You're Strong But Now You're Mine-Chapter 540 - 538: Destruction of Radiance!

"How about the Shuangli Palace?"

As soon as the Empress Dowager said this, Ming Shuiyun instinctively observed the reactions of the others. Ming Dailan and others almost sighed in relief, while Ming Shuangli subtly tightened her grip on the mask of madness she held, showing no hint of joy or sorrow.

"From the beginning to the end, Shuangli Palace has always been appreciated by both the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court." The Empress Dowager spoke softly, "Even two years ago, after Xianzong was assassinated and passed away, Shuangli Palace was among the top five candidates for the supreme position."

Ming Shuangli evidently didn't know this secret. She looked up at the Empress Dowager, her mouth twitching slightly — no matter how poor her mood, she couldn't help but feel delighted upon hearing such praise from her elders, especially when it was easy to understand.

Perhaps this was also one of the reasons why she was valued by the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court.

"Only because Shuangli Palace was born in a collateral line and is a female palace, her succession rank is far inferior to others. That's why we didn't recommend her as a candidate for the supreme position back then. But fortunately, with the protection of the Imperial Academy, Shuangli Palace avoided the 'Royal Family's Night of Riot' a year ago." The Empress Dowager said, "As it stands, Shuangli Palace is our best choice."

"Can you explain why you favor her so much?" Cha Shiyin leaned against the chair, glancing at Cha Huan, "I feel that Principal Cha, who seems to have been deeply harmed by Shuangli Palace, doesn't quite agree with your choice."

Cha Huan glanced at Ming Shuangli, and Ming Shuangli immediately stood properly with a ladylike demeanor. Len Jiangli said, cupping his fists, "Shuangli Palace has been precocious and diligent since youth, with a heart for the world and concerns for the nation and people, carrying aspirations and great ambitions, showing the demeanor of a supreme leader."

"Chief Minister Len believes Shuangli Palace is an ambitious person." Cha Shiyin said evasively, "Principal Cha, what do you think?"

Cha Huan snorted coldly, "Rebellious and reckless but loyal to Huiyao, arrogant and self-centered but chivalrous, doesn't follow rules but is self-disciplined and courteous, uneducated but resourceful. Being a student is far from enough; being an emperor... barely acceptable."

"I didn't expect Principal Cha to give such a complete evaluation of loyalty, righteousness, etiquette, and wisdom to a student... Just your words alone are enough for the world to gladly accept Shuangli Palace's ascension." Cha Shiyin looked at Ning Yulian, "What's your evaluation, Empress Dowager?"

The Empress Dowager was silent for a moment, "She is a good child who feels sad when others are sad and feels happy when others are happy."

This time it was Cha Shiyin's turn to be silent. He gently caressed the Holy Sword Huiyao on the table, seemingly reminiscing distant memories.

"Of course, the final choice still depends on the will of the Palace Masters and the choice of the Sword Holder lineage." The Empress Dowager continued, "From the moment the contest for the sword commenced, the Imperial Family had already entrusted the judgment of the supreme choice to the Sword Holder lineage."

"Indeed." Cha Shiyin flicked the Holy Sword Huiyao lightly, "Then let's put aside the choice of the throne for now and move on to more important issues... How do you plan to convince me?"

Everyone was slightly taken aback. Cha Shiyin noticed their expressions, giving a cold sneer, "What, surely you didn't think that just by coming to ask me, I would agree foolishly — though I don't know how it's recorded within your Imperial Family, the fact that you sought me out means you know I have the means to revoke the Holy Sword's suspension."

"In times of national crisis when people face immense suffering, it's advisable to seek the Sword Holder lineage to call forth Huiyao. Unless there are absolutely no other options, and the world is beyond redemption, do not contemplate this. Remember, remember." The Empress Dowager repeated, "This is the secret saying passed down within the Imperial Family. Although it doesn't detail everything, we also know that the price to revoke the Holy Sword's suspension is definitely not small. Whatever the command from the Sword Holder lineage, the Imperial Court must obey!"

Cha Shiyin said calmly, "The price is my life."

No one showed surprise, evidently already anticipating this — if the Holy Sword could be easily revoked, there wouldn't have been numerous chaotic events during the suspension of the Holy Sword throughout history.

Previously, Yanjing could typically maintain stability for twenty years until the suspension ended. If they couldn't, they would 'joyfully welcome the royal army to restore Yanjing.' But this time, not only have two major chokepoints been broken, but even the five army camps have suffered significant losses due to the monster disaster, rendering them powerless against the Outer District invasion. Meanwhile, the Outer District lacks the 'royal army' to which the world would rally. Looking over two thousand years of history, the current state of Yanjing may not be the most critical, but it is certainly the most embarrassing.

"We beseech the Sword Holder lineage to consider the world." Everyone bowed in supplication.

"Of the nine districts across the world, one is occupied by the Backlight Organization, one has overtly rebelled, four are seized by warlords plotting against the Imperial Court. Under your control now are only Yanjing's vicinity and the Summer Sunset District, along with the unruly but inactive Leiyin District." Cha Shiyin said leisurely, "Huiyao only holds sway over three parts; what qualifies you to claim to represent the 'world'?"

"The Celestial Mandate lies ultimately in Huiyao, ultimately in the Imperial Family." Len Jiangli said, "If not for the intrigues of the Barbarian Race, would Yanjing have plunged into such a predicament? Without the monster disaster, the Sword Holder lineage could peacefully select a new emperor to ascend. With the new emperor governing under the assistance of numerous righteous officials, it's natural for him to regain the people's trust, govern with benevolence, suppress treacherous ministers, eradicate rebels, and restore the country. The upheaval in Yanjing is not a crime of war!"

"But it is certainly the crime of the Imperial Court, the crime of the Imperial Family!" Cha Shiyin shouted sternly, "If not for the backward policies of the Imperial Court, would four out of the nine districts have rebelled, and two be in chaos? If not for the numerous loopholes in the Court, would the National Relief Association have been able to exploit them over ten years to lay this monster-deformed plot? If not for the loss of the people's hearts by the Court, would today's calamity exist!"

"The monster disaster merely tore off your fig leaf, exposing to the entire world the Court's weakness and incompetence, unable to withstand a single blow! It's also the last straw breaking Huiyao, letting everyone know Huiyao is beyond rescue with countless scars!"

"With your level of governance, the mess you've created, the kind of government that's apt at internal strife but naïve in foreign confrontation, do you even have the nerve to ask the Sword Holder lineage for help? You're even hoping I would willingly sacrifice myself to summon Huiyao? Can you keep away from those children, lest they get struck by lightning when retribution finds you shameless adults!"

"Still asking me to consider the world... I read about a very interesting term in the newspaper — 'fast forward'. Right now, I just want to fast forward through this situation, I wish I could immediately see the Outer District's army invading Yanjing, destroying this rubbish Court, and letting Huiyao rise anew from destruction!"

"Destroying you is truly the way to consider the world! If I help you maintain this decayed Court's existence, it would mean prolonging the people's suffering for decades or centuries!"

Cha Shiyin cursed mercilessly, every phrase ringing powerfully, every word forceful, the sound almost penetrating the director's room, causing a commotion outside. Several cabinet ministers turned visibly pale, yet Len Jiangli, however, signaled them to be calm.

When Cha Shiyin stopped speaking, Len Jiangli slowly said, "Have you vented enough, respected one? Have you enjoyed cursing? May I permit myself a brief rebuttal?"

"Certainly, please go ahead."

"The poison of Huiyao lies in the clans, lies in the powerful, lies in the Nobility, lies in land annexation, lies in court factional strife, and above all, lies in the disparity between rich and poor!" Len Jiangli said, "If it weren't utterly untenable, who would want to oppose the Court? Yet in every peaceful era, the population inevitably surges, and there's only so much grain output. Once the population reaches a certain number, there's bound to be insufficient food. Whenever a natural or man-made disaster strikes, it inevitably creates an abundance of starving people, who, in order to survive, will seize food, disrupt production, further reducing grain output, while the number of starving people only increases, ultimately resulting in total chaos!"

"Even as Huiyao has exploited arable land to the utmost extent, every two hundred years, there must be chaos, then restoration! It's been two hundred and eighteen years since Emperor Shenzong revitalized Huiyao."

"Why did Emperor Xianzong continually target migrant development in the Skyrim? Because Skyrim is the only Outer District now where Huiyao can develop more farmland, if we could fully control Skyrim and settle the Outer District drifters to farm official lands in Skyrim, it might extend the era of prosperity for several more decades!"

"The Imperial Court has implemented benevolent governance year after year, benefiting the world, but what is the point if the decrees don't extend beyond the capital? The nobility controls the officialdom, and the powerful families oppress the countryside. Benevolent policies devolve into malevolent ones at the grassroots level. The low-interest seedling loans meant as good intentions become high-interest loans causing families to lose their homes; the civil service examination held every four years sees mentors and their protégés forming factions that pervade the court."

"This is the poison of the state, the poison of a prosperous age, the poison of time." Ling Jiangli sighed, "The population surge and land annexation have created a wealth gap, and the entrenched grassroots gentry have caused the Imperial Court to lose control over the Outer Districts."

"It's like building a tower. At the start of a prosperous age, the floors are low, and as long as the foundation is laid and materials are ready, you can build a sturdy high-rise; but at the start of a chaotic age, the tower reaches a hundred meters, the foundation is overburdened, and yet the tower continues to be built higher. Once hit by natural or man-made disasters, this seemingly majestic tower will collapse under its own weight."

"The Imperial Family has done their best, and so has the Imperial Court. But some things are beyond human control and resist celestial mandates."

"This analogy of building a tower is quite interesting." Cha Shiyin smiled slightly, "So are you saying that all these officials are devoted ministers striving to maintain the grand scheme?"

Ling Jiangli remained silent for a moment, "I dare not say; please guide me, Sword Holder."

"I'm too lazy to guide you. Chairperson Cha, you take over." Cha Shiyin said calmly, "The disdain on your face is unmistakable. I feel you've been waiting a long time for this chance to criticize them… don't hold back, it's on me."

"Then, with respect, I shall comply." Cha Huan looked at Ling Jiangli, "Old man, didn't you just mention the powerful families oppressing the countryside, severe land annexation, the people losing land, and the difficulty of the Imperial Court's decrees reaching the grassroots?"

"Yes."

"Then why don't you kill all those powerful landlords, reclaim their land as state land, and hire the people as tenant farmers?"

"That is precisely the responsibility and achievement of Governors and Administrators."

"What's the use of killing a couple of small landlords? What about the powerful families with connections in the court? What about those aristocratic clans of purple-robed officials? Those prestigious nobilities descended from non-imperial prince families? Those are the main forces behind land annexation; kill them, and there would be more land and grain, wouldn't there?"

"..."

"Isn't it the severe internal party struggle within your Imperial Court that causes decrees to remain only within the capital? The court is divided into Ling and Lan factions. Your policies, Ling Jiangli, are delayed and perfunctorily executed by Lan's people; Lan's tasks are similarly resisted by your people. Why don't you slaughter those who oppose you and thoroughly reorganize the court?"

"..."

"The cronyism and factionalism within the Imperial Court are due to recruiting too many people from the same hometown, aren't they? Why don't you reduce the recruitment rate of Yanjing operatives and allow more people from Outer Districts to take office in Yanjing? Especially people from Jinhui, Youyun, Canglan, and Skyrim, they would find it difficult to form factions due to language barriers even if they tried… By the way, I remember your niece from the Ling faction is already a full-fledged Canglan operative, your faction's power has grown again, hasn't it?"

"..."

"In my opinion, you should kill half of your two factions' people, or if not, then dismiss them and send them back to farm. Someone as pretty and adorable as your niece would surely excel at farming."

"Alas." Ling Jiangli finally couldn't resist speaking, "If you govern as Cha Huan suggests, even without the calamity of monster rebellion, the Outer District army would certainly reach the gates of Yanjing. The Imperial Court is not a jungle; slaughter cannot solve any issues. Even if you kill a minister, wouldn't his replacement embezzle, form cliques, and act unlawfully just the same?"

"Governance isn't war. Even if a Governor's family exterminates a powerful entrenched clan, wouldn't the additional land resources still be managed by the Governor's Office? Isn't it still officials who govern that office, and as long as humans govern, there will inevitably be loopholes to exploit. With a single stroke of their pen, these state lands would eventually fall into some other powerful family's hands. The Governor can't check the fields continuously; wouldn't he still be deceived by officials?"

"But what is the result of harsh slaughter? Those below would band together to create a false peace, embellishing a prosperous age, never letting those above know even a hint of the truth. The penalty for transgression is death, so they would absolutely not let those above know of any transgression."

"If an excellent system cures the root and good policies treat the symptoms, Cha Huan, your approach doesn't even count as treating the symptoms. At most, it's like cutting off toes to avoid sand fleas—avoiding minor harm only to inflict greater harm on yourself."

"Cha Huan, you are an excellent teacher, but certainly an unqualified politician—politics is about compromise. Slaughter is a very effective tool, but precisely because it is so effective, it should never be used unless absolutely necessary, for all humans err, and politics must afford people a chance to amend their errors."

Cha Huan let out a cold laugh, "You speak as if you are very outstanding. So why doesn't Ling Jiangli, the politician, make the army outside compromise and give up the attack on Yanjing?"

"Criticizing others' mistakes is an easy thing, but a wounded warrior is still a warrior; a flawless fly is ultimately still a fly."

"So you're saying you're a warrior then? Come, let's have a little showdown outside."

"I never said I was a warrior."

"So you mean you're a fly?"

"..."

The Empress Dowager raised her right hand, and both Cha Huan and Ling Jiangli immediately went silent. She looked towards Cha Shiyin, who had a mocking smile at the corner of his mouth, bowed deeply, "The Imperial Family is incompetent."

Without hesitation, Ling Jiangli, along with some cabinet ministers, bowed together, "The Imperial Court is incompetent."

The Empress Dowager said, "The ruinous state of affairs in Radiance is a responsibility the Imperial Family and the Imperial Court cannot shirk. No matter how great the difficulties of reality, bearing the expectations of the people, the Ming Family court, supposed to hold mastery over life and death of thousands, not only failed to let the people lead a safe and happy life but rather caused them to have to create chaos out of necessity, which can only prove the Imperial Family's folly and the Court's incompetence."

"But how innocent are the people of Yanjing; the thousand-year-old capital should not undergo the devastation of war. The Imperial Family is Radiance's standard-bearer, once the eternal legacy crumbles, it is unimaginable: at its worst, Radiance would splinter, near impossible to unify again; at best, chaos would endure for centuries, with the populace suffering continual conflict."

"I, the Dowager… I know this is very despicable, very shameless, and extremely disgraceful." The Empress Dowager's voice was full of apology, "But I still implore the Sword Holding lineage, please bring forth the Holy Sword of Radiance and rescue the people from disaster."