World's First Traitor System (453)

Chapter 453 - A Name on the List

Three months later, the Investiture Platform was completed as scheduled.

To the direct north of Jin City lay the Imperial Palace. To the direct south stood the Investiture Platform.

This platform rose a thousand feet high, covered an area of three miles, and was built upon a foundation of white jade stone. It soared from the earth as if piercing the clouds. The Investiture Platform had two thousand steps.

If one stood on the first step and looked up, the feeling was akin to ascending a ladder to the heavens.

Atop the Investiture Platform rested a stele and an altar. The divine stele bore no characters, yet it seemed capable of holding a thousand words, ten thousand phrases. The divine altar was ancient and solemn, divided into the black and white colors of yin and yang. It was carved with the eight trigram directions, marked the twelve solar terms, bore the thirty-six Heavenly Spirits and seventy-two Earthly Fiends, and depicted the three hundred and sixty-five stars of the celestial map.

Immeasurably vast! Profoundly mysterious! It resonated remotely with Heaven and Earth!

"Ooommmmmmmmm!"

A long, deep chime echoed.

The eunuch Qin Shun announced clearly, "The Son of Heaven of Great Jin, please ascend the Investiture Platform, worship Heaven and Earth, and proclaim your decree to the myriad people."

Fan Li wore the five-clawed golden dragon robe and the twelve-tasseled imperial crown; his imperial majesty was such that none dared look directly at him. At this moment, he cast aside all distracting thoughts, remembering only his sole identity: Emperor of Great Jin!

One step. Two steps. Three steps.

Fan Li's steps were steady; climbing the two thousand steps felt like walking on level ground! A wondrous, indescribable feeling arose spontaneously within him! As he was about to take the final step, he felt as if he were ascending to the immortal realm, the vault of heaven within reach.

But upon truly reaching the summit of the Investiture Platform, the heavens remained high above, distant and unattainable. The vast distance of the firmament made mortals seem as insignificant as ants. The vagueness of the Heavenly Dao made even cultivators as humble as dust!

In this instant, Fan Li sensed the gap between humanity and Heaven. He opened his mouth subconsciously, without needing any thought.

"Fan Li of Great Jin hereby informs Heaven."

"Since the founding of Great Jin, we have built cities, promoted culture and martial arts, increased the populace, and established myriad industries."

"Now, after more than ten years, we have gradually taken shape and possess the foundation of a fortune dynasty."

"Therefore, following the Heavenly Dao, we establish the Investiture Platform, not for private gain, but because Great Jin's national fortune is destined to rise, and Fan Li must rightfully assume this responsibility!"

"These sincere words are witnessed by the sun, moon, and stars."

"Heavenly Dao above, from this day forth, the Great Jin Investiture Platform rises!"

Fan Li did not possess Great Vehicle realm cultivation. But at this moment, even Fan Li himself hadn't expected his voice to actually spread throughout the territory of Great Jin, echoing endlessly above Jin City and Five Stars City especially! Hearing this, the subjects of Great Jin felt their hearts surge. Some even knelt down immediately, praying for Great Jin's fortune and for Fan Li!

A beam of golden light descended from the sky, landing squarely on Fan Li! At first, he didn't understand, but in the next second, he felt the Investiture Platform seemed to possess a divine nature. And he himself had actually gained absolute control over the Investiture Platform.

"It's done!" In just that instant, Fan Li confirmed he now possessed the same ability Emperor Jiajing had on the island: the power to erase names from the Investiture Platform at will.

“Ding!”

“The Emperor's Staircase has detected and confirmed the host's control over the Investiture Platform. Imperial power strengthened, meeting reward criteria.”

“Congratulations to the host, your realm has been increased by one stage.”

“Current cultivation: Unity Realm, Second Stage.”

An unexpected joy, yet logical; Fan Li did not lose his composure over this small gain. He turned, looking down at the crowd below the Investiture Platform.

"Esteemed ministers, ascend the platform and witness the splendor of Great Jin's Investiture Platform!"

"Yes, your subjects obey the decree!"

Fan Li's earlier prayer and the mysterious golden light descending from the sky had already awed the civil and military officials. Thus, led by Empress Lu Fubao, the officials stepped onto the stairs and ascended the platform. The summit of the Investiture Platform was wide; even with the addition of over a hundred people now, it did not feel crowded.

"Esteemed ministers."

"I have stated before, on the day the Investiture Platform is completed, all subjects of Great Jin may be added to the list, but it is entirely voluntary. I will absolutely not force anyone." After speaking, Fan Li stood silently, saying no more.

Among the civil and military officials of Great Jin, who should be the first to join the list? The elites of the five great families and the Confucian cultivators from Lu City hesitated inwardly, having not even decided if they wanted to join, let alone vie for the first spot.

"Heavenly Dao above."

Suddenly, someone spoke. The voice was gentle, sweet, and possessed a graceful, noble bearing – it was Empress Lu Fubao.

"Your subject, Lu Fubao, Empress of Great Jin, wishes to share Great Jin's fortunes and misfortunes in this life and voluntarily requests to be added to the list."

As Lu Fubao's voice fell, a thread of spiritual energy transformed into a golden line, flying from between her brows and entering the wordless divine stele. In the next instant, golden characters appeared on the divine stele. "Empress, Lu Fubao." The golden characters vanished in a flash, but the officials saw them clearly.

Lu Fubao's expression remained normal, her pretty face holding a sweet smile as she gently stood beside Fan Li. Only, she whispered very softly to him, "Husband, whether in heaven or on earth, Fubao wants to follow you forever."

Fan Li nodded. "Husband and wife share one heart."

Among the officials, Wang Ban and Hu Zongxian exchanged a glance. Wang Ban wished to yield to Hu Zongxian, but Hu Zongxian, considering the Prime Minister the head of officials, was unwilling to go before Wang Ban. As the two deferred to each other with their eyes, another clear, slightly reserved voice sounded.

"Heavenly Dao above, Qing Qiu requests entry onto the Great Jin Investiture of the Gods."

Qing Qiu was different from Lu Fubao. Her temperament was reserved; even having the reality of marriage with Fan Li, she had never thought about titles. Whether the great position of Empress or imperial concubine, such concepts had never entered Qing Qiu's mind. Living in the Great Jin Imperial Palace for ten years, for Qing Qiu, was no different from living in a farmer's small courtyard. Besides quiet cultivation, she would actively seek Fan Li when she missed him or wait for him to find her.

As Qing Qiu's voice fell, similarly, a thread of spiritual energy transformed into golden light, flying from between her brows into the divine stele. However, the characters that appeared on the stele startled everyone, including Fan Li. "Empress, Qing Qiu."

Fan Li had previously wrestled with this. He now had several women but didn't know what titles to give them. Lu Fubao was already the Empress; if the others were concubines, wouldn't they be a rank lower than Lu Fubao? Fan Li wanted to treat them equally but didn't know how. He hadn't realized that this worry in his heart was actually seen clearly by both Lu Fubao and Qing Qiu. As a result, Lu Fubao never put on airs as Empress in the palace, and Qing Qiu never requested a title. The two women got along harmoniously; it was Fan Li who was slow to understand.

"Husband, the Heavenly Dao permits you more than one Empress," Lu Fubao whispered to Fan Li. "Can Husband rest assured now?"

Fan Li's face flushed red. So his thoughts had long been seen through by his wives? "Ahem! When was I ever not assured?" Fan Li stubbornly refused to admit it.

However, Wang Ban, Hu Zongxian, and the other officials, quick-witted, immediately knelt down in unison, saying, "Your subjects pay respects to Her Majesty the Empress."

Seeing the officials kneeling to her, Qing Qiu's face flushed slightly. She was clearly unaccustomed to the change in status and didn't know how to handle it. Decisively, Qing Qiu turned and nimbly hid behind Fan Li. "I... already gave myself to you long ago," Qing Qiu whispered. "You handle it; I don't understand these things."

Seeing her like this, Fan Li's mood lifted considerably. "Ahem! Her Majesty the Empress says, esteemed ministers, you may rise."

Everyone present was intelligent and immediately chorused, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Once the officials had risen, Hu Zongxian voluntarily took a step back, acknowledging the Prime Minister as the head of officials. Wang Ban no longer deferred. But just as he was about to speak, someone else spoke first.

"Heavenly Dao above. Grand Princess Fan Yuehua of Great Jin, voluntarily requests to be added to the list."

Princess was not a title exclusive to the Emperor's daughter; the Emperor's sister was also a princess. Especially Fan Yuehua, as Fan Li's only blood sister, she was undoubtedly the Grand Princess of Great Jin, just like Liu Piao, sister of Emperor Jing of the Western Han, who was enfeoffed as Princess Guantao, also known as Grand Princess Guantao. Quickly, the golden characters  representing Grand Princess Fan Yuehua appeared on the divine stele.

Fan Yuehua floated gracefully to Fan Li's side, playfully sticking her tongue out at him, yet also showing an expression of trying to curry favor. Fan Li shot his sister an exasperated glance. This girl, clearly still hadn't found a suitable husband, yet feared Fan Li would send her back to Chu, hence her proactive request to join the list.

Two Empresses and one Grand Princess were not enough to serve as exemplars for the officials. After all, they were Fan Li's closest kin. The elites of the five great families and the Confucian scholars from Lu City were mostly unwilling to join the list in their hearts, reluctant to entrust the power of life and death to Fan Li.

"Prime Minister Wang Ban of Great Jin, voluntarily requests to be added to the list."

"Grand Marshal Hu Zongxian of Great Jin, voluntarily requests to be added to the list."

Suddenly! The two highest-ranking officials with the highest cultivation, one after the other, added their names to the divine stele.

Those mid-to-low-ranking officials whose cultivation was only at the Divine Transformation realm, or even Nascent Soul, couldn't help but feel awkward.

Great Vehicle realm powerhouses trusted the monarch enough to entrust their lives. What right did they have to hesitate like this? Could His Majesty have gone to such great lengths just to gain the power of life and death over a group of weaklings like us?

"Grand Minister of Agriculture Huang Longshi, voluntarily requests to be added to the list!"

"Head of the Imperial Hospital Yu Shenzi, voluntarily requests to be added to the list!"

"Head of the Censorate Jing Wudi, voluntarily requests to be added to the list!"

Another three joined the list successively. Huang Longshi, the contemporary Chess Saint, unparalleled in the art of Go. Yu Shenzi, a Great Vehicle realm medical cultivator, likely the foremost medical practitioner of the current era. Jing Wudi, peak ninth stage Unity realm, who had recently slain Sage Ruler Miaoyin of the Great Ci Dynasty, despite the difference in realms.

The officials suddenly realized that His Majesty's earliest core team when founding the Great Jin Dynasty were, without exception, utterly loyal subjects. They could all entrust their lives to His Majesty without the slightest hesitation! What should they themselves do?

Some who were willing to join hesitated because their cultivation and rank were too low, not daring to speak before their superiors. Yet their superiors were often cautious, still lacking absolute confidence in Fan Li and the Great Jin Dynasty. On the Investiture Platform, the atmosphere seemed to freeze.

"Is it only them?"

Fan Li felt somewhat disappointed in his heart. But he also understood. Today's event was like a corporate job fair. Although the Great Jin Dynasty was thriving, it ultimately lacked the deep-rooted recognition of older dynasties. To put it more plainly, Great Jin wasn't yet a Fortune 500 company; it couldn't easily recruit top graduates from elite universities.

"Sigh… Forging iron indeed requires one's own strength." With a trace of regret, Fan Li prepared to conclude this first 'corporate recruitment drive.'

Suddenly! An exquisitely beautiful figure ascended the two thousand steps, bypassed the officials, and stopped before the divine stele.

"Heavenly Dao above! Princess Ping An Diao Chan of Great Jin, voluntarily requests to be added to the list."

Spiritual energy flew from the young woman's brow, transforming into a golden thread that entered the divine stele. In the next moment, the stele bore the words: Princess Ping An, Diao Chan.

"Chan'er!?"

Lu Fubao, usually dignified and composed, was overcome with joy upon seeing the newcomer, momentarily forgetting her empress demeanor.

The officials were also startled! Princess Ping An? Diao Chan? It was an extremely unfamiliar name because Diao Chan had been taken to Lu City by Lu Chunqiu ten years ago. In the eyes of Great Jin's civil and military officials, she was a completely overlooked figure. Her sudden appearance on the Investiture Platform even made some worry it was an assassination attempt.

"Chan'er pays respects to Father Emperor, Mother Empress." Diao Chan moved with graceful lotus steps before Fan Li and Lu Fubao, bowing elegantly.

Fan Li froze for a moment. Because the woman before him looked exactly like the devastatingly beautiful Diao Chan he had seen in Chang'an of Great Han back then.

Indeed, they were the same person. Slightly different, the current Diao Chan, though beautiful, still had a trace of childishness in her features. More importantly, the seductive allure of her previous life was entirely gone, replaced by a noble, untainted purity in her eyes.

Their eyes met. Fan Li noticed a trace of fear hidden in Diao Chan's eyes. What was she afraid of? The thought flashed past, and Fan Li understood. What else could it be? Likely, in Diao Chan's heart, she still feared he wouldn't accept her. A 'daughter' with no blood relation, whose origins were difficult to explain?

"Chan'er," Fan Li spoke softly.

"Father Emperor?" Diao Chan cautiously looked up, her voice trembling almost imperceptibly.

Fan Li opened his hand, slowly extending it before Diao Chan. Resting on his palm was something that looked dirty – it was actually a crudely shaped clay figure. But Diao Chan recognized the little clay figure at a glance. Her eyes widened as she looked incredulously from Fan Li to the figure. That was clearly the gift she had given her 'Daddy' ten years ago!

"Daddy promised he would never forget Chan'er," Fan Li said gently.

"Daddy!!!" Diao Chan finally broke down. Tears spilled from her beautiful eyes, and disregarding all etiquette and decorum, she threw herself directly into Fan Li's embrace. The barrier created by ten years of separation between father and daughter vanished instantly.

"Waaah~!!!!" Diao Chan cried louder and louder, losing all trace of the peerless beauty's grace, appearing more like a child who had finally returned home after many years away.

"Mother!!!"

"Auntie Qing Qiu!!!"

Lu Fubao, tears in her eyes, was pulled into Fan Li's embrace along with her. Qing Qiu seemed never to have seen Diao Chan like this before. She stared at her for a long time, then finally nodded and smiled.

"Hmph!" An aged voice sounded. But the footsteps belonged to more than one person. "Making my Chan'er cry again, virtuous son-in-law, you truly have your ways!"

Lu Chunqiu, ten years later, had white hair and beard, but his gaze lacked the peace of a decade ago. He had grown more imposing with age! Lu Chunqiu's cultivation strength was even more profound, drawing simultaneous sideways glances from the three Great Vehicle realm experts: Qing Qiu, Wang Ban, and Hu Zongxian!

"Father-in-law," Fan Li laughed awkwardly. "Chan'er cried on her own; I certainly didn't bully her."

"Hmph! I know!" Lu Chunqiu shot Fan Li an annoyed glance but stopped before the divine stele. He announced loudly, "Imperial Father-in-Law of Great Jin, Marquis Wenxin Lu Chunqiu, voluntarily requests to be added to the list!"

Behind Lu Chunqiu followed the heads of the five great families. They bowed low, appearing docile like children, completely lacking the imposing air of powerful clan leaders. "Lu Zhi, Zhang Xutuo, Dou Wangsun, Yin Junling, Kou Ziyi, voluntarily request to be added to the list."

Instantly, another six names appeared on the divine stele! The civil and military officials of Great Jin looked at each other, their hesitant gazes gradually dissipating.

Half a day later. The entire court, civil and military, had all joined the list!