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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 83: Northern Expedition
After King Qi respectfully accepted the emperor's command and expressed his gratitude, Li Jian Cheng turned to Liu Jianzhi and said, "Now that you assist King Qi, you should consider how to support him and not disappoint my expectations.
Since my ascension, I have never forgotten the teachings of Prince. I posthumously honored him as Minister of State, Minister of Rites, and granted him titles such as Provincial Governor of Lingzhou and Binzhou, as well as Duke of Wei, to express my utmost sorrow.
In the future, if King Qi achieves great virtue and success, wealth and honor will naturally gather at your family. However, if there are any shortcomings, the punishment will also extend to you. Remember this!"
Liu Jianzhi first bowed to the emperor and then to King Qi, who returned the gesture with impeccable decorum.
Yang Guang and the Xiao Family were naturally not lacking in grace; Yang Liang was quite handsome as well, well-versed in classics and history, skilled in horsemanship and archery. He was considered both cultured and martial, and currently enjoyed a favorable reputation among officials and the public.
As a result, there were numerous petitions requesting the immediate establishment of a crown prince. However, the emperor preferred to observe for a while longer or perhaps did not wish to appoint a crown prince just yet.
But King Qi thought differently; he was the only one left now, and he was the legitimate eldest son of the queen. The position of crown prince was as secure as a mountain.
Upon returning to the royal residence, he found a steady stream of court officials coming to pay their respects. The Qi Wang Mansion was bustling with visitors, even relatives were competing to offer their greetings, causing congestion at the entrance.
The newly appointed Chief Minister of the Prince's Residence, Liu Jianzhi, advised him: "Your Highness, this is a critical moment. Everyone from Her Majesty to the officials is watching you. It would be wise to close the gates and focus on your studies."
However, Yang Liang merely frowned and replied, "How can I be so rude when officials and relatives come to congratulate me?"
Liu Jianzhi was still immersed in the grand visions painted by Yang Guang for him. With his thoughts solely on King Qi's interests, he said, "If these officials truly care for Your Highness, they will understand your current caution. Even if Your Highness wishes to celebrate with them, there is no need to rush in these next few days."
"Your Highness..."
Listening to Liu Jianzhi's incessant chatter, Yang Liang, the King of Qi, couldn't help but feel disgusted. It was only his first day in office, and already he wanted to impose restrictions on him, showing no understanding of hierarchy.
Yang Liang shrugged off his sleeves and left, while the steward stopped Liu Jianzhi, who seemed eager to follow: "Lord Liu, why spoil His Highness's mood? The Rascal will show you around the royal residence."
...
Three years into the Great Undertaking, there had not been significant changes on the surface of the court. However, the influence of the Noble Families of Guanlong had greatly diminished following Yang Su's death, and the Southern Aristocracy, whom the Emperor trusted especially, began to rise.
Yet, military power largely remained in the hands of the Noble Families of Guanlong. Coupled with the Emperor's intention to appease them, general peace was maintained.
In Hebei, over ten counties sent young men to excavate the Taihang Mountains, reaching Bingzhou to establish an expressway.
In April, the Emperor issued a decree for a Northern Expedition, intending to lead an army of five hundred thousand troops along with one hundred thousand warhorses, as well as civil and military officials, monks, nuns, Taoists, and female practitioners.
When the Imperial Decree reached Yanmen, its Prefect presented exquisite dishes. However, upon arriving at Mayi, Marquis of Mayi Yang Kuo had nothing to offer. Yang Guang was extremely displeased and wanted to issue a decree for such disrespect.
Li Jian Cheng had heard of this Prefect's reputation and went to advise him. He also sought out local specialties that were well-known, which finally appeased the Emperor's anger.
Good news seldom travels far while bad news spreads like wildfire. From then on, at every place they passed through, local officials presented food offerings that were extravagant.
Finally, the imperial carriage arrived at Yulin County. With five hundred thousand Imperial Guards accompanying them, they were ready for a life-and-death showdown with the Turkic forces. To prevent Qimin Khan from acting recklessly in a panic, the Emperor ordered Li Jian Cheng and Changsun Sheng to proceed ahead.
The two led several hundred riders straight to Qimin Khan's location. Along the way, Li Jian Cheng and Changsun Sheng discussed recent developments; their families had grown quite close and there was no need for empty pleasantries.
Changsun Sheng, upon learning the specific number of labor conscripts in the realm, couldn't help but express his concern. "I had heard rumors at the border, but I didn't expect the numbers to be this high. The common people will surely struggle to bear this burden."
Li Jian Cheng nodded in agreement. "There have already been numerous instances of officials oppressing the people, though many have been concealed as long as they are not widespread. Even so, there have been seven or eight reports that have reached His Majesty, and it is likely that more will follow."
Changsun Sheng remained silent, but his eyes betrayed his worries for the future. The previous Emperor had indeed left a substantial legacy for the Sui Dynasty, but with His Majesty's extravagant spending, it would hardly be enough.
Before their arrival, Qimin Khan had already invited the leaders of the Xianbei and Shiwey tribes to gather and prepare to hear the edicts of the Sui Dynasty's Sage Khan.
The Emperor's conscription of over a million people was certainly viewed unfavorably by the Central Plains people; however, for the Turkic tribal leaders, it was a display of true power. The current Emperor seemed to be even more formidable than his predecessor.
Now hearing that the Emperor personally led an army of sixty to seventy thousand for a visit only intensified their feelings of both respect and fear. They admired the Emperor of Sui's might while also fearing that this inspection could be a pretext for finding reasons to eliminate them.
After deliberation, they decided they must show utmost obedience and avoid giving Sage Khan any reason to be angered.
Thus, Qimin Khan led the other leaders to personally welcome the envoy. Upon meeting them, they presented gifts and inquired with exaggerated politeness about the Emperor's health and preferences.
Li Jian Cheng exchanged glances with Changsun Sheng, which solidified their stance towards the tribal leaders. Both raised their heads arrogantly, while the leaders bowed even lower in response.
Surrounded by Qimin Khan and others, they returned to the Yurt. In terms of luxury, the Turkic riders on their long-winged horses could not compare to those from the Central Plains. The grand tent of the Turkic Khagan was merely a larger version of a typical tent, despite housing tens of thousands of archers.
Inside, there were carpets laid out and slightly more refined tables and sofas; however, outside on the paths lay overgrown weeds.
Changsun Sheng stopped in front of the large tent and said, "This grass smells really good."
The leaders of Xi and Shiwey exchanged glances. Wasn't this just ordinary wild grass? What was so fragrant about it? It just smelled like grass.
Qimin Khan, being the great leader, had his own way of doing things. He disregarded his dignity, bent down to sniff the grass, and sincerely said, "Your Excellency, it doesn't seem that fragrant."
Changsun Sheng remained silent. Li Jian Cheng squatted down and smiled at Qimin Khan, saying, "According to custom, when the emperor visits, all lords must personally clear the path and remove any weeds to show their respect."
"I thought these were fragrant herbs left by Khan for us. Since they are not, please remove these weeds, Khan."
Qimin Khan jumped up and bowed to the two of them, saying, "It is my fault! My flesh and blood are bestowed by the emperor; how could I dare to refuse? I am grateful to you both for teaching me this as I am but a border person unaware of the customs. This is your kindness, and I am fortunate."
After saying this, he immediately drew his sword and began to cut down the weeds around the yurt. The surrounding tribal leaders looked on and thought, damn it, no wonder you became Khan—how ridiculous!
But they all knelt down to pull out the grass as well, thanking Changsun Sheng and Li Jian Cheng for their guidance.
…………
Just a report to everyone: First Subscription 558 is as expected.
(End of Chapter)
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