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墨書 Inktalez
The Emperor nodded at the words. If Luo Yi could heed advice, then he could still be of use; if not, it would be his own choice to abandon his path.
Before autumn arrived, the Emperor returned to Chang'an and clearly stated his intention to spend the New Year there, which brought some comfort to the people of Chang'an.
No one expected that before His Majesty left, he had mentioned a southern tour to Jiangdu and would return soon. However, before he even came back, the name of their imperial capital had already changed.
Fortunately, they had experienced such matters in the previous dynasty and adapted relatively quickly.
Moreover, His Majesty's Edict also stated that when the world was stable, he would govern from Luoyang; when there were changes in the world, he would return to Chang'an to restore order.
The returning Imperial Decree made a special stop in front of Liangjun Wangfu for a moment before proceeding grandly back to the palace.
After Liang Junwang was buried with princely honors, the Emperor conferred the title of heir apparent upon Xiao Xuan, elevating him to the position of Duke of Liang and promoting him to Grand Minister of Golden Purple and Crown Prince's Grand Tutor, along with granting him a fief in Liaodong amounting to twelve thousand households.
For a moment, everyone was speechless, but after exchanging glances, several individuals stepped forward: "We dare not deceive Your Majesty; this matter is true."
Yet the Emperor still bestowed upon them the unique honor reserved for distinguished nobles. If Liang Junwang's title could be treated this way, then theirs needed no further discussion.
As Zhang Hutan sweated profusely, those few had already fainted long ago, and that remarkably tough wide leather belt was now beyond repair.
...
"I am asking you what to do!"
At first glance, this statement seemed innocuous, but something felt off about it. Thus, those who were somewhat alert hurriedly replied: "We are merely serving Your Majesty without any merit worthy of praise."
Li Jian Cheng shook his head: "I am not speaking in jest; you are indeed my loyal subjects. Since the conquest of Zhuojun and your march northward to welcome me back to the Central Plains, culminating in a great victory over Wei Da'er at Jinyang City and subsequently subduing the realm."
"I will establish thirty-six governorates under the Protectorate, each managing its own territory. I also plan to command Chancellor Li to travel with his wife to Liaodong after their wedding."
"From now on, you must restrain them more."
"I humbly thank Your Majesty for your favor."
Having mastered both civil and military arts, and seeking wealth to pass down through generations, what else could one desire but a prosperous life?
"I... I dare not, I know my faults..."
Nowadays, it is more fashionable to compare fiefs; the more fiefs one possesses, the higher their status in the eyes of His Majesty, and the closer their relationship with Him.
"Shen Guang is now in charge of Jinyiwei; you shall oversee the Imperial Guards and the valiant cavalry."
After a night of revelry, the Emperor addressed his long-time confidants: "You are all my loyal ministers who have followed me for over a decade; your hard work and contributions are truly commendable."
Once the banquet concluded, the severely beaten official was carried away by his colleagues, leaving the onlookers—officials and commoners alike—in utter astonishment.
"Ah! Khan, Khan, spare my life! Please give me another chance!"
The numbers indeed matched up. Li Jian Cheng nodded in satisfaction; after all, my money cannot be taken entirely by you. You will only receive a small portion, and then I must thank you for it.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty."
In Dali City, Tuli Khan was furiously whipping his subordinates: "You are even worse than cattle and sheep! How dare you compare yourselves to the Prairie Eagle? You speak of uniting troops to take revenge and restore honor, yet you have caused a faction to rebel!"
After this statement, many knelt down. Li Jian Cheng looked at those behind him: "Zhao Dashan, Zhang Erhe, Lupin... What? Do you still want me to spell it out?"
They speculated that their arrogance had led to punishment from His Majesty. If even loyal ministers like them faced such dire consequences, others would certainly not dare to be proud—at least not openly.
Zhao Deyan shook his head and said, "This is due to the lack of distinction between ranks and the leniency in rewards and punishments. The Khan's Golden Arrow Edict has been disrespected by some. Sigh."
Tuli felt a chill run down his spine, but due to his mother Princess Yicheng's orders, he could not impose punishment on this Han Chinese.
"What about Luo Yi?"
"Bestow the Duke of Ying with the Golden Jade Belt."
After hearing this, Tuli seemed to have heard nothing at all. He shot him an unhappy glare; if it weren't for his mother constantly saying that to strengthen the nation, they must rely on the Central Plains People, he wouldn't want such a thing to enter the Khan's tent.
Currently, the trend in the Court was to rank by seniority, with civil and military officials competing for when they would be favored. Those who followed His Majesty during Zhuojun now held significant positions.
The emperor remained silent, merely glancing at Duke Zhang Hutan of Ying. Zhang Hutan said little and stepped forward to remove his leather belt.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"Khan, what I say is a response: the lack of distinction between ranks and leniency in rewards and punishments should be amended. In my view, the laxity and disorder within our dynasty are why the Heavenly Kingdom's power is gradually inferior to that of the Central Plains."
Zhao Deyan was terrified but maintained a calm demeanor, even slightly furrowing his brow as he cast a subtle reproachful glance at Tuli Khan.
"He entrusted me with escorting over forty large ships filled with gold, silver, and treasures, along with three ships of beauties, all noblewomen from Goguryeo and Baekje."
He walked up to the last few individuals and raised his hand high before delivering a fierce slap. With Zhang Hutan's strength, each strike made the battle-hardened men cry out in pain, and after a few hits, they couldn't help but crawl on the ground.
Many military generals below straightened their chests upon hearing this. Among them were Han Chinese, Turks, and Goguryeo people, but regardless of their origins, their loyalty was unquestionable.
"Understood."
This was undoubtedly a great favor, especially since it was well known that Xiao Xuan did not possess the talents and virtues of his father. Not only had he declined the title multiple times before inheriting it, but the Queen had also requested a reduction in his rank.
"Your Majesty, the power of the Protectorate is still too great."
The mistakes made by those few were not significant and did not warrant severe punishment. However, their attempt to deceive the Emperor regarding Montu was an act of disloyalty.
For the disloyal, death was a common fate, yet Li Jian Cheng still granted them a chance.
After autumn arrived, Duke Zhang Hutan of Ying returned from Liaodong and was summoned by the Emperor, who hosted a banquet for many old acquaintances from Zhuojun, indicating a close relationship.
"It is rare to see such honesty; this is loyalty. If you were to deceive me as well, then I would not know how to maintain this bond between Ruler and Minister."
Tuli gasped for breath as he tossed aside his whip, turning his gaze to the scholar beside him dressed in a scholar's robe. "What do you think we should do?"
Moreover, with such credentials, even when facing officials of higher rank, one had to engage with them on equal terms, let alone show any reverence.
"I have always wished to treat you well and share wealth and prosperity with you during this flourishing era. However, I have recently heard that you take pride in your credentials within the court, disrespecting superiors and humiliating subordinates. Is there any truth to this?"
You should not focus on trivial matters but rather expedite reforms. You should emulate the Central Plains by consolidating military power among various departments and appointing their leaders to positions in Dali City. This way, no one would dare to defy your commands again."
………
(End of Chapter)
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