Way of Overlord
Chapter 228: Four Dragons

Chapter 228: Four Dragons

Emperor Ji Yan of Western Zhou has carved out a legacy that resonates deeply with the populace, earning widespread admiration and respect.

The citizens perceive him not only as a benevolent ruler who prioritizes the welfare of the people but also as a stalwart guardian, stern and resolute in defending the kingdom against foreign threats.

The Emperor’s governance style, marked by a judicious balance of benevolence and strictness, has fostered a sense of security among the citizens.

His commitment to the well-being of the people is reflected in policies that promote social welfare, economic prosperity, and cultural flourishing.

Simultaneously, his unwavering resolve against external aggression has instilled a sense of national pride and unity, fostering a collective determination to safeguard the kingdom’s sovereignty.

Emperor Ji Yan ambitions of regaining the Central Plains, an ambition that is inherited from generation to generation of emperors in Western Zhou are not seen as merely personal ambition but are perceived as shared aspirations that resonate with the dreams and hopes of the populace.

The people, inspired by his visionary leadership, rally behind the common goal of advancing Western Zhou influence and prosperity.

The Emperor great ambition becomes a source of collective motivation, driving the kingdom towards new heights and instilling a sense of purpose among its citizens.

The synergy between the ruler and the ruled creates a harmonious atmosphere, where the Emperor’s leadership is not only acknowledged but actively embraced by the people.

He is a great leader.

Emperor Ji Yan’s illustrious leadership, marked by invincibility in his youth, strategic acumen, and fearless prowess on the battlefield, has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on Western Zhou history as one of the most successful rulers of the Western Zhou.

However, as time advances, the inevitable effects of aging begin to cast their shadow over the revered ruler.

Whispers from the grapevine suggest that the Emperor is sick

And this news created a ripple in a stagnant pool. Waves are rippling, and schemes and plots are becoming more intense in the capital.

As the year of the Yellow Turban rebellion unfolds, a year that should have been a great opportunity for Western Zhou, marking a significant juncture in the era of Emperor Ji Yan, the aged ruler finds himself grappling not only with external challenges but also with the intricate web of internal strife within his own court.

At the age of sixty-three, Emperor Ji Yan’s health is in decline, casting a shadow over the stability of Western Zhou.

Within the imperial court, whispers of intrigues and plots echo through the hallowed halls, and the root cause lies in the secret power struggles among the emperor sons.

The imperial progeny, vying for the coveted position of crown prince, have become entangled in a complex web of political manoeuvring and familial competition.

Despite the loyalty of the ministers to Emperor Ji Yan, the simmering tensions among his sons pose a formidable challenge.

The emperor, in his quest to determine a suitable heir, is confronted with a labyrinth of internal problems that threaten to undermine the cohesion of the ruling dynasty.

The decision-making process, normally a solemn affair, is now mired in the intricacies of familial discord and individual ambitions.

The ministers, torn between loyalty to the emperor and the necessity of securing a stable succession, find themselves navigating treacherous political waters.

the fate of Western Zhou hangs in the balance.

The resolution of the internal strife and the determination of a clear line of succession will shape the future of the kingdom during a time of external turmoil.

Emperor Ji Yan’s legacy, now intertwined with the challenges of succession, takes center stage as the kingdom confronts the complexities of its own internal dynamics.

The Emperor of Western Zhou is good at governing the world but he is not good at governing his own family.

He is strict with himself and so he is also strict with his family.

One of the mistakes he did is that he never appointed a crown prince. There is a reason for this.

In the past, his rule was uncertain. He, himself was reigning at such an uncertain time.

At that time many of the province under him was rebelling, there is Yan forces that tries to take the south, the tribes of the Great Steppe raiding their eastern border.

When he finished settling all of this, he had full control of the court like never before in the history of Western Zhou.

This makes him able to ignore any of the minister’s suggestion.

There is no shackle in him.

It is however remarkable that even without all of the restraint of the minster and the court, he did not become decadent or indulgent.

But in such environment, he did not create and install a crown prince.

The Emperor of Western Zhou loves his sons and daughters.

However, this is the crux of the problem

Emperor Ji Yan of Western Zhou faces a poignant dilemma in the selection of his successor among his four exceptional sons—Ji Yin, Ji Bao, Ji Yang, and Ji Fa.

The emperor’s deep affection for each of his offspring compounds the complexity of this decision, as all four sons display remarkable abilities, making the choice a challenging task.

Ji Yin, with his keen intellect and diplomatic finesse, demonstrates a capacity for nuanced decision-making and the navigation of intricate political landscapes.

Ji Bao, characterized by unwavering courage and military prowess, stands as a formidable leader on the battlefield.

Ji Yang, known for his wisdom and administrative acumen, showcases a talent for governance and statecraft.

Meanwhile, Ji Fa, with his charisma and strategic vision, exhibits qualities that inspire and unify.

While each son brings unique strengths to the table, the absence of any discernible deficiency complicates the task of singling out a clear successor.

The internal struggle of the emperor is not merely about assessing abilities but also about weighing the potential impact on the kingdom, taking into account the diverse challenges it may face in the future.

If any one of them is lacking, then it would be easy for him to appoint his successor. But all four of them are exceptional men

They are all good at martial and literature. If that is the only things that is bad about it, it would not be a problem.

But the bad thing is that all four of them is backed by their mothers creating a whirlpool of intrigues in the capital.

The Emperess and the concubines fights against each other in the harem and all of the sons all covet the throne.

If the emperor is still young, he could have the energy to preside all of this but now that he is old and sick, there is many things that is out of his control.

And during Aeryon attack in Nurshira, the Emperor of Western Zhou collapsed in the court because of exhaustion and since then he has been in an unconscious state.

And since the Emperor did not name his prince, this matter has been a cause of problem for the people of the court of Western Zhou.

Internal problem of the Western Zhou is about to erupt.

And because of that, they could not see the dangers from the Steppe and could not sense the opportunity to take the south.

If the Emperor knows this happens during his coma, he would fainted again.

Right now, when the entire northern region of the Yan empire is in disarray, if Western Zhou could seize the opportunity and move to attack the northern regions of the Yan emporia, they could take down many cities of the north and it is not out of the realms of possibility for them to move further inwards toward the central plains.

Oen of the western Zhou ambition is to regain back the Central Plains, and unify the world like during the Xun dynasty.

Yan unify the world but to the Western Zhou as long as Western Zhou stands, the world is not yet united.

However, there is nothing wrong for Yan to claim it has ruled the world.

(the world here refers to the concept of Under Heaven or Tianxia)

all of the territory of the Xun dynasty was conquered or reclaimed or surrendered to Yan.

As for Western Zhou, it is the Ji family of Zhou that fled their original lands and then took over the land that used to belong to tribes that is related to the Great Steep

The Western Zhou always painted the Great Steppe attack towards them as an invasion and raiding when in truth, it was them that first take the shot toward the tribes of the Great Steppe.

They were running from the Yan ruled lands.

They did not want to bow down their head to Yan instead, they force others to bend down their heads toward them, took their lands and create a narrative that they were the heroes and the people who fight against them were the villains.

When they came there, they slaughter the people that was already there, took their place and oppresses the people there

No wonder Aeryon was so mad when thinking of the oppression of his people and why underneath that anger there is also this avenging mentality that is passed down from the original soul of the body that he is inhabiting

Whether it be the Yan or the Western Zhou, these two powers like to distort history and is keen always in bloodshed.

Then these people named this place Western Zhou.

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