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

Chapter 507 The Great Court Meeting

The second day of the first month of the first year of Hongwu.

The glow of the palace lanterns shone through the carved window lattices, casting dappled shadows on the polished floor of the imperial study, like drops of ink carelessly falling in a traditional Chinese ink painting.

The air still held the lingering warmth of last night's fragrance, mixed with the scent of ink and a faint, ambiguous atmosphere. Xiao Yan pushed open the window, and the morning breeze immediately rushed into the room, dispelling the last trace of their lingering intimacy.

Despite not having slept all night, Xiao Yan appeared energetic. Whether it was the miraculous effect of the surrendered minister's dual cultivation technique or his already mastery of the threesome, he only rested for a short while. When Zhong Xiao Kui, who was on night duty, came to remind him, he got up to bathe and change, and surprisingly, he didn't feel too tired.

Although it was still the Spring Festival holiday, today was the first grand court assembly of the new dynasty, which was of great significance, so he had no reason to stay in bed.

Awakened, Qianwu and Bago insisted on personally helping the emperor change his clothes, striving for perfection.

Despite the indescribable soreness throughout her body, Qianwu smoothed out every wrinkle on Xiao Yan's court robes and fastened the jade belt. Her movements were as meticulous as ever, even gentler and more delicate than usual. Only her slightly trembling fingertips betrayed the exhaustion of this seemingly docile body after a night of toil.

The blush on Bago's honey-colored cheeks had not completely faded. She knelt to the side, her head bowed, not daring to look directly at Xiao Yan, as she put boots and socks on him.

Since they had bathed together, Xiao Yan simply let them serve him. Once everything was settled, he said gently to them, "Alright, go back and rest. Don't push yourself too hard."

The two women responded softly, and then retreated one after another, their steps slightly unsteady as they disappeared outside the study door.

The melodious chimes of the Bell and Drum Tower heralded the dawn. Zhong Xiao Kui, her face flushed, entered with several palace servants. They quickly tidied up the mess, then helped Xiao Yan to his feet and headed to the main hall to attend the court assembly.

At the very end of the Yin hour (3-5 AM), the sky was still an inky blue. The outline of the imperial city, illuminated by the thin morning light and the still-burning palace lanterns, revealed its indistinct, majestic lines.

Inside the Jiao Lan Hall, the bronze crane incense burner emitted wisps of smoke, dispelling the chill of the winter morning.

The civil and military officials had already stood in order according to the new system, their purple, scarlet and green robes clearly distinguished by rank, their jade belts and plaques adorned with their heads bowed and breaths held.

The throne hung high, still empty, yet it naturally became the focus of all eyes and thoughts. With the emperor yet to arrive, the hall was silent, and no one spoke.

At the beginning of Chen Shi (7-9 AM), the whip cracked three times.

"Your Majesty has arrived——"

The eunuch Ding Zhaopu was dressed in a bright red robe, his expression even more solemn than usual, yet his brows appeared unusually cheerful.

Xiao Yan emerged from behind the screen, dressed only in a yellow robe for court audiences, with the gold-embroidered dragon pattern shimmering in the lamplight. He wore a winged crown and walked calmly and directly toward the throne.

His face showed little expression. His gaze swept over the assembled officials below the steps, calm as still water, yet possessing a captivating majesty, as if the grand and magnificent events of yesterday's ceremony were merely a natural outcome for him.

"Long live our emperor..."

Because it was a grand court assembly, all the officials performed a grand dance and bowed deeply, then shouted "Long live the Emperor!"

"Rise." Xiao Yan casually rested his arm on the imperial desk, and without much pleasantry, said directly, "Let's begin."

After a series of routine ceremonial procedures, Zhang Wenwei, the Minister of Revenue, stepped forward first, holding a jade tablet, and said:
"...Last year, thanks to the financial support from Hebei and Sichuan, as well as the confiscation of confiscated property and the encouragement of trade, the national treasury's revenue and expenditure were roughly balanced, even with the tax exemption edict. If the income from Longquan is included, there is even a surplus. Furthermore, last year, under the policies of land allocation based on population and tax reduction and abolition, the number of households reported in various prefectures and counties increased. Although not as much as in years of peace, the people had some respite, and some savings were accumulated. However, Hedong and Huaibei, having experienced war, have not yet recovered. After winter, there are still many memorials from various places requesting the allocation of grain, seeds, and farming tools. Currently, the number of registered households is approximately 2.8 million, and the population... is approximately 10 million. Compared to the population during the Tianbao era, only three or four out of ten remain. The number of hidden and absconded households is likely still considerable..."

Xiao Yan listened quietly, only occasionally interjecting with a question or two, such as how much wheat was sown in the Hedong prefectures last winter, or how much of the grain in Sichuan was lost during the Three Gorges transport.

Zhang Wenwei answered each question, a slight sheen of sweat appearing on his forehead. He had long known that the emperor was extremely perceptive when it came to numbers and details, so he dared not be careless in the slightest.

"People's livelihoods are in dire straits, and recovery will not be achieved overnight."

Finally, Xiao Yan said:

"The Ministry of Revenue and local prefectures must prioritize pacifying the people and promoting production. After the New Year, the seeds and farming tools needed for spring plowing must be procured and distributed as soon as possible, and the farming season must not be missed. If any official dares to withhold or delay this matter, or exploit the people, he/she will be punished for embezzling military funds and disrupting people's livelihoods, and there will be no leniency."

"I will obey your orders!"

After Zhang Wenwei and a group of Ministry of Revenue officials bowed and accepted the order, Xiao Yan asked again: "How is the transport of the Longquan Treasure progressing?"

Duan Chengtian immediately stepped forward. Although he had always been a high-ranking official in both the Night Scouts and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, he had almost never attended court assemblies. Therefore, he was still somewhat nervous about addressing the emperor on such an occasion. He took a deep breath before speaking:
"Your Majesty, the first batch of gold and silver has been counted and stored. The second batch was transported ten days ago by elite troops from the Palace Guard and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Important items were personally escorted by Commander Zhu Youwen, who personally unloaded them onto ships and transported them via the Grand Canal. Another group, under the command of Commander Gongyang, was dispatched by land to provide mutual support, heading directly to the capital. Duke Wei (Li Maozhen) personally coordinated the defenses along the route, and all passes and docks have been reinforced with additional troops and placed under strict guard. The Embroidered Uniform Guard is monitoring the entire process to ensure absolute safety. At the current pace, it is estimated that it will take another three to six months for all the gold and silver to arrive in Bianjing and be stored."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly and said, "This matter concerns the national economy and people's livelihood, so we must proceed with caution. Inform Li Maozhen and Zhu Youwen that it is better to be slow than to rush, and that safety should be the top priority."

"Here!"

Without hesitation, Xiao Yan spoke directly: "At yesterday's banquet, all of you have heard what the two envoys, Dingnan and Shuofang, said. In your opinion, how should the two towns be dealt with?"

Han Yanhui then went straight out of the class:

"Your Majesty, Han Xun and Li Renfu have used excuses not to come, sending only lowly envoys, which is already a disrespect to the imperial authority. Furthermore, they have made presumptuous remarks about 'governors' and 'protectors' before the emperor, clearly still intending to carry out separatist regimes, following the example of the regional military governors, holding military power and guarding their own territories. This trend must not be allowed to continue, and it is also unacceptable under the new laws."

Your Majesty, I believe that an imperial edict should be drafted immediately, sternly rebuking Han and Li: First, they must personally travel to Bianjing (Kaifeng) within one month to pay homage and apologize; second, they must immediately relinquish their military governorship and command of troops, with officials dispatched by the court to take over and reorganize their forces; third, all prefectures and counties under their jurisdiction will be placed under the direct control of the court, and all officials will be appointed and assessed by the Ministry of Personnel. Failure to arrive by the deadline, or any further evasion or resistance, will be considered treason. At that time, the imperial army will be dispatched to punish the rebels and uphold the law.”

Jing Xiang followed closely behind, saying, "What Duke Zhao said is absolutely right. Dingnan and Shuofang are not simply tributary prefectures; they guard the gateway to Hexi and are of paramount strategic importance. Taking back these two towns is not only about weakening the feudal lords, but also about laying a solid foundation for the future great cause of managing Hexi, connecting with the Western Regions, and rebuilding Anxi and Beiting. There is absolutely no possibility of leniency towards these two towns."

"I second the proposal!"

"This humble general requests permission to traverse the Helan Mountains for Your Majesty!"

"If Han and Li hesitate even slightly, I request to lead 10,000 imperial guards to flatten Hengshan for Your Majesty and capture these two scoundrels at the palace gates!"

Generals such as Wang Yanzhang and Li Si'an spoke up one after another, their enthusiasm running high. Yang She, Du Xunhe, Guo Chongtao, and others also nodded slowly, their faces showing agreement.

As a result, the civil and military officials in the hall all echoed his opinion, and their opinions were highly unified.

As the new dynasty had just been established and was full of vigor, Xiao Yan's will to weaken the power of the princes had already been made clear to the world. The court would naturally not allow a second voice to exist, and even if there were one, it would not be able to show itself at the moment.

Actually, this is not something that needs to be debated. Xiao Yan simply wanted to see how the officials would express their opinions. After all, it should be known that for a hundred years, both civil and military officials have considered it an honor to serve as military governors. So, is it really possible that everyone is of one mind when it comes to the idea of ​​reducing the power of the military governors?

"Granted." Xiao Yan made the final decision. "The Secretariat shall immediately draft an edict and send it to Dingnan and Shuofang by express courier. Tell Li Renfu and Han Xun that in my realm, there is no land that cannot be submitted to, and no people that cannot be governed. Those who submit shall live, and those who resist shall perish. There is no other way!"

The decree, once issued, set the final tone for the matter, and nothing more was said. Xiao Yan glanced at the impassioned officials and then asked, "Yesterday at the banquet, envoys from the Uyghur and Khotan regions of Xizhou were also present. Chancellor Han, what is your view on the affairs of the Western Regions?"

Han Yanhui pondered for a moment, then said loudly, “Your Majesty, Hexi and even the Western Regions have been the bulwark of China and the throat of the Silk Road since the Han and Tang dynasties. The gain or loss of this land is related to the consolidation of the western border defense and the smooth flow of trade and culture. Although the Guiyi Army now recognizes the legitimate calendar, it is weak and surrounded by powerful neighbors. The intentions of the Uyghurs of Xizhou and the Kingdom of Khotan are difficult to fathom. I believe that we should not be satisfied with the old ways of appeasement, but should have a long-term plan.”

"What does Master Jing think?" Xiao Yan asked Jing Xiang.

Jing Xiang cupped his hands and said, "I agree with Chancellor Han's words. The Western Regions can be a border threat when in chaos, but an ally when at peace. Although the court is currently focused on the interior, it is imperative to make plans for the Western Regions as soon as possible."

"Excellent." Xiao Yan tapped his finger lightly on the imperial desk. "The Secretariat and the Privy Council shall, starting today, begin drafting a strategy. There is no need to rush. We must focus on the future. For example, how should we manage Hexi and stabilize Liangzhou within three years? After three years, how should we gradually penetrate and restore the glory of Anxi and Beiting during the Han and Tang dynasties? All of these aspects must be clearly planned. The necessary personnel, resources, and military deployments must also be considered."

Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, and Wang Yanzhang bowed in unison: "Your subjects obey the decree!"

"Furthermore, an imperial edict is issued to the envoys of the Uyghurs of Xizhou and Khotan, granting them residences in Bianjing, bestowing upon them generous rewards, and allowing them to remain in the capital temporarily, as a sign of the Celestial Empire's favor... Duan Chengtian."

"The minister is here."

"I hereby order your Embroidered Uniform Guard to select capable personnel and infiltrate westward. Gather information on the military, political, and civilian affairs of the Karakhanids and Samanids, the movements of the various Tibetan tribes, and even news from further west. I need to know the exact military strength, terrain, tribal relations, and even the customs and traditions of the Western Regions. In particular, you must find a way to contact the Cao family of the Guiyi Army in Shazhou, ascertain their current situation and attitude, and convey the court's intentions."

"Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly not fail in your trust!"

With everything settled, Xiao Yan pondered for a moment, then looked at Zhang Quanyi, the Minister of Agriculture, again: "Minister Zhang, how was the winter snow in various places last year? With spring approaching, the Yellow River is about to experience ice jams, a major concern. Have the dikes in Hedong and Henan been inspected and repaired? Have the people in low-lying areas along the river been warned and evacuated?"

Zhang Quanyi hurriedly stepped forward and replied, "Your Majesty, last year's snowfall was moderate, and so far there have been no abnormalities. All prefectures have reported on the dike maintenance situation as per usual practice, and emergency supplies are being prepared. However..." He hesitated slightly, "the expenses over the years have been enormous, yet we are often only able to cope with the situation."

When Xiao Yan inquired about this matter, all the officials in the court were awed, having already vaguely guessed the emperor's intentions.

As expected, after a moment of silence, Xiao Yan scanned the entire room and said in a deep voice:
"The threat posed by the Yellow River is not a problem that arose overnight, nor can it be eliminated in a single campaign. However, it concerns the lives of millions of people and the stability of the Central Plains. No matter how difficult, it must be done. My mind is made up; the thorough management of the Yellow River will be the top priority project in the early years of the Hongwu reign. The two prefectures, three provinces, six ministries, and relevant prefectures and counties shall begin preliminary planning immediately. Survey the river channel, calculate the required materials, manpower, and funds, and prepare engineering equipment. Once spring arrives and farming has temporarily ceased and the weather warms up, we will choose an opportune time to begin the reinforcement and dredging of some dangerous sections of the river. This project will benefit the present and future generations, and it concerns the safety of hundreds of millions of people. All of you must attach great importance to it and not make any mistakes."

Upon receiving the decree, the hall fell silent for a moment, then all the officials bowed in unison and solemnly acknowledged: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Everyone knows that getting involved with the Yellow River is an incredibly costly project that will take a long time to show results. If it is successfully cured, the ruler will be considered a wise and benevolent ruler throughout history; if it is not cured, the ruler will be caught in a dilemma and bear a bad reputation.

But since the emperor raised this matter so clearly and firmly on the very first day of the new dynasty, he must be determined to complete this important matter that will bring about a new beginning for the people and ensure long-term stability before he will give up. With such a ruler, how could his subjects not follow suit?
With many important matters discussed and decided, the court assembly lasted for quite some time, and the sunlight outside the hall had become quite bright.

Xiao Yan then surveyed his ministers and said, “The new dynasty has just been established, and many things need to be done. At present, the focus should be on consolidating the Central Plains, restoring the people’s strength, and eliminating internal troubles. External expansion should be carried out steadily. That’s all for today. During the Spring Festival, all of you should also take a break. Arrange your duties in your respective departments and offices, and the rest of you may take turns to rest and reunite with your families.”

"Your Majesty, we thank you! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!" The officials kowtowed in gratitude, and then slowly withdrew from Jiaolan Hall in turn.

However, after the court session ended, Xiao Yan did not return to the inner palace, but instead moved to a side hall.

Soon, Han Yanhui, Jing Xiang, Wang Yanzhang, Li Si'an, and Guo Chongtao and Fu Cunshen, who had been specially summoned, arrived as ordered.

The side hall was warm with charcoal fire and fragrant with tea. Xiao Yan invited everyone to sit down and have tea. Without much small talk, he went straight to the point: "The matter in Jiangnan has dragged on for a year since last year. Now it must be settled. I summoned you all here to ask for your opinions. Today, we, as ruler and subject, can speak freely."

As the Privy Councilor, Wang Yanzhang naturally took the lead and responded first: "Your Majesty, the Imperial Guards are mostly from the north, resistant to cold but afraid of heat. The south is humid and hot, with a long rainy season. If we delay until summer, the miasma and floods will surely cause epidemics, greatly reducing our fighting strength. I believe that we should take advantage of the late spring and early summer, before the weather turns completely hot, and quickly send out a large army to cross the river by multiple routes. With the overwhelming force of Mount Tai, we will strike directly at Nanjing and Yangzhou and achieve victory in one battle!"

Li Si'an nodded in agreement, saying, "The Duke of Lu is absolutely right. The Southern army is weak, relying only on the natural barrier of the Yangtze River and its navy. Although our Imperial Guards are not good at naval warfare, as long as we successfully cross the river, we will surely wipe them out in one fell swoop!"

Xiao Yan nodded slightly but did not speak, only looking at Han Yanhui and the others.

Han Yanhui pondered for a moment before speaking prudently: “The southern expedition is the final battle for unification, and we must proceed with utmost caution. Before the troops move, supplies must be in place. The Yangtze River is a natural barrier, and our naval fleet must be fully prepared. Multiple routes advancing simultaneously and coordinating operations require even more precise planning. I suggest that even if we need to act quickly, we must be fully prepared, striving for a decisive victory and avoiding any protracted conflict.”

Jing Xiang added, "We can follow the example of Jin destroying Wu and Sui destroying Chen, make thorough preparations, and once launched, it will be as swift as lightning."

Guo Chongtao has been in the new dynasty for quite some time now, and having joined the Ministry of War, he naturally wouldn't hide his talents, and immediately offered his advice:
"Your Majesty, the pseudo-dynasty appears to be unified, but in reality it is pieced together from Wu, Chu, Min, Wuyue, and many other forces. Xu Wen, Zhang Hao, Ma Xisheng, Wang Shenzhi, and even Qian Liu all have their own agendas and are not a monolithic entity. In my opinion, now that Raojiang and Shu are both in our hands, we may find an opportunity to strike, preventing them from attending to their own interests. Our army is powerful, and whether we use force or divide and conquer, we can exert pressure from multiple directions, making it difficult for them to defend themselves from both ends. This is how we subdue the enemy without fighting."

Xiao Yan listened to everyone's discussion, glancing sideways at the Yangtze and Huai Rivers on the map. After a long while, he said, "If the Imperial Guards want to go south, they certainly cannot withstand the heat and humidity, and the Yangtze River's flood season is also a major problem. Therefore, we must attack Jiangnan, and we must attack it quickly."

Looking at the map, his gaze gradually sharpened: "However, this war is not about conquering cities and seizing territories, but about completely crushing all delusions of separatism and purifying the world. My mind is made up. We will send troops on four fronts in a thunderous strike, striving to end the main battle before the summer heat arrives. All of you, listen to my command."

"Chen is here!"

Xiao Yan stood up and walked to the map: "After the Lantern Festival, the Privy Council shall immediately and secretly mobilize troops."

"The main force on the western route will be coordinated by you, Wang Yanzhang, stationed in Jiangling. You will also command Yu Zhongfu and Shi Hongzhao's navy to cross the Yangtze River from the Ezhou-Jiangling line, break through Dongting Lake, and head straight for Changsha."

"The central army, led by Wang Zongkan himself and composed of the men of Shu as the vanguard, marched south from the Ying River to attack the Chu army from both sides."

"The Eastern Route Army is ordered to send He Gui to attack the Shouzhou line from the Huainan direction to contain Wu's forces and prevent them from looking west."

"The Southern Route Army is hereby ordered to send troops from Raojiang to join forces with the reorganized troops of Jingnan and Nanping, and to move from south to north to disrupt their rear and cut off their reinforcements."

"In this battle, we are not concerned with the gains or losses of any single territory. Our primary objective is to annihilate the main force of the Southern Army and capture and execute the ringleaders, including Wang Shenzhi, Xu Wen, and Zhang Hao. All those who stubbornly resist, regardless of rank or status, will be crushed with thunderous force, leaving no future trouble!"

Inside the side hall, the assembled officials felt a surge of pride. They all cupped their hands in unison, their voices resounding: "Your Majesty, we obey! We will certainly not fail to live up to Your Majesty's trust!"

With the overall strategy finalized by Xiao Yan, other minor matters naturally fell to the Privy Council and the Ministry of War. The emperor and his ministers finalized some details before dispersing.

The important military and national affairs were decided in the afternoon. Xiao Yan dismissed the ministers and sat quietly alone in the side hall for a while. The setting sun cast long shadows on him through the window lattice.

After a long while, he got up to return to the inner palace, but then he suddenly remembered something, hesitated for a moment, and then said, "Xiao Kui."

Zhong Xiao Kui quietly pushed open the door and entered: "Your Majesty."

"How has Zhang Zhenniang been lately?"

Zhong Xiaokui hesitated slightly before replying, "Your Majesty, Madam Zhang has been living peacefully in the residence Your Majesty arranged, rarely venturing out. Her daily needs have never been lacking, and she has never requested an audience with Your Majesty. However… Madam Zhang, being a woman who has lived in a separate residence for so long, I have heard that there have been some rumors circulating about her lately…"

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan remained silent for a moment.

"Prepare the carriage, I'm going to take a look."

(End of this chapter)