The princess continued with confidence: “The abdication of the Divine King and the emperor is a way to sharpen the young generation, taking advantage of the chaos, a way to select the most excellent successors. Only the descendants up to the task would be qualified to lead Jin. Only someone who could suppress all the other rebellers would win the heart of the people and become a true conqueror.”

“The dynasty has enjoyed peace for too long. The nobles here are extravagant and decadent. The clans are influential, all working for their own interest.”

“Let’s talk about the four great clans. The Beiming has the most authority with deep roots and members all around the dynasties. It has eight prefectures and more than ten thousand cities, countless cantons. Yes, too many to count, so they have relationships everywhere. Some heretical sects have to give them face too before establishing another branch for recruitment.”

“Just this clan alone controls thirty percent of the court, or rather, thirty percent of the...