Eternal Life as False Emperor-Chapter 84 - 64: Factional Strife

Some advocate agreeing to the third son of King Yan’s request, appointing him as King Yan, and letting you lead the troops to ally with Xu Mujun’s forces to resist the Wu Country’s army.

Others even suggested relocating the capital, nearly drowning in the spit of many ministers.

Watching the chaos of the imperial court like a busy market, Zheng Yi helplessly shook his head.

The current Great Yu is teetering on the brink of storm.

Compared to the Great Ming of the previous world, it is strikingly similar.

Natural and man-made disasters, powerful noble clans, vassal town divides, and foreign invasions.

With Wu Country in the Northern Border and Nanzhao Country in the Southern Border, plus internal civil unrest, Zheng Yi seemed to already witness the dynasty’s end.

Zheng Yi believed that within the current Great Yu World and its thirteen provinces, there were many hidden malcontents.

All it needed was a spark, and the entire Great Yu would explode.

Corrupt officials, noble clans, powerful landlords, territorial divisions, vassal kings and towns...

The Great Yu has stood for over three hundred years, yet the doom of a dynasty’s end appears everywhere.

The rebellion of King Yan is merely a catalyst.

The difference is, he is not Emperor Chongzhen, and Great Yu is not Great Ming!

Great Yu has powerful martial artists, and cultivators hidden in secrecy.

And he has the Yin Yang Treasure Mirror, and the firearms he valued!

Given enough time, he could quell the chaos.

Whether through strong suppression, or letting things take their course and creating a new world!

The class contradictions developed over three hundred odd years were too great to solve entirely.

There could only be chaos first, followed by peace.

Such was the five thousand years of history from the previous world.

Feudal private ownership and unequal land distribution.

Long division must unite, long unity must divide.

A batch of people must die, freeing up space, to once again usher in days of peace!

A stick of incense later, the whole imperial court finally quieted down.

Zheng Yi also rubbed his head, saying: "My dear ministers, have you discussed any good methods?"

Lu Xiangqing immediately stood up and said: "Your Majesty, the third son of King Yan, Zheng Yuantao’s actions are truly rebellious and treasonous, this humble minister advocates for war!"

"Deploy the Imperial Guard, and the armies of Jizhou, Xuzhou, and other places to eradicate the Pseudo-Yan rebels!"

"No way!"

As soon as Lu Xiangqing’s voice fell, Cui Jinghao objected.

He stood forward respectfully and said: "Your Majesty, Yan City is too close to the Capital City. If we advocate for war, the Pseudo-Yan cavalry could reach the capital within three days."

"Who can block them then? Who can fight them?"

"Therefore, this humble minister suggests first agreeing to the third son of King Yan’s request, appoint him as King Yan!"

"After King Yan is appointed, he will be grateful to the imperial court. Then the court can command him to lead the army to Canglong River, and together with Grand General Xu, resist the invasion of Wu Country. This is the best plan!"

"We second this!"

As soon as Cui Jinghao finished speaking, seven or eight ministers stood up and voiced their support.

Subsequently, they started arguing again.

Zheng Yi felt a headache and thought that everyone says three women make a drama, but damn, this group of men are no better.

And they’re all old men!

The most important thing is... factionalism!

The Lu family, represented by Lu Xiangqing, and the Cui family, represented by Cui Jinghao, finally stood on opposite sides, vying for power and profit for their respective interests.

This move was detrimental to the country, yet was exactly what Zheng Yi was delighted to see.

As they talked, they even started to fight, and it was a fierce tussle.

Zheng Yi couldn’t be bothered to think, and watched with interest.

The most excited fighter was Assistant Minister Tian Wenjing of the Ministry of Personnel.

This person, in the Ministry of Personnel, was not affected at all by Yang Ni’s rebellion, an absolute miracle.

He was grabbing an official from the peace faction, hitting and cursing:

"Damn you, the Pseudo-Yan rebel, and yet you want to acknowledge its status, placing Your Majesty, placing Great Yu where?"

"Our Great Yu has a million brave soldiers; how could we allow the Pseudo-Yan to sleep peacefully near our beds!"

While fighting, two bloody scratches appeared on Tian Wenjing’s face, yet he still shouted angrily: "Your Majesty! Absolutely do not agree with Pseudo-Yan’s request... Ah!"

"Damn you... kicked me below the belt, I’ll kill you!"

Zheng Yi couldn’t hold it in anymore and finally burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, hahaha... Quickly, separate the ministers."

Upon the command, eunuchs and guards hurried forward to separate the fighting ministers.

Many had bloodied faces, disarranged court robes, glaring at each other.

On the ground, an unknown boot lay amidst a mess.

Zheng Yi patted the table, said: "Alright, my dear ministers, I know you are all loyal and care for the state, but I have already made plans."

He stood and said: "Our Great Yu was founded by force of arms, and it has been more than three hundred years, have we ever bowed our heads to foreign lands?"

"Though I am not talented, I want to emulate my ancestors, and contest every inch of land!"

"From today, pass down this message of mine."

"During the reign of Yu, no peace treaties, no ceding land, no reparations, no tributes, no pledging vassal! Uphold the teaching ’The Emperor guards the gate, the King dies for the state’!"

"Those who violate this will be expelled by Heaven and Man together!"

Below the imperial court, many of the ministers were shocked, excited, or scornful, but ultimately all moved to the sides, cupping their hands and said: "We obey the decree!"

"Chen Wannian!"

"This humble servant is here!"

Chen Wannian, former Commander of the Divine Strategy Camp.

After Zheng Yi transferred Chen Hongxiu and Zhao Tieshan to the Divine Strategy Camp, Chen Wannian was transferred back to the Imperial Guard, becoming one of the three main commanders of the Imperial Guard.

"Reorganize the Imperial Guard, clear the city, and capture all criminal elements and spies within the city. Confirm their identities and execute them immediately, ensuring the safety of the Capital City."

"Yes!"

"Additionally, dispatch patrols to monitor the Pseudo-Yan army’s movements in Yan City."

"Yes!"

"Recruit skilled County Soldiers from Jizhou, Jingzhou, and Yuuzhou, and rebuild the Imperial Guard!"

Zheng Yi intended to restructure the Imperial Guard and increase its numbers to one hundred thousand!

Lu Xiangqing suddenly questioned: "Your Majesty, should we recall Grand General Xu? With Grand General Xu present, the Capital City is secure!"

Zheng Yi nodded: "Grand General Xu was already aware of this matter and has dispatched troops towards Pseudo-Yan Yan City to pin down their army."

"This is good, Your Majesty’s far-sightedness is unmatched by us." 𝑓𝑟𝑒𝘦𝓌𝑒𝑏𝑛𝑜𝘷𝑒𝘭.𝒸𝘰𝑚

"Where is the Minister of the Ministry of Rites?"

"This humble servant is here."

Kong Xiangsi immediately stood up, respectfully.

"Draft an edict for me, send it to Pseudo-Yan Yan City."

Zheng Yi said: "Inform Zheng Yuantao that this act is condemned by Heaven and Man, order him to quickly abolish the vassal and disband the army, depose himself into a commoner, and come to the Capital City to await further orders."

"Otherwise, Master Wang will break through Yan City and grind his bones to dust!"

Kong Xiangsi immediately responded: "Yes!"

"Court adjourned~!"

The ministers left, and Zheng Yi, surrounded by many eunuchs and palace maids, proceeded towards Qiankun Hall.

Halfway, he suddenly noticed a little eunuch constantly looking his way and seemed somewhat familiar.

Shadow Guard?

He gestured for him to come over, and signaled the other eunuchs and palace maids to keep their distance.

"This servant is from Shadow Guard Anhe, greetings to Your Majesty!"

"What is it?"

"Moying, who works in Jiaofang Hall, handed over a booklet, instructing this servant to deliver it personally to Your Majesty."

"Jiaofang Hall?"

Zheng Yi’s heart throbbed, Noble Consort Cui?

"Bring it here."

"Yes!"

A booklet detailing matters regarding Noble Consort Cui was grabbed into Zheng Yi’s hands.

"Noble Consort Cui... what secret do you hold?"