Golden Ranking Appears, My Empress Turns Out to Be Wu Zhao

[Nine Provinces – Advisor Ranking]

[In the lands of Nine Provinces, with numerous dynasties and kingdoms, there have been many wise and also foolish Emperors. From them emerged countless advisors skilled in strategy and military counsel]

[With the blessing of the Heaven Dao, this Advisor Ranking is hereby established]

[All advisors under the banners of Nine Provinces's various dynasties and kingdoms, judged by their intelligence, strategy, talent, strength, and potential, are eligible for this ranking]

[This ranking only includes ten names. All who make it onto the ranking shall receive Heaven Dao Reward]

[The ranking will be updated annually]

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Advisor Ranking?

Previously it was the Renowned Minister Ranking, and now there's an Advisor Ranking?!!

The former focuses on those skilled in governance.

The latter centers on those adept at planning and scheming, whether in military matters or with plots aimed at overcoming enemies.

The goals are entirely different.

It's hard to say which of the two is more valuable to a dynasty.

But for any Emperor, both are indispensable.

Advisors are essential, just like notable ministers.

Throughout Nine Provinces, even in the smallest kingdoms, brilliant advisors abound.

They continuously offer strategies for their nation's future.

Some monstrous advisors can uplift a nation to great prosperity with a single plan.

Others can bring even the mightiest dynasty into ruin overnight.

The destructive power of a formidable advisor cannot be underestimated.

This newly released Advisor Ranking will no doubt spark envy from every Emperor across the land.

If they cannot be recruited, they must be destroyed.

Otherwise, they may become future threats.

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Qin Imperial Palace.

Ying Zheng looked up at the newly revealed ranking in the sky and pursed his lips.

Advisor Ranking?

The advisors under his command were among the finest.

His success in unifying the Six Kingdoms and founding the true Qin Dynasty owed not only to his generals, but also his advisors.

He was confident that the Qin Dynasty would have representatives on the Advisor Ranking.

"Sir, how many of my Qin Dynasty's advisors do you think will make it onto this ranking?" Ying Zheng asked softly.

"With your skills, and those of Prime Minister Li Si, are you both eligible?"

"Your Majesty, the Prime Minister and I were already included in the Renowned Minister Ranking. According to the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking, we are more recognized for our governance, fitting the criteria for notable ministers."

"This time, for the Advisor Ranking, the chances are slim."

"However, the Black Ice Platform Leader, with his capabilities and wisdom, is almost certain to be ranked."

"Also, Chief Minister Yao Jia has a strong chance."

Upon hearing Shang Yang's words, Ying Zheng felt somewhat unwilling.

Only two people?

In his view, whether it was Shang Yang or Li Si, both were top-tier advisors of Nine Provinces.

Why shouldn't they be on the ranking?

He had clearly seen the incredible benefits that appearing on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking brought to his dynasty.

The previous entries in the Renowned Marshal Ranking and Renowned Minister Ranking brought a surge in National Fortune.

Lately, natural disasters in the Qin Dynasty had significantly decreased.

If this continued, wouldn't the future of the Qin Dynasty be free from such worries?

Moreover, with more National Fortune, he noticed that the people's sentiment had improved noticeably.

Of course, part of that was because he had wiped out the remnants of the Six Kingdoms.

With no remnants holding them back, everything progressed much more smoothly.

In any case, he must get more advisors onto the ranking!

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Han Imperial Harem.

Concubine Yu Palace.

Jiang Yuyan and Zhang Liang raised their heads to look at the Advisor Ranking in the sky.

"Zifang, with your wisdom and talent, do you think you can make it onto the Advisor Ranking?" Jiang Yuyan asked with anticipation as she looked at Zhang Liang.

After spending time together, she had grown even more confident in his abilities.

Especially his strategic mind, which she had rarely encountered in her life.

Even those "famous" so-called scholars in the Imperial Court couldn't compare to Zhang Liang.

Because of that, her expectations for him rose even higher.

If Zhang Liang could make it onto the ranking, she would undoubtedly gain substantial benefits as well.

"Your Highness overestimates me!"

"How could a defeated stray dog like me deserve a place on the Nine Provinces Golden Ranking?" Zhang Liang said with bitterness.

He was, after all, the descendant of the Prime Minister of the Han Dynasty, born of noble blood and exceptionally gifted in strategy since childhood.

Unfortunately, after Ying Zheng unified the Six Kingdoms and established the Qin Dynasty, Zhang Liang's prospects became bleak.

His many attempts to resist the Qin Dynasty had ultimately failed.

Now, he was forced to flee and seek refuge in other kingdoms.

Though confident in his intellect, his "track record" left much to be desired for such a prestigious ranking.

"Zifang, why be so self-deprecating?"

"In my eyes, you're far better than some fame-seeking frauds."

"Your current downfall is only because you faced an overwhelmingly powerful enemy."

"Ying Zheng, forget you, even the Emperors of Nine Provinces find him hard to deal with."

"Your past failures were simply because you were isolated and outmatched."

"Now that you're with me, once I rise to power, your ambitions will surely come to pass."

With Jiang Yuyan's ambition, the Han Dynasty alone was no longer enough for her.

Surrounding dynasties had already entered her scope of planning.

In any case, Ying Zheng of Qin Dynasty would be a future target, which made her and Zhang Liang temporary allies with aligned interests.

For now, the top priority was to use Zhang Liang to seize control of the entire Han Dynasty.

Only when she became the Emperor of the Han Dynasty would she have the foundation to go further.

Looking at the ambition in her eyes, Zhang Liang secretly shook his head.

He wasn't sure whether this "cooperation" with Jiang Yuyan was the right path.

This woman was a true demon.

If she succeeded, it could bring disaster to all the people of Nine Provinces.

Still, remembering his own goals, Zhang Liang clenched his teeth and pushed aside his hesitation.

Compared to Jiang Yuyan, the tyrant Ying Zheng was even worse.

No matter the cost, he must overthrow the Qin Dynasty.

Once Ying Zheng was gone, he would deal with Jiang Yuyan afterward.

Compared to Ying Zheng, Jiang Yuyan was "easier to handle".

For now, working with her against Ying Zheng was the best strategy.

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Han Dynasty Territory.

Sima Clan, a top noble family.

Sima Yi stared at the sky with the ranking, feeling a sudden unease.

He was confident in his talents and strategy.

By all rights, he deserved a spot on the Advisor Ranking.

But if he did make the ranking, wouldn't that mean complete exposure?

That ran counter to his low-profile, cautious personality.

One wrong move, and he could become someone's pawn.

He might even lose his life.

With that, the fearful Sima Yi's mind raced.

Should he flee the Han Dynasty immediately?

Or find someone powerful enough to protect him?

If he fled, he might still be captured by a major power, which could be worse.

But to seek a protector, who would that be?

The Current Emperor Liu Hong?

He quickly dismissed the idea.

Or perhaps one of the many warlords?

Each name flashed through his mind, then was discarded.

Either too weak or too strong.

Should he join the Yellow Turban Army?

That was even worse.

They were nothing but a mob and would be destroyed sooner or later.

Though Zhang Jiao was impressive, his force lacked long-term viability.

As an Emperor, he was unfit.

Suddenly, an image came to his mind.

Sima Yi's face grew conflicted.

Caught in indecision, he gritted his teeth.

He decided to test the waters first.

Then he would make his choice.

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Tang Imperial Palace, Taiji Hall.

Li Shimin sat on the throne as ministers like Changsun Wuji and Wei Zheng stood below.

They all stared up at the ranking in the sky.

Li Shimin looked uncertain.

For the first time, he felt a lack of confidence.

Before, he was full of pride in his ministers and generals.

But after several disappointments, he began to question their abilities.

How far were they from the top-tier figures of Nine Provinces?

Changsun Wuji, Li Xiaogong, Wei Zheng, Xiao Yu...

They were undoubtedly talented and skilled in strategy.

But were they on par with the very best?

"Wei Zheng, do you think you have a chance to make it onto the Advisor Ranking?" Li Shimin asked expectantly.

"Your Majesty, you flatter me. Even the Renowned Minister Ranking was already more than I deserve."

"Let alone the Advisor Ranking."

"In terms of strategy, I fall far behind Minister Changsun Wuji and Lord Li Ji."

"Perhaps they stand a better chance."

Wei Zheng chose to be cautious. If he didn't make the ranking, it would be a great embarrassment.

He also knew his place in the Imperial Court.

He was neither a statesman of governance nor a master of strategy, just a proper advisor.

It was better for both himself and the harmony of the Tang Dynasty.

Not that he lacked capability, but sometimes, concealing one's strength was the best form of self-preservation.

Li Shimin was no fool. He saw right through Wei Zheng's caution.

"What a sly old fox!"

"No wonder I once underestimated him, and yet he was selected for the Renowned Minister Ranking over Changsun Wuji."

Still, considering Wei Zheng's current role in the Imperial Court, he didn't push him further.

He turned his attention to other ministers with the potential to be ranked, filled with hope.

Speaking of which, Li Ji, who had once been a top advisor before becoming a military marshal, might have a real chance at the ranking.

As for the Heaven Dao Reward, Li Shimin yearned for them.

Especially after learning the benefits to National Fortune.

His desire for National Fortune now ranked just below his quest for immortality.

==========

Sui Dynasty, Capital City.

In a modest residence.

"Uncle, Master, do we really have to submit to the Sui Dynasty?"

"That Emperor Yang Guang is a fool, a complete tyrant. How is he worthy of my loyalty?" Xiang Shaoyu said angrily.

"Shaoyu, silence!" Xiang Liang quickly interrupted, glancing nervously around.

Only after confirming no surveillance did he breathe a sigh of relief.

"Shaoyu, we have already been completely defeated by the tyrant Ying Zheng."

"We are now like tigers in a lowland, and must lie low for the time being."

"We need to find shelter under another power, to secretly rebuild our strength."

"One day, we will return to the Qin Dynasty and reclaim what was ours."

"But even so, why choose the Sui Dynasty?"

"Isn't the Ming Dynasty or the Vast Sea Dynasty a better choice?"

"If not them, then the Tang Dynasty is at least acceptable!"

"You don't understand. With our current strength, if we join a major power like the Ming Dynasty or Vast Sea Dynasty, there's no guarantee we'll be trusted or given any real power."

"More importantly, we would lose our independence."

"After some time, we would become indistinguishable from their own subjects."

"If we tried to leave later, it would be considered betrayal."

"Shaoyu, imagine the consequences of betraying the Ming Emperor or Vast Sea Dynasty."

Xiang Shaoyu was shocked.

Though confident in himself, he deeply feared the strength of Ming Dynasty and Vast Sea Dynasty.

Each had multiple God Demon Realm figures.

If he tried to rebel or leave, he would be hunted to the death.

"Then, Master, what about the Tang Dynasty?"

"Li Shimin is a capable Emperor. Under his rule, the Tang Dynasty is sure to grow strong."

"Li Shimin killed his own brother and imprisoned his father. No matter how capable he is, he's still a deceitful schemer."

"Compared to him, even a tyrant like Yang Guang is preferable."

"Besides, he just wiped out all the vassal kings. He has an intense hunger for power."

"If we grow strong within his dynasty, he may see us as a threat and act first."

"In contrast, the Sui Dynasty is different."

"Though still one of Nine Provinces's dynasties, it's not overly powerful."

"If we join now, we'll be valued and trusted."

"Even if we rise and gain military power, Yang Guang wouldn't be able to control us."

"In fact, we may even be able to carve out a territory of our own from the Sui Dynasty in the future."

"Wouldn't that benefit us more?"

"For us, the more incompetent Yang Guang is, the better it is."

Hearing this, Xiang Shaoyu still felt uneasy, but he nodded reluctantly.

Just then, he noticed the ranking in the sky.

He asked, "Master, with your wisdom and strategy, can you be ranked on the Advisor Ranking?"

"I believe, throughout all Nine Provinces, few can rival you!"

Hearing Xiang Shaoyu's praise, Fan Zeng couldn't help but feel pleased.

He too was highly confident in his strategic mind.

Perhaps, he truly had a chance at a spot on the Advisor Ranking.

If so, it would greatly benefit Shaoyu's future ambitions.