Chapter 820: Deliberations at Guangzheng Hall

"Report of victory from Chengdu—the Meng Shu has surrendered!"

"Report of victory from Chengdu—the Meng Shu has surrendered!"

As the courier rode east, the swift horse entered the city, heading straight for the Southern Administration. Along the way, the people were all delighted; commoners and scholars who heard the news mostly opened their doors and windows, craning their necks to look. Many only managed to catch a glimpse of the courier's galloping figure as it flew past, but that did not stop the people of the Eastern Capital from discussing it animatedly, all sighing in admiration—how fast it had been.

When the report of victory arrived, joy boiled over in every office of the Great Han—people rushed about cheering, vying to spread the news, treating it like a national celebration, short of setting off firecrackers.

Upon learning of it, Liu Chengyou, who had been idling in the rear palace looking after the children, had his carriage brought to Guangzheng Hall and summoned the Commissioner of Military Affairs to hear the report. The hall brimmed with thick joy as Commissioner of Military Affairs Guo Rong came personally to report.

"From the time Xiang Xun's forces set out from Hanzhong to Meng Chang's surrender, only thirty-nine days passed in all. The speed of the advance far exceeded what your ministers anticipated!" Rarely, Guo Rong's face was radiant with spring.

Fan Zhi also said: "The officials being dispatched to Chuanshu have not even finished being selected by the court, and yet the imperial army has already secured victory. This truly caught your ministers off guard! Haha......"

As he spoke, Fan Zhi could not help but laugh out loud, thoroughly delighted.

Liu Chengyou also smiled: "In that case, Minister Fan should urge the Ministry of Personnel to speed things up!"

"However, upon reflection, your minister finds it hardly surprising." Guo Rong continued: "In the campaign to pacify Shu, our court was fully prepared, knowing all their strengths and weaknesses. Xiang Xun, in northern Shu, trained his troops for three years; counting from the fifth year of Qianyou, we spent a full five years preparing to destroy Shu. With five years of effort, launching this thunderbolt strike—how could it not succeed?"

Murong Yanzhao followed up: "Looking at the battle reports from this two-pronged advance, only the three battles at Lizhou, Jianzhou, and Kuizhou saw any real resistance; the rest were all swept aside. Why? The Shu army's vitality and fighting spirit had already been sapped in the earlier clashes, especially in the great battle at Qinfeng, where they were broken to the bone and their backbone snapped. Therefore, your minister believes that from the fierce fighting at Fengxiang in the early years of Qianyou, beginning with the great victory at Jifeng Mountain, the outcome of today's destruction of Shu was already sealed......"

"Our officers and men fought with dedication, united in purpose; the Shu generals feared battle and their soldiers were estranged at heart—how could they not lose?" Li Chuyun said.

Hearing them each speak in turn, making military summaries, Liu Chengyou raised a hand to stop them and said: "The summary of pacifying Shu can be discussed in greater depth later!"

After thinking for a moment, Liu Chengyou looked at Fan Zhi and said: "I repeat what I said before—destroying Shu is easy, but governing Shu will not be easy. The officers and men have completed their mission. Next, how to bring the prefectures and counties of Chuanshu under administration, implement the Great Han's governing order, and transform millions of Shu people into Han subjects—that will depend on you ministers!"

"Yes!"

"Your Majesty, the several articles for pacifying Shu that your ministers previously drafted—may they now be promulgated?" Fan Zhi seized the opportunity to request.

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's attitude turned ambiguous again, and he did not respond for a moment, which made Fan Zhi quite uncomfortable. Rising to pace a few steps in the hall, Liu Chengyou raised a finger and said: "Although our army has already occupied Chengdu and Meng Chang has surrendered in submission, with the Shu state declared destroyed, there are still large stretches of prefectures and counties in northern Shu, eastern Sichuan, and south of Chengdu that have not truly submitted. At this time, we should order Xiang Xun to complete the occupation of Chuanshu's important prefectures and cities with all speed, achieving the true recovery of Shu territory!"

Pausing briefly, Liu Chengyou continued his instructions: "First, the court should send envoys into Shu bearing edicts and banners to reward the various armies, commending the officers and men who distinguished themselves in battle.

Second, the entire Meng clan shall be relocated north; from generals down, they must not be humiliated but treated with courtesy. Tell Meng Chang that I have prepared residences in the Eastern Capital sufficient for his whole family to dwell in—the moment the edict arrives, they shall depart.

Third, in the tenth year of Qianyou, for all commoners of Shu holding fewer than twenty mu of land, the summer tax shall be waived; for those with fewer than fifty mu, half shall be waived; the rest as before; for those without land or property, rent and taxes shall all be exempted. All miscellaneous levies and unnamed corvée labor of Shu shall be entirely abolished.

Fourth, Shu suffers from grain shortages and great popular unrest; grain and rice should be dispatched to relieve the hungry, stabilize grain prices, and the high salt prices should also be reduced. Bandits and brigands of Shu shall, before the tenth month, each return to their native villages, all going home, receiving land allotments, and resuming their farming.

Fifth, all subordinate officials of Shu's prefectures and counties shall remain in their posts; laws and administrative systems shall be swiftly reformed, all in accordance with Han institutions—this shall serve as the court's standard for assessment. The court shall select and dispatch administrative officials and supervisory personnel into Shu as soon as possible, promoting and elevating those of high virtue, deep conduct, and proven ability to pacify the people and govern well.

Sixth, from the surrendered Shu soldiers, select the strong and able-bodied to replenish the armies that pacified Shu; Shu officers with talent for commanding troops shall be retained in the military. The remaining old and weak soldiers shall each be given money, grain, and land.

As for the construction of Chuanshu's military and civil administrative system, it can be adjusted and implemented once things settle somewhat—however, the Hall of State Affairs can begin discussions. Hmm...... for now, these few articles—implement them first!"

Listening to Liu Chengyou's instructions, Fan Zhi pondered for a moment and sensed something unusual—the Son of Heaven seemed to have overlooked a certain group of people. The officials of the Chengdu court, the powerful nobles of Shu—the common people were certainly important, but these people and families who controlled vast social resources were equally important.

Weighing his words, Fan Zhi could not help but raise the question. Glancing at Fan Zhi, Liu Chengyou asked leisurely: "What merit have these nobles and bureaucrats of Shu rendered to the Great Han, that they should retain their positions in Shu?"

In truth, over this period, Fan Zhi had noticed certain attitudes of the Emperor. Hearing the signal released in his words, his heart tightened. He certainly could not agree, but neither did he argue forcefully. Instead, after thinking, he reminded: "Your Majesty, Chuanshu has just been taken—everything should prioritize maintaining stability. Moreover, though Shu is pacified, there remain Jiangnan, the corner of Wuyue, and Lingnan yet unsettled—we must be cautious!"

Liu Chengyou naturally understood Fan Zhi's meaning, but his mind was made up—he smiled and said nothing.

Seeing this, Fan Zhi spoke again: "Regarding the articles Your Majesty mentioned for pacifying Shu, this land distribution will need officials to implement it—should it be postponed? Also, the rewards for the officers who pacified Shu......"

Not as bluntly outspoken as before, but Fan Zhi clearly had an air of pressing Liu Chengyou to speak his mind fully, giving Liu Chengyou a feeling of being pushed.

Seeing his solemn expression, Liu Chengyou looked around the circle, remained silent for a long while, and finally said: "All the ministers present are great officials of the Great Han, my arms and legs. Some things truly should not be concealed!"

"Zhao Pu, tell the ministers!" Liu Chengyou pointed and ordered.

"Yes!" Zhao Pu accepted the command.

Thinking carefully, regarding the aftermath of pacifying Chuanshu, regardless of what opinions Fan Zhi and the others held, it was still proper to communicate and reach consensus—at least to give them some preparation.

Zhao Pu rapidly laid out his specific measures for "dividing the cake." When he finished, the atmosphere in Guangzheng Hall immediately shifted. After pondering for a while, Fan Zhi's face twisted even tighter—in his view, this was almost a disguised "suppression of Buddhism."

"Your Majesty!" Persisting in his conviction, Fan Zhi could not help but speak.

"Minister Fan!" Liu Chengyou raised his hand to stop him: "I know what you want to say, and I know your concerns. But I believe some matters are better done early than late. The army is in Shu—we should seize the moment and settle it!"

"I have always been stubborn, and I have done no small number of things by going my own way. Sweeping away the entrenched abuses of Shu will also allow us to govern Shu with ease!" Liu Chengyou said.

Seeing the Emperor's resolute attitude, his intention irrevocable, Fan Zhi finally sighed in disappointment, clasped his hands, and responded: "Yes!"

Regarding the exchange between Liu Chengyou and Fan Zhi, the other chancellors all wore contemplative expressions. Guo Rong, however, seemed to understand but said nothing, appearing to watch from the sidelines.

"Chengdu is the military and political center of the southwest. If Chengdu is secure, then Shu is settled. What do you ministers think—who should be appointed to temporarily govern the affairs of Chengdu Prefecture?" Liu Chengyou said again.

Quickly calming himself, Fan Zhi thought and said: "Li Xinchen has been touring and pacifying Jinghu; with his status and ability, he is fully capable of holding it down. How about having him travel upstream from Changsha into Shu to govern the affairs of Chengdu Prefecture?"

As Fan Zhi said, this was indeed a good candidate—using Li Tao, the former chancellor, to preside over Chengdu and even Chuanshu's governance was quite fitting. However, considering Li Tao's governing style, it was quite likely he would find it difficult to meet Liu Chengyou's expectations.

Liu Chengyou did not beat around the bush and asked directly: "What about Zhao Pu?"

Hearing this question, Fan Zhi could not help but glance at Zhao Pu, who also looked somewhat surprised, then looked back at Liu Chengyou and answered in a low voice: "Your minister believes he is acceptable!"

"Zhao Pu, pack your things and set off swiftly to take up your post!" Showing a satisfied smile, Liu Chengyou said to Zhao Pu.

Zhao Pu's mind rapidly weighed the pros and cons of going to Chengdu, concluding that it was a place to earn merit, a place to exercise authority—returning to court another day, he could attain the position of chancellor. He immediately bowed: "Yes!"

After Liu Chengyou and his party left, facing Wei Renpu and Li Gu, who had not yet departed, Fan Zhi could not help saying: "Lord Wei, Lord Li—I cannot persuade His Majesty. Why did you two not speak up either?"

Wei and Li were both renowned in court as benevolent gentlemen; Fan Zhi spoke frankly, without so many scruples.

Hearing this, Wei Renpu smiled calmly: "Chancellor Fan, His Majesty has always been strong-willed. Once he has made up his mind, how could persuasion stop him? Regarding the aftermath of Shu, His Majesty has clearly deliberated for a long time, weighing the pros and cons thoroughly before proposing this. Moreover, the entrenched abuses of Shu—does Your Excellency not know of them? If they can be swept away while the opportunity presents itself, it will benefit the people of Chuanshu and the Great Han's governance alike!"

Fan Zhi shook his head: "That may be so, but I fear acting too hastily will stir unrest in Shu!"

"Some things require haste! The situation in Shu is such that only His Majesty can forcefully reform it!" Li Gu spoke up: "What His Majesty targets is ultimately only a minority. With the army there, and by winning over the soldiers' hearts, the people's hearts, and the lower and mid-level officials, disaster can be avoided!"

"Moreover!" Pausing, Li Gu said: "Has Chancellor Fan not noticed that the articles His Majesty outlined for pacifying Shu did not directly mention this matter?"

"What does Lord Li mean?" Fan Zhi reacted, his brows knitting tightly.

Li Gu said: "When the army does things, it is more decisive, more resolute, and easier to implement!"

His expression shifting slightly, Fan Zhi immediately said: "If the army causes chaos, the disaster would be even greater! Moreover, this violates the Great Han's current laws!"

Li Gu said: "Chuanshu is not yet completely pacified—when matters are urgent, one must act flexibly!"

"Has His Majesty forgotten the lessons of previous dynasties?" Fan Zhi did not accept this reasoning: "No! I must remonstrate with His Majesty again, to think thrice before acting!"

Having said this, he glanced at Wei Renpu and Li Gu, then rose and left the table.

Watching his hurried departing figure, Li Gu could not help sighing: "Chancellor Fan remains as upright and unyielding as ever!"

"Knowing it is difficult, yet striving to do it anyway!" Wei Renpu also sighed leisurely, unsure whether he was speaking of the chancellor or the Son of Heaven.