Chapter 149 - Huang Shang's Bottomless Schemes, Truly Terrifying! Zhao Ji Gets Manipulated, The True Benefits of Ranking on the Ranking
Northern Song Imperial Palace.
"Huang Shang, have you ever heard of the Vast Sea Dynasty?"
"I remember that there are only nine dynasties in the Nine Provinces. Where did this Vast Sea Dynasty come from?"
"Could it be that the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking made a mistake?"
Although Zhao Ji had little interest in military affairs, as the Emperor, he still had a basic understanding of the Nine Provinces. That was why he couldn't help but ask in confusion.
"Your Majesty, I've just received a report from the spies of the Imperial City Division. The Vast Sea Dynasty does exist within the Nine Provinces, but it's located in the southern seas."
"In the past, it was deliberately concealed by the Vast Sea Dynasty."
"That's why no nation in the Nine Provinces knew about it."
"Now that the Golden Ranking has revealed its existence, it won't be long before detailed information about the Vast Sea Dynasty is uncovered."
"As for why the Vast Sea Dynasty ranked 1st, we will soon understand."
"But even I didn't expect the Vast Sea Dynasty to surpass the Ming Dynasty, Qin Dynasty, and Tang Dynasty."
Huang Shang couldn't help but marvel.
Before the Golden Ranking appeared, Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao was widely regarded as an unworthy and incompetent Emperor.
Compared to Emperor Zhao Ji and Zhao Gou of the Southern Song Dynasty, there wasn't much difference.
But unexpectedly, Zhu Houzhao had hidden himself too well.
Not only was his martial strength unparalleled, but even his methods of governance far exceeded expectations.
Now, he had been evaluated as the second greatest Emperor in the Nine Provinces.
If not for a mysterious new force appearing out of nowhere, the Ming Dynasty would have rightfully claimed the top spot.
Even the mighty Ying Zheng of the Qin Dynasty was now firmly stepped beneath Zhu Houzhao's feet.
Compared to a monster like Zhu Houzhao, Zhao Ji wasn't even in the same league.
"The Vast Sea Dynasty is far from our Song Dynasty. For now, we don't need to concern ourselves with it."
"The reason I came to the court today is because the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom have begun a massive invasion of our Song Dynasty territory. What should we do?"
"Huang Shang, do you have any advice for me?"
Zhao Ji asked sincerely.
"Is it possible for our Song Dynasty to achieve peace with Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom?"
Huang Shang was speechless at first.
The war hadn't even begun, and here the Emperor was pouring cold water over it.
Unbelievable!
"Your Majesty, do you wish to hand over your life to Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom yourself?"
Huang Shang asked with a hint of disbelief.
Discussing national affairs and caring for the people with someone like Zhao Ji was like playing a lute to a cow. Instead, it was more effective to link the matter directly to his personal safety.
"What do you mean by that? I'm simply seeking peace, to prevent the suffering of the people from war. Isn't that the right thing to do?"
"If we don't go to war, fewer people will die, right?"
Zhao Ji responded matter-of-factly.
"In my opinion, Your Majesty, the real goal of Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom this time isn't just looting. Their primary objective may be Your Majesty himself."
"If Your Majesty is captured by Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom, then the entire Song Dynasty will become their spoils of war."
"They'll take whatever they want without negotiation."
Zhao Ji originally didn't think much of it. But when he heard the words "captured by Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom", his expression finally changed.
Nothing in the world was more important than his own life.
"What do you mean by that, Huang Shang?"
"I'm in the Imperial Palace, protected by countless guards. How could I possibly be captured?"
Huang Shang didn't waste time explaining lofty principles. Instead, he focused on the terrifying possibility that the Emperor might become a prisoner of war.
It sent chills down Zhao Ji's spine.
From disbelief at first, to suspicion later, and now complete conviction.
Under Huang Shang's persuasion, Zhao Ji was now firmly convinced that the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom armies were invading with the primary goal of capturing him.
Once they had him, they could freely exploit the resources of the Song Dynasty.
In comparison, all those peace offerings were meaningless.
For the sake of his own life, even if the Song Dynasty was battered to ruins, he would do whatever it took to defeat the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom forces and drive them back to the steppes.
Now, all Zhao Ji cared about was staying alive.
The words of traitorous ministers like Cai Jing were long forgotten.
In fact, through Huang Shang's subtle insinuations, Zhao Ji started imagining treacherous officials colluding with Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom.
Their goal was to help them capture him, the Song Emperor.
And once he was gone, they could install another puppet Emperor in his place.
The traitors would continue enjoying wealth and high positions, while only the figurehead at the top changed.
Perhaps these ministers were skilled at framing the innocent, but someone like Huang Shang, once he abandoned certain moral limits, became far more dangerous than the likes of Cai Jing.
Just like now.
Huang Shang had planted the idea deep in Zhao Ji's heart, even using the mind-manipulation techniques from the Nine Yin Manual.
He etched one belief into the Emperor's mind.
"If Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom invade, I will become a prisoner. And half the officials in court will immediately surrender."
This belief took deep root. Even if Zhao Ji wanted to argue against it, his mind would automatically reinforce it.
And so, Zhao Ji became the most determined supporter of war.
"Huang Shang, what should we do next?"
He was even considering fleeing for his life.
"The most urgent matter is to deploy our Song Dynasty forces to intercept the Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom armies."
"As for the domestic rebellions, Your Majesty can issue edicts to appease some of the rebel leaders."
"Someone like Song Dynasty Jiang of Mount Liang Marsh would be an excellent candidate."
"Bestow him with high rank and wealth, and order him to eliminate other rebel forces."
"No matter who wins or loses, it will only benefit us."
"The cost is nothing more than a bit of money and resources."
"What about the smaller kingdoms like Western Xia Kingdom, Tibet Kingdom, and Great Li Kingdom?"
"They are also eyeing our Song Dynasty."
"Your Majesty, I will personally visit each of those nations and confront their top cultivators."
"If they refuse to retreat, I won't hesitate to send them on their way."
A cold smile appeared on Huang Shang's lips.
The Imperial City Division under his command was not as simple as it seemed.
He might be the only Mythical Realm cultivator among them.
But there were many other Heavenly Human cultivators under him.
He would send them to personally visit the leaders of these nations and test their resolve.
If they didn't know their place, he would personally take the field and eliminate these restless, ambitious pests.
"Good, good. Huang Shang, I'll entrust this matter entirely to you."
"Also, send more of your strongest Imperial City Division members to protect me at all times."
"Once Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom are driven back, I will reward you all handsomely."
Hearing that Huang Shang had made all the arrangements, Zhao Ji was overwhelmed with excitement.
His life was finally safe.
He no longer had to live in constant fear of becoming a prisoner of war.
It was all the fault of those barbaric Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom invaders.
From this day forward, Zhao Ji and Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom were enemies until death.
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Ming Dynasty, Jiangnan.
Yuelai Inn.
Lu Xiaofeng and his companions had been staying together these past few days, waiting for updates to the ranking.
Although each release from the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking provided only limited information, by carefully analyzing it, they could still extract plenty of valuable insights and hidden secrets.
Since they began gathering frequently, their vision had broadened greatly.
Even their cultivation had improved noticeably.
Could this be part of the Golden Ranking's hidden rewards?
"Ximen Chuixue, your swordsmanship has advanced again?"
"Indeed. My sword intent has progressed rapidly. I'm very close to grasping the first transformation of the Sword Dao."
"Ever since I appeared on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking, my cultivation speed has multiplied several times."
"I believe all of this is due to the Golden Ranking."
"Lu Xiaofeng, do your best to rank again."
"The Heaven Dao Reward is not just resources. What matters more is the immense, intangible fortune and destiny!"
"The more you rank, the more you'll be favored by the world's fate."
"This greatly enhances your cultivation."
Ximen Chuixue spoke with absolute seriousness.
"Perhaps this secret will soon spread across the Nine Provinces."
"And the competition to appear on the ranking will become more intense than ever."