Chapter 288

The lingering excitement from rewarding the meritorious officials had not yet faded when Bianliangcheng welcomed another, even more tumultuous wave.

Envoys from all directions arrived in an unending stream.

The news of the great victory at Jinzhou was like a massive stone thrown into a calm lake, its ripples spreading far beyond Zhongyuan and swiftly reaching every regime surrounding Great Chen.

The first to react was Southern Tang, the nearest neighbor whose relations with Great Chen were the most delicate.

That day, officials of the Office of State Ceremonies were already waiting outside Bianliangcheng.

In the distance, a sizable envoy contingent slowly approached.

Their carriages and horses bore ornate canopies, their retinue bright and clear; all attendants wore Southern Tang official robes, their bearing carrying a touch of Jiangnan refinement, yet they could not hide the poise of envoys from a 'great state'.

At their head was Zhong Mo, Vice Minister of Rites, a trusted confidant of the Southern Tang emperor Li Jing, renowned for his literary elegance.

He sat upright in the carriage, his face gaunt, his eyes through the window surveying this northern capital that had just endured the baptism of war and swiftly revived.

The city walls stood tall, the garrison's armor bright and sharp, their gaze keen—quite unlike the demeanor of Jiangnan soldiers.

Along the streets, shops had reopened; passersby still bore pallor, but their eyes held less of the numbness common in chaotic times, and a hint of hope.

"This newly founded Chen dynasty bears a different air from those earlier Shatuo warlords."

Zhong Mo thought to himself, his fingers unconsciously tapping the window lattice.

"But I wonder, what sort of man is this Chen emperor, who rose from a woodcutter's background to suddenly seize the throne? Can he truly hold fast to the lands of Zhongyuan?"

The envoy party was lodged in the guesthouse meticulously prepared by the Office of State Ceremonies.

The next day, at the regular court audience in the Hall of Purple Majesty, Chen Wen formally received the Southern Tang envoys.

Zhong Mo adjusted his robes and hat, holding an ivory tablet, and, guided by a palace attendant, slowly entered the hall.

Within the hall, solemn and dignified, civil and military officials stood in rows, their gazes all fixed upon this Jiangnan scholar.

Zhong Mo drew a deep breath, stepped forward steadily, and performed the ceremonial bow:

"Your subject, special envoy of the Tang emperor, Vice Minister of Rites Zhong Mo, bearing my lord's command, respectfully congratulates His Majesty the Emperor of Great Chen on the great victory at Jinzhou, clearing the realm and shaking the four seas. My lord humbly presents a state letter and some modest gifts to express his congratulations."

His words were respectful, yet he cleverly referred to himself as of the 'Great Tang,' subtly conveying a sense of cultural orthodoxy superiority.

The palace attendant took the state letter and gift list and presented them before the emperor.

Chen Wen did not immediately open them, his calm gaze resting on Zhong Mo.

"The Lord of Li has good intentions. Jiangnan and Zhongyuan were originally one family, yet chaotic times have torn us apart. Now that I have just pacified Zhongyuan, I wish to renew old ties with all neighboring states and jointly lay down arms."

His voice was steady, devoid of any anger, yet it carried an undeniable authority.

Zhong Mo bowed slightly:

"Your Majesty's words are indeed a blessing for all under heaven. My lord likewise cherishes this thought, desiring an eternal alliance with Great Chen, mutual exchange of goods. Though Jiangnan lies in a remote corner, its produce is abundant, its culture and education flourishing, and it could help fill the gaps left by war in Zhongyuan."

These words seemed modest, but in fact they once again emphasized Southern Tang's cultural and economic standing.

Chen Wen could not fail to hear the implication; he gave a faint smile:

"Vice Minister Zhong, your literary elegance is known to me. All things under heaven have their strengths. Zhongyuan, having endured war, lies in ruin with a hundred undertakings awaiting revival; we indeed need to engage with all sides. Yet the foundation of a state lies in order, in strong troops, and in the people's hearts. When these three are firm, there is a basis for all things to flourish."

He paused, his tone still gentle, yet it carried an invisible pressure.

"I hope Vice Minister Zhong will report this to the Lord of Li: I wish to live in peace with Jiangnan, to open border markets and allow merchants to pass. But if any troublemakers dare to exploit Great Chen's recent consolidation to commit lawless acts, my iron cavalry will not hesitate to march south, to share with the Lord of Li the pleasure of viewing Jiangnan's misty rain."

Zhong Mo's heart gave a jolt.

This Chen emperor was far more perceptive and hardline than he had imagined.

In his words, he displayed an openness while unabashedly showing his strength.

Especially the final phrase 'to share the pleasure of viewing Jiangnan's misty rain,' which sounds elegant but actually conceals a threat, its warning unmistakable.

He hastily bowed again, his tone becoming more cautious:

"Your Majesty's heavenly might, I will surely report faithfully to my lord. My lord has long admired Zhongyuan's culture, longs for peace, and harbors no ulterior motives."

"That is very good."

Chen Wen gave a slight nod, saying no more.

After the audience ended, Zhong Mo withdrew from the hall, his back actually breaking out in a faint cold sweat.

This emperor, who rose from a woodcutter's background, is certainly no mere pond-dweller.

His evaluation of the Chen dynasty in his mind instantly rose several levels.

Almost as the Southern Tang envoy party arrived, the envoys of the Wu-Yue state also reached Bianliangcheng.

Unlike the refined reserve of the Southern Tang envoys, the Wu-Yue contingent appeared more pragmatic and low-key.

Its leader was the younger cousin of Wu-Yue king Qian Chu, the astute Minister of Guests, Qian Hongyi.

The gifts they brought were exceedingly lavish: besides gold, silver, jewels, rhinoceros horn and ivory, there were large quantities of Jiangnan specialty rice, silk, tea, and exquisite handicrafts.

Qian Hongyi, upon audience, showed extreme deference, referring to himself as 'your vassal state' and keeping his posture very low.

Representing King Qian Chu of Wu-Yue, he expressed the stance of 'forever a vassal, daring not to overstep,' and pleaded for further opening of sea and land trade, especially hoping that Great Chen would guarantee the safety and interests of Wu-Yue merchant ships in the northern coastal ports.

Chen Wen was quite pleased with Wu-Yue's discernment.

The Wu-Yue state, small and weak, wedged between Wu (Southern Tang) and Yue (the remnants of Min forces), had long followed a policy of serving the powerful, paying tribute to the Zhongyuan orthodox dynasty to gain living space and support.

Now that Great Chen has risen strongly, they naturally came first to submit.

"The loyalty of the King of Wu-Yue is commendable."

Chen Wen spoke soothingly.

"Maritime trade concerns the people's livelihood; I have already ordered the relevant offices to draft regulations, which will be implemented shortly. As for coastal defense, though our Great Chen navy is newly established, it shall also protect friendly merchants—this is our duty."

Qian Hongyi was overjoyed, repeatedly kowtowing in thanks.

He knew that with this promise from the Great Chen emperor, Wu-Yue's maritime trade routes in the East Sea would become more secure.

Soon after, envoys from the smaller separatist powers—Jingnan's Gao Baorong and the Chu region's Zhou Xingfeng, among others—arrived in succession.

Some feared Great Chen's military might, others hoped to receive investiture from the new dynasty to solidify their rule; all brought generous gifts, spoke humbly, and declared their willingness to regard Great Chen as the legitimate sovereign, accept investiture, and come yearly to court.

Even the distant northwestern Military Governor of Dingnan Circuit (the Tangut of Xiazhou), who had always been unruly, sent envoys with a gift of a thousand fine horses to show friendship; although his attitude remained somewhat arrogant, he had already adopted a posture acknowledging Great Chen's suzerainty.

For a time, within Bianliangcheng, envoys from all countries gathered in clouds; the official speech, Wu dialect, and Jingchu dialect interwove, and the lodgings of the Ministry of Rites were overcrowded.

On the streets, one could see everywhere the retinues of foreign delegations in exotic attire, curiously sizing up this great northern city.

In the marketplaces, even more strange and wondrous goods from all corners of the land appeared.

A scene of prosperity heralding "all nations coming to court" began to show itself.

All of this stems from that decisive victory at Jinzhou.

Chen Wen sat in the palace, each day listening to reports from the Ministry of Rites and the Privy Council on the envoys' movements; he felt little pride in his heart.

He clearly understood that these so-called court audiences and submissions were founded on the deterrence of absolute military force and the new dynasty's display of great potential.

Should Great Chen ever show signs of decline, these today humble envoys' sovereign masters would instantly change faces.

Your Majesty, today the Southern Tang's Zhong Mo drank with several Hanlin Academy scholars; at the banquet there was much poetry exchange, and in their words there seemed an intent to probe our new policies and Your Majesty's preferences.

Qian Gui reported calmly.

Wuyue's Qian Hongyi frequently contacted officials of the Ministry of Revenue and the Maritime Trade Bureau, inquiring about commercial taxes and sea vessel regulations.

Zhang Cheng added.

The Jingnan envoy privately complained that the lodging treatment was inferior to that of Wuyue, hoping for more rewards.

Wang Ru frowned slightly.

Chen Wen listened, his fingers lightly tapping the imperial desk.

Show might, embrace with virtue.

He slowly spoke.

The Southern Tang is arrogant; it must be subdued by strength; Wuyue is submissive, and may be granted concrete benefits; Jingnan and other small states require both kindness and authority, so they know awe and feel gratitude.

Specific matters are to be discussed jointly by the Council of State, the Privy Council, and the Ministry of Rites, who will draft regulations for submission.

In short, we must let all directions know that those who submit to Great Chen will gain peace and wealth; those who oppose Great Chen will only face annihilation.

We, your servants, obey the edict.

Several senior officials bowed and received the order.

After the crowd withdrew, Chen Wen alone walked to the huge map.

His gaze swept over South of the River, Two Zhe, Jing and Hu...

The great improvement in the external environment earned him precious strategic development time.

Now he can focus more on internal administration and the research of new technologies, while also having the energy to consider how to deal with the true enemy hidden in the shadows of history.

Beneath the clamor of myriad nations coming to court, undercurrents still surge.

Yet the banner of the Great Chen dynasty has already been firmly erected on this ancient land, standing tall and fluttering in the wind.