Chapter 10

The plan was set, and Wang Xiu immediately began to put it into action.

The first thing they did was spend most of their savings on fine paper and ink.

Then, they meticulously transcribed the memorial they had rehearsed countless times on the sand table.

It was not merely a memorial, but also a work of art.

While manipulating Wang Jin, Wang Xiu devoted utmost effort, writing each character with such force that it seemed to pierce the paper, the brush strokes like dragons and snakes.

They wanted to ensure that when this memorial appeared on the imperial desk, its appearance alone would leave a deep impression on the emperor.

After much deliberation, the title of the memorial was finally set as:

"On the Troubles of Yaozhou, Preventing Small Issues from Growing, Strategies for Securing the Borders and Stabilizing the South."

The title was long and imposing, instantly giving an air of sophistication.

In the main text, they chose words with great care, perfectly blending the rigorous logic of modern academic papers with the stylistic conventions of Tang Dynasty memorials.

The opening cites classic texts, extolling the importance of frontier stability and elevating the purpose.

Then, shifting tone, they employed a metaphysical approach—"the servant observes the night sky, feels something in the heart, combines armory charts, and deduces the situation on the southwestern frontier"—to point out the massive hidden danger currently present in Yaozhou.

They did not state outright "a rebellion will occur next year," but warned in a euphemistic tone: "If no precautions are taken, a sudden upheaval may arise."

Thus the purpose is achieved without appearing overly sensational, preventing people from dismissing them as a mad charlatan.

Immediately after, they listed and elaborated their comprehensive governance plan of "combining suppression and pacification, with pacification as the primary focus."

It covered everything from personnel appointments and dismissals, to tax reforms, to military strategies, and finally to long‑term cultural integration.

Wang Xiu

The entire memorial, sprawling nearly three thousand words, is replete with citations, detailed data, clear logic, and stands as a model.

Wang Xiu read it themselves and could not help but slam the table in admiration.

Not only for the Tang Dynasty, even if this were placed in modern times, it would still be a high‑quality regional policy analysis report.

They believe that any politically astute ruler or minister, upon seeing this memorial, could not possibly disregard it.

After finishing the memorial, Wang Xiu sealed it carefully, preparing to submit it the next day.

The method of submission they chose was the regular channel of the Ministry of War's Armory Office.

What they wanted was for this memorial to go through every required procedure, to be seen by officials of the Ministry of War, then by the prime ministers, and finally presented before the emperor.

Wang Xiu, Wang Jin, sixth-rank Xuanjie Xiaowei, Li Duozo

They intend to proactively thrust themselves into the eye of the storm!

Early the next morning, Wang Xiu, controlling Wang Jin and bearing the memorial that could change their fate, arrived at the Armory Office.

Wang Jin, colleagues, Zhao De

Seeing Wang Jin enter, the goat‑bearded colleague Zhao De hurried over.

Zhao De, Wang Xiaowei

"Good morning, Brother Zhao," Wang Jin replied calmly with a bow.

"You look so full of spring breezes, is there some happy news? Tell me, brother," Zhao De said, winking.

Wang Jin gave a slight smile, took the sealed memorial from his bosom and waved it before him.

"Nothing special, I just wrote a memorial and am preparing to present it to the Son of Heaven."

Zhao De was startled, then burst into a loud laugh, rolling on the floor.

"A memorial? Officer Wang, you're not kidding, are you? In our modest office, you, a junior officer, what memorial are you writing?"

A few idle colleagues nearby also heard and gathered around, their faces showing a desire to watch the spectacle.

In their eyes, a low‑ranking officer of the Armory Office who doesn't just idle away the days, yet runs off to write a memorial, is simply shirking duties and seeking attention.

"Officer Wang, not to criticize you, but you're newly appointed and don't understand the inner workings. For us low‑ranking officials, even if we write a memorial we can't get it submitted; even if it reaches the throne, it's wasted effort," a senior official advised kindly.

"Indeed, indeed, if you have that much time, you'd be better off visiting the Prince's residence more often; that's real business."

The crowd exchanged remarks, their words full of incomprehension and mockery.

Wang Jin (Wang Xiu) simply listened quietly, with no expression on their face.

They knew these people and they themselves were no longer from the same world.

Their outlook could only see the few acres before them, while their gaze had already reached the stars and seas of the entire Tang Dynasty.

"Thank you all for your guidance," Wang Jin said lightly, then ignored them and walked straight to the chief's office, the residence of the Armory Commandant.

The Armory Commandant was a fifty‑something, lackluster old bureaucrat.

He saw Wang Jin enter, and upon seeing the memorial in his hand, his reaction was similar to those outside—surprise and confusion etched on his face.

Arsenal commandant, Wang Xiaowei

"I, Wang Jin, moved by state affairs, have specially drafted a memorial and humbly request Your Excellency to present it," Wang Jin said, neither obsequious nor arrogant, offering the memorial with both hands.

The Armory Commandant hesitated briefly, but still took it.

He weighed the memorial's weight, then looked at the flamboyant large characters on the cover, his brows furrowed deeper.

"Officer Wang, do you realize that submitting state affairs is the responsibility of senior ministers? We low‑ranking officials, daring to comment on national policy, bear consequences," he warned.

"I understand," Wang Jin replied calmly yet firmly, "But serving the ruler and being loyal are my duties. Since I have observations, I cannot conceal them. As for right or wrong, that is for the Son of Heaven and the ministers to judge. If I am punished for this, I will bear it alone, and will not involve you."

The Armory Commandant was taken aback by his words.

He stared at the young man in front of him for a long while, and from the young man's gaze, he saw not a hint of retreat or jest.

It was a pure, unwavering dedication driven by a certain belief.

He remained silent for a while, then finally sighed.

"Very well. Since your mind is set, I will submit it once for you. However, the memorial must first be reviewed by the Minister of War, then passed to the ministers of the Royal Secretariat for joint deliberation, and only then can a decision be made whether to present it to the Son of Heaven. If any link fails, your memorial may sink without a trace."

"I understand, thank you, Sir," Wang Jin gave a deep bow.

He knew his plan had already succeeded in the first step.

This memorial, as soon as it leaves the Armory Bureau, Era Name Transition the Ministry of War, will surely cause a stir.

Minister of War Zong Chuke is a die-hard follower of Wu Sansi.

He saw this memorial from the hand of Li Duozo's faction and could not possibly remain unmoved.

A storm aimed at him was about to break out.

Wang Jin walked out of the Commandant of the Armory's residence, and his colleagues outside still looked at him with strange eyes.

He paid no attention, merely raising his head to glance at the sky outside.

The weather was clear and the sunshine bright.

But he knew that the sky over Luoyang City would soon be stirred by his little memorial, with winds rising and clouds surging.

Wang Jin held the copied memorial and took a deep breath.

He knew that what he was about to submit was not merely a memorial, but also a "standard answer" from over a thousand years later.

This was a huge gamble, staking Wang Jin's life and fortune, as well as the future of the entire Wang clan.