Red Mansion: I am Jia Lian

Chapter 610 The New King
"Bring the Golden Arrow Token!" Emperor Chenghui spoke, seemingly lacking strength. Qiu Shi'an, prepared in advance, presented it with both hands.

Emperor Chenghui said, "Buqi, take command of the Nine Gates and the various garrisons of the Capital Garrison. During the national mourning period, the safety of the capital is entrusted to you!"

Jia Lian wiped away his tears, knelt down to receive the order: "Your subject obeys! Your subject takes his leave!" Holding the arrow-shaped token, Jia Lian retreated to the entrance of the main hall before turning to leave.

Li Yuan and Li Heng both saw Jia Lian leave from inside the courtyard, but dared not approach him to speak. Jia Lian did not even look at them and walked straight away.

Amidst the weeping, Emperor Chenghui smiled and, with his last ounce of strength, proclaimed: "You need not grieve. I have achieved a prosperous era and have no shame before our ancestors. My funeral arrangements shall be simple, with a three-month mourning period. Remember, the people's livelihood must not be neglected. The people are the foundation of the state, the will of the people is the will of Heaven, and the will of the people is the destiny of Heaven. Future generations, remember this!"

After saying this, he closed his eyes. The imperial physician stepped forward to take his pulse, shook his head slightly, and the hall erupted in weeping.

Humans are not plants or trees; how can they be without feelings? Emperor Chenghui may not care about others, but he is truly kind and generous to Jia Lian.

About a quarter of an hour later, Lin Ruhai stood up, wiped away his tears, walked to Empress Zhou, bowed, and said loudly, "Your Highness, a country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Please accept my condolences and support the new emperor to ascend the throne."

Empress Zhou waved her hand; "I am not in the mood. The Emperor's will will be carried out by Grand Secretary Lin!"

Fang Song stepped forward and said, "No, although His Majesty has left a will, the Empress still needs to be in charge to support the new emperor to ascend the throne in a dignified manner, so as to avoid arousing suspicion from the people."

The other cabinet ministers echoed, "What the Prime Minister said is absolutely right!"

Jia Lian had no idea what was happening inside the palace. He only brought a few eunuchs with him to deliver messages. Surrounded by his family retainers, he arrived at the Nine Gates and, after showing the golden arrow token, took control of the Nine Gates.

Jia Lian's first order was to seal off all nine gates, prohibiting passage without permission. He then ordered the streets of Shenji Town to patrol, issue notices to all parties, and guard the outer city gates and the train station.

After the Shenji Battalion was deployed and in position, Jia Lian gave some instructions and ordered a eunuch to return to the palace under guard to report the news. After doing this, Jia Lian dispatched a battalion of Shenji soldiers to escort them to the train station, and then they took a train to Tongzhou.

At the Tongzhou camp, Jia Lian brandished his golden arrow token. The guards at the gate did not immediately let him pass but instead sent someone back to report.

Upon hearing the news, the garrison commander of Tongzhou did not immediately accept the order. Instead, he personally led a group of officers out and asked through the camp gate: "May I ask, Lord Jia, why is there no order from the Ministry of War? According to the latest regulations, the soldiers of the Tongzhou camp must see an order from the Ministry of War before they can obey orders!"

Holding the golden arrow token, Jia Lian gestured for his attendants to step aside, spurred his horse forward, and raised the token high: "Look carefully, this is a golden arrow token bestowed by His Majesty. Seeing this token is like seeing the emperor. Commander Wu, do you intend to disobey the imperial decree?"

Commander Wu clasped his hands in apology: "Without the order from the Ministry of War, Tongzhou Town cannot comply. I apologize, Lord Jia!"

Jia Lian looked around the camp and said calmly, "All generals, listen to my command! Wu Xun, the commander of Tongzhou Garrison, has disobeyed my orders and is tantamount to treason. Seize him immediately! Do you intend to join the rebellion?"

Commander Wu Xun was startled by the sound. He looked back at his subordinates and, seeing that no one stepped forward, he felt a little relieved. He then turned to Jia Lian and said, "Lord Jia, you shouldn't speak recklessly. This humble servant..."

Before he could finish speaking, a group of officers rushed forward and pinned down the two commanders and four assistant commanders. The nearby soldiers not only did not stop them, but instead pointed their guns at the six men's entourage.

The officers who made the move were led by a battalion commander, and the rest were captains and squad leaders. They outnumbered the others and quickly subdued all the officials in charge of Tongzhou Town.

After the camp gates opened, Jia Lian rode in with an air of nonchalance. Looking at the officers who were pinned to the ground, Jia Lian dismounted, stepped forward, and looked down at them, saying, "Who gave you the audacity to defy the imperial decree? Explain yourself, and I, Jia Lian, will personally petition the emperor to spare the lives of your families."

Everyone lowered their heads and remained silent. Jia Lian was not in a hurry and instructed, "Take them away and separate them. Prepare paper and pens for them to write their confessions."

The officers responded with a resounding roar, and many shouted, "Yes, instructor!" The title "instructor" revealed the true nature of Tongzhou Town.

Tongzhou Garrison, as the main force of the Beijing Garrison, had officers below the rank of regimental commander who were all graduates of the Imperial Military Academy. Even those who were not regular graduates needed to undergo more than a year of advanced training before they were qualified to serve as officers in the military.

After settling matters in Tongzhou Town, Jia Lian continued his journey, heading straight for the Nanyuan Camp.

This time it wasn't so troublesome. As soon as Jia Lian drew his arrow, the officers, led by the commander inside, immediately opened the door to welcome him, indicating that they fully accepted his orders.

Jia Lian gave the order that no soldier should be moved from the Nanyuan camp without his command.

There was also some trouble at the Xishan camp, but the situation was much better. When Jia Lian was blocked outside the camp gate, the Xishan garrison commander also asked for the Ministry of War's transfer order. Before Jia Lian could speak, the soldiers behind him rushed forward and captured the commander and his cronies. They opened the camp gate and welcomed Jia Lian inside.

After this, Jia Lian couldn't help but smile bitterly. What was originally a backup plan he had prepared for himself had now been used prematurely. Fortunately, he had the Golden Arrow Token with him, and the officers who took action were all graduates of the Royal Military Academy, so there wasn't much of a problem. No one would doubt that Jia Lian could mobilize these military academy graduates.

After taking control of the situation, Jia Lian, as usual, announced the situation and issued an order that no one in the town should leave without authorization, and that they should wait for the new emperor's edict or the Golden Arrow Order before they could obey any mobilization.

After dealing with the matters of the three major garrisons of the capital, Jia Lian turned back and went to the city gate to show his golden arrow token. The officer guarding the gate, Shenji Garrison, immediately opened the gate and let him through. In reality, Jia Lian was simply using his connections to enter the city.

After entering the city, he traveled smoothly and returned to the palace gate. Jia Lian entered the palace without any hindrance, where eunuchs were already waiting. Upon seeing Jia Lian, they immediately stepped forward and bowed.

Although Jia Lian was not familiar with him, he recognized him as an eunuch serving Li Yuan. After returning the greeting, he politely asked, "How is the situation inside the palace?"

The eunuch replied, "Everything went smoothly. With the Empress in charge and the cabinet ministers supporting him, His Highness ascended the throne smoothly. We are just waiting for Lord Jia to return and report on the situation outside the city."

After thanking him, Jia Lian said, "Please lead the way, sir! I will report back to His Majesty."

The eunuch dared not be negligent, bowing slightly as he led the way. Jia Lian followed alone inside to the Hall of Supreme Harmony, where Li Yuan sat high on the throne. The cabinet ministers, the heads of the Six Ministries, the Censorate, the Court of Judicial Review, the Court of State Ceremonies, and other major departments, as well as the Imperial Clan Court, a group of imperial relatives, and various nobles were all present. Everyone stood quietly, participating in the ceremony of Li Yuan's enthronement. Behind the beaded curtain behind Li Yuan, Empress Zhou sat.

Judging from the current situation, Li Yuan's ascension to the throne has been completed, and he is listening to the cabinet's arrangements for the national mourning period.

Jia Lian's arrival interrupted the Minister of Rites' conversation. Li Yuan's eyes lit up when he saw Jia Lian. Although things had been peaceful and smooth within the palace, he hadn't dared to be entirely at ease. This was because the main forces of the three garrisons outside the city served as the primary protectors of the capital. Without control of these three garrisons, his throne wouldn't be secure. As for the three armed forces within the city, the nine gates were indeed important, but the gate guards weren't elite and not a major threat. Li Yuan's initial report indicated that the Shenji Garrison controlled the nine gates and had completed surveillance of the Imperial Horse Administration.

Previously, it was certain that the city was completely under control and there weren't any major problems. Now that Jia Lian has returned, it's known that the troops outside the city have also been brought under control.

Jia Lian strode forward, passed through the assembled officials, and presented the golden arrow token with both hands. Li Yuan waved his hand and said, "It is the late emperor's decree. The mourning period has not yet ended. Lord Jia need not present the token. The safety of the capital still depends on your efforts."

Jia Lian answered loudly, "Thank you for your trust, Your Majesty. This order should be handed over according to custom. If Your Majesty has any decree, you may order any minister to carry out the order, not just me."

After these words were spoken, not only did Li Yuan feel secretly relieved, but the officials in the hall also breathed a sigh of relief. This was no joke; it really could mobilize the army.

Who knows what might happen if the Golden Arrow Token is left outside? Taking it back puts the new emperor Li Yuan at ease, as do the ministers and Jia Lian. Holding onto this thing all the time isn't a good thing.

In reality, this thing was of little significance to Jia Lian. If he really wanted to rebel, he could still mobilize troops without the Golden Arrow Token.

I can't guarantee anything else, but Shenji Town can definitely be mobilized. The higher-ups might not listen, but the officers in charge will definitely obey orders, not to mention the soldiers.

“In that case, I will proceed according to precedent!” Li Yuan quickly stepped down, gesturing for the eunuch beside him to take the golden arrow token. He couldn’t sleep soundly with this thing out in the open.

After handing over the order, Jia Lian truthfully reported his every move during the trip. After all, he was accompanied by eunuchs to supervise him wherever he went, so the emperor would know even if he didn't say it.

After Jia Lian finished his report, Empress Zhou, who was behind the beaded curtain, suddenly coughed. Everyone looked at her in silence. Empress Zhou said in a hoarse voice, "The late Emperor trusted me greatly and entrusted me with the important task of guarding the capital. Now that the mourning period has not yet ended, the safety of the capital depends on Minister Jia. I hope that Minister Jia will live up to the late Emperor's trust and work hard for a while longer."

Li Yuan suddenly realized and quickly said, "What Mother says is absolutely right. My dear minister, you will have to work hard for a while longer."

Jia Lian quickly clasped his hands and replied, "Your Majesty, I will do my utmost to ensure the safety of the capital. I will deliver the order whenever Your Majesty commands. However, I am but one person and cannot attend to everything. I beg Your Majesty to send someone to assist me, so that I may not neglect one aspect for another."

By saying these words in front of all the officials, Jia Lian was giving a guarantee and making a commitment.

This is a very sensitive time. Li Yuan, who still lacks a strong sense of security, can't trust anyone completely. Jia Lian must reassure him, otherwise trouble is bound to arise.

"What Jia Qing said is absolutely right!" Unconsciously, Li Yuan changed his form of address again, or rather, he felt that his position was more secure.

Subsequently, Li Yuan made several arrangements, naming several officials and instructing them to cooperate with Jia Lian in controlling the security of the capital.

Jia Lian took his leave again, followed by several newly appointed military officers, all former nobles, though not well-known and of low status.

These nobles, carrying the imperial edict, left the city and took over the three towns of the capital garrison, while Jia Lian went to the Nine Gates to guard the area and await the emperor's next order.

The ascension of a new emperor has its own set of procedures, which is not something Jia Lian should worry about.

In reality, Jia Lian, who guarded the Nine Gates, didn't really manage anything. He simply sat in the main hall with a book and a cup of tea, taking his time, just like a pillar of stability.

After three days of lockdown of the outer city, the entire city was draped in mourning. The outer city walls were opened, and the cabinet issued a proclamation announcing the ascension of the new emperor and the change of era name to Zhengqian. Grateful for the benevolence of the late emperor and upholding his legacy, the new emperor dares not delay the livelihood of the people of the capital and has therefore lifted the city lockdown to restore normal life. During the period of national mourning, entertainment is prohibited, but all other activities are permitted.

In short, Li Yuan wasn't too particular and knew whether he was influenced by Jia Lian.

The Ministry of Rites did make a series of pronouncements, but Li Yuan ignored their nonsense and insisted on keeping everything simple, upholding the banner of Emperor Chenghui's will.

The cabinet cooperated very well, and Li Yuan smoothly ascended to the throne. As for his rival Li Heng, he was sent home and not allowed to leave without an imperial decree.

Emperor Chenghui's most trusted person was Qiu Shi'an. After handing over the power of the Imperial Guard to the eunuchs around Li Yuan, Qiu Shi'an stayed in the mourning hall all day and told Li Yuan that he wanted to be buried alive with Emperor Chenghui.

After confessing everything, Qiu Shi'an committed suicide by drinking poison in his residence.

Upon hearing the news, Li Yuan was moved by his loyalty and righteousness, and buried him next to the late emperor's mausoleum to fulfill his wishes.

It is said that a new emperor brings a new court, but Li Yuan, after ascending the throne, made no moves in the short term. Apart from issuing some orders to generals and taking over the military power of the capital garrison, the Imperial Horse Administration, and the Nine Gates Garrison, he did nothing else. As for Jia Lian, for the past forty-nine days, he has been stationed at the Nine Gates Garrison, spending his days drinking tea and reading books in the main hall.

According to Emperor Chenghui's will, the national mourning period lasted for forty-nine days, after which things returned to normal and the mourning period was declared over.

The impact of this action was mainly felt among the common people; thereafter, no one dared to exceed forty-nine days in the mourning period. The so-called three-year mourning period was also abandoned, becoming only three months.

Of all these wills, Jia Lian was the most shocked. He saw the most in them. Emperor Chenghui was truly extraordinary; he was genuinely changing.

Li Yuan followed the late emperor's will. It wasn't that he had no ideas, but Emperor Chenghui's prestige was too high. If he wanted to secure his throne, he had to obediently follow orders and dare not disobey in any way.

Li Yuan had only one goal: to successfully navigate the initial period, secure his throne, and then discuss other matters.

Similarly, because Emperor Chenghui was so highly respected, all the officials obeyed his will. Therefore, everything went very smoothly after Li Yuan ascended the throne.

After the 49-day mourning period, Jia Lian entered the palace to pay his respects. Li Yuan received him immediately, and after paying his respects, Jia Lian expressed his request to be transferred to a post outside the capital.

Li Yuan rose excitedly from the dragon throne, took Jia Lian's hand, and said sincerely, "With you not in the capital, I am deeply troubled!"

It depends on how you interpret that. Jia Lian had no choice but to give up his request to be transferred to a post outside the capital, saying he would wait for the imperial decree to make further arrangements. He also requested to study at home during his mourning period, which Li Yuan granted.

After taking his leave, Jia Lian went home to rest. During this time, he had been staying at the Nine Gates Garrison Office, and facing his family felt like a lifetime had passed.

During the three-month mourning period, Jia Lian stayed at home without leaving the house, spending his days with his wife and children.

After the mourning period ended, Jia Lian did not receive an imperial edict, so he had no choice but to submit a memorial requesting to enter the palace to meet the emperor.

(End of this chapter)