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

On the dragon carriage,

In response to Emperor Jingsheng's question, Jia Jing bowed respectfully and replied without hesitation:

"If it benefits the nation, I will risk my life; how could I avoid it because of personal fortune or misfortune!"

"Your Majesty has shown me great favor! I have long said that as long as Your Majesty trusts me..."

"Even if I am shattered to pieces and die on the battlefield, I will still sweep away the western barbarians for Your Majesty, help Your Majesty reverse the decline of the Han Dynasty, and lay an immortal foundation for lasting peace!"

"My original intention remains unchanged. As long as it benefits Your Majesty, the Han Dynasty, and the people, even if I am condemned by thousands and bear a bad reputation, even if I am a lone and pure minister, I will forge ahead without hesitation!"

Jia Jing's resolute statement put Emperor Jingsheng's mind at ease!

The jade beads on his crown swayed slightly, and his gaze towards Jia Jing lacked the coldness of an emperor.

There was only that kind of undisguised affection, the kind that only elders show when looking at younger generations, as she gently said:

"Zijie's words greatly comfort me!"

"However, Zijie, you need not worry too much. As ruler and subject, we share the same fate. As long as I remain the emperor, I will not allow anyone to wrong you!"

"When we truly achieve something and the Han Dynasty is restored to its former glory, all the criticism and slander from the world will naturally disappear!"

Emperor Jingsheng paused here, leaning against the carriage wall, his gaze fixed on the outside of the curtain.

Fields, willows, kneeling people, and soldiers in bright armor flashed past him frame by frame.

He couldn't help but think of the tragic scene he had seen in his dream of the Han Dynasty being destroyed by the puppet Qing Dynasty, and of that crooked-necked tree.

He remained silent for a moment, then let out a long sigh and lamented:

"When a strong wind blows down a phoenix tree, others will have their say!"

"In the past, Emperor Shenzong of Song and Wang Anshi, Duke Xiao of Qin and Shang Yang, were not spared from criticism during the early stages of their reforms!"

"But now, who among those with discernment can completely deny their painstaking efforts and achievements?"

"As long as we, the ruler and his ministers, uphold a public-spirited heart for the country, even if opinions differ for a time, history will surely record a fair evaluation in the annals of time!"

Emperor Jingsheng paused here, then shook his head and chuckled:

"I haven't even started doing anything, yet I'm already thinking about my posthumous reputation. That's a bit too much of a concern!"

Jia Jing's gaze fell on Emperor Jingsheng's profile, and he said in a deep voice:

"Your Majesty could have enjoyed wealth and comfort, governing without taking any action. Instead, you chose to strive for progress, working tirelessly day and night for the people."

"Having reigned for ten years, he abstained from women and refrained from undertaking construction projects, devoting all his energy to implementing new policies and revitalizing the Han Dynasty. He can be considered a wise ruler rarely seen throughout history!"

"I can say without the slightest exaggeration that Your Majesty's wisdom and intelligence are no less than those of the ancient sage kings Yao and Shun!"

"If anyone shamelessly slanders such a wise and virtuous ruler, then that person must undoubtedly be a treacherous villain!"

"As Your Majesty said, implementing the new laws is a monumental achievement. Whether it is praised or slandered, even if it is temporarily misunderstood by those with ulterior motives, future generations will be able to give a fair evaluation!"

Upon hearing this, Emperor Jingsheng chuckled softly and said:

"Zijie's insight is still so clear! There's really no need to worry too much now; the most important thing is to work diligently and practically!"

"Eliminating deep-seated problems cannot be rushed! We must proceed step by step, observe the results, and supervise implementation."

"I have only two major tasks for the rest of my life: to implement new policies and to pacify Liaodong! If I can accomplish these two things, then my life will not have been in vain!"

Jia Jing nodded upon hearing this.

Emperor Jingsheng placed the implementation of new policies before pacifying Liaodong, which clearly indicated that he had gained some confidence in foreign wars.

Additionally, we highly recommend this book to you: *Dream of the Red Chamber: Starting with Zhao Yun's Martial Prowess, Achieving Marquishood in One Battle*, available here. Emperor Jingsheng's clear understanding that eradicating deep-seated problems cannot be rushed is a consensus he shared with Jia Jing!

Reform now enjoys a peaceful external environment; as long as we proceed steadily and without being hasty,

Just like the First and Second Five-Year Plans in later generations, a methodical approach could have saved the Han Dynasty from its decline!

Historically, all successful reforms, such as those implemented by Shang Yang, Zhang Juzheng, and Emperor Yongzheng, have...

They generally proceeded step by step, grasped the main contradictions, and concentrated their efforts on breaking through the surface by focusing on key points.

In other words, it means not being large and ineffective, not launching a full-scale attack, not seeking to be big and all-encompassing, but always uniting the majority to strike at a small minority.

Always stand on the side of the majority's interests, distinguish between what is important and what is urgent, and focus your efforts on slicing the sausage one item at a time.

Specifically, should we deal with officials and gentry first, or rectify the nobles or imperial family? Should we reform the salt administration first, or investigate the land? Should we start in the capital or in the Jiangnan region?

Governing a large country is like cooking a small fish! Every reform offends vested interest groups and involves the redistribution of the means of production; one cannot afford to be hasty!

Besides ensuring harmony between the ruler and his ministers and designing a sound top-level system, the most important thing is to distinguish between primary and secondary contradictions.

For a period of time, we should focus on addressing only one or two key issues. We cannot afford to offend everyone at once, causing a huge uproar and national chaos, which would be a loss!

Internal matters are different from external ones. Blindly raising the butcher's knife is inappropriate. We still need to think carefully and be strategic!

Jia Jing pondered for a moment, then said in a deep voice:

"With me here in Liaodong, I will surely destroy this breakfast for Your Majesty."

Emperor Jingsheng laughed and said:

"With Zijie's words, I am relieved!"

"You have been on the front lines for many days, and you must be exhausted. You should return to your residence and rest for a while."

"Once you've rested, go to the 12th Battalion as a military governor and help me manage the troops in the capital!"

"The Twelfth Regiment?" Jia Jing asked doubtfully.

Emperor Jingsheng nodded and said:

"You also know about the mutiny that happened in the Beijing garrison a few days ago!"

Although Jia Jing had just returned to the capital, he was not entirely unaware of what had happened there.

The imperial court had been sending officials from the Ministry of Rites to communicate with him about the triumphant return ceremony for several days, and of course, had also informed him of the affairs of the capital.

It was precisely because of prior arrangements that he was able to conduct the "outside labor ceremony" on time and in an orderly manner today!

Jia Jing's expression held a hint of regret as he said:

"Vice Minister Wang acted too hastily; the reorganization of the capital garrison fell short of its goal, which is a pity!"

Jia Jing didn't mention Jia Zhen, mainly to avoid suspicion!

Emperor Jingsheng said:

"Prince Teng is mediocre in talent, and far inferior to Zijie in military affairs! He has deeply disappointed me!"

"Currently, the Marquis of Weining is in charge of the capital garrison to prevent any unforeseen circumstances! I have been thinking about this for the past few days and have decided to merge the Ba Shang camp and the capital garrison into one!"

"Reorganize the two camps into twelve battalions, each with about 15,000 men, for a total of 180,000 men, and station them in the capital."

"The command of these 180,000 troops is of paramount importance; I would not trust anyone else to handle it."

"Therefore, after much deliberation, we have decided that you, Zijie, will be appointed as the Military Governor of the Twelfth Battalion, responsible for overseeing all affairs of the Twelfth Battalion!"

"Your Majesty... this... wouldn't that be inappropriate? If I were to command all 180,000 troops in the capital, it would be too much power for me..."

Jia Jing hesitated, carefully choosing his words before replying.