The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 476 The Emperor (Part 5)

In late spring, the wind is clear, the clouds are high and the air is crisp, the chill has faded, and wild geese are returning north.

Outside Wild Fox Ridge, the camp stretched for miles, spreading out along the mountainside, banners fluttering in the wind. Campfires burned brightly, wisps of smoke rising, mingling with the scents of leather, rust, and warhorses.

The momentum of the great victory at Liuhe was still lingering. The shouts of the Youzhou soldiers during their drills carried a high-spirited air, piercing through the dry, cold morning air and echoing through the valleys, confronting the distant, faint sounds of watchtowers from the Jin army at the northern pass of Yefuling.

The two armies remained locked in a stalemate for several days, during which neither side made any significant moves. Apart from the three-way arrangements made a few days prior, Xiao Yan made no further moves, did not attempt any ingenious strategies or schemes to try and gamble on the seemingly insurmountable natural barrier, and did not even participate in matters such as the royal court escorting the captured Jin army supplies, the military reports delivered from the southern Hedong offensive, or the discussions among the generals and staff.

With tens of thousands of troops on both sides separated by the Great Wall and a steep mountain range, not to mention the battlefield in Hedong to the south, thousands of miles away, what measures could they possibly take? And why bother getting involved?
A war of this scale has reached a point where it is enough to determine the fate of the Jin state. But the closer we get to this juncture, the less we need to think about it. Ingenious strategies are what the weaker side needs to devise, while the stronger side can only seek stability. If we really want to talk about some schemes and tricks, it is nothing more than using every means to make the weaker side come out and confront us head-on.

However, it is clear that Li Cunxu, who was used to head-on confrontation and defeating the enemy by force, has become like Sima Yi, who once preferred to wear women's clothing rather than fight, when faced with such a situation.

At dawn, Xiao Yan, dressed only in casual clothes, strolled slowly along the main road of the camp. Gongyang Zuo followed behind him with his sword at his side, his posture leisurely. Zhong Xiao Kui lagged half a step behind, her eyes constantly scanning the surroundings warily.

Sunlight fell on Xiao Yan's sharply defined profile, and the fatigue from days of pursuit and command was masked by a calm and reserved demeanor.

He did not head towards the central command tent, but instead turned into an area on the left flank where the Northern Desert Palace Army was stationed. Here, the felt tents were even more colorful, and the air was filled with the distinctive aroma of beef and mutton. Amidst the cooking smoke, a large group of Hu soldiers prostrated themselves upon seeing Xiao Yan's figure, uttering indistinct whispers of awe, which were then helplessly roused in groups by Gongyang Zuo.

As they ventured deeper, a group of tribal leaders and royal nobles who had joined the army were already waiting anxiously outside a spacious, warm tent. They too were not immune to the custom; upon seeing Xiao Yan approach, they immediately prostrated themselves and addressed him as King Xiao.

"Get up, everyone, let's go inside and talk." Xiao Yan took the lead and entered the warm tent, casually sitting on the felt cushion in the main seat. Then he waved to the chieftains who were still standing stiffly to sit down.

The servants in the tent hurriedly brought over warm mare's milk wine. Zhong Xiao Kui habitually stepped forward, clearly intending to test for poison. Xiao Yan, however, simply waved his hand to stop her, then picked up the wooden bowl and casually took a sip of the milk wine with its strong, pungent smell.

He glanced gently at the anxious, surprised, and awe-inspiring faces of the people in the tent, and chuckled.

"No need for formalities. I have come to see you today not to discuss war, but simply to hear how the elders and children of your tribes have fared this winter. Were the snowstorms severe last year? How well have the grasslands turned green this spring?"

The chieftains exchanged bewildered glances. They had privately prepared lengthy pronouncements of loyalty and opinions on the war situation, never expecting that the King Xiao, who commanded trembling throughout the grasslands, would speak of such mundane matters. For a moment, their prepared words choked in their throats, their faces flushed, and they were utterly at a loss for words.

One of the chieftains hesitated for a moment before replying in broken Mandarin, "Thanks to King Xiao's good fortune, last year's snow was heavy and some cattle and sheep froze to death, but the grass grew well after spring, and the war did not reach the north. In the past two years, through trade, the tribe has accumulated some wealth, and most of the old and young are still alive..."

Xiao Yan glanced at the man, then suddenly laughed again: "I remember you, you are the chieftain of the Niela clan of the Wuwei tribe... Niela Arudun, right?"

Niela Arudun suddenly looked up, his face initially showing shock, then bursting with overwhelming flattery, his voice trembling: "Yes...yes, I...I am indeed Arudun of the Wuwei tribe, King Xiao actually remembers me?"

“How could I not remember?” Xiao Yan smiled. “Back when I first pacified the northern desert, I reorganized the tribal guards on the banks of the Tu River. Your youngest son, Nielabatu, was quite courageous, daring to ride a horse and draw a bow at such a young age. I took a liking to him and kept him by my side, incorporating him into my personal guard.”

He paused, as if recalling something: "That boy Batu, though young, is resilient, skilled in archery and horsemanship, and quick to learn. Now in my army, he is already a capable captain. These days, while you've been accompanying me on my patrols, haven't you asked someone to pass on a message to you, asking if your father at home is well?"

“Batu… Batu…”

Arudun was both embarrassed and excited. Many tribes had sent their sons and nephews away from the grasslands with Xiao Yan back then, but they all regarded these children as hostages. They thought that even if they died after leaving the grasslands, Xiao Yan would not actually use these hostages. Therefore, Arudun was no exception. The following year, she gave birth to another child.

Moreover, the father and son had not communicated for two or three years, and their fates depended entirely on the royal court's notifications, so they had long since stopped caring.

It wasn't until Xiao Yan went beyond the Great Wall again that Arudun remembered to contact his youngest son. Unexpectedly, he didn't see him until a few days ago. The boy looked like a Han Chinese and didn't even want to speak much of the northern desert language. The father and son were extremely distant. The eldest son, who used to be arrogant in front of his youngest son, had to behave himself. Even his father was extremely polite to him. Their status had completely changed. How could anyone feel close to him?

But in front of Xiao Yan, all talk of being the eldest son and the hierarchy between father and son is nonsense.

Arudun knelt down again with a thud, excitedly saying, "Thank you, King Xiao, for your great kindness and cultivation! It is a blessing for my Niela clan that Batu can serve before King Xiao. I... I thank King Xiao on behalf of the entire clan for your grace. I will definitely tell Batu to be even more dedicated and to serve King Xiao to the death!"

A series of suppressed gasps filled the tent.

Envy, jealousy, disbelief… a complex mix of emotions lingered in the eyes of Arudun, who trembled with excitement. To have his name remembered by King Xiao was already a great honor, but for his son to serve as a squad leader in the Qin King's army, and to receive such personal praise and affirmation from King Xiao…

This favor is like the blessing of the Eternal Heaven.

“King Xiao!” Almost immediately, another leader of the Tuju tribe could no longer contain himself and stood up abruptly, saying anxiously, “My second son, Wugudilie, also joined King Xiao’s personal guard back then. How is he now? Is he still of use?”

“And me!” a nobleman from the Diela tribe chimed in, his voice filled with undisguised eagerness. “My nephew, Xiao Humoli, was also favored by King Xiao and selected to join his personal guard. I wonder if he…”

The tent suddenly became noisy as several chieftains spoke up, eager not to be left behind. They all wanted to remind King Xiao of their nephews and sons who had been sent to Xiao Yan as hostages years ago. The intimacy between them and their nephews and sons made them wish they could immediately pass on their noble status to them.

Looking at the scene before him, Xiao Yan's smile deepened. He raised his hand and pressed down, and the tent instantly fell silent.

"Sit down and talk." He glanced at the eager faces and called out names one by one, mentioning the performance of these people's nephews and nieces.

The chieftains whose names were called upon were all beaming with excitement, as if they had received the highest praise. They thanked him repeatedly, their backs straightening unconsciously. Those who were not called upon could not hide the disappointment, envy, and even jealousy in their eyes. Their gazes darted back and forth between Xiao Yan and the chieftains who had been called upon, their hearts filled with mixed feelings. They only regretted that they had not seized the opportunity back then, or that the nephews or nieces they sent were not good enough.

Xiao Yan casually said these things, whether they were true or false, and no one would care. Could the words spoken by the King of Xiao be false?
He picked up a piece of meat, tore off a small strip, put it in his mouth, and chewed slowly. He simply said, "The grasslands are your home. I have ordered you sons and nephews to serve me, which is also to unite the north and south and ensure peace and security. Once the war is over and the trade routes are open, your cattle and sheep hides can be exchanged for salt, tea, and cloth. Your lives will only be better than they are now. Focus on herding and multiplying; that is the most important thing."

Xiao Yan's tone softened, sounding like a casual conversation. This gradually relaxed the tense expressions of the chieftains. When this topic came up, another, slightly younger chieftain, who hadn't brought honor to his sons or nephews, mustered his courage and said:
“What King Xiao said is true…it’s true that sometimes caravans come in small numbers and the prices are driven down, so good hides can’t be exchanged for much salt…Of course,” he quickly added, “such unscrupulous merchants are ultimately a minority!”

“Yes, that is indeed a problem.” Xiao Yan put down the meat strips and listened attentively, as if this were no small matter. “I will remember this matter. When the world is at peace, we will set up a trade market, establish fair regulations, and assign special personnel to manage it. We will never allow such unscrupulous merchants to exploit you again.”

The chieftains were overjoyed upon hearing this and bowed down to express their gratitude.

Xiao Yan ate a simple breakfast with the chieftains in the tent. Surprisingly, they didn't discuss any official business, but instead inquired about the customs and interesting stories of the grasslands. The atmosphere was quite harmonious. It wasn't until the sun was high in the sky that he was respectfully seen off by the chieftains and nobles, and headed towards the garrison of the Right Wing Youzhou Army and Dingbadu.

Xiao Yan specially summoned several trusted generals, including Wang Yanzhang, Yuan Xingqin, and Zhao Siwen, who had just been rotated out from the front lines at Badger's Mouth and were resting. They sat in a cleared area of ​​the camp, each holding a bowl of tea, and talked under the sun.

Xiao Yan picked up his teacup and blew on the steam. "Sit down, take off your armor, and relax."

He glanced at the bandages revealed when Wang Yanzhang removed his shoulder armor and asked, "Ziming, is the injury on your shoulder serious?"

"These are just minor injuries, they're nothing to worry about." Upon hearing this, Wang Yanzhang draped the cloth over his shoulder and chuckled. "Your Highness, rest assured, Li Yazi is merely clinging to life in that badger's mouth. My men are in high spirits, just waiting for Your Highness's order to pierce that badger's mouth through."

Xiao Yan smiled, not responding to his request to fight, but instead asked, "Is your mother still in good health? I left in a hurry this time and didn't have time to see her in Youzhou. I still remember when we returned to the capital two years ago, she made those big pancakes with elm seeds by hand despite her age. They were fragrant, crispy and delicious, and I miss them."

Wang Yanzhang was taken aback, a fleeting hint of emotion crossing his resolute face. He immediately put down his teacup, clasped his hands in a fist and said, "Your Highness, it is a great honor that you would remember such a trivial matter. My mother is in good health, while I am a rough man who only knows how to fight alongside Your Highness. However, I have never forgotten my mother's teachings at home. After she came to Youzhou with me, she often mentioned Your Highness. If it weren't for Your Highness's discerning eye in Bianjing, which promoted me to the ranks and entrusted me with important responsibilities and great trust, how could I, Wang Yanzhang, have the honor I enjoy today? She prays for Your Highness every day at home, urging me to do my utmost to repay Your Highness's kindness and favor."

Xiao Yan looked at Yuan Cong, the trusted confidant who had followed him since their first meeting in Bianjing, conquering cities and fortresses and making great achievements, and smiled with satisfaction.

"Ziming, you flatter me. Your bravery, fierce spirit, and unparalleled loyalty make you a born general and a pillar of the nation. Even without me, your brilliance would be overshadowed. Our harmonious relationship as ruler and subject is the will of Heaven. Your achievements today, your awe-inspiring presence in the northern frontier, and your fame throughout the land are all the result of your battles fought with your iron spear, your passionate heart, and your unwavering courage. You were the vanguard amidst a sea of ​​soldiers, turning the tide at the gates of Youzhou, galloping across the Hebei plains, and fighting valiantly in the snow and wind of the frontier. I have merely provided a stage for pillars of the nation like you to realize your ambitions and bring peace to the world."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Wang Yanzhang, and then over the attentive generals Yuan Xingqin, Sun He, and Yang Shikan. His tone became even more solemn: "This great achievement is not due to the efforts of this king alone, but to the dedication of the soldiers, the assistance of virtuous officials, and the unity of purpose among superiors and subordinates. I am fortunate to have such loyal and courageous men as you, who have devoted yourselves wholeheartedly to this great undertaking."

After he finished speaking, he raised his hand to stop the generals who were about to clasp their hands in greeting, and held up the bowl of tea to the sunlight to show everyone.

"I have never forgotten the merits of all my ministers. When the world is at peace and the country is at peace, I will follow the example of Emperor Taizong's Lingyan Pavilion, paint portraits of my meritorious officials, and commemorate their unparalleled achievements. May your names be etched in history; may your deeds benefit your descendants; may future generations know what kind of heroes and valiant men were who, in this turbulent world, brought peace and order to the world."

After saying this, he raised the bowl in his hand, drank the tea in it in one gulp, and then slammed it heavily onto the ground.

"This is my promise to you all, and to the thousands of soldiers who have followed me through thick and thin, and I will never forget it!"

Their names will be etched in history, their achievements will be celebrated.

Generals like Wang Yanzhang, Yuan Xingqin, and Zhao Siwen, despite their extensive experience in battle and accustomed to life and death, felt a surge of hot blood rushing to their heads and their chests pounding with emotion. Even if they were to die on the battlefield shortly afterward, it would still be a tragic end.

The generals suddenly raised their teacups, and like Xiao Yan, drank them down in one gulp and then slammed them to the ground. Immediately, their armor clanged, and they all knelt on one knee, clasping their hands above their heads.

"Your Highness's kindness in recognizing and appreciating us is something we could never repay, even with our lives. In this life, we are willing to be Your Highness's spear, sweeping away all the rebellious forces in the world. We will go through fire and water without hesitation!"

At this moment, the bond between ruler and subject, and the camaraderie among comrades, surpassed all else. Xiao Yan looked around, then gazed at the sunlit Wild Fox Ridge, and let out a long laugh.

"With you gentlemen like this, peaceful days are not far away."

------

After completing his inspection, Xiao Yan returned to his central command tent, while Gongyang Zuo and Zhong Xiao Kui tacitly stopped a few steps outside the tent, each leading their men to stand at attention with their hands on their swords, as a guard at the entrance.

The tent flap was lifted, and Shuliduo was seen standing in front of a hanging map of the northern desert. She turned around when she heard the voice.

She had shed her military uniform and was now dressed in a deep purple nobleman's everyday attire embroidered with gold thread, which accentuated her tall and graceful figure. Her silver fox fur cloak was casually draped over a sandalwood rack to the side.

The weariness from several days of traveling and supervising the transport of grain had not completely faded from her brows, but when she saw Xiao Yan enter, her eyes instantly lit up, as if a clear spring had been poured in.

"Has Jiulang finished his inspection?" Her voice, with the clear and bright quality characteristic of women from the grasslands, was now soft and gentle. "Is the morale in the camp alright?" She naturally took two steps forward to greet him.

Xiao Yan took off his turban and handed it to her. He walked to the map and nodded slightly: "The soldiers are still in high spirits. Even if this stalemate drags on, there is still hope for a fight."

He rubbed his temples. Li Cunxu was like a tortoise, and Taiyuan had also sent troops to support him. From the perspective of the overall battle situation, a frontal assault was the most appropriate course of action.

They no longer cared about casualties.

Shuliduo didn't speak. She walked behind Xiao Yan and, with an extremely natural movement, stretched out her hands and gently pressed them onto his temples. Her fingertips were slightly cool, but the pressure was just right, massaging the taut acupoints with neither too light nor too heavy touches.

"Close your eyes and rest for a moment." Her voice was right next to his ear, her breath warm. "There are many things to do, there's no need to rush."

Xiao Yan chuckled, then relaxed and closed his eyes as instructed.

His calloused fingers pressed precisely on the aching acupoints, bringing waves of soothing warmth that dispelled the weariness lingering deep in his mind. He let out a barely audible sigh, allowing the comfort to spread. The tent fell silent for a moment, broken only by their soft breathing. After a while, Xiao Yan spoke slowly, but abruptly, "The war in the northern desert is nearing its end, and the north-south balance has been established. Some things need to be planned for early."

"Jiulang, please speak." Shuliduo's hands did not stop moving. Her fingertips slowly moved along his temples towards his taut forehead, the pressure still steady. It was clear that she had carefully learned this technique from somewhere.

"The most important thing is trade," Xiao Yan said with his eyes closed.
"After the war, I will establish 'Mutual Market Supervisors' in Youzhou, Dading Prefecture, Guizhou, Yunzhong, and Yinshan. These will be directly under the imperial court, specifically responsible for trade between the North and South. All large-scale transactions involving furs, livestock, salt, iron, tea, and cloth must be registered at the Mutual Market Supervisors and conducted according to official, fair regulations to prevent exploitation by unscrupulous merchants and severely punish forced buying and selling. The royal court will also send capable individuals to participate in the management, jointly setting rules and sharing responsibilities. In this way, trade can be sustainable and stable, becoming the lifeline connecting the North and South, rather than the source of conflict. Herdsmen will be able to exchange their cattle and sheep hides for sufficient amounts of salt, tea, and ironware, and merchants from the Central Plains will be able to travel freely and obtain what they need. This is the foundation. What do you think?"

Shulido's fingers paused for a moment on his temple, then continued to massage, the pressure seemingly becoming gentler.

“This is an excellent plan. The tribes of the northern deserts have long suffered from poor trade, either from being cheated by unscrupulous merchants or from being cut off by war. If there were official trade agreements with established rules to ensure fairness, it would be a blessing for all the people. The royal court will certainly cooperate fully and select fair and capable people to participate. However…” She paused for a moment, “the details of the rules, especially the pricing of goods and the tax rate, still need to be carefully negotiated by both parties to ensure fairness and long-term acceptance.”

“That’s natural.” Xiao Yan nodded. “After the war, someone will discuss the details with the royal court. What I want is a ‘regular market’ that benefits both the north and the south, not a temporary expedient.”

He paused, feeling the comfortable pressure from his forehead, and continued:
"Secondly, to achieve long-term stability, it is necessary to adapt to old customs. I will not force those who live by following the water and grass to completely change their customs, but I encourage the royal court and all major tribes to choose sites with abundant water, flat terrain, and convenient transportation to establish 'semi-settlements'. They can build houses to shelter from wind and snow, build granaries to store food and fodder, and develop handicrafts such as felt and leather. More importantly, they should establish 'foreign schools'."

"Fanxue?" Shuliduo was taken aback, her fingers seemed to stiffen a little, but she immediately slid down to the stiff muscles on the back of his neck and kneaded them with moderate force.

Xiao Yan was well aware of this detail, but he simply kept his eyes closed, his expression unchanged, and tilted his head slightly to make it easier for her to move.

"In Youzhou, Dading Prefecture, and future semi-settled areas, Tibetan schools will be established. Scholars proficient in both Chinese and the languages ​​and scripts of the northern steppes will be hired as teachers. They will instruct the children of the northern steppes to recognize Chinese characters, read Han classics, and understand the principles of loyalty, filial piety, benevolence, righteousness, and governance. However, the propagation of shamanism and Buddhism will remain as before and will not be prohibited. Those who achieve academic success can participate in the imperial examinations. Once they pass, they will be granted official positions. They may enter the 'Lifan Yuan,' which is in charge of affairs in the northern steppes, or serve as officials in the tributary prefectures and states. They will be assessed together with Han officials from the grasslands and promoted based on their political achievements. This will open a path to heaven for the talented and outstanding people of the northern steppes, so that their hearts are turned towards the central government and their talents can be used for the country."

Shuliduo listened intently, and even her hand movements slowed down.

This not only opened up an unprecedented upward mobility channel for the sons of the northern deserts, but also served as a brilliant strategy to deeply bind the elite class of the northern deserts with the core interests of the Central Plains dynasty. Those who returned after completing their studies, well-versed in Han culture and institutions, and carrying official positions and honors bestowed by the court, would return to their tribes with influence far exceeding that of ordinary nobles. In the long run, this would have profound implications.

She sighed inwardly, but sincerely praised, "Ninth Prince's foresight is truly remarkable; this is a sound strategy for consolidating the foundation and securing the nation. Opening the path to the imperial examinations and granting official positions to the court is a tremendous honor and encouragement for the sons of the grasslands. The royal court will certainly do its utmost to promote Tibetan learning. However..."

She carefully chose her words, her fingers tracing circles on the back of his neck. "The semi-settled policy involves the division of grasslands and nomadic customs among various tribes, and it is unlikely to be accomplished overnight. It needs to be led by the royal court, proceeding gradually. We should first select one or two large tribes to try it out, using incentives to demonstrate their advantages in grain storage for disaster prevention and convenient trade. Once they have tasted the benefits, we can then promote it further. If we force them to participate, it may create resistance, which would be counterproductive."

“Alright.” Xiao Yan did not hesitate, nor did he pay attention to the caution and trade-offs in her words. He simply said, “The semi-settlement is primarily based on voluntariness, and the key is guidance. If you are willing, you can handle the specific site selection and implementation steps. The court will provide support in terms of city construction, agricultural tools, and craftsmen.”

"I am willing to serve you, my beloved."

Xiao Yan chuckled, then pondered, "There is another matter. I intend to emulate the Ordo system, with slight modifications, and establish a 'Palace Guard Army'."

“Palace Guard?” Shuliduo’s finger stopped above his shoulder.

“Exactly.” Xiao Yan opened his eyes, his gaze falling on the map. “I will establish palaces and tents in several places with abundant water and grass. Then, from the various tribes of the northern desert, whether directly under the royal court or those that have submitted, I will select noble or commoner youths aged fifteen to twenty, of good character, strong physique, and loyal heart, according to their population size, to form a ‘Palace Guard Battalion.’ This battalion will be directly under my command and incorporated into the central imperial guard. These youths will go to Bianliang to train at the military academy and study classics, history, and governance at the Imperial Academy. They will serve for five to eight years. Upon completion of their service, those who excel in the assessment can remain in the imperial guard; the rest will take what they have learned back to the northern desert to guard the palaces and tents with their families and clans. In peacetime, they will be responsible for seasonal pastoral affairs around the palaces, and in wartime, they will be conscripted into the army.”

He paused, his tone carrying an undeniable authority, "Furthermore, I will henceforth regularly travel north for 'border patrols and hunting expeditions,' inspecting the grasslands, handling affairs, and receiving the homage of various tribes. During these patrols, this 'Palace Guard Battalion,' composed of men from the northern deserts, will be my core retinue and ceremonial guard."

The tent was completely silent, and Shuliduo's breathing paused slightly again.

Sending hostages to the capital! This is the most direct and effective way to control them. And after their service period, will these people still be considered people of the grasslands? They'll likely be treated as superior beings while accompanying Xiao Yan on his inspection tours. Such supreme honor is also a testament to Xiao Yan's regard for the grassland heroes as his own sons and nephews. Their tribal members in the capital will be like Xiao Yan's personal guards, sharing his glory and disgrace; how could their tribes not be loyal?

Countless thoughts flashed through her mind in an instant, such as how to select candidates without causing tribal infighting? How would the treatment, status, and safety of these young men be guaranteed in Bianliang? What special treatment would they receive on the grasslands after they returned from their studies?
This double-edged sword, if used well, is a powerful tool for the royal court to control the various departments and strengthen ties with the central government; if used poorly, it becomes the root of discord and disloyalty.

She resumed her massage, slowly moving down from Xiao Yan's shoulders and neck, gently kneading the tense muscles in his back. At the same time, she moved closer, her warm breath almost brushing against his ear.

Her voice softened further, carrying a unique rhythm and a tone of earnest negotiation:

“Your Excellency has a visionary perspective, closely linking the heroes of the northern deserts with the fate of the Han Dynasty. I am truly impressed.”

She traced circles on his strong back muscles with her fingertips. "But... these children are still young, far from their homes, traveling to the bustling capital. Without a clear identity and status, they may find it difficult to concentrate on their studies and to demonstrate the court's favor. The children of the Palace Guard are both hostages and Jiulang's future pillars of support. Their salaries, armor, accommodations, and teachers should be equal to those of ordinary Imperial Guards. This way, they will not only be spared from being oppressed by the Central Plains Imperial Guards, but it will also prevent discord between the two clans."

Her fingers slid to Xiao Yan's waist, she glanced at him, then unbuttoned a corner of his clothes, her palm naturally facing down, her tone even softer.

"Secondly, it is certainly a good thing that they have returned home in glory after completing their studies. However, the grasslands value bloodlines and strength. These young men have been away from home for many years. Even if they are learned and well-versed in Han etiquette, without a certificate of 'origin' from the court, or without a position or recommendation granted by the royal court, they may find it difficult to quickly establish themselves on the grasslands and protect Jiulang's palace when he inspects the grasslands in the future. They may even be ostracized by the old forces, thus burying their talents and failing Jiulang's good intentions. I believe that all those who return home after completing their studies should be given corresponding documents and certificates by the court or the royal court to commemorate their achievements, or be granted a low-ranking official title as appropriate, so that they have something to rely on after returning to the north, and can truly become the cornerstone for connecting the north and south and stabilizing the royal court."

As she spoke, she subtly conveyed information through hand gestures, leaning slightly forward, her warm breath lingering around Xiao Yan's neck, her voice carrying the tenderness of a beautiful woman reluctant to be rejected.

Xiao Yan kept his eyes closed, but only chuckled: "That's all?"

“If Jiulang thinks it’s feasible…” Shuliduo paused slightly, her chest naturally pressing against his back, her breath sweet as orchids.

"The royal court, which governs the vast grasslands and intimidates the various tribes, needs a sufficiently elite and swiftly responding direct guard to ensure that orders are obeyed and to protect this northern gateway for Jiulang. The palace guard camp is far away in Bianliang. If the royal court itself does not have some ability to protect itself, it may be difficult to suppress local rebellions and deal with emergencies in time. The size of this guard is decided by Jiulang's word, but its existence is indispensable."

After she finished speaking, she exhaled and switched hands, her gaze fixed intently on Xiao Yan's profile, awaiting his reaction.

Xiao Yan listened with his eyes closed, sensing the emotional shifts conveyed through her fingertips and the layers of pleading in her words.

However, her technique was somewhat clumsy. It was likely that the Empress Dowager had never done such a thing before. Therefore, even though the points she raised were reasonable and not unreasonable, they were quite well thought out.

In particular, the issues of the returning youths establishing themselves and the royal guards were indeed details that needed to be added to his grand vision. He even cleverly and timely utilized the intimate atmosphere of this private space to wrap his political demands in consideration and reason, making it difficult for people to refuse outright.

But Xiao Yan remained silent for a moment.

As she waited, she lost control of her strength slightly, and saw Xiao Yan frown slightly. Shuliduo was quite annoyed. She then took the opportunity to walk around to the front of Xiao Yan, smoothed her long hair on the side of her face, and tied it into a bun at the back of her head.

After a while, Shuliduo's indistinct voice rang out.

"Kiuro...what are your thoughts?"

"What Lady Shuli has thought... is very thorough." Xiao Yan had no choice but to lower his eyes to admire her, and was immediately very satisfied.

"As you say. The treatment and status of the Palace Guards need no further consideration; they must be allowed to focus on their studies to demonstrate the nation's benevolence. The certification of the origins and recommendations for ranks of the returning northern youths will be jointly determined by the court and the royal court, ensuring they are put to good use. As for the royal court's direct guard..."

He reached out and stroked the Empress Dowager's hair, pondering for a moment, "The specific scale will be discussed jointly by the Privy Council and the Royal Court after the war. If we want the northern desert to serve as a long-term bulwark for the Central Plains and for the people of both ethnic groups to share peace, then the Royal Court must indeed help me to govern this vast grassland. The details will be left to Han Yanhui, Feng Dao, and the senior officials of the Royal Court to discuss and decide on a plan."

Shuliduo felt a weight lifted from her heart, and wanted to break into a bright smile, but due to the circumstances, she could only continue speaking indistinctly.

"Kuroro Shengming."

The tent was warm and inviting, the candlelight illuminating the two figures very close together, an intimate atmosphere interwoven with the tacit understanding befitting political beings. But this understanding, compared to back then, showed that Xiao Yan was no longer merely a fraction more domineering.

But soon after, Zhong Xiao Kui claimed to have an urgent military report and requested permission to enter the tent. Only after receiving permission did she lift the tent flap and enter alone.

Then they saw the Empress Dowager with her back to the curtain, drinking tea from a cup, but for some reason she choked a few times, and hurriedly wiped her mouth with a handkerchief while her back was turned.

Xiao Yan, on the other hand, looked refreshed and clear-eyed, clearly having dealt with a troublesome matter.

Without much thought, Zhong Xiao Kui bowed with her hands clasped as soon as she entered the tent and presented a handwritten letter.

"Your Highness, Lord Xue of Yehuling, Li Cunli, has sent a secret envoy into the camp. The whereabouts of the surrendered minister of Gaoshizu have been exposed, and he may be besieged by Li Siyuan, a strange and monstrous man named Bali Shenyu, and the Tongwenguan group, leading the Taiyuan reinforcements and the Yinshan auxiliary army. The situation is extremely critical..."

Xiao Yan suddenly stood up, his aura surging, and the temperature inside the tent seemed to drop sharply. He grabbed the handwritten note and quickly unfolded it, only to find that there were very few words on it.

"North of Yinshan, the corpse ancestor descended to danger, with many Kuohuo and Balushi, and Li Siyuan by his side."

Zhong Xiao Kui was even more uneasy and kowtowed, saying, "Your subject is incompetent and failed to follow Your Highness's orders to find the whereabouts of the Corpse Ancestor and others in time..."

Shuliduo's expression instantly turned serious. Of course, she knew who the surrendered official was; the two had dealt with each other back in Youzhou. She swallowed the tea she had used to rinse her mouth and quickly walked over.

"Although Yinshan is outside the Great Wall, its terrain is complex, with many ancient forbidden areas and secret paths. I hereby order Shili Qixiang, Yao Nian, and Dahefeng to gather a team of palace eagle riders. They are most familiar with that area and will surely be able to scout ahead and inform the Corpse Ancestor of this danger. This matter concerns Duokuohuo and Balushi, so King Xiao must be cautious."

As she spoke, she paused briefly and looked back at Zhong Xiao Kui.

"Where is Li Cunli's messenger? He sent a message without cause, so we need to verify it carefully. There's a possibility that he might be misleading King Xiao into dividing his troops. It's a hundred miles to Yinshan..."

"This subordinate will go and fetch the man immediately."

Xiao Yan merely pondered for a moment with his hands behind his back, without saying a word, before striding out of the tent.

Shuliduo was momentarily flustered and hurriedly followed behind, but before she could say anything, she saw Xiao Yan shout an order.

"Immediately summon Wang Yanzhang and Li Maozhen, ordering them to prepare their troops immediately and be ready to advance on foot towards Yehuling at any time."

"Yes, sir!" Two scouts responded quickly from outside the tent, and then rode off on horseback.

"Dispatch three hundred elite cavalry, with the Shili Qixiang tribe as the vanguard, and wait outside the camp."

As he gave the order, he walked without stopping to the warhorse brought by his personal guards outside the tent, mounted it with fluid and swift movements. He reined in the restless horse, and gave one last look back at Shuliduo, who had chased after him out of the tent, his eyes sharp and piercing.

"The matter of Wild Fox Ridge is temporarily entrusted to Wang Yanzhang. The Empress Dowager must follow the established strategy: besiege without attacking, using force to suppress them, and absolutely avoid reckless fighting. Once I have resolved this problem, I will return to settle accounts with Li Cunxu!"

Before he finished speaking, he spurred his horse, and with a long neigh, the warhorse shot off like an arrow. Gongyang Zuo and the other night watchmen had already leaped onto the horse's back like ghosts, following closely behind, kicking up clouds of dust as they galloped westward.

Suddenly, only Shuliduo remained alone in front of the main tent.

The curtains swayed incessantly, and the cold wind that rushed in caused the candlelight inside to flicker.

(End of this chapter)