The mounts and horses in the primordial world were remarkably strong. By the time of the hundred-day celebration at General Li’s mansion in Chen Tang Pass, Wen Zhong and Zi Shou had already secretly returned to Chaoge City.

Li Changshou could only hastily deliver a speech on behalf of all the servants of the Li family, expressing a warm welcome for Young Master Jin Zha’s birth. After arranging for Chen Tang Pass’s premier instrumental ensemble to perform, he feigned intoxication and departed early.

That night.

Most of Chaoge City had fallen asleep, with only certain service districts remaining lively.

Inside the Grand Historian’s mansion, guards patrolled the front and back courtyards right on schedule. Occasionally there were a few laughing whispers, mostly commenting on how the Grand Historian seemed uninterested in women and had no family.

Li Changshou’s paper clone sat in his study wearing a dark red robe, his gray-white hair meticulously combed, emanating the air of a rigorous scholar.

By the window was a pre-arranged feast with wine. Though the dishes were simple, they were plentiful.

After all, today’s guest was known throughout Chaoge City for his hearty appetite.

At the third watch of the night.

Two cloaked figures in black leaped over the wall into the back courtyard. Their cloaks carried extremely faint magical powers that could conceal their forms from mortals.

Li Changshou showed a slight smile.

This Wen Zhong had indeed grasped the proper approach. Though he was trying his best to hide the fact that he was an extraordinary practitioner, he had learned to act pragmatically.

He still needed to continue growing.

Soon after, there came a knock at the door. Li Changshou stood up, and the study door opened on its own as the two black figures darted inside.

The first was naturally Wen Zhong. After entering, he removed his hooded cloak, clasped his hands in greeting to Li Changshou, and said:

“Greetings, Grand Historian.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Minister Wen is too formal, please be at ease.”

After speaking, his gaze fell on the rather imposing figure behind Wen Zhong, his eyes carrying a trace of amusement.

Standing before him now was none other than the man who would bear infamy through the ages, the archetypal tyrannical ruler, the one who would bring about the fall of the Shang Dynasty – Zi Shou, Emperor Di Xin, King Zhou!

He stood eight chi tall with long arms. As he slowly raised his head and removed his hood, he revealed a young face with distinct features, and his somewhat narrow eyes radiated a confidence that was difficult to conceal.

Li Changshou activated his Void-Clarity Heart Dao to avoid being affected by the destiny of calamity when interacting with King Zhou.

Then, he clasped his hands in greeting to Zi Shou.

It’s worth mentioning that according to Shang customs, those who weren’t slaves didn’t need to kneel except during sacrificial ceremonies or when admitting guilt.

“Greetings, Prince Zi Shou.”

“Grand Historian is too courteous.”

Zi Shou clasped his hands and bowed slightly, saying seriously: “I am not yet ruler, and the Grand Historian is one of the Six Ministers. There is no need to pay such respects to me.”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “The Prince is too modest. Please, take a seat.”

“I am the guest, Grand Historian should take the host’s seat.”

Wen Zhong added: “Grand Historian, please take the main seat, otherwise I wouldn’t dare to sit.”

Li Changshou didn’t insist further and sat in the main seat, with Wen Zhong and Zi Shou on his left and right, forming a triangle around the small round table.

Then…

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Zi Shou sat straight-backed with his hands on his knees, not knowing what to say for the moment.

Wen Zhong carefully chose his words and said with a smile: “Truth be told, Zi Shou’s position as heir is largely thanks to the Grand Historian speaking up directly in court that year.”

Li Changshou looked at Zi Shou and smiled: “What does the Prince think of this matter?”

“Hmm…”

Zi Shou’s eyes showed contemplation, knowing that Li Changshou was testing him, and he had to respond carefully.

Over these years, his mentor had praised this Grand Historian to the heavens, even saying he was an immortal, which seemed somewhat exaggerated.

Zi Shou quickly said: “Regarding the matter from that year, I am indeed grateful to the Grand Historian, but this gratitude is only for your ability to speak up directly according to proper etiquette and law.”

“Haha ha *cough*”

Li Changshou laughed heartily, “One should fulfill the duties of their position, it was simply carrying out official business.”

Wen Zhong smiled and said: “Zi Shou, actually the Grand Historian and I have some private friendship.”

“Oh? Why have I never heard Minister mention this before?”

“This matter shouldn’t be spread around, lest it invite idle talk.”

Li Changshou said seriously: “Let’s not speak of these things. Prince, what brings you here today?”

Zi Shou clasped his hands and said: “I’ve come to seek counsel.”

“Oh?”

Li Changshou smiled and reached for the wine pot, but Wen Zhong was quicker, grabbing it first to pour wine for Li Changshou.

“What counsel does the Prince seek?”

“Recently I executed a victorious general, and now the other generals wish to return to Chaoge City to file complaints.”

Zi Shou smiled self-deprecatingly, showing some helplessness.

“Father King commanded me to lead the army, and I had already set down rules forbidding them from taking civilians as captives.

Yet some commanders still defied this in secret, stripping uniforms from dead enemy soldiers and putting them on civilian men of fighting age to pass them off as legitimate prisoners.

I killed one as a warning to hundreds, thus I drew my sword and executed the general.

However, if this matter causes an uproar back in Chaoge City, I fear I will be at a disadvantage, with military commanders and martial nobility likely to unite in opposition against me.”

Li Changshou pondered briefly and asked: “Was this rule against taking civilian captives drafted by Minister Wen?”

Wen Zhong sighed and said: “Indeed, it was drafted by this discip- ahem, by me.”

Disciple?

Zi Shou’s face showed contemplation.

Then Wen Zhong continued: “The excess of slaves has become a chronic illness of the Shang. The foundation beneath this great edifice has already begun to shift.

Although nowadays the Shang wage fewer wars, and slaves taken through conquest are far fewer than those accumulated over these years, this is still the first step we can take now.

Only by first abolishing the practice of taking war captives as slaves might we be able to restore normal civilian status to those whose ancestors were originally captured as slaves.

This way, the Shang will have more able-bodied men, stronger armies, and an endless supply of talent for various professions. National strength will surge, success is within reach!”

“And then?”

Li Changshou asked with a smile.

Wen Zhong pondered for a moment and said: “You mean?”

“Let’s set aside other matters and speak only of the Shang state itself.”

“Then, the Shang can extend its destiny and endure…”

Li Changshou looked at Zi Shou and smiled: “Does the Prince share these thoughts?”

Zi Shou’s eyes were full of brightness as he declared firmly: “Minister Wen’s words are my aspirations!”

Li Changshou let out a slow sigh: “Let us drink together and discuss as we drink.”

The three raised their cups and drank, emptying them in one go. Afterward, Li Changshou closed his eyes and tucked his hands into his sleeves, appearing as if he had fallen asleep.

He was considering whether he should offer guidance to ‘King Zhou’ tonight…

Though Li Changshou understood in his heart that even if he tried to guide Zi Shou, the converging force of Heaven’s Will was not something Zi Shou could resist; when such a possibility presented itself, Li Changshou still wanted to try.

More importantly, even in the worst case, this matter would not have any negative impact on him.

And from another perspective, he wouldn’t have many chances to influence ‘Di Xin’, and now while ‘Di Xin’ was still ‘Prince Zi Shou’, he remained malleable.

“You are mistaken.”

“Mistaken?” Wen Zhong was puzzled.

Zi Shou hurriedly asked: “Could there be other ways to revitalize the Shang?”

Li Changshou sighed and said: “Minister Wen’s words make sense, but his actions are too rash. Prince, you must have studied Shang history, do you know why the nation’s strength has gradually been depleted?”

Zi Shou said:

“I think about this question every day, and there are four reasons.

First, before Ancestor Wen Cheng established the law of succession by the eldest son, the struggle for the throne often sparked bloodshed, causing severe internal damage to national strength.

Second, the noble families have become increasingly entrenched, most no longer seek advancement, thinking only of pleasure, with many wallowing in debauchery.

Third, there are too many slaves, which has become a hidden danger. The Shang people have become impetuous and unstable, with a nearly incurable trend toward luxury and pleasure, gradually leaving us with no usable talent.

Fourth concerns the various feudal lords.

While we Shang people fought amongst ourselves, the eight hundred feudal lords nurtured their strength, and among them were not a few ambitious ones.

The Jiang family, to whom I am soon to be married, is the daughter of the Eastern Earl. Though I haven’t met her and only seen her portrait, she will become my queen.

This is Father King’s strategy for stability.”

Li Changshou picked up a piece of beef and put it in his mouth, smiling as he said: “Prince, why don’t we make some projections?

If this time, you receive the King’s support, and this matter of executing the general becomes the starting point for your internal reforms, what will happen next?

Wen Zhong, you think about this too.”

So, Wen Zhong and Zi Shou both fell into thought.

Wen Zhong, being a qi cultivator who had lived many years and seen much, considered issues more comprehensively. He quickly realized the severity of the problem, his brows furrowing into the shape of a river.

Zi Shou was still more spirited, and after thinking for a short while, he said:

“Many old ministers will certainly oppose.”

Wen Zhong quickly continued: “It’s not just that – this matter involves more than just the martial nobility.

To resolve the slave issue, we would inevitably disturb all current feudal lords, nobles, prestigious families, and even the common people.

Slaves need only basic provisions, yet they can farm fields, dig canals, and serve as household servants. They were born into this life, and the vast majority have never even thought of rebellion.

If we were to act directly… *hiss*!

It could cause earth-shattering changes.”

Zi Shou said: “Minister, aren’t you perhaps exaggerating?”

“Prince, I was previously too presumptuous and didn’t think things through,” Wen Zhong’s face darkened. “The slave matter must be handled gradually and with discretion.

This incident of executing the general in the army must be covered up.

What we discussed before about debating the harm of slavery to the nation in court absolutely cannot be done!”

Li Changshou nodded with a smile.

Zi Shou’s face showed anger as he declared firmly: “What do I have to fear? We must debate it!”

Wen Zhong sighed: “Forcing the debate could lead to disaster.”

“At worst I’ll lose this position,” Zi Shou stood up tall, “What does it matter even if I lose my life to them!”

“Prince, Prince,” Li Changshou hurriedly said, “Don’t be agitated. Matters should be handled with discretion, not haste.

The four points you mentioned earlier cut right to the core, they are indeed the current ailments of the Shang state. These problems have accumulated over years and months, existing for who knows how long, and cannot be easily changed with just a word or two.

But if a future ruler like yourself, who wishes to support the Great Shang, is easily toppled by those old stubborn officials, that would truly be the Shang state’s misfortune.

Your ancestors are watching you from above!”

Zi Shou’s face showed shame as he made a deep bow toward the sky before sitting down.

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Since that’s the case, I won’t hold back. Let me offer three strategies for the Prince and Minister.”

Wen Zhong said happily: “With your guidance, the Great Shang will surely be stable!”

Zi Shou also listened attentively.

He was somewhat dissatisfied with how his mentor was flattering the Grand Historian so much. If this Grand Historian were to speak nonsense later, saying something about giving up on reforming government affairs, he would leave immediately.

But then he heard Li Changshou speak slowly:

“The first strategy is stability.

Before the Prince becomes ruler, you need to gain the support of both common people and nobles inside and outside Chaoge City.

The Prince must understand this principle—you are not the King’s only offspring. If the King faces pressure from all levels of the Shang state and has to execute you, the throne will still have an heir.

The one who makes decisions is always the King, not the Prince.”

Zi Shou fell silent.

Li Changshou continued:

“The second strategy is also stability.

The previous incident of ‘Yi Yin banishing the ruler’ serves as a warning.

Royal power is not without constraints. The formation of Shang royal authority was centered around controlling the civil officials, military commanders, nobles, and feudal lords around them. Policies need people to implement them, armies need generals to lead them—royal power is thus constrained by these factors.

This point is especially important.”

After pondering for a while, Zi Shou asked: “Could the Grand Historian elaborate?”

“Ask him specifically about it,” Li Changshou pointed at Wen Zhong, “Simply put, you must first win over the ministers and generals, make them of one mind with you, then gradually and subtly push forward your reforms.

Whether weakening the feudal lords or converting slaves to commoners, everything needs to be achieved step by step. You can’t expect results in three to five months—even thirty to fifty years would be pushing it.

Take too big a step, and you might pull a muscle… in your inner thigh!”

Zi Shou nodded slowly, feeling deeply touched by this.

Li Changshou continued: “Military power is particularly crucial among these. The Prince must now cultivate military generals whom you can trust, and maintain absolute authority in Chaoge City.

This is the foundation of everything, and also the reason why feudal lords fear the Shang ruler.”

“Hearing the Grand Historian’s words has opened my mind completely!”

Zi Shou’s eyes were full of emotion as he raised his cup in respect to Li Changshou.

“Don’t rush, I haven’t finished.”

Li Changshou smiled as he raised his cup in response, saying: “The third strategy is still stability.

This stability is aimed at the great feudal lords. Use feudal lords to check other feudal lords, show benevolence when appropriate, wait quietly for opportunities, and divide and transform them. This matter is most important.”

Zi Shou pondered carefully, his eyes gradually filling with brightness.

Wen Zhong asked: “How should we resolve the current situation?”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “It’s easy if you want it to be, and it can even benefit Zi Shou.”

“I would like to hear the details!”

“The Prince should raise the banner of benevolence and righteousness, never mention converting slaves to commoners, and don’t reveal your inner aspirations—even if you’ve mentioned them before, firmly deny it if anyone brings it up.”

Li Changshou smiled and continued:

“The Prince can say that the foundation of the Great Shang’s establishment lies in the bloody battles fought by Shang ancestors—how could the descendants of the defeated be worthy of sitting as equals with Shang people?

Of course, these are just words.

Prince, you must learn to shape yourself, distinguish relationships of interest, and secure your position as heir.

Only then will you have the chance to realize your inner aspirations.

As for the specific execution, you can discuss it with Minister Wen.”

However, Wen Zhong said: “But, Grand Historian, wouldn’t having one approach before ascending the throne and another after inviting criticism?”

Li Changshou smiled and said: “Does Zi Shou care about infamy?”

“Haha haha!”

Zi Shou laughed heartily, suddenly filled with spirit!

“Since childhood, I’ve faced poisoning, harm, being thrown down wells, collapsing buildings, and even rumors calling me ill-fated.

Infamy is but floating clouds.

When the nation needs reform, the King must bear the burden!”

Li Changshou said seriously: “But reputation must still be minded, as it affects the effectiveness of policies and can give others something to criticize.

So this time, use benevolence and righteousness, citing martial virtue as the reason.

Why did the Prince execute those two generals?

The Prince disdains killing unarmed people and believes the royal army shouldn’t plunder indiscriminately, thus ordering them not to rob civilians.

Those two generals disobeyed military orders first, so they had to be executed.

Using cruel methods to persecute the weak violates martial virtue and tarnishes the face of the Shang ruler, so they had to be punished.

After the matter was exposed, they attempted to incite mutiny in the army to cover up their crimes, so they had to be executed immediately. Otherwise, if the army lost control, the consequences would be unthinkable, and the royal army would become a laughingstock before the eight hundred feudal lords.

The Prince only executed the victorious generals after careful consideration.

As for those military commanders clamoring for the King to punish the Prince, they either don’t know the truth or have ulterior motives.”

Zi Shou asked in confusion: “So do they not know the truth, or do they have ulterior motives?”

“That depends on whether you want them to not know the truth or have ulterior motives.”

Li Changshou smiled slightly: “The word ‘power’ begins in people’s hearts.

I hope Zi Shou won’t forget today’s words. Don’t seek quick success in everything, don’t expect instant results. Seek progress and change through stability—that’s how to succeed.”

Zi Shou stood up and made a deep Daoist bow: “Thank you for your guidance, Grand Historian.”

“Also,” Li Changshou smiled, “I am the King’s Grand Historian and shouldn’t be saying these things to the Prince. From now on, it’s up to the Prince and Minister Wen to work together.”

Wen Zhong and Zi Shou exchanged glances, the former’s eyes showing relief, the latter’s filled with starlight.

Before leaving, Zi Shou asked Li Changshou one question that Li Changshou couldn’t answer.

He asked:

“Grand Historian, I have a confusion.

For so many years, there have been many hoping for my death to seize my position, with nobles conspiring and elder brothers plotting rebellion.

Before I was born, many noble families had already secretly pledged allegiance to my elder brother.

Now Father King is advanced in years, and internal strife is imminent. I fear neither and bear no hatred, but I worry that internal strife will further deplete the Shang state’s destiny. The struggles of previous generations and the warnings of King Wen Cheng are still before my eyes, I dare not forget them.

Can the Grand Historian teach me, to secure the throne, must I kill my elder brothers and eliminate my siblings?

If there is no other way, I should strike swiftly with a sharp blade to prevent chaos from arising.”

To this, Li Changshou pondered briefly and could only say:

“Follow your heart, the decision is yours, but never forget that the Shang ancestors are watching you from above.”

…

“Six conditions.”

“Bang!”

You Qin Xuan Ya frowned at the arrogant Primordial Treasure, continuing to think seriously.

She had lost half of the spirit stones she earned working in the Celestial Court.