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墨書 Inktalez
Chapter 277: Passing
Zhang Hutan did not feel reassured by Luo Yi's words; he simply said, "Do you know why I didn't compete with you for the position of Andong Protectorate?
It's because people's hearts are fickle. I'm afraid that if I hold too much power here, my desire for authority will cloud my judgment, leading me to make grave mistakes that could bring disaster upon my family and clan.
Rather than that, it would be better to return to the capital and serve His Majesty. It is better for a person to have constraints."
Luo Yi fell silent for a moment. "I understand. I will always remind myself of this.
As for His Majesty, please speak well of me to him, as I have never had any ulterior motives."
"That's easy to say, Ziyan. You asked me to escort ten ships of treasures back to the capital, but how much did you keep for yourself?"
Luo Yi wanted to argue, but Zhang Hutan waved his hand. "Look at you; you're already blinded by greed. In this battle, you annihilated the Three Kingdoms' Prince and obtained countless riches—only you know how much gold and silver you have.
Even if I were to underestimate it, what you've kept for yourself is certainly several times more than what you are giving to His Majesty. Do you think His Majesty will feel pleased or angry about receiving these ten ships of treasures?
That’s all I have to say. I will set off back to the capital tomorrow; take care of yourself in Liaodong."
Zhang Hutan stood up to leave when Luo Yi asked, "Brother, is this your own opinion or did Duke Wei specifically send you to admonish me?"
Meanwhile, on the other side of the Protectorate, Deputy Protectorate Eulji Mundeok was standing respectfully before Wei Zheng. As a Chancellor who had led troops to surrender before Goguryeo's fall, his status in the Andong Protectorate was significant.
Wei Zheng did not look at him much; he simply ordered him to deliver something to Zhang Gongjin.
If the Tang Dynasty does not intervene, then within a few years, Wa Country will inevitably experience a massive power struggle and chaos. More likely, internal conflicts will be shifted outward, leading them to wage war against the Tang Dynasty.
Do not listen too much to those surrendering generals pledging loyalty; with just one imperial decree from His Majesty, you would lose your foundation. Without the elite troops we brought from Liaodong City, those surrendering generals could tear you apart.
It is not just about so-called dignity; it certainly isn't for the sake of the people of Wa Country. The main reason is that they do not want a situation where both sides suffer irreparably.
After inquiring with Jin Zhenping, he sent someone to find the merchants who had traveled to Wa Country for trade. After gathering detailed information, he and his confidants reached a conclusion.
He did not care about the tribute from a mere country, nor was he concerned with how the arrogant small nation of Yelang behaved. However, he was absolutely willing to cut off Wa Country's opportunity for reform and prosperity.
The power of the Soga Family had reached a level where they could depose and appoint the Sovereign, which naturally posed the greatest obstacle to monarchical centralization.
Unfortunately, this capability could not be demonstrated before the Emperor, as the Emperor had no intention of receiving them. He merely allowed Honglu Temple to deal with it casually.
Wei Zheng took a look and saw that it detailed how much gold and silver Andong Protector Luo Yi had collected on certain dates, and when he arranged for several ships to secretly return to the Central Plains.
It was evident that Wa Country was in urgent need of Central Plains culture to support its internal reforms and centralization. More importantly, they sought to establish diplomatic relations between the two countries to maintain internal stability.
"Duke Wei, this is a rough estimate recorded by someone."
Zhang Hutan turned back with a frown and said, "Is it important? Whether it's my intention or Duke Wei's intention, isn't it for your own good?
Then we can find a way to quell the anger of the Tang Dynasty; after all, separated by a sea, war cannot escalate significantly.
Meanwhile, in Luoyang, Wa Country sent envoys to apologize. The lead envoy was named Inuue Mitasuke, who came in eager to smash his own head in submission.
The envoy from Wa Country came not only to apologize but also brought many noble youths and monks, claiming they hoped to study in the Tang Dynasty.
If war broke out with the Tang Dynasty and the main combatants achieved victory—even if it were just a minor victory—such immense prestige could decisively resolve all issues within their country.
If they failed to win, then those advocating for war would become sacrifices to appease the anger of the Tang Dynasty and could rightfully return under Tang rule, temporarily endure, and absorb various experiences and cultural techniques.
"I believe we should still guard against Liaodong. Wa Country has gained many nobles from Silla and Baekje; they must be hoping to reclaim this territory. Only in Liaodong can they possibly establish a long-term foothold."
The Emperor did not respond directly but issued an edict: "Order the coastal areas to continue building warships; the Ministry of War will prepare a new Naval Forces army."
"Understood."
“Is there any progress on the artillery?”
Minister of Works Yuwen Ruitong replied, “There has been significant progress, but unfortunately, several dozen craftsmen have been injured in the process.”
The Emperor's expression remained unchanged. “Compensation must be given according to regulations; it cannot be withheld. Continue to refine the work.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
At that moment, as the Emperor was conferring with his confidant, Li Wei hurried in to report, “Your Majesty, the Xiao Heir has come to announce the mourning; Liang Junwang has passed away.”
Li Jian Cheng stood up. His father-in-law had finally departed. He had thought that after enduring the winter, he might still live on for a while longer.
Fang Xuanling and other high-ranking officials bowed to the Emperor. “Your Majesty, please accept our condolences.”
“Liang Junwang was not only a royal relative but also someone who contributed greatly to the nation. How can I not grieve deeply?”
The Emperor sighed. This marriage had been arranged by Emperor Yang for Prince Jin during a banquet at Jin Wangfu after he had deposed Yang Yong from his position as crown prince.
Over twenty years had passed in the blink of an eye, and reflecting on it now was truly poignant.
“Summon the heir. Has the Queen been informed?”
“She has not yet been notified.”
“Do not inform her for now.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Soon after, Xiao Xuan entered wearing heavy mourning attire, bowing and weeping as he held a letter in both hands, clearly the last testament of Xiao Cong.
Li Jian Cheng stepped forward to take the letter and supported his uncle. “Though my father-in-law has left me, he has left you to assist me; this brings me some comfort. I hope you will take care of yourself and uphold our family.”
Xiao Xuan stood before the Emperor, bowing and weeping softly. "Your Majesty..."
Fang Xuanling and others stepped forward to offer comfort, and it took a while for Xiao Xuan to report the details of her father's passing.
Of course, as a high-ranking official and a person of great nobility, the court would certainly send officials to investigate once more; it could not be settled simply by the words of his descendants.
Li Jian Cheng opened the will, the handwriting somewhat shaky, clearly written with great effort. It was indeed in Xiao Cong's script.
The content was not lengthy; it consisted of Xiao Cong's advice on state affairs, without a single mention of family, nor any reference to the Queen or the position of Crown Prince.
This brought great comfort to the Emperor, who felt an even deeper sense of longing and regret for his father-in-law. "The loyalty and dedication of my father-in-law to the nation can be compared to gold and stone."
The Emperor decreed, "I wish to take the Queen back to Xi'an. All departments must prepare immediately."
Although it was not explicitly stated that it was for mourning, it was clearly implied. Xiao Xuan bowed repeatedly in gratitude.
Logically speaking, one should not disturb those of higher status; throughout the realm, aside from the Retired Emperor and the Empress Dowager, there was no one worthy of such a special mourning journey from the Emperor and Empress.
………………
(End of Chapter)
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