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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 212: Culture and Education
The Emperor took a cold approach to the matters in the southern provinces, not dispatching troops with overwhelming force to quell the rebellion. Initially, there were dissenting opinions in the court.
Some believed that it was acceptable to temporarily tolerate external threats, but how could one condone rebellion within?
In any dynasty, unless the situation had become irreparable, it was essential to swiftly demonstrate the authority of the court and the Emperor's divine power.
However, as the movements of the rebel forces in various provinces diminished, everyone seemed to realize that the chaotic era where a few local bandit leaders could rally tens of thousands of troops and carve out their own territories was truly over.
Among those with some rationality but not lacking ambition, they finally recognized the current state of affairs; rebellion had no future. If one wished for wealth and power, they could only serve in the court.
Figures such as Xue Ju, Li Mi, Xiao Xian, Du Fuwei, and Wang Shichong in Chang'an were completely disheartened. Those who had once held power would not willingly become subjects under someone else's control over life and death.
Yet this situation deeply affected them. They were not surprised that the Emperor could suppress the southern rebellion, but they were astonished that he achieved victory without battle. Even more shocking was his precise grasp of public sentiment.
If this matter were placed in their hands, they would have immediately sent troops to suppress and intimidate. Even if they anticipated it wouldn't amount to much, they wouldn't dare let it develop further for fear that a thousand-mile dam might collapse due to an ant hole.
During a court meeting, when someone again suggested it was time for suppression of rebellion, the courtiers became more eager and proactive. However, the Emperor still refused several generals' requests and instead issued an edict for local recruitment for a southern expedition.
Recruitment had always been difficult; only members of Qin's clan would eagerly join the army. But this time was different. Local commanders were surprised to find that those volunteering for military service were not only highly motivated but also of excellent quality.
Many among them were former bandit leaders who had once gathered their own forces; they willingly surrendered despite still being wanted by the court. Local commanders reported this situation.
Upon learning of this, the Emperor immediately issued an edict stating that regardless of past actions, anyone who voluntarily joined the southern expedition would be exempt from punishment. The court would treat all equally and promote those who achieved merit.
Once this decree was issued, the number of recruits surged even more. Many who had hidden their identities revealed themselves, most notably Dou Jiande, Liu Heita, and Roshan, who had fled after being defeated by the Duke of Wei.
The Emperor did not promote them but also did not order their capture, allowing them to enlist. Under the leadership of local provincial troops, they gathered and prepared to march south against the rebels.
This batch of recruits numbered around seventy thousand. The Emperor graciously named them the Divine Martial Army and appointed Royal Family member Earl Yongkang Li Shentong and Luo Yang Duke Li Daozong as commanders overseeing the southern expedition.
Ironically, just halfway through their journey, the rebel forces proactively sought forgiveness from the Emperor and stated that if His Majesty could grant them amnesty from death sentences, they would be willing to deliver Dugu Huai'en to the capital.
The Emperor paid them no mind but simply issued an edict stating that this campaign would only punish rebel leaders and officials; soldiers and commoners coerced into rebellion were innocent. Anyone who voluntarily surrendered would be exempt from punishment and would not be held accountable for their actions.
Thus, there was not much left to say about this battle. The Divine Martial Army advanced like a hot knife through butter, with the surrendered troops even taking the initiative to act as commoners responsible for logistics and guiding the way, while the rebels retreated step by step.
Among the Divine Martial Army, some individuals began to stand out. Not to mention those who were already well-known, such as Xue's Five Heroes: Xue Wanshu, Xue Wanjun, Xue Wanchu, Xue Wanbei, and others.
There were also Dong'a Cheng Zhijie, He Dong Pei Xingyan, Zou Ping Duan Zhi Xuan, Wu Yi Su Dingfang, Xingyang Zhang Liang, San Shui Marquis Jun Ji, Fan Shui Zhang Gongjin, Feng Yi Feng Shili, and more.
Some of these were heroes waiting for an opportunity in their localities, while others came from noble families of the previous dynasty. They had missed the chance when the world was unified under the Dragon Throne. Now that someone had finally rebelled, they seized the opportunity to make their mark.
...
In the Council Hall during a grand assembly, the Emperor proclaimed: "The Chief Historian shall record events and analyze gains and losses, exploring all changes. Therefore, we shall establish righteousness and punish evil while encouraging good deeds. We must learn from ancient times to provide guidance for the future.
Since Fuxi's time through the Zhou and Qin dynasties, the legacy of the two Han dynasties continued into the Three Kingdoms period. Up until Jin and Song, records have been preserved. From Wei's southward migration to seizing opportunities for governance during the Zhou and Sui dynasties, history has repeated itself. The Liang clan claimed sovereignty over Huaihai; Qi moved its capital to Guiding; Chen established its foundation—none failed to assert their legitimacy...
We must conduct thorough examinations and gather old accounts. The righteousness is undeniable; let there be no concealment in our writings!"
Li Jian Cheng ordered the establishment of Hongwen Pavilion and commanded Zhongshu Ling Xiao Yu and Minister of Ceremonies Zhong Jingye to compile Wei History; Shizhong Chen Shuda and Secretary Linghu Dehan to compile Zhou History; along with Feng Deyi and Zhongshu Sheren Yan Shigu to compile Sui History...
The Emperor's selections were all individuals holding significant positions with great literary reputations. Only such esteemed figures could produce histories worthy of being passed down through generations for future people to understand worldly affairs.
The Emperor's emphasis on culture moved officials from Jiangnan and Shandong Gentry to tears. The Guanlong Emperors truly cared about literature and education; it was rare for one to invest such effort into historical compilation. One could only say that His Majesty was indeed worthy of being called a poetic sage renowned throughout history.
It was a pity that His Majesty had not composed poetry or literature for many years. The civil officials rejoiced and repeatedly hailed his wisdom.
Secretary Linghu Dehan quickly took this opportunity to petition for the acquisition of lost writings and then organized a project under the court for sorting books and texts. Since Wei-Jin times, too many valuable works had been destroyed in chaotic times without being passed down.
The Emperor gladly agreed and decreed that talented individuals from Hongwen Pavilion should handle this matter, compiling the collected books into volumes.
After expressing gratitude, Linghu Dezan said: "I lack virtue; I humbly request Your Majesty to appoint either Scholar Ouyang Xun or Literary Officer Yu Shinan from Hongwen Pavilion to oversee this."
Li Jian Cheng looked at Ouyang Xun and Yu Shinan. Both were not young anymore but were considered exceptional figures in scholarly circles.
Yu Shinan was also the brother of Yu Shiji, but his temperament was completely opposite to that of his elder brother. Even though his brother held a position of great honor, he willingly accepted a life of poverty and was respected by people of his time.
Yu Shinan stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I am currently compiling the Book of Omens and Auspices, and we have reached a critical point. I fear that taking on multiple responsibilities may lead to mistakes."
Seeing Yu Shinan decline, Ouyang Xun stepped forward to accept the task. "I am willing to carry out your command."
The entire court was focused on these matters of Consultation, and the officials from the Ministry of War struggled to find an opportunity to report their good news regarding the Suppression of Rebellion.
When it came to discussing culture and education, one could not avoid the topic of religion, especially considering the recent rebellion led by the monk Gao Tansheng.
"How many monks are there in the world today?"
The responsible official hesitated as he stepped forward. "Replying to Your Majesty, the exact number is unknown, but based on my calculations, there should be approximately sixty to seventy thousand monks across the prefectures."
This figure only accounted for monks and did not include nuns. Additionally, there were Taoist priests and female practitioners; how many people would that add up to in total?
Li Jian Cheng furrowed his brow slightly. Both emperors of the Sui Dynasty had revered Buddhism and Taoism, leading to a flourishing of religion. Furthermore, since Monastic Daoism had literate members, they became an indispensable and highly influential presence in society.
……………
(End of Chapter)
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