Dream of the Red Chamber: Start by gaining Zhao Yun's martial prowess, and be ennobled in a sin

After Emperor Jingsheng finished explaining his decision regarding the Marquis of Ji'an, no one in the hall stood up to object.

Naturally, civil officials like Chen Tingjing would not plead for the Marquis of Ji'an. Although Wu Xun's crimes were usually punished with confiscation of property and exile, and there was also the Eight Deliberations system, it was rare for him to be directly sentenced to death.

However, Marquis Ji'an failed to live up to the Emperor's favor, and his execution was in accordance with the laws and regulations of the Han Dynasty.

Moreover, Emperor Jingsheng's prestige is currently at its peak, and no one is willing to speak up for Marquis Ji'an at this critical juncture.

Xia Shouzhong's expression turned solemn, his voice grew colder, and he bowed, saying:

"This servant obeys the decree."

Emperor Jingsheng glanced at his ministers and pondered the matter of the Shanxi merchants.

This matter involves too many people; according to Zijie, it seems that many cabinet ministers in the court are implicated.

When Xu Qianxue took a concubine and when Li Guangdi celebrated his birthday, Shanxi merchants sent him silver.

Let the Imperial City Guard investigate this matter first; we mustn't alert them.

Emperor Jingsheng's cold, hard face showed a hint of contemplation. He stood up, paced back and forth, and then said in a deep voice:

"Minister Wang!"

Wang Ziteng's heart sank. In the past, His Majesty had always addressed him as Wang Qing or Ai Qing.

Now that he's being addressed as Vice Minister Wang, how could he not understand the difference in their relationship?

Wang Ziteng's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly stepped out of the classroom, bowed, and said:

"Your subject is here!"

Emperor Jingsheng said:

"From this day forward, you shall begin to reorganize the Beijing Garrison. I do not expect you to make it as valiant as the Baling Garrison."

"However, reducing the number of elderly and infirm personnel, eliminating ghost employees, enforcing strict military discipline, and strengthening training are essential!"

"The troops of the Beijing Garrison must change their appearance and become elite soldiers who dare to fight and are capable of combat, not cowardly soldiers who are afraid of battle and the enemy! Can you do that?"

Emperor Jingsheng emphasized the phrase "fear of war and enemy," making no attempt to conceal his criticism of Prince Teng.

Prince Teng was startled, feeling cold sweat soak his back, realizing that his several attempts to negotiate peace had displeased the emperor.

Without hesitation, he declared loudly:

"Your Majesty! I will certainly remember Your Majesty's instructions! I will make the Beijing Garrison even more elite than the Baling Garrison!"

"Train 100,000 truly brave and victorious elite soldiers for His Majesty! If I fail to do so, I will accept punishment!"

Prince Teng's resolute statement softened Emperor Jingsheng's expression somewhat. He said:

"Listen to his words and observe his actions; I await your good news!"

After Prince Teng retreated tremblingly, Emperor Jingsheng looked at Li Guangdi and Gong Dingzi in the hall.

After pondering for a moment, he turned his gaze to Gong Dingzi and said:

"Gong Qing!"

Gong Dingzi, his expression showing some excitement, stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your subject is here!"

Emperor Jingsheng slowly said:

"The imperial court is short of funds, and the implementation of the new policies is urgent. The difficulties of the new policies lie mainly in the Jiangnan region."

"In Nanjing, Suzhou, Yangzhou, and other places, several governors-general have come and gone, yet progress has been consistently slow. Last year, we hoped that Minister Xu could achieve something, but in the end, he returned empty-handed..."

"Today I received a secret report from Jiangnan that civil and military officials there are colluding to oppose the court and obstruct the new policies."

"Now that things have come to this, I know that kind words and persuasion will likely be insufficient to convince those gentry and noble families in Jiangnan who have homes but no country!"

"The powerful families in Jiangnan are mostly closely connected, with deep roots and a large clan. Since the time of Emperor Taizu, the powerful clans there have become too big to be controlled."

"Officials throughout Jiangnan have inextricable ties with them, and the clerks in the yamen are mostly their lackeys."

"The prosperous land of Jiangnan has become so impenetrable, turning into a state within a state of our great Han, where the law is hard to enforce and decrees are difficult to carry out—it is truly detestable!"

"Jiangnan is a vital source of revenue for the imperial court and a crucial heartland of our great Han Dynasty. The affairs of Jiangnan are related to the success or failure of the new policies, and it has come to the point where they must be resolved."

"Gong Qing is capable and decisive, and is loyal to the country with utmost sincerity."

"I intend to appoint Minister Gong as the Governor-General of Southern Zhili, Imperial Commissioner, with the additional title of Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, and bestow upon him the Imperial Sword, to oversee all land and naval forces in Jiangnan."

"Hold civil and military officials in check, give them full authority over all affairs in Jiangnan, thoroughly reform the Jiangnan officialdom, and implement new policies. What do you think?"

Emperor Jingsheng's face was gloomy, and a sharp glint flashed in his eyes. He was determined to thoroughly reform the powerful families of Jiangnan.

Therefore, he not only appointed his trusted minister and Grand Secretary Gong Dingzi as the Governor-General of Southern Zhili, but also gave him great power, allowing him to govern the military and political affairs of Jiangnan.

He possessed both the authority of an imperial envoy and supreme power.

He knew that only in this way could he completely break down the barriers and shoulder the responsibility of thorough rectification.

Gong Dingzi, with a solemn expression, bowed without hesitation and said:

"Your Majesty, I will obey your command!"

This matter may be difficult, but if it is accomplished, it will be a great achievement.

Moreover, His Majesty's use of him instead of Li Guangdi and others clearly shows that he trusts him more.

Although Zhang Tingyu and Chen Tingjing felt that Emperor Jingsheng's order was somewhat hasty, the matter in Jiangnan had indeed reached a point where it needed to be resolved.

The Jiangnan region is crucial to the nation's finances and the success or failure of the new policies; it is certainly not feasible to not send important officials there.

As Gong Dingzi accepted the order, Emperor Jingsheng turned to Chen Tingjing and the others, and said:

"The cabinet will discuss the rewards for the Northwest campaign in the next few days, after Zijie's follow-up military reports and the head of Tuotuo Buhua are delivered to the capital."

"For the meritorious officers and soldiers involved, their military achievements shall be recorded in detail and reported to me for timely reward."

"In particular, Zijie fought bravely and decisively in this battle, capturing enemy generals and flags, and quickly defeating the Northern Yuan, thus preventing a major disaster from occurring in the Northwest and ensuring the safety of our Han Dynasty."

"He can be described as having worked hard and made great contributions to the country, and his achievements are outstanding."

"I intend to promote him to the rank of First-Class Marquis of Champion, and elevate him to the rank of Second-Rank General Who Conquers the West. You all should discuss whether this reward is appropriate!"

Emperor Jingsheng spoke in a voice as firm as metal and stone, his expression revealing a sense of satisfaction at having achieved his goal.

My title of Marquis of Champion will finally be well-deserved!

Zhang Tingyu frowned and sighed inwardly. The thing he had been worried about had finally happened!

Jia Jing's resounding and swift victory not only further enhanced Emperor Jingsheng's favor with him.

He was to be promoted again, becoming a top-ranking military officer in the Han Dynasty at a young age, holding a high position and great power.

Both the Marquis of Champion and the Second-Rank General Who Conquers the West are no ordinary men!

Whether in terms of rank or position, he has almost reached the pinnacle of military merit!

The title of Marquis of Champion is undoubtedly the most prestigious among all marquises throughout history.

They are even rarer and more prestigious than ordinary dukes.

Only those who have distinguished themselves in battle and are the bravest in the army can receive this title and rank!

The title of Second Rank General Who Conquers the West is also extremely rare, and only senior generals with great achievements can be given the title of "Great".

The word "大" here means that one can control a wider range of troops, and on the battlefield, one can even command hundreds of thousands of troops.

Throughout the entire Han Dynasty, since its founding, there have been very few officials who have been able to attain the rank of Grand General, a title of the second rank.

In the current Jing Sheng Dynasty, there is only the Prince of Nan'an.

Such a high-ranking general was comparable to the Three Sovereigns in the military ranks of the Han Dynasty.