The Rebellious Officials and Traitors of the Late Han Dynasty

Chapter 569 This matter cannot be left to Zhongda.

Qin Chengqian nodded as if he understood, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the military treatise on the table. He asked, "Grand Tutor, are you saying that Father is the one who wields the sword, and that I will learn the art of concealing the sword in the future?"

A hint of approval flashed in Sima Yi's eyes, but he merely bowed and said, "Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent. Hiding your sword is not a sign of weakness, but rather a way to protect its sheath. The Tang Dynasty is like a drawn sword, incomparably sharp, but if the sheath is rotten, even the sharpest blade will inevitably break."

A hint of approval flashed in Sima Yi's eyes, but he merely bowed and said, "Your Highness is exceptionally intelligent. Hiding your sword is not a sign of weakness, but rather a way to protect its sheath. The Tang Dynasty is like a drawn sword, incomparably sharp, but if the sheath is rotten, even the sharpest blade will inevitably break."

Suddenly, a flock of geese flew past the window, their cries piercing the clouds. Sima Yi gazed in the direction the geese had gone, his hand slowly relaxing from his sleeve. The Crown Prince's words about "hiding the sword" had unexpectedly coincided with his own thoughts during his late-night self-reflection in the mirror.

He knew that Qin Shou's focus had shifted from the outside world to the court, and that the other party was weakening some factors that were detrimental to the country.

For example, aristocratic families.

The Sima family was a prominent clan in Hanoi, with close ties to other prominent families in Hebei and the Central Plains. They were also a target of the Tang emperor's vigilance. When he advised Qin Chengqian to hide his sword, wasn't he, in effect, advising himself to do the same?

A few days later at court, the Ministry of Revenue reported on the floods in Jiangnan and requested funds for disaster relief. Immediately, some officials from the Censorate impeached the counties and prefectures in Jiangnan for their ineffective river management and advocated for severe punishment.

Qin Shou remained noncommittal, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials before finally settling on Sima Yi. He asked, "What does Zhongda think?"

Sima Yi stepped forward and said, "I believe that disaster relief should be the priority at present. Although the various prefectures and counties have made mistakes in their oversight, changing commanders at this critical juncture could cause unrest. It would be better to let them atone for their mistakes by focusing on providing relief to the disaster victims and setting a three-month deadline for dredging the waterways. If they fail to complete the task by the deadline, then further action can be taken."

No sooner had he finished speaking than a young censor retorted, "Grand Secretary, your words are too lenient! If officials protect each other, how can we deter others from following suit?"

Sima Yi replied neither servile nor arrogant, "I am not showing leniency, but rather taking a temporary measure. The people of Jiangnan are starving; instead of arguing about blame, it would be better to quickly distribute grain and fodder. As for the officials in the various prefectures and counties, imperial envoys can be dispatched to supervise the work, both to prevent them from being negligent and to demonstrate Your Majesty's compassion for the disaster victims."

Qin Shou clapped his hands and laughed, "Zhongda's words are absolutely right. Let's proceed with this plan. Since this is Zhongda's strategy, then I'll trouble you to travel to Jiangnan to oversee the disaster relief and appease the victims."

Sima Yi was taken aback upon hearing this, and immediately realized the problem.

Disaster relief is relatively easy, but comforting the victims is a different story.

"The minister obeys the order."

Sima Yi had no choice but to agree.

After the court session, Jia Xu followed Qin Shou back to the imperial study and whispered, "Your Majesty's decision to send Sima Yi to Jiangnan has both preserved the dignity of the court and appeased the hearts of the local people—a flawless move. This old minister is truly impressed."

"Zhongda is wise; he must know the situation here. There are some things I cannot do myself, so I can only send a clever person. That way, I can sit back and relax," Qin Shou said with a smile.

There was no remorse in his words for scheming against his subjects.

Jia Xu said casually, "He's mastered the art of 'concealment.' That's a bad thing for someone so young."

Qin Shou glanced at Jia Xu after hearing this. This old fellow beside him was no different. The only difference was that one was in his prime, the other an old man; one was biding his time, the other was protecting himself.

Sima Yi returned to his residence, frowning as he pondered everything that had happened in the court. His expression was uncertain, though he subconsciously sensed that something was amiss, without realizing the underlying mystery.

He sat alone in his study, his fingertips lightly tapping the desk, his mind replaying the scene in the imperial court. As the candlelight flickered, he suddenly recalled Jia Xu's meaningful gaze.

"Someone, prepare the sedan chair." Sima Yi stood up abruptly. "To Grand Secretary Jia's residence." The old servant of the Jia family seemed to have expected this, and respectfully led Sima Yi into the inner courtyard. Jia Xu was brewing tea in the pavilion, and in the rising steam, his cloudy eyes were unusually clear.

"Zhongda has arrived." Jia Xu pushed a cup of tea towards him, smiling as he asked, "Do you have any good solutions for the floods in Jiangnan?"

Sima Yi took the teacup but didn't drink it, saying with a wry smile, "Grand Secretary, His Majesty's actions..."

"Most of the people affected by the disaster in Jiangnan are from poor families," Jia Xu suddenly interrupted him, shaking his head, "while the lands of the powerful and wealthy families have not been affected much."

Sima Yi's pupils contracted sharply. The teacup was slightly warm in his palm, but he seemed oblivious.

"What His Majesty wants you to investigate is never the inadequate disaster relief," Jia Xu's voice was as light as a breeze, yet it flashed with a chilling killing intent. He coldly gestured with his hand and said, "It's those powerful families in Jiangnan who took advantage of the floods to inflate grain prices and seize land."

Like a thunderclap, it startled Sima Yi awake. He suddenly felt that the sound was like millions of disaster victims kowtowing. And he thought of many other things.

"The Sima family has quite a few relatives by marriage in Jiangnan!"

Sima Yi, being so intelligent, suddenly said in a low voice.

Jia Xu suddenly laughed: "That's why His Majesty chose you. It shows the court's fairness and also serves as a warning to others."

Perhaps it can even intimidate this "tomb tiger" of his own.

"Zhongda, as a subject, you have no choice. If they don't fall, you and the Sima family will both be doomed." Jia Xu's gaze was sharp as he stared intently at Sima Yi.

Sima Yi fell silent. It turned out that Qin Shou had already seen everything clearly.

Relief for disaster victims is one aspect, but more importantly, it is necessary to deal with those powerful clans. Since the Eastern Han Dynasty, powerful clans have always been a nuisance threatening the rule of the court. The fact that the Former Han Dynasty could not solve this problem does not mean that the Tang Dynasty cannot. The current Tang emperor is a formidable opponent.

"Those disaster victims," ​​Sima Yi suddenly spoke, immediately realizing his question was unnecessary.

"The disaster victims will be properly resettled," Jia Xu said with an unquestionable tone. "His Majesty has already ordered the Ministry of Revenue to prepare three million shi of grain, ostensibly for disaster relief, but in reality, to incorporate these homeless tenant farmers into a new army to garrison the southern border. This will both alleviate the plight of displaced people and weaken the manpower base of the powerful families—a double benefit."

"Thank you for your guidance, Your Excellency." Sima Yi stood up, his face now regaining its usual calm, and cupped his hands, saying, "Before I depart, please have Your Excellency submit a memorial requesting His Majesty to send three thousand Imperial Guards to accompany me."

Jia Xu raised an eyebrow and said, "The Imperial Guards? Aren't there too many?"

"Not many." Sima Yi's lips curled into a very faint smile, a hint of coldness in them, as he chuckled lightly, "The floods in Jiangnan have just passed; we must be wary of some petty villains taking advantage of the situation."

Jia Xu looked at the sharp glint in his eyes, then nodded and smiled, "His Majesty has a discerning eye and has appointed you, Zhongda, as his general. It seems that the affairs of Jiangnan are already under your control."

"You flatter me, Your Excellency."

Sima Yi had a bitter expression on his face.

(End of this chapter)