John Adams summoned his three sons, but did not immediately state the reason. Instead, he sat upright on the dragon throne, pondering for a long while, leaving the three of them deeply puzzled.

“Three princes,” John Adams finally spoke: “What do you think of the current... state of the world?”

Jessica Bolton and Ethan Smith were both startled, knowing that John Adams’s question was by no means without purpose. Neither dared to answer right away, silently contemplating. Ryan Smith, not thinking as much, saw the other two remain silent and thought this was his chance to shine. He quickly said, “Now that the rebellion has been quelled, all the vassals have submitted, and the people everywhere praise Father’s benevolence. I believe that under Father’s rule, the glorious era of Wu Ding will surely be restored…”

Ryan Smith lavishly praised the emperor’s virtues, then looked smugly at his eldest and youngest brothers, who “didn’t have time” to answer, ready to receive his father’s praise. Unexpectedly, John Adams did not look pleased as he had imagined; instead, his brows furrowed tightly, and he remained silent. Sensing the mood, Ryan Smith realized he had said something wrong, lowered his head, and dared not speak further. Seeing John Adams’s reaction, Ethan Smith became even more cautious. Jessica Bolton also did not speak rashly, thinking and quietly analyzing the intent behind John Adams’s question.

After a long silence, Ethan Smith finally broke the tense atmosphere: “Father, I believe that what my second brother just said is not wrong. Your majesty’s virtue is unparalleled, and all the people sincerely submit to your rule…”

Catching a glimpse of John Adams’s still tightly knit brows, Ethan Smith immediately stopped his praise and changed his tone: “However, at present, there are the Quanrong in the west and the Dongyi in the east, who frequently harass our Shang people. Among the vassals, there are also a few black sheep with ulterior motives. We must not let our guard down.”

“What you say is reasonable.” John Adams nodded slightly and asked, “Then in your opinion, how can I rest easy and be free from worry?”

Jessica Bolton quietly observed John Adams’s expression and noticed that although he looked approving, the worry in his eyes had not lessened in the slightest. At that moment, a thought flashed through his mind, and he became even more certain of his own view.

Chapter Eight: Discussion of Power in Zhaoxuan Hall! Outwitting Others Is My Strength

Ethan Smith, seeing his father affirm his words, grew bolder and continued, “Though the eight hundred vassals are of mixed quality, fortunately the vast majority remain loyal to our dynasty, especially the four great vassals—Eastern Marquis Jiang Huanchu, Southern Marquis E Chongyu, Western Marquis Ji Chang, and Northern Marquis Chong Houhu. Each is steadfastly loyal and can be a strong support for Father. These four great vassals each command two hundred vassals, governing them separately. Eastern Marquis Jiang Huanchu and Western Marquis Ji Chang can also lead the eastern and western vassals to resist the Dongyi and Quanrong. In this way, Father can reside peacefully in Meiyi, widely practice benevolence, and enjoy a prosperous and peaceful era.”

After Ethan Smith finished, he saw a smile appear on John Adams’s face and was secretly delighted, but then a cold laugh came from the side: “Eldest brother, what a ‘brilliant plan’! If we follow your advice, it would be nothing short of digging our own grave—utterly ridiculous!”

“Third brother! You…” Ethan Smith’s face flushed red with anger at being openly mocked by his younger brother in front of their father, and for a moment he was too furious to speak.

“Xin’er! How can you be so rude!” John Adams rebuked Jessica Bolton: “If you have an opinion, speak it yourself!”

Jessica Bolton replied solemnly, “I believe that the greatest threat to Shang at present is not external, but internal!”

John Adams’s thick brows rose, a sharp glint flashing quickly in his eyes, but on the surface he remained calm and asked, “What do you mean by that?”

“What I mean by ‘internal threat’ is precisely the eight hundred vassals scattered across the land!” Jessica Bolton’s gaze was sharp, and seeing that John Adams seemed somewhat moved, he no longer cared about making a shocking statement and continued, “Although the various vassals outwardly submit, they each harbor their own intentions in secret, especially the four great vassals with the most power. If we follow eldest brother’s plan and let them grow unchecked, wouldn’t that be handing over our lives and the Shang dynasty itself to others? If they ever rebel, the consequences would be unimaginable!”

“How dare you, third brother! Spreading alarmist talk and slandering the loyal!” Ethan Smith loudly interrupted Jessica Bolton: “The four great vassals are loyal and true, as clear as the sun and moon! Not to mention that the Eastern Marquis is even your father-in-law, and both the Southern and Northern Marquises are loyal to the country. As for Western Marquis Ji Chang, he is a virtuous gentleman, renowned as a sage. He once married Father’s sister by the Wei River, becoming famous throughout the land. How could you accuse him of rebellion?”

“Hmph! I fear that Xiqi is actually the greatest hidden danger to our Shang! Even if the ‘loyal subject’ Ji Chang does not rebel now, who can guarantee that his descendants will remain loyal to Shang? If even the so-called ‘sage’ is like this, what about the other vassals?” Jessica Bolton knew better than anyone here that, whether in history or in fiction, the Shang dynasty’s end always came at the hands of Ji Chang’s son, Ji Fa: “If we remain oblivious, there will surely come a time when the vassals no longer respect the Son of Heaven and each act as their own master. The result will inevitably be a divided land, a broken nation, and ruined families!”

“Unfilial son, silence!” John Adams roared in anger, clutching his chest in pain, nearly unable to breathe—clearly his old chest ailment had flared up again. Ethan Smith and Ryan Smith hurriedly knelt to the ground, not daring to look up, while Jessica Bolton continued to gaze calmly at his furious father.

Ethan Smith and Ryan Smith, seeing John Adams rebuke Jessica Bolton, were secretly delighted. Earlier in the day, they had worried about their younger brother’s impressive performance, but now, to their surprise, he had acted so recklessly at night, provoking their father’s true anger.