Incompetent Fools

The once noisy grand hall fell silent in an instant. No one had noticed when the Emperor had returned. They had just scolded him so harshly.

Di Xin, robust and imposing, radiating the regal aura, filled the hall with a silence that no one dared to break.

Shang Rong broke the eerie stillness and bowed to Di Xin, "Your Majesty, your negligence in state affairs and obsession with women truly befit the title of an incompetent ruler."

Encouraged by Prime Minister Shang Rong, the courtiers resumed their fervent scolding.

"You neglect your responsibilities, Your Majesty."

"You abandon state affairs, indulging in women, and exhibit extreme incompetence!"

"You, as the Emperor, lack moral conduct."

As Di Xin was about to be overwhelmed by the ministers' reproach, a messenger arrived at an opportune moment.

"Your Majesty, two individuals claiming to be the Crown Princes of the Eastern Sea have arrived and seek an audience."

As the messenger spoke, the clamor of insults in the hall ceased instantly.

"Let them in."

The two figures—one with a heroic and vigorous demeanor, the other possessing exquisite and refined beauty—were none other than the Crown Princes of the Eastern Sea, Ao Jia and Ao Bing.

"Crown Prince Ao Jia of the Eastern Sea."

"Crown Prince Ao Lie of the Eastern Sea."

"Greetings, Your Majesty."

"The Dragon Clan, on your command, has successfully pacified disasters across the realms and has come to report, as per the decree of our father, the Dragon King."

Huang Feihu, who had just been showered with insults from the ministers, sternly said, "Those who called His Majesty an incompetent ruler, step forward."

Amidst the silence, King Wucheng's authoritative voice resonated in the hall, rendering the literati, who had previously been louder than him, silent and breathless.

"Did you two speak the truth or fabricate lies?" Shang Rong hesitated to ask.

"Every word we spoke is true."

Before the tension could escalate, another messenger arrived.

Shang Rong received a bamboo slip, and upon reading it, he displayed a joyful expression.

"Now, floods across the nation have been quelled by Ao Family of the Dragon. Rivers are flowing for irrigation, and the people praise Your Majesty's wisdom. With a wise ruler, our the Shang Dynasty is sure to prosper."

Now, the officials and ministers in the hall began to feel embarrassed.

Their fervent insults against the King, which had been righteous and eloquent just a while ago, now seemed hollow and inappropriate.

Those who understood viewed them as loyal patriots, while those unaware might mistake them for having some deep-seated vendetta. They cursed the ruler harshly before, but now it seemed the real incompetence lied not with the emperor but with these seemingly loyal yet useless individuals.

Bi Gan took the bamboo slip from Shang Rong, read it carefully, and felt the burning sensation on his face.

"We are deeply ashamed and have failed as loyal subjects." Bi Gan, Shang Rong, and others all regretted deeply. They had originally offered sincere but unwelcome advice, and now they found themselves in a pitiful and awkward situation.

"Your worthless advice only exposed your incompetence."

King Wucheng sighed, "His Majesty wants to ensure prosperity and harmony in the Shang. He proposed the establishment of a Water Resources Department to control the weather and prevent disasters. This department requires two supervisors, one from the human realm and one from the Dragon Clan. However, you all disappointed him."

Shang Rong and other officials looked at each other with embarrassment, expressing their remorse, "We are unworthy of facing our ancestors. Please forgive our incompetence."

"Enough, I know you all wish well for the Shang Dynasty." King Wucheng ordered, "Shang Rong, you shall go to Zhao Ge and select a suitable location to build the Dragon King Temple. Perform proper sacrifices without any mistakes."

"I shall obey."

Huang Feihu, watching the officials kneeling in embarrassment, commented, "Utterly useless."

He felt a sense of relief after humiliating those who had insulted Di Xin. Huang Feihu, disdainfully flicking his sleeves, departed.

As King Wucheng left, Di Xin focused on the legendary Crown Princes before him.

Ao Jia, the Crown Prince of the Eastern Sea, was renowned even in mythology. On the other hand, Ao Bing was graceful and handsome, dressed in flowing blue robes – an ideal match for the legendary Nezha.

In the original story, Ao Bing was named the Canopy of the Emperor and was deeply blessed. Di Xin liked Ao Bing very much and especially looked forward to the seals granted by him.

"Now that the floods are under control, the Dragon Clan has played a crucial role. I intend to establish a Water Resources Department to construct the Dragon King Temple. This department will ensure the prosperity of the Shang Dynasty by maintaining favorable weather conditions and preventing disasters. It requires two supervisors, one from the human realm and one from the Dragon Clan. Do you have any recommendations?"

"I am willing to take on this responsibility," Ao Jia bowed.

"Excellent. You shall stay in Zhao Ge for some time," Di Xin replied, feeling somewhat disappointed. He had hoped Ao Bing, the second powerful deity on the List of Gods, would be the supervisor.

In less than a day, the news about the imminent construction of the Dragon King Temple spread throughout Zhao Ge. The people praised the King's wisdom, and joyous celebrations erupted.

The Dragon King Festival became a regular event, with dragon dances and dragon-shaped decorations adorning the streets.

The citizens enthusiastically supported the project, and in no time, volunteers gathered at Huang Feihu's registration office, offering both manpower and quality wood for building the temple.

At the Eastern Sea Dragon Palace

Upon sensing the events unfolding on the land, the Eastern Sea Dragon King couldn’t help but narrow his eyes with a delighted smile.

The role of the Dragon Clan had been marginal in recent years, and it seemed essential to control the aquatic forces to avoid being exploited by the Heavenly Court.

Little did he expect the resurgence of the Dragon Clan’s influence, transforming into the faith of the human realm, accompanied by such a surge in incense and reverence.

“Big brother, your wisdom shines. Forming an alliance with the Human Emperor is truly making the Dragon Clan prosper. It’s a win-win situation,” said the Western Sea Dragon King, smiling from ear to ear.

Following suit, the Northern Sea and Southern Sea Dragon Kings burst into laughter.

The old Eastern Sea Dragon King stroked his beard and said, “Now that the Dragon Clan has formed an alliance with the Human Clan, gaining favorable reputation and abundant incense, our luck has soared. It’s truly a cause for celebration. However, I’m always concerned that the alliance couldn’t last long. I’m considering betrothing my youngest daughter, Yi Yao, to the Human Emperor as his consort. She’s reaching the age of marriage. I wonder what the three of you think about this matter.”

The Western Sea Dragon King shook his head slightly, “It might not be appropriate. Despite the alliance, there is still prejudice against us among humans. Why not postponing the engagement and observing the Human Emperor’s actions a little longer? It would be also great that we prepare the gifts during this time. If the Human Emperor proves favorable, we can present the gifts and blessings during the grand wedding of the Dragon Princess.”

The Southern Sea Dragon King agreed, “Second brother’s words make sense.”

“I also share the same thoughts as second and third brothers,” added the Northern Sea Dragon King.

The old Dragon King nodded, “The insights of my three younger brothers are reasonable. Then I’ll follow your suggestions and see how it will go.”