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

Chapter 551 Peace in the world
The wars across the land have ended.

Apart from the scattered remnants of bandits still being suppressed by the troops in various garrisons and newly established prefectures and counties, the 300,000-strong army that marched south in February and swept across the entire Jiangnan region has already received generous rewards in various war zones and has begun to be reorganized in an orderly manner, returning to their designated provincial garrisons in batches.

As Xiao Yan toured the south, the provincial governors, military commanders, transport commissioners, and judicial commissioners, selected or retained by the Bianjing and Jinling governments, arrived at their posts one after another, began to carry out government affairs, and submitted their first memorials to the emperor.

As autumn deepened, the forests were ablaze with color. In the following months, Xiao Yan and his entourage traveled lightly and simply, truly beginning their incognito tour.

They traversed the rolling mountains of Kuozhou, and as promised to Chimeng, they deliberately detoured deep into the She ethnic region. There, they saw terraced fields built along the mountainsides, like jade ribbons winding around the mountainside, shimmering with the unique color of harvested rice under the autumn sun.

The clothing of the She people, both men and women, is brightly colored and has unique patterns. Although it is not exactly the same as that of Raojiang, the charm it exudes still amazes Chi Meng.

She even tried to communicate with the locals about witchcraft and sorcery using a mix of broken local dialect and Raojiang dialect. Although communication was difficult, she enjoyed it nonetheless.

Xiao Yan then lingered there for a long time, spending his days strolling through the countryside with the Empress and Ji Ruxue, chatting with the She village chiefs, and enjoying himself immensely.

After leaving Kuozhou, the carriage traveled east, made a brief stop in Taizhou, and then turned back to Wenzhou.

Xiao Yan carefully inspected Wenzhou Port, summoned the Ministry of Works officials and naval commanders stationed there, and listened to their preliminary ideas on the port's long-term planning, the development of new types of ships, and the exploration of sea routes to Liaodong and the Korean Peninsula to the north, and to Southeast Asian countries to the south.

Xiao Yan was naturally very encouraged by this. He even took the three women and personally boarded a newly launched seagoing ship built by the Wuyue Kingdom. They cruised around the near sea to appreciate the scenery of the East China Sea. Combining his vague knowledge from his previous life, he put forward constructive suggestions such as improving the wind efficiency of the sails, reinforcing key parts with iron sheets, and optimizing the cabin layout to improve the comfort of the crew during long voyages. Surprisingly, these suggestions were unanimously praised by the relevant officials.

After inspecting Wu and Yue, Xiao Yan continued south along the coastline as planned.

After entering Fujian, the mountains became increasingly steep, and the forests were lush. After passing through Fuzhou, we did not linger for long, but only exchanged some opinions with Wang Yanbin and the newly appointed or retained officials, giving them some admonitions and encouragement, before continuing south to Quanzhou.

In fact, Quanzhou Port was Xiao Yan's most important destination during his southern tour.

Quanzhou, with its unique natural deep-water port, has been the largest port in the East on the Maritime Silk Road since the early Tang Dynasty. Its superior conditions are comparable only to Mingzhou and Guangzhou throughout the entire empire's maritime territory. However, the advantages of the three ports are different.

If we're talking about leveraging Ryukyu to manage the vast ocean, then Quanzhou, backed by the abundant resources of Jiangnan and boasting the most direct and convenient shipping route to Ryukyu, is undoubtedly the best choice. Both Mingzhou and Guangzhou, geographically speaking, are somewhat unsuitable.

Therefore, if we want to build a grand maritime strategy that "uses Taiwan and Penghu as a strategic springboard and radiates and controls Southeast Asia as its hinterland", Quanzhou is the undisputed first choice in terms of controlling Ryukyu Islands.

It was precisely because of Xiao Yan's attention that, by the time he arrived in Quanzhou, the waterways inside and outside the port had already been dredged and cleared, and the dikes and wharves had been reinforced under the full organization of the government. The number of ships coming and going was also rapidly recovering and increasing, quickly reviving the commercial vitality that this major port should have.

Xiao Yan immediately issued an edict, summoning a large number of officials carefully selected by Nanjing to discuss the establishment of the Maritime Trade Office in Quanzhou and the various regulations for the full restoration and standardization of overseas trade.

However, the final decision was made to establish Quanzhou as the location of the first Maritime Trade Office of the Tang Dynasty, overseeing the support for the development and construction of Ryukyu and vigorously expanding overseas trade. Furthermore, it was decreed that the Maritime Trade Office would be directly under the vertical jurisdiction of the central government and not subject to the control of the Fujian Provincial Transport Commissioner's Office.

Meanwhile, outside Quanzhou, Xiao Yan inspected Chi Li's troops stationed there, commended the meritorious soldiers, and affirmed their achievements in pacifying Fujian and stabilizing the southern border. During the subsequent two weeks of his occupation of Quanzhou, he specifically granted Chi Li free time, allowing him and his daughter Chi Meng to reunite.

After reviewing the military and political affairs of Fujian in Quanzhou, Xiao Yan continued westward into Guangdong. He inspected Panyu, the provincial capital of Guangdong, before turning north into Jiangxi. Passing through Ganzhou and Jizhou, he then turned north again, passing through Yuanzhou and Hongzhou, winding his way to Raozhou on the shore of Poyang Lake.

Thus, this southern tour, which spanned Wu and Yue, Fujian, Lingnan, and Jiangxi and lasted for half a year, was drawing to a close, regardless of how many corrupt officials and local tyrants were dealt with swiftly along the way, or how many scenic spots and local customs were witnessed.

Before returning to Jinling, there were a few key figures he needed to meet in Raozhou.

------

When the carriage slowly arrived at the foot of Longhu Mountain, it was already winter. The mountain air was getting colder, and although the vegetation was not completely withered, it was tinged with a deep gray-brown color.

Although the Celestial Master's Mansion had been looted by Xu Wen's troops, it was fortunately not damaged. From a distance, one could see that Longhu Mountain was shrouded in clouds and mist, with red cliffs and green waters, still possessing a serene and otherworldly atmosphere.

When Xiao Yan arrived at the mountain gate, Zhang Xuanling, along with a group of Taoist priests from the Celestial Master's Mansion, as well as Li Xingyun, Princess Shangrao, Xu Huan, and Zhang Zifan, who had already received the imperial edict and were waiting there, and others who had also been ordered to report back after successfully pacifying Prince Ma Xisheng of Chu, all stood solemnly to greet him.

"Welcome Your Majesty, Empress, Imperial Concubine, and Consort De." The crowd greeted them in unison.

Xiao Yan alighted from the carriage, glanced at Li Xingyun who was obediently bowing deeply, smiled, and gently summoned everyone before speaking calmly to Zhang Xuanling, who was at the head of the group:
"Master Zhang, the swift pacification of Jiangnan owes much to the Celestial Master's Mansion, which played a crucial role in calming the people and relaying messages. I am deeply gratified. Moreover, this place is the ancestral home of Taoism in Jiangnan, and the Taoist patriarch is my ancestor from the Li Tang dynasty. For both public and private reasons, I should have paid my respects here long ago. However, I have been busy with military affairs until today, when I finally have the leisure to personally visit this sacred place."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Xuanling and Xu Huan, along with the other Taoist priests, bowed again: "Your Majesty is too kind. Upholding the righteous path and protecting the people is our duty. Your Majesty's presence today truly brings honor to our humble abode, Longhu Mountain."

Xiao Yan nodded slightly, about to slowly ascend the mountain. After glancing at the slightly tense, even somewhat bewildered expressions of the high-ranking Taoist priests, he seemed to remember something, a faint, amiable smile appearing on his lips, and added:
"Celestial Master and fellow Daoists need not worry. I have come here today for two reasons: first, to pay homage to my ancestors in this blessed land, and second, to see this world-renowned grotto-heaven. I do not intend for the Celestial Master's Mansion to replace the 'Demon-Subduing and Dao-Protecting Celestial Venerable (Zhang Daoling)' with a statue of the Dao Ancestor as the object of worship in the mansion. Each school of Daoism has its own traditions, and I have no intention of interfering."

These words carried a hint of jest. Zhang Xuanling didn't mention it, and the Taoist priests were noticeably more relaxed. However, they seemed unsure how to respond to the emperor's almost casual banter and were somewhat at a loss.

Fortunately, Xu Huan was quick-witted and immediately took a small step forward, smiling gently as she said, "Your Majesty's compassion for the Daoist sect and respect for its traditions is truly a blessing for the world. The entire Celestial Master's Mansion is deeply grateful." Zhang Zifan also bowed his head respectfully at the opportune moment to show his agreement.

Xiao Yan smiled, said no more, and looked directly at Li Xingyun, who was unconsciously scratching the back of his head, and said, "Eleventh brother, you will come up the mountain with me. The rest of you can accompany the Empress and the others up behind you."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Xingyun was taken aback for a moment, then quickly replied. He whispered a few instructions to Shangrao, who was holding his daughter beside him, and hurried a few steps to catch up with Xiao Yan, who had already turned around and stepped onto the stone steps.

The Empress nodded slightly to Zhang Xuanling, Xu Huan, and the others, and accompanied by them and Shangrao, she, along with Ji Ruxue and Chi Meng, slowly climbed the mountain behind them.

The stone steps wound upwards, flanked by ancient trees weathered by time. Xiao Yan walked ahead with his hands behind his back, Li Xingyun trailing half a step behind. The mountain was silent, save for the sound of footsteps and the occasional chirping of birds.

After walking a short distance, Xiao Yan didn't turn back and went straight to the point: "You've traveled quite a bit from north to south. Putting aside those military reports and memorials, just from what you've seen, how is the situation of the people in the newly annexed territories compared to before?"

Li Xingyun hadn't expected Xiao Yan to ask this first. After thinking for a moment, he replied, "Your Majesty, the war has subsided quickly, and order has been restored in various places quite rapidly. What I have seen along the way is that markets are gradually reopening and fields are being cultivated. In particular, Your Majesty's implementation of new policies, such as exempting this year's summer tax and canceling previous years' arrears, has indeed made ordinary people more lively and less anxious than before."

At this point, he paused for a moment, pondering, "However... the local areas have long suffered from deep-seated problems, and clans are deeply entrenched. If the court touches upon their interests, there will likely be many who harbor resentment and outwardly comply but inwardly defy it." "Hmm." Xiao Yan wasn't surprised by Li Xingyun's insight, after all, he had been a local emperor for a year. "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. But as long as the general direction is right, the current will eventually wash away the silt. The key is to make most people feel that there is hope for the future."

As he spoke, he beckoned Li Xingyun to come to his side and said, “The world will soon be at peace, and the fighting will gradually subside. From now on, the martial world will no longer be a place for reckless courage and swift revenge. You now have a wife and daughter, so the burden on your shoulders is different. Settling them in and ensuring the stability of your family is the fundamental duty of a husband and a father.”

Li Xingyun was patiently waiting for Xiao Yan to investigate other military and political matters when he suddenly heard these words about family responsibilities, and he was taken aback.

He subconsciously looked up at his elder brother, the emperor, who was a few years taller and older than him. A mix of emotions welled up inside him, and he didn't know what to feel. In the end, he simply smiled, a complex yet warm smile on his face, and nodded, saying, "Your subject understands."

"As for the matter of the Twelve Caves of Raojiang," Xiao Yan continued walking, his tone still calm, "Since Li Yi has already gone ahead, you don't need to rush. It's not too late to go after your family is settled. In all things, plan carefully before you act."

Li Xingyun quickly composed himself and replied respectfully, "I will follow Your Majesty's instructions and make proper arrangements."

The two chatted all the way, and before they knew it, they had arrived at the main hall of the Celestial Master's Mansion, the Hall of the Three Pure Ones. Xiao Yan straightened his clothes and his expression became solemn. Guided by Zhang Xuanling, who had caught up from behind, he entered the hall where the Three Pure Ones were enshrined, and also called Li Xingyun to solemnly offer incense and pay homage before the statue of Laozi.

After the worship ceremony, Xiao Yan, accompanied by Zhang Xuanling and Xu Huan, toured several important sites in the Celestial Master's Mansion and inquired about the preservation and organization of Taoist scriptures.

Later, in the guest hall of the mansion, Xiao Yan formally affirmed Zhang Zifan's merit in pacifying the Chu region and told him that he did not need to accompany the emperor back to Jinling, but could go directly north to Bianjing to study at the Imperial Academy, to settle down and temper his character, etc.

Zhang Zifan respectfully accepted the order and kowtowed to express his gratitude to Heaven.

That night, Xiao Yan and his party stayed at the guesthouse specially prepared by the Celestial Master's Mansion.

The next morning, Xiao Yan handed over the Twelve Caves Tokens he had obtained from Li Chunfeng's mechanical tomb in Raojiang a few years ago to Li Xingyun. He was then escorted to the mountain gate by the entire Celestial Master's Mansion before setting off to return to Jinling.

As we traveled north from Raozhou, the weather grew increasingly cold. A few days later, a proper snowfall finally arrived. At first, it was fine snowflakes that pattered against the car roof, but gradually it turned into a flurry of goose feathers, covering the mountains, fields, and houses along the way with a soft white blanket.

When the carriage left Jiangxi and returned to Nanjing, it was already early winter.

Snowflakes fell sparsely, landing on the still unfrozen surface of the Qinhuai River and melting instantly. A thin layer of white dust settled on the dark tiles of the pavilions and towers along the banks, outlining their serene silhouettes. Carriages entered the gates of Jinling, and pedestrians on the streets hurried along, their clothes wrapped tightly around them.

Xiao Yan had issued an edict in advance, exempting the emperor from any welcoming ceremonies. The imperial carriage then proceeded directly into the palace and stopped inside the palace gates. Zhong Xiao Kui nimbly jumped down from the carriage and placed a footstool. Xiao Yan was the first to alight from the carriage. A chilling aura rushed towards him, and he took a deep breath, the coolness penetrating his lungs.

He had just touched his belt and looked around, not even having a chance to take a closer look at the palace scenery he hadn't seen for half a year, when he heard a affected, pretentious voice rang out.

"Your Majesty~"

Looking in the direction of the sound, one could see the surrendered official dressed in a begonia-red palace gown with a matching white fox fur cloak, walking briskly from under the palace corridor. Behind her were Qianwu, Bago, Li Cunren, and several others. Further away were Yu Youshu, Guangmutian, Yang Yantian, and other women, who had obviously come to greet her upon hearing the news.

The surrendered concubine, accompanied by a fragrant breeze, jogged up to Xiao Yan, then naturally reached out and affectionately embraced one of his arms. She looked up at him with her bright face and her peach blossom eyes sparkling with laughter: "I've missed you so much these past few months!"

She deliberately pouted slightly, with a hint of coquettishness, "You must have had a hard journey through wind and snow, right? Oh dear, just thinking about it makes my heart ache..."

Xiao Yan let her hold his arm, and with his other hand he naturally took the umbrella that the eunuch beside him hurriedly handed over, and held it over their heads to shield them from the sparse falling snowflakes.

Xiao Yan looked down at the surrendered minister's saccharine appearance and found it amusing. He was particularly susceptible to the charms of this seductive older woman, so he deliberately interrupted her, saying, "I hear you saying you miss me terribly, my beloved. But how come I remember that a few months ago someone went to Taiyuan to join in the fun of the drought demon's wedding, having so much fun that he forgot all about home, and didn't even receive a letter?"

The surrendered official, exposed, showed no remorse. Instead, she tightened her grip on his arm and pressed herself closer to him, saying, "Oh dear, Taiyuan is a long way away, and the postal service is inconvenient... Besides, I've always been thinking of Your Majesty. As soon as I heard you were coming back soon, I've been looking forward to it every day."

Xiao Yan chuckled softly, glancing at Qianwu and the other women who were covering their mouths and laughing. He didn't delve into it further, and instead turned his gaze to the Empress who had just stepped down from the carriage.

The surrendered official seemed to only just notice, but he did release his arm from Xiao Yan's and curtsied in the direction of the Empress.
"Oh, Your Majesty the Empress is here too. You must be tired from your journey."

The Empress seemed oblivious to the surrendered minister's posturing, merely smiling faintly. With Guangmu Tian holding another umbrella, she gracefully walked into the palace without even glancing at her. Ji Ruxue and Chi Meng followed closely behind. Taking advantage of the surrendered minister's inattention, Chi Meng turned back and gave her a small, wrinkled nose.

Xiao Yan took in all these little actions and smiled to himself. He wondered when these two had gotten into such a grudge. He shook his head helplessly and walked side by side with the surrendered minister under his umbrella toward the inner palace. At the same time, he asked Qian Wu in a gentle voice about Shuliduo's recent pregnancy and other trivial matters.

That night, the snow gradually stopped. Xiao Yan hosted a family banquet in the palace, and then, on a sudden whim, he took his concubines and left the palace for Phoenix Terrace, the highest scenic spot in Jinling City.

The platform was already properly set up, with brocade curtains hanging around to block the cold wind, and a huge charcoal brazier in the center, providing warmth. The platform offered a wide view, overlooking most of Jinling City, where the lights of half the city and the white snow on the ground reflected each other, creating a unique and beautiful scene.

Li Mingzhao, dressed in a thick brocade robe, toddled along on the carpeted floor, occasionally giggling, drawing everyone's attention. Li Dai, meanwhile, sat quietly in his wet nurse's lap, curiously looking around.

The food and wine were exquisite, and the atmosphere was harmonious. Xiao Yan sat in the main seat, with the Empress close beside him. After a few cups of warm wine, the last trace of chill was dispelled. He looked at his wives and concubines, each with their own unique charm, chatting and laughing under the lamplight, and at the children playing not far away. He felt that life was perfect, and his heart was filled with contentment.

After several rounds of drinks, the Empress turned her head slightly and said softly to Xiao Yan, "This southern tour lasted half a year, and we were exhausted from the journey, but we have finally achieved our goal and returned safely."

Upon hearing this, Xiao Yan naturally reached out and put his arm around the Empress's shoulder, letting her lean gently against him.

"Yes, in the past six months, we have traveled through the ancient lands of Wu and Yue, witnessed the waves of the Fujian Sea, traversed the red soil of Jiangxi, and crossed the miasma of Lingnan... Fortunately, thanks to the bravery of our soldiers and the dedication of our officials, the flames of war have finally dissipated, and this vast land has been initially stabilized."

As the Emperor and Empress whispered among themselves, the crowd gradually quieted down. Even the playful Li Mingzhao was gently soothed by her wet nurse and nestled beside her.

Xiao Yan paused, his gaze becoming distant, and continued slowly, "As the old saying goes, it is easy to conquer the world, but difficult to govern it. Now, the war is finally over; next... it is time to settle down and properly manage this hard-won vast land, to lay a solid foundation for future generations, and to establish some lasting rules."

He smiled as he spoke, glancing at Mingzhao, who was playing, and Adai, who was quiet. He continued, “The children are growing up... Let’s spend this New Year in Jinling properly, and then set off back to Bianjing. It’s time to put an end to this chaotic world and begin a new, glorious era.”

(End of this chapter)