Regarding these internal issues, besides having more people keep an eye on them, Du You did not openly confront them.
After all, in name, these entities are independent and not under his jurisdiction.
And because Du You permits these entities to exist, along with internal propaganda, this reputation for benevolence is truly justified. Everyone knows their emperor is a very benevolent and wise person.
Only the Wildgrass Clan and some other city rulers know just how ruthless Du You's actions are. It's like he's forcing them to a dead end, yet they can't find fault with him.
Finally, some of the wiser city lords saw the trend and did not continue to persist, even if their cities are currently peaceful and prosperous. Ultimately, some lords voluntarily offered allegiance.
Du You dismantled parts of the city walls and reformed them into city gates, then accepted these people willingly.
