468. Bullying the weak by relying on one's strength

The Shun Dynasty had nine Governor-generals, all high-ranking Regional Governors, but their statuses varied greatly.

For instance, the Governor of Zhili, Yuan Kaisheng, and the Governor of Huguang, Zhang Wenda, oversaw territories so wealthy they might as well have been sovereigns in their own right, wielding supreme military and political power.

The Governor of Yungui was often a post for ministers in disgrace, banished there. Weak in power and low in presence, they were mere weather vanes, following the victor's lead.

The soon-to-speak Governor-general of Liangjiang—Liu Kunyi—was a Regional Governor second only to Zhang and Yuan in influence.

For these senior ministers, only a constitutional government could ensure their independence and safeguard their rights to the greatest extent.

At this moment, Liu Kunyi spoke confidently: