Chapter 431

"...Posthumously pursuing Li Yongqi as Commandery Prince of Suide, with hereditary title undiminished for one generation, succeeded by Li Master, and additionally appointed as Military Governor of Wudang Army."

Inside the Eastern Capital, on the second floor of the Secret Pavilion in the Chongwen Institute of the Imperial City, Lan Gui, the Chief Steward of the Eunuch Bureau, paused slightly after finishing reading another imperial edict, unable to resist going to the side table to fetch water to drink, clearly having read until his mouth was dry.

However, all the high-ranking officials of the Secret Pavilion present also knew that this was certainly not over yet.

Actually, just thinking about it made it clear.

Against the backdrop of the Western Xia's destruction and the need for large-scale integration of the Tangut people, it was understandable that Li Yongqi and his son, who had rendered extraordinary merits and were considered paragons of loyalty, were enfeoffed as Commandery Princes. But at the same time, how could Wang Yan, who had deep seniority and had not missed out on contributions this time, one of the original Ten Military Governors, be left out?

Going even further, setting aside that "Acting Prince," even seven Princes of the Blood had been enfeoffed. So, counting Wang Yan, who hadn't been read yet, were there only four Commandery Princes enfeoffed? Which rank was actually more precious?

Even just to round out the numbers, a few more wouldn't hurt. It was just unknown who else besides Li Qiong and Tian Shizhong, who commanded independent troops, would be included... If Liu Qi had one, then Xie Yuan should have one too. Could Wang Gui and Wu Lin make the cut?

"Eleventh:"

Sure enough, after swallowing a couple of mouthfuls of water, Chief Steward Lan Gui continued reading.

"When the disaster of the Jingkang Incident arose, the Two Rivers were completely lost. Wang Yan abandoned his family to save the nation, first raising a righteous army at Mount Taixing. When Nanyang was besieged and the court was in peril, he again led the Eight-Character Army south. At the fierce battle of Yaoshan, he held his ground and faced the difficulty, commanding his troops at Dongpo Plateau. When the army was raised in Hebei, he took overall command of the strategy, establishing an iron curtain at Huolu.

This man serves the country with a red heart, unwavering in loyalty and steadfastness, composed in advance and retreat, skilled in both civil and military affairs—truly a great general of the state.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Longde."

This was an expected one. No one in the Secret Pavilion had any superfluous reaction, only listening quietly.

And Lan Gui, without hesitation, took another edict from the wooden box beside him and continued reading, but the rhetoric unexpectedly became simpler:

"Twelfth:

Since ancient times, using troops relies on substance, employing generals relies on their edge. Tian Shizhong commanded the Beiwei troops of the Right Wing of the Imperial Camp. He answered the call at Huainan, resolved to die at Yaoshan, faced the enemy at Great Ming, and dispatched Zhang Zigai to secure the situation at Huolu. His loyalty, bravery, sincerity, and diligence mean his merits cannot be overlooked.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Fengxiang, additionally appointed as Military Governor of Weiwu Army."

Within the Secret Pavilion, there was slight commotion, but it quickly subsided... The reason for the momentary noise was that opening this door for Tian Shizhong meant this round of rewards was truly a "grand enfeoffment." The reason for the rapid quieting was simple: under today's bombardment of "information"—the "Hebei Spring Plowing Inspection Team," the "Wushu Must Be Killed Before Peace," the "Thirteen Myriarchs, Seventeen Hundred Brand Plaques"—even the news of "seven Princes of the Blood" had long numbed people, let alone a few more Commandery Princes.

Sure enough, Lan Gui read faster and faster.

"Thirteenth:

Liu Qi defeated Zhehe at Yaoshan, charged through Shushu at Huolu, captured Wulin Da at Qinshui, and pursued Wushu to Shenzhou. His divine strategies and martial tactics were all acts that stabilized the realm.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Deshun, additionally appointed as Military Governor of Ande Army."

"Fourteenth:

When the Jingkang chaos arose, Li Qiong abandoned his pen to join the army, fighting along the river. He defended Shouzhou for ten years, repelled the Jin Army seven times, campaigned at Yanling, fought fiercely at Dongpo, swept through Hedong, and trapped and bound Balisu—his battle achievements were outstanding.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Anyang, additionally appointed as Military Governor of Qingyuan Army."

"Fifteenth:

Xie Yuan has long followed the Prince of Qin. His record of battle achievements is extensive, moving back and forth. He destroyed enemy flanks and spearheads, being both fierce and meticulous—truly a man of great integrity.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Zhengping, additionally appointed as Military Governor of Baoxin Army."

"Sixteenth:..."

Lan Gui suddenly paused, immediately drawing the attention of the already distracted powerful ministers in the Secret Pavilion. Soon, the latter understood what was happening.

"Sixteenth:

Yelu Yudu is a close relative of the Liao state. Magnanimous and righteous, he has long possessed virtuous character. Unfortunately, constrained by a benighted ruler and a stagnant situation, he was forced into repeated reversals and self-entrapment. Once released, he became open-minded, then formulated strategy in Western Xia and offered up territory at Yinshan... Now, having retaken Datong and fought at Huolu, he must be rewarded to display the virtue of the Son of Heaven of the Central Realm and to manifest the friendship between Song and Liao.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Linhuang, appointed as Grand Coordinator of the Khitan Autonomous Circuit, to maintain the ancestral temple in the old Liao Supreme Capital Circuit."

After this edict was read, it unexpectedly drew praise and approval from the crowd in the Secret Pavilion... The strategic Yinshan Pass, which controlled the key points of eastern and western Mongolia, being directly "offered as territory" was a tangible benefit. Appointing a continuation of the Khitan remnant state at Linhuang Prefecture was a disposition very much in line with Confucian values.

There was nothing wrong with this Commandery Prince enfeoffment.

Of course, the reason the crowd spoke up was also because they thought the edicts had ended here... Since those with battle achievements and seniority had basically been enfeoffed as princes, and suddenly a seemingly filler Khitan Commandery Prince, Yelu Yudu, appeared, and the number happened to reach sixteen, they naturally assumed that the explosive package His Majesty had thrown over from afar today would stop here.

However, just as everyone was waiting for Chief Councilor Zhao Ding to step forward and lead the congratulations, unexpectedly, Chief Steward Lan Gui gave a slight cough, then took out two more edicts from the wooden box. The Secret Pavilion immediately fell silent.

"The last two."

Chief Steward Lan smiled knowingly, then composed himself again, but paused once more after reading only three characters. "Seventeenth:...

Seventeenth:

Yang Yizhong's father and grandfather for three generations were unwaveringly loyal, all pillars of the state. He has commanded the Palace Guard for ten years, going wherever ordered, consistent in the way of ruler and minister from beginning to end—he is my Zhao Yun.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Jingse, continuing to command the Palace Guard as before."

One edict finished, the entire pavilion was deathly silent, as if lost in thought. However, the final prince needed no further words.

"Eighteenth:

Liu Yan traveled ten thousand li, followed for ten years—this can be called loyalty. He commanded troops within the palace, diligent and without fault—this can be called devotion. He led men on the battlefield, shooting Han Chang in formation—this can also be called bravery. He attended in the bedchamber and escorted the sovereign, never questioning authority—this can be called uprightness.

Specially promoted to Commandery Prince of Liaoyang, continuing to command the Palace Guard as before."

Having read it all in one breath, Chief Steward Lan acted as if nothing had happened, merely cupping his hands in all directions: "His Majesty has an oral instruction. You gentlemen who hear the edicts in the Secret Pavilion need not observe empty formalities... Let everything be based on substance."

Having said this, the senior Chief Steward even withdrew to a corner, found a cup of tea, moistened his throat slightly, and then left directly.

Of course, although His Majesty Zhao said not to observe empty formalities, how could they actually not be empty?

So, Chief Councilor Zhao Ding and those below him—the various Chancellors, Ministers, Vice Ministers, Nine Ministers, and Five Directors—immediately surged forward one after another, bowing towards the empty north, taking turns offering words of congratulations.

After quite a bit of fuss, the second floor of the Secret Pavilion gradually calmed down.

But this so-called calm was not a state of having nothing to say or nothing to discuss. On the contrary, there was too much to say and too much to discuss, to the point that they didn't know where to begin.

It must be known that today was different from before. Four days ago, only the brief report of the Huolu victory had arrived by flying horse. The Secret Pavilion only knew that His Majesty Zhao was not one to exaggerate falsely, and that it was indeed a decisive battle won, yet they had already been in a hubbub for an entire afternoon, discussing various contingency plans. Today, the victory reports flew in like snow, battlefield details were listed clearly—decapitations, prisoners, spoils, and even post-battle dispositions and rewards were clear and precise. The amount of information was astonishingly large. How could the Secret Pavilion sit idle?

"Let me say one thing... Eighteen princely titles in one go—isn't this enfeoffment a bit excessive?" After a period of silence, it was Minister of Justice Ma Shen who broke the quiet.

"The Ministry of Justice worries too much!" Censor-in-Chief Li Guang immediately stepped forward from the crowd, speaking first. "This round of rewards is not ordinary... First, it is a definite great victory, almost preventing a single Jin horse from returning north. The complete recovery of the mountains and rivers is right before our eyes. Let alone seven Princes of the Blood and eleven Commandery Princes, even if it were seventeen or twenty-one, enfeoffing them would be fine. Second, didn't the Minister of Justice hear what the previous edict said? This was His Majesty's promise made before the battle... In ancient times, King Cheng enfeoffed Tang with a single paulownia leaf, and the Duke of Zhou congratulated him. Dare I ask, can a Son of Heaven's promise be broken for the sake of gaining weight?"

Ma Shen was immediately left speechless, even somewhat caught off guard, because Li Guang's opposition was too fast and too direct.

"Correct. Not only can the promise not be broken for gain, but it should also be done sooner rather than later, and more generously rather than more stingily." As soon as Li Guang finished speaking, someone hastily chimed in agreement.

"If you ask me, the Ministry of Justice is indeed overthinking." Following that, even Privy Councilor Chen Gui couldn't help but sneer with his hands behind his back. "What are eighteen princely titles? Back in the days of 'Abundance and Great Prosperity,' there were dozens of Princes of the Blood alone. Now they've all been vacated. With the Two Rivers fully recovered, does the court lack this bit of grain stipend? Besides, enfeoffing them all at once like this actually confirms they aren't substantive enfeoffments. It's nothing more than His Majesty achieving an unprecedented enterprise, thereby having unprecedented merits, using this as a ranking of achievements for future history books."

Ma Shen was slightly startled, then suddenly realized, and immediately fell silent.

Now, what kind of man was Ma Shen? This realization of his was not because he was convinced by the words of these two men.

In fact, although he was dissatisfied with the excessive number of princely titles—especially feeling somewhat awkward about the two close ministers after Yelu Yu being granted titles for reasons like "consistent loyalty" and "ten years of following"—and even vaguely felt that Xie Yuan and Liu Qi were made princes only because the Emperor wanted to let Yang Yizhong and Liu Yan be princes and added them to plug people's mouths... still, dissatisfaction aside, it didn't mean he truly cared about the title itself.

What princely title? As long as the Grand Councilors of the Great Song didn't mess up, they all got princely titles upon retirement. If they did well, getting enfeoffed as a prince of a large state was as easy as reaching into a pocket... And Lu Haowen's family had the hereditary title of Prince of Donglai Commandery. Compared to such a fine arrangement, even a higher princely title seemed superfluous.

So, even if he intended to drag Yang Yizhong and Liu Yan into it, it was just a lead-in. In the end, it was simply that the Zhao Emperor had enfeoffed so many military officers as princes in one go, and Ma Shen was worried about the balance between civil and military officials being broken.

But hadn't Li Guang and Chen Gui already jumped out to clarify that?

The cause the Zhao Emperor had built over these ten years could now be compared to Emperor Guangwu's rise. If he kept it up for another thirty years without any major mishaps, he might even be able to go toe-to-toe with the First Emperor of Qin or Emperor Taizong of Tang.

So, Guangwu had his Twenty-Eight Meritorious Officials of Yuntai, and Taizong of Tang had his Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials of Lingyan Pavilion... Did the Zhao Emperor only have the Eighteen Princes of the Restoration, all from military backgrounds?

What was a princely title? A princely title was just a system of evaluation, representing your merits and ranking.

Therefore, if there were eighteen military officers, there must also be eighteen civil officials!

Half civil, half military, making thirty-six would be comfortable. The military officers were promised before the war and enfeoffed first. Once Yan and Yun were taken, or the war concluded, it would naturally be time to discuss the eighteen civil officials... If you disliked having too many princely titles, wasn't that equivalent to disliking having too many positions for civil officials' merits?

Admittedly, removing Liu Qi, Xie Yuan, Yang Yizhong, and Liu Yan, making it fourteen against twenty-eight meritorious officials, seemed more appropriate.

But if that were the case, how many of those present here would truly feel secure?

Since the Jianyan era, famous ministers had flowed like a stream. With Li Gang, Zong Ze, Wang Boyan, Lu Haowen, Xu Jingheng, Zhao Ding, Zhang Jun, Yuwen Xuzhong, and Lu Yihao securely taking their spots, how many positions were left?

Chen Gui and Liu Ji were both uncertain, weren't they? Hu Yin seemed more secure, but what about Liu Ziyu and Lin Jingmo? What about him, Li Guang, and you, Ma Shen? What about Wang Shu and Hu Hongxiu outside, or even Zhang Suo who died for the country... Who could be sure?

And precisely whether one made it onto that list or not could almost directly determine one's posthumous reputation—that was really troublesome.

So, don't even mention disliking having too many princes. According to the thoughts of some in the Secret Pavilion who were sweating from all the calculations in their heads, Wang Sheng, Wu Lin, Wang Gui, and Fu Xuan could also be squeezed in, and Guo Hao and Shao Yun as well.

It would be best to create something like the Forty-Eight Meritorious Officials of the Yue Platform, so that one might just manage to tag along at the end.

Of course, that was overthinking it.

If it were really like that, it would only invite ridicule.

Eighteen civil, eighteen military—the Thirty-Six Famous Ministers of the Jianyan Era, specifically referring to the achievements of the Restoration—was already a relatively large number among suitable figures.

And so, the topic of princely titles was hastily opened, and then hastily closed with everyone's tacit understanding.

Immediately after, Zhao Ding, as the Chief Councilor, forcefully suppressed all other thoughts and got down to business: "The Emperor's pre-war promise was, of course, to enfeoff princes first to stabilize the army's morale, but other military merit promises cannot be abandoned. The Bureau of Military Affairs must be prepared... Still, as I said before, it should be broad rather than narrow, early rather than late... Do not let the Emperor and the court lose credibility with the military. Besides this, we must also handle the partial withdrawal of troops and the return of civilian laborers."

"The Bureau of Military Affairs will do its utmost." Zhang Jun immediately stepped forward with Chen Gui and solemnly accepted.

"Also, the appointments for the two river regions should be handled as soon as possible." After saying this, Zhao Ding paused slightly before uttering what seemed like a perfectly logical statement.

However, Minister of Personnel Chen Gongfu was not one to indulge Councilor Zhao. He stepped forward directly, cupping his hands in salute: "That's as may be, but please, Councilor, clarify... Does the authority over the retention or dismissal of old officials in the former lands of the two rivers lie with us here, or will it be decided by the Spring Plowing Inspection Team sent by the Emperor?"

"Follow the Emperor's words for now." Zhao Ding replied calmly. "Temporarily base decisions on the inspection team's opinions... If any issues arise, it's fine, because after today's events, the Emperor might return any day. Even if he doesn't, we can communicate and coordinate, then submit a memorial to ask. No need to worry excessively."

Chen Gongfu shook his head slightly but didn't press further.

"What about granting land for military merits?" Minister of Revenue Lin Jingmo then asked.

"What problem could there be with that?" Zhao Ding frowned and retorted sharply. "After the Battle of Changshe back then, when the Emperor returned to the old capital, the Central Plains roughly handled this matter. Later, the Emperor gradually introduced the national policy of curbing land annexation, clearly intending to implement equal-field policies through land grants... Doing this again today in the two rivers is just on a larger scale and more thorough... Even if a few people are dissatisfied, with the current situation in Hebei, the court's credibility, the Emperor's prestige, and the three hundred thousand armored troops of the Imperial Guard, what can they do? If anyone dares to be dissatisfied, they're nothing but clowns jumping around!"

"Exactly." Zhang Jun also laughed and waved his sleeve. "Councilor Zhao himself is also for equal-field policies and hasn't been dissatisfied. So who would dare to defy the world's will and seek the Emperor's displeasure at this juncture?"

Zhao Ding then laughed along: "My family doesn't have a few acres of land in Hedong anyway. I'm hoping this land grant will add some assets to the household..."

The Secret Pavilion immediately erupted in laughter.

Lin Jingmo also smiled, seemingly unaware that Zhao Ding was playing dumb, and that Zhang Jun was helping Zhao Ding play dumb.

The matter was simple. At this time of great victory, and being a close minister of the Emperor, Lin Jingmo would never question the feasibility of the policy, let alone the policy itself. What he had meant earlier was actually asking Zhao Ding... Who would be responsible for granting land for military merits, a matter of national foundation?

Was it going to be handed over to that so-called inspection team as well?

Of course, Lin Jingmo also understood Zhao Ding's difficulties and knew that saying certain things at this time would be a mood-killer, so he laughed along.

After the laughter, the meeting continued.

Someone else suggested that since Councilor Lu Yihao was repeatedly ill and bedridden, and Fan Zongyin and others were not up to the task, could they perhaps request the Emperor to send some more officials to assist at the imperial presence?

Others asked, since Yan and Yun were right before them, yet the Emperor had spoken of peace negotiations, the reasons and truth of which were still uncertain—should they seek instructions?

It must be known that if peace were to be negotiated, the Emperor's terms were too harsh; if fighting were to continue, it seemed too fake.

There were various other matters, too numerous to list.

This meeting finally ended at nightfall, forcibly terminated by Chief Councilor Zhao Ding.

Then, the crowd reluctantly dispersed. But Lin Jingmo, as the duty minister, stayed behind on the second floor of the Secret Pavilion, waiting for the Secret Pavilion clerks directly under the Central Secretariat to organize the non-confidential meeting information and publishable content. Only after personally reviewing and signing them did he prepare to go downstairs and leave.

According to regulations, the former was to be sent to the public offices the next day, and the latter was to be sent to the official gazette department that very night... Over time, the bureaucratic system would always achieve internal consistency.

Of course, setting aside political protocols, just as Minister Lin was descending this floor—perhaps the most concentrated seat of power in the world—he heard a constant clamor outside the palace walls before even reaching the door. This was only natural, because the Chongwen Institute, located in the southeast corner of the imperial city, was separated by a single wall from the bustling night market on Maxing Street outside Donghua Gate and the broad main thoroughfare of the Imperial Avenue. Moreover, this noise had started four days earlier when the news of the great victory in the north arrived, and it had only grown more pronounced day by day.

And it was foreseeable that starting tomorrow, as the news spread, aside from the inevitable grief in the family quarters of the Imperial Guard outside the city, the Eastern Capital would become even more lively.

Yet, this perfectly natural occurrence caused the current Minister of Revenue to freeze for a moment, standing thoughtfully in the dark Chongwen Institute.

After a long while, Lin Jingmo finally returned to normal. He turned out onto the Imperial Avenue, found his long-waiting family, and instead of going home, went directly to Donghua Gate to find a shop. He had the shopkeeper blanch some pork meatballs, half served cold and half in soup, and ate quietly with his attendants and family by the street. Only then did he head north to the Jingyuan Garden behind Yanfu Palace... Whether one could have a residence here was the standard measure of whether a high court official was held dear in the Emperor's heart.

But even after returning here, Lin Jingmo still didn't go home. He sent his family and attendants ahead, and went alone directly to the residence of Grand Councilor Zhang Jun to pay a visit.

Unexpectedly, Zhang Jun had not yet returned, so Lin Jingmo waited in the back hall for a full half hour before finally seeing the man himself.

"Went to the Chief of the Imperial Clan's residence."

Facing Lin Jingmo, Zhang Jun didn't bother to hide anything. "Among the documents sent to the Bureau of Military Affairs today, besides the major decrees, there were some minor ones. One of them was a commendation for Zhao Bufan, the eldest son of the Chief of the Imperial Clan, who died for the country... Not suitable to be read aloud in the Secret Pavilion."

Lin Jingmo suddenly understood, then asked from his seat: "Zhao Bufan was the heir to the title. The Chief of the Imperial Clan is a key court minister and the pillar of imperial clan prestige. There will surely be special favors, right?"

"Naturally." Zhang Jun took the tea handed to him by a maidservant, took a small sip, then waved his hand to dismiss everyone else. "Special permission for the title to be inherited for three generations without reduction. And according to the Emperor's verbal hint, the Chief of the Imperial Clan might also be granted a commandery prince title, but not as part of this round of enfeoffing military officers as princes..."

"That seems too generous again." Lin Jingmo said thoughtfully.

"It is somewhat generous, but there's a reason." Zhang Jun explained seriously. "According to the messenger who reported the frontline events, it seems Zhao Bufan died saving Qu Duan, the Prince of Zhenrong Commandery. The Imperial Guard cavalry suffered heavy losses this time. Qu Duan was deeply shaken and even privately declined the suggestion of having a banner bestowed. Qu Duan's refusal then made it awkward for Wang De and Wang Yan to accept one either... And Zhao Bufan was a close branch descendant of the imperial clan, so making an example of him is appropriate."

At this point, Zhang Jun sighed softly: "I thought the Chief of the Imperial Clan's household would be excessively grief-stricken, but after spending some time there, I learned that while there was grief, there was also a certain heroic spirit... According to the Chief of the Imperial Clan, the nation was in such dire straits, and now it's settled in one stroke. He died a worthy death. Painful, regrettable, sorrowful, yet magnificent... A true man should be like this."

Lin Jingmo didn't indulge him and directly shook his head: "The nation's civil and military affairs are flourishing, each performing its own duties. Zhao Bufan died a worthy death. But Councilor, as the head of the Western Administration, if you still regret not being able to emulate the deeds of Marquis Wu of Zhuge at this point, that would be somewhat laughable."

"Let's not talk about that." Zhang Jun looked slightly embarrassed and immediately composed himself. "Minister Lin, coming to see me so late, you must have some words of advice for me?"

"Nothing specific. It's just that today, while on duty in the Secret Pavilion, I came down alone and was struck by some thoughts."

"What thoughts?"

"People have their joys and sorrows, partings and reunions; the moon has its clear and cloudy, waxing and waning. Since ancient times, this has been hard to perfect." Lin Jingmo sighed in response.

Zhang Jun was slightly startled, then immediately laughed in return: "Shouldn't it be 'On such a fine night with good company, to whom should one speak of it?' Ten years of hardship, accomplished in one morning; the shame of the Jingkang Incident, all avenged in a single battle. Even if there are some sacrifices that are not quite right, in the end it is ten thousand homes lit with lamps, a miraculous achievement for a thousand ages. Enjoy it and cherish it."

"Having both, seemingly contradictory, is actually just human nature." Lin Jingmo also smiled. "Just like the Grand Master of the Imperial Clan's sorrow and grandeur, and just like how everyone in the Privy Council today both despises and envies the eighteen princes—none of it is contradictory."

"That is true." Zhang Jun grew even more relaxed. "So what exactly has made you so 'clear and cloudy, waxing and waning'?"

"I am thinking about one thing." Lin Jingmo replied calmly, his smile undiminished. "Your Excellency, after this battle, how should the Court and His Majesty interact?"

Zhang Jun was stunned for a moment, but immediately shook his head: "The Court is His Majesty; His Majesty is the Court."

"Is that really so?" Lin Jingmo pressed on calmly. "Even if it is, what if power is divided between two places, and lord and subject grow estranged? You must understand, the Court here both respects and fears His Majesty—that is not contradictory either."

Zhang Jun was momentarily speechless.

To be honest, Zhang Deyuan knew very well that it was only natural for Lin Jingmo to have such concerns. Many matters in the Privy Council today could not avoid the issue of the division between His Majesty and the capital at Dongjing. The essence of this problem was that His Majesty, starting from his inspection tour of the Southeast, had not returned to the capital for several consecutive years. Even before that, during the many years of repeated campaigns, His Majesty was often absent from Dongjing, so state affairs were largely entrusted to this Privy Council, composed of the Two Offices, Six Ministries, and Five Directorates.

Going even further, probably because military needs made it hard to focus on other matters, even when His Majesty was in Dongjing, he rarely interfered with the bureaucratic system except on specific issues.

Thus, the highest administrative power had in fact been divided for a long time. Today's veiled discussions about administrative power, appointment power, and reception power in the Two River regions, including some people wanting to rush to the imperial presence, were essentially about this same issue.

Of course, unlike what many had secretly feared—that friction would arise between the two sides—over the ten years of the Jianyan era, this seemingly dangerous system had actually operated smoothly.

The reason was simple. First, the authority of the capital Dongjing was delegated from His Majesty, so legally it had the foundation of Zhang Jun's statement: 'The Court is His Majesty; His Majesty is the Court.' Besides that, His Majesty had been winning battles on the frontier and living frugally to strengthen the realm at home, enjoying outstanding prestige.

And of course, the most important point: he held military power, and his grip on it was growing ever stronger.

Therefore, the Dongjing bureaucratic system—what Lin Jingmo called the Court—had no ability to resist His Majesty, inside or out, in essence or appearance. It truly was a case of 'what I give you, you may take.'

And after the Battle of Huolu, it was entirely imaginable that this strong position would likely continue straight until His Majesty breathed his last.

But the conversation had to come back around. At the same time, the bureaucratic system was made up of living people, and seeking power and a sense of security in power was a perfectly natural pursuit... Lord and subject, superior and inferior—thousands of years of tricks and schemes, destined to never be fully sorted out.

"Minister Lin, you and I are both trusted confidants of His Majesty, and you, moreover, came from being a close attendant of His Majesty." Zhang Jun was silent for a long while before finally pointing out a fact.

"But we are also important ministers of the state." Lin Jingmo replied calmly. "Holding both responsibilities, we should be even more vigilant in times of peace, making plans for His Majesty and the Court early on, to avoid future troubles."

"What kind of troubles could arise?" Zhang Jun was still somewhat puzzled. "Didn't the Baima Shaoxing affair and the Southeast Martial Gathering all pass smoothly? His Majesty's authority is established."

"Times have changed." Lin Jingmo remained composed. "Your Excellency Zhang... back when we followed His Majesty from Bagong Mountain up the Huai River westward, I thought to myself then: in such chaotic times, we must not be bound by ordinary rules, nor should we be shaken by any extraordinary events we witness. Today, hearing of the great victory at Huolu, I have only one thought: the realm is truly about to see peace... May I ask Your Excellency, can chaotic times and peaceful times be spoken of in the same breath? Can the way we acted before continue in the future?"

"Then what should be done?" Zhang Jun was silent, and also could not help feeling a little uneasy.

In the chaos of war, he, Zhang Deyuan, could rely on his status as a trusted confidant of His Majesty to become His Majesty's spokesperson in the court and the capital, following His Majesty's wishes in participating in military affairs, even contending with Zhao Ding on equal footing. But what about when the chaos was about to end?

"After all these years, Your Excellency, how can you still be so muddled?" Lin Jingmo finally laughed again. "His Majesty is even going out of his way to promote both Yang and Liu. Is he the kind of Son of Heaven who is ungrateful for old ties and puts on airs of profundity? Where to go from here, why not just ask him frankly?"

With that, the Minister of Revenue rose directly, clasped his hands in a bow, and made as if to take his leave and go home.

Zhang Jun also laughed in sudden realization, rose, and returned the bow: "Indeed. I am much obliged to Minister Lin for the reminder today... Tomorrow, I will recommend Vice Minister Lu (Lu Zhi) in the Privy Council to go north and comfort the troops, and I will also ask him to deliver a 'secret memorial' to His Majesty on my behalf."

Lin Jingmo nodded slightly and took his leave directly.

Zhang Deyuan did not see him far. He returned to a two-story small pavilion in the back courtyard, gazed slightly at the still clearly visible city-wide lights of Dongjing, was lost in thought for a moment, then turned back inside, spread out his brush and ink, and pressed down on the desk through the paper, preparing to write this secret memorial.

"His Majesty."

Just as Zhang Jun returned to his study and picked up his brush to write the secret memorial, at almost the same time, within the city of Zhending, in a spacious courtyard, under lamplight, amidst a banquet, another man suddenly pressed down on the low table before him, then abruptly stood up. "Your subject has something to say!"

The spring breeze stirred the twilight. Seeing this man rise, the dozen or so 'princes' present all changed color, then grew solemn.

For no other reason than that this man was the guest of honor at today's banquet, Hu Yin Hu Mingzhong, the Minister of Works, who had rushed from the rear... His reputation was formidable, and he was especially deeply entangled in military affairs. Whether they were Imperial Princes, Commandery Princes, or other close officials, few were not intimidated by him.

Only Lu Yihao, the Vice Commissioner of the Bureau of Military Affairs, who sat in the secondary seat of honor alongside the Prince of Qin, Han Shizhong, remained leisurely and unconcerned.

"If I said to let Mingzhong speak of it tomorrow, I'm afraid Mingzhong wouldn't listen either." As for His Majesty, he was startled for a moment, but then shook his head and smiled from his seat. "Speak then... I am prepared."

"I thank Your Majesty." Hu Yin replied solemnly, then stepped forward and clasped his hands. "First, regarding Your Majesty's rewards and enfeoffments this time, is there not the suspicion of bestowing titles too liberally?"

The seats fell into an awkward silence. Although some were clearly tipsy and once prepared to rise and refute, they were coldly stared down by Han Shizhong and several other Imperial Princes.

After a long moment, Zhao Jiu laughed lightly in response: "Mingzhong is overthinking it. The mountains and rivers are restored, old shame can be avenged, the state rewards merit—what are a few princely titles?"

Hu Yin immediately shook his head: "Let Your Majesty know, it has been difficult to nurture meritorious officials since ancient times... The princes here today may be restrained for a time, but as they dwell on their merits for long, they will inevitably grow arrogant and unruly. When that day of trouble comes, Your Majesty will have to personally uproot them, and then it will harm the grace between lord and subject."

"Well said." Zhao Jiu actually nodded in agreement, causing the princes present to tense up. "The human heart is hard to fathom... wanting lord and subject to last long is truly too difficult."

Hearing this, the princes all seemed to sober up. Then, led by Han Shizhong, they stepped forward one after another.

Then, it was the Prince of Qin who took the lead in stating: "Let Your Majesty know, with Your Majesty so divinely martial and the Minister so vigilant, who would dare to be unfathomable... I beg Your Majesty and the Minister to rest assured."

Hu Yin could not be bothered to respond.

Instead, Zhao Jiu looked at the princes before him, his smile undiminished: "I am not using Mingzhong's words to intimidate you, nor is there any need. I am simply sighing in emotion, because some things are truly unavoidable... Even Tang Taizong, the most proper towards his meritorious officials, could not avoid the affair of Hou Junji. We, lord and subject, are not born sages, so how could we be exempt from this? The only thing we can hope for is that if trouble does arise in the future, we can still handle it as well as Tang Taizong and Hou Junji did."

Han Shizhong had now studied books and knew that His Majesty was speaking from the heart, so he found it hard to refute.

A small interlude, not worth a laugh. Zhao Jiu waved his hand to signal everyone to return to their seats, then looked back at Hu Yin: "Mingzhong, although it is said that without long-term worries, one will have immediate troubles, it is not the act of an enlightened ruler to do narrow-minded things now because of possible future troubles, is it? The eighteen princely titles are a done deal, and all the rewards are proper. More talk is useless."

"Yes." Hu Yin surprisingly did not argue, but continued to clasp his hands. "Your Majesty, your subject has another question to ask... Sending the accompanying civilian scholars to inspect the spring plowing is an excellent arrangement, but what about after the spring plowing? Should they then take over the matters of confiscating rebel property and granting land for military merit?"

"Correct." Zhao Jiu nodded in agreement. "Is that not permissible?"

"It is not impermissible, but where does that leave Dongjing?" Hu Mingzhong asked directly.

Zhao Jiu finally frowned: "I have no intention of ignoring the Two Offices and Six Ministries in Dongjing, but military operations here have not ceased. What would be the point of adding that extra layer? And, I will not hide it from Minister Hu, I do intend to give a proper career path to the civilian scholars who have served in the army, and I also want to cleanse the land of Hebei more thoroughly. I do not wish for Dongjing to get involved and squeeze this side too much."

"If that is the case, judging the matter on its own, it is not a problem." Hu Yin grew even more serious. "But I have one word to say... Although Your Majesty has been away from Dongjing for many years, and the state has in practice had orders issuing from two gates, the Two Offices and Six Ministries in Dongjing are still Your Majesty's subjects. There should be no distinction between inner and outer, close and distant... Today, the fact that military operations have not ceased is true, but that the realm is about to be pacified is also obvious. At this juncture, Your Majesty should also offer some comfort to the ministers in Dongjing to reassure their hearts."

Zhao Jiu finally laughed again: "Mingzhong worries too much."

"I am not worrying too much this time." Hu Yin was exceptionally stern. "The mountains and rivers will soon be fully restored, the old shame will soon be fully avenged, the great achievement of ten years is complete. This is a tremendous blessing, the wish of my life. On the road, when I heard of the great victory at Huolu, I wept into my bedding at night, and when I sat up, I laughed and lost my composure... It was then that I understood what it meant to 'roll up my poems and books in wild joy'... But by the time I reached the battlefield at Huolu, I had already calmed down. Your Majesty, the realm is not only about avenging shame. The chaos is about to end, and peace is about to arrive. As the Son of Heaven, has Your Majesty considered how to handle affairs and appoint people in the peaceful times to come?"

Zhao Jiu nodded, and continued to ask with a smile: "Is there anything else?"

"Yes." Hu Yin remained stern. "No matter how great the victory, Hebei cannot help but be left broken and desolate. After Your Majesty has comforted the people and overseen the spring plowing, how do you plan to restore production in the Two River regions? And regarding military matters, advancing on Yanyun should not be difficult, but the Jin state still has a foundation beyond the frontier. If we launch a campaign beyond the frontier, how do we balance internal and external concerns so that Hebei is not further burdened by military affairs? Do you expect that sending an Eastern Mongol force to take the Central Capital Circuit will push the Jurchens into a desperate corner, and then, following Your Majesty's plan of sowing discord, they will destroy each other?"

Hearing this, Zhao Jiu and Lu Yihao, who had remained silent, instinctively exchanged glances. Then His Majesty smiled again: "Everything you have said, I have thought about. I can give you an answer for all of it."

Hu Yin's expression did not change.

"As for Dongjing, you need not worry. Even if the realm is at peace, I intend to maintain the status quo, authorizing the Two Offices, Six Ministries, and the Privy Council to govern the state on my behalf." Zhao Jiu replied calmly.

"Then what will Your Majesty do?" Hu Mingzhong persisted. "Will you go raise fish for ten years and plant mulberries for ten years?"

"That happens to be the answer to your other question." Zhao Jiu replied easily. "I have made up my mind. Every year during the agricultural off-season, I will go to Hebei and personally supervise the taming of the Yellow River... I will use as much resources as we have. If it takes three years, then three years; if five years, then five years; if ten years, then ten years... As for other matters, I do not have the ability, and there is no need to come to me."

Hu Yin was stunned for a moment, then fell silent for a moment. He was even a little flustered... This was an answer he had not expected.

"As for the matter of the Jin state," Zhao Jiu said, still composed. "I never expected an Eastern Mongolia to accomplish much. Since Mingzhong has come, why not stay with me for a few more days? We'll survey the land and water while waiting for news... Calculating the days, and given their attention to this place, they should have received word and started moving by now."

Hu Yin forcefully suppressed the myriad chaotic thoughts in his heart, forced himself to think, and suddenly understood. Then he sighed in sincere admiration: "Your Majesty sees through a thousand li, great skill seems artless—truly a brilliant strategy!"

Zhao Jiu accepted the praise calmly, then raised his cup to signal those around him, causing the bewildered Han Shizhong and others to hurriedly respond.

PS: Good night, everyone.