Memoirs of the Heavenly Khan

Chapter 253 It is a great honor to be the King of Qin's dog
Changan.

In the late winter of the second year of Yong'an, the Prince of Qin's mansion was bustling with activity.

The generals, commanders, and other personnel from various military commands and tributary states under the Qin King's residence gathered in the mansion to summarize the gains and losses of the year's work and to discuss the direction and priorities for future work.

In the hall, the most heated argument was between Wang Sizheng, the infrastructure enthusiast, and Jia Sixie, the agricultural expert.

As the King of Qin, Li Shuang sat at the head of the table, which was the largest in the entire hall.

On the left are a group of military generals including Yang Kan, Gao Ang, Hou Jing, Peng Le, Xue Xiuyi, Xue Guyan, Pei Qingsun, and Hou Mochen Chong.

To the right are the governors of the Jiji Prefecture, including Huli Jin, She Digan, Cao Ni, Po Liu Han Chang, He Dou Ling Bu Fan, and Yu Jiu Lü Fa.

What's remarkable is that Yu Jin also came to Chang'an from Shuozhou. At this moment, he is sitting next to Li Shuang.

The crowd drank their wine while listening to the two men argue.

"The reason why the Liang army and the Qiang and Di tribes dared to attack our army when Your Majesty went to Hedong is because we did not build enough cities and fortifications, which gave them the courage."

As a construction enthusiast, Wang Sizheng has set his sights on large-scale construction projects in the future.

However, Jia Sixie held a different opinion.

"Why build so many fortified cities in the Guanzhong Plain, which is surrounded by natural barriers? We should encourage the people to reclaim wasteland, cultivate more farmland, plant trees, raise bees, and grow mulberry trees."

Jia Sixie firmly believes that next year's work should focus on the development of industries such as agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and animal husbandry.

Both sides had a cordial and friendly exchange, and both expressed reservations about the other's proposal.

"You're talking nonsense! If we don't build a city, where will the soldiers of each military prefecture live? If we don't build a city, will we still fight Liangzhou next year? If we don't build a city, what will we do if the barbarians around Guanzhong are blind and start trouble again?"

"You're the one talking nonsense! If we don't farm, what will the soldiers in each military prefecture eat? If we don't farm, will we have to rely on the three granaries again for military provisions when we conquer Liangzhou next year? If we don't farm, how will the soldiers in the border military prefectures have the perseverance to defend their homes when the barbarians invade?"

Just then, Li Daoyuan came out.

Li Daoyuan, holding a prestigious position, sat on the other side of Li Shuang.

As soon as the old man came out, everyone around fell silent.

There was no other reason than that, as an imperial censor, Li Daoyuan had the responsibility of supervising both civil and military officials in Guanzhong. In addition, he was upright and dared to mess with anyone, so everyone was somewhat afraid of him.

“I think Jia Zuo Cheng’s words make sense. Guanzhong is poor, but it is not that Guanzhong was poor to begin with. We should adapt to local conditions, reclaim wasteland for farming, and promote animal husbandry.”

Wang Sizheng's expression changed, Jia Sixie nodded slightly, and while the generals and commanders all looked indifferent, Li Daoyuan continued:
“Farming and raising livestock require water, and to get water, we need to dig wells and build canals. I think the ancient Qin and Han canals in the Wei River Basin should be dredged and repaired starting next year. Water conservancy projects near Chang’an City should also be started. We have no choice but to do it! We should build canals first, otherwise we will always rely on livestock to transport grain and supplies, which is not only wasteful but also burdensome for the people.”

Wang Sizheng was quite angry when he heard this.

“Imperial Censor Li, I respect you as a senior official, but what you’re saying makes no sense. If you start digging this canal, how will you get anything else done?”

“Wang Youcheng, how am I being unreasonable? Can’t we just leave the canal unfinished? Isn’t building the canal more important than repairing those few dilapidated cities?”

Just as the two were arguing, Jia Sixie spoke up:

"The canals must be dug, the city must be built, but the fields must be cultivated first!"

……

Li Shuang yawned as she listened to the three arguing. It was all about things that cost money, and it was so annoying.

Just as the three of them were arguing and starting to catch their breath, Li Shuang spoke up.

“Build a city, dig canals, reclaim wasteland. Each of you choose a place and start doing it.”

After hearing this, the three of them gave up.

Next, it was the turn of the various governors of the Jimi Prefecture to make their appearance.

Huli Jin was ranked first among the commanders, but it was Cao Ni who stepped forward first.

"Your Majesty, this year our tribe joined the Imperial Household Department and received Your Majesty's warrant for punishing the wicked and comforting the people. Wherever we went, the people welcomed us with food and drink. Although there are many people from beyond the borders of Ling, Xia, An, and Shuo, they understand Your Majesty's hardships and the painstaking efforts you have made for the country. They are willing to offer their cattle, sheep, horses, camels, gold and silver utensils, men and women from their tribes to relieve Your Majesty's worries." Upon hearing this, Li Shuang's spirits lifted.

"Even those who have been exiled should be treated with compassion; this is not a good idea!"

“If Your Majesty speaks like this, are you not far removed from us? This year, my tribe entered the north of Lingzhou and occupied Licheng County. I am willing to offer all that my tribe has gained to Your Majesty.”

As she spoke, Cao Ni bowed deeply, her face flushed with excitement.

"To be the King of Qin's dog is our greatest honor!"

The governors of the various tributary states looked at Cao Ni, and couldn't help but curse him inwardly.

You fucking bastard!

The leaders of various tribes and the governors of the tributary states originally intended to just go through the motions, but Cao Ni's actions put them in a passive position.

At present, they had no choice but to spend a lot of money and offer a large number of gifts.

Of course, we can't refuse to give it to them!
"Chili Ping, you said you handed over 70% of your tribe's spoils, is that right?"

The tribal chief, named Chiliping, kept his head down, feeling Li Shuang's gaze. He was covered in sweat, but he did not confess honestly.

"Yes, Your Majesty!"

At this moment, Hou Jing stepped forward and angrily rebuked:
"Nonsense! Last year you robbed the Qiang tribes near Anding, and this year you robbed the Xubu tribe, killed their tribal chief, and took their wives and daughters. You got at least 30,000 head of cattle and sheep and more than 2,000 men and women. You tell the king that you offered 70% of it. Who are you trying to fool?"

Upon hearing this, Chi Liping immediately knelt down.

"Your Majesty, my lord..."

"What 'subject'? You dare to call yourself a subject before my king? Guards, drag him out!"

Chiliping was the leader of a small tribe and had not yet been granted the title of governor. At this moment, as he was being dragged out, his cries of pleas could be heard continuously.

Upon seeing this, all the tribal chiefs lowered their heads.

Li Shuang said:
“It’s not that I, as the king, am being unkind, but that brat Chiliping has committed all sorts of evil deeds, plundering the people and causing immense suffering. Most importantly, he is dishonest. From this moment on, the evidence of his crimes of 'relieving the people and punishing the innocent' is revoked. From now on, our fates are no longer our concern!”

Just then, an announcement came from outside the hall.

"Your Majesty, Prince Yang Shaoxian of Wuxing requests an audience!"

Li Shuang was stunned and didn't react.

"Who?"

At this moment, Yu Jin reminded him from the side:

"Your Majesty is the leader of a tribe of Di people in Liangzhou. When Wuxing Kingdom was conquered, he, the King of Wuxing, was sent to Luoyang. Later, taking advantage of the chaos in Luoyang, he escaped back to Liangzhou and resumed his title of King of Wuxing."

Upon hearing this, Li Shuang waved his hand and said:
"Let him in!"

As soon as Yang Shaoxian entered the hall, his voice trembled with tears as he said:
"Your Majesty, please stand up for me! Yang Fachen is no human being!"

What did he do to you?

"He seized my troops and killed my men under the pretext of convening a Di people's meeting!"

Upon hearing this, Li Shuang sighed:

"Throughout history, countless heroes and great men have fallen during meetings. Generals, remember this well!"

Thinking of Chi Liping from earlier, everyone lowered their heads and cupped their hands in greeting:
"Your Majesty is wise!"

……

(End of this chapter)