As an official, what's wrong with raising a few monsters?

Chapter 313 Reassure the Emperor

The altar for worshipping Heaven in Yueyang is very high, and you can see very, very far away.

Xiao Xinyue, dressed in elegant attire, looked down at the assembled officials, her gaze stretching out to the vast expanse of the world.

I felt as if a surge of boundless pride had welled up within me.

She raised her palm and looked at it; a white mark remained on her palm.

He murmured softly, "I swear by my blood... Heaven and earth bear witness, a glorious era is coming."

That year, she fled the capital, slashed her hand with a sword, and swore an oath in blood.

The vows of the past echoed in my mind.

Now she has taken the first step steadily and safely.

Just then, the jade seal that Mingchen returned to her suddenly emitted a stream of light, shooting straight into the sky.

Centered on Xiao Xinyue, a storm of events unfolds, and the world loses its color.

……

"Rush..."

"No, no, I surrender! Don't kill me!"

"Open the city gates! Let's open the city gates and surrender!"

"What's the point of continuing the fight?!"

"We are all Qian Yuan people!"

"Look...look, what's that?!"

"This this……"

……

A solemn and dignified sacrificial ceremony to Heaven is being held in Yueyang City.

However, other places are not so peaceful.

With the collapse of the Great Qi, Qian Yuan launched a massive eastward campaign to reclaim lost territory, sweeping away everything in his path like a tiger descending a mountain.

The various factions in the East were in complete chaos.

Suddenly, people seemed to sense something and all looked in the same direction, their faces filled with shock.

A resolute voice, seemingly both near and far, suddenly rang in my ears: "I swear by my blood..."

Last time, it was the sun, moon, mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas of Qian Yuan, heroes and common people, who told Xiao Xinyue about the chaos in the country.

Xiao Xinyue could hear the will of this land and the voice of its people.

Now, Xiao Xinyue has conveyed her voice and will to every corner of the country.

In an instant, within the territory of Qian Yuan.

Farmers peacefully tilling the land, soldiers suffering from the hardships of war, displaced disaster victims, heartless people who have lost hope, ambitious figures who want to carve out their own empires, and talented individuals with lofty aspirations... they all stared blankly in the direction of the capital.

Not only people, but even plants, insects, fish, deer, and rabbits in the mountains seemed to sense something and looked up.

Mountains and rivers materialized, and space rippled like water with enormous waves.

A giant fish leaped out of the water and soared into the sky.

High above the heavens, there stands an exquisitely magnificent gate, where celestial clouds drift and radiant light flows.

Beneath the Heavenly Gate stands a solitary throne, exuding the utmost reverence; ordinary people seem not even daring to glance at it.

This is an unusual phenomenon!

Landscape painting, swimming fish, heavenly gate, throne... These images appeared when Dong Zhuo usurped the throne and the world was in chaos.

Is this some kind of omen?

However, this time, unlike the last time, it didn't just start and then disappear.

Fish swam toward the gates of the sky, and starlight poured in from all directions of the country, converging toward Yueyang City.

Directly above the Yueyang Altar of Heaven, at the edge of the sky, radiant light and flowing energy abound.

Time seemed to stand still as everyone watched the strange phenomenon unfold.

The golden fish swayed its tail slowly as it swam toward the horizon.

Its tail sways very slowly, but very quickly.

It's getting bigger and bigger, and farther and farther away.

It seemed as if it were so high that it could stand shoulder to shoulder with the blazing sun in the sky.

Finally, it swam to the magnificent and dazzling Heavenly Gate and wandered among the sea of ​​clouds.

As if gathering its strength for a moment, it suddenly sprang up, wagged its tail, and leaped toward the door.

For a moment, everyone's heart tightened, as if a crucial moment had arrived.

At the same time, dark clouds gathered overhead, thunder roared, and gusts of wind blew. The sky transformed into a massive cliff, with countless streams rushing downwards.

Lightning flashed, and the apocalyptic scene seemed capable of destroying everything.

However, the fish ignored everything and swam towards the horizon against the fierce wind and thunder.

Amidst the scattered lightning, it leaped over the magnificent and dazzling Heavenly Gate.

In that instant, everything vanished into thin air.

The thunder disappeared, the fierce wind vanished, and the dark clouds disappeared under the infinite auspicious light.

All obstacles disappeared.

The fish trembled and transformed into countless streams of light that scattered down.

"roar~"

The faint sound of dragon roars echoed from the sky, and a fleeting dragon shadow seemed to be seen among the layers of clouds.

At the same time, an invisible force seemed to be gathering and brewing in the country.

The golden scales transformed into streams of light that scattered to every corner of the world.

The people stretched out their hands, basking in the radiance.

Even in times of war, even in times of suffering, even for those who have completely lost hope in life.

Unconsciously, a strange feeling arose in my heart.

The world seems to have changed somewhat.

They inexplicably believed in the solemn blood oath that chaos and disaster would soon end, and stability and peace would arrive.

……

"Your Majesty, I have already dispatched troops to take control of the three passes of Qianyuan."

"The northern border of Qianyuan Yueyang has no insurmountable passes; the initiative is in our hands!"

Bei Lie, Qing Cang Imperial Palace.

The general, dressed in full military attire, reported to the monarch with some excitement.

Although a considerable price was paid, the peace gained from the Jinglan Alliance in exchange for the Qian Yuan Three Passes was worthwhile.

The Northern Army has completed the irrigation canals and is now poised to launch a southward offensive.

Possessing these three passes is tantamount to possessing the initiative in the war.

Below the three passes lies a plain with no natural defenses.

As long as Bei Lie is well prepared, it can find a reason to start a war and begin its unification cause at any time.

To wash away the eighty years of national humiliation in the north and fulfill our long-cherished wish.

Beilie has been developing smoothly in recent years.

It's time for the Northern Lie to rule this world.

A few days ago, when the Beilie Canal was completed, there was a strange phenomenon of a tiger roaring to the sky.

This is an omen, this is destiny.

The heavens are on their side; their Northern Tiger Lord is about to rule the world.

The news was deliberately spread, and the people of Beilie were eager and excited.

However, when he met his gaze, Qin Lou remained calm and showed no joy.

There's nothing to be happy about having a small advantage.

Only when final victory arrives can we have the right to laugh.

Qin Lou shook his head slightly and said calmly, "If Qian Yuan doesn't move the capital, Yueyang City won't have that much strategic significance anymore."

"Not moving the capital?"

Tian Hong frowned upon hearing this.

The political center of five hundred years—even if we take it back, won't we move the capital?

Xiao Xinyue is quite ruthless.

However, it's a benefit in any case.

It's just that a big benefit has been reduced to a smaller one.

He paused, then continued, "Your Majesty, now that Qian Yuan has marched east, when should we prepare to raise an army?"

"I believe that the sooner the better, so that we can strike before they can establish a firm foothold."

In the last war, he suffered a silent loss at the hands of Ling Yu.

There will definitely be no rematch this time.

"kindness……"

Qin Lou pondered for a moment, just about to speak, when he seemed to sense something, quickly ran out of the main hall, and looked south.

Tian Hong followed closely behind, but when he went outside and saw what was happening, his face showed surprise: "This..."

The sight of golden fish leaping across the sky is breathtaking.

A battle between dragon and tiger.

Qin Lou watched this scene quietly, unconsciously clenching his fists.

Who will rule the world in the next century?
……

"I was just being redundant."

In the past, a black dragon once shattered the sky, the nation was in decline, treacherous officials seized power, righteous armies waged war, the world was torn apart, and the people were displaced.

Now that the golden scales have crossed the Heavenly Gate, this will be a turning point. The land will be recovered, the mountains and rivers will be restarted, and a magnificent and powerful aura will grow in the spirit of pride and heroism. The chaotic cycle will pass, and a brand new era and a brand new national atmosphere will soon be established.

The little bird landed on Mingchen's shoulder, and the little snake crawled into Mingchen's arms.

Mingchen looked up at the awe-inspiring spectacle on the dome and sighed softly to himself.

What kind of omen is it for a cuckoo to usurp someone else's place?!

Originally, they planned to create a grand spectacle for their emperor, a scene of auspicious dragon and phoenix.

Now it seems that's no longer necessary. The fish finally leaped over the Heavenly Gate and transformed into a dragon, departing for heaven.

Everything vanished, the roar of dragons echoed, and auspicious light lingered in the sky.

The sky was clearly clear, but a light drizzle began to fall.

Instead of creating an obstacle, it nourished the people below like sweet dew, and a colorful rainbow bridge was built in the sky.

Everyone stared in stunned silence, awestruck by the extraordinary sight.

"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years! May the Qian Yuan era live ten thousand years!"

Someone spoke first, though it was unclear who it was.

The peace was shattered.

In an instant, shouts rose and fell.

The courtiers knelt, their faces filled with reverence and excitement, shouting loudly, "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Qian Yuan era!"

They have returned to the old capital; they have pacified the land.

The Restoration of the Qian Yuan Era!

Golden scales leaping through the heavenly gate, raining down and transforming into dragons—these are omens.

Your Majesty is a wise ruler, and they are virtuous ministers!
To leave a mark on history, to enrich the nation and strengthen its people, and to have a future full of hope.

How could this not be exciting?

Meanwhile, the people in the city did almost the same thing, worshipping and shouting in the same direction.

As the center of everything, Xiao Xinyue quietly gazed at the infinite auspiciousness of the dome, unconsciously clenching her fists.

What just happened was beyond her expectations, and it was clearly not the strange phenomenon that Mingchen had told her about.

She felt her feelings for this country and this world becoming increasingly profound.

She felt her strength growing, and the responsibilities she bore becoming clearer.

She felt as if she were bound to this country, its mountains, rivers, lakes, and its people.

She is the emperor, she is Qian Yuan, and Qian Yuan is her.

That swimming fish is also her.

Her every thought and action will affect the rise and fall of the entire country.

This feeling is indescribable; it is both joyful and heavy.

She looked down at the prostrate officials, one of whom stood out from the crowd, quietly watching her with a gentle smile.

The two looked at each other and said nothing.

"call!"

Thankfully, he is still himself.

She let out a soft breath, and everything returned to calm.

"Everyone is safe."

Next, it's time to move on to the next step.

"Blessed by the grace of Heaven, you, the civil and military officials, have worked together with one heart and one mind to accomplish this great undertaking."

"When I was in the early days of the dynasty, I shared joys and sorrows with you all, braving wind and rain. Today's achievements are truly due to the efforts of you all. Some of you have devised strategies within the command tent, winning battles a thousand miles away; some of you have donned armor and wielded weapons, charging into battle and being invincible; some of you have transported grain and supplies, ensuring the military's needs, and making contributions to the nation; and some of you have spread your power and virtue, pacifying the regions and bringing peace to the people."

"Today we will reward those who have made contributions."

The Qian Yuan system has now basically stabilized.

With its absolute dominance over the entire Qian Yuan territory, it's only a matter of time before it reclaims its lost lands.

Now that the regime has stabilized, it's time to consider the next steps.

This sacrificial ceremony, besides announcing to the world Xiao Xinyue's legitimate status in the old capital, also served as a way to reward those who had contributed, providing a year-end summary and bonus distribution for the cadres who had come this far.

Offering sacrifices to Heaven is merely symbolic; this is what truly matters.

Those who deserve promotions will be promoted, and those who deserve raises will receive raises.

The emperor cannot bestow rewards indiscriminately, but he also cannot be too stingy, otherwise he will discourage meritorious officials.

No matter how incorruptible or how devoted to the country one is, one still needs to eat, and may even need compensation.

This is a matter of course.

In a sense, those who are most loyal and devoted to the country deserve the greatest rewards.

This will motivate them to work harder and be more devoted.

This way, others will see it, and I will be even more loyal to the country.

This is a positive cycle.

Now comes the main event.

What do subjects seek?

Wealth and honor, a place in history, national stability... you don't necessarily have to choose one of these things; you can have them all.

In an instant, the ministers stood up, emerging from the shock of the strange phenomenon and settling into reality.

This concerns their own interests.

Their eyes shone as they stared intently at the high platform, their gazes bright and full of anticipation.

This is something that will have one's name engraved in history, bringing blessings to one's descendants!
A servant stepped forward, holding a brocade book in his hands, and loudly proclaimed: "General Meng Yuqiang of Andong led a northern expedition to Luzhou, defeated 8,000 enemy soldiers, and guarded Shenjiang. He has made outstanding military achievements and is hereby granted the title of Earl of Keyi, with an annual stipend of 600 shi (a unit of grain).

As soon as he finished speaking, an excited young man knelt down on the ground: "Your subject kowtows on behalf of my father to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's grace."

The general was away on a mission to recover lost territory and was not present at the ceremony; his family members presented him with the medal on his behalf.

The attendant simply nodded slightly to him and continued, "General Wang Hanbo, who led the westward expedition, annihilated the Xiongnu, defended the border, killed 30,000 enemies, and intimidated the Western Rong. He was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Suling and received an annual stipend of one thousand shi (a unit of grain).

The solemn-faced middle-aged general bowed to Xiao Xinyue and said, "Your subject will only repay Your Majesty's kindness with utmost loyalty and sacrifice."

"General Du Chenliang, the Valiant Warrior..."

"General Xuanwei Zai Zhixing..."

Time flowed slowly, and one name after another was announced by the waiter.

Whether big or small, as long as someone has made a contribution or done something beneficial for the country, Xiao Xinyue will remember it and reward them.

Once enough merit has been earned, a noble title will be bestowed upon them.

If the merits are insufficient, reward them with money.

Some people's official positions are also promoted as a result.

Each minister or their family member whose name was mentioned was filled with excitement and gratitude, swearing allegiance and vowing to serve the country to the death.

"Yun Zheng, the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, is a man of extraordinary talent. He works diligently to reform the new laws, and has repeatedly come up with ingenious strategies, leading to the establishment of new marquises..."

A young man, not even twenty years old, had been granted the title of Marquis.

His future is even more promising.

Having witnessed the astonishing phenomenon of fish leaping towards the Heavenly Gate twice, and seeing the dignified and peerless Empress, Yun Zheng became even more convinced that his choice was correct.

"Feng Xiaozhong, a pillar of the nation, saved the country from peril, was selfless and devoted to public service, and was granted the title of Duke of Ningguo..."

"General Xiao Ling..."

"General Ling Yu..."

The later parts become increasingly heavyweight.

This time, Xiao Xinyue didn't accept the reward; instead, she bestowed lavish gifts upon the recipient.

Several meritorious officials who had been assigned to follow Xiao Zhengyang when she left the capital were all granted titles.

Feng Xiaozhong, Xiao Ling, Ling Yu, and other key figures were all granted the title of Duke and were also granted immunity from death.

This is only natural.

A nation always needs people with profound merit and high status to stand on its side.

They were the original shareholders who followed His Majesty from the very beginning. They have worked hard and made great contributions along the way, surviving countless near-death experiences. Everyone admires them.

It was getting late, and the sun had already set.

The servants who were announcing the imperial decree had hoarse voices, but they dared not slacken their pace for even a moment.

Because the higher the grade, the more heavyweight it is.

After talking about Ling Yu, it seemed that only one person remained.

The last long line of text.

The waiter swayed and raised his voice, saying, "Lord Jing'an, Mingchen!"

Before he could finish speaking, Xiao Xinyue stepped forward, snatched the brocade book from his hand, and looked at the smiling man.

His handsome face was bathed in the golden glow of the setting sun, exuding gentle elegance.

He was also looking at her intently, his bright eyes reflecting Xiao Xinyue's face, as if waiting for her to tell him everything they had experienced along the way.

Xiao Xinyue shook her head for a moment, then said loudly, "I will read it myself!"

In an instant, everyone's spirits lifted.

You are special; Your Majesty read it aloud personally.

What a great favor this is!
This man, who holds the highest position in the court, is about to advance even further.

The position of Duke is a foregone conclusion.

Ling Yu was just granted the title of Duke of Yingguo for his outstanding achievements, so Mingchen certainly won't be left behind.

Two dukes from the same family.

This family enjoys such high trust from the emperor, which is somewhat against the rules and unprecedented in history, isn't it?
However, since they have truly made great contributions, there's nothing that can be said about it.

How will the title be inherited in the future?
Happy troubles.

"Lord Jing'an, Mingchen, saved my life amidst the chaos, restored order, and set the tone for Ji Qu. In the midst of the nation's peril, you single-handedly ventured into the land ravaged by bandits, forging an alliance and protecting our dynasty from the ravages of war. When barbarians humiliated us, you led eight hundred cavalry straight into the heart of the grasslands, slaying one hundred thousand enemies—no one could withstand you. You devised a brilliant strategy to pacify the grasslands, turning the barbarians into our vassals. Your exceptional talent has reformed the old system, developed science, and promoted new species, making our dynasty prosperous and our people wealthy. You led your army eastward, quelled the bandits, and annihilated the Bloodstained Army, creating a favorable situation for our eastward expansion..."

What Xiao Xinyue said was not the pre-written, flowery language in the letter.

She just stared at Mingchen, memories swirling in her mind.

Those beautiful fragments of memory have always been kept in the deepest part of her heart.

She remembers every single incident and every single event.

At that moment, I couldn't help but say it.

She lowered her eyes, stared intently at Mingchen, and said with a sigh, "How fortunate we are! With you, Qian Yuan has brought peace to the divine artifact, bringing prosperity to the nation and turning the tide of history."

"How fortunate I am to have you! Even when I reach the end of the road, I have nothing to fear."

"I hereby bestow upon you the title of Duke of Anguo, to bring peace to the country, the people, and the world..."

To put my mind at ease.

(End of this chapter)