Dragon's Origin

“Let me ask you a question first, and you can think about it, because I don’t know the answer myself.” Wang Sheng didn't directly state his thoughts but instead asked the Emperor, “If there's an opportunity to annex a vassal state, how significant would the benefits be?”

“Annex a vassal state?” The Emperor’s eyes widened instantly, and he almost blurted out, “How is that possible?” Fortunately, he had enough self-control to keep quiet.

Steward Zhou also looked like he'd seen a ghost. Wang Sheng had suddenly brought up such a grand topic, leaving everyone completely unprepared and caught off guard.

“Are you kidding?” The Emperor stared intently at Wang Sheng’s face, asking seriously.

Wang Sheng nodded earnestly.

The Emperor began to ponder excitedly. Wang Sheng spoke so seriously, so it must be possible. Since he had known Wang Sheng, Wang Sheng had never spoken falsely. It could be said that he always kept his word. If he said there was a possibility of annexing a vassal state, then there must be such a possibility.

If he could annex a vassal state, the Emperor couldn't help but feel elated. If he could annex a vassal state, regardless of its size, the population would increase, the territory would increase, the output would increase, and the Emperor's voice would reach more places. The influence of the court, the placement of officials, the education of the people, the army, and so on—all sorts of benefits would come pouring in, making the Emperor tremble with excitement.

“It's just a possibility, and it may not succeed, so don't get too excited.” Wang Sheng's voice was like a bucket of cold water poured over the Emperor's head. Ah, it was just a possibility. What was he getting excited about? Still, even just the possibility was exciting!

“It's highly likely that a certain vassal state will take the lion's share, and the court will only get some minor benefits. You might even have to bestow a title of Duke.” Wang Sheng continued to remind him that the Emperor's current state would affect his judgment. What Wang Sheng needed at this moment was a calm and wise Emperor, one who could calmly analyze various advantages and disadvantages, rather than an Emperor whose brain was overheating and who was about to unify the world: “Unless you are confident in single-handedly destroying a vassal state and then withstanding the siege of all the other vassal states.”

The Emperor's forehead instantly broke out in a ring of sweat, and the Emperor himself was startled. If he could really destroy any vassal state, would the royal family still need to be a puppet? Wasn't it because their strength was inferior to that group of bastards that they were forced to be controlled and confined to a corner of the capital?

“Don't think of yourself as the Emperor.” Wang Sheng thought for a moment and prompted, “Think of yourself as a vassal lord. When there is an opportunity to annex other vassal states, would you be tempted? Would you take action? Are the gains and losses worth it? You are the Emperor, so you consider these aspects more. Help me weigh them.”

“Of course, you also have to return to your identity as the Emperor and weigh another aspect.” He wanted the Emperor to think from the perspective of a vassal lord, and also to think from his own position as Emperor: “If one or several vassal lords were to destroy another vassal state, what would be the most beneficial thing for you to do?”

This time, after hearing Wang Sheng's words, the Emperor stroked his chin and began to think. As for Steward Zhou, he didn't dare to think about such questions anymore. He just lowered his head slightly to serve his master well, ensuring that no fourth person could hear the conversation here.

“If there is such an opportunity, I certainly wouldn't let it go.” After pondering for a long time, the Emperor finally raised his head and said, “Let alone destroying a state, being able to swallow the other party whole would bring immense benefits, so great that even I wouldn't dare to stop it if I were watching from the sidelines. Blocking someone's path to wealth is like killing their parents, let alone a war of annihilation?”

“In the past, those people could make their families last for hundreds or thousands of years just by destroying a few clans, let alone destroying a state?” The Emperor's face was full of covetousness, but he also knew that this was a benefit for some major vassal state, not for him.

“Tell me about your opportunity and see if there's a chance for us.” The Emperor began to urge Wang Sheng. At this time, he unconsciously used the term 'us,' as if he really regarded Wang Sheng as one of his own.

Hearing this term, Wang Sheng glanced at the Emperor inadvertently, not knowing if he was being sincere or intentional, but it was good to have this attitude.

“Now, all parties want to enter the Thousand Serenity Ground to build camps and seize the initiative.” At this time, Wang Sheng didn't hide anything and told his thoughts: “But entering the Thousand Serenity Ground requires a large number of experts. Don't think there are many experts now, but in the Thousand Serenity Ground, if you want to ensure that the construction process goes smoothly, a small number of people will cause trouble.”

The Emperor nodded. He had been worried about how to build the camps in the Thousand Serenity Ground. Fortunately, the Emperor didn't want to appear too anxious, so as not to attract the attention of the major vassal states, so it was always okay to build a little slower and have fewer people in the early stages. However, the Emperor couldn't be too excessive, which didn't mean that the vassal lords wouldn't compete.

“In order to seize the initiative, perhaps some vassal states with relatively weak foundations will send their trump card experts in.” Wang Sheng continued, “But experts don't just appear out of thin air. The more people who go there, the fewer people will inevitably stay at home to guard. Moreover, the environment in the Thousand Serenity Ground is special, and messenger birds can't be used. Even if something happens on either side, they won't know each other in a short time.”

“This is our chance!” The Emperor's eyes lit up, and he immediately understood Wang Sheng's idea, but then he immediately realized his mistake and quickly corrected himself: “This is the opportunity for other vassal states.”

With the experts all sent to the Thousand Serenity Ground, the interior would naturally be empty. If experts from other families took advantage of this opportunity, as long as the plan was thorough, they might be able to wipe out the manpower in the capital. As long as they were determined and the attacking vassal lord was strong enough, annexing a small vassal state would be completely possible. Then, they could turn around and wipe out the experts building camps inside the Thousand Serenity Ground. Who would dare to say a word?

If it really came to that situation, the Emperor could only watch helplessly. But Wang Sheng had just said that there should also be benefits for the Emperor. Where could those be found?

“To destroy a country, there must be a reason, right?” Wang Sheng smiled: “Disrespecting the Emperor's orders or being disrespectful to the Emperor, isn't it? The vassal lords act on behalf of the heavens, a justified campaign, isn't it?”

The Emperor instantly understood Wang Sheng's meaning. Since the other party was going to use the Emperor's name, they had to offer benefits. The Emperor would inevitably have to pay out a Duke at that time, because they helped the Emperor vent his anger. In this matter, the Emperor could still play the puppet, letting people see a weak Emperor, allowing the vassal lords to knead him at will, receiving benefits and fame, it was simply too wonderful.