You have truly caused me great suffering!

When news of the Jin army's southward invasion arrived, everyone in the camp at the north gate of Bianliang was thrilled.

Everyone has made a trip to the capital, gaining both face and substance, and also witnessed the ascension of our Dingnan Army's eldest brother to the throne.

Now it's time to go and earn military merit again.

The Tartars never gave us this opportunity before.

However, the transfer order was delayed, and everyone couldn't help but feel anxious.

The bestowal of titles upon Han Shizhong, Wu Jie, and Li Xiaozhong—two soldiers and one commoner—was like a shot of adrenaline for all the men of the Great Jing.

In an era where military merit could elevate even lowly soldiers and commoners to the rank of king, the army's fighting power was so formidable it could shatter the heavens.

On the riverbank outside the camp, several men were washing their warhorses. Han Shizhong's most trusted vanguard, Jie Yuan, held a brush in his hand and, ignoring the cool spring water, simply washed the saddle.

"Tell me, what exactly does the Emperor mean?"

"Could it be that they're keeping us in Bianliang as imperial guards?"

Commander Xu Shi'an shook his head and said, "Even if we were to leave the Imperial Guards behind, it would be the Lingwu Camp. We are all border troops. We have participated in every battle since Nuanquan Peak and were at the height of our momentum. Why would we suddenly withdraw?"

Cheng Min, a trusted confidant personally promoted by Han Shizhong, sneered: "General Han doesn't come to the camp anymore. He enjoys himself in Bianliang all day long. He has already been made a king, so he doesn't care about his brothers anymore! I think it's probably because General Han didn't fight for us, so the emperor has forgotten about us!"

Xu Shian nodded and said, "I think that's the case too."

The soldiers in the camp are now visibly anxious.

The appeal of military merit is too great; the phenomenon of the Jin army marching south may disappear in a few years.

During the Tang Dynasty, border troops often engaged in various inhumane practices in pursuit of military merit, which sometimes drove ethnic minorities in the defended areas to revolt.

Even figures like Geshu Han and An Lushan once used the guise of inviting people to dinner and drinks to invite their tribal chiefs and chieftains, then beheaded them all and claimed they were rebelling, thus wiping out their tribes to gain military merit.

At that time, it was common for soldiers to be promoted to military governors based on their military merits.

The current level of effort is no less than it was back then; they've even brought out the title of "King."

They couldn't help but be envious.

"Go ask him, wasn't his military merit earned by his brothers risking their lives for him?"

"You've probably forgotten him long ago. Don't you remember Huyan Tong?"

A group of young military officers, growing increasingly angry as they talked, were about to head into the city to find Han Shizhong.
-
Han Shizhong got up very early and was directing his personal guards to move things into his residence, as the emperor had bestowed the residence in Zhaodefang upon him.

Although I know I'm moving soon and probably won't be able to stay in Bianliang for long.

But Han Shizhong was still very happy with such a luxurious house.

At this moment, several military officers entered the city from the suburban camp and headed straight for Marshal Han's residence.

Han Shizhong laughed heartily, "You all know what I asked that Doctor Xu to say again?"

The guard beside him laughed and said, "It's a new residence, a recent move into a new home."

"Yes, yes, I'm coming to the house. You all know I'm coming to the house?" He glanced at his trusted subordinates and cursed, "You bunch of rude thieves and convicts, why did you come empty-handed?"

Jieyuan stepped forward and shouted, "General Han, have you forgotten all your brothers now that you've proclaimed yourself a king?"

He was handpicked by Han Shizhong, who favored him as his vanguard. Even the later "History of Song Dynasty: Biography of Han Shizhong" states explicitly: "The top scholar was brave and skilled in battle, serving as Shizhong's henchman."

"That's right, what did you say back then? To share wealth and honor! Now you've got a high-ranking official position and a mansion to live in, but what about the lives of your brothers?"

Han Shizhong looked on with suspicion. Why were these people so agitated? Had they been targeted?
The person who could discipline these soldiers at this time must be extraordinary. Han Shizhong dared not speak too confidently, lest it be someone he couldn't afford to offend.

He lowered his voice and said, "Who has bullied you? Tell me, and we'll go to the officials to seek justice. No matter what, we are all the officials' loyal followers. We've been following him since Hengshan. If he doesn't protect us, who else can he protect!"

The scholar didn't reply, but instead asked, "Does Commander Han know that the Tartars are marching south?"

Han Shizhong nodded.

"We have fought countless bloody battles to drive the Tartars out of Youyan, and now that military merit has been delivered to our doorstep, why should that scoundrel Yue Fei pick it up so easily!"

Han Shizhong felt a headache coming on as soon as he heard this, and hurriedly said, "I, Han Shizhong, swear to Heaven that I recommended you to the Emperor just a few days ago!"

He felt a little guilty, as he had recommended Yue Fei, but it seemed the Emperor only listened to this one.

The ruthless fear the stubborn, and the stubborn fear the reckless. Han Shizhong looked at these people, his eyes were red, as if he was about to jump up and bite them at any moment. He himself was also afraid.

Moreover, these were his closest confidants, so he was obligated to help them.

The incident involving Hu Yantong has already chilled the hearts of many people, and Han Shizhong is now very concerned about protecting his subordinates in order to salvage his reputation.

Everyone was skeptical when they heard this.

Seeing this, Han Shizhong angrily said, "Would I lie to you? You bunch of scoundrels, coming to question me so early in the morning, if this were in the army, you'd be in for a beating."

Seeing that he didn't seem to be faking it, Xu Shi'an sighed and said, "A beating is nothing. As long as we can go to the front lines, we can endure a hundred beatings. We are just eager to fight. We hope that you, our lord, will not hesitate to go to the emperor and pass on a message for us. We only want to die on the battlefield to repay the emperor's kindness. We do not want to stay in Bianliang in comfort."

"That's right, that's right!"

Han Shizhong pondered for a while and decided that it would be worthwhile to go and see what the Emperor really meant.

After all, he was currently idle, and if the emperor needed him to go to the front lines, Han Shizhong would be happy to go again.

He was born without fear of war.

Since Han Shizhong was going to the palace to fight for his brothers, he was still the same benevolent commander. Everyone quickly surrounded him and rode to the capital.

Shortly after the announcement, someone came to proclaim it. Han Shizhong's eyes lit up, and he said, "Let's all go together!"

"His Majesty meant to go together," the messenger guard said.

Han Shizhong nodded and led his men into the Chuigong Hall.

At this moment, Chen Shao was discussing matters with a group of officials. When they saw them enter, he waved them off.

Han Shizhong and a group of his men stood aside, and after a while, someone brought him a chair.

After Han Shizhong sat down, a group of military officers gathered around him and stood in formation.

Chen Shao and the officials talked for a long time, seemingly about land ownership. Finally, he turned to them and said with a smile, "You've come at the perfect time."

Han Shizhong and his men's eyes lit up. What did they mean by "just in time"? Did the Emperor originally intend for us to go on the expedition?

"You have followed me for many years and made great contributions, which I remember in my heart."

"I intend to use the national treasury to purchase fertile land in Liangzhe, Lianghuai, Jiangnan East Road, Jingxi, and Jingdong, and distribute it to your soldiers according to their merits in battle."

"Once everyone is settled, we'll hire some farmhands; it won't be in vain that we've followed you all this way!"

Upon hearing this, Han Shizhong was astonished that the Emperor possessed such vision and skill.

Chen Shao had 100,000 iron cavalry. It was impossible for all of them to be ennobled or appointed as generals, but Chen Shao could send them to the richest places in the land.

They became small landowners in the local area, similar to Chao Gai, employing farmhands and settling down.

This would dismantle the deep-rooted networks of relationships among the gentry in these wealthy and fertile lands.

Aren't you all powerful and influential? Aren't you local bullies?

If it were anyone else, even if they were allocated land, they would gradually be assimilated and weakened by these gentry.

Aside from violent reforms and bloody massacres, they were virtually invincible. Those who received land were generally ordinary people, who were unable to resist them.

However, Chen Shao deployed over 100,000 "Chao Gai" men. These 100,000 men were in a similar position to Chao Gai, but they did not have Chao Gai's rebellious intentions. They were all the foundational force that he built together with to establish the Great Jing Dynasty.

The Great Jing Dynasty was built by them; they wouldn't rebel against themselves.

Moreover, they all knew each other and were familiar with each other, and they also had connections in the imperial court. No matter how powerful the gentry or how local bullies they were, they would have to think twice before trying to scheme against them.

This was Chen Shao's desperate measure to undermine the enemy's defenses.

The gentry should be governed by people like this.

When your future policies are implemented at the local level, you need these people to cooperate in their execution.

I inherited the Song Dynasty without resorting to violence, so the empire's core members are the gentry, who may not necessarily share my sentiments.

Chen Shao intended to replace these people with his own men, which could be considered the most righteous act in history towards the soldiers who fought for him to conquer the world.

The next step is simply to survey the land and acquire the farmland that has been excessively consolidated.

You won't pay?
Then you just wait and see. Under the national policy of the Song Dynasty, which wealthy family doesn't have hidden land?

In the first round, you are allowed to sell, but in the second round, I will not pay you. Hiding land is a crime according to the law, even the law of the Song Dynasty. Chen Shao said to these people, "I know that you have the ambition to make contributions, but you can rest assured that there will be many more opportunities to make contributions in the future."

"Don't think that just because the Jin Dynasty is gone, there will be no more wars. I assure you, there will be plenty of opportunities in the future. As for whether you can seize them, that's up to you."

After leaving the imperial city, everyone remained silent, lost in their own thoughts. The soldiers all owned land, and naturally, they themselves would receive a share as well.

The key point is that this is fertile land, enough to settle down my family and even my clan.

Han Shizhong sneered and cursed, "Now that you know the land is going to be divided, you're not making a fuss with me anymore!"

"What are you saying, Coach En? Even if we are reckless, we wouldn't dare to cause trouble for you."

"Go to hell! Let me tell you, the officials always keep their word. You'd better settle your families first before you try to get your official positions. That way you'll have less to worry about, and at least you'll know you have land to cultivate!"

After Han Shizhong finished speaking, his subordinates all laughed and echoed him, appearing to completely obey Commander En's orders.
-
Jiaozhi, Daluo City.

Zhang Boyu is hosting a banquet for Wu Jie and Wang Bing today to congratulate Wu Jie.

Although he knew that the current emperor never mistreated his own people, Wu Jie was still momentarily dazed when the imperial edict conferring the title of prince arrived.

In Daluo City, Wu Jie always thought that the imperial city was really well built. Although it had a bit of an exotic style, the main theme was still the magnificent and grand style of the Central Plains with flying eaves and brackets.

While it may not rival the grandeur of the imperial city of Xingqing Prefecture in Western Xia, the presence of pavilions, terraces, and floral arrangements among the palaces makes it appear more refined and vibrant.

After all, the trees here are evergreen, and the afterglow of dusk shines on the glazed tiles, bathing the palaces and halls in a dazzling array of colors.

After everyone was seated in the palace pavilion, Zhang Boyu stood up with a smile, "Congratulations to Prince Fu for being enfeoffed as a prince for his military achievements. This is enough to comfort our ancestors and bring blessings to countless descendants. Congratulations!"

Wang Bing was also filled with mixed feelings. When he was the Grand Commandant, Wu Jie was just a lowly soldier.

Now he has been made a king.

Just by following the right person, one's life experiences become completely different.

Fortunately, he realized his mistake in time and joined the current emperor's ranks, so he still has a chance!
After Wang Bing submitted to Chen Shao, he gradually discovered many things he hadn't noticed before, and he also became more aware of the invincibility of the Dingnan Army.

We're all leaders of troops, who doesn't understand this principle?
If you ensure your troops are fully paid and that you reward those who perform meritorious service, you can sweep across the land and make your army an invincible force.

We all understand the principles, but who can truly put them into practice?

The current emperor has done it; not only has he achieved these eight words, but he has also given even a lowly soldier the opportunity to be enfeoffed as a king.

Looking at Wu Jie, who was young and strong and had been granted the title of Prince of Fu, Wang Bing raised his wine cup and toasted him as well.

It is a tribute to the glory of warriors.

For the first time in a century since the Song Dynasty, military men have finally been able to hold their heads high again.

Wu Jie tilted his head back and drank it all in one gulp. Also present were his subordinates Li Shiyan, Wang Xi, and Wang Wu. Except for Yang Zheng, who was in the military camp and it was not advisable to move him, all his other trusted confidants were present.

This time, it wasn't just five kings and five dukes, but also a whole bunch of marquises, earls, and viscounts.

They all received rewards, and even Wang Bing, who had made meritorious contributions in the conquest of Jiaozhi, was also rewarded.

These people also stood up and toasted Wu Jie.

After they sat down, Wu Jie smiled and said, "Brother Zhang, you don't need to panic. To tell you the truth, the current emperor is magnanimous and benevolent. If you can govern Annam and Jiaozhi well and prevent any further chaos, the emperor will certainly not treat you unfairly."

Zhang Boyu responded with a few words of agreement, but he didn't believe in the word "benevolence" in the phrase "generosity and kindness."

The Red River region was ravaged by bloodshed, and they still call it benevolence?
However, Zhang Boyu did indeed feel that this group was truly frightening when they were enemies.

But once you become one of them, you will no longer feel scared. They are not capricious or prone to turning on you and killing you.

He was genuinely terrified and had made up his mind that no matter what the future held, he would find a way to leave this place.

I'll also go to Da Jing to find a way out, even if it's to a place like Guangnan, as long as I don't stay in Annan.

Wu Jie held his wine glass, but he was also worried. He was afraid that Chen Shao would leave him here.

People of his rank knew long ago that Chen Shao was going to move the capital, so they naturally thought of settling down in the capital.

With his merits, he was worthy to live out his days with the nation, and naturally had no desire to remain in this remote border region.
-
Inside the Chuigong Hall, Chen Shao had just seen Xu Jin off.

Before starting the land survey, Chen Shao did not rush into action. Instead, he gathered a group of officials with good political achievements, good health, and good spirits and trained them.

To accomplish this task, the first requirement is loyalty, the second is competence, and the third is good health and the ability to maintain one's dignity.

Because this is actually a physically demanding job, as well as an extremely complex, technically demanding project involving political, economic, and social relations.

It not only requires people with mathematical skills, but also those who are familiar with the use of measuring tools, such as measuring sticks, rope rulers, rectangular rulers, levels, and telescopes;

They also need to be able to distinguish between "upper field, middle field, lower field" and different land types such as mountains, forests, swamps, and wastelands.

In addition, a large number of administrative, legal, local coordination, and paperwork personnel are needed.

Before doing anything, Chen Shao usually makes sure to get the personnel in order; only by choosing the right people can things be done well.

Otherwise, it's easy to do good deeds but end up doing bad things, or to waste your efforts.

Chen Shao instructed Xu Jin to first select some talented individuals, then provide them with intensive training, and finally set off to begin surveying, registering, drawing, and archiving.

His current mental state is even more energetic than when he was fighting a war. You could say he's putting in all his effort every day to do this job well.

In some ways, this is more important than fighting a war.

When they returned to Funing Palace, it was almost dusk. As soon as they entered the palace, Li Wanshu and Cuidie curtsied and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty, Consort De is pregnant."

Chen Shao's eyes lit up, and he smiled as he patted their faces, saying, "Congratulations to you both."

After saying that, he rushed off with some palace servants to the Xiefang Garden where Consort De resided.

As if she already knew Chen Shao was coming, Li Yumei didn't eat, but instead lay sideways on a couch, chatting with Liu Caiwei.

Upon seeing Chen Shao enter, she quickly spat out the pumpkin seeds in her mouth, smiled, and stood up to greet him.

Chen Shao put his arm around one of them and said, "No need for formalities, let's be the same as before."

When Li Yumei married Chen Shao, she had just reached the age of marriageable age, and Liu Caiwei was a year younger than her.

Over the years, Li Yumei has developed a captivating charm, with her breasts prominently displayed even in her loose-fitting robes.

Liu Caiwei still looked quite young and inexperienced.

Chen Shao often forgot that they were only a year apart in age, and instead felt that she was much older than Liu Caiwei because she was much more mature in both body and mind.

After having a meal together, Chen Shao decided to stay at Xiefang Garden, and the palace maids and eunuchs stayed there to serve him.

In his study, Chen Shao picked up his brush, intending to draw a map of Southeast Asia. Jiaozhi had been captured, and they were about to head to Southeast Asia; the mineral resources of the southern wilderness also needed to be transported to the Central Plains.

With silver as the standard, the credit of paper money backed by gold, silver, and copper must be established as soon as possible.

He was very fortunate that the geographical knowledge he had learned in his previous life was now putting to great use.

Liu Caiwei and Li Yumei were on either side of him, just like when they first met, grinding paperweights for him.

Chen Shao had practiced calligraphy and painting, and although he was not very proficient, he had at least gotten the basics down.

Based on his memory, he slowly sketched the landscapes of Korea, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

But he didn't stop drawing; instead, he took the opportunity to draw Australia, Europe, and the Americas.
After finishing the drawing, a surge of pride welled up in his heart, and he stared at the map in a daze.

Seeing this, Li Yumei glanced at Chen Shao, then looked down at the painting, which lacked spirit and whose quality was questionable.

She gently comforted him, "Your Majesty, don't be sad if your painting isn't good. Everyone has their own strengths."

Li Yumei covered her buttocks, took a step back, bit her lip, and looked at Chen Shao.

Chen Shao said irritably, "This is a map."

"map?"

Chen Shao was too lazy to explain it to her. Even if he talked for three days and three nights, he still wouldn't be able to explain this clearly to a young lady who grew up in a wealthy family.

Looking at the map he had drawn, he felt deeply grateful for his youth and for Shishi's timely advice to pay attention to health.

Initiating a policy requires courage, opportunity, and many other things. While initiating it is difficult, the most important thing is how to sustain it.

This requires a sufficiently healthy body and a sufficiently long lifespan.

I must lead the Central Plains under the rule of the Great Jing Empire onto the right track. (End of Chapter)