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There was a saying that tactics need not be new so long as they worked.
The Daoist Order had used this particular stratagem more than once, tracing back even to the Holy Xuan Era. It was no secret, and many understood the routine. However, when caught within it, it was never so easy to discern. Even if they could discern it, they might not be able to resist.
It was like the ancient “Order of Enfeoffment Sharing,” hailed as an unbeatable open strategy. But in truth, the key was not the decree itself but the immense strength of the centralized court.
To be precise, it was the unceasing efforts of four generations, from the White Emperor to Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, that had slowly pushed past the feudal lords’ limits. It was like wearing down stone with drops of water until they achieved an impossible feat.
In fact, the First Emperor imposed the commandery system, shattering the feudal authority that had stood since ancient times and centralizing power by force. Though it was eventually undone due to backlash, the foundation was laid. At the start of his reign, the White Emperor had to compromise, adopting a mixed system of commanderies and kingdoms. Emperor...
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