I am a commoner, but I will lead the empress to unify the world

The empress behind him said,

"Wan'er often massages me like this when I'm bathing. After so many times, I'll naturally get used to it.

Shouldn't you be asking, why would I, the great emperor, come to give you a massage?"

"Why not? Isn't it normal for a wife to give her husband a massage to relax him after a tiring day?"

"Oh, you've adapted pretty quickly. Do you think of me as your wife now?"

"I remember telling Gongsun Wan'er, I wonder if she's learned to say it from you. In my eyes, you're a woman first, and an emperor second."

"Is this your reason for disrespecting me? Is this your reason for touching my hand at this moment?"

The empress's right hand was holding Shen Changgong's right hand. She snorted coldly, reached out and slapped his hand to prevent him from taking advantage.

Shen Changgong smiled and continued,

"We've already gathered all the evidence against these people this time. The verdict can be announced today. When do you plan to implement the Enfeoffment Order?"

"Just today."

"Today? Isn't that a bit too hasty?"

Shen Changgong frowned.

Yan Fuyao massaged his shoulders and said,

"It's better to do it sooner rather than later. I've been replaying your Enfeoffment Order countless times in my mind these past few days, trying to figure out how all classes of society across the country would react.

The princes will definitely react most strongly, and they are also our main targets, but we will not mention that for now.

It's mainly among the people. Anyone who has some assets at home will inevitably complain and the public outrage will boil over.

I will take advantage of this opportunity to wipe out the remaining influence of the powerful and wealthy, quickly implement the Enfeoffment Order, and then carry out a massacre of the powerful and wealthy to deter the entire country.

Your idea is good. Drive all the powerful people to the center of the parade ground and let them fight each other.

When the time comes, all the officials and wealthy people in the city will come to watch.

Let them see, this is what happens when you go against me!"

The empress's words were so domineering that Shen Changgong was moved.

"After the powerful and influential people are dead, I will immediately issue a new decree to reform the military system. All soldiers can obtain titles through military merit. This will motivate the central army to eliminate the major vassal kings, which will surely boost morale.

Moreover, having just massacred the powerful, the entire court must be in a state of silence. This is a perfect time to implement new policies. No one dares to oppose me, and everything will go smoothly."

"But if you do that, you'll be branded a tyrant. It's better to tell the truth and tell everyone in the world that I killed the powerful and the nobles, and I proposed the government decrees. Let me bear any infamy and bad reputation.

In this way, the people and the princes will hate me if they want to. Even if everything collapses in the end, they can just push me out and chop me into pieces.

I don’t have any requirements, just treat my family well…”

"Well……"

Before Shen Changgong could finish his words, a small hand behind him pinched his lips.

"Shut up. Am I such an irresponsible king in your eyes?"

Yan Fuyao said slowly,

“These were indeed proposed by you, but the final decision, implementation, and decree were all made by me.

This Dayan is my Dayan.

I will bear all the consequences of all reforms and policies.

If everything gets better, my Great Yan State becomes rich and strong, and its territory is expanded, that will be my achievement.

If everything collapses, the princes rebel, the enemy invades, and the capital is broken, then if I die, I will die with you.

You and I, husband and wife, are of the same blood and connected by branches. Why should we distinguish between us? We will prosper together and suffer together."

"Shen Changgong."

"Ok?"

"I am the emperor."

Shen Changgong smiled, gently took that little hand, closed his eyes, and said,

"As you command, my Emperor."

At this moment, Shen Changgong truly and completely trusted the empress.

……

After a moment, the empress went out.

Although she gave Shen Changgong a massage, she didn't feel comfortable watching him come out and put on his clothes.

After all, even the emperor has his moments of being thin-skinned.

Shen Changgong dried himself, changed into court clothes, and asked the guards to bring a large pile of files and go to the court with the empress.

In the court, the stern-looking Prince of the South, Ma Ling, stood at the front, with the three dukes, nine ministers, and hundreds of civil and military officials behind him.

There are many people here who have just been promoted and are attending the court for the first time, and they are very nervous.

The empress walked onto the dragon throne, and Shen Changgong also came down and stood side by side with the King of the South, standing in front of the three ministers.

The three officials had no objection to this position.

Ma Ling and Shen Changgong, the two killing gods, stood at the front, and all the civil and military officials in the court were silent!

"Greetings to Your Majesty, long live my emperor!"

"Be flat!"

Yan Fuyao, wearing the imperial robe and the imperial crown, spoke majestically and said,

"Nonsense, I won't say any more!"

"Today, I will only say three things!"

"the first thing!"

Yan Fuyao patted the thick stack of files on the imperial desk and shouted angrily,

"The crimes committed by fifteen powerful nobles and hundreds of high-ranking officials are too numerous to list. They have been corrupt, perverted the law, disregarded human lives, and brutally harmed the people. They are attempting to rebel and cause chaos. Their crimes are unforgivable!

The evidence is now there, both witnesses and physical evidence, and the proof is irrefutable!

I hereby sentence all the masterminds to be put to death, and their three clans to extermination. Within the three clans, all males shall be put to death, and the females shall be exiled to the border as slaves, and all their property shall be confiscated into the national treasury.

Three days from now, the execution will take place at the Imperial Guards' parade grounds. At that time, I will cut off the heads of all criminals and hang them on the walls of the military camp gates for three days to serve as a warning to the world!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"I, your old servant... I have finally waited for this day!"

Many upright officials cried out loudly and wiped away tears secretly.

Without those powerful people and the chaotic atmosphere in the court, the situation suddenly became much clearer. They finally had the opportunity to show their talents and govern the country well.

The Queen continued,

"The second thing! During the thorough investigation of the crimes committed by the powerful, Grand Commandant Shen Changgong personally stepped into the investigation, collected evidence, and arrested the criminals, accomplishing this feat single-handedly.

During this period, he was framed, assassinated, and his family was kidnapped and threatened, but he overcame numerous difficulties. He was not afraid of hardships or power, and he faced challenges head-on.

It took him only twenty days to catch all the powerful people who broke the law, and no law-breaking occurred during this period. His contribution was great.

I hereby declare that Shen Changgong shall be granted the title of Prince, and shall enjoy the rank of Prince! I shall also grant him the fief of Lanling Commandery, and the title of Prince of Lanling, which shall be hereditary for his descendants."

Shen Changgong bowed deeply,

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

The fact that Shen Changgong was conferred a title was not surprising to all the civil and military officials in the court. With such great achievements and such favor and power, he was at the peak of his career and had overthrown two princes and a large number of dukes. It would be strange if he was not conferred a title of king.

However, the Empress's next words left them stunned, and a sense of impending disaster washed over them...