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Chapter 270: Relocation of the Capital
Li Jian Cheng actually preferred Chang'an, as it was the place where he grew up. However, he also understood that Chang'an was no longer suitable as the political center of the Tang Dynasty.
Not only was it somewhat remote and difficult to control the southeast, but the grain production in the Guanzhong region could no longer supply Chang'an, especially after he had mobilized numerous troops while cleaning up the court.
Although Guanzhong was known as a fertile land, its territory was limited, and its output was insufficient to support the Capital City, especially during times of drought.
Currently, there had been no natural disasters, and the population was still recovering, so it was possible to draw grain from local sources. However, due to the treacherous terrain, it was necessary to bypass the Yellow River's natural barriers by land before organizing shipping, which was quite challenging.
In the fourth and fourteenth years of Kaihuang, Guanzhong faced famine twice, prompting Sui Wendi to lead officials and civilians to flee to the Eastern Capital Luoyang in search of food.
If a disaster or drought were to occur, even if the court made every effort to mobilize resources, without smooth waterways for transportation, grain would be far from sufficient to meet the needs of Guanzhong's populace.
In that case, Li Jian Cheng would have no choice but to emulate the Wen Emperor and become a new grain-collecting monarch, relocating government offices and a large army away from Guanzhong while leaving the transported grain for the common people.
Luoyang, on the other hand, was different. Although it did not have the strategic advantages of Chang'an—such as being eastward towards Xiaohan Pass, southward guarding Wuguan, westward embracing Shanguan, and northward having Xiaoguan with its advantageous terrain that was easy to defend yet hard to attack—it was centrally located in the realm. It provided easy access eastward to Wu and Yue, southward to Jing and Xiang, westward to Long and Shu, and northward to Yan and Zhao. Especially after Emperor Yang excavated the Canal, transportation between north and south became smooth, making grain supply extremely convenient.
The emperor summoned his confidants and important ministers for consultation. The courtiers were not surprised that upon returning from Jiangdu, the emperor did not go directly back to Chang'an but chose to stay in Luoyang for the New Year. This clearly indicated his stance.
The Minister of Rites, Du Ruhui, said: "Your Majesty, Luoyang was originally built as a capital city. Its facilities are complete and well-equipped; it has vast granaries filled with abundance. As long as Your Majesty issues an edict to announce this relocation to the world, we can move the capital here."
Moreover, Luoyang is situated at a transportation hub for both land and water routes, facilitating wealth accumulation and enriching the national treasury.
Grand Minister of State Liu Cheng opposed, saying, "Your Majesty, Luoyang is ultimately not as stable as Guanzhong. The court is located in Chang'an, which can communicate with the various countries in the Western Regions to the northwest and control Shu to the south. Although Luoyang is centrally located and should manage the southeast, that area is currently stable. I believe the matter of relocating the capital should be postponed and considered gradually."
However, they had not stopped Emperor Yang from relocating the capital during the previous dynasty, let alone now.
Since it would still be a dual capital system, the main structure would not change much. It would only require following the previous dynasty's strategy to strengthen the four passes around Luoyang and connect Yongzhou and Yuzhou, establishing a Gyeonggi Province that encompasses both capitals.
"May it please My Emperor to make a wise decision."
With the decree issued, the citizens of Luoyang cheered joyfully and spontaneously began to hold various celebrations. Upon hearing this, the emperor specifically issued an order to lift the three-day Curfew.
After listening to everyone's opinions, the emperor said, "In that case, we shall relocate the capital to Luoyang, with Chang'an as the secondary capital."
Jianghuai is prosperous and a center of culture. If it remains distant and cannot be directly managed for a long time, it will inevitably lead to disunity and great troubles.
Wang Yi fairly remarked, "Chang'an has solid mountains and rivers, suitable for dealing with turmoil; Luoyang possesses the beauty of central lands, suitable for moral governance over the world."
The Hongnong County should establish a Department of Military Affairs to enhance security along the routes between the two capitals and strengthen control over the mountainous areas in western Henan south of the Xiaohan Road.
Minister of Civil Affairs Wang Gui countered: "Luoyang is backed by Mang Mountain to the north, bordered by Yique to the south, secured by Chenggao to the east, and leaning against Han Gu Pass to the west. How can it not be considered stable?"
As more Courtiers expressed their opinions, there was generally more support for relocating the capital to Luoyang, indicating that Guanlong had indeed weakened considerably.
Once again becoming subjects under a true Son of Heaven, the people of Luoyang were very excited. It was not only a pleasing title but also brought numerous substantial benefits.
Just as they were about to celebrate the New Year, this joyous event coincided with countless scholars arriving from various places to participate in the Imperial Examination. It truly was a time of prosperity and vibrant life flourishing everywhere.
In the spring of the fifth year (622 AD), during the New Year celebrations, the Emperor received congratulations from the courtiers at Qianyang Palace.
"May you, the Peaceful and Martial Emperor, enjoy renewed blessings and harmony with heaven."
This year, the officials in the court were notably younger, which was a good sign, and the young people danced beautifully.
According to tradition, after watching the courtiers perform their dances, the Emperor would bestow Cypress Leaves as rewards. Last year, Duke of Wei Li Jing, British Duke Xu Shijie, Duke of Yangdu County Li Mi, Duke of Zhangqiu Du Fuwei—four distinguished generals—received Cypress Leaves.
However, this year, the Emperor only awarded them to Duke of Wei and Qin Wang, both of whom were not present in Luoyang.
Both civil and military officials felt some regret; after all, this represented His Majesty's recognition and was sometimes more valuable than promotions.
Nevertheless, it was clear why Duke of Wei and Qin Wang received the awards; the two had been in conflict over the Martial Examination issue, and His Majesty might have intended to soothe tensions.
Following this were tributes from various regions, as well as emissaries from the Outer Domain presenting their annual gifts and auspicious items.
This year, there were significantly more emissaries from the Outer Domain than last year; over ten came from the Western Regions alone, each bringing precious treasures.
Additionally, there were envoys from Lin Yi, Champa, Biao Kingdom, Nippon, Lion Kingdom, and Tocharian, all bringing generous gifts. The Emperor was also generous in his rewards for them.
Of course, there was also the most attentive Wa Country, which was shocked by Tang Dynasty's military actions in Liaodong.
Many years ago, Wa Country declared war on Silla, dispatching an army of twenty-five thousand troops with the intention of forcing Silla to submit and pay tribute.
However, the result was a complete failure, and their covetousness for Liaodong's land has never ceased; they have merely been waiting for the right opportunity.
They were well aware of the various strengths of Liaodong, which is why they chose Silla as their opponent instead of Baekje or the then-powerful Goguryeo.
The actions of the Tang Dynasty indeed instilled a genuine fear in them. The very thing they had hesitated to act upon for over a decade—Tang effortlessly annihilating Goguryeo and swallowing Silla without a fight—was alarming.
The fate of Baekje was clear to anyone; Liaodong had no chance against Wa Country anymore.
Realizing their own weakness, under the arrangement of Prince Shotoku, they brought a large quantity of gold and silver treasures to pay homage to the Tang Emperor, hoping to gain insights into the secrets of a powerful nation.
It must be said that Wa Country was quite sincere; officials from the Ministry of Rites and Honglu Temple specifically arranged for Wa Country's envoys to be seated closer to the front.
After paying tribute and receiving rewards, the emperor hosted a banquet for the courtiers. The palace built during Emperor Yang's reign was far more magnificent than the Chang'an Palace constructed during Wen Emperor's time.
When the envoys from the Outer Domain arrived at Qianyang Palace, most were left speechless. Just one column in front of the hall measured twenty-four spans (approximately 36 meters), and officials from Honglu Temple informed them that it took two thousand people to drag this single column during construction.
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(End of Chapter)
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