Chapter 85: The portrait was hung on the wall

The next day, in the schoolhouse.

Yi Chief Hai Lu and Qiong warriors Yue Lu and Yue Zhao sat respectfully below, listening to Dong Zhongshu's further battle plan.

At this time, Yi Chief Yue Man of the neighboring tribe also personally led his tribesmen over, his gaze toward Dong Zhongshu full of admiration.

They never imagined that the fragmented Qiong people would at this moment unite and crush the powerful Dian people, all feeling that restoring their ancestors' glory was not far off.

Dong Zhongshu looked at everyone, took out a small booklet from his bosom, and spoke loudly: "This is a small booklet recently popular in Han; I have translated it into the language of the Qiongdu Yi. Take a look."

The two took it, and saw on the cover clearly written: "Collected Works of the Han Emperor's Theoretical Thought".

Hai Lu flipped it open doubtfully, reading and asking Dong Zhongshu: "Mr. Dong, what is this?"

Dong Zhongshu smiled without speaking, gesturing for him to continue reading.

Meanwhile, Yue Man beside him, after seriously flipping through a few pages, suddenly stood up, excitedly saying: "Uniting all forces that can be united?"

He then continued thoughtfully: "Our Southwest Yi tribes are not monolithic; there are deep conflicts of interest, especially the Dian tribe, which is a point we can exploit—Your Majesty is sage!"

Yue Lu also excitedly said: "Your Majesty said, 'You fight yours, I fight mine'—this sentence is excellent, truly a startling awakening for those in a dream."

Dong Zhongshu laughed: "Not bad, not bad. You can understand the Holy Words of His Majesty like this—very good. As His Majesty said, dealing with the Southwest Yi situation is actually not difficult."

Hai Lu and Yue Man, etc., hurriedly clasped their hands: "Please, sir, dispel our doubts."

Dong Zhongshu took a sip of tea, full of confidence, and said: "Only three steps are needed to solve all the troubles of the Southwest Yi, and this method can even be applied to any tribe."

Hai Lu and Yue Man, etc., looked expectantly at Dong Zhongshu.

Dong Zhongshu continued: "First step, unite all forces that can be united, and carry out internal division among the Southwest Yi tribes."

"'Second step, they may harass our caravans, so we can also attack their tribes, with no mutual effect—just as His Majesty said, 'You fight yours, I fight mine'—it depends whose firepower is stronger."

"'Third step is to educate the populace, enlighten their wisdom, so they know the strength and benefits of our Han."

"'If successful, your Qiong tribe will be the greatest contributor in suppressing this rebellion; I will surely memorialize His Majesty to grant you rewards."

As soon as Dong Zhongshu finished speaking, Hai Lu stood up, clasped his hands, and said: "Sir, your words are most excellent, wonderful, too wonderful."

Yue Man also said: "With Sir's three strategies, the Southwest Yi will have no worries."

Dong Zhongshu shook his head, silent for a moment, then said: "From now on, order people to hang the portraits of the Son of Heaven, the Moon God, and the Sea God in every household of the tribe, to be offered daily; do you have any objections?"

"His Majesty is like a father god in this world, having saved our Qiong people from water and fire; this recreating grace ought to be considered divine."

Hai Lu led the way by kneeling down.

Others also responded in kind.

The next day.

Hai Lu and Yue Man each sent people to the surrounding tribes to spread the virtue of the Han Emperor and the news of their defeat of the Dian tribe.

Within the Qiong tribe, gentle morning light shone upon this land, cloaking the tribe in a layer of golden radiance.

The men, women, old and young in the tribe all rose early, for having just repelled the Dian tribe's attack, every face was filled with confident smiles and anticipation for the future.

When they learned they were permitted to offer portraits of the Son of Heaven and the deities, not a single person refused; they awaited with excitement and reverence the delivery of Emperor Liu Ju's portrait to their homes.

Several strong young warriors lifted stacks of portraits and distributed them house to house.

Upon arriving at each household, the host would greet them with a full smile, respectfully receiving the portrait with both hands, as if receiving the world's most precious treasure.

A white-haired Qiong elder, trembling hands receiving the portrait, eyes glistening with tears, kept murmuring: "Your Majesty, you are our great benefactor; we Qiong people will never forget your kindness."

After receiving the portrait, everyone began to busy themselves.

They carefully wiped the most conspicuous wall inside the house, then gently hung Liu Ju's portrait above it, placing it side by side with the portraits of the Moon God and the Sea God.

After the portraits were hung, people set up offering tables before them, laden with fresh fruit, fragrant pastries, and home-brewed fine wine.

As the first wisp of cooking smoke curled upward, the offering ceremony officially began.

The people of the tribe, dressed in their neatest clothes, stood solemnly before the portraits, palms together, eyes closed, silently praying.

A mother pulled her young child close and whispered: "Child, remember, it is His Majesty who saved us; from now on, each day you must pray to His Majesty for blessings, that our tribe may be safe and sound."

The child nodded, half-understanding, imitating his mother, and knelt in reverence.

In the tribe's square, many gathered, neatly arranged, performing the great kowtow before Liu Ju's portrait.

In the crowd, some whispered sobs, others murmured phrases, expressing gratitude and reverence for Liu Ju.

Hai Lu stood at the forefront of the crowd, his voice loud and firm: "Your Majesty, your grace is like the vast, flowing river, endless. We Qiong people wish to follow you forever, to go through fire and water for you, sparing no effort!"

At this moment, Dong Zhongshu stood to the side, watching this moving scene, his heart filled with myriad emotions.

After the offering ceremony ended, the tribe's atmosphere remained fervent, the whole tribe filled with harmony and tranquility, as if the previous warfare had never occurred.

And in the days that followed, each morning the Qiong tribespeople would punctually offer worship before Liu Ju's portrait; this had become an indispensable part of their life.

Far away, above the Xuanshi Hall of the Weiyang Palace in Chang'an, sunlight streamed through the latticed windows onto the hall's blue-brick floor, casting a golden sheen.

Civil and military officials stood in neat array, their expressions solemn.

At that moment, a dust-covered messenger burst into the hall, knelt on one knee, and loudly reported:

"Your Majesty, an urgent report from the front! Dong Zhongshu, allied with the Qiong tribe, has successfully defeated the Dian tribe, and has also made the Qiong people's populace daily offer portraits of Your Majesty, venerating them as deities!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire court exploded in an uproar.

The officials first stared, then began to whisper to each other, faces full of surprise and excitement.

Wei Qing stepped forward first, clasped his hands, and proclaimed loudly: "Your Majesty, this is truly great news! Dong Zhongshu, a mere scholar, actually achieved such great deeds, uniting the tribes to repel foreign foes, and making the people hold Your Majesty in such reverence—truly indispensable."

Jin Ridi also rose, smiling broadly: "Yes, Your Majesty. Initially many doubted Dong Zhongshu's venture into the Southwest Yi; now it seems we underestimated him. He not only resolved tribal strife but also spread Your Majesty's benevolence, making the Southwest Yi populace loyally devoted to our Han—such merit deserves great reward."

"Marquis Xuanwen practices His Majesty's theoretical thought, adapting to local conditions, pioneering innovation—truly a pillar of the state; with him in the Southwest Yi, the Southwest region will surely enjoy lasting peace and stability."

Tian Qianqiu also did not stint on praise!

Other ministers also chimed in, and for a time praises rose and fell one after another.

Liu Ju sat on the dragon throne, listening to the officials' praises, a hint of complex expression appearing on his face, his heart inexplicably uneasy.

"Is Dong Zhongshu really about to become a sage?"

"I, too, have become a god?"

"This Dong Zhongshu actually came up with the idea of having the people worship my portrait, which is truly laughable. However, that he could achieve such results in such a short time is indeed unexpected."

Thinking of this, Liu Ju's face again gradually showed a hint of a relieved smile.

He coughed lightly, and the hall immediately fell silent.

Liu Ju slowly opened his mouth and said: 'Dong Zhongshu has achieved great merit this time, indeed worthy of reward. He not only displayed the might of our Han, but also made the people of the Southwest Barbarians sincerely submit to our Han, which is of great significance to the stability and development of our Han.'

After a pause, Liu Ju said again: 'Merely, having the people worship the portrait, while it can show their reverence for me, should not be overemphasized. As the Son of Heaven, I ought to prioritize the people's welfare rather than pursue empty fame. Convey my decree: reward Dong Zhongshu, and at the same time let him inform the people of the Qiong tribe that as long as they live in peace and contentment, that is the greatest respect for me.'

The officials all knelt to receive the decree, shouting in unison: 'Your Majesty is sagacious!'

Liu Ju gazed at the officials in the hall, his heart filled with myriad emotions.