Chapter 212

Bian Liang's imperial palace.

-> "The palace of Bian Liang."

Bian Liang's imperial palace.

It has endured through many generations.

-> "It has endured through generations."

Although it does not match the grandeur of Chang'an during the prosperous Tang.

-> "Though it lacks the grandeur of prosperous Tang Chang'an."

Yet it also exudes its own solemn and imposing atmosphere.

-> "Yet it possesses its own solemn and imposing atmosphere."

The vermilion palace walls.

-> "The vermilion palace walls."

The towering halls.

-> "The towering halls."

In the afterglow of the setting sun.

-> "In the afterglow of the setting sun."

Casting long shadows.

-> "They cast long shadows."

Appearing tranquil and profound.

-> "Appearing tranquil and profound."

Chen Wen did not immediately move into the emperor's bedroom, which symbolized supreme authority.

-> "Chen Wen did not immediately take up residence in the emperor's sleeping quarters, which symbolized supreme authority."

But need to keep exact meaning: "Chen Wen did not immediately move into the emperor's sleeping palace that symbolized supreme status." Let's craft: "Chen Wen did not immediately take up residence in the emperor's sleeping palace, which symbolized supreme authority."

Instead, he chose a location on one side of the outer court.

-> "Instead, he chose a side hall of the outer court."

The side chamber of Chongzheng Hall, originally used for the emperor to handle daily affairs and receive close ministers.

-> "Originally used for the emperor to handle daily affairs and receive close ministers, the side chamber of Chongzheng Hall."

Originally used for the emperor to handle daily affairs and receive close ministers, it was the side chamber of Chongzheng Hall.

Serving as a temporary base and meeting place.

-> "Serving as a temporary lodging and place for deliberations."

The hall was brightly lit with candles.

-> "Lit brightly by candles inside the hall."

Illuminating the somewhat empty space.

-> "Illuminating the somewhat empty space."

It also illuminated the faces of those gathered around.

-> "And also illuminating the faces of those seated together."

Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui.

-> "Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui."

And Wang Po, who had ridden in haste from Chan Prefecture.

-> "And Wang Pu, who had ridden hard from Chan Prefecture."

This is Chen Wen's core entourage at this moment.

-> "This is Chen Wen's core entourage at present."

Old officials such as Han Tong and Zhang Yongde.

-> "Old ministers such as Han Tong and Zhang Yongde."

Although they have already submitted.

-> "Although they have already submitted."

But they ultimately need time to be observed and to adjust.

-> "But they ultimately need time for observation and adjustment."

At this critical moment that determines the direction of the new dynasty.

-> "At this critical moment that decides the direction of the new dynasty."

What Chen Wen needs more are those who have followed him since his humble beginnings.

-> "What Chen Wen needs more are those who have followed him since his humble beginnings."

Who know his background and character.

-> "Who know his background and character."

Absolute trusted partners.

-> "Absolute trustworthy partners."

"Please, have a seat."

-> "\"Please, have a seat. \"" Need to keep quotes. Chinese uses 「」 for dialogue. We'll use English quotes. So: "\"Please, have a seat. \""

Chen Wen's voice broke the silence in the hall.

-> "Chen Wen's voice broke the hall's silence."

He casually took the main seat.

-> "He casually took the main seat."

He waved his hand, indicating that everyone need not stand on ceremony.

-> "He waved his hand, indicating that everyone need not stand on ceremony."

"There are no outsiders here."

-> "\"There are no outsiders here."

"Go ahead and speak."

-> "Go ahead and speak."

"Now, about this matter."

-> "Regarding this tangled affair at hand."

Countless threads.

-> "Countless threads."

Where should we begin?

His gaze first fell on Wang Pu.

Ze Ping, sir.

You have long been in Chan Prefecture.

and are familiar with the situation in Bian Liang.

You speak first.

Wang Pu's face still bore a trace of travel fatigue.

but his eyes were exceptionally clear.

He slightly bowed.

Your Majesty.

I believe.

the most urgent matter.

There are three.

First.

rectify ranks and positions.

Although Your Majesty has already ascended the throne and proclaimed himself emperor.

He changed the era name and established the tripod.

but has not yet held a formal enthronement ceremony in the Bian Liang imperial palace.

If the name is not correct, words will not be proper.

We must promptly select an auspicious day.

Perform the great enthronement ceremony.

Announce the sacrifice to Heaven, Earth, and the ancestral temple.

So that all under heaven will know.

The Chen dynasty's orthodoxy has already been established.

He paused.

He added.

"This move."

"It can also pacify the hearts of Bian Liang's former officials and those watching from all under heaven."

Chen Wen nodded.

"What you say is absolutely correct."

"This matter."

Let's entrust this to you and Zhang Cheng to take the lead.

The Ministry of Rites… for now, you will coordinate.

Please draft the regulations as soon as possible.

Zhang Cheng immediately agreed from the side.

Wang Pu continued.

"Second."

Stabilize the army's morale.

The Bian Liang Forbidden Army is huge in number.

Its composition is complex.

Although Generals Han and Zhang have temporarily stabilized the situation.

But their hearts may not all be convinced.

Especially the officers originally belonging to Zhao Kuangyin's lineage.

It needs to be quickly reorganized.

Break them up and reorganize.

Take the Ji'an Army as the backbone.

Mix in the old troops.

Ensure that military power remains firmly in the hands of Your Majesty.

He said.

His gaze swept over Shi Dun.

Shi Dun immediately straightened his back.

"Your Majesty, rest assured."

"I'm here."

I'll make sure those soldiers and generals are well-behaved.

Who dares to cause trouble?

"My iron flail doesn't discriminate!"

Chen Wen smiled.

"Just relying on the iron flail won't do."

We need to combine kindness and authority.

The matter of reorganization.

Shi Dun will take the lead.

Han Tong and Zhang Yongde will assist.

Specific plan.

You will discuss and decide later.

He looked toward Wang Pu.

"Third?"

Wang Pu's expression grew more solemn.

"Third."

Stabilize the people's hearts.

These people's hearts.

Not only referring to officials.

More specifically, the common people of Bian Liang.

Even extending to the common people of all under heaven.

The tumultuous era of the Five Dynasties.

The common people suffer hardship.

All they seek is a stable life with enough food and warmth.

Your Majesty should promptly issue a proclamation to pacify the people.

Announce the abolition of some of the previous dynasty's harsh taxes and miscellaneous levies.

Encourage farming.

Let the common people see the new dynasty's new atmosphere.

See hope.

He paused for a moment.

His voice lowered a bit.

"Furthermore."

Regarding the Later Zhou imperial family and former officials.

They also need to be properly settled.

Overly strict.

Fearful it would chill the hearts of those who have surrendered;

Overly lenient.

And easily invites disaster.

The proper balance here.

Needs careful handling.

Chen Wen pondered briefly.

His gaze turned to Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru.

"Zhang Cheng.

Wang Ru.

You two.

Most familiar with civil administration and official governance.

The affairs of pacifying and comforting the people.

To be overseen by the two of you.

Please promptly submit concrete proposals.

As for the former dynasty's imperial household...

He pondered briefly.

"We can follow the former dynasty's old practices.

Provide them with residences.

And support them.

Just ensure they have no contact with the outside world.

Former officials...

Except for Zhao Kuangyin and a few others who are obstinately wicked and whose guilt is proven.

The rest who wish to submit.

Can be appointed according to their talent and virtue.

Employed as appropriate.

Those unwilling to take office.

Shall not be forced.

Given money and sent home."

Zhang Cheng and Wang Ru replied in unison.

We understand.

At this moment.

Qian Gui, who had been silent all along, spoke up.

His voice carried a hint of chill.

"Your Majesty.

There is one more matter.

The Iron Crow Army."

The atmosphere in the hall instantly turned solemn.

"According to the information currently held by the Inspection Bureau,

after the Chen Bridge incident,

the Iron Crow Army's activities in Bian Liang and its surroundings have not only not ceased,

but have become even more covert and frequent."

Qian Gui took out a thin booklet from his robe.

"These are the preliminary leads we have sorted out.

They seem to be urgently contacting certain military governors of Hebei and Hedong.

Moreover.

Within Bianliangcheng,

there are likely still hidden posts we have not uncovered."

A flicker of cold light passed through his eyes.

"Last night, during a preliminary purge of the palace,

we discovered several suspicious eunuchs.

They have been secretly detained.

and are now under interrogation."

Chen Wen's brows furrowed slightly.

The Iron Crow Army.

This enemy, like a bone‑eating maggot,

indeed will not vanish with the founding of the new dynasty.

They are like poisonous snakes lurking in the shadows.

Always ready to unleash a deadly strike.

"It seems.

They intend to take advantage while we are not yet firmly established.

When we are beset by troubles inside and out.

They will stir up trouble again.

Chen Wen's fingers lightly tapped the table.

Qian Gui,

You will be fully responsible for this.

The Inspection Bureau must be like a comb.

to comb through Bian Liang

and even the entire Jingji region

thoroughly comb through once

He paused.

To those military governors contacted by the Iron Crow Army,

also need to strengthen surveillance

find out their attitudes

Yes!

Qian Gui replied in a deep voice.

I have already added manpower.

I will certainly not let them disturb Your Majesty's realm.

Not my realm.

Chen Wen corrected.

His tone was calm yet carried strength.

It is the realm of all of us.

It is the realm that countless common folk hope to live in peace.

He looked around at everyone.

The Iron Crow Army seeks to destroy.

Exactly this hard-won, just-emerging possibility of peace.

So.

We and they.

There is no room for compromise.

His words.

Made everyone present straighten their backs.

Alright.

Chen Wen stood up.

Walked to the hall window.

Gazed at the outside sky already completely dark.

And the distant palace lights' speckled glow.

A thousand threads.

Must be done one by one.

Titles, army morale, people's hearts.

And the enemies in the dark.

He turned around.

Candlelight stretched his shadow.

Cast upon the hall wall.

Appear especially tall.

Everyone.

This palace night talk.

Is just the beginning.

Next.

There are too many tough battles to fight.

His gaze turned sharp.

But since we could walk from Jiao Tu Zhen here.

We can establish the foundation of this new dynasty.

Firmly take root!

Willing to follow Your Majesty.

To create peace!

Zhang Cheng, Wang Ru, Shi Dun, Qian Gui, and Wang Pu all rose together.

They bowed respectfully.

Their voices were firm and strong.

The hall's candles.

Seemed also because of this determination.

And it burned even brighter.

It illuminated the first night of this new dynasty.

It also illuminated the road ahead, full of challenges and hope.

Chen Wen knows.

When the sun rises tomorrow.

The real test.

Will come one after another.