Chapter 289: Military Governor of the Twelve Corps Camp

On the dragon carriage,

Regarding Emperor Jing Sheng's question, Jia Jing, without hesitation, clasped his fists and replied:

"If it benefits the state, I will risk life and death; why would I avoid fortune or misfortune!"

"Your Majesty has shown me the grace of recognizing my talent! I have said before, as long as Your Majesty trusts me."

"Even if I am torn to shreds and my corpse wrapped in horsehide, I will clear the four barbarians for Your Majesty, help You reverse the declining fortunes of the Da Han Empire, and lay an immortal foundation for eternal peace!"

"My original intention remains unchanged; as long as it benefits Your Majesty, the Da Han Empire, and the people, even if thousands point fingers and I bear infamy, even if I become a lone and loyal minister, I will still advance without hesitation!"

Jia Jing's resolute declaration made Emperor Jing Sheng's heart firm.

The jade pearls on his crown swayed slightly, and his gaze toward Jia Jing lacked the cold sternness of an emperor,

only the affectionate, unguarded look an elder has for a junior; he spoke warmly:

"Zi Jie, your words greatly comfort my heart!"

"However, Zi Jie, you need not worry too much; as ruler and subject we share honor and disgrace, and as long as I remain this emperor, I will not let you be wronged!"

"When we truly accomplish something and the Da Han Empire experiences a revival, the criticisms and slander of the world will naturally dissipate!"

Emperor Jing Sheng paused, leaning against the carriage wall, his gaze falling on the outside of the curtains.

Fields, willow trees, kneeling commoners, and soldiers in bright armor passed before his eyes in succession.

He couldn't help but recall the grim sight of the Da Han Empire's destruction by the False Qing in his past dream, and that crooked-necked tree.

He remained silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh, and lamented:

"When a great wind fells the paulownia tree, others will naturally discuss its merits and faults!"

"In the past, Emperor Shenzong of Song and Wang Anshi, Duke Xiao of Qin and Shang Yang—when their reforms began, how could there have been a lack of opposing voices!"

"But now, who among the discerning could completely deny their painstaking efforts and achievements!"

"As long as ruler and subject uphold a public heart for the nation, even if praise and blame differ for a time, history will surely give a fair judgment after a thousand autumns!"

Emperor Jing Sheng paused, shook his head, and chuckled:

"I haven't even started doing anything, yet I'm already worrying about my posthumous fame—how rather attached I am!"

Jia Jing's gaze fell upon Emperor Jing Sheng's profile, and he spoke in a low voice:

"Your Majesty could have enjoyed wealth and ease, governing through inaction, yet you chose to strive for strength, rising early and retiring late, diligently governing for the people."

"In your ten years on the throne, you have avoided women, refrained from grandiose construction, and devoted all your energy to implementing the New Policies and reviving the Da Han Empire—truly a rare enlightened ruler!"

"I can say without exaggeration that Your Majesty's wisdom and sagacity are no less than those of the ancient Yao and Shun!"

"For such a sage and enlightened ruler, if anyone dares to slander him shamelessly, that person must be a treacherous villain!"

"As Your Majesty said, implementing new laws is a work for a thousand autumns, bringing either praise or blame; even if it is temporarily confused by those with ulterior motives, later generations will surely be able to give a fair evaluation!"

Emperor Jing Sheng heard this and gave a light laugh, saying:

"Zi Jie, you still see things so clearly! Indeed, there's no need to over-worry now; what matters is to devote oneself wholeheartedly to the task!"

"Eliminating entrenched abuses likewise cannot be rushed! We must lay things out item by item, observe the effects, and supervise implementation."

"For the rest of my life, I have only two major tasks: implementing the New Policies and pacifying Liaodong! If these two can be accomplished, I will not have lived in vain!"

Jia Jing heard this and nodded.

Emperor Jing Sheng placed the implementation of the New Policies before pacifying Liaodong, evidently having gained some confidence in foreign affairs.

Moreover, Emperor Jing Sheng's clear realization that eliminating entrenched abuses cannot be rushed is also in agreement with Jia Jing!

Reform now has a peaceful external environment; as long as we proceed steadily and without undue haste,

like the later Five-Year Plans, orderly and systematic, it can rescue the declining fortunes of the Da Han Empire!

Looking at history, every successful reform—such as the strategies of Shang Yang, Zhang Juzheng, and the Yongzheng Emperor—

basically proceeds step by step, grasps the main contradiction, and focuses effort to break through from point to area.

meaning not overreaching, not launching an all-out offensive, not seeking total victory, but always uniting the majority to strike a small minority,

always standing with the majority's interests, distinguishing priorities, and focusing effort item by item to slice the sausage.

Specifically, should we first deal with officials and gentry, or first rectify the meritorious nobles or the imperial clan? Should we first reform the salt administration or first investigate land? Should we start from the capital or from Jiangnan?

Governing a great state is like cooking a small fish! Whatever reform it is, it will offend vested-interest groups, it will redistribute productive resources, and must not be done hastily!

Besides ruler and minister being of one mind and designing a sound top-level system, the most important thing is still to distinguish primary from secondary contradictions.

For a period of time we should focus our energy on implementing one or two main problems; we cannot offend everyone at once, causing an uproar and nationwide chaos, for that would be a loss not worth the gain!

Domestic affairs are not foreign affairs; simply brandishing the slaughter knife is improper; we must still think deeply and consider strategy!

Jia Jing pondered, then spoke in a low voice:

"As for Liaodong, with me there, I will surely eliminate this threat to Your Majesty's morning meal!"

"Regarding the New Policies, wherever Your Majesty has use for me, I will exert my modest abilities to share your burdens!"

Emperor Jing Sheng laughed:

"With Zi Jie's words, I can rest easy!"

"You have campaigned for many days, laboring heart and strength; first return to your residence to rest for a while."

"Once you have rested, go to the Twelve Corps Camp to serve as Military Governor, and help me command the troops of Shenjing!"

"The Twelve Corps Camp?" Jia Jing asked doubtfully.

Emperor Jing Sheng nodded and said:

"You know about the mutiny in the Capital Camp a few days ago!"

Although Jia Jing had just returned to the capital, he was not completely unaware of what had happened in Shenjing.

The court had, in the past few days, continuously sent Ministry of Rites officials to communicate with him about the triumphal ceremony, and of course also informed him of all matters in Shenjing.

Precisely because arrangements had been made early, he is able today to conduct the 'suburban consolation rite' punctually and in an orderly manner!

Jia Jing's expression bore a hint of regret, and he said:

Attendant Minister Wang's conduct is overly strict; the Jingying army's training effort is nearly ruined, which is a pity!

Jia Jing didn't mention Jia Zhen, mainly to avoid suspicion!

Emperor Jing Sheng said:

Wang Ziteng's abilities are mediocre; in military affairs you are far inferior to Zi Jie! I am deeply disappointed!

Now the Jingying camp is under the command of Marquis Wei Ning, to guard against the unexpected! After thinking these days, I have decided to merge the Bashang Daying and the Jingying into one!

Reorganize the two armies into twelve regiments, each about fifteen thousand strong, for a total of 180,000 troops, to be stationed in Shenjing City.

The command of these 180,000 troops is of great importance; I cannot trust it in anyone else's hands.

Therefore, after careful consideration, I still appoint you, Zi Jie, as Military Governor of the Twelve Regiments, responsible for overseeing all their affairs.

Your Majesty…… this…… might not be appropriate. If this 180,000-strong force in Shenjing were placed under my sole command, it would be too much power...

Jia Jing showed hesitation, weighing his words before replying.