They've already breached the palace, yet all they ask of me is an edict of self-reproach.

The next day, there will be a meeting.

In the seventh year of the Wu'an era, Emperor Zhao Ji of Wu'an became obsessed with Taoist cultivation, issued an edict of self-reproach, and proclaimed it to the world.

In the same year, Zhao Hui, the King of the Southern Barbarians, rebelled, and General Qin Zhaoyu, the General Who Guards the North, led troops to quell the rebellion.

Historians left a significant mark on history books.

The two announcements caused a stir in both the court and the public.

Inside the Golden Palace.

Zhao Ji, dressed in a black five-clawed dragon robe, sat high on the dragon throne, looking down at all his ministers, his heart filled with countless emotions.

By the mandate of Heaven, may your life be long and prosperous.

This is the dream of so many men.

Zhao Ji never imagined that he would one day become emperor.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

Civil and military officials lined up on both sides, kowtowing and shouting "Long live the Emperor!"

However, many seats are now empty, and these people will never appear again.

"My beloved subjects, rise."

Zhao Ji raised his hand in a gesture of support, his imperial aura radiating from heaven.

Although Zhao Ji has never been an emperor, he has at least seen pigs run, even if he has never eaten pork.

As Zhao Ji raised his hand, he glanced at Qin Zhaoyu, who was at the head of the military officers, and several of Qin Zhaoyu's personal guards were standing to the side of the hall.

It seems the other party is afraid that Zhao Ji will settle scores later.

Bringing troops into the palace was a capital offense before, but all the officials knew what had happened last night, so they naturally dared not impeach Qin Zhaoyu for disrespecting the emperor.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

The officials rose and looked at Zhao Ji, the young and unfamiliar emperor, on the dragon throne, their hearts filled with emotion.

"If you have something to report, speak now; otherwise, the court may adjourn."

As was customary, the head eunuch beside Zhao Ji shouted in a shrill voice.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report."

Stepping forward was Qian Zhong, the Minister of Rites. He bowed to Zhao Ji and said in a deep voice:

"The Heavenly Dao Sect has bewitched Your Majesty into cultivating the Dao, causing great hardship and waste of resources over the years, leading to widespread resentment among the people. Now, there are even some criticisms of Your Majesty among the populace. In order to protect Your Majesty's reputation, we beg Your Majesty to slay the evil Daoist sect."

In the past, even though Qian Zhong was a veteran official of three dynasties, he would never have dared to say such a thing, for one careless move could have resulted in the execution of his entire family.

But things are different now. Zhao Ji has issued an edict of self-reproach, and Qian Zhong is going all out for the sake of the Dali Kingdom's three hundred-year reign.

"Granted. Where is Zhao Yuanfeng?"

"Your subject is here."

Zhao Yuanfeng, the leader of the Imperial Guards, immediately entered the Golden Palace and knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

"The Heavenly Dao Sect's heretical sects have bewitched me into cultivating the Dao; not a single one will be spared."

Zhao Ji said coldly.

"I obey your decree."

Zhao Yuanfeng accepted the order and left.

The officials were slightly taken aback by Zhao Ji's decisive action.

Qian Zhong was also somewhat surprised. He felt that given His Majesty's fondness for the Heavenly Dao Sect, expelling the sect from Dali territory under this pressure was already the best possible outcome.

I never expected that His Majesty would want to completely eliminate the Heavenly Dao Sect.

Has this once-in-three-hundred-years tyrant of Dali finally come to his senses?

At this moment, many ministers in the court had the same thought in their minds.

Zhao Ji's gaze swept over the assembled officials: "What's wrong? Judging from your expressions, my esteemed ministers, are you dissatisfied with my handling of this matter?"

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, the ministers came to their senses and exclaimed that His Majesty was wise.

Seeing the respectful expressions on the faces of these so-called high-ranking officials, Zhao Ji felt secretly delighted.

This is what a man should do!

Subsequently, Zhao Ji had the eunuch read out the rewards bestowed upon Qin Zhaoyu for his role in suppressing the rebellion.

It was nothing more than some gold and silver treasures, as well as the privileges of wearing swords and shoes in the palace, not having to bow when entering the court, and not having to mention one's name when being praised.

The officials had no objections to this.

Everyone knows perfectly well that Qin Zhaoyu was the mastermind behind this purge of the emperor's inner circle.

After the eunuch finished announcing the imperial edict, Zhao Ji glanced at Qin Zhaoyu and the armored guards beside her, and suddenly an idea came to him. The opportunity to obtain the Imperial Merit of the Ninth Heaven had arrived.

"I've heard that General Qin has thousands of fierce generals under his command. Those few who can accompany General Qin must be the fiercest of the fierce generals."

Zhao Ji asked with a smile.

Qin Zhaoyu was puzzled, wondering why Zhao Ji was suddenly asking this.

The officials were also puzzled, wondering what Zhao Ji was up to. Couldn't he see that this was Qin Zhaoyu's way of intimidating him?

Although Qin Zhaoyu didn't understand Zhao Ji's purpose, she still nodded and introduced him:

"These are the generals who led the suppression of the rebellion. They have come to the palace to witness Your Majesty's divine might. Please do not take offense."

Zhao Ji smiled and said, "I was able to escape danger thanks to the help of several generals. How could I possibly blame them?"

At this point, Zhao Ji paused, glanced outside the hall, and said, "The weather is hot today. Out of consideration for the generals, I allow you to remove your armor and cool off."

Upon hearing Zhao Ji's words, many officials couldn't help but smile with satisfaction.

Their emperor is no longer a foolish ruler who only knows how to cultivate Taoism; he also knows how to win people's hearts.

However, after hearing this, Qin Zhaoyu's subordinates thanked His Majesty for his great favor, but remained unmoved and all looked at Qin Zhaoyu.

"How dare you! His Majesty has ordered you to remove your armor. Are you deaf? Do you intend to disobey the imperial decree?"

The chief eunuch immediately spoke coldly.

As soon as the chief eunuch uttered these words, the atmosphere in the Golden Palace immediately became delicate.

The civil and military officials looked at Qin Zhaoyu, then at Zhao Ji on the dragon throne, thinking to themselves that this was going to be a good show.

Qin Zhaoyu's men remained unmoved.

Qin Zhaoyu smiled faintly, quite satisfied: "Since His Majesty wants you to remove your armor and cool off, then remove your armor."

"Yes."

Upon hearing Qin Zhaoyu's words, several of his men immediately removed their heavy armor.

Upon seeing this, all the officials couldn't help but secretly shake their heads.

The Qin family is probably doomed.

The soldiers in the northern frontier obey military orders but not imperial commands. How can Your Majesty tolerate this?

Seeing the expressions of the surrounding ministers, Qin Zhaoyu gradually recovered, but her heart sank, and she secretly thought, "This is bad."

She only knew about fighting wars; she had no idea about the intrigues and backstabbing within the court.

Qin Zhaoyu looked up at Zhao Ji and met his cold gaze. She knew that even if she had no intention of disloyalty, His Majesty would no longer trust the Qin family.

Moreover, even if Zhao Ji is dethroned in the future and a new emperor ascends the throne, because of today's incident, the first thing the new emperor will probably do is suppress the Qin family.

"General Qin is truly a master of military discipline; I deeply admire him."

"It is thanks to Your Majesty's grace that my Qin family is where we are today."

Qin Zhaoyu quickly lowered her head and spoke, her attitude becoming more respectful.

"Your Majesty, I have something to report!"

At this moment, the Imperial Censor Qin Gao suddenly stepped forward.

"speak."

Zhao Ji was getting impatient.

In the original owner's memories, Qin Gao was the Imperial Censor and a regent appointed by the late emperor, so he would seize any opportunity to criticize him.

Having inherited the original owner's memories, Zhao Ji naturally didn't have a good impression of this old guy.

Qin Gao bowed and said loudly, "Your Majesty, I beg Your Majesty to follow the example of Yao and Shun and abdicate the throne to the Prince of Zhennan so that the Dali Kingdom may last for three hundred years."

Wow!

These words caused an uproar among the court officials.

Qin Gao actually wanted His Majesty to abdicate in favor of the Prince of Zhennan.

"You want me to abdicate?"

Zhao Ji was also startled and subconsciously glanced at Qin Zhaoyu, thinking to himself, "Is the main event only just beginning? Last night's purge of the court of corrupt officials was just a prelude."

As information about Prince Zhao Xuan of Zhennan surfaced in his mind, Zhao Ji suddenly felt somewhat lacking in confidence.

The Prince of Zhennan was the late emperor's brother, and thus Zhao Ji's uncle.

At the age of 18, he led troops to guard the southern border, achieving numerous military exploits and becoming the number one soldier in the army.

Seeing the suspicious look Zhao Ji gave her, Qin Zhaoyu was also filled with doubt.

She had no idea about this at all.

Qin Gao continued, "As a minister appointed by the late emperor, I should have done my best to assist Your Majesty. However, Your Majesty's actions over the years have truly chilled the hearts of this old minister and the people of the world."

"Since His Majesty ascended the throne, he has neglected state affairs and indulged in Taoist cultivation and immortality all day long. The people of the world have long been suffering. Although His Majesty has issued an edict of self-reproach, it has not helped. Dali is now teetering on the brink of collapse. What we need is a wise and capable ruler."

At this point, Qin Gao suddenly knelt down and said loudly, "Your Majesty, for the sake of the Dali Kingdom and the millions of people, please follow the example of Yao and Shun and abdicate the throne to the Prince of Zhennan."

"I second that opinion."

"I second that opinion."

"Your Majesty, please follow the example of Yao and Shun and abdicate the throne to the Prince of Zhennan."

Several ministers stepped forward.

However, these were only a small minority; most of the ministers were in a wait-and-see mode, or rather, watching Qin Zhaoyu.

Now the entire palace is under Qin Zhaoyu's control. If she wants His Majesty to abdicate, His Majesty probably wouldn't dare not abdicate.

Thinking of this, the civil and military officials suddenly understood what Qin Zhaoyu had just done.

Although they had their suspicions, these neutral ministers dared not take sides until the very last moment.

Qin Gao dared to speak so arrogantly because he had seen through Qin Zhaoyu's thoughts.

The Qin family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, and naturally they are unwilling to bear the crime of deceiving the emperor.

"Once the Prince of Zhennan ascends the throne, I will be appointed as the Prime Minister, second only to the Emperor."

Qin Gao looked at Zhao Ji and thought to himself.

"You've rebelled! You've all rebelled! You bunch of treacherous and disloyal subjects, how dare you force His Majesty to abdicate!"

The chief eunuch angrily shouted at the crowd.

"You castrated dog, how dare you speak to me like that? Our words today are all for the sake of the Great Li Kingdom, as the sun and moon can attest."

Qin Gao immediately retorted.

"you……"

The chief eunuch was speechless after being rebuked.

"That's enough!"

Zhao Ji roared angrily, and the Golden Palace immediately fell into a deathly silence.

Although Zhao Ji may seem to have lost his power, he is still the emperor. As long as he sits on the dragon throne, he will be the sovereign and father of all people.

Zhao Ji suppressed the surging emotions within him and looked at Qin Zhaoyu:

"General Qin, your Qin family has guarded the frontier for generations with unwavering loyalty. In your opinion, should I abdicate the throne to the Prince of Zhennan?"

Zhao Ji knew very well that if Qin Zhaoyu also sided with the Prince of Zhennan, then he would have no choice but to abdicate.

As long as the green hills remain, there will always be firewood to burn.

Anyway, he has the system, and once he grows stronger, he can still take everything back.

Feeling inexplicably uneasy under Zhao Ji's gaze.

She had never felt such imperial majesty from Zhao Ji before.

With a thud, Qin Zhaoyu knelt on the ground: "Your Majesty, I am but a mere warrior, only knowing how to fight on the battlefield. As for whether Your Majesty should abdicate, that is not something a subject like me can comment on."

Upon hearing Qin Zhaoyu's words, the Imperial Censor Qin Gao's expression changed drastically.

Zhao Ji smiled.

As long as Qin Zhaoyu does not support the Prince of Zhennan, the initiative will still be in her hands.

Once Qin Zhaoyu's army returns to the northern frontier, control of the capital will naturally return to Zhao Ji's hands.

"General Qin, what do you mean by this? His Majesty is not a wise ruler. The Prince of Zhennan is the one who is truly respected by the people. Do you want to see Zhao Ji destroy the three-hundred-year-old empire of Dali?"

Seeing that the situation was not good, Qin Gao directly stood on the moral high ground and began to condemn.

Qin Zhaoyu gave Qin Gao a cold glance, too lazy to bother with the old scoundrel.

Although both of them shared the surname Qin, Qin Zhaoyu did not have a good impression of Qin Gao, a pedantic scholar who only knew how to talk nonsense.

"Hahaha."

Zhao Ji suddenly burst into laughter: "Qin Aiqing, you are truly loyal to the emperor and patriotic! In the three hundred years since the founding of Dali, you are the only minister who dared to force the emperor to abdicate. I want to know, what gives you the confidence to force me to abdicate?"

"I...I...I have the confidence to fight for the Dali Kingdom."

Qin Gao felt uneasy under Zhao Ji's sharp gaze.

Everyone says that Zhao Ji was a tyrannical ruler, but people seem to have forgotten that Zhao Ji was also a tyrannical ruler who killed without blinking an eye.

"You think you can force me to abdicate with just your words? Anyone who didn't know better would think you, Imperial Censor Qin, had a knife to my throat. Guards, take him out and execute him."

These words caused an uproar among the court officials.

Qin Gao's face turned deathly pale. He was the Imperial Censor, how dare Zhao Ji kill him so easily?

Does he really want to solidify his reputation as a tyrannical ruler?

"Your Majesty, Imperial Censor Qin is utterly loyal, acting solely for the sake of the Great Li Kingdom. I urge Your Majesty to reconsider."

"Your Majesty, please reconsider."

"Your Majesty, please reconsider."

The officials immediately began to plead for Qin Gao's life.

Most of the officials who didn't speak up were those who had just forced Zhao Ji to abdicate.

The guards who rushed in were at a loss for what to do when they saw this scene.

Seeing so many people pleading for him, Qin Gao chuckled inwardly. If Zhao Ji dared to kill him, he would surely incur the wrath of the masses.

"What are you standing there for? Drag him out and behead him, and while you're at it, exterminate this old scoundrel's entire family."

Zhao Ji said coldly.

Since he's already considered a tyrant, it doesn't matter if he gets another title like "tyrant."

"What? Zhao Ji, you dare to exterminate my entire family?"

Qin Gao was shocked. Was this tyrant truly tyrannical to the core?

"When the ruler commands the subject to die, the subject has no choice but to die. You treacherous traitor, without a ruler or father, dare to force me to abdicate! Your intentions are despicable! Drag you away!"

Seeing this, the guards dared not hesitate for a moment and immediately lifted Qin Gao up and dragged him outside.

"Zhao Ji, you tyrant! Even if you exterminate my entire clan, so what? I will not accept it!"

"etc."

Zhao Ji called out to the guards.

Upon seeing this, the officials secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

It turns out His Majesty was just trying to scare Lord Qin.

They said that although His Majesty was incompetent, he wouldn't do something so absurd.

Emperor Zhao Ji swept his gaze across the assembled officials, a smile playing on his lips, and asked, "My esteemed ministers, did you all hear what Lord Qin just said?"

The officials looked at each other, puzzled as to what Zhao Ji meant.

"Your Majesty, that old scoundrel Qin has called you a tyrant and said that even if his entire clan is executed, he will not accept it."

The chief eunuch chimed in, agreeing with Zhao Ji.

"Hahaha, that's right. So what if Lord Qin says he'll exterminate ten generations of his family? I've always been considerate of my subjects. Since Lord Qin isn't satisfied with exterminating nine generations, then let's exterminate ten."

boom!

Zhao Ji's words struck like a bolt from the blue, causing all the civil and military officials to change color.

Good heavens, execute ten generations of their families.

Zhao Ji is not a foolish ruler, he is clearly a tyrant.

This is unprecedented in history; since the founding of the Dali Kingdom, only Qin Gao has received this honor.

Qin Zhaoyu's eyelids twitched involuntarily. Fortunately, her Qin family and the Qin Gao family only shared the same surname and had no connection to each other's ancestors.

"Zhao Ji, you tyrant, you incompetent ruler, I refuse to accept this..."

Qin Gao was dragged out of the main hall by the guards, and the sound grew fainter and fainter.

For a moment, everyone in the Golden Palace was silent with fear.

Although they were dissatisfied with Zhao Ji, he was, after all, the emperor. If the emperor commands his subject to die, how could the subject dare not die?

"Your Majesty, executing Lord Qin's entire clan so hastily will likely fail to win over the people."

At this moment, Yang Jianzhong, the Grand Secretary of the Wenyuan Pavilion who had been silent until now, stepped forward and spoke.

Yang Jianzhong was a renowned Confucian scholar of the time, with disciples all over the country and extremely high prestige.

When Yang Daru came out to speak to the crowd, those who had just knelt on the ground and echoed Qin Gao's call for Zhao Ji to abdicate all looked at him with gratitude.

"It is indeed difficult to convince the public."

Zhao Ji nodded, his gaze falling on the kneeling officials, and then suddenly fell silent.