Novel Full Chapter 2051: 1996–1997: A Difficult Decision (Part 2)
Chapter 2051: Chapter 1996–1997: A Difficult Decision (Part 2)
After Emperor Wenchang analyzed the advantages and disadvantages of these two plans, even the Jade Emperor could not immediately decide.
Emperor Wenchang remained silent; he merely made an exposition, but the final decision required the Jade Emperor to make, not himself.
It’s not that Emperor Wenchang had no opinions, but he understood that the ultimate decision on this matter could only be made by the Jade Emperor, because everything that followed needed to be borne by the Jade Emperor personally, and no one else could replace him.
Even if he could make the decision for the Jade Emperor at this moment, he couldn’t take on the pressure the Jade Emperor would face afterward.
This power is the Jade Emperor’s painstaking effort, while Emperor Wenchang is merely an assisting figure, with the greatest burden falling on the Jade Emperor.
If the decision was not made by the Jade Emperor himself, in the future, would he regret it? Would he consider how things might have been if he had chosen differently?
“Human nature dictates that at certain times, one considers other possibilities.”
Emperor Wenchang understood this point, so he could only leave the choice to the Jade Emperor.
“I understand,” the Jade Emperor said as he saw Emperor Wenchang silent, understanding his intentions and knowing why he acted thus.
However, he couldn’t help but ask, “Still, I would like to know, if you were in this position, which would you lean towards?”
At this moment, he no longer referred to himself as ‘I’, turning the address to Emperor Wenchang as ‘you’, meaning he was seeking a reference, without placing any responsibility on Emperor Wenchang.
“…” Emperor Wenchang gently shook his head, remaining silent, expressing his stance.
It’s not that he doesn’t trust the Jade Emperor but he doesn’t want to guide him with any inclination.
Emperor Wenchang’s position is different from others; under the Jade Emperor are various officials, whose wisdom is undeniable.
But even if they insist on one particular decision, the Jade Emperor would not be affected; the final decision still comes from the Jade Emperor’s heart.
However, Emperor Wenchang is different. He is a Taoist Monarch and shares a mentor-friend relationship with the Jade Emperor. Especially over the years, his unwavering support has made their relationship not just monarch and minister; Emperor Wenchang wields significant influence over him.
“I understand, please wait for a few days, after I discuss with all the ministers, then I will inform you of the result.” The Jade Emperor’s face displayed a slight regret, but it quickly faded and transformed into a resolute expression.
As a strong ruler on the Emperor’s Path, his Taoist Heart is incredibly strong, recovering swiftly.
Once the words were spoken, the Jade Emperor decisively turned and left.
Time is urgent now; since Emperor Wenchang can’t give him a definitive answer, he naturally needs to leverage his ministers’ wisdom to find the right choice.
Watching the Jade Emperor departing, Emperor Wenchang had no intentions to stop him, feeling calm and unaffected.
He has his own path, even if assisting the Jade Emperor, though titled as monarch and minister, they are, in essence, Taoist Friends, and his principles won’t change because of the Jade Emperor.
Emperor Wenchang also believes the Jade Emperor will not be dissatisfied because of this, for they have been getting along like this for years, which is a crucial reason for their continuing collaboration up to this day.
“The Emperor’s Path is inherently solitary, for an emperor, there will be collaborators, opponents, but rarely friends.” These thoughts randomly surfaced in Emperor Wenchang’s mind.
This was not said by Emperor Wenchang himself, but by Longevity Taoist Monarch to him.
Back when the Jade Emperor chose to sever ties with Longevity Taoist Monarch and confronted the Shenxiao Sect fiercely, Emperor Wenchang even met with Longevity Taoist Monarch, hoping he wouldn’t mind.
Though expected the Longevity Taoist Monarch’s great anger, he was unexpectedly calm, as if everything that happened was anticipated.
Without needing any persuasion from himself, conversely, upon knowing his firm decision to assist the Jade Emperor, that Taoist Monarch even provided him with some warnings, making Emperor Wenchang both laugh and cry.
Initially made him laugh and cry, feeling it was nonsense, yet through continuous years of interaction, Emperor Wenchang suddenly understood that the Taoist Monarch was not wrong.
The Emperor’s Path is inherently a loner’s road, filled with solitude and loneliness.
The Jade Emperor wouldn’t know all these reflections that Emperor Wenchang had about him after he left, he only knew the situation now was urgent, necessitating a prompt decision.
After all, accepting the Kongtong Seal under the gaze of all, destined his actions to be known by all parties.
Even though all parties have shown no reaction presently, the Jade Emperor knows every move he makes is being monitored by all sides; they are waiting for an opportunity. Once he acts, each side will react.
Therefore, he must act faster, seize the time, not let the adversaries prepare much, utilize this time difference to establish an advantage, only then can he have a chance of winning.
Subsequently, the Jade Emperor and his numerous Council Elders engaged in several days of discussion regarding the strategy for choosing the Human Path Contest.
They simulated various scenarios, devised contingency plans for unexpected occurrences, aiming to ensure their strategy proceeds accurately and smoothly.
Over the years, even though the Jade Emperor was balanced by a few Imperial Honors, his development was wasn’t very smooth, he has indeed gathered some talents, including ministers from the Great Ming Divine Dynasty and some powerful figures from the Realms of Heavenly Seas.
No matter what, the Jade Emperor is the Master of the Heavenly Court, nominally ruler of the Divine Land World. Though he seems in adversity, subjected to suppression, some are willing to risk supporting him, betting on the Jade Emperor’s camp.
For some strong figures, they understand the style of those sects and religious factions; strong individuals who join midway can’t be utilized heavily. Even if they join, their accomplishments are limited, restricted by an invisible ceiling.
This is true for any faction, even within some powerful sects and religious organizations, the branches contest for status and resources uninterruptedly. Even personally cultivated disciples can’t necessarily rise in ranks, let alone outsiders.
Though the Jade Emperor’s situation isn’t nice, powers like him and a few other Imperial Honors are ideal for many strong figures, a potential opportunity to ascend.
Their joining not only augmented the power of the Jade Emperor and the Great Emperor Ziwei amongst the Imperial Honors but also meant attending to these individuals’ demands.
Just as Pang Hong and the others said they are bound by those under them, unconstrained, can only be dragged for continuous expansion, unable to pause.
For the Jade Emperor and these Imperial Honors, isn’t their situation similar? Those individuals joined when their circumstances weren’t beneficial, nurturing amidst adversity, seeing the Jade Emperor’s ambition, allowing them towards a better Future, attaining more resources and opportunities.
Now, the Jade Emperor and the others are not only pursuing their ambitions, they are being carried forward by these strong figures, expanding in all directions, unable to halt.
Once they stop and fail to procure adequate benefits and resources, these figures could very likely abandon them, collapsing the carefully constructed power of the Jade Emperor.
Of course, if the Jade Emperor and these Imperial Honors remain persevering, unchanged in their original intention, continually expanding, consistently winning, these individuals would be their staunchest supporters, their sharpest sword.
Success belongs to it, but constraints also come with it. Whether it’s advantageous or detrimental, nobody knows until the last moment.
Therefore, when making this decision, the Jade Emperor was extremely cautious, since he knew he can’t afford to lose, especially not to make a huge mistake from the start.