I Have A Martial Dao World

Chapter 468: 468. Bullying the weak by relying on one’s strength

The Shun Dynasty had nine Governor-generals, all high-ranking Regional Governors, but their statuses varied greatly.

For instance, the Governor of Zhili, Yuan Kaisheng, and the Governor of Huguang, Zhang Wenda, oversaw territories so wealthy they might as well have been sovereigns in their own right, wielding supreme military and political power.

The Governor of Yungui was often a post for ministers in disgrace, banished there. Weak in power and low in presence, they were mere weather vanes, following the victor’s lead.

The soon-to-speak Governor-general of Liangjiang—Liu Kunyi—was a Regional Governor second only to Zhang and Yuan in influence.

For these senior ministers, only a constitutional government could ensure their independence and safeguard their rights to the greatest extent.

At this moment, Liu Kunyi spoke confidently:

“The Divine Land is weak within and bullied from without, a plight rooted in our outdated national structure. Look to the world’s powerful nations today; which still relies on absolute monarchy?

“If we follow the overseas example and implement a constitution, we can enrich the people, strengthen the nation, and remake our territory. The foreign powers that once despised us will shift to respect us, changing their policies of aggression to peaceful diplomacy.”

This statement sounded familiar, having been seen in newspapers before, and Lu Yao couldn’t help but laugh out loud:

“Are you jesting, Governor Liu? You actually believe foreign aggression is due to our form of governance?”

Others in the neutral camp found it amusing too and laughed along, joined by the roars of laughter from Lu Yao’s supporters, turning the venue into a sea of merriment.

Liu Kunyi’s face could not contain the slight, and he turned to Zhang Wenda and Yuan Kaisheng, saying:

“I am but a humble official with limited wisdom; surely the two esteemed sirs have more insightful views.”

Liu Kunyi believed they shared common interests, signaling to them both to stand up and jointly advocate for constitutionalism, rushing to have the matter settled.

Lu Yao said as well, “Guests are to be welcomed; feel free to share any thoughts.”

Zhang Wenda stroked his beard and said, “The current situation is precarious and requires urgent attention. We must be resolute in reforming and revitalizing the nation.

“I am in favor of constitutionalism! A Parliament should be promptly convened, a constitution promulgated, adopting Western systems for electing a President and Prime Minister.”

As soon as he finished, Yuan Kaisheng declared boldly:

“Shifting from despotism to constitutionalism is undoubtedly a good thing, allowing us all to collaborate and strategize for the benefit of our country.”

Grandmaster Yuan certainly had a way with words, enticing the martial artists present with promises.

Many neutral martial artists thought indeed it was true; after a constitution was in place, they could vie for legislative seats based on their abilities—what a delightful prospect, no?

Moreover, if Lu Yao became the Emperor, wouldn’t they all have one more ancestor to answer to? That would be rather uncomfortable.

Thus, the audience seemed in tacit agreement, each taking turns promoting constitutionalism.

From establishing a preparatory constitutional committee, to reforming the governmental system, founding state banks and modern schools, and finally, to discussing the “Imperially Sanctioned Constitutional Outline”…

This group was adept at following the wind, and as they spoke, they seemingly settled the matter.

Lu Yao said with a smile, “Such adept hands at governing the country.”

At this moment, his supporters were as anxious as ants on a hot pan.

After all, many had high hopes for Lu Yao and wished to ride his coattails to win favor from Lord Lu.

Among them were officials and martial artists from Jing-Jin-Ji Region, Yunzhou, Wudang, Imperial Guards, and even the Holy Maiden of the Joyful Sect who had sneaked in, and their numbers were not few.

Yet Lu Yao, all smiles, was far from being in a hurry, while they were on edge.

An official from Jinmen spoke up in opposition, “Our country’s customs and sentiments are distinct from those of Western nations; we cannot simply transplant their laws. This matter should be approached with more consideration, not haste!”

But he was immediately countered, “Constitutionalism is unanimously welcomed; even Lord Lu has said nothing, who are you to object!”

In this way, Lu Yao’s supporters couldn’t get a word in edgeways, fragmented like loose sand, utterly ineffectual.

And at this crucial moment, Zuo Xiaowei was absent, having only sent his son to attend.

The “Constitutionalists” grew more arrogant upon witnessing this, feeling a certain victory was in their hands.

Meanwhile, Lu Yao’s supporters were despondent, “Zuo Xiaowei places too much trust in Lord Lu; the nation’s powers should not be so easily yielded!”

Everyone thought the situation was settled.

Even the normally stoic Yuan Kaisheng smiled as he cupped his fist towards Lu Yao, saying:

“Lord Lu’s lack of desire for power and privilege is truly admirable. The Divine Land will still look to your guidance in the future.”

But as he finished speaking, his heart skipped a beat, a foreboding premonition rising within him.

The four younger sisters of Lu Yao remained composed and dignified, silently standing there without a word.

Lu Yao himself was smiling, but upon closer inspection, it was a sneer of mockery!

The next second, he slowly raised his hand.

Those who were in the midst of arguing, from the nearest to the furthest, sequentially fell silent, until not a sound could be heard. @@novelbin@@

“This seat has followed the proper etiquette for hosting guests and allowed you all to speak freely,” Lu Yao said loud and clear, “Now, it is time for me to share my thoughts.”

At that moment, a massive, vague silhouette with three heads and six arms faintly appeared behind him, all three faces turning to look, causing many sensitive martial artists’ hearts to race!

Zhang Wenda, Yuan Kaisheng, and Liu Kunyi, the three governors, felt a sinking feeling, realizing they had perhaps underestimated Mr. Lu!

The others didn’t dare to even breathe heavily, silently awaiting what was to come.

Lu Yao spoke slowly: “You people are not thinking of the nation’s welfare, but only scheming to gain benefits for yourselves.

The so-called constitutionalism sounds nice but is too mired in procrastination; I’m not interested, let’s end this matter.”

Yuan Kaisheng’s expression changed, and he hastily said, “You just said you would not ascend to the throne and become emperor…”

Lu Yao nodded, “Indeed, I have neither the energy nor interest to be an emperor of the mortal realm. So…”

As the crowd heard this, their expressions eased slightly. But immediately after, Lu Yao unexpectedly put his arm around Li Pei’s shoulder and addressed the audience:

“Therefore, I have found you an Empress! Comrade Li Pei is virtuous and capable, possesses great wisdom and strategy, and moreover, has a benevolent love for the people. There is no better candidate for the emperor.”

Upon these words, a tumultuous uproar rose straight to the heavens!

“A hen crowing at dawn?! Surely I misheard! This is absolutely impossible!”

“After a millennium, how dare he reenact the story of Wu Zetian!”

“Is Lord Lu jesting? How can we allow a woman to reign supreme over the world!”

The crowd was fervently agitated, and even the younger sisters looked shocked.

Especially Li Pei, who never imagined her husband would pull such a stunt; her ample chest heaved rapidly as she opened her phoenix eyes wide, unable to utter a word.

“Everyone, don’t get so excited. Calm down,” Lu Yao said indifferently, “The Shun Dynasty’s national fortune has been lost. Let us pledge allegiance to the Empress first, then we can slowly consider a new national title.”

“Absolutely not!” The three governors, Zhang, Yuan, and Liu, went red in the face, completely unable to accept this proposal:

“Lord Lu! How can you treat matters of the nation as child’s play?”

“How can you use the welfare of the state to please a woman as your bedroom joy?”

“Do you really dare to commit such outrageous acts against all under heaven? Are you not afraid of the people’s wagging tongues?”

Lu Yao’s expression turned cold, his voice trembling with thunderous resonance:

“Then let’s be clear. I am not seeking your opinions!

If you are willing to comply, wait for the coronation of the new Empress;

If you are not, you may leave now. I won’t be rude to visitors, but once you’ve left, we can slowly settle our accounts.”

Such an arrogant and naked threat caused countless people to shout loudly:

“How can you be so willfully tyrannical, bullying with strength!!!”

“Do you truly believe we dare not risk our lives in defiance!!!”

Faced with a multitude of accusations, Lu Yao still appeared composed:

“Quite spirited, aren’t you? There’s another choice – attack me now, all at once. There are thousands of you here, it’s worth a try.”

As he spoke, the manifestation behind him became ever clearer, the faces on the left and right showing a playful and anticipative expression as they looked at the crowd.

The crowd took three steps back and then looked toward the three governors, Zhang, Yuan, and Liu, who were also uncertain and had shifting expressions.

Just then, a sudden fierce shout broke out: “Who dares be disrespectful to Lord Lu!”

Dong Fuxiang and Fu Fangsheng appeared with a troop of armored guards rushing in!

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