Chapter 178: Internal and External Troubles, Attacked from Both Sides?

"Report! The Quanrong Tribe invades the border!"

"The Nan Rong King leads thirty thousand cavalry into He Shang Jun and Yun Shang Jun, killing the Commandant of the Xi Jing Border Army."

The Imperial Capital.

Military news from the Western Border arrived, shocking the court and public.

"According to reports from dark agents within Quanrong territory, this Quanrong invasion is suspected to involve the Southern aristocratic clans, the Xie and Li clans, acting among them."

The leader of the State-Protecting Guard, originally from a martial background, also submitted relevant reports and evidence.

It turned out that two months ago, several Southern merchant caravans bypassed the Northern Central Plains, took a long route, and entered the Western grasslands.

Among the caravans were envoys sent by Southern aristocratic clans, who, with heavy gifts and humble words, gained an audience with the Nan Rong King of the Quanrong Tribe.

The scene of this envoy party entering the Nan Rong King's tent was detected by State-Protecting Guard dark agents on the grasslands.

As for how the envoys variously offered inducements or explained the pros and cons, it is difficult to know fully.

It is thought their arguments were nothing more than that the current Zhou King possesses outstanding talent and strategy, and is truly a common great enemy of the Southern aristocratic clans and the Quanrong Tribe; if they do not join forces to crush him early, the consequences are unimaginable!

And so on.

Subsequently, vague rumors also leaked out.

That is, the Southern aristocratic clans offered terms: if cooperation was achieved, they would split the Northern Great Zhou Dynasty equally with the Quanrong Tribe.

It was under these terms that the Nan Rong King among the Quanrong Tribe chose to send troops to harass, though perhaps he originally had plans to send troops to plunder.

It must be said that among the Southern clans, there are indeed top strategists.

They incited the Quanrong Tribe to send troops to harass at this time; the timing can be said to be extremely exquisite, precisely at the critical moment when Gu Xuan's side is implementing new policies and everything awaits revival!

And not only this.

At the same time as the Quanrong's thirty thousand cavalry invaded the Xi Jing,

the Southern aristocratic clans also raised the banner of "Purifying the Sovereign's Side," sending an army of over thirty thousand mixed infantry and cavalry to launch an attack northward.

For a time,

the Great Zhou Dynasty actually fell into its most dangerous situation!

Internally there is North-South civil war, crises everywhere, and many measures in the new policies—such as crushing the aristocratic clans to distribute land and selecting talent through imperial examinations—are at a critical implementation period.

Externally there is the great Quanrong army invading, with chickens and dogs not at peace.

This situation seems not inferior even to the perilous situation of the past when the Quanrong's previous Chanyu launched a massive invasion and the Jie Tribe, invited by the Sima Clan, burned and plundered many places!

Facing this unfavorable situation of internal and external troubles, the entire Chao Tang was for a time filled with an atmosphere of worry and unease.

"This must be the scheming of the Sick Tiger Chen Shilong of old!"

Within the Yi Zheng Da Dian in the Imperial Capital, more than one court official spoke thus indignantly.

The so-called Sick Tiger Chen Shilong came from the Chen Clan of the aristocracy, was a confidant strategist of the Sima Clan, and was always renowned for extraordinary strategy and sinister calculations.

After the Sima Clan was destroyed back then, this person was indeed capable, his fate unknown amidst the chaos.

At that time, the situation was said to be full of countless threads, with far too many places requiring attention.

Therefore, Gu Xuan and the Forbidden Army System, etc., were for a time unable to attend to this person.

Several months later, news arrived that the Sick Tiger Chen Shilong was suspected to have fled to the South.

This person is extremely cautious; the State-Protecting Guard launched two operations intending to bring him back to the North for trial or assassinate him, both ending in failure.

"Let's not bother with him for now; first discuss how to deal with the current situation."

Gu Xuan sat upon the throne, stopping the indignation of the court officials and turning everyone's attention back.

And the Palace Attendant Censor Luo Zheng immediately stepped forward and spoke voluntarily.

"Your Majesty, in this humble subject's view, with internal and external troubles, one must first pacify the inside, and only then can one calmly face the outside."

"Currently, the Quanrong Chanyu has newly ascended, and his own situation is not yet stable."

"I can determine that this Quanrong invasion, although its aura is chaotic and looks like a major border incursion, is actually merely a harassing border conflict."

"And the situation within the Southern rebels is far from stable; hastily sending over thirty thousand troops is more of a probe, and it is impossible for them to have long-term strategic plans so quickly."

Luo Zheng is the most outstanding elite among the Cold Clan Disciples, one of the first core members of the Open Passage Society, and one of Gu Xuan's most trusted confidants.

His talent, and the various intelligence he knows, determined the quality of his speech at this moment; it can truly be said to hit the nail on the head!

Regarding the joint pincer attack by the Quanrong and Southern clans this time, he can be said to see through everything, seeing through the fierce exterior but weak interior of both.

However.

That said, this situation is also very dangerous; a slight carelessness could lead to an even more unfavorable situation.

This is also related to Luo Zheng's concerns next.

Only to see him continue somewhat uneasily: "Therefore, the critical issue now is whether the two great armies of Ma Qi and Yu Chi Rui of the Xi Jing Border Army can hold steady!"

Speaking to this point, even though Luo Zheng is upright and serious, he could not help but hesitate, weighing his words.

Actually, not only him; many court officials in the hall, upon hearing this last sentence, could not help but feel nervous.

This topic, under the current situation, is obviously sensitive.

Because the commanders of the two main armies of the Xi Jing Border Army, Ma Qi and Yu Chi Rui, were able to sit in these positions necessarily because they came from aristocratic families.

And not only this.

Under them, there are also a considerable number of middle-rank officers, similarly so.

If, when the situation was previously stable, the Xi Jing Border Army could be firmly suppressed by Gu Xuan and the Central Court,

then, under the current situation where this balance is broken, whether they can still remain loyal is a question mark!

This is also the place truly most worried about in the hearts of Luo Zheng and many court officials!

Because, if at this time, Ma Qi and Yu Chi Rui choose to join forces with the Southern clans, or even allow the Quanrong great army to attack the Central Plains heartland, it will inevitably deal a heavy blow to the Central Court.

By then, attacked from three sides, it is very likely that Tian Xia will fall into great chaos!

However.

It was precisely in this slightly apprehensive atmosphere that a clear voice spoke up, calming the ministers' unease.

"No matter, the Western Army cannot cause chaos!"

His voice was majestic; it was not particularly loud, yet it resounded through every corner of the great hall, and contained a steadiness sufficient to settle people's hearts.

Everyone raised their heads to look, and saw that the speaker was none other than Gu Xuan, seated upon the throne — that is, the Current Emperor.

Moreover, ever since the extermination of the Sima Clan, Gu Xuan had not spoken much in the court.

But every time he spoke, it could be said to be a certainty.

Just as if his words became law, everything he said, every promise he made, even if they underwent some difficulties or setbacks, would ultimately be fulfilled without fail.

And at this moment, his countenance was calm and confident, his gaze blazing, likewise no different from before.

Faced with this scene, the ministers' unease instantly dissipated.

Although some court officials were still curious as to what means the Zhou King His Majesty actually had to continue suppressing the two major border army corps?

But they ultimately still chose to believe him, just as over the past two years, they had believed and followed this Zhou King Gu Xuan in accomplishing one great deed after another.

……

"I believe the key still lies in the advancement of the New Policies."

"Specifically speaking, at present it is these two major matters — the imperial examinations for selecting talent, and overthrowing the aristocratic clans to distribute land — that must continue to be pushed forward steadily and solidly."

"As long as we stabilize internally, external enemies are ultimately merely a skin disease."

Gu Xuan's other confidant, who was now the Bu Shi Lang, also stepped forward voluntarily, narrating leisurely.

This man was also a hero of Cold Gate origin; though not yet thirty years of age, his conduct and speech were exceptionally steady and seasoned.

Like peeling silk from a cocoon, he analyzed the current overall situation piece by piece in this Yi Zheng Da Dian.

The imperial examinations for selecting talent are the top priority, relating to the foundation of breaking the aristocratic clans' monopoly, and also opening upward channels for more talented scholars.

Overthrowing the aristocratic clans to distribute land is an even more direct violent measure to break land annexation, and simultaneously can increase state tax revenue.

In fact.

Whether it was the Palace Attendant Censor Luo Zheng, or the Bu Shi Lang.

The words they spoke were all discussed and deliberated in internal small meetings with Gu Xuan beforehand.

That is the so-called "major matters discussed in small meetings, minor matters announced in grand assemblies."

And such clear, well-reasoned argumentation also gradually persuaded the many court officials in the great hall.

Finally.

This Grand Court Assembly passed multiple resolutions targeting the current situation.

First, this Zhou King His Majesty Gu Xuan holds the center, taking charge of all internal and external affairs.

Second, headed by Luo Zheng, form the "Open Passage Society" Examination Committee, responsible for organizing and implementing this imperial examination for selecting talent, guaranteeing its smooth progress.

Third, "Open Passage Society" officials in various locales continue to advance the matter of "overthrowing the aristocratic clans to distribute land."

Fourth, the Bu Shi Lang leads five thousand elite Forbidden Army troops to Zhong He Jun at the north-south border, mobilize the local garrison, and defend against the southern rebel army.

Fifth, order the two main army corps of the Western Border Army to strictly guard against the Quanrong Tribe's invasion this time.

These five resolutions were also, after the court assembly, rapidly promulgated nationwide in the form of official bulletins and the like, to settle people's hearts.

Of course.

Regarding the final resolution, it was not without court officials harboring doubts.

That is, under the current situation of comprehensively striking at the aristocratic clans, how to guarantee the two major Western Border Army corps do not rebel.

You must know, Ma Qi, Yu Chi Rui, and many of their middle-rank officer subordinates were all born into aristocratic families.

How could the central court possibly "order" them and have them obediently go meet the Quanrong great army?

However, although the ministers had doubts, they had after all personally seen the Current Emperor's composed and confident demeanor, and this surely involved military secrets.

Therefore, they did not continue to pursue the matter deeply.

Only an extremely small number of core personnel within the "Open Passage Society" knew Gu Xuan's true plan.

In fact.

Regarding controlling those two major Western Border heavy army corps, Gu Xuan was not blindly confident.

Before this, when the New Policies had not yet been implemented.

Gu Xuan, relying on the awe of exterminating the Sima Clan and pacifying the Jie Tribe, as well as his personal divine might as if the High Ancestor His Majesty reincarnated, deterred all those who were restless!

Afterwards.

He forcefully, using the method of martial arts training, rotated a number of middle-rank officers of aristocratic origin in the border army, replacing them with Forbidden Army Colonels of Cold Gate origin and "Open Passage Society" members.

As for those rotated border army middle-rank officers, they were either placed in idle posts in the Forbidden Army or the martial arts academy.

Under this "boil a frog in warm water" method.

Even veteran generals like Ma Qi and Yu Chi Rui, though dissatisfied in their hearts, dared not openly oppose, unless they rebelled on the spot.

And what manner of person is Gu Xuan?

Holding the legitimate authority of the Zhou King, and possessing unrivaled martial power and illustrious military merit, under the balanced court situation, not a single border army general dared to openly rebel.

And Gu Xuan's true trump card was the secret memorial authority he granted these middle-rank officers, allowing them to submit memorials to him, this Zhou King His Majesty, in a legitimate, regular manner.

Without a doubt, this greatly eliminated the possibility of Ma Qi and Yu Chi Rui winning over the newly appointed "Open Passage Society" middle-rank officers.

And to a certain extent, further strengthened Gu Xuan's control over the two major border army corps.

Although it cannot be said to have sidelined the two major generals Ma Qi and Yu Chi Rui, it made the two of them joining forces with their confidants to rebel almost impossible.

This is a lengthy process.

Even someone as strong as Gu Xuan spent a full approaching one year's time before gradually seeing results.

And this work, for Gu Xuan, was of an importance almost no less than exterminating the Sima Clan, establishing the Open Passage Society, and other such undertakings.

Fortunately, his efforts were ultimately not in vain.

Especially under the current evil situation of being attacked from both sides by the Southern aristocratic clans and the Quanrong Tribe, his arrangements were still timely.

……

Within half a month.

With the issuance of numerous resolutions by the central court, various affairs were also carried out in a tight and orderly manner continuously.

First.

The imperial examination for selecting talent abolished the original pure literary examination for the first time, instead integrating current affairs policy essays, the Open Passage Society platform, and even encompassing a small portion of mathematics.

Of course, this inevitably sparked dissatisfaction within a certain scope.

But the court still pushed it through forcefully, persisting in this direction.

And in order to prevent cheating as much as possible, at Gu Xuan's suggestion, and with the collective wisdom of numerous court officials, an examination system including anonymous marking and transcription copying was established.

Of course, perhaps in the future someone might still devise a way to crack it, but at least for now it is quite effective.

Second.

In the twelve provinces and two hundred prefectures of the north, centered on Open Passage Society officials, with dispatched elite Forbidden Army troops as military deterrence, mobilization unfolded vigorously.

Countless lowly soldiers, impoverished tenant farmers, and starving refugees were allocated fields belonging to them.

And combined with the actual conditions on this land, as well as the suggestions of numerous court officials, a considerable amount of land was also designated as official fields, reserved for after the war to be granted to meritorious officers and soldiers as additional military rewards.

Third.

The Ministry of War Vice Minister's route, leading troops to the north-south border to defend against the Southern rebel army, was also calm and uneventful.

Because the Southern aristocratic clans' alliance army, though seemingly menacing in its approach, actually had the main purpose of echoing the Quanrong Tribe's border raids, and had not truly prepared for a long-term northern expedition.

Finally.

The one that truly appeared somewhat perilous was still Gu Xuan's route.

He seemingly "held the center, overseeing all affairs," but in reality secretly went toward the Western Borderlands amidst twenty thousand elite Forbidden Army troops.

And externally, the official proclamation stated that the commander of this twenty thousand Forbidden Army expedition was the veteran general Jiang Bu Shi, recalled from the North Border Army to the Imperial Capital.

And it was said, among the Two Major Generals of the Western Border.

Yu Chi Rui was ultimately still loyal to the royal cause, and his aristocratic clan had not committed great evils, so he was merely relocated to Mao Ling in the capital region.

But Ma Qi was different.

He originated from the great aristocratic Ma Clan, whose clan members committing evil deeds were not few in number, and the Southern aristocrats had long since sent persuaders to incite him to rebel.

Only in recent times, his middle-rank officers were no longer as before, having long lost their former monolithic unity.

If he rose up suddenly, he might not hold a sure grasp on victory, and could even bring a true catastrophe of annihilation upon the Ma Clan.

Therefore, he was clearly in a wait-and-see state.

And Gu Xuan ultimately did not give him the opportunity to succeed in rebellion.

(Chapter End)