The video takes us to ancient times; Li Er transforms into the Tongtian Emperor of Shu Han.

Gao Rou is dead.

The charge was that he spread seditious rumors and bewitched the emperor, intending to deceive him.

Just as Sima Zhao had taken him away to await execution by imperial decree, his elder brother, carrying a sword, stabbed him to death in front of many gentry members.

When Sima Shi entered the palace to request an imperial decree to convict Gao Rou, he brought Gao Rou's head with him.

Liu Bang could sense that while he was deliberately displaying Gao Rou's head, Sima Shi was also secretly observing him.

Therefore, he acted with fear, unease, and panic, without giving away the slightest clue.

Finally, under Sima Shi's relentless pressure, he had no choice but to issue an edict.

Carrying the imperial edict, no one in the entire Gao family survived.

Only a few young people who were sent down to be tempered survived, but they dared not show their faces again.

The major clans remained silent, only occasionally making a fuss when disputes arose over the division of the Gao family's assets.

As for the position of Grand Commandant, it fell to him after Wang Xiang and Sima Shi had a long talk that lasted all night.

After learning the full story, Liu Bang was lost in thought for a long time.

Although it was somewhat anticipated, there is still a difference between speculation and what actually happens.

"Zifang, tell me, he's already so cruel before even ascending the throne. Can such a person really be a good emperor?"

As the emperor, he should naturally employ ruthless methods.

But if one is only ruthless and has no other means of balancing the interests of all parties, then what kind of emperor is he?

No wonder that before the immortals' assessment, many people on the celestial screen said that Sima Yi's descendants were far inferior to him.

Even Sima Shi, who is most widely acknowledged, only inherited Sima Yi's ruthlessness; the difference in other aspects was far greater than a fraction.

“Back when Sima Yi led three thousand elite soldiers to occupy Luoyang and fight against Cao Shuang, Gao Rou was one of his staunch supporters. Now, no matter what the reason, Sima Shi should show some mercy.”

“Exterminating Gao Rou’s clan may have deterred the gentry, but it would also have made people think that he was not a wise ruler, or at least not a benevolent one.”

"In the eyes of the gentry, a wise ruler is the same as a benevolent ruler, and such actions will only make their final step more difficult."

Zhang Liang also felt a pang of regret at Gao Rou's fate.

However, the focus shifts away from him.

The jade that was revealed by throwing out a brick is the most important thing to come.

Would Wang Xiang, a genius of political maneuvering, just watch the opportunity to be granted land and made king slip away in exchange for other insignificant benefits?

Judging from his personality, both Liu Bang and Zhang Liang felt that he wouldn't let this opportunity slip by so easily.

"Zifang, your task from now on is very simple: keep an eye on Wang Xiang, and if he tries to back down, find a way to give him a push."

Liu Bang casually brought the topic back to the present.

However, Zhang Liang shook his head.

“Your Majesty, we both know perfectly well that, given Wang Xiang’s character, he would never back down.”

"If something unexpected happens and he backs down, I really don't have the ability to bring him back. If this line collapses and we don't have a backup plan, then it will be a complete loss."

"His Majesty is now fully aware of the situation in the capital, and things are developing in a positive direction. There is no need for me to intervene. Therefore, in my opinion, it is time to make contingency plans."

Liu Bang certainly knew what the second-line preparation he was referring to was.

This is indeed the best choice, but in doing so, Zhang Liang will have to face countless unknown risks.

"If everything goes smoothly, we may not need to use Guanqiu Jian as a connection."

“Zifang, you can still play a significant role if you stay in the capital.”

When Liu Bang tried to persuade him to stay, Zhang Liang simply smiled.

“Chen Tai can do everything I can do while I’m in the capital, and his position makes things even more convenient for him than for me.”

"If I go to Guanqiu Jian's place, at least I can give His Majesty another option."

"Your Majesty, this is the only way to complete this challenge."

Back when Chu and Han were fighting, Zhang Liang was in charge of the same matter.

Regardless of the current situation, he would intentionally prepare several alternative plans for Liu Bang.

Only in this way can one remain invincible.

"I understand, Zifang. I'm entrusting the Guanqiu Jian line to you. You may act as you see fit and make your own decisions."

……

Beyond the sky.

The scene has now been divided into several parts.

Just as Liu Bang and Zhang Liang finalized their plans, in another scene, Wang Xiang and Sima Shi met again.

"Grand Commandant Wang, I have given you what you wanted, but now it seems you are not sincere."

"Tell me, what exactly do you want to do?"

Wang Xiang's face was still somewhat listless, but after his men led him into the room, Sima Shi showed no courtesy whatsoever.

After the Gao family was eliminated and all the major clans and aristocratic families received their share of the benefits, this matter should have ended there.

Barring any unforeseen circumstances, he will not mention it to anyone again, and the matter will be considered closed.

The problem is that Wang Xiang's actions in the following days did not seem to show any sincerity in turning the page!

He secretly sent many of the clan's young men away!

"General, you flatter me. Now that I have been appointed Grand Commandant, I am already quite content and ready to support the younger generation of my clan."

Wang Xiang, however, looked completely wronged.

"Is it wrong to send them out to gain experience for a few years, and then recall them to serve in the court when they have enough qualifications and experience?"

However, Sima Shi was not buying it.

"Training? They all go out to train at the same time, leaving only a few old fogies in the clan?"

Sending young people out to hone their skills was indeed a common practice among the aristocratic families.

But this is the only company that sends all the young people out at the same time!

This isn't a trial by fire; it's more like an escape from disaster!

"Grand Commandant, I know you are ambitious and capable."

"You want to seize any opportunity that comes your way."

"A chance can be fatal. Isn't Gao Rou's fate enough to warn you?"

Sima Shi's voice grew increasingly sinister as he spoke.

Wang Xiang had no doubt that if he answered incorrectly at this moment, his head would be gone!

"Please rest assured, General, I know the Sima family's bottom line. I'm not that stupid; I know what benefits I can accept and what benefits I shouldn't mention."

"It was indeed a coincidence that I sent people out for training these past few days. If this arouses the suspicion of the General, then I will simply call them back."

A sincere tone and a heartfelt proposal.

These words completely undermined Sima Shi's confidence.

Is it really just a coincidence?

He glanced at Wang Xiang suspiciously.

"There's no need to call them all back. Just call a few outstanding talents back to the capital. There are a few vacancies in the Gao family, and I'll reserve them for your Wang family."