Chapter 658: Night Meeting with Zishou

In the primordial chaos, the horses and mounts were quite robust. When the Li family in Chen Tang Guan held a hundred-day banquet, Wen Zhong and Zi Shou had already secretly returned to Chao Ge City.

Li Changshou could only hurriedly deliver a speech on behalf of the entire Li household and their servants, warmly welcoming the birth of Young Master Jin Zha. He then arranged for the top musical ensemble in Chen Tang Guan, featuring instruments like flutes, strings, and percussion, before pretending to be overwhelmed by the wine and excusing himself early.

That night,

Most of Chao Ge City had fallen asleep, with only a few service-oriented streets remaining lively.

In the Grand Historian's residence, the patrolling guards made their rounds through the front and back courtyards on schedule, occasionally murmuring quietly about how the Grand Historian seemed to have no interest in women and no family at all.

Li Changshou's paper effigy sat in his study, dressed in a dark red robe with his graying hair neatly combed, exuding an air of scholarly rigor.

By the window, a simple feast of wine and dishes had been prepared in advance, with the portions being generous despite the modest fare.

After all, the guest he was hosting that day was notorious in Chao Ge City for his hearty appetite.

At the third watch of midnight,

Two figures cloaked in hoods vaulted over the back wall. The cloaks were imbued with faint magical power, concealing their forms from ordinary eyes.

Li Changshou smiled faintly.

Wen Zhong had clearly figured things out to some extent. Although he was trying hard to hide the fact that he was an extraordinary figure, he had learned to take shortcuts when needed.

He still had room to grow.

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

The first was Wen Zhong, who removed his hood and bowed with hands clasped, saying,

"Greetings, Grand Historian."

Li Changshou replied with a smile, "Master Wen, no need for such formality."

As he spoke, his gaze fell on the burly figure behind Wen Zhong, a hint of amusement in his eyes.

Standing before him now was the one burdened with eternal infamy, the epitome of a tyrannical ruler, the harbinger of the Shang dynasty's downfall—Zi Shou, also known as Emperor Xin of Zhou!

He stood eight chi tall with long arms, slowly raising his head and removing his hood to reveal a young, angular face. His narrow eyes radiated an unbridled confidence.

Li Changshou activated his Empty Bright Dao Heart to shield himself from the influence of ill fate when dealing with Zi Shou.

Then, he bowed with hands clasped to Zi Shou.

Incidentally, according to Shang customs, those not of slave status did not need to kneel, except during sacrifices or confessions.

"I have seen Prince Zi Shou."

"Grand Historian, you are too kind."

Zi Shou returned the gesture with clasped hands and a slight bow, saying seriously, "I am not yet the ruler, and you are a high minister among the six departments. There is no need for you to bow to me."

Li Changshou laughed and said, "You honor me too much, Prince. Please, take a seat."

"I am the guest; you should sit first, Grand Historian."

Wen Zhong added, "Grand Historian, please take the seat, or I won't dare to sit myself."

Li Changshou did not insist further and sat in the host's position, with Wen Zhong and Zi Shou seated to his left and right, forming a triangular arrangement around the small round table.

Then...

The atmosphere grew a bit awkward.

Zi Shou sat upright with his hands on his knees, unsure of what to say for a moment.

Wen Zhong pondered his words and said with a smile, "Come to think of it, Zi Shou's position as heir was largely due to the Grand Historian's forthright advice in the court that year."

Li Changshou looked at Zi Shou and asked with a smile, "What are your thoughts on that matter, Prince?"

"Well..."

Zi Shou's eyes showed a hint of contemplation, knowing that Li Changshou was testing him, so he had to respond carefully.

Over the years, his mentor had praised this Grand Historian to the skies, even calling him a divine being, which seemed a bit exaggerated.

Zi Shou quickly replied, "Regarding that incident, I am quite grateful to the Grand Historian, but my gratitude is only for your adherence to propriety and law in offering counsel."

Li Changshou laughed a few times and said, "Ha, ha, ha... cough. It's all part of doing one's duty in their position—nothing more."

Wen Zhong smiled and said, "Zi Shou, in fact, the Grand Historian and I have some private connections."

"Oh? Why haven't I heard you mention this before, Mentor?"

"It's not something to publicize, as it could lead to unnecessary gossip."

Li Changshou said seriously, "Let's not dwell on that. Prince, what brings you here today?"

Zi Shou bowed with hands clasped and said, "I come seeking strategy."

"Oh?"

Li Changshou smiled and reached for the wine jug, but Wen Zhong was quicker, picking it up and pouring for Li Changshou first.

"What strategy do you seek, Prince?"

"Earlier in the army, I executed victorious generals, and now the officers want to return to Chao Ge City to lodge complaints."

Zi Shou gave a self-deprecating smile, showing a touch of helplessness.

"My father the king ordered me to lead the troops, and I had already set the rules, forbidding them from capturing civilians as slaves.

Yet, some generals disobeyed in secret. They stripped the uniforms from enemy soldiers' corpses and dressed civilians—able-bodied young men—in them to smuggle them away.

To set an example, I drew my sword and executed the generals.

However, if this blows up in Chao Ge City, I fear it will put me in a difficult position. The military officers and martial families might band together against me."

Li Changshou thought for a moment and asked, "Was the rule against capturing civilians as slaves proposed by you, Mentor?"

Wen Zhong sighed and said, "Yes, it was indeed my proposal."

Disciple?

Zi Shou looked thoughtful at that.

Wen Zhong continued, "The overabundance of slaves has become a chronic illness for the Shang. The foundation of the state is already unstable.

Though we've had fewer wars lately, and the slaves from plunder aren't as numerous as those accumulated over the years, this is still the first step we can take.

Only by ending the practice of turning war captives into slaves might we restore the status of those whose ancestors were captured, turning them back into ordinary civilians.

This way, the Shang will have more able-bodied people, stronger troops, and a steady supply of talent for all professions. Our national strength will rise in no time!"

"Then what?" Li Changshou asked with a smile.

Wen Zhong pondered for a moment and said, "You mean?"

"Let's just talk about the Shang itself."

"Then, the Shang can extend its destiny and endure for ages..."

Li Changshou looked at Zi Shou and asked with a smile, "Is that what you think too, Prince?"

Zi Shou's eyes shone brightly as he said firmly, "The mentor's words are my aspirations!"

Li Changshou sighed slowly, "Let's raise our cups and drink while we talk."

The three of them raised their cups and drained them in one go. Then, Li Changshou closed his eyes, hands tucked in his sleeves, as if he had fallen asleep.

He was pondering whether to guide "Emperor Xin" tonight...

Deep down, Li Changshou knew that even if he guided Zi Shou, the forces of heavenly fate were beyond what Zi Shou could resist. But with this possibility before him, he still wanted to try.

More importantly, even if it failed, it wouldn't harm him in any way.

From another angle, opportunities to influence "Emperor Xin" were rare, and now that he was still "Prince Zi Shou," he was more malleable.

"You are both wrong."

"Wrong?" Wen Zhong was puzzled.

Zi Shou quickly said, "Could it be that there are other ways to revive the Shang?"

Li Changshou sighed, "What the mentor said makes sense, but his approach is too rash. Prince, you must have studied the history of the Shang—do you know why its power has gradually declined?"

Zi Shou replied,

"I think about this every day. There are four reasons.

First, before our ancestor Wen Cheng established the rule of primogeniture, succession struggles often led to bloody conflicts, severely draining the nation's strength.

Second, the noble families have become increasingly entrenched, with most showing no ambition and only seeking pleasure.

Third, there are too many slaves, which is a hidden danger. The people of the Shang are restless, indulging in luxury and extravagance, leaving us with few talents to use.

Fourth, it's the vassal lords.

During our internal strife, the eight hundred vassals have been building their strength, and some harbor great ambitions.

The Jiang clan, with whom I am soon to marry, is from the Duke of the East. I haven't met her yet; I've only seen her portrait, but she is destined to be my queen.

This is my father's strategy for stability."

Li Changshou picked up a piece of beef and put it in his mouth, saying with a smile, "Prince, why don't we simulate this?

Suppose you gain the king's support, and executing the generals becomes the starting point for your internal reforms—what might happen next?

You think about it too, Mentor."

And so, Wen Zhong and Zi Shou each pondered.

Wen Zhong, as a cultivator with long years of experience, had seen much and considered things comprehensively. He quickly realized the severity of the issue, his brows furrowing like the character for "river."

Zi Shou was still full of vigor and, after thinking for a while, said,

"There will surely be many old ministers opposing it."

Wen Zhong quickly added, "It's not just that. This involves far more than the martial families.

To address the slave issue, we'll inevitably touch upon all the current vassals, nobles, families, and even the common people.

Slaves only need a mouthful of food, yet they can farm, dig canals, and serve as household servants. Most have never even thought of rebelling.

If we act directly... hiss!

It could lead to a massive upheaval."

Zi Shou said, "Mentor, are you exaggerating a bit?"

"It's I who was naive before and didn't think it through," Wen Zhong said, his face darkening. "The slave issue must be handled carefully and flexibly from behind the scenes.

This matter of executing the generals in the army must be covered up.

Our earlier plan to debate the harms of slavery in court won't work!"

Li Changshou nodded with a smile.

Zi Shou showed anger and said firmly, "Why should I fear that? It must be debated!"

Wen Zhong sighed, "Forcing the issue could lead to disaster."

"What's the worst that could happen? I'd just lose my position," Zi Shou stood up. "Even if I lose my life to them, so what!"

"Prince, Prince," Li Changshou said quickly, "don't get agitated. We must adapt to circumstances and not rush.

The four points you mentioned, Prince, hit the mark—they are indeed the current ills of the Shang. These problems have accumulated over years and can't be changed with a few words.

But if you, as the future ruler dedicated to upholding the Shang, are easily toppled by those old conservatives, that would be the true misfortune for the nation.

Your ancestors are watching you from above!"

Zi Shou looked ashamed and bowed deeply toward the sky before sitting down.

Li Changshou said with a smile, "In that case, I'll hold nothing back and offer you three strategies, Prince and Mentor."

Wen Zhong said joyfully, "With your help, the Shang will be secure!"

Zi Shou leaned in to listen attentively.

He was somewhat dissatisfied with how much his mentor flattered the Grand Historian, and if the man spouted nonsense—like telling him to abandon reforms—he'd leave immediately.

But he heard Li Changshou say slowly,

"This first strategy is to stay steady.

Before you become the ruler, Prince, you must secure the support of the people and the powerful inside and outside Chao Ge City.

You need to understand this principle—you are not the king's only heir. If the king is pressured by the nation to execute you, there are still successors.

The one who speaks and decides is the king, not the prince."

Zi Shou fell silent.

Li Changshou continued,

"This second strategy is still to stay steady.

The case of Yi Yin exiling the ruler serves as a warning.

Royal power is not without checks. The Shang kingship was formed around the core of civil and military officials and vassal lords. Orders need people to execute them, and armies need generals to lead them, so the king's power is constrained in return.

This point is especially important."

Zi Shou thought for a moment and asked, "Could the Grand Historian explain in more detail?"

"Just ask him," Li Changshou pointed to Wen Zhong. "In simple terms, you must first win over the ministers and generals to be on your side, then gradually and subtly push your changes.

Whether it's weakening the vassals or turning slaves into civilians, it must be done step by step. It won't show results in three to five months—in fact, even three to five years might be pushing it.

Take big steps, and you might pull a muscle... in your inner thigh!"

Zi Shou nodded slowly, deeply moved by this.

Li Changshou went on, "Military power is key among these. You must cultivate generals you can absolutely trust, Prince, and secure absolute authority in Chao Ge City.

This is the foundation of everything and the reason the vassals fear the Shang ruler."

"Listening to the Grand Historian's words has enlightened me!"

Zi Shou's eyes were full of emotion as he raised his cup to toast Li Changshou.

"Don't rush; I'm not finished yet."

Li Changshou chuckled and raised his cup in response, saying, "This third strategy is still to stay steady.

This steadiness is aimed at the major vassals—use one vassal to check another. Soothe them when appropriate, and wait for the opportunity to divide and conquer. This is the most crucial."

Zi Shou pondered carefully, his eyes gradually lighting up.

Wen Zhong asked, "Then how should we handle the current situation?"

Li Changshou said with a smile, "It's simple, and it can even work to Zi Shou's advantage."

"I am eager to hear the details!"

"Prince, invoke the name of benevolence and righteousness. Don't mention turning slaves into civilians at all, and don't reveal your inner ambitions—even if you've said something before, deny it firmly if anyone brings it up."

Li Changshou smiled and continued,

"You can say, Prince, that the foundation of the Shang lies in our ancestors' bloody battles. How can the descendants of the defeated deserve to rise alongside the Shang people?

Of course, that's just rhetoric.

You need to learn to shape yourself, clarify the interests at play, and solidify your status as heir.

Only then will you have the chance to realize your ambitions.

Discuss the specifics with your mentor."

Wen Zhong said, "But, Grand Historian, saying one thing before ascending the throne and another after—won't that invite criticism?"

Li Changshou laughed, "Does Zi Shou care about his reputation?"

"Ha, ha, ha!"

Zi Shou laughed heartily, his spirit soaring!

"From a young age, I have faced poison, harm, traps, collapsing houses, and vicious rumors calling me cursed.

Reputation is but a fleeting cloud.

For the nation's reform, the ruler must bear the burden!"

Li Changshou said seriously, "But you must still pay attention to your image—it affects the effectiveness of your policies and can be used against you.

So, for this time, use the name of benevolence and military virtue.

Why did you execute those two generals, Prince?

Because you disdain killing the unarmed and believe the royal army should not plunder indiscriminately, so you ordered them not to capture civilians.

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

They cruelly mistreated the weak, violating military virtue and tarnishing the Shang ruler's reputation, so they had to be punished.

When the matter was exposed, they tried to incite mutiny in the army to cover their crimes, which required immediate execution—otherwise, the troops would lose control, leading to disastrous consequences and making the royal army a laughingstock before the eight hundred vassals.

Prince, after careful consideration, that's why you executed the victorious generals.

As for those officers clamoring for the king to punish you, they are either ignorant of the facts or have ulterior motives."

Zi Shou asked, somewhat puzzled, "So, are they ignorant or have ulterior motives?"

"That depends on whether you want them to be ignorant or have ulterior motives."

Li Changshou smiled slightly, "The word 'power' begins in the heart.

I hope you remember today's words, Prince—never rush for quick gains or seek overnight success. Seek stability in survival and change, and only then can you achieve your goals."

Zi Shou stood up and bowed deeply, "Thank you for your guidance, Grand Historian."

"And one more thing," Li Changshou said with a smile, "As the king's Grand Historian, it's not appropriate for me to discuss these matters with you. From now on, it's up to you and your mentor to work together."

Wen Zhong and Zi Shou exchanged glances—one with relief in his eyes, the other with stars in his.

Before leaving, Zi Shou asked Li Changshou a question, but Li Changshou couldn't answer it.

He asked,

"Grand Historian, I have a doubt.

Over the years, many have wished for my demise and to take my place, with nobles colluding and my brothers plotting.

Even before my birth, many families had secretly sided with my elder brother.

Now, with my father aging, internal strife is imminent. I fear it not and hold no grudge, but I worry that such conflict will further drain the Shang's destiny. The struggles of past ancestors and the warnings of King Wen Cheng are still fresh in my mind.

Can you teach me, Grand Historian—if I am to secure the throne, must I kill my brothers and eliminate my kin?

If there's no other way, I will act swiftly to prevent chaos."

On this, Li Changshou thought for a moment and could only say,

"Follow your heart; the decision is yours. Never forget, the ancestors of the Shang are watching you from above."

Qin Xuan Ya frowned at that arrogant innate treasure, continuing to think seriously.

She had lost nearly half of the spiritual stones she earned from working in the Heavenly Court through gambling.