Striving to Become Emperor

Chapter 57 Striving to Become Emperor

Compared to the bewilderment of the common people, some emperors were even more terrified. What would they do if there were no emperors?

Since the advent of emperors, every emperor has proclaimed that he is the son of heaven, acting as the ruler of the people on behalf of heaven. The birth of an emperor is always accompanied by auspicious omens. If there were no emperors in later generations, and the common people knew about these things, it would inevitably lead to another great upheaval among the people.

Moreover, the entire ancient Chinese society revolved around the emperor. Officials spoke of loyalty to the emperor and patriotism, while scholars talked about saving the world and bringing peace to the country. They learned literary and martial arts skills and then sold them to the imperial family. This was the consensus of the whole society. People were used to the existence of the emperor from birth. They may not know who the emperor was or what his name was, but they knew that the emperor was the most important person in the world and the one who could make decisions for them.

The emperor is like a father to his sovereign. Even if the emperor is cruel and tyrannical and imposes heavy taxes, the blame is usually placed on treacherous officials in the court.

The title of "Emperor" is like a rope tightly around the necks of the common people, these pigs and sheep. Even if the rope is removed one day, they will not be happy; instead, they will feel lost and may even put the rope back on themselves.

They dislike change and always need someone to make decisions for them. In ancient times, they placed their hopes on the emperor, but never thought that they could make decisions for themselves.

As the founder of the imperial system, Ying Zheng harbored complex emotions. He knew that his Qin dynasty would only last two generations, but the imperial system and the prefecture-county system he established had survived to later generations. This was a comfort to him, at least proving that his ideas were not wrong. "You tell me," he said, "how will the world be governed if there are no emperors in later generations?"

Ying Zheng looked at his ministers, his gaze falling on Feng Jie, Feng Quji, Wei Liao and others. "Your Majesty, if there is no emperor in future generations, there will surely be other people or departments to exercise the responsibility of governing the world."

Wei Liao said calmly, "In the Zhou Dynasty, King Li of Zhou was tyrannical and cruel. The people revolted and drove him out. Duke Ding of Zhou and Duke Mu of Zhao then jointly ruled, which was known as the Republic."

"At that time, there was no universal ruler. Perhaps in later generations, there will be a situation similar to the Zhou Dynasty, a republican system."

These things are not new. China has a long history, and the answers to many systems and sayings can be found in historical records. For example, the words similar to Yang Zhu's thought mentioned earlier on the sky show that the culture of the Hundred Schools of Thought has continued to influence later generations.

Liu Ying of the Han Dynasty had a bitter expression on his face.

There were no more emperors in later generations.

Liu Ying looked down at the dragon robe he wore, thinking of his mother, who had killed his brothers and forced him to marry his own niece. "If only I weren't the emperor."

A soft sigh echoed through the hall. Liu Ying's mind was filled with the image of his mother holding him, her voice resolute, "No one can take my son's position as crown prince. My son should be the emperor."

For this sentence, his mother killed one person after another, allowing him to sit firmly on the throne. But Liu Ying would rather he wasn't the emperor.

The scene on the screen shifted to a middle-aged man in a python robe, his physique robust and rugged, clearly a veteran of many battles. Next to him appeared three large characters: "Zhu Gaoxu".

Standing before him was a young official in a blue robe, with the words "Yu Qian" displayed on one side.

During the Yongle reign, "Second Brother, look, it's you! Tianmu is about to tell you about your glorious deeds."

Zhu Gaoxu looked at Zhu Gaochi with a provocative expression, "How about it, boss? I got to Tianmu before you, so I'm stronger than you."

Seeing Zhu Gaochi's provocative gaze, Zhu Gaochi's chubby face instantly broke into a kind smile. "Congratulations, second brother. It seems the descendants will have a very deep impression of you."

Zhu Gaoxu's demeanor was just like that of a proud black-boned chicken; it would be delicious if he were made into a clay pot chicken.

During the Xuande era, Yu Qian was completely bewildered. "I don't remember ever speaking with Zhu Gaoxu. This must be a fabrication by later generations. The people in front of the curtain remember Zhu Gaoxu, who said, 'The Crown Prince is often ill. You should encourage him.' Zhu Gaoxu was Zhu Di's second son, a capable and brave warrior. Under Zhu Di's encouragement, he seemed to have developed a desire to seize the throne. How could a military general like him be mixed up with a civil official? What could these two possibly have to talk about?"

Zhu Gaoxu leaned back in his chair, swirling his wine cup in his hand. "Yu Qian," he said, "I ask you, the Yongle Encyclopedia, its classics, histories, philosophical works, and literary collections—open all the historical records, and tell me in one sentence what they're about!"

Without hesitation, Yu Qian replied, "It encompasses everything."

Zhu Gaochi's question also sparked much thought, with many people voicing their opinions to the sky: "The victor is king, the loser is villain."

"Pursuing fame and fortune"

"Holding immense power over the entire government and the public"

At this moment, a large number of bullet comments also appeared on the screen.

[Competing for the Central Plains]

[Alive!]

[Cannibalism!]

Each comment on the screen plunged the audience into deep thought, especially the last two lines: "Live." The people of that chaotic, cannibalistic era felt this deeply. A figure in tattered hemp clothing, withered fingers bent like chicken claws, reached towards the screen: "Live, we just want to live."

The last two words caused confusion. What did they mean? Did they really mean cannibalism? But wasn't that something that only happened during times of chaos?

During prosperous times, there was no cannibalism; it's not a recurring theme in history books.

In the scene, Zhu Gaoxu scoffs after hearing Yu Qian's answer.

"So you call me a pedantic scholar? I knew the answer to that question when my father asked me it when I was six years old."

77

"From the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors to the present day, the historical records are vast and numerous, but they can all be summed up in four words!"

"Strive to become emperor!"

"Is that right?"

Zhu Gaoxu's words left the well-read Yu Qian speechless. He struggled to find something to refute Zhu Gaoxu, his lips parting slightly several times before finally closing again. Seeing Yu Qian's bewildered expression, Zhu Gaoxu burst into unrestrained laughter, "Drink!"

These words not only left Yu Qian speechless, but also sent a shiver down the spines of countless people in the court. Yongle said, "Second Prince, it seems we underestimated you. I didn't expect you to have such a thorough understanding of history."

Zhu Gaoxu was even more proud and smug, puffing out his chest. Although he himself had forgotten whether Zhu Di had asked him when he was six years old, it didn't matter. Could Tianmu lie to him? If it was true, then it was true.

"Father, don't let my busy military campaigns fool you. In my spare time, I also read history books. I am truly a man of both literary and military talents."

Zhu Di was speechless. Didn't he know whether he had asked Zhu Gaoxu or not?

In terms of later generations' habits, it was mostly artistically embellished like a vernacular novel. How could his own second son be that good? And you, Zhu Gaoxu, even pretended to be one.

"Striving to become emperor, those four words are excellent, they reveal a profound understanding."

Zhu Di's tone suddenly changed, becoming extremely cold, "Why doesn't the Prince of Han want to compete with this old man for the throne? Let's see who can become emperor?"

Zhu Gaoxu's face immediately changed, filled with fear. He was no longer proud or pretentious. How could he dare to compete with the old man? He would dare to compete with his elder brother.