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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 204: Duke of Xing
After making his decision, Xiao Xian immediately summoned his trusted subordinates to announce the news. Naturally, there were those who firmly opposed it, but when Xiao Xian had the World Map of Terrain raised, most of them nodded in agreement.
Although there were still some stubborn individuals resisting in various regions, such as Xu Yuanlang, Dou Jiande, Du Fuwei, and Li Zitong, the world had largely returned to Tang Wang. Even if these individuals joined forces, they would not hold an advantage, especially since they each had their own grievances.
Unless there was a civil war within the Li Family, with Han Wang Li Yan and Tang Wang Li Jian Cheng fighting against each other, the fate of the realm was not in much doubt.
Xiao Xian paid no mind to those obstinate fools; after all, these people would be a concern for Tang Wang in the future. He immediately ordered his generals to prepare for battle, intending to launch an attack on Li Zitong and Du Fuwei's rear as a declaration of allegiance to Tang.
Meanwhile, in Chang'an City, Li Jian Cheng ordered Li Xuanba and Li Yuanji to go receive Li Mi and Wang Shichong, who had already entered the pass.
Li Jian Cheng personally handled the surrender documents that arrived from various parts of the world, assigning official positions based on the strength of their troops and other factors.
For instance, even though Wang Bo had few troops at present, his reputation allowed him to persuade the bandit leaders from Qingzhou, Laizhou, and Mizhou to surrender together. Therefore, Li Jian Cheng still granted him the title of Duke.
Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui had further refined the ranks of official positions based on the Sui Dynasty's system. Li Jian Cheng was not in a hurry to make major changes; stabilizing the transition was currently the most urgent task.
In the Martial Virtue Hall, Li Jian Cheng addressed Xue Ju and his son: "There are still some bandits in Shu Region, such as Liu Wuzhou and Liang Shidu. Duke of Fen, are you willing to lead troops to suppress them?"
Xue Ju was taken aback; he did not expect such an opportunity to command troops would come so soon. He had prepared himself for a lifetime of never leaving Chang'an.
He immediately replied, "Thanks to Tang Wang's favor, I am willing to lead an expedition against those disloyal subjects and will surely return after defeating and beheading the bandits!"
Li Jian Cheng nodded in satisfaction. These surrendered subjects could not be kept in Chang'an indefinitely; being overly repressive could easily incite rebellion. Moreover, rewarding them without reason was not wise; it was essential to use them judiciously.
And without using them, how could one know if they were reliable? If they rebelled, he could simply suppress them again.
Holding both Li Jing and Li Shimin—two legendary swordsmen of the age—and having already secured control over the realm's situation, he also looked forward to encountering some foolish individuals who would provide him with an opportunity to set an example.
Li Jian Cheng's gaze fell on Xue Rengao behind Xue Ju. The resemblance between father and son was striking; both were tall and robust. However, Xue Ju exuded more dominance in his demeanor while Xue Rengao appeared more ferocious.
"The heir should also cultivate himself diligently. While being fierce on the battlefield is commendable, executing prisoners after battle is ultimately ominous and may harm one's longevity. I still hope that in the future you can inherit your father's position and assist me."
Xue Rengao bowed in agreement, and Xue Ju also said, "I will restrain him, and I will not let the king worry."
"Good."
As soon as the father and son stepped out of the Martial Virtue Hall, they encountered Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui. After exchanging greetings and a few polite words, they parted ways.
Fang Du entered the hall to pay his respects, and Fang Xuanling asked, "Your Majesty, it seems I saw the Duke of Fen holding the Tiger Tally for troop mobilization."
"Yes, I have ordered the Duke of Fen and his son to head south to campaign against Liu Wuzhou."
Du Ruhui replied, "Your Majesty, is this not a bit inappropriate? Although the Xue clan father and son have voluntarily submitted, they were once part of the previous regime. If we release them in Chang'an, their hearts may waver, which could lead to trouble."
Li Jian Cheng had the eunuchs deliver a secret message to the two: "Xiao Xian has also surrendered; his surrender document is on its way. Additionally, several bandit leaders who have claimed sovereignty are rushing toward Chang'an. In the future, our court will inevitably include figures from the previous regime. We cannot simply discard them while providing high positions and generous rewards; we must utilize their talents effectively.
Not only Xue Ju, but even Li Mi and Wang Shichong will be entrusted with military power. I will send them to deal with Dou Jiande, who refuses to submit. If Du Fuwei and Li Zitong are willing to surrender, I will have the Duke of Zhao lead them against Xu Yuanlang.
Those with ulterior motives can be dealt with repeatedly. Before my ascension and establishment of order, I intend to thoroughly eliminate these treacherous ministers and bandits."
As calls for Li Jian Cheng's ascension grew louder, the people began to sincerely hope for a peaceful era under his rule. The public's desire for stability made it much harder for rebellion to take root as it had in previous years.
The face of Tang Wang was obscured beneath the eleven-feathered crown; only his calm and distant voice could be heard emanating from above, carrying an imposing presence that left them hesitant to speak.
"Your Majesty, your ascension ceremony has been prepared. This morning, His Majesty decreed that you shall receive nine honors and wear the twelve-feathered crown."
Tang Wang showed no reaction. After a moment's pause, Fang Xuanling still bowed and asked, "Your Majesty, after the abdication ceremony, how should His Majesty handle matters? Should we make arrangements in advance?"
Li Jian Cheng smiled and said, "I am not one who schemes for power. The Yang clan's loss of virtue has led to the scattering of destiny and the end of national fortune. I raise righteous troops to resist the Turkic forces, subdue bandits to stabilize the prefectures, relieve the suffering of the people, establish proper governance, and thus fulfill Heaven's will. How could I deceive those of a fallen nation? They should be treated generously.
If any descendants of the Yang clan possess talent, they may serve as officials or generals to repay their loyalty to their country and restore peace to the land while atoning for their ancestors' past misdeeds. This is my hope."
Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui bowed in acceptance: "Your Majesty's magnanimity is rare throughout history. We were once subjects of Sui; we shall express our gratitude on behalf of Your Majesty."
Soon, what Tang Wang said spread throughout Chang'an. Everyone witnessed the Duke of Fen holding the Tiger Tally to muster troops, which surprised all those who had surrendered, followed by overwhelming joy.
Although Chang'an was a good place, no one was willing to be a wealthy prisoner there; they longed for opportunities to be sent out to localities or to achieve merit in battle, but no one dared to actively seek such things.
During the banquets in the streets, everyone praised and admired Tang Wang's ambition, acknowledging him as the extraordinary Sovereign who would pacify the chaotic world in just two or three years, truly a noble son of Guanzhong.
When the emperor learned of Tang Wang's words, he could not help but weep bitterly, saying: "The Predecessor Emperor lost virtue and abandoned the world, causing great calamity for the people. Fortunately, Tang Wang has come to save us and support the State. He has shown great virtue towards my Yang Clan. I shall abdicate in favor of the virtuous to manifest righteousness and follow Heaven's will!"
All the ministers wept, yet none dared to dissuade him, demonstrating the people's will.
A few days later, Li Mi entered Chang'an and knelt before the Martial Virtue Hall. After being summoned three times by Tang Wang, he finally entered to meet him. Li Mi referred to himself as a guilty minister, covering his face as he recounted his crimes and lamented his past ignorance of Destiny.
Tang Wang ordered that he be appointed as Duke of Xing and Right Wu Guard General, immediately leading troops to suppress the disloyal.
Duke of Xing Li Mi vowed: "I will carry my coffin into battle; I must defeat the bandits for Your Majesty. If I do not succeed, I shall die honorably!"
Tang Wang returned Duke of Xing's ancestral residence to him and arranged for his cousin from the Dugu Clan to be his Duchess. Duke of Xing thanked him repeatedly, unable to contain his tears.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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