In the Great Jin Palace, Fan Li observed Hu Zongxian, who knelt before him with a complex expression on his face.

"Your Majesty, I have three strategies that can ensure the prosperity of Great Jin."

This Hu Zongxian was a true man of action. Not only was he a brilliant military strategist, but his understanding of governance was also exceptional.

He had only been in Great Jin for a few days, and he had already formulated a plan for ruling the kingdom?

"Rise, Grand Marshal. Please, have a seat." Fan Li smiled.

Although there were no maids, eunuchs, or guards in the palace, Fan Li had requested a hundred "maidservants" from Wang Ban to serve as temporary staff.

A mechanical "maidservant" brought a chair. Hu Zongxian thanked Fan Li for his kindness, then cautiously sat down, occupying only a third of the seat.

The Great Jin Kingdom was anything but ordinary.

They had no land, no population.

Fan Li was curious. What were Hu Zongxian's three strategies?

"Grand Marshal, please speak freely," Fan Li encouraged him.

"Yes!"

Hu Zongxian felt a surge of excitement as he met Fan Li's gaze. He sensed the Emperor's genuine interest and support.

The Great Ming Dynasty valued civil officials over military officials.

Hu Zongxian, although he had originally passed the imperial examinations and possessed a scholar's background, had gradually transitioned to a military career due to his success in suppressing banditry in the provinces.

He had once submitted a memorial to the Great Ming court, outlining his ideas for governing the nation. He had emphasized the importance of education, promoting commerce, and supporting agriculture.

Hu Zongxian had acted with a pure heart, believing his suggestions would be implemented.

Unfortunately, his memorial had backfired.

Within a month, the Censorate officials had impeached him.

A military official meddling in civil affairs? He was accused of trying to destabilize the nation through military force.

It was a serious accusation.

At the time, Hu Zongxian had aligned himself with the "clear stream" faction, serving Junior Grand Secretary Xu Jie.

Ironically, the Censorate officials who had impeached him were also Xu Jie's men.

If Xu Jie protected Hu Zongxian, he would be slapping his own officials in the face.

Moreover, at the time, Hu Zongxian's influence was limited to the provincial army. He hadn't achieved the status of "Great Ming's God of War."

Xu Jie, weighing his options, decided that the Censorate officials were more valuable than a provincial general. He had been prepared to abandon Hu Zongxian.

But then, Yan Song, the cunning Grand Secretary, intervened. He believed that the enemy of his enemy was his friend.

Thus, when the Junior Grand Secretary attempted to eliminate Hu Zongxian, the Grand Secretary offered his protection.

From that day forward, Yan Song became Hu Zongxian's benefactor. And Xu Jie lost the opportunity to recruit the future "God of War" into the "clear stream" faction.

Remembering those events, Hu Zongxian sighed.

He had always dreamed of serving a wise and benevolent ruler, both as a military general and a civil official. He was capable of leading armies and governing the nation.

"Your Majesty, my three strategies are: the Remnant Strategy, the Expansion Strategy, and the Closed Kingdom Strategy."

Fan Li's interest was piqued. He straightened his posture, resembling a student eager to learn.

Hu Zongxian spoke carefully while observing Fan Li's reaction. He was pleased. He felt as if he had finally found a worthy ruler.

"First, the Remnant Strategy. During my time in the Great Ming, I closely observed the Han Dynasty.

The old Han Dynasty crumbled, its territory and population divided between Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and Sun Quan.

However, there remained a group of former Han officials and citizens who refused to serve these three. They resented their betrayal of the Emperor, their inaction during the conflict between Emperor Xian and Dong Zhuo.

They called themselves 'Han Dynasty Remnants.'

These remnants possessed exceptional qualities.

For example, the Lu Clan of Zhuo Commandery. Their population numbered in the tens of thousands. Their patriarch, Lu Zhi, was a renowned scholar and military general. He had served as an Imperial Secretary. He was known for his integrity and loyalty.

He was hailed as a model for all scholars, a pillar of the nation!

Then there was the Zhang Clan of Nanyang Commandery. Their population numbered over a hundred thousand.

Their former patriarch, Zhang Wen, had served as Grand Commandant. He had remained loyal to Emperor Xian, dying in battle against Dong Zhuo.

The Zhang Clan refused to serve the Three Kingdoms. They retreated to the remote countryside.

When I was stationed in Yunzhou City, I planned to recruit these Han Dynasty Remnants. But my proposal was ignored by the court…"

Fan Li listened intently. He had befriended the rulers of the Three Kingdoms. Out of respect for them, he had avoided contact with the Han Dynasty Remnants.

But Hu Zongxian was right.

The Zhang Clan, the Lu Clan, and others like them, they might be remnants now, but they were once prominent families of the Han Dynasty.

If Great Jin could recruit them, it would be like a skeleton acquiring flesh and blood, instantly gaining strength and stability.

A vision of a powerful and prosperous Great Jin, a true dynasty, formed in Fan Li's mind.

"Grand Marshal, do you believe it's truly possible for me to recruit these remnants?" Fan Li asked after a moment's thought.

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"Yes!" Hu Zongxian answered without hesitation.

"Why?"

"Because Your Majesty granted Emperor Xian the posthumous title of 'Emperor Xiaoren of Han'!"

Fan Li, not one to boast about his achievements, had almost forgotten about this. But Hu Zongxian's reminder made him realize that his image among the Han Dynasty Remnants was likely… favorable?

Hu Zongxian continued.

"The remnants' affection for Your Majesty is far greater than their feelings towards Cao Cao, Liu Bei, or Sun Quan.

Not only did you ensure Emperor Xian's posthumous honors, but… everyone knows about Your Majesty's relationship with Princess Chang Le…"

"Ahem, ahem, ahem! Yes, yes, I understand. Thank you for reminding me, Grand Marshal."

Fan Li felt a wave of embarrassment. His night of debauchery with Princess Chang Le, and Emperor Xian's final request… Had those events truly become public knowledge?

"In the eyes of the remnants, Your Majesty is not only their benefactor, but also… half a master."

Hu Zongxian chose his words carefully, giving Fan Li face.

Half a master?

A consort?

"Good. This strategy is feasible."

Fan Li nodded.

"But how do we actually recruit them? As far as I know, the rulers of the Three Kingdoms are also trying to absorb the remnants. They might fail in this generation, but they're hoping to succeed in the next. The remnants' movements within the Three Kingdoms are restricted."

Time, after all, was the greatest healer, the greatest force of forgetfulness. The hatred of one generation might not be passed down to the next.

Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan understood the remnants' value, but they were powerless. They couldn't possibly convince Lu Zhi and other former Han officials to serve them.

They could only hope for a change in the next generation.

Once Lu Zhi and others like him passed away, would their descendants still cling to their hatred?

Would they be content to waste their talent and knowledge, living in seclusion?

No.

'To learn the arts of war and peace, and offer them to a worthy ruler.'

That was their ultimate purpose.

Fan Li, a brilliant strategist himself, immediately understood.

Hu Zongxian's words had sparked a plan. But since Hu Zongxian had proposed the Remnant Strategy, Fan Li, as Emperor, couldn't possibly claim credit for it.

"I've heard that the Fan Clan Trading Company has branches throughout the land, even within the Three Kingdoms. Perhaps… we can use the company's trade routes and transportation network as a cover to recruit the remnants."

"On the surface, we're transporting goods. But in reality, we're transporting people."

Hu Zongxian smiled.

Fan Li smiled as well.

The plan was feasible. The Fan Clan Trading Company not only enjoyed free passage within the Great Chu, but also within the Three Kingdoms.

It was… slightly unethical?

"I have good relationships with the rulers of the Three Kingdoms. Doing this… wouldn't it be a betrayal of their trust?" Fan Li scratched his head awkwardly. He was being hypocritical.

Hu Zongxian, however, took his concern seriously.

"Your Majesty, your statement is inaccurate."

"Oh?" Fan Li looked at him curiously.

"As far as I know, the one who has good relationships with the Three Kingdoms is Duke Jin of Great Chu. You are the Emperor of Great Jin.

Great Jin has no diplomatic relations, no trade agreements, no marriage alliances with the Three Kingdoms. There is no trust to betray."

Excellent.

"You arrest Lu Xun. What does that have to do with Zhou Shuren?"

Fan Li secretly gave Hu Zongxian a thumbs up. He was increasingly impressed by this man.

"The Remnant Strategy is feasible. Now, tell me about the Expansion Strategy," Fan Li said.

"Yes!"

Hu Zongxian bowed.

"Currently, the Great Jin Kingdom only has a single city. Although Chancellor Wang's design for the capital is grand, capable of accommodating millions of people,

if we allow the Han Dynasty Remnants to reside within Jin City, they will feel like guests, lacking a true sense of belonging.

Therefore, I propose that Your Majesty issue a decree, allowing them to claim land and build their own cities.

Expanding into new territory is a difficult task. But once their cities are established, the remnants will be like birds returning to their nests. They will cherish their new homes!"

Fan Li listened intently, his heart filled with admiration.

What a talent!

No, this man was a true national treasure!

Hu Zongxian possessed an exceptional understanding of human nature.

If he had risen to prominence before Yan Song and Xu Jie, they might not have even had a chance!

Fan Li stood up from his throne and bowed to Hu Zongxian.

"Your Majesty, you mustn't!"

Hu Zongxian was shocked. He immediately knelt and kowtowed.

"There is a hierarchy between ruler and subject. Moreover, Your Majesty has granted me a new life. How could I possibly accept such a gesture?"

But Fan Li shook his head.

"I am not bowing to you as the Emperor of Great Jin. I am bowing to you as the consort of Emperor Xiaoren of Han, thanking you for caring for his loyal subjects."

"…Yes."

Hu Zongxian was moved. He accepted the bow in his heart.

Fan Li sat back down on his throne.

"Grand Marshal, please tell me about your third strategy."

"Yes."

Hu Zongxian stood up. His first two strategies had received Fan Li's approval.

But he wasn't arrogant. His expression was grave, as if what he was about to say was incredibly dangerous.

"My third strategy: the Closed Kingdom Strategy.

I propose that once the Remnant Strategy is implemented, Your Majesty should close the Great Jin's borders for ten years. Cut off all contact between the Southern Ridge Mountains and the Central Plains.

Our citizens will not be allowed to leave. And outsiders will not be allowed to enter."

Fan Li's expression changed slightly. He stared at Hu Zongxian, who met his gaze calmly.

Close the kingdom?

Isolate themselves?

Those words were indeed dangerous.

The Central Plains was in turmoil. Kingdoms clashed. It was an era of great conflict.

'A fortress that only defends will inevitably fall.'

Even ordinary citizens understood this. To isolate themselves was a path to destruction!

But Fan Li quickly understood Hu Zongxian's reasoning.

"What I mean is…"

Hu Zongxian, having served Emperor Jiajing for decades, was accustomed to having his words scrutinized, his motives questioned. He always felt as if he were walking on thin ice.

"Grand Marshal, please speak freely. In Great Jin, there is no punishment for offering honest advice. I will include this in the Great Jin Code."

Hu Zongxian's face flushed red with excitement and gratitude.

"Yes! I believe that the Great Jin kingdom, newly established, its foundation still weak…

If we close our borders for ten years, focusing on developing our resources, cultivating talented individuals, training our army…

With Your Majesty's wise leadership, and the support of your loyal officials, in ten years, we will be ready to challenge the world!"

…

In the Great Ming's Western Park, within the Hall of Careful Living.

A figure knelt on the steps outside the palace. It was Crown Prince Wanli. Beside him lay a head. It was the head of Lan Daoxing, the Imperial Astrologer.

Inside the hall, Emperor Jiajing sat in meditation, circulating his spiritual energy.

Days turned into nights. The sun rose and set.

Jiajing remained silent, allowing Wanli to kneel outside for ten days.

The stench of decay from Lan Daoxing's severed head filled the air.

Wanli remained motionless, his posture resembling a statue.

Ten days of wind and rain.

The Crown Prince, the future Emperor, now resembled a beggar.

Finally, an old eunuch emerged from the hall. He approached Wanli.

"By order of His Majesty, Emperor Jie of Xia is summoned."

The eunuch finished his announcement, but Wanli remained kneeling.

The eunuch observed Wanli's expression. He was impassive, as if the Emperor's decree was irrelevant.

"Did you hear His Majesty's command?" the eunuch asked cautiously.

"I heard it," Wanli replied. His voice was hoarse, as if the wind were whistling through a hollow tree.

"Then why do you not enter?"

Wanli shook his head.

"The Emperor summoned Emperor Jie of Xia, not his son."

The eunuch didn't respond. He bowed deeply to Wanli, then returned to the hall.

An hour later, he reappeared.

"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you."

"I obey."

Wanli performed the grand kowtow before the Hall of Careful Living, three kneels and nine prostrations. He picked up Lan Daoxing's head and entered.

Incense smoke filled the air. Behind a thin silk curtain, he heard the sound of pages turning.

"Father…"

Wanli was about to kneel, but a chime echoed through the hall. He froze. He understood. The Emperor didn't want him to kneel.

Jiajing's ethereal voice drifted from behind the curtain.

"I ordered you to investigate. Why did you kill him?"

Wanli felt a wave of relief. The tone was accusatory, but it was also the voice of a father reprimanding his son.

It seemed that blood was thicker than water. Jiajing still acknowledged him as the Crown Prince.

"I killed Lan Daoxing… to prove my loyalty."

Lying was a fool's game, especially when lying to a clever person. Honesty, using the truth to conceal one's true motives, was a far more effective strategy.

Therefore, Wanli admitted that he had killed Lan Daoxing to avoid suspicion.

"Hahaha…"

Jiajing laughed, but his laughter was devoid of emotion.

Then, he asked, "How can I be certain that you won't betray the Great Ming, that you won't reestablish the Xia Dynasty?"

Wanli immediately knelt and kowtowed repeatedly.

"Your Majesty is the Great Ming's most illustrious ruler since our Great Ancestor! Under your leadership, we will surely unify the land!

The people support the Great Ming. Who would possibly support the Xia Dynasty, a kingdom that perished ten thousand years ago?

Even I, foolish as I am, understand that this is the will of the people, the flow of destiny. I would never dare defy Heaven's decree!

If Your Majesty doubts my loyalty, I am willing to relinquish my position as Crown Prince. I will simply be an ordinary member of the Zhu clan!"

Thud! Thud! Thud!

Wanli didn't use his spiritual energy to protect himself. His head struck the stone floor, drawing blood.

"Enough!"

Jiajing waved his sleeve. A gentle force lifted Wanli from the ground.

"You are the Crown Prince of the Great Ming! Have some respect for yourself!

If you injure yourself, who will lead my army? Who will reclaim Yunzhou?"

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