People in Terra, governing a bizarre little country

"The imperial court has developed steadily in recent years, but a number of corrupt officials have emerged. The Emperor wants to deal with these people properly."

"Wei Yanwu is this knife."

"Besides, he has some personal grudges with Wei Yanwu. You don't need to inquire about them; it's a messy affair, and listening to too much about it won't do you any good. You just need to do your job well, and Zhenlong won't do anything to you."

Ning Ciqiu opened her mouth as if she wanted to say something, but hesitated for a moment before choosing to keep quiet and nod gently.

"Thank you, Mr. Ernst."

"There's nothing to thank me for."

Ernst waved his hand:

"This is just the first of three fires."

As the saying goes, a new broom sweeps clean. Zhenlong came to power hastily, and in order to maintain national stability and quell the aftermath of Yanwu's escape, he could only exterminate the Grand Tutor's clan to take the blame. His subsequent policies also focused on maintaining stability.

Come to think of it, the "three fires" he was supposed to use to establish his authority internally have yet to be lit. A new emperor brings a new court, and decades have passed since the change of dynasties, yet those standing in the court are still the same "old ministers of the previous dynasty".

The dragon has finally realized that being an emperor is more difficult than being a prince. Now that things are going well, he can finally start exercising his power!

The first step: fight corruption!

The second step—"After using Wei Yanwu to intimidate the court, he will officially begin to solve the problem of the Year Beast."

Ernst paused, then looked at Ning Ciqiu:

"This battle is unpredictable, and life or death is uncertain. If you have the opportunity, you can apply to return to the World Summit before then. I'm here, and the True Dragon shouldn't force you to stay."

Ernst said this purely out of friendship, leaving Ning Ciqiu a way out.

The battle against the Year Beast is anyone's guess. If things go smoothly, it might be resolved easily. If not, a battle so fierce it could cause the heavens and earth to shatter.

After all, Ernst had seen many behemoths, but he had never seen a level three behemoth that might be in a "rage" state after awakening.

It's hard to say how powerful He is.

Ernst was a protective person, so since he could offer a word of advice, he naturally did so.

Whether Ning Ciqiu is willing to leave or not is her business.

Ning Ciqiu's face turned pale.

To start a war against the Year Beast and solve the problem of the Year Beast was still a bit too much for her to imagine.

She had heard the legend of the Year Beast since she was a child, and had heard of the great feat of the Great Yan slaying the gods, but those were all ancient myths. Who would have thought that in this era, she could witness the reenactment of the legendary war of slaying the gods?

However, despite her fear and unease, she shook her head:

"Baizao is my home, and I will not leave."

There was no heroic spirit of sacrifice on her part; she simply believed that her home was here, her roots were here, and she couldn't leave.

The people of Yan don't have many wishes: farming, having enough to eat, and returning to their roots when they die. These are definitely among the most important.

Even if it meant death, they would not want to die in a foreign land.

Besides, aren't Mr. Ernst, my grandfather, the Grand Tutor, and Zhenlong all here?

Although she held a lowly position and had little influence, she was still one of the officials of the Great Yan Dynasty. So why should she leave first when the common people were not leaving?

She will definitely stay.

Ernst nodded.

He could understand whatever choice Ning Ciqiu made, but Ernst was still quite pleased that she chose to stay.

It's not that death is inherently noble, nor does Ernst advocate meaningless sacrifice. However, Ning Ciqiu's choice to stay and perish with Baizhao in times of crisis at least proves that her character is beyond reproach.

As for the sentiment of returning to one's roots, Ernst could understand it, but he found it difficult to empathize with it.

After all, it will be difficult for him to return to his roots.

"And Mr. Ernst, what about the third fire?"

Ning Ciqiu took the initiative to ask.

Ernst paused for a moment upon hearing this, and instead of answering directly, he recounted the result.

"After the battle with the Sui beast, Baizhao will surely suffer heavy losses."

"Millions of people have been displaced, the political center has suffered a severe blow, and the whole country is facing turmoil."

“Miss Ning, do you understand? The real obstacle preventing Yan Kingdom from solving the problem of the Sui Beast is none other than the entire court of officials and His Majesty the True Dragon himself.”

"The price to be paid for solving the problem of the Year Beast is too high. It is enough to turn anyone's lifelong reputation into endless infamy, and it is enough to turn anyone's wealth in an enemy country into an empty bubble."

"Even a true dragon would be subject to endless condemnation because of this."

Solving the problem of the Year Beast is indeed a great achievement for future generations, but there is no doubt that the sin lies with the present generation!

When war breaks out, it is always the common people who suffer. Baizao is a super-large city, and the fact that the ancestors of the Byd placed the Sui Tomb underground in Baizao really makes one wonder if they ever thought that one day their descendants would have to completely solve the problem of the Sui beast.

Otherwise, why don't they consider that if Baizhao develops and Yan Kingdom develops, wouldn't that war completely destroy Baizhao?

Which emperor, which minister, which leadership team would be willing to bear the eternal infamy of causing the deaths of millions of people, and the enormous risk of destroying the ancestral foundation, to solve the problem of the Year Beast, and then live a miserable life with everyone while being scolded and rebuilding the city?

Nobody wants that. Let's trust the wisdom of future generations.

After Ernst finished speaking, he didn't say anything more. He just sat down and ordered breakfast using the internal phone.

Ning Ciqiu stood there, stunned.

She didn't quite understand what Ernst meant.

But Ernst didn't point it out.

The three fires form a cycle. The first fire, appointing Wei Yanwu to clean up the court and establish authority, was a prelude to the second fire, the extermination of the Year Beast. Without this prelude, the True Dragon could not have reached a consensus on the issue of the Year Beast.

The second act, annihilating the Year Beast and resolving the hidden danger, also left behind the infamy of the contemporary True Dragon and a massive mess, paving the way for the third act. Without this groundwork, how could the True Dragon have caused Wei Yanwu so much worry?

As for the third fire...

Ernst still remembered the plan described by the real dragon.

Humans are creatures with a high rate of forgetting.

A prince (the deposed crown prince) who started fighting corruption and promoting integrity at the beginning of the handover and rebuilt a good reputation among the people, but whose reputation among officials became bad; a modern-day dragon who rose to power by taking advantage of the "Grand Tutor's rebellion case," whose position was illegitimate and who also caused millions of people in Baizao to suffer in dire straits; and countless ministers who were afraid of being infamous and urgently needed a heavyweight figure to take the blame for the execution of the emperor.

This moment is just like that moment!

He has meticulously arranged the chessboard and placed the pieces exactly as he did back then, just like he did during the Yanwu Palace Coup!

Wei Yanwu, get involved.

That time and that moment, exactly this moment!

I have dealt with all the affairs of the world clearly! The bandits have been eliminated, the borders are secure, and even the monster of the year has been exterminated by me!

I owe the Great Yan nothing!

Now, it's my turn to take revenge, right?

The dragon has nine sons, and mine is Yazi. Yazi means revenge!

Jie Jie Jie!

Chapter 964 Investigating corruption might lead to death, investigating treason really could lead to death!

I am a historian of the Great Yan Dynasty. My name is Tiebi, a name I changed myself, which represents my aspirations.

I have served as a historian in the palace for over twenty years. As a witness to history, I firmly believe that the historical pen is as firm as iron, and not a single word can be changed! Hence this name.

People say that the current emperor is jealous and intolerant of others, and there is no shortage of such opinions in the government and among the public. However, I don't think so!

I accompany the True Dragon in his daily life, recording his countless affairs. How could I not know what kind of person the True Dragon is?

That's all slander! Slander!

The true dragon is a man of great talent and strategy, with both literary and military prowess, and is extremely extraordinary. Although he did not inherit the throne as the crown prince, which is a slight regret in terms of his birth, I have always believed that Yan Kingdom is different from those foreign countries. Bloodline is important, but bloodline cannot determine everything. Only a true dragon who can lead the people to a good life deserves to be called a "true dragon"!

Therefore, I have always faithfully recorded the words and deeds of the True Dragon. I know that the mountain of historical materials about the True Dragon that I have compiled will be evidence for future generations to study the True Dragon's life, civil and military achievements!

History's pen is as firm as iron. Perhaps ten or a hundred years will not be enough to reverse the reputation of the true dragon, but a hundred years from now, the true dragon's achievements will always be recognized and praised!

He is an extraordinary dragon!

But at this moment, standing in the imperial court, in a place that no one else has noticed, my pen is trembling slightly.

Contrary to what I expected, it seems the true dragon doesn't intend to wait until a hundred years later.

He intends to completely reverse his public image today!

Today is destined to be an extraordinary day in the history of the Yan Kingdom.

龙门总督魏1彦吾，也是大0炎废0储君炎武，7时隔数十年，6再次走9上了这座富丽1堂皇，4威严气3魄的大殿6。

The Emperor summoned him to the palace to investigate two matters.

Firstly, are the charges against Wei Yanwu leveled by the Vice Minister of the Court of Judicial Review true?

Secondly: Was there any injustice in the unprecedented case that caused turmoil in the Yan Kingdom's court and led to the execution of the entire family of Grand Tutor, one of the Three Dukes, on charges of treason?

To be honest, either of these two things, if you pick one at a time, would be considered "shocking"!

Trembling with fear, almost wanting to run away first, this is almost a true reflection of the lives of many high-ranking officials and nobles.

They had no idea what the dragon was up to. All they could do was regret not having had a stroke of good luck today. Even losing an arm or a leg would have been better than being so terrified in the imperial court!

The New Year has just passed! Your Majesty!

I'm here for a meeting, what do you want?

The Grand Tutor and Grand Commandant, who were the backbone of the court, were seasoned veterans. Although the Grand Tutor had almost fainted from exhaustion, he had recovered thanks to his iron will.

The old man and his adversary exchanged a glance, but could only see undisguised confusion in each other's eyes.

What happened? (x2)

I don't know! (x2)

Didn't he discuss it with you? (x2)

No! (x2)

Without consulting any faction, they hastily convened a grand court assembly and dropped such a bombshell.

The Grand Tutor was already drenched in sweat.

He had only one thought in his mind—this might be the start of a major reshuffle!

When faced with the dragon's first question, Wei Yanwu appeared quite calm.

A frank denial.

He certainly wouldn't admit to accusations of carving out his own territory and establishing a regional power.

This is a capital offense!

He had long anticipated this day; he couldn't sleep or eat in peace until his jealous younger brother had completely eliminated him! But Wei Yanwu was no pushover either; would he just sit and wait to die?

He certainly won't admit to the crime.

But he definitely did everything.

During his years in Longmen, he had numerous interactions with high-ranking officials in the imperial court.

Everyone knows that the Grand Tutor and he have a good relationship. But how can they have no contact for decades and then turn around and still be like close friends and brothers?

He neither saved the Grand Tutor's life nor shared a single piece of bread with him when the Grand Tutor was starving to death.

Besides, aren't there plenty of officials who become ungrateful after gaining power, like the one who said, "Someone, feed the young master some cakes"? Moreover, the Grand Tutor was already the Grand Tutor during his father's reign, and now he's living off his younger brother's imperial salary. Wei Yanwu has never done him any favors, so why should he be remembered with such resentment for so many years?

How they maintained their contact and affection in private is something only the two of them know.

Not only was he the Grand Tutor, but he was also the current garrison commander of Yumen and the Left General of the Liaodong Peninsula, who was also his friend.

Yumen City is one of the most important military fortresses in Yan Kingdom. It has always undertaken important responsibilities such as resisting Ursus, consolidating the evil defense line, and providing support to the capital city of Baizhao. As a high-ranking official, Zuo Xuanliao should have kept his distance from Wei Yanwu, who was a sensitive figure. However, Wei Yanwu was confident that if he wanted to, he could go to Yumen and Zuo Xuanliao would have to respectfully address him as "Lord Wei" and invite him into his residence for a chat!

Moreover, Wei Yanwu has been making other plans over the years.

Lungmen's development rarely relies on support from within the Great Yan Dynasty; instead, it focuses more on international trade. This is how it cuts off its economic dependence on the Great Yan. Lungmen also prints its own Lungmen currency as legal tender, further enhancing its economic independence. Not to mention Wei Yanwu's investments in Lungmen, this mobile city.

In the original story, when the core city of Chernobog was charging towards Lungmen, Wei Yanwu made it clear that Lungmen possessed city defense cannons capable of easily destroying the core city, but they dared not fire first for fear of triggering the Yanwu War.

What is this concept?

The Queen of Cities held off the Grand Duke of Victoria's super mobile city, Londinium, for over two years. Even her main cannon couldn't cripple the core of a mobile city with a single shot.