BXBX NOVEL Chapter 418 366: Awarding Titles
Chapter 418 366: Awarding Titles
Could this plan really be true?
Some people pondered in their hearts. Just then, the long-silent Zhao Baiyang suddenly spoke.
"Longevity!" Zhao Baiyang exclaimed, then inquired, "Brother Pei, you're truly assertive. I wonder, if I were to join this plan, what would I need to contribute?"
Zhao Baiyang did not doubt much of what Pei Xuanjing said; after all, the Mire Sect had a long lineage and was well aware of the past events of the Shenxiao Sect.
He had always been surprised that the Taoist School would band together, but he absolutely didn't believe that Bai Xiaosheng and the Taoist School would team up on the basis of mutual affinity with Qingxu.
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's mentioning of the Divine Dynasty Plan, Zhao Baiyang's suspicion was thoroughly alleviated, and his previous conjectures became more cohesive.
Of course, he knew that Pei Xuanjing never made losing deals. If the latter brought up such a matter, he would need to pay a certain price.
However, in his opinion, since the offer has been made, it wouldn't hurt to agree first. After all, as long as the price wasn't too high, it would be worth it.
After all, his heretical alliance was currently in a state of hollow strength and needed time. It wouldn't be bad to cooperate first and bide time for the future.
"Brother Zhao, you're quite forthright," said Pei Xuanjing, looking at Zhao Baiyang with a hint of surprise. He didn't expect that the one to make the first move would be Zhao Baiyang, which elevated his opinion of Zhao Baiyang.
He had originally planned to use the powerful families as a "stooge." Unexpectedly, Zhao Baiyang took the initiative to speak up, easing the atmosphere.
With Zhao Baiyang's initiative, the others in the room became more hopeful.
After all, regardless of Zhao Baiyang's style, his capabilities are well-known in the jianghu. As he saw benefits in this matter, those who were previously unsure began to lean towards it.
"Indeed, if Taoist Xuanjing is willing to allow us to participate in such a grand matter, there must be certain conditions!" Xue Wuheng followed with his own question.
His thoughts were similar to those of Zhao Baiyang. The newly merged Demonic Cult was now in his control, but the emerging Blood Slaughter Sovereign made it difficult to control completely, so he needed more time.
Moreover, he had already anticipated the conditions set by Pei Xuanjing prior to arriving at Shenxiao Mountain, and had already prepared a countermeasure.
Pei Xuanjing didn't beat around the bush and simply stated his purpose: "The Great Ming will dispatch troops outside the border, eliminate the remnants of the Former Yuan, and incorporate the border into its territory; your help is needed."
Just as expected!
Upon hearing Pei Xuanjing's words, everyone present had the same thought.
Like Xue Wuheng's preparedness, those who managed to come here had already planned ahead for this matter.
Originally, they thought this matter would be the main purpose, but they were enthralled by the Divine Dynasty Plan proposed by Pei Xuanjing.
"The conquest outside the border, it wouldn't be to seize the Former Yuan's Primordial Qi in preparation for the Divine Dynasty Plan?"
The people present were far from foolish; originally, they believed it to be a simple territorial expansion and wondered why the Taoist School was so keen on it.
Now, with Pei Xuanjing's mention of the Divine Dynasty Plan, the answer became clearer.
"Indeed!" Pei Xuanjing did not hide the truth.
This matter can't be concealed.
Since it can't be concealed, it's better to announce it boldly, which will demonstrate his stance.
Zhu Yousong, the prince of Xiang, who was by the side, timely spoke: "The imperial court has already prepared to send a million troops out of the border to complete the unfulfilled ambitions of the former emperors. However, the expenditure of conducting such a campaign with a large army is massive..."
He didn't finish his sentence, but the people present understood.
The resources consumed by a million strong military expedition is an astronomical figure. Even the Great Ming Empire was likely not able to sustain it for long.
However, the conquest outside the border is not just a simple military victory. It also requires garrisoning troops to completely assimilate the new territory, which would need a vast amount of resources and a sufficient number of experts to suppress various factions. Even the Great Ming imperial court would find it difficult to sustain, despite over a decade of preparation.
Therefore, Prince Xiang's implication was clear; they needed these powerful factions to contribute resources and dispatch experts along with the army.
After all, the forces currently present, excluding the newly risen Tie Sect of Tie Qianshan and Zi Tianxiong's Heavenly King's Pavilion, were all deeply rooted, with immeasurable accumulation. Even the just reestablished Shenxiao Sect, if it opened up the reserves left from its former glory, would surpass many larger forces.
With their support, there would be no worries about rear threats.
In line with the plan which had been agreed upon, Zhu Yousong reassured, "Rest assured, everyone. The imperial court will certainly not treat you unjustly. If the remnants of the Former Yuan can be completely eliminated, the imperial court will allocate a prefecture territory to each of you."
What!
The people present were all shocked.
Even if they had some influence over provincial governance in the Central Plains, it was only in secrecy. No one dared to control it publicly, for that would signify rebellion.
But owning a prefecture in the region outside the border implied something quite tempting. It was equivalent to a special form of fiefdom, where they could control an entire prefecture.
Even though the regions outside the border may not be as bountiful as the Central Plains, after the revival of Heaven and Earth, the spiritual medicines and curiosities produced there might not be inferior to those of the Central Plains.
Plus, being able to command a prefecture would undoubtedly be a great advantage for any faction.
Upon hearing this condition, even the two monks of the Buddhism School couldn't help but be tempted.
After all, the Buddhism School advocates for all sentient beings and thrives on the contributions and prayers of numerous followers.
But in the Central Plains, various factions, influenced by the former dominance of the Buddhism School, have covertly oppressed it, hindering the expansion of the Buddhism School.
Now, having the opportunity to break out and expand their influence would undoubtedly be an excellent chance for them.
"Is Your Highness serious about this claim!"
First to ask were the elders of the alliance of powerful families.
Heh,heh.
Seeing the attitudes of these few, the others chuckled to themselves.
Sure enough, these gentry had the heaviest ambitions for power. These gentry families, which have been passed down for thousands of years, place more value on these things than the rest.
Indeed, they are a bunch of ambitious guys.
Prince Xiang, Zhu Yousong, cursed in his heart but maintained a smiling face and nodded, "Certainly! This matter has been confirmed by the emperor and the elders in the court. A imperial decree will be issued on the day of the expedition, proclaiming to the world!"