Chapter 1553: Resolve to Remain a Loyal Minister of the Great Han

"As for Yanyan, I am quite at ease, and I have confidence in you. I won't lecture or nag you further!" Xiao Siwen's expression showed a hint of relief as he looked at Xiao Yanyan and said, "From now on, I will visit the Eastern Palace less often. The palace is heavily guarded, and too many visits would not be good for you. Take care of yourself!"

In fact, since Xiao Yanyan had entered the palace, the father and daughter had never met again, nor had they deliberately made inquiries about each other. This time, Xiao Siwen was only able to enter the Eastern Palace after the Crown Prince's formal marriage ceremony, and even then, he was extremely careful and circumspect, so as not to overstep or give others cause for gossip—cautious to the point of excess.

Xiao Siwen's concern for Xiao Yanyan was genuine, though it was also a kind of prudent wisdom. Xiao Yanyan had only just gained a foothold in the Eastern Palace, far from secure, and this was precisely the time when she needed to keep a low profile. As for her relatives, they needed to be even more law-abiding and avoid courting trouble—even actions that might merely invite trouble should be avoided as much as possible.

Feeling her father's concern, Xiao Yanyan could not help but show a moved expression and said, "Thank you for your understanding, Father!"

At the same time, Xiao Yanyan keenly noticed the worry in Xiao Siwen's words and could not help asking, "Has Father encountered some difficulty that has brought worry to your brow?"

Hearing this, Xiao Siwen was briefly startled. Meeting Xiao Yanyan's bright, spirited eyes, he no longer forced himself to put on a brave face. He sighed for a moment and said, "Yanyan should also know that over the past two years, I have been recruiting nobles and tribesmen from Mobei for the court. By last winter, there was finally some progress.

Several nobles from the Liuyuan, Wuhuai, and Pinwei tribes secretly sent messengers to make contact, agreeing to break away from Mobei and lead their followers south to submit to the court. In the second month of this spring, with the support of troops stationed in Monan, over ten thousand Khitan tribesmen successfully came south to submit to the Great Han!"

Hearing Xiao Siwen get to this point, Xiao Yanyan said, "If that is so, Father should have rendered a great service to the court! What problem has arisen in the midst of it?"

At this mention, Xiao Siwen's headache and worry were fully displayed. Frowning deeply, he said, "Indeed, I was originally delighted as well—after years of effort, I had finally reaped results, not failing the trust placed in me, and able to report upward. Unfortunately, after these tribesmen arrived, a change occurred!"

Xiao Yanyan did not press further but quietly waited for him to continue. Xiao Siwen said, "Originally, according to my agreement with the nobles, after they led their people south to submit, they would receive official appointments from the court, retain their governing authority over their tribesmen, and be settled on the grasslands of Monan with pastures divided among them. These conditions were all approved by His Majesty the Emperor.

However, after they came south, the court's policy changed. The Hall of State Affairs carried out reforms regarding the governance of the various border tribes of the Great Han, confiscating governing authority and registering the people into the household system. These newly submitted Khitan tribesmen naturally became the first targets of the reform!

As far as I know, all of these Khitan tribesmen who came south were broken up and reorganized by the authorities, registered in the books, and were not settled in Monan but scattered among the townships of Shanyang Circuit—thoroughly dispersed, you could say.

The court's intention is already quite profound, but how could those Khitan tribesmen—especially the Khitan nobles and chieftains—be willing to accept this? Though the court granted them official positions, they were all low-ranking petty posts. Though they retained some property, they had almost entirely lost their governing authority over their tribesmen. This was clearly unacceptable to them.

During this period, I have received many letters, heaping blame upon me, saying that I deceived them, and complaining endlessly about the court's policies.

Thinking of this matter, I have grown increasingly worried lately. If anything happens in the north, it will inevitably implicate the Xiao clan..."

Having said this, Xiao Siwen could not help but heave another heavy sigh. As a Khitan himself, he deeply understood how difficult it was to serve in the Great Han court. Do well, and there might not be much reward—merely a stepping stone for active integration. But once a problem arose, it could very easily bring disaster upon oneself.

After hearing Xiao Siwen's words, Xiao Yanyan also understood the situation and realized the severity of the matter. Her delicate brows unconsciously knitted high as she said, "Father's concerns are not without reason; this must be taken seriously.

The court's policy is clearly aimed at strengthening control over the border tribes, bringing their people completely under the governance of the authorities. But as Father says, such an approach will inevitably incur the dissatisfaction—even resistance—of those nobles and chieftains. Even if the court is powerful, they will certainly not willingly submit.

Perhaps compelled by the might of the imperial army, they dare not resist head-on, nor directly defy the court's policies. But actions such as fleeing or escaping far away may be difficult to avoid.

Even more, should some situation arise, rebellion and uprising would not be impossible. If that were to happen, what the consequences would be, and whether Father would be implicated—all of this is hard to predict..."

Compared to Xiao Siwen, Xiao Yanyan clearly viewed the matter more gravely, which made Xiao Siwen's expression grow increasingly somber. Setting aside the severe scenarios of rebellion and insurrection, merely the Khitan nobles and tribesmen whom Xiao Siwen had recruited—if they came and then fled again due to dissatisfaction with the court's policies, that would be a blow to the court's prestige and a crisis for him, Xiao Siwen.

How could Xiao Siwen not understand this reasoning? He could no longer sit still. Rising, he paced a few steps, then turned his head toward Xiao Yanyan and said, "I will be careful about this matter! Since His Highness is not in the Eastern Palace, I shall come to visit another time!"

With that, Xiao Siwen moved to leave hastily, but Xiao Yanyan called him to a stop: "What does Father intend to do?"

Hearing this, Xiao Siwen hesitated for a moment, then shook his head and said, "I have not yet thought it through! However, I have already shown complete loyalty to the Great Han, with a clear conscience. His Majesty and the court should not be too harsh on me, I should think."

With that, Xiao Siwen emphasized one point to Xiao Yanyan: "As long as you are well in the Eastern Palace, the Xiao clan still has a layer of protection!"

A grave expression appeared on Xiao Yanyan's face. After a moment of thought, she said to Xiao Siwen, "What Father thinks is correct. Now, you are a minister of the Great Han, an official of the court—everything should be considered for the court's sake.

Those tribes that came south from the north, though of the same people as us, are not of the same path. If they refuse to submit to imperial civilization and bring disaster upon themselves, they deserve no sympathy.

Your daughter suggests that Father should memorialize the throne regarding this matter, together with those letters, to state your position and warn the court to be on guard against the Khitan tribes that came south, as well as the various border tribes.

While promoting the policy of assimilation, strictly guard against their unrest. Even more, you could voluntarily request to take charge of this task. In short, you must sever ties with those tribes that came south, so as to avoid any possible calamity implicating the Xiao clan!"

Xiao Yanyan's calm tone carried determination, and with Xiao Siwen's experience, how could he not understand her meaning? He pondered for a while, and a flicker of intent appeared on his aged face.

No anti-theft measures

His old eyes gradually focused, his expression gradually calmed. Looking at Xiao Yanyan, Xiao Siwen sighed once more: "In the future, I fear I will inevitably be reviled by the Khitan tribes..."