You have truly caused me great suffering!

In the second year of Jianwu, Yuwen Xuzhong embarked on a long journey by ship to Japan.

The sea fog, like silk, spread endlessly.

He stood at the bow of the ship, his blue robe billowing in the salty wind, yet he was completely unaware.

"Doctor Yuwen, the sea breeze is quite chilly. Why don't we go back to the cabin to rest?"

Yuwen Xuzhong grew up in the Chengdu Plain and served as an official in Bianjing and Luoyang, where he saw nothing more than rivers and ditches.

Reading the "Yu Gong" (Tribute of Yu) about "paying homage to the sea" and reciting the "Zhuangzi" (Zhuangzi) about "a fish in the Northern Ocean" are all just fleeting thoughts on paper.

Now, standing here in person, I see the water and sky merging into one, vast and boundless, stretching as far as the eye can see, without shore or limit. The waves surge like a snow avalanche, and occasionally a large fish leaps out, while seagulls skim across the water, their clear cries only serving to accentuate the desolation of the world.

He stumbled a step, grabbed the railing, his knuckles turned white, his heart pounded like waves, his mind captivated by the vastness of the world—he realized that the human world was truly so vast!
The former palaces of Bianjing, the streets of Jinling, and the plank bridges of Shu Road have all shrunk to the size of mustard seeds, floating on this boundless blue mirror.

The past struggles for fame and fortune, the factional infighting, are now as insignificant as dust, utterly laughable.

Looking up at the sky, the sea breeze filled my sleeves, as if I wanted to lift them up and fly away.

Yuwen Xuzhong tightened his robes and said with a smile, "Today I finally believe that the world is not confined to the nine provinces. Your Majesty's words that the great Jing still needs to be explored and advanced are truly wise words. How can the vision of us scholars be limited to the Central Plains? Standing before this vast ocean, I realize how small my life is and how great the Way is."

Yuwen Xuzhong personally crossed the sea to deliver the imperial edict, which was also his own initiative.

Now serving in the court, he frequently participates in discussions and decisions regarding Japanese affairs, but he feels that his knowledge of Japan is limited.

That's why I came here specifically to stay for a while so I can make a better judgment.

Just as His Majesty said, "What you learn from books is never enough; you must put it into practice to truly understand."

Chen Shao was somewhat worried about his safety, since not everyone could go to sea, but Yuwen Xuzhong was adamant, so Chen Shao agreed.

The ships in Dajing are still powered by sails, but with the engineering institute creating a steam engine that can pump water, a new power source is ready.

Chen Shao knew that steam-powered ships would soon be available. At that time, the risks of long voyages would be reduced, and the range and speed of voyages would increase.

After sailing at sea for ten days, they finally saw the shore. Yuwen Xuzhong looked up and was surprised to see the Jing army's flag.

At this moment, everyone felt a sense of familiarity, as if they were wanderers returning home.

"In the past, during the glorious Tang Dynasty, crossing the sea to the east was fraught with danger and a matter of life and death. Now, however, it is exceptionally easy. Only today do I realize that His Majesty's emphasis on the Imperial Works is truly visionary and far-sighted, far beyond our reach."

The accompanying officials and guards echoed this sentiment.

The navy had already spotted the approaching ship, and when they learned that it was there to deliver an imperial edict, the soldiers dared not delay and welcomed them ashore.

Stepping onto land again, Yuwen Xuzhong felt as if he had been transported to another world. The thought that this place was now beyond the seas to Japan filled him with even more wonder.

When he was studying, he often read about the famous scholars and monks who crossed the sea from Japan during the Tang Dynasty. When he thought about coming to their land, Yuwen Xu was in a daze.

Guo Hao rode up on horseback and was terrified when he saw the officials surrounded by a crowd. He could only see their clothes, not their faces.

Purple robe!

He is at least a third-rank official.

Getting closer, Guo Hao saw the goldfish bag and felt dizzy. "Damn, this is a first-rank official in the current dynasty?"
He quickly dismounted and jogged over, only to discover that it was an acquaintance—Yuwen Shutong.

In his early years, Guo Hao led a thousand Dingnan Iron Cavalry to be stationed near Bianjing, specifically to intercept the officials sent by Zhao Huan to negotiate peace.

They arrested that unlucky guy, Yang Yizhong.

Yuwen Xuzhong, who was a royalist at the time, went to negotiate with him many times.

"I've long heard of Doctor Yuwen's promotion, congratulations!"

"General Guo, there's no need for such formalities," Yuwen Shutong said. "Besides reading His Majesty's imperial edict, I also intend to stay here for a while longer."

Although Guo Hao didn't know why he had come, considering his current status as a close confidant of the Emperor, he figured it was probably the Emperor's idea. He immediately nodded and said, "That's wonderful. With a 'strategist' here, we'll have a planner when things happen."

The group chatted and laughed as they entered the barracks. Because it was a long-term military base, the barracks here were not tents, but proper houses.

Upon entering the Hall of Ceremonies, Guo Hao knelt down to receive the imperial decree.

After hearing the contents of the imperial edict, he was momentarily stunned.

His Majesty's decision surprised him somewhat.

His Majesty ordered Wei Tao and others to go to Ryukyu. This was because His Majesty had guessed that his soldiers had deserted, but there was no punishment, only transfer.

The next step was to launch a full-scale war, no longer trusting the Ping family, or rather, abandoning this earliest chosen agent.

It should be noted that His Majesty chose the Taira clan even before there was any contact between Japan and the Great Kage.

He decisively gave up simply because of his subordinate's solo mission.

After being shocked, Guo Hao felt that this was truly His Majesty's boldness.

When troops gathered at Nuanquan Peak back then, could anyone have foreseen it in advance?

He was especially grateful that His Majesty had not blamed him for failing to properly manage his subordinates this time.

After receiving the imperial edict, Guo Hao tightened his fingers slightly, feeling the weight of the edict in his hand.

We must use swift and decisive measures to completely eradicate the Ping family!

Yuwen Xuzhong, observing his expression, had already guessed what he was thinking. He said softly, "Your Majesty is a man of destiny, blessed by Heaven, with unparalleled virtue. The four barbarians bow their heads, and the eight directions submit. Now, with the might of thunder and the grace of rain, Your Majesty has shown favor to the Ping clan of the Eastern Barbarians, granting them the right to submit and establish an independent state. This is a once-in-a-century fortune for the Ping clan. Our ancestors' virtue is insufficient; how could we dare to hope for such a thing?"
The Ping family was merely a powerful figure on an isolated overseas island. Given this opportunity, instead of wholeheartedly dedicating themselves, showing loyalty, and obeying the Celestial Empire's commands, they hesitated, remained indecisive, and sought to profit from both sides—this was a path to their doom.

Yuwen Xuzhong spoke these words without a trace of falsehood; they were all his true feelings. In the eyes of these people, the Way of Heaven disregards so-called faith and righteousness.

In this world, there is no greater integrity than the prosperity of China and the great strategies of its emperors.

Your Ping clan is merely a pawn in His Majesty's hands. To defy fate, you must be the pawn that crosses the river, advancing relentlessly, and perhaps you can rise several levels.

But you fantasize about becoming a player and start observing, thinking you're not wrong. In the eyes of the person orchestrating the whole game, you're no longer useful.

After hearing this, Guo Hao completely understood the court's intentions.

He immediately said, "I have three thousand strong soldiers in my camp, enough to sweep away all the enemy's strongholds. We will present our victory to Nanjing before New Year's Eve this year!"

Yuwen Xuzhong nodded without speaking. He wanted to observe the battle situation before making a judgment.

With no other concerns, all that was needed was to fight the war, and the enemy was clearly identified. This put Guo Hao and his generals in their comfort zone.

Fighting a war? That's easy! Our Dingnan Army fought for ten years and won this empire for Your Majesty. Since the Jin army was defeated at Lulong Ridge, what worthy opponent has there been in the world?
-
Ise Province, Taira House.

Taira no Tadamori was completely unaware of Okage's murderous intent.

He felt that he had lost a younger brother, and although he harbored a lot of resentment, he believed that as long as he didn't show it, everything would be fine.

Given the way things are done in the Central Plains, Da Jing might even compensate him.

Since they lack the strength to take revenge, they should accumulate power and, with the help of the Great Jing Opening the Sea, make the Ping clan stronger.

When the Central Plains are thrown into turmoil, perhaps future generations will be able to avenge the shame of today.

Taira no Tadashi had been buried long ago, and looking at his seven-year-old nephew, Taira no Tadashi felt terrible.

The fact that Taira no Tadashi refused Okage's support shows that their brotherly relationship was actually quite good.

To avoid upsetting his nephew, he stepped aside and asked his son, "Have the people who went to Heijindu to comfort the troops set off?" His son, Taira no Kiyomori, nodded.

Seeing the deep hatred still in his son's eyes, Taira no Tadamori patted him on the shoulder and said, "Our Taira clan is not yet able to contend with the Great Jing. As the young master of the Taira clan, you will inherit this family business in the future. The most important thing is to learn to be patient."

"Not to mention us, even the retired emperor and regent in Kyoto can only endure it."

“We have all seen what Da Jing has been doing over the years. Their goal is to completely disrupt Japan and break it into dozens of small countries so that they can control them one by one.”

Taira no Kiyomori gritted his teeth, "Father, are we just supposed to let them control us?"

Just over ten days ago, Taira no Kiyomori still considered Taira no Kage as the benefactor of the Taira clan.

But I didn't expect Jingren to turn on me so quickly.

Just by slightly going against their wishes, their former allies bared their fangs.

This shows that the Jing people never regarded them as allies and never gave them respect.

That's exactly what he thinks; he believes there's nothing wrong with observing the pros and cons.

In the eyes of the Jing people, isn't this tantamount to disobeying an imperial decree? Killing you is perfectly reasonable, legal, and justified.

His Majesty has spoken, and you dare to refuse? Don't you deserve to die?

They don't care what country or island you are. In the eyes of the Jing people, especially the Dingnan army, all land under heaven belongs to the king, and all people on the shores of the land are his subjects.

The emperor's orders should be obeyed throughout the land.

"After this, they will no longer be my friends, Taira no Kiyomori!"

Hearing his son's somewhat childish words, Taira no Tadamori wanted to teach him a few more words, but considering that his son was only twelve years old and should have some youthful spirit, he didn't say anything more.
-
Nishinomiya is located between Hyozu-do and Sumiyoshi Taisha.

A group of Taira warriors, carrying several carts of treasure, came to the camp to reward the troops.

Everyone looked somewhat resentful.

These Jing soldiers killed the patriarch's brother and still came to offer them a reward.

Is this some kind of reward for their killing?

These warriors cursed and swore, and every now and then they would whip the laborers driving the carts to vent their anger.

Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from ahead.

The samurai leader, Fukuhara Sukemori, rode forward on horseback. Upon seeing the banners of the approaching people, especially their armor, he felt a sense of fear.

Although they had been cursing fiercely, they were still genuinely terrified when they actually saw Jing Jun.

Japan was in chaos, and having fought their own wars, they naturally understood the fighting capabilities of these armies.

One look and you know they're invincible.

Fukuhara Sukemori forced a smile, raised his hand, and was about to say hello when suddenly there was a whooshing sound of something cutting through the air.

The crossbow bolts fired in unison from the opposite side, and Fukuhara Sukemori was the first to be hit, taking seven or eight hits.

After letting out a painful howl, he fell off his horse. The Jing soldiers opposite him grabbed the horse's belly with their legs and rushed forward with their weapons to kill him.

On the 18th day of the ninth month of the second year of Jianwu, the Jing army stationed at Jindu officially began the war.
-
A cold autumn rain.

In the rain-soaked Nanjing, accompanied by gusts of west wind, the raindrops twisted in the air, and the water on the brick ground began to flow in all directions.

Chen Shao stamped his foot and entered the Xiefang Garden Hall; his shoes were already wet.

Li Yumei personally held a cup of hot tea, her waist swaying like a willow in the wind, her eyes full of joy.

"Your Majesty, why have you come at this time? Aren't you afraid of getting wet? This humble concubine is worried about you."

After giving birth to her daughter, Lingniang, she became even more feminine, with a plump and shapely figure, extremely charming.

She brought the tea over, but instead of giving it to Chen Shao, she held it with her jade-like fingers and brought it to his lips.

After taking a small sip, he placed it on the table in front of him, then wrapped his arms around Chen Shao's neck and sat on his lap.

Li Wanshu, who came with Chen Shao, quickly took off his boots, dried his feet, and changed him into a pair of dry ones.

Chen Shao smiled and tapped her nose, saying, "Do you think I don't know that today is your birthday?"

"Your Majesty is busy with many affairs of state, yet you still remember my birthday. You are truly considerate and thoughtful."

Liu Caiwei, who was sitting next to her, had also come to congratulate her. Seeing her acting coquettish and silly, she couldn't help but purse her lips.

Today, everyone gathered to celebrate Consort De's birthday. We had a small get-together at noon and then went our separate ways. Only Liu Caiwei, who was closest to her, agreed to stay here tonight.

Sometimes she really envied Yu Mei, because she could never do that.

She deserved to be favored and be named Consort De.

Li Yumei and Liu Caiwei gave it to Chen Shao together, which can be regarded as the link between the Hedong faction and Chen Shao.

Li Yumei was extremely satisfied with this marriage from the very beginning. At that time, Chen Shao, who had not yet been granted the title of Prince of Dai, already wielded immense power.

The key point is that the man she is marrying is very young, with excellent looks and physique, and most importantly, he is not fierce and is very considerate.

Li Yumei received the noble ladies and ladies from Hedong on his behalf, which truly made her stand out and earned the Li family a lot of connections and status.

Li Yumei is different from Li Shishi. She is also wholeheartedly in love with Chen Shao, while Li Shishi will do many things quietly, reserved and introverted, like a gentle stream.

Li Yumei, on the other hand, was unrestrained and passionate, and insisted that Chen Shao know her thoughts and how much she loved him.

The beautiful woman in his arms squirmed and twisted, and Chen Shao couldn't help but reach in. Her soft satin undergarment was smooth and slippery, clinging tightly to her body, exuding a warm fragrance.

Chen Shao has been quite idle these days. After the affairs of state have returned to normal, he has tried to withdraw from the government.

To get the bureaucratic system to do the work, Chen Shao simply observed quietly, identifying any shortcomings in the system and then gradually improving it.

A system that relies on the diligence of the emperor to function smoothly is absolutely unqualified.

Chen Shao wanted his policies to continue stably in the long term, firstly by maintaining health, and secondly by constructing a mature system.

After Wei Li's death, Li Tangchen remained the prime minister of the Great Jing Dynasty. Because Li Tangchen did not enter officialdom through the orthodox scholar-official system, he had not experienced the ups and downs of official life and was not very sensitive to power.

Therefore, he did not compete or fight, but simply tried his best to do his job well. Chen Shao also noticed that the power of the prime minister was also weakening.

This is actually a good thing for him.

Feeling that Chen Shao's hand was cold, Li Yumei said with a coquettish smile, "Your Majesty came from the rain, why don't you take a bath first to warm yourself up? This humble concubine will personally serve Your Majesty."

Chen Shao laughed and said, "How could I possibly trouble you, my little birthday star?"

Li Yumei gestured with her chin and said, "Let Caiwei come along too!"

Liu Caiwei blushed and remained silent.

Chen Shao chuckled and pinched her cheek, glancing at Li Yumei and Liu Caiwei, but his mind was preoccupied with Li Tangchen and Liu Jizu's secretariat. (End of Chapter)