The reason the noble families were determined to eliminate Daniel at all costs was simple: taxation. To these aristocratic families, it mattered little who sat on the throne, as long as their privileges were preserved.
The dynasties may rise and fall, but the noble families had endured for millennia. From Emperor Ying Zheng to later dynasties, these families quietly influenced every regime change from the shadows. The rapid downfall of the Qin Empire after two generations was largely due to their actions, a pattern echoed in the subsequent Sui dynasty. For the nobility, taxation was not merely about money but the preservation of their privileges. Once the state imposed taxes on them, their loss extended far beyond financial wealth—it eroded their special status.
The phrase "oppressive governance is more ferocious than a tiger," coined by Confucius himself, spoke to the devastation such policies inflicted on commoners. Ironically, the Confucians themselves were the largest tax-exempt group. Since the state required revenue, and the elite contributed nothing, the burden inevitably fell on the shoulders of ordinary citizens.
In modern times, it is possible to exempt farmers from taxes and even provide subsidies because everyone contributes, with the wealthiest paying the most. In such a system, the financial impact of taxing farmers becomes negligible. Ying Zheng's decision to impose taxes on the aristocracy, if successful, would be a reform centuries ahead of its time. The nation would benefit immensely, alleviating the stark inequalities that plagued ancient societies, where the wealthy feasted while the poor froze to death in the streets.
This issue was once considered untouchable, even by Shang Yang's transformative reforms. Without Daniel's demonstration of overwhelming power, Ying Zheng would have approached it cautiously, confident his long lifespan gave him ample time to implement gradual changes.
---
As a group of black-clad assassins fanned out and charged toward Daniel, he sneered. Clapping his hands together, he invoked his spell.
"Wood Release: Thorns of Destruction!"
Immediately, thick brambles burst from the ground, ensnaring all twenty-two assassins in an instant. Even those who attempted to leap skyward were pulled back by the relentless vines. True to their training as death warriors, not a single one uttered a cry of pain as they struggled, channeling their inner energy to break free. However, their efforts only tightened the brambles' grip.
"Die." Daniel's cold gaze swept the trapped assassins before he unleashed a surge of magical energy. The vines tore their bodies apart, reducing them to twenty-two bloody mists.
---
In the forest nearby, a group of onlookers gasped in alarm, some attempting to retreat unnoticed.
"I see you," Daniel's calm voice rang out. Sword light flashed through the forest, leaving behind a trail of bodies.
---
Among the observers was Bai Feng, standing atop a treetop in his signature white attire. His lofty position might have appeared dashing if he hadn't been so conspicuous. Alongside him was the infamous thief Dao Zhi of the Mohist faction. Both were light-footed specialists who seemed to have an affinity for high places.
Daniel addressed Bai Feng, his tone indifferent. "This is no place for you. Remember, there will not be a next time." Bai Feng's composure faltered at the warning. Similarly, Daniel startled Dao Zhi by whispering in his ear through an ethereal technique, "I'll spare you this once for Lady Xu's sake. Consider yourself warned." With a gentle push on Dao Zhi's shoulder, Daniel sent him tumbling from the treetop.
---
Daniel's leniency toward Dao Zhi had a purpose. Before sending him off, Daniel had secretly marked him with a Flying Thunder God seal. The elusive Mohist stronghold, Mechanized City, had proven challenging to locate. Instead of wasting time searching, Daniel decided to let Dao Zhi unknowingly lead the way.
Meanwhile, whispers of Qin's intent to target the Mechanized City began to circulate, baiting various anti-Qin factions into gathering there. Daniel planned to use their assembly as an opportunity to strike decisively.
---
Elsewhere in Xianyang, chaos erupted as assassins launched coordinated attacks. The Qin forces, however, held the upper hand. Figures like Star Soul, Moon God, and the Chief Commander of the Shadow Guards intervened, swiftly decimating the intruders.
---
By dawn, the city's atmosphere was tense yet bustling as usual. Despite the previous night's bloodshed, Xianyang's vibrancy remained undiminished. In response to the attack, Ying Zheng ordered the elite Dragon-Tiger Cavalry to secure the capital. This formidable force, under direct imperial control, rivaled the renowned Golden Fire Cavalry in strength and was tasked solely with protecting Xianyang. Their deployment signaled the empire's resolve to crush dissent.
---
As the coronation day finally arrived, Ying Zheng ascended the sacrificial altar, his presence commanding. Among the Confucians, someone dared propose a general amnesty to demonstrate the Emperor's magnanimity. That individual was promptly thrown into prison.
Amnesties, while ostensibly benevolent, undermined the rule of law. Though common in other states during moments of celebration, such practices had no place in Qin since Shang Yang's reforms. In Qin, celebrations were marked not by lawlessness but by advancements in governance.
---
The policy of universal taxation was a heated topic of debate. Ying Zheng and Daniel had deliberately orchestrated public discussions involving the Hundred Schools of Thought, drawing attention to the matter. The Confucians, known for their double standards, found themselves hoisted by their own petard when confronted with Confucius's own words: "Oppressive governance is more ferocious than a tiger."
---
As Ying Zheng ascended the altar, Li Si unveiled the first imperial decree of the Qin Empire. The proclamation formalized Ying Zheng's title as "First Emperor" and outlined the empire's foundational laws, akin to a constitution in later eras.
Before Li Si could finish reading, the long-awaited rebellion erupted. Among the spectators and guards, numerous individuals revealed their allegiance to the anti-Qin factions, creating a scene of chaos.
---
Despite the looming danger, Ying Zheng remained calm, his sword unsheathed. As the rebels approached, lightning suddenly roared from the heavens. Bolts of electricity struck down every assassin within the altar's steps, leaving only charred remains.
Above, a massive black dragon hundreds of meters long materialized, its piercing gaze fixed on the crowd below. Both rebels and loyalists halted in shock, their eyes drawn to the divine spectacle.
---
The dragon's presence shattered the rebels' morale. In moments, a second wave of lightning obliterated the remaining insurgents. The dragon's alignment with Ying Zheng was unmistakable.
Seizing the moment, Li Si knelt, declaring, "Long live the Emperor, blessed by Heaven!" His cry was echoed by the gathered officials and citizens, who quickly followed suit. Even the rebellious noble families had no choice but to bow, their defiance smothered by the dragon's overwhelming power.
---
Throughout Xianyang, the dragon's appearance stunned onlookers. For many, this divine manifestation solidified Ying Zheng's legitimacy. For others, particularly the anti-Qin factions, it was a devastating blow to their resolve.
Figures like Han Fei, Zinu, Zhang Liang, and Yan Dan—scattered across the city—remained standing, their faces a mix of disbelief and despair. The dragon's emergence had shattered their narratives and exposed the futility of resistance.
"Why? How can this be?" Yan Dan muttered, his voice trembling with bitterness. The dragon's judgment, seemingly siding with Ying Zheng, was a crushing blow to his sense of justice.
---
This was precisely the effect Daniel had intended. In an era steeped in superstition, the appearance of a divine black dragon cemented Ying Zheng's authority. While not all rebels would surrender, a significant portion would abandon their cause, swayed by the unmistakable will of Heaven.
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