After My Heart Turned Cold and I Divorced My Wife, I Rose as the Strongest Prince of Great Feng Empire - Chapter 8:

Chapter 8: Cutting the Vassals—Are You Really That Petty?!

Prince Ning’s Mansion.

In the study room.

“If one wishes to strengthen a nation, then unity must replace division, and centralization must replace fragmentation. All affairs across the realm should return to the center. A wise ruler governs with absolute authority, compelling every region to follow his will. As the saying goes, ‘To govern a prosperous era requires flexibility; to rule a nation, one must not blindly imitate the ancients.’ Master Yu, have you ever heard the tale of ‘marking the boat to find a sword’?”

“I am willing to hear it in detail.”

The white-haired old man sitting across from Ning Que wore a Confucian crown and a deep-blue scholar’s robe, cinched at the waist with a sash. Every gesture exuded the air of a seasoned scholar—refined and dignified. Thirty years ago, he must have been a strikingly handsome man.

He was none other than the head of the Six Arts Academy—Yu Ji!

He currently served as Grand Preceptor to the Crown Prince of Great Feng, enjoying the benefits of a 1st Rank official. He was deeply learned and well-versed in the Six Arts. Knowledgeable and eloquent, his talents were unmatched. The current Prime Minister had once been his disciple. He had already been Grand Preceptor during the late Emperor’s reign and continued to serve after the current Emperor ascended the throne. As head of the Six Arts Academy, his position was exceedingly high. Even when meeting the Emperor, he was not required to kneel. Wherever he went, he was received as an honored guest.

Yet now, Yu Ji was surprisingly modest. He acted like a student, while Ning Que seemed like the teacher—a complete reversal of roles.

Qingfeng stepped forward and poured a cup of hot tea.

“Master, please enjoy some tea.”

“Very well.”

Yu Ji took the fine porcelain cup and sipped. This was Ning Que’s latest creation—one sip instantly refreshed the mind.

“In ancient times, there was a man from Chu who wore a sword and traveled by boat. While crossing the river, his precious sword fell into the water. The passengers were all distressed, urging him to dive in after it. But the man calmly took a dagger and carved a mark into the side of the boat. After reaching the shore, he dove in to search, but of course, he never found it.”

“Pfft…” Mingyue couldn’t help but laugh.

“That man was so stupid!”

“Mingyue, tell me—why was he foolish?”

“The boat was moving along the river, but the sword had already sunk to the bottom. Even with a mark, it wouldn’t indicate where the sword had fallen.”

“Exactly.” Ning Que nodded, then turned to Yu Ji. “Even my servant girl understands the flaw in ‘marking the boat to find the sword.’ Yet in governing a nation, why are there still people who ignore the passage of time and insist on imitating the rule of ancient kings?”

“This…”

Yu Ji was momentarily at a loss for words. Even he, eloquent as he was, couldn’t refute it.

He had come to Prince Ning’s Mansion today to discuss the Emperor’s intention to reform the system. The Emperor believed that the powers of vassal princes of different surnames had grown too large—becoming nations within the nation. Local people revered their regional lords, not the Son of Heaven. Thus, the Emperor wanted to strip these vassal kings of their military authority.

They could retain their titles and stipends—but never again hold command over troops!

This was the Emperor’s bottom line.

Naturally, this idea faced strong opposition from ministers like Yu Ji. The four vassal kings of different surnames were all descendants of heroes who had helped establish Great Feng. Their ancestors had sworn oaths in blood with the founding Emperor, granting them hereditary rights. Besides, the vassal kings served a purpose—guarding the empire’s borders from all four directions and protecting Chang’an at its center.

If they lost their military power, who would defend the borders?

The four kings guarded the frontiers, and Prince Ning protected the capital. This system had been established since the founding of the empire. It was a principle handed down by the ancestors. Power, once given, was difficult to reclaim. This was the foundation of Great Feng, a structure that had lasted for hundreds of years.

Now the Emperor wanted to cut the vassals—would the kings agree? Let’s not forget—they controlled armies. Together, their combined strength totaled at least 300,000 elite troops. If rebellion broke out, the entire nation would plunge into chaos. And in the end, it would be the common people who suffered most…

But today, listening to Ning Que’s words, Yu Ji finally understood—

The current Emperor had grown powerful. He was full of ambition, like a great roc ready to soar.

And the vassal kings were now obstacles in his way.

“Cutting the vassals is inevitable. But there’s no need to rush. It won’t be resolved in less than three to five years.”

“I am enlightened…”

Yu Ji cupped his fists with respect.

In his life, he had never admired anyone. In statecraft, he had always been confident. But now… the times had changed. His thinking could no longer keep up.

“I shall take my leave now.”

“Let me see you off, Master.”

“Very well.”

Ning Que rose in person.

Yu Ji might be a little stubborn, but he was capable. More importantly—he had connections. As head of the Six Arts Academy, his disciples were everywhere. Nearly one-third of the officials in the court had studied under him. With his support, the path ahead would be much smoother.

Ning Que and Yu Ji had always shared a bond. In their leisure time, Yu Ji would visit, and the two would play chess, discuss national affairs, or appreciate music and calligraphy.

…

As the two walked slowly into the front courtyard, a commotion erupted outside.

“Ning Que, open the door right now!”

“Don’t you hide in there pretending you’re not home—I know you are! You have the guts to repudiate your wife, but not to open a door?! Open up!”

“Hmm?” Yu Ji furrowed his brows. That voice sounded very familiar.

“Who dares cause a ruckus in front of Prince Ning’s Mansion?!”

“It’s likely Lin Qinghuan.”

“What is the meaning of this?” Yu Ji’s brows creased. “Just hearing her makes my blood boil. It was only because the Heir Apparent asked me that I broke precedent to admit her into the Six Arts Academy. But she disrespected her teachers, spent her days courting and gossiping in the academy—she brought disgrace upon our tradition and tarnished the academy’s name!”

“That won’t happen again…”

“Hmm?”

Ning Que gave a faint smile.

“Master, the Six Arts Academy has its own rules. You no longer need to grant exceptions for my sake. Whatever punishment is appropriate—carry it out.”

“Excellent!”

Ning Que stepped forward.

“Uncle Fu, open the gate.”

“Yes, Your Highness!”

Since she had delivered herself to the door, it was time to collect some interest. He would start with Lin Qinghuan—show them what happened when they messed with Prince Ning’s Mansion. Did they really think he was that easy to push around?

Creak…

The wooden gate opened. Uncle Fu stood at the entrance with guards. Lin Qinghuan, with zero ladylike decorum, rushed forward and began shouting.

“Ning Que, you’re such a petty man! Tell me—my sister aborted the child to save General Gu Yuan. What does that have to do with you? Are you really this calculating? Look at the mess you’ve stirred up these last few days! You even used Doctor Chang to stop treating my grandfather’s illness—you’re disgusting!”

“Impudent!”

Before Ning Que could speak, Yu Ji stormed forward, his face full of fury.

“As a disciple of the Six Arts, who taught you such insolence? You’re a woman, yet you dare act so disgracefully in front of a prince’s estate? And you speak so rudely to the Heir Apparent?!”

“Ah… Greetings, Master…”

Lin Qinghuan immediately shriveled. Yu Ji was the one she feared most. Back at the academy, she had received many beatings.

“Shameless!”

“Master, no need to stoop to her level,” Ning Que said calmly, walking forward and looking at Lin Qinghuan with a faint smile. “Just now—what did you call me?”

“Ning… Ning… Ning Heir Apparent?”

“Let me tell you—outside, you call me the Heir Apparent and I let it slide. But now that you’re inside Prince Ning’s Mansion, what should you call me?”

Lin Qinghuan bit her lip, her eyes darting. After a moment, she gritted her teeth and forced out two words.

“Brother-in-law…?”

SMACK!

A sharp, clear slap rang out.

Lin Qinghuan held her cheek, stunned. Her eyes were full of confusion and grievance.

Ning Que stared at her coldly, mocking, “You think you’re worthy of clinging to royal power? Uncle Fu, escort her to the Magistrate’s Office. Report her offenses truthfully and have her punished according to the law!”

“Brother-in-law, please—I was wrong!”

Ning Que waved her off, not even sparing another glance.

This woman was shameless. She had always called him by name. But now that she was in trouble, she suddenly remembered to call him ‘brother-in-law.’

Unfortunately, it was far too late.