. To resolve the matter of slaves, it is inevitable that it would involve all the marquis, nobles, and even the citizens. What the slaves need is only a portion of food. However, they can plow the fields, dig the canals, and be servants of their families. They are born like that. Most of them do not have any thoughts of resisting. If we attack directly… I’m afraid it will be a shocking change.”

“Junior Master, aren’t you exaggerating?”

“Prince, I took it for granted previously and did not consider it carefully.” Wen Zhong’s expression was a little gloomy. “The matter of slaves has to be dealt with in private and according to authority. We have to conceal the matter of killing the generals in the army. We previously discussed that it is impossible to argue about the harm of slaves to the country in the royal court!”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile.

Zi Shou looked angry and said firmly, “What’s there to be afraid of? You have to defend yourself!”

Wen Zhong sighed and said, “I’m afraid something major will happen if I argue forcefully.”

“At most, I won’t be able to protect this position.” Zi Shou stood up. “So what if I give my life to them!?!”

“Prince, Prince.” Li Changshou hurriedly said, “Don’t be agitated. You should obey the rules. Don’t be impatient. The four problems that you mentioned just now are indeed the drawbacks of the Shang Nation. These drawbacks had been accumulated for many years and had long existed. It is not something that can be easily changed with just a few words. However, it would be the misfortune of the Shang Nation if a future monarch like you, who has the power to support the Shang Dynasty, is easily defeated by those old fogeys. Your ancestor is watching you from the sky!”

Zi Shou looked ashamed. He bowed deeply to the sky and sat down.

Li Changshou smiled and said, “In that case, I won’t hide it. I’ll give you three strategies for the prince and the young master.”

Wen Zhong said, “With your help, the Shang Dynasty will be stable!”

Zi Shou listened attentively.

In fact, he was a little dissatisfied with Junior Master’s flattery of the emissary. Later, if the emissary were to spout nonsense and say something about him giving up on reforming the political affairs, he would immediately turn around and leave.

Li Changshou said slowly, “The first strategy is to be stable. Before you become the king, you have to obtain the support of the merchants, commoners, and nobles outside Chaoge City. Your Highness, you have to understand that you are not the only son of the King. If the King has to kill you because of the pressure from the Shang Kingdom, there would still be a successor to the throne. The one who makes the decision will always be the king, not the prince.”

Zishou could not help but be silent.

Li Changshou added, “Although there are many Heaven Immortals here, there are also humans, demons, and spirits.Elder, look, the people, demons, and spirits are mixed together, but there is no communication between them. Under normal circumstances, shouldn’t humans be closer to humans, while demons get closer to demons?”

“The second plan is still stable.

Previously, there was the matter of Yi Yin exiling the emperor. It was enough to make him wary.

The royal authority was not without restrictions. The process of the formation of the Shang King’s authority was to rule the officials, generals, and nobles around him. The political orders needed to be carried out by someone, the army needed to be led, and the royal authority was controlled.

That is especially important.”

Zi Shou pondered for a while and asked, “Can you tell me in detail, Emissary?”

“Just ask him specifically.” Li Changshou pointed at Wen Zhong. “To put it simply, you have to first rope in the ministers and generals and let them be on your side. Then, step by step, you can subtly promote your change. Be it weakening the dukes or changing the slaves to serve the people, they had to be realized step by step. It was impossible for it to be effective in three to five months. It would be a little difficult to achieve it in thirty to fifty years. If you take big steps, you will easily… tear the muscles in your inner thigh!”

Zi Shou nodded slowly. He was quite touched.

Li Changshou continued, “Military authority is the most important thing. The prince has to nurture a general in the army that he can absolutely trust. He has absolute authority in Chaoge City. That is the foundation of everything. It is also the reason why the vassals fear the Shang Emperor.”

“After listening to your words, I feel enlightened!”

Zi Jin’s eyes were filled with emotions. He raised his cup and toasted Li Changshou.

“Don’t be anxious. I’m not done.”

Li Changshou chuckled and replied with a cup of wine. He smiled and said, “The third plan is still stable. This is stable for the various marquis. The marquis will restrict the marquis. When it’s time to be gentle, be gentle. Wait for the opportunity and separate. This is the most important matter.”

Zi Shou pondered carefully and his eyes gradually lit up.

Wen Zhong asked again, “How should we resolve the situation today?”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “It’s easy to say, and it’s beneficial for the child.”

“Yes, please explain!”

“The prince should be known for being benevolent. He should never mention the matter of changing slaves to serve the people. He should also not reveal his inner aspirations. Even if he had previously said that when someone mentioned it, you should firmly deny it.”

Li Changshou smiled and continued, “Prince, can you say that the foundation of the Shang Dynasty lies in the bloody battle between the ancestors of the merchants? How can the descendants of the defeated be worthy of sitting together with the merchants? Of course, that was just an excuse. Prince, you have to learn to shape yourself and distinguish between benefits and stabilize your identity as an heir. That way, you will have a chance to realize your ambition. You can discuss with Junior Master how to perform.”

However, Wen Zhong said, “But, Emissary, wouldn’t people criticize the first set before ascending and the second set after ascending?”

Li Changshou smiled and said, “Do you care about your reputation?”

“Hahaha!”

Zi Shou laughed loudly and felt heroic!

“Ever since I was young, I have been poisoned, harmed, and defeated. My house has collapsed. Others have also gossiped about my strange life. Cursed name, Fu Yun’er. The reform of the nation should be carried by the King!”

Li Changshou said seriously, “However, you have to pay attention to your reputation. This will also affect the effect of the decree and make others talk about you. In that case, he would use benevolence and virtue as an excuse. Why did the prince kill the two generals?

It was because the prince disdained killing unarmed people and felt that Master Wang should not plunder. That was why he ordered them not to plunder civilians.

The two generals had disobeyed the orders and had to be killed.

He had used cruel methods to persecute the weak. It was against his martial morals and tarnished the face of the ruler of Shang. He had to be punished.

After the matter was exposed, they intended to incite the army to mutiny and cover up their crimes. They had to be killed immediately. Otherwise, the army would lose control and the consequences would be unimaginable. In front of the eight hundred dukes, Master Wang would become a laughing stock.

After careful consideration, the prince finally had the chance to kill the victorious general.

The generals who were clamoring to ask the King to order the punishment of the prince did not know the truth or had ulterior motives.”

Zishou asked in confusion, “Do they not know the truth, or do they have ulterior motives?”

“That depends. Do you want them to not know the truth or do you want to be unpredictable?”

Li Changshou smiled. “The word power comes from the heart. I hope that you will not forget what I said today. Don’t be anxious for quick results. Don’t seek instant success. Live steadily and change steadily. Only then can you succeed.”

Zi Shou stood up and bowed deeply. “Thank you for your guidance, Emissary.”

“Also,” Li Changshou smiled and said, “I’m the King’s emissary. It’s not appropriate for me to say that to the Prince. Later, I’ll rely on the Prince and the Junior Master to work hard.”

Wen Zhong and Zi Jin looked at each other. The former looked relieved, while the latter’s eyes were filled with stars.

Before Zi Shou left, he asked Li Changshou a question that Li Changshou could not answer.

He asked, “Emissary, I’m confused. Over the years, there were naturally many people who hoped to die and obtain the position. For that, the rich and powerful colluded with and his elder brother caused chaos. Before he was born, many aristocrats had secretly submitted to his elder brother. Now that Father is old and the internal strife is already in front of him, he is fearless and does not have any hatred. However, he is afraid that the internal strife would damage the destiny of the Shang Nation. The battle between the ancestors and the precepts of the late King Wen Cheng is still in front of him. He does not dare to forget it. Can you teach me that in order to become the king, I have to kill my elder brother and destroy my brothers? If there’s no other way, I will naturally cut him down quickly to prevent chaos.”

Li Changshou pondered for a while and could only say, “Move with your heart. Decision is yours. Never forget that the ancestor of Shang is watching you from above.”

…

“Six.”

“Pong!”

Youqin Xuanya frowned and looked at the arrogant Connate Cardinal treasure. She continued to think seriously.

She would lose half of the Spirit Stones she earned in the Heavenly Courts.