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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 99 Expressway
In the mountain valley, the wind and snow obscured everything. The civil and military officials were hungry and soaked, with nearly half of the soldiers freezing to death. After enduring until dawn, they hurriedly set off and finally made their way to Zhangye Prefecture.
Many court ladies and consorts had fallen ill, with Princess Le Ping in the gravest condition, teetering on the brink of death. This former Empress did not perish at the hands of her husband, who also enjoyed going on excursions and liked to whip the Queen, but was instead destined to die while accompanying her brother on a journey.
The Emperor showed little concern about this situation. If it weren't for Empress Xiao's persuasion, he would have been too indifferent to visit Yang Lihua.
Yang Lihua had held on without giving up hope and finally awaited the Emperor's arrival. She first expressed that her fate was unfortunate, preventing her from accompanying him back to the capital, then she requested:
"I have no sons, only one daughter. I do not fear death; I only worry for my daughter and son-in-law. I hope Your Majesty can consider our blood ties and grant my current fief to my daughter and son-in-law."
Yang Guang readily agreed. With gratitude and anxiety in her heart, Princess Le Ping took her last breath. Given her special status, the Emperor ordered her body to be transported back for burial alongside the previous Emperor Yuwen Yun at the Imperial Tombs.
He then rode on ahead to the Wind-Running Palace, which Pei Ju had prepared in advance for his continued westward journey. Over twenty kings from the Western Regions or their emissaries welcomed the Emperor along the roadside, adorned in gold and jewels, singing and dancing.
The Emperor felt that merely displaying his own majesty was insufficient; he wanted to showcase his subjects as well. Thus, he commanded the scholars and ladies of Wuwei and Zhangye to dress in their finest attire and come forth. The procession filled the roads with carriages and horses stretching for miles, indeed making a grand spectacle.
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Li Jian Cheng furrowed his brow and said, "Your Majesty has ordered me to repair the Linshuo Palace. Additionally, once the Yongji Canal is completed, commoners must not be dismissed; we need to expedite the construction of the Expressway."
The officials and aides present all wore grim expressions. Someone spoke up: "The common people are already overburdened. If we proceed with building the Summer Palace and the Expressway, it may provoke a rebellion."
"I am well aware of that," Li Jian Cheng replied. "However, His Majesty's decree is not for our consultation but for us to execute. Otherwise, who could bear the charge of disobeying orders?"
No one responded; implementing this decree would undoubtedly lead to countless young lives lost or injured. But what could be done?
"You are His Majesty's confidant and a trusted minister; is there any way..."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head. "The Emperor has completed his western tour and is returning to the Eastern Capital with the Emissary. The next step is to deal with Goguryeo. I can still delay the construction of the Summer Palace, but the Expressway must be repaired immediately."
The expressions of those present improved somewhat; at least there was a sequence to the tasks. If everything were to commence at once, they could hardly bear to think of the consequences. The people of Zhuojun were not known for their compliance, and if pushed too hard, they might truly rebel.
Regardless, defying orders was not an option. The Emperor would not tolerate disobedience; anyone who did not comply would be replaced. There were plenty willing to follow orders, and what he deemed necessary must be carried out without fail.
After arranging the duties, the officials left with solemn faces. No one wanted to undertake such a task. If they fulfilled their responsibilities well, they would not get to enjoy the Summer Palace themselves. If they failed, it could incite civil unrest, leading to demotion or imprisonment, or worse, execution to quell public anger.
Li Jian Cheng could not remain comfortably in the Governor's Office either. He personally visited several counties and spoke with local elders, primarily to clarify that this was the Emperor's decree. He had already risked punishment by delaying the construction of the Summer Palace.
For over a month, he traveled throughout his jurisdiction, even visiting larger villages, meeting with respected local elders. Under their guidance, he also visited impoverished families and provided them with financial aid.
Fortunately, his efforts were not in vain. The common people had many grievances against the court but held a favorable impression of him as a newly appointed Prefect. Their main request was for him to advise the Emperor so that they could have some time to recuperate.
After completing his rounds, Li Jian Cheng purchased over two hundred sheep and rushed to reward the young men conscripted from Zhuojun. It was unrealistic for everyone to have large portions of meat, so after slaughtering the sheep, he instructed them to chop the meat finely and cook it in large pots with vegetables. At least it would be rich in flavor and aroma, served with flatbreads enough for a hearty meal.
The young men finished their meal in tears; after enduring countless hardships to return alive, they were now being sent off again to repair the Expressway. They did not know if they could endure it again or if there would be more labor required after the Expressway was completed.
The common people were not foolish either. With the Emperor's campaign against Goguryeo underway, even if they were not called to battle directly, they could hardly escape being tasked with transporting supplies and provisions.
Discontent brewed among the populace; the atmosphere was extremely tense and could not be soothed by mere small favors.
Li Jian Cheng quietly observed some familiar figures in the crowd. While rebellion was currently unfeasible, it was essential to recruit some determined individuals who opposed Sui rule.
His more than two thousand confidants hidden across various villas had gathered in Zhuojun. These individuals operated in secrecy; for now, Li Jian Cheng had no immediate use for them. He ordered his most trusted loyalists to disperse into nearby counties and join the labor teams.
These individuals were among those most dissatisfied with the Emperor and the court. The wealthy families had options and could afford to sit back comfortably, but these commoners had reached their breaking point.
Once they gathered a few people, they could occupy the mountain and become bandits, continuing to recruit those who could not survive. They would train their troops and gather strength to raid military supplies. With him holding the military and political power as the Prefect, who could possibly eliminate them?
As for those who were not die-hard loyalists, they were led by Li Xiaogong, temporarily guarding the Governor's Office under the name of Provincial Troops. After taking Li Jing as his master, Li Jian Cheng did not learn much, but Li Xiaogong had gained some true teachings.
A month later, Li Jian Cheng received an imperial edict. Fortunately, it was not another call for conscription; if it continued, he would have to tear his face with the aristocratic families to gather enough young men.
The edict summoned him to the Eastern Capital. Not only him, but Prefects from various regions were also called, along with entertainers from across the land, to hold a grand performance outside the main gate of Luoyang City during the Lantern Festival.
Li Jian Cheng had no choice but to comply. He ordered someone to contact the Prefects of Yuyang, Shanggu, Beiping, Anle Boling, and Yanmen counties. If they had not yet set off, they should travel together.
The world was becoming increasingly unstable; he could not bring too many guards to the Eastern Capital. Li Jian Cheng did not want to capsize in a ditch; traveling together was the safest option and would foster better relationships.
After leisurely handling matters in Zhuojun and waiting for replies to confirm a time, Li Jian Cheng set off. He met up with everyone in Hejian County; they first enjoyed a drunken feast before starting their journey.
Currently, most Prefects came from Guanlong. After sharing a meal and clearing up their relationships, they realized they were practically relatives. With their territories so close together, mutual support was inevitable in the future.
Among them, Li Jian Cheng subtly took the lead due to his youth; being so young yet at their level naturally meant he had greater potential for advancement than they did.
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(End of Chapter)
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