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墨書 Inktalez
Such a significant movement could not escape the notice of the Tang Dynasty. When Li Jian Cheng learned the details, he remained silent, merely issuing an edict forbidding anyone from disturbing the Turkic modifications.
This was even more outrageous than the modifications in Wa Country. At least the Slave System moving towards the Feudal Monarchy System was a correct step, a necessary result of historical development and productivity progress that was bound to succeed.
However, to eliminate the stubborn conservatives, one must endure growing pains and cut away the rotten flesh. Li Jian Cheng's blockade of Wa Country, denying them any support, would only prolong their chaos.
As for the Turkic modifications, that was a path to self-destruction with no glimmer of hope. Especially since Tuli lacked absolute prestige, daring to push this matter forward was clearly courting disaster.
The emperor ordered a state of emergency in Bingzhou and commanded the Andong Protectorate to mobilize troops northward to Liaodong Commandery. He also dispatched an emissary and imperial physician to Western Turkic to convey his orders to Tongye Hu.
So far, Tongye Hu had been very compliant, and Princess Gaomi often sent letters and gifts back. The trade routes in the Western Regions had never faced any obstacles.
Moreover, Princess Gaomi had sent back joyful news—she was pregnant—which further tightened the bonds between the two nations.
In court, he addressed the Minister of Civil Affairs and Tuli Khan's uncle, saying, "The granaries in the city are filled with grain; why are we not arranging for people to aid the nearby tribes and their people?"
Only those nobles residing in Dali City could still maintain their lavish lifestyles, yet they were powerless to stop this situation, let alone organize relief efforts.
He looked at Tuli, whose eyes were sunken: "Your Majesty's benevolence will be remembered by your subjects."
After all, Tongye Hu had returned from defeat; he needed a gradually stronger Tang Dynasty as an ally to maintain his rule, even if it meant his status would be lower than that of the Central Plains Emperor.
The one truly trying every means possible was Zhao Deyan. In his view, it was only right for the court to provide disaster relief.
Both old and new factions were taking action together; Jinyiwei had not seized an opportunity and was restless.
Ashina drunkenly questioned, "That is Khan's grain; how can we simply distribute it to those people?"
Meanwhile, in court, other officials submitted petitions stating that Mayi officials should be ordered to immediately apprehend Zhao Deyan's associates and severely punish these traitors who betrayed their country by siding with the north.
Such natural disasters had no real solutions. Even the leaders of various tribes could only barely survive, doing their best to gather their remaining kin together.
Historically, there were two routes for entering the Hexi Corridor from the countries of the Western Regions: one was the southern route through the White Dragon Dune Desert, passing through Loulan Kingdom to reach Yumenguan. The other was the northern route from Gaochang Kingdom to Yumenguan.
After the onset of winter, the Emperor rewarded some Confidants from Liaodong with gifts such as bezoar stones, ginseng, pearls, and seal skins. He showed particular favor and promotion to the newly appointed Imperial Students, especially those from Commoner backgrounds.
A few officials in the Court were somewhat worried, but upon reflection, they felt there was nothing to fear, as their confidence had been significantly boosted by a series of victories and the conquest of nations.
The Emperor generously praised Qin Shubao and Dan Xiongxin in court, stating that their efforts in eliminating bandits across the land were commendable. He awarded them golden saddles from the Horse Evaluator and granted each an additional two thousand households of land to pass on to their descendants.
He ordered Martial Champion Winged Cavalry Commander Pan Yuan to lead troops responsible for protecting several boxes of incriminating evidence.
The Turkic Minister of War mocked, "You damned Han Chinese, do you know how deep the snow is? It is already higher than a sheep, and even horses cannot move. Who can help you transport food?"
As winter progressed, the heavens showed no mercy to their people. Heavy snow fell again, just like last year, accumulating several feet on flat ground. The weight of the snow collapsed tents, causing countless herders along with their cattle and sheep to freeze together.
They could only desperately educate the younger generation within their tribes, urging them to study diligently and take pride in succeeding in the Imperial Examination and Martial Examination.
"Agreed."
If Zhao Deyan were not dead, he would still be rewarded for his contributions in the future.
Zhao Deyan's face turned pale: "We cannot just sit idly by; we must think of a way. Even if we cannot save everyone, we should at least provide relief to those nearby."
...
Additionally, Top Scholar Sun Fuga was ordered to lead Jinshi Shangguan Yi, Shen Cuncheng, Li Wencai, and others to assist in the investigation. They were temporarily granted the title of Censor of the Imperial Court.
In October, Qin Shubao and Dan Xiongxin returned to the capital after largely clearing out remaining mountain bandits and water pirates across various prefectures. Those who were known either surrendered or died.
Moreover, they brought back several boxes of letters and account books found in bandit hideouts, which served as evidence of collusion between bandits and local gentry officials.
After reviewing them, the Emperor's Dragon Countenance showed displeasure; however, unexpectedly he did not order Jinyiwei to take action but instead instructed the Ministry of Justice to handle the matter and ascertain the facts for prosecution.
Naturally, Aristocratic Families did not wish for their originally monopolized shares to be divided among others. However, with imperial power shining brightly across the land, no one dared to stain His Majesty's reputation with any hint of bloodshed.
Currently, due to various reasons making travel difficult in the southern routes, the northern route became the primary passage. Kucha thus reaped continuous enormous profits from this situation, making it enviably fortunate.
But there was nothing wrong with meeting in advance. Li Jian Cheng cast his gaze westward, deeming it necessary to assess Tongye Hu appropriately.
In fact, Li Jian Cheng had not prepared for any connections with the western regions so early. After all, the primary goal was still Tuli. The original plan was to eliminate Tuli and then completely take control of the Western Turkic territories.
Now, under the common people, no one dared to say that His Majesty was stingy with titles or ungrateful. Just look at the fiefs and estates of the meritorious officials in the court; which emperor in history has been this generous?
The emperor's refusal to accept was not a sign of treachery; it was clear that these were national heroes. His individual impact was greater than the destruction caused by tens of thousands of troops marching northward.
After the two generals expressed their gratitude, an official from Honglu Temple stepped forward: "Your Majesty, envoys have arrived from Yiwuz, Yarkand, and Gaochang Sovereign, stating that the three sovereigns are preparing to come personally to pay their respects. We wonder if Your Majesty would grant them this honor."
Li Jian Cheng was slightly surprised upon hearing this. He had not specifically sought connections with the western nations; he had mostly sent troops to maintain stability along trade routes.
What Li Jian Cheng wanted to do now no longer required concealment. Through his actions and attitude, he clearly indicated his intention to promote some commoners to balance the power dynamics in the court against the aristocracy.
Iwu and Yanqi could be overlooked; they were small nations that had never held much significance among the western states. However, Kucha was different. Although it was also small, it had always been a crucial hub for east-west trade.
Tuli irritably shook his head: "Then you figure it out. But let me tell you, if the supply of food and wine in the city decreases even slightly, I will have you killed."
………………
(End of Chapter)
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