Shuhan

The smoke of the war finally dissipated slowly in the morning light of the third day. Beixincheng, a city that had experienced the baptism of war, gradually broke free from the noise and fear and returned to the tranquility after the dead silence.

On the city walls, mottled marks recorded yesterday's tragedy, and below the city, the bodies of countless dead soldiers had been collected in an orderly manner, ready to be buried in a newly dug mass grave on the outskirts of the city.

Covering the grave with yellow earth is not only a respect for the deceased, but also a silent mourning for this cruel war.

The land of northern Ji, once divided among various factions, is now firmly under the control of the Han army.

The victory of the Han army was not accidental. Behind it were profound political arrangements and the power of popular support.

The Zhongshan Zhen family, a family with deep roots and prominent reputation in Jizhou, chose to surrender, which undoubtedly paved the way for the victory of the Han army.

The Zhen family has served as officials for generations. They not only have a wide range of influence in the local area, but are also deeply loved by the people.

Their surrender was like a huge rock dropped into a calm lake, which caused ripples. The aristocratic fortresses in northern Hebei followed suit and almost all chose to surrender, making the Han army's road to conquest exceptionally smooth.

The first day of the eleventh month of the eighth year of destiny.

The ceremonial motorcade of the Emperor of the Han Dynasty, like a winding dragon, started from Fan Yang, crossed the vast plains and headed straight for Beixin City.

The sunlight shines on the golden chariot, shining with dazzling light.

On both sides of the convoy were elite guards, wearing iron armor, holding spears, and looking solemn.

Along the way, people spontaneously lined up to welcome him. Some were kneeling, some were standing, their eyes filled with awe.

The gate of Beixin City slowly opened to welcome the common ruler of the world.

The city gate was already crowded with people. Representatives of noble families from various counties in northern Ji were dressed in gorgeous clothes and had respectful looks on their faces, waiting here early.

When Liu Chan's carriage slowly drove into the city, everyone knelt on the ground in unison and shouted "Long live the emperor". The sound shook the earth and echoed over the entire Beixin City for a long time.

At this moment, whether they surrendered sincerely or were forced by the situation, every family showed unprecedented obedience.

Liu Chan, the emperor of the Han Dynasty, sat upright on the dragon chariot, his face solemn yet gentle.

He was wearing a dragon robe and a crown on his head. The golden sunlight shone through the veil, outlining his well-defined face. His deep eyes seemed to be able to see into people's hearts.

He slowly raised his hand, motioning everyone to stand up, his voice gentle but powerful: "My dear ministers, I know that you are all heroes. It is a blessing for the Han Dynasty and the people that we can gather here today to join in this great event. I will not hold you responsible for the past. I hope that you can be loyal and work together for the future of the Han Dynasty."

Afterwards, Liu Chan specially summoned Zhen Xiang, the patriarch of the Zhongshan Zhen family.

Zhen Xiang was dressed in a brocade robe and a jade crown on her head. She walked steadily before the emperor and saluted respectfully.

Liu Chan personally stood up and helped the statue of Zhen up, his eyes full of praise: "Mr. Zhen, your family is very righteous and has made an indelible contribution to helping me pacify northern Hebei. From today on, the Zhen family of Zhongshan will be a family of imperial relatives and enjoy supreme honor."

As he spoke, he personally hung a gold medal engraved with the words "loyalty and bravery" around Zhen Xiang's neck as a token of his favor.

Zhen Xiang's eyes were slightly red, and he responded with a trembling voice: "Your Majesty, on behalf of all the members of the Zhongshan Zhen family, I would like to thank you for your grace. We will do our best until our death to repay your majesty for your kindness."

His earnest words and sincere emotions moved everyone present.

of course
More of envy.

When will their family become a royal family?
Then, Liu Chan announced the appointment of Zhen Xiang, appointing him as the governor of Jizhou and in charge of all affairs of Jizhou.

When this order was issued, all the noble families in northern Ji were shocked, and then there was jubilation.

After all, the Zhongshan Zhen family is our own.

It is always better to have one's own people lead Jizhou than to have outsiders lead it.

And
The appointment of Zhen Xiang was not only an affirmation of the Zhen family of Zhongshan, but also a hint to other families - as long as they were loyal to the Han Dynasty, they would be reused.

Afterwards, Liu Chan appeased the other families one by one and promised not to pursue their past.

These words were like a shot of adrenaline, causing the originally anxious families to put aside their worries and express their willingness to be loyal to the Han Dynasty.

On that day, Beixin City was decorated with lights and was extremely bustling.

As night fell and the lights came on, the banquet hall of the Jizhou Governor's Mansion was brightly lit and bustling with people.

Zhen Xiang was wearing gorgeous official clothes with intricate cloud and water patterns embroidered on the lapels, which contrasted with his face which was flushed due to alcohol.

He was only thirty years old, but he had already held a high position and became an important pillar of the Han Dynasty in the north.

The Zhongshan Zhen family, a family that was almost on the verge of collapse, regained vitality because of his rise. Not only did it consolidate its status as a relative of the Han emperor, but it also won an important position in the court.

At the banquet, there was a dazzling array of delicacies and fine wine flowed like springs.

The fragrant venison is stewed in the copper pot. It is a delicacy from the northern mountains. The meat is tender and paired with special spices. Every bite is an ultimate temptation to the taste buds.

Next to it, plates of exquisite fish sashimi are neatly arranged. They are fresh carp caught from the Yellow River. After being skillfully processed by the chef, the fish slices are as thin as cicada wings and paired with sour and spicy sauce. They melt in your mouth and are very memorable.

In this ocean of delicious food, fine wine flowed like a spring, adding a touch of grandeur and unruliness to the banquet.

The bronze wine cup is filled with mellow Du Kang, which is Cao Cao's favorite wine. The color of the wine is as clear as amber, and the aroma is fragrant. Every drop contains thousands of years of heritage and craftsmanship.

The guests clinked their glasses and the wine went down their throats, seeming to instantly ignite the ambitions in their hearts and make them forget the smoke and fatigue of the battlefield.

At the banquet, civil officials and military generals were either sitting or standing, chatting and laughing.

Some of them are dressed in iron armor and holding long swords, and are brave and fearless warriors on the battlefield; others are dressed in flowing clothes and holding feather fans, and are wise men who plan strategies.

At this moment, they temporarily put aside their identities and status, immersed themselves in the feast of food and wine, and enjoyed this rare tranquility and joy.

The musicians played ancient music with melodious and profound tunes, which seemed to travel through time and space and bring the guests into a distant and mysterious realm.

And in this wonderful music, the aroma of fine wine and delicious food becomes more and more intense, making people intoxicated and unable to extricate themselves.

The host of the banquet, Liu Chan, left early, and Zhen Xiang became the protagonist afterwards.

Officials and wealthy people from all walks of life raised their glasses to pay tribute to the statue of Zhen, and their words were full of flattery and fawning.

Although Zhen Xiang knew that these were just empty flattery in the officialdom, he was still overwhelmed by the glory and achievement. He drank one cup after another until his cheeks turned red and his eyes became a little blurry.

After the banquet, a cool night breeze blew by, taking away some of the drunkenness.

With the help of his attendants, Zhen Xiang stepped into the quiet room prepared for the emperor.

The candlelight flickered in the room and the air was filled with a faint scent of ambergris.

He first drank a cup of sobering soup, and when he was a little more alert, he straightened his clothes and respectfully walked into the inner room, ready to meet the emperor.

In the quiet room, Liu Chan sat upright on the dragon throne, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and a twelve-tassel crown on his head, with a sense of elegance in his majesty.

His eyes are deep, as if he can see into people's hearts.

Zhen Xiang performed the ceremony as required, but he felt uneasy in his heart, wondering why the emperor had summoned him at this time.

While he was thinking about it, he inadvertently caught a glimpse of a beauty in palace dress standing beside the emperor.

The woman was dressed in luxurious crimson-purple palace clothing, with pearls and jade on her head. Her face was plump and dignified, and there was a familiar yet distant aura between her eyebrows.

When Zhen Xiang looked carefully, his heart trembled. Wasn't that his aunt Zhen Mi whom he hadn't seen for many years?
Zhen Mi was famous for her beauty and talent.

When Zhen Xiang was young, he often stayed with his aunt, listening to her telling interesting stories from ancient times to the present. The affection and warmth are still engraved in his heart. When they met again, Zhen Xiang felt mixed emotions and bowed to her with tears in his eyes.

When Zhen Mi saw her nephew, she was also filled with emotion.

The years have left faint traces on her face, but have also added a bit of maturity and gentleness.

She opened her red lips slightly, her voice soft and full of warmth: "Xiang'er, I haven't seen you for many years. You have grown into such a pillar of society. Auntie is really pleased."

After some emotional exchange between the aunt and nephew, Liu Chan coughed lightly and brought the topic to the main point.

"Zhen Xiang, I know that you are young and promising, loyal and reliable, so I asked this question." Liu Chan's voice was steady and powerful.

"In the northern part of Ji, there are many fortresses, and the people are divided by the powerful and live in poverty. What do you think of this?"

Zhen Xiang's heart trembled, and he instantly understood the emperor's real intention of summoning him.

This is an arduous task. Dismantling the fort would be tantamount to touching the interests of those local tyrants. If one is not careful, it could cause unrest.

However, he knew that he could not refuse and could not turn down this tough job.

He took a deep breath and looked at Liu Chan firmly: "Your Majesty, the danger of the fort is a threat to the country. I think that you should immediately order it to be demolished, register the people, return them to their hometowns, and restore their proper living order.

During this process, I am willing to personally supervise it to ensure fairness and impartiality, and never allow any powerful person to take advantage of it."

When Liu Chan heard this, a hint of approval flashed in his eyes.

This kid is quite smart.

Zhen Xiang's answer not only demonstrated his determination, but also reflected his loyalty to the imperial power.

Liu Chan nodded slightly, with a hint of praise in his tone: "Zhen Xiang, I am very pleased that you have such insight and courage. This matter will be left to you to handle. If necessary, I will give you support."

Zhen Xiang accepted the order, feeling very heavy in his heart.

He knew that this would be the toughest battle in his life, but for the sake of his family and his country, he had to stand up, even if the road ahead was full of thorns.

The next morning.

The cold winter wind was as sharp as a knife, blowing across the land of Jizhou and into the temporary palace of the Han emperor.

Walking out of this former general's mansion, Zhen Xiang's face was so gloomy that it seemed as if water could drip out of it.

His steps were steady and firm, and each step seemed to carry a heavy burden.

Although he received the rewards and honors he deserved at the emperor's banquet yesterday, the heavy worry in his heart did not diminish in the slightest.

The four words "Powu Sanmin" were like a huge stone weighing on his heart.

He knew very well that this move would completely offend all the aristocratic families in Jizhou, and the Zhongshan Zhen family would become the target of public criticism and the public enemy of the Jizhou gentry.

However, faced with this difficult choice, Zhen Xiang had no choice.

If he does not do so, not only will he be unable to consolidate his current position, he may even be unable to guarantee the safety of his family.

A public enemy is a public enemy, a lone minister is a lone minister. As long as he can preserve his family's wealth and power, he is willing to bear all consequences.

On the avenue outside the temporary palace, the cold wind was howling and snowflakes were flying.

Since he had received the emperor's mission, Zhen Xiang did not think of delaying time. He immediately summoned representatives from various noble families who had fortresses in northern Ji.

now.

Zhen Xiang stood on the high platform, his eyes as sharp as torches, scanning the representatives of various aristocratic families gathered below.

These children of noble families who usually acted high and mighty now all had solemn expressions on their faces, with different looks in their eyes, some were terrified, some were angry, and some were trying to hide their inner panic.

Zhen Xiang took a deep breath and spoke slowly. Although his voice was not loud, every word was powerful: "Everyone, I have called you all here today because I have an important announcement to make that concerns the safety of Jizhou and the Han Dynasty."

He paused, his eyes sharper: "The Emperor of the Han Dynasty has issued an order. In the northern part of Jizhou, there are many forts and fortresses. The people are divided up by the powerful and live in poverty. In order to relieve the people's difficulties and restore order in Jizhou, the Emperor has ordered this governor to break up the forts and disperse the people!"

As soon as these words came out, the crowd exploded.

Some people were talking in low voices, some were showing dissatisfaction, and some were even glaring at him.

Zhen Xiang was unmoved. His eyes became more determined, and he continued, "This governor knows that this move will affect the interests of all of you. But the rise and fall of a country is the responsibility of every citizen. If anyone dares to disobey, he will be killed and his clan will be destroyed!"

Zhen Xiang's words were cold and decisive, as if a sword was hanging over everyone's head.

Upon hearing this, everyone was awed and lowered their heads, not daring to look directly into Zhen Xiang's sharp gaze.

After weighing the pros and cons, they finally chose to surrender and expressed their willingness to cooperate with Zhen Xiang's actions to disperse the civilians in northern Hebei.

With these people's promise and cooperation, Zhen Xiang felt a little more at ease.

In the following days, Zhen Xiang acted swiftly and decisively.

He personally led the army to dismantle the forts one by one and rescue the people who were absorbed by the aristocratic families. The government then divided the land among them and registered them.

These people finally regained their freedom, lived a stable life, and became a stable source of tax revenue for the Han Dynasty.

However, not everyone is willing to comply.

Some aristocratic families relied on their huge power to try to resist to the end. Zhen Xiang showed no mercy to them. He mobilized the Han cavalry and ruthlessly suppressed these stubborn elements.

Wherever the iron hoofs passed, fortresses were destroyed, and those who disobeyed were killed or their families were exterminated.

With these bloody examples in front of them, others would not dare to act rashly even if they were dissatisfied.

Throughout the winter, the land of northern Hebei was shrouded in Zhen Xiang's thundering methods.

The fortresses that once stood in rows have now disappeared, leaving only the cities standing alone in the cold wind.

Zhen Xiang's heroic feat not only won the support and gratitude of the people, but also made the Emperor of the Han Dynasty look at him with admiration.

The emperor was very pleased and specially appointed Zhen Xiang as Marquis Wuji, granting him endless glory and wealth.

At the same time, in order to strengthen the marriage relationship with the Zhen family, the emperor also granted a marriage with a woman from the Liu family of the county, so that Zhen Xiang could be even closer to the Han royal family.

To Zhen Xiang, all these glory and wealth are nothing but passing clouds.

Although he has temporarily consolidated the family's position, the road ahead is still long, and challenges and crises are still lurking in the dark.

He must always remain vigilant and constantly improve his strength and wisdom in order to remain invincible in this treacherous political struggle.

Whenever it was late at night and everyone was asleep, Zhen Xiang would always sit alone in the study, looking at the cold moonlight outside the window, with ripples in her heart.

He thought of his old friends who had become enemies because of their different positions when the U-Boat was broken and the dispersals took place, and he couldn't help feeling a little sad.

But on second thought, who can remain immune in this chaotic world?

He is just struggling to find a place in the torrent of history. (End of this chapter)