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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 84: Promotion
Soon, the weeds around the large tent were cleared away. Qimin Khan was panting heavily, steam rising from his head, yet he still managed to smile and say,
“To atone for my sins, I wish to send my tribesmen to build the imperial road, starting from the north of Yulin and extending all the way to Yurt. Then, we will continue eastward from Yurt until we reach Zhuojun. May I proceed with this plan?”
Li Jian Cheng and Changsun Sheng could not help but be impressed. Even if they were merely here to convey an imperial edict or intentionally looking for trouble, facing Qimin's attitude made it difficult for them to find fault.
Since this did not involve their own people, Changsun Sheng nodded immediately, “That is acceptable!”
Qimin Khan then asked, “What should be the proper width of the imperial road?”
Li Jian Cheng pondered for a moment before replying, “It should ideally be two hundred paces wide. However, since Your Majesty is the Holy Khan of the Turkic tribes, you would not want your subjects to be overworked. Therefore, one hundred paces would suffice.”
“Oh, how gracious of Sage Khan! I will instruct my servants right away.”
The two were then treated with great hospitality. Changsun Sheng was at ease in his dealings, while Li Jian Cheng was soon to marry a noblewoman from the Xiao Family and did not dare to linger too long; he took his leave to report back.
After a tiring journey that needed no further elaboration, they reported to the emperor with joy and then waited patiently for the construction of the imperial road in Turkic territory before returning.
Of course, most importantly, Yang Guang's large tent and Guan Feng Hall had yet to be completed. To showcase the emperor's majesty, his tent was designed to accommodate ten thousand guests for feasting.
Guan Feng Hall was built to house hundreds of guards and adorned with exquisite fabrics and jewels on all sides. It was equipped with wheels underneath for mobility—able to move when needed and halt when desired.
Over five hundred thousand people began their wait here. The emperor had no time to rest; having shown favor in the south, he now aimed to establish authority in the Northern Frontier without forgetting about the Western Regions.
The new noble Pei Ju had already gone to station himself in Zhangye, overseeing connections and trade with the Western Regions while also managing commerce with various western nations. He secretly gathered intelligence on those countries regarding their geography, customs, and attire.
Regardless of his intentions, Zhangye was now bustling with Sui Dynasty riches piled high and treasures from overseas arriving by cart in exchange for goods.
Moreover, the court was reforming its official system by implementing the Great Yea Code along with labor duties across various regions. One must admit that the emperor's energy was quite remarkable; he was not only stirring up affairs across the realm but also keeping himself busy.
A month passed swiftly. The imperial road was completed, and both the large tent and Wind-Watching Pavilion were ready. At this moment, Gao Shan and others submitted a petition: “In this peaceful era with no disturbances at the borders, Your Majesty should focus on spreading benevolence rather than personally laboring over imperial decrees or traveling far into remote territories. Please consider the safety of our state in relation to the Turks!”
Yang Guang summoned his ministers and said, "I have heard that the ancient wise emperors and enlightened kings would travel across the land to personally observe the hardships of the people.
The rulers of Jiangdong today only know how to indulge in luxuries, feasting on fine foods and wearing exquisite garments, sitting in their deep palaces without ever meeting the common folk. How is this different from women and girls?
I am truly ashamed of this. Now, I wish to take advantage of this time of peace and prosperity to personally visit the borders, reward the various tribes, and hold a grand event for the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. You all must not advise me otherwise; if you do, do not blame me for punishing you."
The ministers had no words to respond and retreated hesitantly, while Gao Shan, who had intended to persuade him further, was silenced and dragged away.
However, leading an army into Turkic territory was fundamentally different from operating within one's own domain. Although half a million troops were impressive, without careful planning and coordination, chaos could easily ensue.
Concerned for his own safety, the emperor remained cautious and summoned Military Merit for advice. Grand Minister of State Yuan Shou thought that the emperor merely wished to display his grandeur and quickly stepped forward, saying, "If we speak of a grand expedition, it should be like Han Wu's march beyond the pass, with banners stretching for miles—a spectacle unprecedented that would surely intimidate all under heaven.
Now outside the Imperial Camp, let us divide into twenty-four armies, dispatching one each day at intervals of thirty miles. Our flags will be visible to one another, drums will resound in unison, maintaining a continuous line over a thousand miles!"
Yang Guang frowned. Having led troops before, he understood that while this might seem imposing, it carried hidden dangers.
Li Jian Cheng also felt uneasy. He was waiting for Yang Guang to perish so he could seize control of the realm but did not wish for Yang Guang to die in Turkic territory or be captured, which would lead to the premature emergence of a certain future emperor.
Thus he spoke up: "Your Majesty, I believe this is unwise. An army stretched over a thousand miles can easily encounter unforeseen circumstances; if divided and scattered with internal strife arising, communication between front and rear would be severed. The roads are long and obstructed; it would be difficult to provide aid. We must proceed with caution!"
Yang Guang relaxed his brow and said to Li Jian Cheng, "Indeed, Jian Cheng's advice is prudent."
Yuan Shou, an old acquaintance from Yang Guang's earlier campaigns against Chen, felt indignant and disregarded what the emperor thought. He directly addressed Li Jian Cheng: "Hmph! What does Li Dalang propose then?"
Li Jian Cheng glanced at Yuan Shou. It was indeed difficult to achieve both grandeur and safety; however, ensuring safety alone was not impossible.
He then clasped his hands before the emperor and said: "In my humble opinion, if we form a square formation with our troops facing outward while keeping the six palaces and officials' families within our ranks—should any changes arise—we can resist from within while calling forth elite troops to strike outward. We could use our vehicles as barricades and reestablish our defenses; this is no different from holding a city."
"Your Majesty's body is worth more than gold; it is heavier than Mount Tai. I humbly propose this as a foolproof strategy and respectfully request your correction."
Yuan Shou sneered: "Such shallow and clumsy ideas dare to be spoken here; who among us does not know that you..."
Li Jian Cheng ignored him, while Yang Guang's cold gaze fell upon him. "Shut up! How dare you speak such foolish strategies that disregard my safety? What is there that cannot be said about Jian Cheng's thorough plan to protect me? Get out!"
Yuan Shou was filled with fear and immediately knelt down to plead for forgiveness. However, under the increasingly displeased expression of the emperor, he still covered his head and ran out.
The emperor ordered that matters be handled according to Li Jian Cheng's words. Thus, everyone took their leave to fulfill their duties, while Li Jian Cheng was left behind to have lunch with the emperor, as if they had returned to the days in Jin Wangfu.
However, Li Jian Cheng did not dare to act recklessly at all. He sat properly, not daring to stretch his chopsticks too far or fully sit down. Whenever the emperor spoke, he would stand up and bow his head in respectful attention to the Sacred Instruction.
Although Yang Guang said there was no need for formalities, his satisfied tone betrayed him. Therefore, while Li Jian Cheng verbally agreed, he still maintained his demeanor, adding at most, "Fearful of Your Majesty's countenance and dragon might, I am overwhelmed with trepidation. Please forgive me."
When Li Jian Cheng returned to his quarters, drenched in cold sweat, the emperor's decree of promotion arrived shortly after. It was the short-statured Wang Yi who came to announce it, raising an eyebrow at Li Jian Cheng as a sign of good news.
Sure enough, the emperor promoted Li Jian Cheng to the rank of Silver Blue Grand Minister of Ceremonies, granting him treasures such as fine wine and amber from the tributary states of the Western Regions.
Just last month, the emperor announced a change in official ranks. The previous eleven ranks from Grand Minister down to Governor were restructured into Grand Minister, Left and Right Grand Ministers, Golden Purple Grand Minister, Silver Blue Grand Minister, Regular Councilor, Special Councilor, Morning Audience Councilor, and Morning Dismissal Councilor.
Additionally, a new department was established within the palace, along with new positions for courtiers and administrative officials. The titles of Earl, Viscount, and Baron were abolished and provinces were renamed counties.
…
(End of Chapter)
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