Qin Renhuang just became an immortal, and you told me this is the prehistoric time

"All officials, enter the court!"

A long, drawn-out chant rang out.

The civil and military officials, who had been waiting outside the hall, were dressed in brand-new court robes and solemnly entered in single file according to their rank.

Grand Secretary Wang Guan, Grand Secretary Wang Jian, the six ministers, vice ministers of various ministries, and generals of various armies... all gathered together, arranged in two rows.

Everyone's face was solemn and expectant. This was His Majesty's second grand court session since ascending the throne, and it was of extraordinary significance!

Ying Xuan, dressed in a black imperial robe and wearing a twelve-tassel crown, sat on the dragon throne atop the nine-tiered imperial steps.

His gaze was calm as he swept over the assembled officials standing below, an invisible pressure enveloping the entire hall and inspiring awe in all who beheld him.

"Gentlemen, I have something to report."

Ying Xuan's voice was not loud, but it clearly reached everyone's ears, carrying a sense of authority.

Grand Secretary Wang Guan, holding a jade tablet, stepped forward first and bowed as he addressed the assembly.

"Your Majesty! The Cabinet has drafted a list of 375 officials who have surrendered to the Song Dynasty for resettlement."

Your Majesty, we have decided that these demoted officials will be assigned to various prefectures and counties to serve as deputy prefectural assistants, county assistants, and registrars, assisting in government affairs and familiarizing themselves with the laws and political system of our Great Qin. They will be promoted after gaining sufficient experience. We respectfully request Your Majesty's review.

A palace attendant immediately stepped forward, took the list from Wang Guan's hand, and respectfully presented it to the emperor's desk.

Ying Xuan glanced at the roster and nodded slightly.

"Granted. The demoted officials shall be placed under observation to determine their future conduct. The Cabinet shall strictly supervise them, and any who are negligent, derelict in their duties, or harbor disloyal intentions shall be severely punished without leniency."

"The minister obeys the order!"

Wang Guan bowed and withdrew.

Immediately afterwards, Grand Secretary Wang Jian stepped forward, his voice booming like a bell.

"Your Majesty, the Military Council has drafted a list of honors and rewards for the Imperial Guards who have rendered meritorious service in the campaigns against the Song Dynasty! We request Your Majesty's review!"

He presented a thick scroll with both hands. The eunuch stepped forward again to take it.

Wang Jian reported this in a loud voice.

"In this battle, the Imperial Guards fought valiantly and displayed the might of our nation! The Military Council has decided that General Qi Jiguang, who led the army with skill and skill, captured cities and strongholds, and made great contributions, shall be granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Households, and be awarded ten thousand taels of gold and a thousand bolts of brocade!"

"General Han Xin of the Left, with his extraordinary troops, made a surprise attack, captured enemy generals and flags, and achieved remarkable feats. He was granted the title of Marquis of Five Thousand Households, and was awarded five thousand taels of gold and five hundred bolts of brocade!"

"General Lü Ze of the Right has made invaluable contributions in safeguarding the rear and ensuring the supply lines. He is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Five Thousand Households, and awarded with five thousand taels of gold and five hundred bolts of brocade!"

"In addition, fifteen marquises of a thousand households were awarded a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of brocade! The other officers, soldiers and officers of all ranks were promoted in rank and position according to their military merits, and were rewarded with gold, silver, cloth and houses of varying amounts! The total list of those awarded is in the register!"

Wang Jian's voice was strong and clear. Every name and every honor represented supreme glory and tangible benefits!
Among the military officers in the hall, Qi Jiguang, Han Xin, Lü Ze, and others whose names were called out tried their best to remain solemn, but their eyes could not hide their excitement.

The other generals also stood up straight, feeling proud as well.

Ying Xuan flipped through the roster, his eyes quickly scanning it.

The military cabinet's reward scheme was well-considered and clearly distinguished between rewards and punishments, which not only highlighted the glory of military achievements but also did not overstep the bounds of the system.

He closed the booklet and said in a deep voice.

"The rewards and honors proposed by the Military Council are very much to my liking. Approved! Promulgate them immediately!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"

Wang Jian and the generals behind him expressed their gratitude in unison, their voices resounding throughout the palace.

With the rewards and honors decided, the atmosphere in the hall eased slightly. Just then, a somewhat cold voice rang out.

"Start your Majesty!"

The Minister of Personnel stepped forward, holding a jade tablet, his face filled with worry.

"Your Majesty, I have a report to submit! Recently, many officials from various prefectures and counties have reported that there are many conflicts between the newly settled Song Dynasty officials who have surrendered and the local officials. The surrendered officials are arrogant and look down on the officials of our Qin region because of their talents and learning."

Local officials, however, criticized the demoted officials for being incompetent and engaging in empty talk that hindered progress. The two sides remained deadlocked, significantly obstructing the implementation of government affairs. If this continues, it will likely be detrimental to the nation! We humbly request Your Majesty's wise decision!

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall immediately became subtle.

Among the civil officials, many wore worried expressions, clearly sharing the same sentiment. The military officers, on the other hand, mostly remained indifferent, observing the situation with detached indifference.

Ying Xuan's gaze turned slightly cold as he swept it across the area below.

He naturally understood the key to it.

Song Dynasty officials, especially those civil officials who came from the imperial examination system, had a high opinion of themselves and looked down on the "vulgar" officials in Qin who were mostly promoted through military merit or clerkship.

The officials in Qin, on the other hand, deeply resented the bossy and out-of-touch behavior of these "outsiders."

Conflict is almost inevitable.

"Humph!"

Ying Xuan snorted coldly. His voice wasn't loud, but it made the temperature in the entire hall drop a few degrees.

"Disagreements? Disputes? I sent them to their posts to get things done, not to argue or debate who is superior or inferior!"

His gaze was like lightning, sweeping over the Minister of Personnel, over Wang Guan, and over all the civil and military officials.

"Issue my decree! Prefects and magistrates in all regions must strictly control the officials who have been demoted! The duties of demoted officials are to familiarize themselves with Qin laws, learn practical skills, and assist in government affairs!"
Anyone who disobeys orders, acts arrogantly, or instigates disputes, regardless of their talent or ability, will be dismissed and never re-employed! Local officials must also set aside their sectarian biases and diligently guide their subordinates; those who dare to outwardly comply but inwardly defy or deliberately create difficulties will be severely punished!

"The Cabinet, the Ministry of Personnel, and the Censorate!"

Ying Xuan's voice suddenly rose.

"You must immediately dispatch imperial inspectors to various regions to thoroughly investigate such incidents! Any official who neglects public duty for personal reasons or delays government affairs, regardless of whether they are demoted, a local official, or of rank, shall be severely punished according to the law!"
What I need are officials who can get things done, not a bunch of useless people who only know how to fight for power and talk big!

"I will obey your orders!"

Wang Guan, the Minister of Personnel, and the Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate hurriedly stepped forward, bowed, and accepted the order, cold sweat beading on their foreheads. His Majesty was clearly extremely displeased with this matter and was genuinely angry.

Ying Xuan's gaze finally landed on Wang Jian.

"Military Pavilion".

"Chen is here!"

Wang Jian solemnly replied.

"How is the reorganization of the new army progressing?"

"Your Majesty! The 300,000 Imperial Guards in the capital have been reorganized! The 200,000 troops stationed in Xuzhou are on their way! The rotation of troops in various prefectures and counties has been basically completed! The newly recruited garrison troops have also been dispatched to various fields and new territories!"

"good."

Ying Xuan nodded slightly.

"Order all armies to strengthen their troops and train rigorously! I will soon have someone important to employ!"

"The minister obeys the order!"

A glint flashed in Wang Jian's eyes, and he clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.

The grand court session continued in a somber and solemn atmosphere.

One after another, decrees concerning the operation of the empire were discussed and decided.

Outside the palace, within the area enveloped by the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Formation, time quietly passed, and a transformation concerning the future was silently underway. In the imperial court, Ying Xuan's gaze swept over the assembled officials with their varied expressions, lingering for a moment on the calm, sharp-eyed Level One Life Generals before he slowly spoke.

"The Demon Refining Tower tempers the soul and enhances aptitude; it is the foundation of the empire. The rewards for the meritorious soldiers who have returned from this campaign have already been decided. However, I believe that entering the tower for tempering is also a generous reward. Are you all willing to enter the tower and give it your all?"

Upon hearing this, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly froze!
Immediately, an irrepressible, burning anticipation ignited in the eyes of the vast majority of ministers!

Those civil and military officials who had not yet broken through to the first level of life were especially short of breath!

The Demon Refining Tower! It's an unparalleled opportunity for transformation and unleashing one's potential! More enticing than gold or silver titles!

"We, your subjects, could not have asked for this more than we could!"

Led by military generals such as Wang Jian and Han Xin, many ministers responded in unison, their voices filled with excitement.

"good."

Ying Xuan nodded.

"After the court session, anyone who wishes to enter the tower may proceed. The tower is dangerous; proceed only if you are capable."

"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your kindness!"

The courtiers once again expressed their gratitude, and many of them already showed signs of impatience.

The rewards and honors were decided, and the court session continued.

Fan Zeng, the Left Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, stepped forward solemnly, holding a jade tablet.

"Your Majesty! The Censorate, acting on imperial orders, has conducted a thorough investigation into official misconduct throughout the country. After three months, it has uncovered 3,764 officials who have been found guilty of corruption, dereliction of duty, and embezzlement. The evidence is conclusive, and all have been transferred to the Ministry of Justice for prosecution according to the law!"

Ying Xuan's gaze turned slightly cold.

"Strictly punish them according to the law, as a warning to others."

Minister of Justice Li Si immediately stepped forward and bowed.

"Your Majesty! The Ministry of Justice has received the criminals transferred by the Censorate. To prevent them from occupying prisons and wasting resources, and given the severity of their crimes, I have, in accordance with Your Majesty's previous decree, sent all 3,764 convicted officials to the second level of the Demon Refining Tower!"

He paused and added.

"To reduce the risk of casualties when they enter the tower, I have ordered people to implant the ideas of 'atonement' and 'purification' into them in advance, guiding their hearts toward good thoughts, in order to increase the possibility of them completing the tasks inside the tower and purifying their souls."

Ying Xuan nodded slightly.

"Well done. The Demon Refining Tower is also a place of punishment. It tempers the soul with sins and eliminates karmic obstacles through missions. Good."

Having dealt with the criminal matters, Zhang Juzheng, the Second Grand Secretary, stepped forward, holding a thick scroll, and spoke in a loud voice.

"Your Majesty! After a year of work, the new edition of the Qin Code has been completed. The cabinet, the Ministry of Justice, and the Court of Judicial Review, together with officials from the former Song, Ming, and Tang dynasties who are well-versed in the law, have repeatedly proofread, added to, deleted from, and revised it!"
This law, integrating the strengths of laws from various dynasties and discarding the dross, is more in line with the vast territory of our Great Qin and the hearts of its people! Your Majesty, please review it!

The eunuch hurriedly stepped forward, took the huge book that symbolized the foundation of the empire's laws, and respectfully presented it to the emperor's desk.

Ying Xuan did not open the book, but instead looked at Zhang Juzheng with approval.

"Minister Zhang has devoted himself to the revision of the law, and his efforts have benefited the nation. I trust your abilities. This law is excellent."

His gaze turned to the Director of the Imperial Household Department.

"Minister of the Imperial Household, listen to my command! Immediately mobilize all printing artisans to work day and night to print the new edition of the 'Great Qin Law'! Make sure to print one million copies in the shortest possible time and distribute them to all prefectures, counties, townships, and villages of the empire!"

Officials at all levels must thoroughly study the law and act accordingly! Any official who dares to abuse their power, bend the law, or misinterpret the law will be severely punished!

"The minister obeys the order!"

The Director of the Imperial Household Department immediately accepted the order.

"I will obey your orders!"

The assembled officials in the hall responded in unison.

Amidst the resounding responses, Ying Xuan keenly detected subtle emotional fluctuations.

The former Ming officials who had surrendered, led by Zhang Juzheng, could not hide their excitement and pride. The Emperor's trust and affirmation of Zhang Juzheng made them feel honored.

The former Song officials who surrendered and the local officials in Qin mostly remained calm, or even silent, clearly harboring doubts or resentment about the new law, which was revised under the leadership of former Ming officials.

Ying Xuan understood.

This factional division, which naturally formed based on birth and dynasty, was the result of his deliberate guidance.

The way of emperors lies in balance.

Only with numerous factions and mutual checks and balances can he, as the emperor who acts as the impartial arbiter, more firmly control the court.

"Retreat!"

Ying Xuan's voice resounded throughout the hall.

"Your Majesty, we respectfully bid you farewell! Long live Your Majesty! Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

The officials bowed in respect.

After the ceremony, most of the ministers did not leave immediately.

They either stood inside the hall, lingered in the square outside, or even found a quiet corner to sit cross-legged.

The reason is simple: the spiritual energy within the palace, especially near the Xuanzheng Hall, is far richer and purer than that outside!

One day of cultivation here is equivalent to several days of practice outside! Who would be willing to leave such a precious place so easily?

Ying Xuan was fully aware of this, but he didn't point it out. With a flash, he left Xuanzheng Hall and appeared in front of the towering, golden Demon Refining Tower.

He did not immediately enter the tower, but instead communicated with the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Formation in his mind.

At the core of the grand formation, a vast, complex torrent of energy, containing countless chaotic thoughts and negative emotions, was being bound and compressed by the power of the formation.

These are the incense offerings and distracting thoughts that have been absorbed and accumulated from various places since the great formation began to operate!

Most of them came from ordinary people in the Song Dynasty who were bewitched and fanatical in their beliefs. Although they had many distracting thoughts, they were relatively simple and easy to purify.

However, a considerable portion of them have extremely unusual and troublesome origins!
Part of it originated from the Taoist priests in the Song Dynasty who practiced Taoist magic and were proficient in talismans!

Their beliefs are mixed with an obsession with the power of Taoism, a desire for immortality, and a rejection of heretical beliefs. These impure thoughts have the characteristic of backlash from Taoism, making them extremely difficult to eradicate!

The other part was even more ferocious! Those were the wicked thoughts of the imperial henchmen, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot!

They have killed countless people, carried out the darkest missions, and their hearts are filled with ruthlessness, suspicion, violence, and an extreme thirst for power!
Their wicked thoughts are like poisoned daggers—insidious, stubborn, and full of destructive power!
These distracting thoughts, like filthy silt, settled at the core of the great formation.

Although it is temporarily unable to cause trouble under the suppression of the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Formation, the sheer size and stubborn nature of its negative energy make even Ying Xuan unwilling to easily touch or purify it with his own primordial spirit.

If one is not careful, one may get burned, or even have one's mind and spirit corrupted.

"Demon Refining Tower...it's time for you to have a good meal."

Ying Xuan's gaze was calm as he raised his hand and pointed!
At the core of the Heavenly Gang and Earthly Fiends Formation, the massive torrent of incense and distracting thoughts that had been bound was forcibly drawn out by an invisible force and transformed into a thick black pillar of light, rolling with countless twisted faces and venomous howls, which crashed into the second level of the Demon Refining Tower!

The Demon Refining Tower trembled violently! Its body shone with golden light!

On the second floor of the tower wall, countless runes flashed wildly, greedily devouring this special "nourishment" containing the backlash of Taoist magic and the fierce and malevolent aura of the inner guard!
The space inside the tower was instantly filled with a dense, chilling negative energy!

Ying Xuan probed into the tower with his divine sense, feeling the chaotic and fierce energy being diverted, suppressed, and guided by the rules within the tower to form more bizarre and dangerous "mission" scenarios.

He frowned slightly. (End of Chapter)