Chapter 394: To Pacify the Interior Before Expelling the Foreign: The Diplomatic Mission Is Attacked

Inside the Capital Prefecture, a warm room glowed with sunlight.

You sat upon the main seat.

Below you were Liu Wen, Dou Gu, Feng Feng Haiping, and six others.

They sat upright; Feng Feng Haiping and Liu Wen, veterans of the Lu Family Army, knew your strictness in military affairs and dared not slacken for a moment.

In large-scale warfare, discipline must be absolute.

Wen Xiaohé, who had always advocated "doing things with a smile," had never served under you before, but now, swept up by the solemn atmosphere, he could not help but suppress his grin and grow cautious.

Yet today, you had abandoned your usual sternness, a faint smile on your face.

You gazed at these six men, filled with pride. They were all carefully chosen by you, and over the years, they had never failed you.

Among them, three had yet to marry or establish families, dedicating themselves entirely to Yan's governance. Though they had subordinates and advisors to assist them, the scrolls arriving daily at the Yan Prince's Mansion still surged like tides—urgent, requiring swift delivery without a moment's delay.

Yan's territory was vast, its affairs immense; even the tiniest matters, piled together, became significant.

You spoke softly, rising to bow to them all: "Over these years, Yan has relied upon you all."

Since the founding ceremony, your generals and civil officials had been granted marquisates and ministerial posts, honored and exalted.

Their loyalty in helping you ascend, their labor in expanding territory—these old comrades had followed you so long, and now, at last, their efforts bore fruit.

Return home in glory, journey a thousand miles to earn a marquisate!

The six were stunned, immediately rising to return your bow.

Feng Feng Haiping even prepared to kneel, but an invisible force lifted him back up.

Wen Xiaohé watched closely, startled inwardly—he knew Feng Feng Haiping's weight in the army, second only to you. Yet even so, Feng Feng Haiping's reverence for you was deep-rooted, genuine.

You smiled, speaking calmly: "Sit."

All sat down at once.

Dou Gu began reporting on Yan's recent finances, grain reserves, and major construction projects.

Dou Gu detailed Yan's fiscal income, grain stores, and grand public works, his words brimming with vitality.

Population growth was the foundation of national strength. Private academies and martial schools stood side by side, cultivating both body and mind, as well as resettling retired soldiers.

Based on the *Governance of Beibei*, the tax system had undergone multiple reforms, striving for fairness and reason. Under the Fish Scale System, population records were precise, taxes lowered repeatedly to ease the people's burden and spur livelihood development.

From the implementation of the Equal Field System to adjustments in tax-sharing ratios.

Four years ago, a bold move was made: state monopolies on salt, illicit salt, and iron goods were handed over to private operation.

The decision shocked court and countryside alike; opposition rose in chorus.

Salt and iron were the nation's lifelines; history was rife with rebellions sparked by salt merchants and iron traders. Smuggling salt across the four states was a capital crime.

Thus, ministers feared this would spark unrest and plant seeds of disaster for future generations—even several cabinet members hesitated.

In the end, the Yan Prince's Mansion sent a letter to Mount Zhongnan, seeking the Prince's judgment. The Prince, overriding all opposition, decisively approved the policy—but under Yan Prince's supervision, with a portion of salt annually reserved.

Grant benefits to the people; make their concerns your own.

The Yan Prince's Mansion held absolute authority; all industries paid taxes in silver and gold at varying rates.

This was the core of the *Governance of Beibei*.

Eighteen border city special zones were established, commercial markets built, and canals connecting Zhibei and Yuetangjiang improved.

Provincial examinations were held to select talent, followed by centralized evaluation under the Yan Prince's Mansion—all proceeding in orderly fashion.

Liu Wen, Dou Gu, and the other three reported from dawn until noon without pause, yet their energy never flagged; they spoke with vigor and pride.

These were the fruits of ten years of the Yan Prince's Mansion's labor.

Ten years honing a sword—today, I show it to you.

You listened carefully, while Zhang Yu, the "Mercury" Director, supplemented with regional mercury reports for cross-verification.

Public sentiment cannot be ignored; production and governance must advance together.

Do not rush, nor hesitate.

After lunch, the six returned to the warm room to resume.

In the Yan Prince's Mansion, over a hundred advisors, censors, scholars, and Yellow Gate Attendants gathered—all their thoughts drawn unconsciously to the warm room.

A simple morning and evening meeting held the rise and fall of Yan's realm over ten years—and its future direction!

They all wished to know the Prince's evaluation of their decade of diligent service.

Yet they dared not listen; outside the warm room stood two figures—General Jia Fu and Marquis Yu Xu—both veterans of the Lu Family Army, provincial Military Governors and Left Generals.

Despite their exalted status, they stood silently at the door.

Civil officials passing by held their breath, dared not stir, not even dare to breathe loudly.

These two had not been here before; now, since the Prince's return, he should be called Your Majesty.

At this moment, the Yan Prince's Mansion bustled with arrivals and departures—all regional lords, powerful men whose every move could shake Yan and even the entire realm.

In the afternoon, the agenda turned to military matters; the atmosphere grew heavy.

Huo Hai and Feng Feng Haiping, two veteran generals, had spent recent years refining Yan's troop types, exploring methods of strengthening the army through the *Manual of Military Training*.

They understood that quality mattered more than quantity; over the past decade, Yan had conducted two large-scale army reductions, saving funds while improving soldier pay and raising recruitment standards—all to forge an elite force.

This move stirred uproar across Yan.

In the north, where war had raged for years, the people knew well the importance of armed strength.

Only martial power can secure the state, only martial power can bring peace!

To hold a sword is different from holding none.

Many questioned the wisdom of this decision; some even feared it was self-sabotage.

Students from multiple regions united, drafting a "Ten-Thousand-Man Petition" and submitting it to the Yan Prince's Mansion, voicing their fears and discontent.

Faced with such a momentous decision, the six cabinet ministers hesitated, unable to decide.

In the end, they sent a letter to Mount Zhongnan seeking judgment.

The Prince's reputation alone silenced the opposition.

Now, the Yan North Army had become a finely selected force of eighty thousand.

Combined with armed forces from each province, a hundred thousand troops could be swiftly assembled in case of emergency.

You had no worries regarding military affairs.

Within the Lu Family Army, too many veterans remained—renowned generals, all trained by your own hand.

The way to govern an army lies in strict discipline, clear rewards and punishments, and leading from the front to dare face hard battles.

Among the Twenty-Six Pavilion Generals, many rose from the ranks—none were armchair strategists; all were true battlefield warriors.

From afternoon until dinner, candles in the warm room were lit; their shadows cast patchy silhouettes against the windows.

Outside, dusk deepened; the many advisors and officials departed as the hour of You arrived, yet their glances still kept returning to the western warm room.

At the door, Jia Fu and Yu Xu remained standing, unwavering.

The room was sealed; only the voices of the six could be heard within.

You nodded slightly; their reports were concise and focused, yet you could still discern Yan's current "form."

With its current military strength, Yan no longer lagged behind any of the four states.

Infantry, cavalry, heavy armor, and military artisans—all their roles and weaponry had advanced significantly.

Logistics and promotion systems grew increasingly refined; political advisors were fully assigned to generals, and propaganda and morale work were fully in place.

Additionally, the army had specially established "Drama Offices" and "Military Academies" to simulate various battlefield scenarios, ensuring swift response in actual combat.

A disciplined, obedient, formidable army seemed to materialize before your eyes.

After Huo Hai and Feng Feng Haiping finished their reports, they sat down again; the room's atmosphere grew heavier.

At this moment, someone entered to add charcoal to the floor stove; you reached out and opened the window.

Soft moonlight flooded the entire room.

The reports on civil and military affairs were complete, yet the six still seemed to hold back words—their hesitation plain on their faces.

Beneath the warm room's lamplight, Zhang Yu, Director of "Mercury," gripped the armrests of his wheelchair, head bowed, conspicuously noticeable.

You saw their hesitation, and already guessed.

"Xiaohé, you speak."

You smiled at Wen Xiaohé—he was the calmest among them, the right choice.

Wen Xiaohé froze for a moment, then understood.

He glanced at the five, then rose: "Your Majesty, this matter concerns Marquis of Changping!"

The name "Marquis of Changping, Ye Mu" echoed in their ears.

The veteran Huo Hai sighed.

Wen Xiaohé continued: "Marquis of Changping has privately trained troops and armor, cultivated factions within the army, and secretly met with Tuoba Tuoba Hongyan in Bozhou."

His tone was fair, devoid of any deceit.

Your face showed no anger—only calm.

Liu Wen and the others relaxed slightly.

Ye Mu had attended the Heaven-Worship Ceremony as scheduled. You had intended to keep him, to reminisce and rekindle old bonds.

Your father, Lu Lu Jiaxuan, had even invited him to a family banquet—but Ye Mu claimed official duties and departed hastily.

Recalling the early days of the Lu Family Army, Ye Mu was among the first four, a true founding pillar.

He was open-hearted; no one in the Lu Family Army did not know his face.

Once, when guests came and there was no fine wine or food, Ye Mu slaughtered his only ox to entertain them.

He had saved your father's life; he was your age; Lu Lu Jiaxuan had repeatedly wished to adopt him as a son.

Your father praised him: "He possesses extraordinary boldness, literary and martial talent, and striking good looks."

During the days at Hulao Pass, every festival and holiday, you and Lu Yu would return to invite Ye Mu to join you in celebration.

Your relationship with Ye Mu was also exceptionally close; you had faced death together multiple times.

You, Ye Mu, Yu Xu, and others had sworn before the yellow earth and vast sky at Hulao Pass.

The oath: "To gain fame under heaven and forge a glorious era."

Raising cups on the city walls, shouting, "Life and death, we share together."

After enduring many great battles, you finally secured the Yellow River.

You took control of the Three Zhou regions, standing before the Huanglong Mansion.

When you resigned from office to cultivate the Dao, Ye Mu flew into a rage, publicly accusing you in the Lu Family Army as "pedantic" and "womanly in mercy."

"Just raise a hundred thousand troops—why could you, Lu Shenzhou, not claim the throne of all under heaven?"

You merely shook your head calmly, saying nothing.

Ye Mu hurled his helmet to the ground and cursed: "Lu Shenzhou, you coward!"

At the time, Jia Fu and others were enraged by these words.

You calmed Jia Fu, then left with Lu Yu.

Parting ways!

Recalling those days at Mount Zhongnan, the letter marked "Year Jiazi" was also initiated by Ye Mu.

At this moment, Zhang Yu had submitted a secret memorial, densely recording Ye Mu's actions over the past few years.

You carefully read its contents and found them identical to what Wenxiaohe had said.

Your gaze swept over Feng Feng Haiping, Huo Guang, Liu Wen, and Zhang Yu—the four men who had once shared a tent with Ye Mu, bound by deep loyalty.

If it were anyone else, they would have already marched an army to crush him, not delayed until now.

But now, all waited silently for your decision.

You turned to Zhang Yu and asked sternly: "Has Ye Mu oppressed the common people under his rule?"

Zhang Yu paused briefly before answering: "According to reports from our mercury agents, there is no such record."

You pressed further: "Has he embezzled state funds, treating Haozhou as his personal treasury?"

"Is there concrete evidence proving Ye Mu has colluded with foreign enemies?"

Zhang Yu shook his head—no solid proof existed.

Finally, you asked: "Is there any sign of unrest in Haozhou currently?"

Before Zhang Yu could speak, Wenxiaohe interrupted: "Your Majesty, in the past few years, Haozhou has thrived in all industries, with tax revenues ranking among the highest of all provinces."

Zhang Yu seemed to grasp his meaning and added uncertainly: "Yet, we have sent multiple letters urging him to come to Yan Wang's Mansion—he refuses to come, even refuses to reply."

You looked at the six men and said: "Tomorrow, I will go to Haozhou myself."

Wenxiaohe hurriedly urged: "Your Majesty, you are the Son of Heaven—how can you risk yourself so lightly?"

You smiled: "No need to worry—I can go alone."

"To pacify the outside, first secure the inside!"

Huo Hai and the others knew that once you made up your mind, nothing could change it—but they also breathed a sigh of relief.

If the Yan Prince believed Ye Mu harbored rebellion, Ye Mu would have no chance of survival.

They were not worried about your trip to Haozhou.

In Yan territory, no one would dare raise arms against the Yan Prince.

At that moment, a masked black-clad figure knocked on the door of the warm chamber; Jia Fu and Yu Xu entered as well.

The mercury agent quickly reported:

"The four nations' embassies were attacked in Haozhou!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Yu and the others were stunned.

(End of Chapter)