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

Chapter 542 The Emperor's Majesty
While Li Xingyun and his companions were reunited with their wives, daughters, and disciples, in the Imperial Study of Jinling Palace, Xiao Yanyi was closing a memorial concerning the progress of the equal land distribution in Jiangxi, and then casually placing it on top of the stack of documents that he had already finished reviewing on the side of the imperial desk.

Immediately, he leaned back in his chair and rubbed his temples. A moment later, he opened his eyes and naturally raised his legs, placing them on the knees of Shuliduo, who was sitting on a brocade stool beside him.

Shuliduo was holding a manuscript and reading it aloud softly.

Feeling the weight on her legs, she looked up and saw Xiao Yan gazing intently at the coffered ceiling of the palace. She smiled slightly, then looked back at the book and continued reciting:
"...Since the submission of Qimin Khan of the Former Sui Dynasty, there was no longer a royal court in the southern Gobi Desert. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, the Yanran Protectorate was established, and various tribes in the northern Gobi sent their sons to serve as ministers, learn etiquette, and intermarry, with camels and horses constantly traveling back and forth. During the reign of Emperor Zhongzong, although Mochuo Khan was once arrogant, his daughter was still married into the imperial family, with a dowry of gold and silk, which is recorded in history. When the An Lushan Rebellion broke out, the Uyghur Yabghu prince personally led elite cavalry to help the Tang Dynasty quell the rebellion and recover the two capitals. These are all blood ties, not empty words. Although the world changed later and exchanges gradually became less frequent, the northern Gobi and the Central Plains were still intertwined by blood, sharing benefits and hardships together. The depth of their bond was unparalleled elsewhere..."

Shuliduo's voice was naturally more powerful than that of the other women, and in the spacious and quiet palace, her pronunciation, which was slightly different from the Mandarin spoken in the Central Plains, sounded inexplicably more charming.

Xiao Yan withdrew his gaze from the caisson ceiling and landed on Shuliduo's face.

Today, she wore only a lake-blue, right-fastening palace dress, her dark hair carefully tied up and adorned with a jade hairpin. The sunlight slanted across her profile, outlining her handsome nose and full lips. As she recited intently, her rosy lips opened and closed gently with each word, creating a very pleasing sight.

As Xiao Yan watched, the weariness on his face gradually faded, replaced by a look of considerable interest. He watched as Shuliduo read the manuscript, her lips opening and closing, her lips a vibrant red, as if admiring a vivid and beautiful painting, or savoring a unique rhythm.

Shuliduo seemed completely unaware, only pausing naturally after reciting a complete paragraph, turning her head to look at Xiao Yan:

"Your Majesty, this is the preface of the first draft of 'Northern Desert Classics,' which records the integration between the Central Plains and the Northern Desert throughout history. I think it is quite rigorous in terms of historical research. I wonder if Your Majesty finds the writing and themes acceptable?"

Xiao Yan's face held a hint of a half-smile: "The writing is good, and the meaning is clear. However, as I listen, this history is so extensive, from ancient legends to recent conflicts, but why is there no mention of me? Is it that the writer hasn't written about me yet, or is there some concern that prevents them from writing about me?"

His tone was flat, revealing neither joy nor anger, yet it made Shuliduo carefully consider her words before she softly chuckled:
"Your Majesty has misunderstood them. At the beginning of the compilation of this book, I discussed it repeatedly with the scholars sent by the royal court and the Central Plains. The primary goal was to follow Your Majesty's sacred intention of 'unity of Chinese and barbarians, and integration of ethnic groups.' As for Your Majesty's achievements, which are unprecedented and should be recorded in more detailed national history, I believe it would be more appropriate to wait until the world is unified and the four seas are at peace before having historians write about them. This book from the northern deserts focuses on sorting out the origins and recounting the past, as a foundation for integration. Therefore, I dare not easily define Your Majesty's achievements for the time being, for I fear that my shallow writing cannot describe even a fraction of your sacred accomplishments."

Xiao Yan chuckled, "Oh? From what you're saying, this was your idea? I thought they were afraid to put pen to paper for fear of writing the wrong stance."

Shuliduo nodded frankly: "Indeed, this is the tone we set after discussing with the chief compiler. I believe that in the past, the Central Plains and the Northern Desert were either victorious or defeated, either paying tribute or waging war. This inevitably led to a one-dimensional perspective and created barriers. Now, Your Majesty has the world in your heart and aspires to surpass the past. It is appropriate to use this classic text to first describe the historical facts of interaction, integration, and coexistence, so as to nourish the hearts of the people and dispel old grievances. Once the foundation is solid, Your Majesty's great cause of unification will naturally come to fruition and be vividly reflected on the page. This is my humble opinion. If there is anything inappropriate, please instruct me, Your Majesty."

“There’s nothing wrong with it.” Xiao Yan waved his hand, seemingly satisfied with the answer. “You can continue reading. That last part was quite interesting.”

Shuliduo then picked up the manuscript again as instructed.

Xiao was once again captivated by her recitation, gently tapping his knees with his hands as if keeping time. However, after Shuliduo finished reading, he suddenly asked:
"Lady Shuli compiled this classic, consulting ancient documents, and must have a deep understanding of the changes in the northern deserts throughout history. I have often pondered this recently: although the grasslands are vast, they are limited by the timing and location of the seasons, with the south being rich and the north poor, a situation that has become almost fixed. Even though the tribes of the northern deserts are now loyal, and the emperor's influence extends, allowing them to learn farming and weaving, and to develop trade, if this continues, those remote and harsh lands will struggle to make a living. Will there eventually be another warlord who seizes the opportunity, gathers his people, takes over the northern deserts, and repeats the old story of conquering the south? My beloved consort was born and raised here; what are your thoughts on this?"

Upon hearing this, Shuliduo seemed startled. She gently placed the book she was holding aside, then delicately picked up the teapot and poured Xiao Yan a cup of warm tea. After presenting it to him with both hands, she lowered her eyes slightly and said:
"This is the root of the cycle of order and chaos on the grasslands over the past thousand years. I am but a woman with limited knowledge, how dare I presume to comment?"

“I am not pleased with Lady Shuli’s current attitude.” Xiao Yan took the teacup but did not drink it. He simply interrupted her with a smile, his leg still resting on her knee. “Just consider this a casual chat. I’d like to hear your thoughts.”

Shuliduo remained silent for a moment, then gently massaged Xiao Yan's legs with her jade-like hands, and pondered:

"Your Majesty's concerns are indeed an age-old problem. The tribes of the grasslands live by water and grass, and their strength and weakness change like the changing seasons. In the past, when the Central Plains were strong, they were pacified and appeased; when the Central Plains were weak, raiding and plundering the borders became the norm. The root causes are threefold: first, the instability of their livelihoods; second, the lack of communication; and third, the instability of their people, who are prone to incitement."

She paused, and seeing that Xiao Yan was listening attentively and clearly not just asking casually, she felt a chill in her heart. After hesitating for a moment, she continued, "His Majesty's implementation of new policies, including registering households and promoting education and trade in the northern deserts, is a fundamental measure. However, if we want long-term stability, we may need to go a step further."

"Oh? How can we take it a step further?" Xiao Yan seemed intrigued, leaning forward slightly.

Shuliduo met his gaze, her tone tinged with a hint of probing, and said, "In my humble opinion, if Your Majesty could keep your sights set on the north and devote more effort to the development of the northern frontier, perhaps future generations would have fewer worries about border troubles..."

"Oh? How do you look north, and how do you devote your efforts to it?" Xiao Yan took a sip of tea, remaining expressionless.

"For example... if Your Majesty could reside permanently in the northern border, such as in Youzhou, it would firstly deter disobedience, secondly facilitate the pacification of various tribes, and thirdly... demonstrate Your Majesty's determination to unify the north and south and see the world as one. At the same time, if the royal family could continue to intermarry with the daughters of the northern royal family, the fusion of bloodlines would further stabilize the people's hearts."

Shuliduo paused briefly, observed Xiao Yan's expression, and seeing that he showed no displeasure, continued:
"Furthermore, we can emulate the postal system of the Central Plains, starting with Youzhou, and establish post stations in key areas of the grasslands to form a comprehensive system. This will not only be for transmitting documents, but also for managing the transfer of supplies, tax collection, and household registration verification, so that the imperial decrees can reach the depths of the grasslands as easily as an extension of one's own arm. In this way, we may gradually achieve the effect of strengthening the trunk and weakening the branches."

After listening, Xiao Yan did not immediately respond to the question of whether or not to move the capital. Instead, he leaned back and smiled, "Is Lady Shuli advising me to move the capital to Youzhou? Putting aside the fact that moving the capital would be a waste of resources and manpower, even if I were to leave Bianjing, why would I move to such a harsh and cold place? How can Youzhou compare to Jinling? The scenery of Qinhuai, the soft Wu dialect, the abundance of resources and people—I think it's perfect. Why should I abandon comfort for hardship?"

When Shuliduo first heard Xiao Yan's question, she was immediately startled, fearing that he would think she had ulterior motives. Of course, she wasn't without her own selfish reasons; at least Youzhou was close to the grasslands, and if she could give birth to a prince in the future, her influence would certainly be different…

But how could one possibly think these things in front of Xiao Yan?

However, upon hearing Xiao Yan's next words, Shuliduo was no longer alarmed. Instead, she chuckled softly, "Your Majesty, why speak so frivolously? Even if I am foolish, I know that Your Majesty's ambition lies in the four seas and your heart is with the world. Although Jinling is beautiful, it is ultimately a choice for a peaceful retreat in the southeast. I do not believe that Your Majesty has become such a person who craves the beauty of Jiangnan and fears the harshness of the north?"

Xiao Yan laughed heartily at her words, then shook his head and did not discuss the matter of moving the capital. He simply pointed to the manuscript on Shuliduo's lap: "What you just said, using the post stations as the framework to penetrate deep into the grasslands, is a good idea."

After saying that, he finished the remaining tea in his cup, casually placed the cup on a low table beside him, and stood up.

"If the post roads can be expanded, I intend that they can not only be used to transmit government orders, but also to delineate territories. For example, based on this, the vast grasslands could be divided into 'banners' of varying sizes according to the mountains, rivers and grasses. Each banner would have a banner chief, directly appointed by the court, to manage affairs within the banner and be accountable to me."

The alliance flag, the alliance flag, the 'alliance' is above the 'flag', doesn't that mean the imperial court can directly interfere with the clan chief of a surname in a tribe?

Shuliduo was slightly startled, then heard Xiao Yan say again:

"Above the banner chief, there may be an alliance chief. However, the alliance chief is not hereditary, nor does he have a fixed seat of government. He is simply elected from among the banner chiefs and appointed after approval by the court. His duties are limited to periodically convening meetings of the banners to verify household registrations, inventory livestock, mediate disputes, and exercise supervisory power on behalf of the court. He is absolutely not allowed to have the power to command the troops of the banners or interfere in the internal affairs of the banners. In layman's terms, the alliance chief is merely my eyes and ears, not the tribal Khan."

As expected. Shuliduo thought to herself.

Xiao Yan paused briefly before continuing:

"Within each league and banner, a detailed household register must be compiled, and the population and livestock must all be registered. I know that the grassland herders live by following the water and grass, so I allow them to migrate seasonally. However, the migration route, the place of stay, and the duration of the stay must be reported to the local post station in advance, and the post station will record it so that the court can keep track of their movements."

At the same time, the taxation of the grasslands should also be reformed. Taxes levied directly on a per capita basis are unfairly burdened on nomadic peoples and are prone to tax evasion. A system similar to the "equalization of land use rights" in the Central Plains, where poll tax was abolished and replaced with a "livestock tax," levied annually in kind or in cash based on the number of cattle, sheep, horses, and camels owned. Furthermore, grasslands are a gift from nature; herders using them should pay a "grassland use tax" to the court. In the event of natural disasters, this tax could be reduced or waived at the court's discretion, or even the court could provide relief.

Listening to him rattle off this so-called "alliance and flag system" of control over the government, administration, military, and economy, his thinking was clear and his considerations were thorough, yet it was clearly not a spur-of-the-moment idea.

Shuliduo understood perfectly that although this system seemed to respect the traditional nomadic lifestyle of the grasslands, it was clearly a system that used the post station system and the league and banner system to firmly control the tribes, and then used new tax policies to bring the lifeline of the grasslands into national management. It was undeniably powerful.

But she listened quietly, her heart unmoved. On the contrary, after careful consideration, she felt that this move was indeed feasible. So, as soon as Xiao Yan finished speaking, she immediately nodded slightly and said sincerely, "Your Majesty is wise. If this policy can be implemented, combining kindness and severity, it can indeed bring about long-term peace and stability. The tribes of the grasslands will surely be grateful for Your Majesty's grace."

After Xiao Yan looked at it, she not only agreed, but also went further and said:
"To be honest, Your Majesty, I have some humble opinions, which I have already begun to implement in the steppe schools. I believe that in order to truly win the hearts of the people, in addition to institutional constraints, we also need to work on education. For example, we can incorporate into the classics for teaching children, as well as the doctrines spread by shamanism, the narrative that 'the Emperor of the Central Plains is the incarnation of the Eternal Heaven on earth, the master who protects the steppes and the Central Plains and governs all directions. Therefore, the steppe goddesses of all ages must marry the Emperor and share the Mandate of Heaven.' In this way, the people of the steppes may know from childhood that loyalty to Your Majesty and obedience to the Celestial Dynasty are a matter of course."

Good, it must be the Empress Dowager who knows how to govern the grassland people.

Xiao Yan's gaze shifted slightly as he glanced at Shuliduo.

He truly did not expect that Shuliduo would want to provide legitimacy for his rule ideologically, and even actively bind her own and the Northern Desert royal family's theocratic nature to the Central Plains imperial power.

This Lady Shuli is indeed extraordinary.

However, he only showed a rather satisfied expression, leaned forward, reached out and gently supported Shuliduo's arm, and with a little force, lifted her up from the brocade stool. Then he put his arm around her waist and, with a soft cry from Shuliduo, placed her light body on the imperial desk.

The memorials and manuscripts were thus pushed aside, making room for them.

"Lady Shuli truly understands my heart."

Shuliduo was trapped between the imperial desk and Xiao Yan's body by Xiao Yan. Her hands subconsciously braced themselves on the table. She felt the heat emanating from his body and knew Xiao Yan's intentions. Her cheeks flushed and her breathing became a little rapid.

But today she did not cooperate with Xiao Yan. Instead, she pleaded in a low voice, "Your Majesty, I am currently unwell. Although I am not showing yet, Aunt Ao said that I should rest... Your Majesty is very vigorous. I am afraid that I will not be able to handle it and may disturb the child in my womb..." Xiao Yan paused, and his rationality returned instantly.

Well, Shurido did have high hopes for this child, and he wasn't someone who indulged in desires without considering the consequences.

However, this time, as he leaned against Shuliduo's voluptuous body and saw the Empress Dowager's face suddenly appear somewhat pitiful, although he loosened his grip on her arm a little, he still kept her encircled between the imperial desk and himself.

Shuliduo noticed the change in his mood and breathed a sigh of relief, but also felt a little apologetic.

Her eyes sparkled, exuding both heroic spirit and allure. She bit her lower lip, then gently pushed Xiao Yan away, her body sliding down the edge of the imperial desk.

Xiao Yan was slightly taken aback. He saw her raise her face, her bright eyes like water, clearly preparing to quell the emperor's anger in another way and make up for her earlier refusal.

Xiao Yan then sat back down in the chair.

But at that moment, Zhong Xiaokui's voice came from outside the door: "Everyone, Shi Yao, the chief of the Imperial Guards, is outside requesting an audience to report on matters concerning the Bad People."

Shuliduo froze, immediately stopping all her movements. She then gently nudged Xiao Yan's chest with her hand and looked up at him questioningly.

Xiao Yan was somewhat reluctant, but after glancing at Shuliduo, whose cheeks were slightly flushed, and remembering that she was pregnant, he finally suppressed his anger.

In front of outsiders, he always showed his concubines enough respect, so he just sighed helplessly, patted the Empress Dowager's head, and let her leave from under the imperial desk. He quickly tidied his slightly disheveled robe sleeves and hair.

"Xuan."

So, Shuliduo picked up the manuscript of "Northern Desert Classics" with some apology, curtsied slightly to Xiao Yan, whispered something, glanced at the palace door that was about to open, and then turned around with a normal expression, calmly leaving the imperial study through the passage on the side of the desk.

A moment later, Zhong Xiaokui pushed open the palace door, and Shi Yao, dressed in a flying fish robe, walked in with her head down and steady steps.

She knelt on one knee before the imperial desk, clasped her hands in greeting, but her voice betrayed no emotion: "Shi Yao greets Your Majesty."

"Rise and speak."

Shi Yao stood up, her eyes still slightly lowered, and began to report in a methodical manner on the verification of the original personnel roster of the Bad People, the preliminary arrangement of their duties, the division of responsibilities with the Northern Garrison, and some issues that were still being worked out.

However, whether it was a misperception or the truth, although her words were clear and detailed, her tone was flat and businesslike, and she clearly showed no enthusiasm for her new position, nor did she have the respect that one should have in front of the emperor. It was as if she was completing a task that she had to do.

Zhong Xiaokui was also listening from the side. She was wondering why Shuliduo was not in the hall, but she was now feeling a little uneasy.

Xiao Yan is usually quite amiable, but despite his amiability, his subordinates never dare to be careless about etiquette.

Xiao Yan listened quietly, then suddenly chuckled and interrupted, "Shi Yao."

"Your subject is here." Shi Yao was taken aback, but still spoke with her head bowed.

"Take a few steps closer and reply."

Shi Yao immediately stepped forward as instructed.

Xiao Yan looked her over. Today, Shi Yao was wearing the official uniform of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, which made her less alluring than before.

"You seem to have some dissatisfaction with me?"

Shi Yao's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately bowed and said calmly, "Your Majesty is wise, I would never have such a thought. Now that I have submitted to Your Majesty and joined the Embroidered Uniform Guard, I will naturally do my duty and dare not have any selfish thoughts."

"Dare not?" Xiao Yan chuckled again, leaning forward slightly and resting his elbows on the table. "Since there's no dissatisfaction, then very well. I'm quite tired from reviewing memorials today. Why don't you dance for me to relieve your fatigue?"

Upon hearing this, not only did Shi Yao suddenly raise her head in surprise, but even Zhong Xiao Kui, who was standing not far from Xiao Yan, subconsciously raised her eyes.

Shi Yao frowned, her face draining of color. She pursed her lips and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, the Embroidered Uniform Guard is the Emperor's personal army, whose duty is to arrest, investigate, and protect, not... to be entertainers in the brothel. Where does Your Majesty place me with this? Forgive me... I cannot comply."

"Difficult to comply?" Xiao Yan scoffed, no longer looking at her, but turning to Zhong Xiao Kui beside him, beckoning, "Xiao Kui, come here."

Zhong Xiao Kui was puzzled, but she still quickly walked to the imperial desk, bowed, and asked, "What are your orders, everyone?"

Xiao Yan didn't say anything, but simply reached out and, catching Zhong Xiao Kui off guard, gave her firm, perky buttocks a light pinch, the action surprisingly natural.

"ah!"

Zhong Xiaokui gasped, her cheeks turning bright red at a visible speed, the redness spreading all the way to her ears. She quickly lowered her head, bit her lip, and held her breath, listening to her heart pounding.

After making this gesture, Xiao Yan turned his gaze back to Shi Yao, whose face had turned pale, and spoke in a calm tone as if stating a simple fact:

"You might think that since Xiao Kui has served me for so many years, I must have broken the rules long ago, but only just now was the first time I humiliated her like this. If Xiao Kui was treated like this, what about you? If I really wanted to humiliate you, why would I wait until today? Do you think that I kept you, and all of you former scoundrels, in the Embroidered Uniform Guard to talk to me about duty and respect?"

"I have branded Yuan Tiangang as a traitor to the country, but I have not exonerated the bad elements. This is not a reason for you to feel wronged. When I employ people, I only look at whether they can get things done and whether they are obedient. Past grudges and personal pride are not worth mentioning to me."

He paused, his tone suddenly turning cold, and narrowed his eyes, saying, "If you want to do it, then put away your pointless arrogance and grievances, and obediently follow my rules. If you don't want to, you can take off this flying fish robe now, and take your scoundrels who still have their eyes on Yuan Tiangang, and get out of here. I don't need a few so-called experts who are two-faced and resentful."

Shi Yao stood there, her body stiff.

Zhong Xiao Kui stood to the side, her face flushed with embarrassment. She stole a glance at Xiao Yan, but seeing the emperor's cold expression, she couldn't help but glare angrily at Shi Yao.

Time passes little by little.

After a long while, Shi Yao slowly loosened her tightly clenched lower lip, then squatted down and spoke with difficulty:
"The minister obeys the order."

"Your Majesty, I will perform a dance for you."

As she spoke, she straightened up, as if about to make a move.

However, just as she was about to move, Xiao Yan suddenly struck with lightning speed, drawing the sword from Zhong Xiao Kui's waist with a clang. The sword flashed like autumn water, instantly grazing Shi Yao's waist.

Then there was another soft 'click' sound.

The leather belt that bound Shi Yao's official robes snapped and fell to the ground. Her flying fish robe was suddenly freed from its restraints, opening slightly to the sides to reveal the outline of her dark inner garment.

Shi Yao froze completely, remaining in an awkward half-standing position, her face instantly turning deathly pale, devoid of any color.

Xiao Yan casually tossed the sword back to the stunned Zhong Xiao Kui, his gaze calm and unwavering as he looked at Shi Yao, his tone indifferent:
"Jump like this."

"Yes...yes."

(End of this chapter)