Chapter 98: His Majesty, the Sunlit Sovereign, the Dragon‑Phoenix Bearing

Jing Sheng Di, seeing that Jia Jing still behaved in such unproud, unhurried manner, felt satisfied and, smiling, asked:

"You submitted a memorial a few days ago stating that you intend to have the Bashang Daying troops suppress bandits in the three auxiliary regions surrounding Shenjing for training purposes; what is the procedure for this matter?"

"Your Majesty, your insight is clear! The Bashang Daying troops have now formed a basic army; to become elite they must undergo real combat and shed blood."

"Therefore, I propose suppressing bandits and training troops around Shenjing—in Shuntian, Baoding, Hejian and the like—so that the risk is controllable and we can prepare for future strong foes at the borders."

"Second, it also declares imperial authority and deters the petty; third, stability around Shenjing affects the court's grain transport, taxes, and commerce, and in recent years banditry has frequently plagued the Jingfu area, so early precautions are necessary."

"May I know what Your Majesty thinks?"

Although Jia Jing is the Military Governor of Bashang Daying and has authority to organize and restrain its troops, he still must seek Jing Sheng Di's approval to redeploy forces for bandit suppression.

Jing Sheng Di thought for a moment, then nodded and said:

"If the surrounding regions are secure, Shenjing is secure! With internal stability, the court can better implement New Policies and manage Liaodong. Today I see you have trained such strong troops; how could I possibly refuse!"

"Hence I hereby specially commission you to oversee the suppression of roaming bandits in the surrounding regions, command the Bashang Daying, and regulate the local troops of those areas, dispatching supplies for bandit‑clearing and training."

"I accept the command!" Jia Jing solemnly saluted.

Beside them, Wang Ziteng and Niu Jizong watched the scene with a hint of envy.

Especially Wang Ziteng, whose face grew dark and whose heart was full of resentment:

Jia Jing, though still a youth, already holds the titles of Marquis of the court, Military Governor of Bashang Daying, General of the Eastern Garrison, and an additional appointment as Deputy Minister of War—truly a man of high rank and great authority.

Now he has also been assigned to supervise the suppression of roaming bandits in the surrounding regions; with so much power concentrated in one person, Your Majesty's favor seems excessive!

"Minister Jia, how long do you intend to spend on bandit suppression and training? I am not urging you; it's just that once Bashang Daying is fully organized, I intend to revamp Jingying."

"Then we will rotate troops from various regions into Shenjing for a period of intensive training; the New Policies must be implemented simultaneously, and without ten years these efforts will not bear fruit."

"Not to mention the troubles of Liaodong, the False Qing, and the northwestern Mongol threats! Alas! These days I handle state affairs until late night, and I increasingly feel my age and waning vigor!"

"I do not know whether, in my lifetime, I will see Da Han Empire rise to greatness again!" Jing Sheng Di, his face weary and his expression tinged with melancholy, sighed.

Jia Jing composed himself, folded his hands, and said:

"I plan to officially commence bandit suppression and training at the beginning of next year, lasting roughly three to six months, and will eradicate banditry in the surrounding regions, forging for Your Majesty a force of one hundred thousand elite cavalry!"

"But Your Majesty must also take care of your health; the ten thousand lands cannot be separated from you even for a moment. Your diligence is commendable, yet I hope you cherish your dragon body for the sake of all the people!"

"Lord Xia, while you serve beside Your Majesty, you should offer more counsel and remonstrance!"

Hearing Jia Jing's words, Xia Shouzhong's fair face showed a look of worried resignation, and he spoke:

"Lord Jingwu, how could a humble official not understand this! It is just that Your Majesty works diligently for the people, never forgetting state affairs and the populace; you rise at the early hour of Yin (3 a. m.) each morning and remain busy until the early hours of dawn."

"You sleep less than two or three hours a day, review fifty to sixty memorials daily, write imperial edicts of four to five thousand characters, and still must confer with the Grand Scholars on state matters."

"Recently you even fell ill; the imperial physicians say Your Majesty is overworked, the result of accumulated fatigue! You must rest properly; I advise you daily, yet Your Majesty…"

Jing Sheng Di smiled and interrupted Xia Shouzhong, saying:

"The physicians mostly exaggerate! I know my own health better than anyone!"

"With the world in turmoil and the four seas unsettled, how could I possibly sleep? If I cannot make Da Han Empire strong, what is the point of living a hundred empty years?"

Upon hearing this, those present showed slight changes in expression, realizing their own negligence as ministers in the face of the emperor's diligent concern for the nation.

Jia Jing, fully aware of Jing Sheng Di's grand ambitions, solemnly said:

"Your Majesty, I dare not merely agree with those words! Your Majesty, the embodiment of the sunlit sovereign, the bearing of dragon and phoenix."

"Since ascending the throne you have been diligent, industrious, wise, decisive, working from dawn till dusk, governing with love for the people, bearing the ambition to revive Da Han Empire; who in court and among the people does not know this!"

"You are truly a renowned sage‑king of Da Han Empire for generations!"

"With Your Majesty present, the state is secure! I only wish that Your Majesty may enjoy lasting blessings and longevity, and later lead Da Han Empire's civil and military officials to eliminate border threats, reform and strengthen the realm, establishing an unshakable foundation for eternity!"

"Your Majesty is the forefather of Da Han's revival; under Your Majesty's virtue, I am willing to fight on Da Han's frontiers, dying wrapped in horsehide, and have my tomb inscribed 'Da Han Northern Campaign General Jia Hou'; that is all I desire!"

Jia Jing's face was calm, his gaze clear, his demeanor resolute.

His words rang out with authority and his expression remained candid, showing no trace of flattery.

First he lavishly praised Jing Sheng Di, then declared his willingness to devote his life to the cause!

Of course, Cao Cao of this era is a loyal minister of the Great Summer Dynasty; otherwise the title 'Northern Campaign General Jia Hou' would easily evoke undesirable connotations!

Wang Ziteng stared at the cool‑tempered Jia Jing with an expression of disbelief: how could this youngster be so adept at flattering?

Clearly a young, accomplished military officer, even if not arrogant or reckless, why does he immediately resort to sycophantic flattery!

Since I arrived at Bashang Daying, he has already shown loyalty three or four times, both overtly and covertly, hasn't he?

He writes military songs and poems, and immediately declares he will spare no effort to repay Your Majesty's kindness.

Now he merely flaunts his skill, repeatedly invoking Your Majesty's wisdom, the sunlit sovereign, the dragon‑phoenix bearing, and the horse‑hide burial; which emperor could endure such relentless flattery!

He possesses both ability and eloquence, never forgetting to display loyalty,

If he does not rise in rank, who will?

Beside him, Niu Jizong also silently noted Jia Jing's phrases, preparing to use them when the opportunity arises.

No wonder I am only a first‑rank earl; this is the way of officialdom, and I still have to learn!

Jing Sheng Di's previously stern face now showed a slight flush, his emotions stirred as he said:

"Your loyalty is known to me! May we, ruler and minister, work together to usher in a glorious age for Da Han Empire."

"If you truly can achieve merits for the court and pacify the four barbarians, I shall not hesitate to reward you with a princely title; together we shall leave a lasting legacy as models for future rulers and ministers!"

The mere mention of the princely title left everyone present stunned!

I did not expect Your Majesty's expectations of Jia Jing to be so profound!

Granting a kingly title to a man of Da Han is no empty promise

! Not to mention the late Emperor Chengzu's edict: those who overthrow the Qing are to be enshrined as hereditary, unrevoked kings; even now the court still has male royal succession, such as the Prince of Northern Tranquility, Shui Rong!

Jia Jing lifted his head, gazed at Jing Sheng Di with steadfast and slightly moved eyes, and proclaimed loudly:

"I am but a commoner, yet Your Majesty has lifted me from obscurity; your grace is as heavy as a mountain. I wish to be the sword in Your Majesty's hand, sweeping away all disloyalty!"