Chapter 4: Killing Three Birds with One Stone—Shen Lang’s Revenge!
Watching Song Changhe and the group of Confucian scholars, each bearing an air of righteous indignation, a ruthless gleam flashed in Shen Canghai’s eyes. Over the years, having suffered the loss of several sons, he had gradually withdrawn from court affairs. Yet now, even the most insignificant people dared to stand up and challenge him!
To save Shen Lang, he stepped forward from the ranks, his voice booming like thunder: “In chaotic times, strict laws are necessary. My grandson’s strategy, though somewhat ruthless, is undeniably a sound plan.”
“Moreover, His Majesty hasn’t even spoken yet, so what right do you useless fools, who occupy a place but don’t contribute, have to grumble and complain?”
“Did His Majesty not just give you a chance?”
His series of sharp questions darkened the faces of the Confucian scholars. But Song Changhe remained composed: “I do not deny that harsh measures are needed in troubled times!”
“But our Great Qin has hundreds of cities. If Sun orders the execution of ten people every three months, how many rounds of slaughter can our Qin youth endure?”
“Will their families, driven by fear, betray Great Qin and seek refuge in other nations?”
A sharp intake of breath swept through the room.
Even the brows of the Divine Sovereign furrowed deeply.
Shen Lang’s plan seemed clever at first glance, but upon closer reflection, it lacked consideration for human nature. Once implemented, Qin’s youth would undoubtedly train frantically to avoid death in the short term. But over time, those less gifted would fear the executioner’s blade and choose to defect. When that happened, Great Qin would exist in name only.
Yet, seeing Shen Lang, arms crossed, watching the scene with a playful expression, the Divine Sovereign realized this harsh plan was likely just his appetizer.
She immediately inquired, “If this plan is flawed, do you have another strategy?”
Seeing that the Divine Sovereign showed no signs of blame, Shen Lang breathed a sigh of relief. The previous plan was a mere trial to test her limits. After all, as the old saying goes, “To serve a ruler is to serve a tiger.” As a seasoned and shrewd official, he understood this well.
Now, knowing the Divine Sovereign would not be swayed by the remonstrators, Shen Lang confidently replied, “I do have one!”
“Speak.”
Feeling all eyes once again fixed on him, Shen Lang calmly stated, “If the Emperor believes killing is not the answer, then let us use punishment!”
“His Majesty could establish a special institution dedicated to evaluation—call it the Martial God Hall. All citizens of Great Qin would register there, undergoing a cultivation assessment every three months.”
“If their results show improvement compared to the previous test, all is well.”
“If not, depending on their level, they would be fined between one thousand and one hundred thousand spirit stones!”
“If they fail to improve twice consecutively, the fines double, and they receive thirty lashes!”
“If three times pass without progress, the fine multiplies tenfold, and regardless of age or gender, they must parade through the streets stripped naked!”
The officials were aghast.
Only the Divine Sovereign gripped the dragon throne with excitement.
As the ruler of Great Qin, her own cultivation level depended on the overall strength of her people. In the past, the people were complacent and hypocritical, and she could find no effective solution.
Yet Shen Lang’s plan encompassed nearly every social class.
Ordinary citizens, unwilling to lose wealth, would train diligently to avoid fines.
High officials, unwilling to be publicly humiliated, would strive all the more.
Even if some did not try, the fines would replenish the national treasury.
It was truly killing three birds with one stone.
Considering this, the Divine Sovereign prepared to issue an edict to establish the Martial God Hall and implement Shen Lang’s proposal.
But before she could speak, Song Changhe once again rose: “Your Majesty, this plan is flawed!”
“What flaw?” The Divine Sovereign’s cold gaze fixed on him.
Feeling the icy intent in her eyes, Song Changhe understood she had accepted Shen Lang’s plan.
However, thinking of the Confucian scholars whose cultivation relied heavily on comprehension and reflection, he knew they would be the first victims.
So he forced himself to say, “Great Qin is beset by internal and external troubles. It is utterly inappropriate to conscript the people to build the Martial God Hall and launch such a massive project!”
Song Changhe’s warning caused the Divine Sovereign’s brows to knit reflexively. She had been so focused on the merits of Shen Lang’s plan that she had overlooked the precarious situation of Great Qin. Constructing the Martial God Hall swiftly would indeed be difficult.
Her gaze turned to Shen Lang again, and she asked calmly, “Do you have a solution to Director Song’s concerns?”
“Director Song’s patriotism and dedication are admirable,” Shen Lang replied, “but building the Martial God Hall and urging the people to cultivate is crucial to Great Qin’s future.”
“Therefore, I dare to respectfully request that Director Song contribute his several-acre estate as the Martial God Hall’s headquarters!”
“I believe the people of the realm would be deeply grateful to Director Song!”
“You—”
Song Changhe was nearly enraged.
He had expected Shen Lang to be ruthless, but not this ruthless.
His earlier attempt to trip him up was now repaid with a demand for his own property.
How could Song Changhe accept this?
He immediately knelt, pleading bitterly to the Divine Sovereign, “Your Majesty, I am willing to donate my house for Great Qin, but who will serve as the hall master and manage the registrations?”
Seeing Song Changhe’s desperation, the Divine Sovereign inwardly smirked but outwardly remained calm as she looked at Shen Lang: “What say you?”
“I believe Director Song is a model citizen of Great Qin. He should be appointed as the first Grand Hall Master of the Martial God Hall!”
“As for those who handle registrations, there are many scholars throughout the realm. Offering them a meal for their work is not unreasonable!”
“However, I must add one thing.”
“Officials must lead by example, undergoing the same evaluations as the people whenever they test others.”
“If they fail, their punishments should be doubled!”
[Ding: Resentment from Song Changhe +100]
[Ding: Resentment from Zhao An +100]
[Ding: Resentment from Li Taibai +100]
[...]
Listening to the continuous alert sounds in his mind, Shen Lang could barely suppress a smile.
The other battle-hardened cultivators were also stifling laughter.
They realized Shen Lang had been digging a trap for Song Changhe and the others from the start.
If Song dared oppose, he would be the one buried—along with all the Confucian scholars.
The Divine Sovereign also saw the malevolence of Shen Lang’s intent but held back a smile as she looked at Song Changhe: “Director Song, are you willing to serve Great Qin’s eternal legacy as the Grand Hall Master of the Martial God Hall?”
“I—I—” Song Changhe stammered for several seconds, then, under the Divine Sovereign’s cold gaze, knelt in despair: “I humbly thank Your Majesty for your grace!”
“Excellent!” The Divine Sovereign smiled with satisfaction. “By imperial decree, every city in Great Qin shall establish a Martial God Hall. Every citizen must register and be assessed there!”
“The operation of the Martial God Hall shall follow Shen Lang’s plan and be publicly announced!”
“The selection of other hall masters shall be entrusted to Director Song, who will submit the list to me!”
“Dismissed!”
With that, the Divine Sovereign vanished from the great hall.
Shen Lang looked stunned.
Damn.
Just leaving now?
No reward at all?
This woman really had no sense of ceremony.
Next time we meet, I definitely won’t just look at her legs!