After Dongfang Xinglan conquered the southern regions of the Dynasty, she imdiately settled accounts with the local gate valve clan, using the confiscated gold and silver treasures as tools to win the people's hearts.
She gained a good reputation, but what about herself?
Not only did the common people flee to the south, but many of the gate valve clans who fled earlier stread north into the area. Let them co; many of them still would not forget to amass wealth, roasting this Emperor over the fire...
But contrastingly, she dared not act like Dongfang Xinglan.
Dongfang Xinglan, bearing the label of 'rebel army,' could act recklessly, killing without reserve, but she, having ascended the throne legitimately, could not openly purge the aristocratic families.
Especially now, standing in court are officials, so of whom helped her poison the late Emperor as Dragon-following rits, others recently promoted Eastern Palace Officials, the remainder steadfast advocates of warfare...
Although she now has Martial God cultivation and holds military power as the Emperor, Dongfang Xinghe can bet that should she openly clean out the aristocratic families like Dongfang Xinglan, the next second her sister will take advantage of this and persuade the northern aristocrats to give up a portion of their wealth for preserving their entire clans.
Even though the news of Dongfang Xinglan slaughtering the southern aristocratic families is still fresh, as soon as she speaks to spare the northern aristocratic families, most of them would absolutely rally to her, embracing her as the dynasty's rightful heir.
These people... always sacrifice others for self-preservation.
Moreover, with the soldiers from Shang, Jing, and Tongzhou States all marching out, requiring forces to monitor the still-living Vassal Kings, should these people's clans flee south, no effective blocking force could be ford. Thus, they dared to use this petition to test whether the Emperor would follow Dongfang Xinglan.
Upon this thought, Dongfang Xinghe glanced subtly at the officials in court, preempting Dongfang Xinglan by having them surrender so family wealth?
Heh... surely they will claim poverty or pay lip service.
These people are very cunning.
Though previously steadfast war advocates, now so might secretly wager on Dongfang Xinglan.
And if he wished to take action against these people... it would have to wait for a grand victory, followed by promoting Chang Shi to the position at the Five Armies Commander's Mansion, promising support to the Grand Secretary's faction, and then acting against others.
As these thoughts fleetingly passed through, Dongfang Xinghe's eyes grew colder; wait for Chang Shi to win a battle first.
She had already sent Ming Yuanji out; even if Dongfang Xinglan stepped into Martial God, could she contend with two Martial Gods?
Once Dongfang Xinglan is dead...
"Report—"
As he pondered, Dongfang Xinghe heard the sound of horse hooves from outside; with an urgent battle report, the posthouse soldier could naturally ride directly into the Imperial Palace.
The noisy hall suddenly quieted, and Dongfang Xinghe's heart tightened, watching the soldier hurriedly run into the hall and kneel on one knee—
"To report to the Emperor, King Qin's rebel army from Jianyuan State has heavily defeated Marshal Chang Shi; our army... suffered a crushing defeat!"
"How is that possible!?"
Emperor Chengtian abruptly stood up: "I dispatched Prince Ning, as well as Ming Yuanji, even utilizing the Observatory; how could it end in a crushing defeat?"
As the words fell, he instantly appeared before the posthouse soldier, taking the battle report from his hands and opening it for a look.
The traitorous King Qin speared the True Dragon down to earth, instantly killing Tianwu City's City Lord Ming Yuanji, the Heavenly Observation Bureau Inspector trampled and devoured by beasts led by the White Fox, Prince Ning Dongfang Zhen fled with remnants, Chang Shi's commanded million troops pincered and mostly killed and wounded, retreating to Shangzhou, the southwest states conquered by rebels...
Instantly killed Tianwu City's City Lord?
So powerful?
Chang Shi was pincered?
Who attacked Chang Shi's rear?
Dongfang Xinghe's breathing grew heavy, fear surfacing in his eyes; his sister could already instantaneously kill Martial Gods?
How was it done?
Even a powerhouse like Ming Yuanji was instantaneously killed; as an Emperor inheriting the late Emperor's Martial God cultivation… how could he fight?
Dongfang Xinghe closed his eyes, after several deep breaths he turned and retook his seat on the Dragon Chair, seeing the whispering officials below, they looked like traitors.
A sudden thought flashed, he had been Crown Prince for too long, instinctively assuming the court officials were his people.
Were they his people?
Only the obedient troops under his command were truly his people!
As a Martial God now, and with soldiers to use, what's the hesitation?
Upon this thought, he smirked self-deprecatingly.
In terms of insidious cunning, false cruelty, he truly couldn't compare to his sister Dongfang Xinglan.
Reflecting on this, Dongfang Xinghe tossed the battle report downward: "Dismiss the court for today!"
Exiting the hall, Dongfang Xinghe called over the current Jinyiwei Commander Tian Shouzhong: "Send Jinyiwei throughout the regions to audit the local aristocratic family wealth, leave none untouched… I permit you to take so, but I hope the final sum won't disappoint !"
Moreover, seal Shengjing City gates, allow entry not exit!"
"Your servant obeys orders!"
Dongfang Xinghe flung his sleeve cloak, spoke to the eunuch beside him: "Have so people investigate who in the court is loyal, who is treacherous, then summon the State Preceptor to Qingxin Hall."
"Your servant obeys orders!"
Having said, he strode forth.
Inside Qingxin Hall.
Dongfang Xinghe rested with closed eyes, speaking of loyalty among the army, as long as there is money, fostering loyalty is never a problem.
But how to address Dongfang Xinglan's ability to kill a Martial God instantly?
"She likely purposefully let Dongfang Zhen escape for the Dragon Soul Treasure... but even adding , three Martial Gods probably won't be her match, only by obtaining the Dragon Soul Treasure can we contend…"
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