Conferred Gods: Master Tongtian is my master

At the banquet, the lights were brilliant, and the golden plates and jade cups were filled with all kinds of delicacies, the aroma was overflowing, making people salivate.

The exquisite dishes sparkled with an alluring luster under the candlelight, as if decorating the entire banquet hall like a fairyland.

After everyone took their seats in turn, Emperor Xin slowly stood up and swept his eyes across the faces of each soldier with deep respect and gratitude on his face.

He raised the wine glass in his hand and gestured to everyone, his voice loud and sincere:

"My fellow soldiers, I would like to thank you for your hard work and efforts in suppressing the rebellion in Beihai. You have bravely fought against the enemy without fear of danger and defended the dignity and peace of our Great Shang with your blood and sweat."

"I know very well that you have gone through hardships and difficulties on this trip to the North Sea. But it is precisely because of your persistence and dedication that we have achieved the victory and glory of Da Shang today. I toast to you!"

Wen Zhong also stood up when he saw this, raised his cup and toasted Emperor Xin:

"Your Majesty, on behalf of the soldiers, I would like to thank you for your care and love. I and the soldiers will continue to fight for your country and the prosperity of the Shang Dynasty, and we will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

Other generals and civil officials also stood up, raised their glasses, and responded in unison:

"May our Shang Dynasty prosper, our country be peaceful and our people be safe, and may the king live forever!"

Afterwards, at the banquet, the atmosphere was lively, with everyone toasting each other and talking with laughter.

After three rounds of wine and five dishes, the topic gradually turned from daily greetings and congratulations to political issues.

After a while, Wen Zhong slowly put down the wine glass in his hand, and his eyes became sharp and firm.

He looked at Emperor Xin with a solemn expression, as if carrying a heavy worry. He took a deep breath and said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty, although we have won the rebellion in Beihai this time, there is one matter that still requires your decision. Yuan Futong and the other seventy-two princes have been escorted to Chaoge by our army."

"Although these people surrendered under the persuasion of the eldest brother, they were also forced to do so. Among them, there must be ambitious people who are unwilling to give in. So, I wonder how the king plans to deal with these people?"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xin frowned slightly. He put down his wine glass, pondered for a moment, and then slowly spoke:

"Grand Master, I have learned from the Imperial Master the conditions for the surrender of the North Sea rebels. Since the promise made by the Imperial Master during the negotiations represents the credibility and majesty of the Great Shang, I cannot easily violate it!"

After hearing this, Wen Zhong nodded to show his understanding. After a moment of silence, he said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty is right. So what do you want to do? But Yuan Futong and others have rebelled and posed a threat to the Shang Dynasty. If we don't punish them, how can we demonstrate the prestige of the Shang Dynasty and deter those who have evil intentions?"

Emperor Xin heard what Wen Zhong said and felt that it made sense, so he looked at Luo Shu on the side and said slowly with a hint of expectation and respect in his voice:

"Master, what suggestions do you have for this?"

Luo Shu was originally savoring the fine wine in his hand, feeling the unique aroma lingering on his tongue.

Hearing Emperor Xin's question, he raised his head, his eyes lifted from the wine glass, and met Emperor Xin's inquiring gaze.

Luo Shu put down his wine glass, smiled slightly, cleared his throat, and said calmly:

My Lord, regarding the rebellion of Yuan Futong and others, I think they are no longer capable of stirring up trouble. However, the most urgent thing to do is to pay more attention to the people on the coast of the North Sea who have suffered from the war. That land is barren, and the people are hungry, poorly clothed, and live in poverty. "

Luo Shu's voice echoed in the banquet, and every word was filled with deep sympathy for the people of the North Sea. He continued:

"I suggest that the king should immediately order the selection of talented people who are proficient in farming from Chaoge City, and take seeds of high-yield crops such as sweet potatoes and potatoes to the North Sea."

He paused, his eyes flashing with determination:

"At this time, what we need to do is not only to provide seeds, but also to personally teach the people how to plant and manage farmland to ensure that these high-yield crops can take root and sprout in the North Sea and bear abundant fruits."

After hearing this, Emperor Xin's eyes flashed with approval, he nodded, and said in a deep voice:

"What the Imperial Master said is absolutely right. How could I not know the sufferings of the people? I will immediately order officials who are proficient in farming to be sent to Beihai to ensure that the people can have enough food and clothing and live a stable life."

Luo Shu heard this and showed satisfaction on his face, then said:

"Your Majesty, most of the soldiers who followed Yuan Futong and other princes in the rebellion were forced by life. Your Majesty can deal with them calmly. After all, they are just following orders."

Upon hearing this, Emperor Xin nodded and said:

"Master, rest assured. I know what's going on. I will immediately order that the remaining rebellious soldiers will not be held accountable. As long as they stay in a corner, I am willing to forgive them!"

Then, Luo Shu continued:

"For the 72 vassal states, Your Majesty can adopt a strategy of "combining kindness and severity". First, for the rebels who truly repent and are willing to submit to the court, their families will not be held responsible, and the vassal states will be given a chance to reform, so that they can feel Your Majesty's tolerance and benevolence."

He paused and continued:

"Secondly, those who are stubborn and have evil intentions must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others. This will not only maintain the dignity of the court, but also deter other people who are ready to make trouble."

After hearing this, Emperor Xin suddenly became enlightened and greatly appreciated Luo Shu's suggestion. He nodded in agreement:

"What the Imperial Master said is absolutely right. I will definitely adopt it."

Then, Emperor Xin summoned a personal palace servant and whispered:

"Quickly imprison all the 72 princes who participated in the rebellion and ensure their safety. At the same time, their three meals must be provided as usual without any delay."

After hearing this, the palace maid immediately nodded her head and turned around and left quickly to carry out Emperor Xin's order.

Afterwards, Emperor Xin turned to Wen Zhong and other ministers and said in a deep voice:

"I have decided to conduct a detailed investigation of these princes to find out the true intentions and background of their rebellion. I do not want any misunderstanding or prejudice."

"For those who truly repent and are willing to submit to the court, I can give them a chance to reform. And for those who are stubborn and intend to cause chaos again, I will never tolerate it."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers expressed their agreement and support, shouting:

"The king is wise and mighty, the king is decisive and decisive!"

After hearing this, Emperor Xin nodded with satisfaction, a pleased smile appeared on his face, and he said with a smile:

"My dear ministers, there is no need to be so polite. At today's banquet, there is no distinction between the emperor and his subjects. Please feel free to talk without being restrained."

As Emperor Xin finished speaking, the originally solemn atmosphere at the banquet instantly became relaxed.

The ministers smiled at each other, and the tension and restraint in their hearts were swept away.

Suddenly, the banquet became lively again, with ministers drinking from their glasses and laughter ringing out.

They talked about national affairs and shared interesting stories in life. The whole banquet was filled with a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.

As time went by, the banquet gradually came to an end.

All the ministers left the palace, only Luo Shu and Wen Zhong, who followed Luo Shu's message, stayed to discuss something with Emperor Xin.