Chapter 712: The Clever Yao Tribesman

After a series of tedious ceremonial training, as if breaking through layer upon layer of obstacles, he finally arrived before Chongzheng Hall. Those rites and rules were indeed tedious and cumbersome to Qin Zaixiong, but at the same time, the majesty of the Son of Heaven and the imperial house gave him a deeper understanding.

He waited obediently. Chongzheng Hall was not the most magnificent hall in the Han palace, but to Qin Zaixiong it made no difference—it all stunned him. Viewing from afar was never as visceral as viewing up close. To Qin Zaixiong, it only bred greater awe.

The chancellors of the Great Han filed out one after another, all subconsciously glancing at Qin Zaixiong, each harboring guesses that the Son of Heaven wanted to make some use of this Yao tribesman. Facing the scrutinizing gazes of the chancellors, Qin Zaixiong felt somewhat ill at ease, and only when they had walked far away did he finally let out a breath of relief.

For Qin Zaixiong, meeting the Han Son of Heaven even once seemed to be a rather tortuous process......

Finally stepping onto the floor of Chongzheng Hall, the coolness within the hall cleared Qin Zaixiong's muddled head somewhat. He cautiously glanced toward the imperial desk. Truly high above, he caught sight of a figure in bright yellow, then suddenly remembered what the Ministry of Rites officials had taught him—one must not look directly at the Son of Heaven—and hurriedly lowered his head.

Deliberately lowering his voice, he performed the kowtow ceremony with some nervousness: "Your subject Qin Zaixiong pays respects to Your Majesty!"

Watching this Yao tribesman leader—not only performing the three kneelings and nine prostrations, but even prostrating his entire body, incomparably obedient—though his performance was somewhat tense and his movements somewhat distorted, to have learned to this level in such a short time was no small feat.

"Rise. Stand up!" Liu Chengyou said with a gentle demeanor, waving his hand. "You are not yet my subject!"

Hearing the Emperor's words, Qin Zaixiong stood up and replied: "To answer Your Majesty, though your subject is a Yao man, he has always admired the majesty of Heaven and the transforming grace of imperial civilization. Previously I served in Hunan, yet the lands of Hu-Xiang have always submitted to the imperial court. Under its governance, I am naturally a subject of the Great Han!"

At Qin Zaixiong's declaration, a trace of surprise appeared on Liu Chengyou's face. He sighed inwardly—this man's awareness was rather high—and his mood naturally improved a few degrees. Recalling Zhao Yanjin's report, this man was no ordinary tribal chieftain; he indeed had some insight.

"Your subject previously followed Zhou Xingfeng's orders, recklessly joining the rebellion against the court, and knows his guilt cannot be escaped. I beg Your Majesty to punish me!" Qin Zaixiong said voluntarily.

This truly was a clever tribal chieftain. He had probably figured out that if the Emperor truly wanted to punish him, why bother with these days of enthusiastic hospitality? But this attitude and awareness also brought one a measure of pleasure.

"I have already issued an edict: all officials and people of Hunan who joined the rebellion are fully pardoned, with no further investigation!" Liu Chengyou said.

Qin Zaixiong immediately bowed deeply: "Thank you for Your Majesty's tolerance! Your Majesty's breadth of mind is as vast as rivers and lakes; your subject admires it immensely!"

Liu Chengyou could not help but laugh. The hearty laughter echoed through the hall, infecting everyone present, and Qin Zaixiong followed with a few simple-minded chuckles.

"These days in the Eastern Capital, how do you find it? My capital is rather magnificent, is it not?" Looking at Qin Zaixiong, Liu Chengyou asked, a hint of self-satisfaction in his tone.

Hearing this, Qin Zaixiong immediately perked up, his face full of emotion: "I must thank Your Majesty for the gracious hospitality! In Hunan, your subject had seen Changsha and believed that was a great city of the realm. Traveling north through Jiangling and Xiangyang, I felt the Eastern Capital could be no more than that. But upon arriving at the Eastern Capital, I realized how shallow my knowledge was. The Eastern Capital's splendor and beauty far exceed your subject's imagination, simply beyond words to describe—ten Changsha cities could hardly compare......"

This barbarian really knew how to talk. He wouldn't be some An Lushan type, would he? Liu Chengyou still had such stray thoughts in his mind.

"Since the Eastern Capital is so fine, would you be willing to reside here long-term? I can bestow upon you a residence, wealth, servants......" His eyes slowly rolling a few turns, Liu Chengyou's tone carried a hint of playfulness.

Hearing the question, a visible struggle flickered across Qin Zaixiong's rough-hewn face. He clasped his hands and bowed: "If I could reside long-term in the Eastern Capital, it would be my honor. However, as the old saying goes, one does not accept rewards without merit. Your subject is currently in a state of guilt, having rendered not a single achievement to Your Majesty and the court. Having already received hospitality, I feel uneasy—how dare I accept further imperial bounty. I dare beg Your Majesty to give me a chance. Once your subject has built merits for the Great Han, then I may receive Your Majesty's rewards with a clear conscience!"

"Though you grew up in the wilds, to possess such insight and such bearing—I am deeply gratified!" His tone softened considerably, even his form of address changing. Liu Chengyou's face at this moment showed two words: appreciation.

Qin Zaixiong clearly felt the goodwill from the Son of Heaven, grinning widely and revealing somewhat yellowed teeth.

"You and your subordinates are under Chenzhou's jurisdiction, are you not?" Liu Chengyou asked, turning more serious.

"Exactly so!"

"Under Chenzhou, how many tribes and how many people are there?"

"The tribes, great and small, are too numerous to count—perhaps several tens of thousands of people......" Without detailed investigation, even being born among them, Qin Zaixiong could only give a vague answer, and one that said almost nothing at all.

After a moment of deliberation, Liu Chengyou asked: "How many Yao people are under your command?"

"Over six thousand men and women!" Qin Zaixiong seemed somewhat proud—after all, this counted as a considerable force.

"How do they make their living?"

"First by gathering, second by fishing and hunting, third by farming!" Qin Zaixiong answered almost without hesitation.

"I have read the histories, and the Central Plains has long regarded Hunan as Jing barbarians and Chu tribesmen, which I think is most detrimental to harmony. Now that we have taken Hunan, I wish to send officials to civilize and govern it as one, with no distinction between Han and barbarian, treating all equally. What does Qin Qing think?" Somewhat abruptly, Liu Chengyou asked, full of probing intent.

Qin Zaixiong was briefly stunned, then said instinctively: "If this comes to pass, then all the tribes of Hunan will surely submit to the Great Han and sing praises of Your Majesty's sea-like breadth of heart!"

Liu Chengyou seemed somewhat dissatisfied with this answer, feeling it held nothing but hollow flattery of no substance. But after a moment's thought, Qin Zaixiong suddenly asked Liu Chengyou seriously: "May I ask Your Majesty, if the court were to civilize and govern the five prefectures of Chen and Xu, how would the court intend to deal with leaders and tribal chieftains such as myself?"

This time, Liu Chengyou was truly astonished. He studied Qin Zaixiong with an equally serious gaze and replied in an equally serious tone: "I repeat what I said—treat all equally. All tribal elders and leaders may come to the Eastern Capital to study the arts of governance and methods of ruling the people, and then be appointed to office according to their abilities. As for the tribal people themselves, they may likewise become officials or generals through the imperial examinations or military merit. Those with skills, after passing official assessment, may also serve as clerks in government offices. As for men of courage and strategy like Qin Qing, once you have rendered meritorious service, I shall naturally bestow titles and offices upon you!"

Having sensed Liu Chengyou's sincerity, Qin Zaixiong answered solemnly: "Your subject is willing to lead his tribesmen in submitting to the court, to be arranged as you see fit!"

This truly was a clever man—he had perceived the Emperor's attitude and the court's policy, and wanted to be the first to eat the crab. But regardless, Liu Chengyou was genuinely quite satisfied with his attitude. Such a tribal chieftain was truly rare.

After thinking a moment, Liu Chengyou could not help but sigh: "What a pity—men like Qin Qing who admire imperial civilization and understand reason are ultimately too few!"

Qin Zaixiong was alert enough to ask upon hearing this: "Why does Your Majesty sigh so?"

"Fu Yantong of Xu Prefecture—you must know of him!"

Naturally, he nodded in response: "Indeed! He has dominated the five prefectures for decades with great influence. When I was in Chenzhou, I had dealings with Xu Prefecture as well."

"I invited Fu Yantong to come stay in the Eastern Capital for a time and enfeoffed him as King of Xu. Yet though I extended my sincerity wholeheartedly, Fu Yantong seems to harbor suspicion toward the court and is unwilling to make the journey!" Liu Chengyou appeared genuinely regretful, gazing at Qin Zaixiong with full appreciation: "In light of this, I feel that heroes and loyal men like Qin Qing are truly rare!"

Upon hearing the praise, Qin Zaixiong was delighted and could not help volunteering: "Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Xu Prefecture and persuade Fu Yantong on Your Majesty's behalf!"

"That won't be necessary!" Liu Chengyou tapped lightly on the imperial desk, speaking leisurely: "What I am considering now is the governance and pacification of Chenzhou!"

Shifting his posture slightly, staring at Qin Zaixiong, Liu Chengyou asked: "In conversing with Qin Qing, I have gained much. To govern the five prefectures of Chen and Xu, I need exactly men of understanding and knowledge like you. Now the Great Han practices separate civil and military governance, each with its own duties. I wonder whether Qin Qing wishes to take up civil governance or command troops in military affairs?"

The Han Son of Heaven's wise demeanor moved Qin Zaixiong considerably—he was even consulting his opinion. He took it seriously as well, and after consideration, Qin Zaixiong said: "Your Majesty, your subject is not well-versed in letters, possessing only martial prowess. I would prefer to lead troops and render meritorious service for Your Majesty on the battlefield!"

"Good!" Liu Chengyou nodded directly: "I approve. But before that, I need you to return to Chenzhou and assist court officials in registering the Han and barbarian households there."

"Yes!" Qin Zaixiong did not hesitate in the slightest, utterly obedient.

By the time the audience with Qin Zaixiong concluded, it was already evening. As dusk descended, Liu Chengyou simply kept Qin Zaixiong for a meal together. At this moment, Qin Zaixiong discovered that the Emperor's own meals were not even as fine as what he had been eating in the Eastern Capital. He felt something—this was likely the manifestation of a wise ruler as the legends told. When the Celestial Court has a wise sovereign, all the tribes of the four directions must bow in loyalty, or they will surely bring disaster upon themselves. This simple truth Qin Zaixiong understood well, and it dispelled the remaining doubts in his heart.

In truth, regarding the governance of the various barbarian tribes of Chen and Xu, Liu Chengyou truly had no notion of a one-time permanent solution. He would not naively believe that once policies were issued, the southern tribes would all be pacified.

Whenever ethnic issues were involved, how could they be so easily resolved? Liu Chengyou understood this clearly. All he wanted was for the Chu tribesmen to submit to governance, to submit to Han institutions, further weakening their independence—that was sufficient.

As for completely eliminating the influence of tribal chieftains and leaders, Liu Chengyou entertained no such delusion. Even the prefectures and counties of the Central Plains suffered from the ills of clans and local factions—could one really expect a bunch of barbarian folk to fully accept the court's rule?

Take Qin Zaixiong for example: he would offer up all his tribesmen, accept the court's reorganization, then become a Han general with honors and titles—this would only raise his prestige further. In the years to come, one could foresee a great "Qin clan" rising in the five prefectures of Chen and Xu. Liu Chengyou saw this clearly but would not stop it—indeed, he would even encourage it.

But to give credit where due, Liu Chengyou's Chenzhou policy would greatly promote ethnic integration and cultural exchange and development.

Of course, Hunan had its particularities after all—sinicization was well underway, and with the cultural rise since the mid-Tang, resistance to the court would not be so great.

When Lingnan and the southwest were eventually taken, that would call for a different policy altogether. In many cases, under a combination of factors, the loose-rein policy was the most appropriate approach.