Nine dragons fight for the throne, I don't want to sit on this throne

This night, in the face of Chu Ning's absolute power and Ran Ming's ruthless butcher knife, everything turned into the dust of history.

The mansion was attacked, the clan members were slaughtered, the troops were annihilated, the accumulated wealth was confiscated, and the house that symbolized the family's glory was burned down.

When the first rays of dawn struggled to penetrate the air tainted by smoke and the smell of blood, and shone upon the top of Chang'an City...

The densely packed, hideous heads hanging on the city gates, and the ruins in the city still emitting billowing black smoke, silently told the story of the tragedy of that night.

The Han-area aristocratic families that once had the power to influence the government, control local affairs, and even made the imperial power wary of them, were completely uprooted and physically eliminated by Chu Ning in Chang'an City, where their core was located, through a carefully planned banquet and a subsequent swift military operation.

After experiencing the collapse of the dynasty and the massacre of the royal family, Chang'an City also suffered the pain of the demise of the aristocratic families.

Chu Ning used the dripping blood and soaring flames to complete the most thorough and cruel conquest of this former imperial capital.

The old order was completely shattered, and next, it would be up to him and the Chu State he represented to reshape the rules of this land.

The surviving people and distant forces were all trembling in this dead silence and blood, trying to understand the survival rules of the new dynasty.

The light of dawn dispelled the darkness of the night in Chang'an City, but failed to dispel the smell of blood and burnt things that filled the air.

The ashes of many aristocratic family mansions were still emitting wisps of green smoke, like the unwilling souls of the unjustly dead, hovering above the imperial capital.

The heads hanging on the city gate appeared even clearer and more terrifying in the morning light, silently warning everyone who stepped into the city.

Imperial Palace, Xuanzheng Hall.

Ran Ming's tall figure appeared in front of Chu Ning again, stepping on the morning dew and the murderous aura that had not yet dissipated.

The blood on his black armor had solidified into a dark brown color. His bald head shone with a cold and hard luster in the morning light, and his whole body was filled with a strong murderous aura, as if he had just returned from a mountain of corpses and a sea of ​​blood.

"Your Majesty, I will report back!"

He knelt on one knee, his voice a little hoarse from a night of screaming and killing, but still loud.

"In Chang'an City, the residences of the 37 rebel families, including the Cui, Wang, Li, Zhao... have all been cleared out!"

"Those who stubbornly resisted have all been executed! Their property is being counted and sealed. According to Your Majesty's order, those who stubbornly resisted and their core members have been completely wiped out. Not a single one has escaped!"

His report was concise and cold, condensing the bloody actions that overthrew countless wealthy families overnight into a few plain statements.

On the throne, Chu Ning nodded slightly.

He looked at His Highness Ran Ming, who was exhausted and still looked murderous, and a rare look of gentleness appeared on his face.

"General Ran, you have worked hard."

He spoke with clear approval in his tone, "This matter was handled cleanly and efficiently, exactly as I wish. The soldiers under your command have also made contributions."

"I hereby order that all the soldiers who participated in last night's operation will be rewarded with three months' wages, and those who have made contributions will be awarded merit separately."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your reward!"

A hint of excitement flashed in Ran Ming's eyes, and he clasped his fists and spoke loudly.

For a brave general like him, His Majesty's recognition and tangible rewards are the best compliments.

"Go down and have a good rest," Chu Ning waved his hand. "There are still tough battles to fight next."

"The general will obey the order!"

Ran Ming said no more, stood up swiftly, his armor clanging, and strode out of the hall.

He needed to convey His Majesty's reward as quickly as possible and allow his men, who were equally tired but excited, to rest.

After Ran Ming left, Chu Ning tidied up a little, then got up and headed towards the Golden Palace, which symbolizes the highest power.

The time has come, and all civil and military officials have already stood solemnly on both sides of the hall according to their ranks.

Unlike the past, there are many new faces in the court today with unfamiliar and frightened expressions.

They were former Han Dynasty officials like Li Bi, who chose to surrender after the fall of the Han Dynasty and were temporarily retained.

They lowered their heads, their eyes flickered, and their bodies were slightly tense. It was obvious that the bloody purge that swept the entire city last night had been imprinted in their hearts like a nightmare.

When Chu Ning's dark figure appeared on the imperial steps and sat on the dragon throne, cheers of "Long live the dragon" suddenly resounded throughout the hall.

However, in addition to the calmness of the old ministers of Chu State, this voice also contained a bit of fear and trembling from the newly surrendered ministers.

"Everyone is safe."

Chu Ning's voice was calm, yet carried an unquestionable majesty, clearly reaching everyone's ears.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

All the officials stood up and stood respectfully with their hands hanging down. The huge Golden Throne Hall was completely silent, and even the breathing was deliberately lightened.

Everyone's eyes, whether direct or covert, were focused on the throne, waiting for the young emperor who had quickly pacified Chang'an with iron-blooded means to announce his will.

Chu Ning's gaze slowly swept over His Highness's ministers, taking in their fear, obedience, and even a hint of deep-seated uneasiness.

He didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point. His voice was not loud, but every word was like a hammer, striking at everyone's heart:

"After what happened last night, I'm sure you all are clear on this."

His tone was calm, as if he was discussing a trivial matter: "In Chang'an City, all the aristocratic families who stubbornly refused to change their ways and attempted to rely on their power to resist the new dynasty have become history."

As soon as these words were spoken, the former Han officials in the hall lowered their heads even more, and their bodies began to tremble slightly.

"The obstacles have been cleared,"

Chu Ning continued, his tone becoming firm and resolute: "The fundamental policy of our Great Chu nation is to 'equalize land and wealth'. This should be implemented throughout the Han territory immediately, without any mistakes!"

He turned his gaze to Li Bi, who was standing at the front of the civil service ranks:

"Li Bi."

Li Bi shuddered and quickly stepped out of the line, bowing and saying, "I'm here!"

"You will be in charge of this matter, coordinating the various prefectures and counties in the Han area and carrying out all matters related to land surveying and distribution."

"We must act quickly and impartially, so that the people of Han can feel the benefits of our Great Chu's new policies as soon as possible!"

"Your Majesty, I obey your command! I will do my utmost to live up to your Majesty's trust!"

Li Bi's voice was loud and full of suppressed excitement.

He knew that this was a great opportunity for him to gain a foothold in the new dynasty and seize power.

However, Chu Ning's next words made everyone's heart tremble:

"To ensure the smooth implementation of the new policies, I will leave behind 10,000 elite troops to garrison Chang'an and key locations in the Han territory. Their sole mission is to assist Li Aiqing in implementing the new policies and suppress any unrest or resistance that may arise."

His tone suddenly turned cold, and his gaze was like an icicle piercing all the officials in the hall, especially those former Han officials:

"Here, I warn you all, and also warn all officials, powerful people, and even ordinary people in the Han area."

"This is national policy, the general trend! Anyone who dares to openly oppose it, or anyone who pretends to obey but secretly disobeys, or secretly obstructs it..."

He paused, each word filled with the smell of blood:

"Their fate will be exactly the same as those ignorant noble families last night! Don't say I didn't warn you!"