Because I was delayed for too long before.
Fengdi also accelerated his pace afterwards.
He first visited the Jixia Academy as usual, and then participated in a debate in the Peach Grove. Leng Qian presided over the debate, with Bu Suanzi as advisor. The topic was the relative merits of enfeoffment and county system.
Both sides engaged in a passionate debate, each citing classic texts. Initially, there was some back-and-forth, but gradually, the system was completely replaced by prefectures and counties. Since its founding, Dafeng had been divided into fiefdoms for hundreds of years, with four kings of different surnames occupying nearly half the territory. The Tian clan usurped the throne of Qi, the King of Chu rebelled, the King of Jin committed treason... Similar incidents were numerous.
It was obvious that the foreign kings were the source of Dafeng's unrest. If their territories could be annexed, Dafeng would become a superpower unprecedented in history!
Of course, there are also objections.
In their view, the emperor's power needs to be restricted.
A king of a different surname can serve this purpose.
And force Emperor Feng to pay attention to people's livelihood!
If the people were not living well, at least they could flee to the kings of other surnames to get a meal.
Neither side gave in, fighting back and forth. Even in front of the Emperor, they showed no fear. They each spoke with great authority, and eventually, they were ready to draw their swords and clash.
Don't get me wrong, they are truly scholars. It's simply that Dafeng has always valued martial arts. If you can't even use a sword, who will listen to your reason?
The so-called Six Arts are actually ritual, music, archery, charioteering, calligraphy, and mathematics. Archery here refers to archery, and charioteering refers to charioteering. How could a scholar be so weak as to be unable to even tie a chicken?!
Fortunately, Leng Qian intervened in time to reassure them. It's normal for both sides to have different opinions; sometimes there's no need to argue about who's right or wrong. Times change, and so do the policies implemented. In the early days of the state, kings of different surnames were needed to guard the borders. Now that Dafeng's territory has grown exponentially, it's no longer possible for someone like the King of Lu to defend the borders. Thus, kings of different surnames have become a burden.
Tian Zhongxun's face was rather grim at their argument. He had once been a distinguished guest at the Jixia Academy and had visited it many times. This time, the topic of enfeoffment and prefectures was clearly a token of his allegiance.
Those who insist on enfeoffment will probably find it difficult to be reused in the future. The Jixia Academy, which was originally neutral like the Shenji Pavilion, may very well follow the same fate as the Liuyi Academy!
"This bunch of fence-sitters who change their minds according to the wind!"
Tian Zhongxun angrily slammed his palm on the table.
Gu Yuan stood by without saying a word.
There are guards outside the door.
The ice jar exudes a hint of coolness.
Tian Zhongxun turned around.
Staring at Gu Yuan intently.
"You heard it all, didn't you?"
“That’s intentional!”
"Emperor Feng has bared his fangs!"
"They just want to strip us of our royal power!"
"If he doesn't let us live, he won't have an easy life either!"
Tian Zhongxun roared viciously.
He has been in the business for many years, but this is the first time he has made a mistake.
When the old Prince Ning died in battle, he led his troops into Chang'an. Emperor Feng feigned panic in front of him and questioned what he intended to do. Upon learning that he was worried about a mutiny after Prince Ning's death, Emperor Feng breathed a sigh of relief. He also explained that Dafeng was not just Prince Ning, but also had other kings of other surnames who were the pillars of the nation, and that they would be the ones to shoulder the brunt of the future.
Emperor Feng has been enduring all this time!
We have been pampering them all these years!
Now that Ning Que has inherited the title of king and made great contributions during the Northern Expedition, Fengdi's position has become more secure. This time, it is said that they are going to attack Goguryeo in the east, so I am afraid they will also deal with him.
"What's your plan, my Lord?"
"You don't have to worry about these things." Tian Zhongxun's face showed a cold expression, and he said sternly, "Your mission is to train the fleet first and manage the army well. Use your own methods to turn against us at the critical moment and kill Ning Que! Without Ning Que, Emperor Feng is a toothless tiger, not to be feared!"
Emperor Feng is a man who should not be underestimated.
People who are good at forbearance are often more difficult to deal with.
Since he wants to reduce the power of the feudal lords, he must bear the consequences!
After killing Ning Que, he took the opportunity to annex Linzi and Lu.
In this way, he had five counties in his hands.
He has informed the King of Jin and the King of Chu.
At that time, they would divide their forces into three groups and attack Chang'an. The three families would divide Dafeng and establish themselves as emperors. The Tian family's ancestors were able to usurp the Qi Kingdom, and now Tian Zhongxun can do the same. After so many years, it's time to change course!
Of course, the fewer people who know this, the better.
Tian Zhongxun didn't even plan to tell Gu Yuan.
"Don't worry, Your Highness!" Gu Yuan's face was grim as he stood up and said, "The only reason I'm still alive now is to kill Ning Que. It doesn't matter whether I live or die, I just want to kill him!"
"good!"
Tian Zhongxun stood up gracefully and nodded in appreciation.
This is also the reason why he recommended Gu Yuan as general.
Only those who have died once can be fearless.
Gu Yuan was a ruthless villain who would do anything to achieve his goals. Ning Que had trampled his remaining self-respect, completely crushing it to dust. So, Gu Yuan now had only one thought: to perish together with Ning Que!
"I must return to Jiaodong first. I will send troops to Linzi later. They have served me for generations. You must train well and don't embarrass yourself."
"Besides, you must remember this for me."
“Those who achieve great things don’t get hung up on small details!”
"It's not time to turn against each other yet."
"You just have to bear it for me!"
"Don't worry, Your Majesty!"
Gu Yuan nodded firmly.
He and the King of Qi have the same goal.
They all want to kill Ning Que!
…
…
The emperor's carriage traveled along the official road.
It was a rare opportunity for the Emperor to close his eyes and rest.
Ning Que was beside him, sighing softly.
Emperor Feng has not had a moment of rest these days.
The daily schedule is full.
"Where are we?"
"We're almost to the saltworks."
"Okay." Emperor Feng changed into a comfortable position and said softly, "I have never seen the ocean, so this is a rare opportunity. I heard that there are three sacred mountains overseas, and on those mountains there is the legendary elixir of immortality."
"This is bullshit..."
"Hahaha!"
Emperor Feng also smiled and said jokingly, "Of course I don't believe it either. It's just that there are too many secrets overseas, and I'm really curious. Xiao Ning, sometimes I really envy you. You can lead troops to fight, gallop across the battlefield, and appreciate the beautiful scenery of Dafeng. But I can only stay in Weiyang Palace alone, with nothing..."
"War isn't that good."
Ning Que shook his head slightly.
He is the one who hates fighting the most.
He couldn't bear to see his comrades die in front of him.
Trampled into a pulp by war horses!
Shot into a hornet's nest by a crossbow!
Cut in half by a weapon!
These are all living lives...
Every time he returned to Jingyang, he would sigh deeply at the white lanterns on the doors of the people's homes. But he had no choice but to minimize the casualties.
"Let's not talk about that."
"We all have our own difficulties."
"Maybe it's good to be an ordinary person."
Emperor Feng looked out the window and said, "Xiao Ning, I will be returning to Chang'an in a few days. The rest of the journey will depend on you alone."
"I know everything." Ning Que laughed and raised his hand, saying, "I will develop Linzi as quickly as possible. In a year, we can set out on the Eastern Expedition!"
"Okay, I'll wait for your great victory!"
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