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

Chapter 497 Little Pot is indeed very capable

In Jiangling City after the autumn rain, the morning light pierces through the thin mist and shines on the bluestone slabs, creating a shimmering glow.

Several official ships were quietly moored at the dock, and nearly a hundred soldiers stood solemnly along the shore, without making a great show of force.

Xiao Yan, wearing a cloak and dressed in ordinary clothes, was accompanied by Chi Meng. He arrived at the gangway of the dock under the entourage of Zhong Xiao Kui, Li Cun Ren, Yu Zhong, Li Cun Li and other Jiangling generals and officials, and then stopped slightly.

Yesterday, Gao Jixing and his relatives were escorted north to the Hedong Coal Mine, while his eldest son, Gao Conghui, remained in Jiangling for observation.

Meanwhile, Zhang Xuanling and Xu Huan, along with their spouses, had already paid their respects and set off, taking Li Siyuan, whose martial arts had been crippled, south to Jiangnan. Lu Linxuan accompanied them; according to Li Cunren, she glanced towards Bianjing before departing, but ultimately remained silent.

After briefly handling the affairs of Jiangling, Yu Zhong, Li Cunli, and others were put in charge of monitoring and assisting in military and political affairs, rectifying official corruption, and strictly preventing any unrest in the Southern Tang. Xiao Yan then decided not to linger and planned to travel north to Nanyang via the Han River, then through the section of the Grand Canal via the Ying River basin to Chenzhou, and then along the Bian River back to Bianjing. This route would pass through several prefectures, but would take less time than the land route, and would also allow him to inspect the situation along the way.

Xiao Yan stopped by the gangway, first instructing Zhong Xiao Kui, Li Cun Ren, and others to board the ship and prepare. Then, pressing his cloak, which was being fluttered by the morning breeze, he turned back to look at Yu Zhong, Li Cun Li, and the others, making final arrangements.

"Jiangling is now in your hands. The situation in Southern Tang is treacherous, and I have already dispatched Kou Yanqing's troops from Xiangzhou to Yingzhou. Therefore, you must strengthen the defenses along the river and be careful. You must also properly settle the people who have come to Beitou, and there must be no mistakes."

Yu Zhong clasped his hands and replied, "This subordinate obeys. As Your Highness instructed, notices to reassure the people have been posted throughout Jiangling. All those who have come north can be registered and given travel permits and rations."

Li Cunli then reported: "The rectification of officialdom has been initially carried out, and more than ten officials who had close ties with powerful local tyrants and black market merchants have been found and have been detained pending trial."

Xiao Yan nodded, his gaze sweeping over the officials of Jiangling: "In extraordinary times, extraordinary measures must be taken. But remember, in addition to the law, one must also retain a degree of benevolence."

"Your Majesty, we will obey your decree." Yu Zhong, Li Cunli, and the others bowed down with their hands clasped.

Xiao Yan then turned around and boarded the official boat in the morning breeze.

With the sails hoisted, the fleet slowly sailed away from the dock, watched by a hundred officers and generals.

Xiao Yan listened briefly to Zhong Xiao Kui's final report on the situation in Jiangnan at the bow of the boat. His gaze swept across the vast expanse of the Yangtze River and finally landed on Chi Meng, who was curiously looking towards the dock.

"You can't bear to part with it?" Xiao Yan asked.

Chi Meng turned around, her dress swaying gently in the morning breeze. She stuck out her tongue, her eyes sparkling: "No, that's not it. I just want to get to Bianliang quickly to see Sister Xue'er, the Thousand Crow Cave Master, and Sister Princess."

Xiao Yan laughed heartily and led her into the cabin. Then he asked Li Cunren to bring a plate of Jiangnan-style pastries and gave them to Chi Meng: "Before leaving, I suddenly remembered to have someone buy these from a shop. Try them; the taste in Bianliang is different from here."

Chi Meng smiled, her eyes crinkling. She picked up a piece of glutinous rice cake, took a small bite, but her gaze remained fixed on Xiao Yan: "Little brother, what will happen to those people... that Gao Laizi and his family, and those officials and merchants who were arrested?"

Xiao Yan put down his teacup and pondered, "Gao Jixing and his relatives will still work at the mine. If Gao Conghui succeeds, some of his labor will be exempted. As for the others, if they behave themselves, the court will give them a way out, except for the ringleaders who will be severely punished."

Chi Meng ate the pastries, lost in thought.

"Do you think I dealt with it too harshly?" Xiao Yan suddenly asked.

Chi Meng shook her head and said seriously, "No. Along the way, I have seen so many people living such a miserable life. Those officials who bully people should be punished. It's just... I just feel a little sad. They are already living such a good life, so why do they still treat the people like that?"

Xiao Yan smiled slightly and gently patted the back of her hand: "That depends on the way the ruler acts. Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish; the heat and the degree of control must be just right. Too lenient and the people will become complacent; too strict and the people will be oppressed. This balance needs to be considered at all times."

Chi Meng immediately beamed with joy: "Then I won't be sad anymore, Little Pot will definitely be a good emperor!"

Xiao Yan smiled but did not reply.

The fleet set sail north, and the prefectures and counties along the way had already received the notice and made careful supplies along the way. Fortunately, they had received the imperial edict in advance and did not dare to make a big fuss or set off. Xiao Yan only occasionally checked some places, and this time he was rarely disappointed.

As they passed through a rice paddy on the way to the Ying River via the canal, Chi Meng saw farmers harvesting golden rice ears and tugged at Xiao Yan's sleeve: "Little brother, look at those people, they're laughing so happily."

Xiao Yan looked in the direction she pointed and saw several farmers working and chatting, while others straightened up to look at the fleet of boats on the canal, without feeling any fear.

"This year, most places have had favorable weather and abundant harvests, so it should be a bumper year," Xiao Yanyi said with a smile. "Moreover, most prefectures are exempt from taxes, so people can keep more food for the winter."

Chi Meng tilted her head and looked at him: "Little brother, is it very hard for you to do all this?"

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback, then chuckled: "In this position, I am supported by the people, so it is only natural for me to seek happiness for them. How can I talk about whether it is hard or not? It is just my duty."

Regardless of Chi Meng's reaction, Zhong Xiao Kui and Li Cun Ren, who were responsible for holding documents and reports on either side, were also stunned for a long time, even though they had often heard Xiao Yan say such things unintentionally.

In the following days, the fleet sailed north along the Ying River, gradually approaching Bianjing (Kaifeng).

In late autumn, the Bian River, no longer turbulent as in summer, presents a serene deep green. The official boat cuts through the smooth, mirror-like water, leaving long ripples, and sails steadily towards the central hub of the realm.

Chi Meng leaned against the gunwale, letting the slightly cool river breeze caress her face. The scenery on both banks slowly receded, villages scattered like stars, fields neatly arranged, quite different from the scenery of Sichuan she had seen when she left Raojiang. Occasionally, she could see river workers dredging the waterway and reinforcing the embankments under the command of officials, their work chants faintly carried on the wind, a scene of orderly progress.

“Look over there,” Xiao Yan pointed to a newly reclaimed field in the distance. “When your sister Xue’er and I passed through here on our way south to Changsha, this place was still a wasteland. This spring, we diverted water and built canals, and now we can plant a season of winter wheat.”

Chi Meng looked in the direction he pointed and saw crisscrossing fields, newly sprouted green seedlings, and several farmers bending over to work among them. She recalled what she had seen and heard on her journey north and couldn't help but sigh softly, "Little brother, you really did it... Along the way, I saw many places where canals and roads were being built, and the people talked about you with smiles on their faces, even better than what I heard in Raojiang."

Xiao Yan showed no smugness, but merely smiled with narrowed eyes, still gazing into the distance: "The road ahead is still long. The Central Plains has suffered a century of war, and its wounds have not yet healed. We are only just beginning to take shape now."

“But that’s already amazing!” Chi Meng turned her head, her eyes sparkling. “Dad always said that governing a region is harder than conquering an empire. You’ve not only conquered the country but also made sure the people live a good life. That’s the most amazing thing!”

Xiao Yan chuckled upon hearing this and gently ruffled her hair: "It's been a few years since we last met, and our little saintess from the Ten Thousand Poisons Cave has also learned the ways of governing a country."

Chi Meng blushed and muttered, "I will grow up too..." As she spoke, she couldn't help but lean closer to him, feeling the warmth from his palm.

As you enter the Bian River basin, the outline of Bianliang City gradually appears on the horizon. The closer you get to the capital, the denser the boats become on the river, bustling with cargo transport and their sails like a tapestry. The docks on both banks are bustling with activity, and the loading and unloading of goods is carried out in an orderly manner.

"Wow...it's so big." Chi Meng murmured. Compared to Jiangling, or even Chengdu, Bianjing was indeed more magnificent in scale and grandeur.

As the official ship slowly approached the specially designated imperial dock outside Bianliang City, she couldn't help but take a deep breath.

The dock was already cleared, and a large, imposing procession of officials stood waiting. Civil and military officials were arranged according to rank, their attire impeccable. Leading the procession was Han Yanhui, followed by a group of officials from the Tian Ce Mansion.

Upon seeing Xiao Yan and Chi Meng disembark, all the officials bowed in unison, their movements perfectly synchronized. "Your Majesty, we respectfully welcome you back to the capital!"

The loud and solemn voices of nearly a hundred people echoed across the river, startling several water birds.

Chi Meng had never seen such a scene before, and instinctively gripped Xiao Yan's sleeve tightly. Xiao Yan smiled gently and nodded slightly to the assembled officials: "Gentlemen, you may rise."

Han Yanhui stepped forward, his gaze lingering on Chi Meng for a moment before he respectfully said, "Your Majesty, the carriage is ready. The Queen Consort has specially ordered us to wait here to escort the Holy Maiden into the palace."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, then naturally took Chi Meng's hand and, surrounded by his ministers, walked towards a large carriage. Officials along the way bowed their heads and gave way, their gazes filled with both awe for Xiao Yan and curiosity and speculation about Chi Meng.

As the carriage entered Bianliang, Chi Meng couldn't help but lift a corner of the curtain to peek out. The wide streets were lined with shops, and the bustling city far surpassed any town she had seen along the way. Pedestrians made way for the procession, but showed no fear; instead, many craned their necks, seemingly eager to catch a glimpse of the King of Qin.

"Is that His Highness the King of Qin's carriage?"

"That girl doesn't look like she's from the Central Plains..."

Faint whispers drifted into the carriage, and Chi Meng quickly lowered the curtain, her heart inexplicably racing. She stole a glance at Xiao Yan, who had his eyes closed in rest, but the corners of his lips were slightly upturned, as if he knew Chi Meng would react this way.

Chi Meng muttered a few words, but ultimately felt too embarrassed to lift the curtain and look again. While playing with Xiao Yan's clothes, she began to feel nervous and expectant.

But when the carriage finally entered the Qin Prince's mansion, Chi Meng was once again awestruck. The mansion was truly magnificent, with pavilions and towers arranged in a harmonious and orderly fashion, heavily guarded yet elegant. The maids who had been waiting inside the gate all curtsied in unison, their movements light and silent.

Xiao Yan got out of the carriage first, then naturally reached out to help her. Chi Meng took his hand and stepped off the carriage shaft, her feet touching the bluestone pavement, and she was momentarily dazed.

"Let's go," Xiao Yan's gentle voice pulled her back to reality, "I'll take you to meet everyone."

Chi Meng nodded, took a deep breath, and followed him through the many corridors, heading deeper into the palace. Everything she saw along the way, from the grandeur of the architecture to the exquisite details of the layout, left this holy maiden of Raojiang, who had grown up in the Hundred Thousand Mountains, in awe.

Finally, they arrived at a spacious and brightly lit flower hall. A crowd had already gathered in front of the hall, and all eyes turned to them as they entered.

Chi Meng immediately held her breath.

A group of women, each with their own unique charm, stood in front of the hall entrance. They were all dressed in gorgeous clothes and had an extraordinary air about them.

The woman at the head of the group was dressed in a scarlet palace gown. With phoenix eyes and crimson lips, she possessed an air of elegance and grace. Just standing there, she exuded unparalleled beauty. Upon seeing Xiao Yan's return, a faint smile appeared on her lips, and her gaze immediately fell upon Chi Meng, gentle yet dignified.

Ji Ruxue stood beside her, and upon seeing Chi Meng, a joyful smile immediately appeared in her eyes.

On the other side, there was a plump yet spirited woman in gorgeous clothes, with exquisite makeup and an enigmatic smile on her lips. A mature woman with long, straight black hair leaned lazily in her chair, playing with a round fan. She didn't even get up to greet Xiao Yan, but only glanced at Chi Meng carefully when she entered.

A tall, strong-looking woman with similar bearing to Li Cunren stood behind the mature woman with long, straight black hair, her gaze fixed intently on Xiao Yan. The familiar Thousand Crow Cave Master stood in the hall, her smile gentle, but her eyes showed a clear increase in warmth when she saw Chi Meng.

There was also a girl who bore a slight resemblance to the heroic woman, sitting quietly in the corner, simply observing the newcomer Chi Meng with curiosity.

As for the other young women whose attire was simpler, they displayed a dazzling array of styles, each vying for attention.

The sight of such a gathering of beauties left Chi Meng momentarily stunned, and she murmured unconsciously, "These ladies are all so beautiful, like figures from a painting..."

Upon hearing this, the women all chuckled softly, creating a delightful and pleasant sound.

"You must be tired from your journey." The Empress smiled and stepped forward, her voice clear and melodious.

Xiao Yan smiled slightly and gently led Chi Meng to his side: "Yun Ji, this is Chi Meng." He then said to Chi Meng, "This is the Princess Consort."

Chi Meng quickly came to her senses and bowed, but she was somewhat reserved in front of this peerless and beautiful princess: "Chi Meng greets Princess Sister."

The Empress smiled and gestured to help her up, saying, "No need for such formalities. I've heard the King mention you before, and it's great to finally meet you today." She looked Chi Meng up and down, her phoenix eyes filled with a kind smile, "Indeed, you are a clever and well-behaved girl."

Then, she naturally took Chi Meng's hand, took a jade bracelet from her own hand and put it on Chi Meng's wrist, while leading her forward and introducing it to her one by one:

"Xue'er, you must know Chi Meng. This is Shuliduo, and that's a surrendered official; they are both elder sisters from the grasslands. This is Bago, and she and the girl behind you, Li Cunren, are both from Hedong. Qianwu is the steward of the manor; you must know her well. If you need anything, just ask her..."

With each introduction, Chi Meng would obediently bow, her eyes wide with genuine admiration. When it was Ji Ruxue's turn, she finally couldn't resist stepping forward and taking her hand: "Sister Xue'er! Your belly is so big!"

As she sighed, she looked at Ji Ruxue, whose delicate features still resembled those of the past, only now she had lost some of her youthful naiveté and gained a touch of gentleness.

Ji Ruxue had been holding back for a while, so she took her hand and chuckled, "You've finally arrived. You must have had a long journey. I heard you came all the way from Raojiang alone. That's quite bold of you."

The Empress then spoke gently: "Sister Chi Meng has come from afar and must be tired from the journey. There's really no need for such formalities. From now on, we're family, so there's no need to be so reserved."

Shuliduo immediately chimed in, her voice warm: "I've long heard that the Holy Maiden of Raojiang is innocent and carefree, and seeing her today, I can confirm that her reputation is well-deserved. With such beauty and temperament, it's no wonder His Highness has been so captivated by you."

Perhaps it was because he had been away from the Prince's mansion for several days, but Xiao Yan was also momentarily dazzled by the group of beautiful women. He even overheard the surrendered official teasing Chi Meng: "This little girl has such a sweet tongue, much more interesting than that cold-faced, heartless fellow. Now, our mansion is becoming more and more like a garden of a hundred flowers, with all sorts of exotic flowers and rare herbs from all over the world gathered here."

Chi Meng, however, failed to grasp the deeper meaning behind the words and instead nodded earnestly: "Yes, yes, all the sisters are as beautiful as flowers!"

Qianwu stepped forward at the opportune moment and said softly, "Holy Maiden, you have come a long way and have had to endure some hardship. Your accommodations have been arranged. If you find anything uncomfortable, please let me know."

After everyone had seen the guests, Xiao Yan said, "Alright, let Chi Meng rest for a while. We'll host a banquet tonight to welcome her back."

As soon as he spoke, the women surrounded him and led him inside. Chi Meng then deliberately walked beside Ji Ruxue and asked in a low voice, "Sister Xue'er, there are so many sisters in the palace, I can't remember them all."

Ji Ruxue chuckled, glanced up at Xiao Yan, and whispered as she introduced them to her: "That one just now was the surrendered minister, Shizu. Although she's a bit eccentric, her medical skills are superb. She took care of my pregnancy. That Shuliduo was originally the Empress Dowager of the Northern Desert, and now... she's family too. That Yelü Zhiwu is her daughter, the Great Shaman of the Northern Desert. You met her, Bago. Over there are several Holy Maidens, including Miaochengtian and Xuanjingtian, all originally from the Illusionary Sound Pavilion of the Qi Kingdom..."

Chi Meng listened attentively, her gaze inadvertently sweeping over the women. She noticed that although they were all surrounding Xiao Yan and the Empress, their positions were subtly divided into several groups. The Empress naturally took the lead, closely followed by several Holy Maidens; Shuliduo and the surrendered minister stood a little further away, with Bago quietly following behind them, but clearly behind the surrendered minister; only Qianwu stood alone, thoughtfully taking care of everyone.

For a moment, Chi Meng also felt dizzy.

Little Pot is really capable...

(End of this chapter)