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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 215: Abandoning the City
Dugu Huai'en was ultimately beheaded as a public spectacle. The decision not to employ more brutal punishments was due to his status as a Royal Relative, which led the officials of the Court and the Dugu Clan to repeatedly express their gratitude and loyalty to the Emperor.
The resistance from the Buddhist and Daoist factions continued, but it had begun to shift from direct confrontation to a more conciliatory approach, vigorously promoting the Emperor's sacred achievements. Li Jian Cheng also relaxed his stance appropriately, ordering King Qi, Li Yuanji, to return to Jinyang.
Good news gradually emerged from Li Jian Cheng's harem, with three consecutive consorts becoming pregnant. This delighted the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, bringing relief to the Court, Civil and Military officials, and the Royal Family alike.
Although the Crown Prince was healthy, he was still too young and alone to be considered a reliable guarantee for the future.
The ministers who frequently petitioned the Emperor for additional consorts finally quieted down, allowing Li Jian Cheng to breathe a sigh of relief.
The consorts entered the palace with missions and family responsibilities. They displayed the elegance and grace befitting noble families in public, but behind closed doors, they spared no effort in vying for favor. Even a robust body could not withstand so many beautiful young women.
During a court meeting, Li Jian Cheng inquired about this year's civil affairs from the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The population across the realm was now nearly four million households, while during the peak of Wen Emperor and Kaihuang's reign, there had been over eight million households.
Li Jian Cheng had worked hard to avoid six or seven years of fragmented warfare, achieving unification in the shortest time possible. Yet, the situation remained dire, highlighting how deeply Emperor Yang had harmed the people.
In the Council Hall, Li Jian Cheng reiterated this year's policies aimed at nurturing the populace. He encouraged Agriculture and Sericulture while promoting marriage to avoid internal and external conflicts and restore prosperity across the realm.
However, he did not neglect governance issues. After dispatching the Divine Martial Army to sweep through southern counties, he sent Censor Wei Zheng and Chancellor Chen Shuda of the Yellow Gate to ensure that local officials and powerful figures who dared harm the people or violate laws were punished severely.
Yet even as he sought peace, troubles continued. The Tuguhun tribe launched successive invasions into Fangzhou and Taozhou. The Tangxiang Bandits attacked Songzhou, while Turkic Shibi Khan raided Mayi. The Western Turkic Khaganate sent envoys seeking marriage alliances.
Meanwhile, Baekje and Silla dispatched emissaries requesting that the Emperor restrain Goguryeo's aggression and protect them from being swallowed by Goguryeo.
Avoiding battle was clearly not an option. After consulting with the courtiers, the Emperor ordered General Li Shimin of the Right Guard to lead troops northward to fend off the Turkic forces. Accompanying him were generals Li Mi, Dan Xiongxin, Qin Shubao, Xue Wanchu, and Hou Junji.
However, before Qin Wang could set out, news from Mayi arrived. The Marquis of Mayi, Duke of Jiangxia, Li Gaoqian, had cowardly retreated. Seeing the Turkic forces arriving in droves and preparing to completely encircle Mayi, he took advantage of the night to lead over four thousand cavalrymen to abandon the city and flee.
What was even more infuriating was that Li Gaoqian's escape did not go smoothly; he was intercepted by the Turkic forces midway, suffering heavy losses and leaving in a state of disarray.
With Wei Zheng absent from court, no one spoke up initially. After all, Li Gaoqian was part of the Royal Family, which currently held military power. Among the Sixteen Guard Generals, King Li Shimin, King Qi, and Li Yuanji occupied three of the positions, while the two main generals of the newly established Divine Martial Army were also from the Royal Family.
Everyone wanted to gauge the Emperor's attitude first. However, it seemed as if he had not heard them at all. After a moment of silence, Minister of Rites and Left Deputy Secretary Pei Ji stepped forward. As Chancellor, he could not simply sit back like ordinary officials; he had to take a stance first.
"Your Majesty, I request severe punishment for Li Gaoqian. Our dynasty has never had an official or general who fled a city before battle out of fear. It is necessary to impose strict penalties to deter others!"
"I second the Left Deputy Secretary's words."
"I also second..."
With a leader emerging, most officials stood up in agreement. However, the Royal Family's civil and military members remained silent. They understood that Li Gaoqian's mistake was grave but hesitated to speak against a relative.
Thus, they neither supported nor opposed the motion; their silence effectively acknowledged that the court could impose severe punishment.
Yet the Emperor clearly wanted a statement from the Royal Family. He turned his gaze toward Prince Jin and Li Xuanba: "What does Zongzheng think should be done?"
Li Xuanba was usually quiet in court but expressed his stance decisively at this moment: "I believe that as members of the Royal Family, committing such a grave offense warrants even harsher punishment!"
The words made the rest of the Royal Family feel uneasy; they had hoped for a chance to survive, but with this added crime, it would be a dead end for them.
The Emperor nodded and then fixed his gaze on the Duke of Longxi, who appeared most indignant. After all, he was his distant uncle.
"What does the Xingchang Duke think?"
Li Shuo immediately wanted to express that he could resign from his title and position, but he should at least be allowed to keep his life, in accordance with His Majesty's kindness and familial duty.
He slightly bowed and raised his head to speak, but he suddenly noticed that the Emperor, who had remained still until now, was slowly leaning forward, his gaze icy and piercing, resembling a hungry tiger or a fierce dragon.
"What does the Xingchang Duke believe I should do with the Royal Family for their grave offenses?"
Li Shuo stammered, "Severe punishment... should be administered!"
Li Jian Cheng nodded and addressed the Courtiers: "What Prince Jin has said resonates deeply with me. The Royal Family holds great honor; not only do I confer titles upon the Duke, but I also entrust them with high-ranking positions and critical responsibilities within the court.
In light of our familial bond, shouldn't the Royal Family strive to repay such kindness? Ordinary ministers and generals understand loyalty to their sovereign and service to their country. Shouldn't the Royal Family, having received such grace, be more devoted than mere officials living off my salary?
I hereby command Lou Fan, the Prefect, to escort Li Gaoqian back to the capital immediately. King Qi will oversee the Jinyang troops in defending against the Turkic. Once Qin Wang arrives, we shall reclaim Mayi and drive the Turkic back to the grasslands!"
"Understood!"
"Your Majesty," Deputy Minister of War Fang Xuanling said, "the Turkic Shibi Khan is cunning and likely has connections with the Tuguhun and Goguryeo. We must make arrangements in other directions to prevent any unforeseen circumstances."
The military officials immediately requested to go to battle. The Emperor ordered Left Guard General Duke of Wei Li Jing to lead troops westward to confront the Tuguhun, accompanied by generals Xue Ju, Pei Xingyan, Su Dingfang, and Cheng Zhijie.
As for Goguryeo, the Emperor only commanded Duke Zhang Hutan of Rongping to station himself in Liaodong City and dispatched envoys to formally confer titles: Gao Jianwu as King of Goryeo, Buyeo Zhang as King of Dai Fang County, and Jin Zhenping as King of Lelang County.
"If any nation refuses to accept their titles, they shall be deemed disloyal subjects, and the court will send a great army to punish them. You must make this clear to them!"
When it came to Goguryeo, some officials expressed concern. Li Jian Cheng remarked, "We hold Liaodong City; Goguryeo can only rely on Pyongyang. If I send eighty thousand Naval Forces, we can easily annihilate Goguryeo. There is no need for you all to worry."
Upon hearing this, the ministers felt reassured. In the past, Emperor Yang's campaign against Goguryeo faced difficulties primarily due to the defenses of Liaodong City. Now that they controlled Liaodong City, Pyongyang had no fortifications to defend itself, and the Naval Forces could strike without much concern.
The appointed emissary felt more confident and immediately took his leave.
A few days later, news from the Northern Frontier continued to arrive. King Qi led his troops into battle against the Turkic forces, suffering more defeats than victories but managing not to lose any territory or cities. Meanwhile, Qin Wang finally made his way from Luoyang to the front lines.
However, upon their initial meeting, the two kings of Qin and Qi found themselves at odds with each other. The frontline commanders were deeply worried and quickly relayed the news back to the court.
………
(End of Chapter)
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