Kays Translations
Just another Isekai Lover~
Chapter 159: Li Yuanming’s First Strategy
“Law?!” Li Xian was truly stumped by this word.
When governing Anyang, Li Xian had considered ideas like “governance by law” and “rule of law,” but there were many difficulties in actual implementation. First and foremost, talent was a significant shortcoming. Additionally, the laws from another world did not suit the current world; different worlds have different sets of rules! Left with no other choice, Li Xian had to apply the existing laws.
However, as Anyang’s industry and commerce developed and its borders expanded, this problem became increasingly prominent. So much so that even a minor robbery would require intervention from Yan Ze’an or even Xia Qingqing.
Looking at Yan Ze’an, Li Xian suddenly sighed, “Mr. Yan, do you happen to know any legal talents? If we’re going to do this, let’s do it properly. I have some ideas on legal matters, but I’ve yet to find the right talent.”
Yan Ze’an suddenly looked at Xu Ren, “I’ve heard that in the realm of strategists, there are not only branches like poison masters and military advisors, but also a very special branch called ‘Legalists,’ or ‘Law Masters.’ Perhaps Mr. Xu could help.”
Xu Ren showed his first smile of bitter and helplessness: “I’ve heard of the Legalists, but unfortunately, I don’t have any connections in that regard. Bei Chen Yuqing probably doesn’t know either. We both belong to the same circle.”
“By the way, maybe we can ask Li Yuanming. The circles that poison masters interact with are different from ours.”
Li Xian, hearing this, immediately laughed. “Ahem… well, I met with Li Yuanming at noon and talked for a long time. I think maybe we can give Li Yuanming a chance to prove himself.”
Yan Ze’an opposed, “Young Master, many people already know that Li Yuanming is a poison master. If we take him in, it may cause unnecessary trouble for you. For instance, the families of the thirteen merchants who were killed earlier would definitely have objections.”
Fang Shijing also expressed opposition, as the reputation of poison masters was not good. Maybe Li Yuanming was talented, but there was no need to ruin the reputation for a poison master.
Xu Ren, however, did not oppose but remained neutral.
Xia Qingqing… when Li Xian returned, Xia Qingqing rested.
Being cautious, Li Xian still had Ling Zhifeng help him cast a divination. The result showed… complete chaos.
Ling Zhifeng slightly shook his head. “Li Yuanming has not formally and publicly announced his joining of Anyang, so the divination can’t predict anything. The future is unknown.”
“Only when there are signs will the divination be accurate; without signs, there’s nothing to deduce.”
Li Xian squinted and pondered for a long time before finally making a firm decision, “Let’s give Li Yuanming a chance. If possible, I am willing to give anyone an opportunity. I believe that everyone has their strengths, but they just need a chance to demonstrate them.”
With Li Xian’s firm decision, no one dared to oppose. After all, it was just an opportunity to prove himself—consider it a trial.
After dinner, Li Xian sent someone to invite Li Yuanming for a formal meeting. During the meeting, they also revisited some of the problems Anyang was currently facing, so Li Yuanming could understand the situation.
To be precise, the biggest issue facing Anyang right now was—the emperor’s installed pawn, the crown prince controlling Lüliang County.
Upon hearing this, the newly appointed Li Yuanming immediately provided a “solution” to the problem, “Young Master, right now, Anyang is situated between Lüliang County and the imperial capital, Wuyang County. If the crown prince wants to go to Lüliang County, he will have to pass through here. If we capture the crown prince directly, all our problems will be solved!”
“As long as we detain the crown prince, we not only solve the current issue, but we also gain control over Lüliang County. And with the crown prince in our hands, we can issue orders under his name.”
Damn!
Li Xian’s heart skipped a beat. This was indeed the poison master’s way—different from the rest. He couldn’t deny that this strategy was very effective. If they captured the crown prince, Anyang’s problems would be halved. But… the resulting problems would be even greater.
Xu Ren shook his head in disagreement, “This method won’t work, or we will become the target of everyone’s attack! Moreover, it will undoubtedly send the message that we are preparing to rebel.”
Li Yuanming, filled with enthusiasm, immediately began challenging Xu Ren’s position within Li Xian’s group. “When doing things, one must be strategic. We can’t just go straight for it. We should have Princess Xia Qingqing intervene and invite the crown prince here as a guest. Then, we can arrange for the crown prince to take a concubine and invite some of the most famous courtesans from places like Xian Dai River and Cui Yan Lake to accompany him.”
“That way, we would have an excuse, saying that His Highness the Crown Prince is enjoying himself here. We can quietly spread the secret that the crown prince has a fondness for beautiful women and periodically arrange marriages for him.”
“Furthermore, as far as I know, His Highness the Crown Prince is already hiding several beauties in Cui Yan Lake.”
The poisonous strategy caught Xu Ren off guard, leaving him dumbfounded. Not only was it feasible, but it was almost perfect!
Xu Ren stared, and Yan Ze’an was equally stunned.
As for Li Xian, after his initial shock, he quickly recovered and responded, “Li Yuanming, your suggestion is interesting, but I can’t accept it. Right now, Anyang has just annexed Zhongshan County. Consolidating our foundation is the most pressing matter.”
Li Yuanming didn’t blink and immediately offered a second suggestion: “If that’s the case, then please immediately instruct Zhao Youdan to organize the migration of people from Lüliang County to Anyang County. Given the chaos between Anyang, Zhongshan, and Lüliang Counties, there’s a need to replenish the population.”
“Lüliang County has a population of around eight million people. Anyang County, now extending over five hundred miles, can easily absorb that number.”
Li Xian, Xu Ren, and Yan Ze’an all gasped. This was ruthless! It was almost as if they planned to leave Lüliang County a hollow shell. Even if the crown prince or the Yuan family eventually took Lüliang County, they would inherit a heavy burden. But Li Xian accepted this suggestion.
“Then, Li Yuanming, please head south and assist Zhao Youdan with this task. But there’s one thing to keep in mind: during the relocation, use incentives and persuasion. You can select representatives from the refugees already settled in Anyang and from the people of Cai Country to act as examples. If anyone refuses to move, do not force them.”
“We need the people to be united, not divided.”
Li Yuanming immediately praised, “Young Master, your considerations are thorough. I’ll head south right away.”
“Wait,” Li Xian quickly spoke up. “Li Yuanming, we were just discussing another branch of strategists, the Legalists. Do you have any information on them?”
Li Yuanming paused for a moment. “Young Master, why are you suddenly thinking of Legalists? Those people are useless—madmen, all of them! They have their own ideas, their own logic, and are ruthless and cunning. They oppose benevolence, morality, and even the civil and military arts. They are almost the complete opposite of the strategists and scholars we are familiar with. They’re more like poison masters than anything else!”
“Oh…” Li Xian, intrigued, asked, “Do you know where to find them?”
Li Yuanming looked at Li Xian, realizing that he was serious about seeking out the Legalists. He composed himself and replied, “Young Master, to the south of us lies the Kingdom of Jin, and to the south of Jin is the Kingdom of Liu, named after the character ‘Liu,’ meaning sharp as a blade and related to killing. The Kingdom of Liu is ruled by Legalist philosophy, but it’s a nation full of madmen!”
Li Xian thought for a moment, then turned to Fang Shijing. “Mr. Fang, try to develop trade routes towards the south of Jin. Use ironclad ships to transport goods. Trade is secondary; the main priority is to gather information on this Kingdom of Liu. Have the naval commander, Chang Lin, assist with this matter. At the right moment, you may need to act on your own discretion.”
“Understood,” Fang Shijing replied.
Li Xian then turned to Yan Ze’an. “Yan Ze’an, from today onward, I officially appoint you to the position of Civil Minister.”
“Understood.”