The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 315 Girlfriend Kills Ling Shu
Ding Hui and his men followed the Zhonghuangmen (a high-ranking official) into the palace through the Linde Hall.

The Linde Hall was located in the western part of the city, surrounded by various government and private institutions, including the Hanlin Academy, the Imperial Academy, the Security Bureau, the Left Treasury, the Music Bureau, and the Privy Council. Along the way, Hanlin scholars, censors, courtiers, dancers, and female scholars passed by, casting scrutinizing glances at them.

Ding Hui walked on and on, unable to avoid the crowd, completely at a loss. Damn it, are there so many ministers stationed in the palace? Why wasn't it like this in Bianliang?

After passing Qinghui Pavilion, you will reach Taiye Pond.

The south bank is a plain with woods, a football field, and a cockfighting arena. Dozens of ladies are playing football in teams, sweating profusely.

On the fishing platform, the Holy Emperor sat hunched over, looking like an old man, motionless.

A group of concubines served him. Liang Xiaoyao was making tea, the Imperial Concubine was massaging his legs, Consort Meng was steaming pastries, Consort Zheng was embroidering, Wu Rongxian was playing chess, and Luo Qian was playing the pipa.

Most of them sat in small groups on the lawn, chatting and laughing.

Some people squinted, basking in the sunlight, and strolled quietly.

Ding Hui glanced at the document quickly, then lowered his head, ran forward, and bowed deeply: "General Ding Hui, Commander of the Eighth Division of the Tiger-Swift Army, pays his respects to Your Majesty!"

"The Battle of Anleyuan was well fought! You defeated Li Cunzhang, one of the top five generals of the Jin army, by capturing his camp." The Holy Emperor turned around, carrying a rattan chair.

"Your Majesty, I am deeply apprehensive!" Ding Hui said tremblingly, "This is but a small achievement, not worth mentioning."

"In the Battle of Taihang Mountain and the Battle of Neihuang, you also inflicted great defeats on Li Cunxiao and Luo Hongxin respectively?"

“Cunxiao is a scoundrel, and Weibo is a pig and a dog; any general could defeat them,” Ding Hui said.

"Who's the pig or the dog?" Yuan Yin, who had been subjected to a general attack, was furious and said coldly, "If you're so powerful, how come you were treated like a dog by the Holy Lord?"

"The chosen one of Heaven, who can resist him?" Ding Hui flattered, "I was referring to the warrior of Weibo, not anything else. Please forgive me, Madam."

"Ah Yin." The Holy Emperor pulled Yuan Meiren to sit in his arms and patted her head: "I hope you won't feel wronged making you a commander."

"I am a loyal subject who has returned to the country, and I am already very satisfied to be granted this position."

The Holy Emperor asked himself, "What official position did you hold under that traitor Zhu?"

Ding Hui hesitated for a moment, unsure what the Holy Emperor was up to, and honestly replied, "I have served as the Chief of the Imperial Guard, Prefect of Huai Prefecture, Military Governor of Yicheng Army, Military Governor of Heyang, Commander-in-Chief of Yuncheng, Commander-in-Chief of Yanzhou, Commander-in-Chief of all cavalry and infantry, Commander-in-Chief of the Prefectural City, Garrison Commander of Bianzhou…"

Ding Hui was probably the highest-ranking military and political official in the Bian Army who had switched sides.

The Jiedushi (military governor) goes without saying, as do the Duya (chief yamen commander), the Duyuhou (military commanders), and so on. These are all core positions in the regional military governorships.

According to the Empress's intelligence, Ding Hui was appointed by Zhu Wen to guard Luoyang when he went to war. However, Zhu Wen did not expect that his sworn brother would betray him so easily, abandoning his officials, wives and concubines and running away.

"This is not enough to satisfy you?" The Holy Emperor laughed. "Having already reached the summit, how could you be content with just a command? You're not being honest."

Ding Hui was startled and knelt down with a thud, bowing deeply again: "Your subject was originally a traitor who sided with the enemy. It was only through the court's mercy that I was exonerated and allowed to enter the court. Since entering the court, although I have made some minor contributions, it is only enough to redeem myself. How dare I hope for more? It is true that I have not been entirely honest with myself... Of course, your subject hopes that my official position will rise higher and higher and my reputation will become more and more renowned. I only beg Your Majesty's forgiveness!"

"What's there to forgive? It's a perfectly normal thought." The Holy Emperor snorted, "Get up."

Ding Hui simply wouldn't get up.

The Holy Emperor glanced at him, reached out to pull him up, and Ding Hui also got up with a touch.

When I looked at him again, his eyes were brimming with tears, and he looked ashamed and grateful.

"Since you've taken the initiative to enter the court and become an official of the Holy Tang Dynasty, let bygones be bygones." The Holy Emperor said, "I know you, Ding Hui. You're just after your little bit of fame and personal safety! Don't worry, I'll give you a chance! No one will cause you any trouble. Just be loyal."

"Who is the woman behind you?" The Holy Emperor tilted his head to look at the pretty woman behind Ding Hui. She was tall, with strong, muscular legs, and an expressionless face.

"My daughter, Ding Li," Ding Hui said, pulling her close and showing her off. "She always talks about serving His Majesty. I've told her she lacks virtue and is unworthy of her position, but I can't resist her constant pleas. So, on this occasion, I've taken the liberty of bringing her along for the Imperial Household Department to examine her qualifications..."

After saying that, he patted Ding Li on the shoulder and said, "Aren't you going to bow yet?"

Ding Li wore a floor-length dress that exposed her breasts. Her snow-white upper body swayed as she paid her respects.

"Get up." These warriors are shameless enough. The Holy Emperor stared intently, his expression unwavering, and beckoned to Shangguan Shen: "Shen'er, take him for a checkup. If he's suitable, you can bestow upon him the title of Fairy."

Ding Li was sad and unhappy.

That old scoundrel kept sending me to the palace; now look what's happened, I've lost my freedom!

Moreover, judging from the Holy Emperor's reaction, he doesn't seem very interested in me?
Look at all the beautiful women around him, sigh, what a waste of his time.

Time to go to jail!

She glanced shyly at the Holy Emperor before following Shangguan Shen downstairs. She knew perfectly well what they were checking: strip naked, spread your legs, and see if you were a virgin.

"Speak, what is the matter that you wish to see me about?" The Holy Emperor sat up straight.

The mature woman in purple behind him prepared matcha and served a bowl to the Holy Emperor.

"Give him a bowl too."

The mature woman in purple paused, covered her face with her sleeve, and quickly poured a bowl for Ding Hui.

She could conceal her stunning beauty, but not her aura and presence. A fleeting glance, her magnificent profile instantly reminded Ding Hui of someone from the past. Ding Hui instinctively stood up: "You're the Empress??"

After calling out, she quickly covered her mouth and hurriedly sat down.

"There are only the Immortal Sovereign of Immortality and the charming female Taoist priest here. Where is there any Holy Mother or Heavenly Empress?" Nangong Chongyan sneered, looking at Zhang Hui provocatively.

Zhang Hui didn't respond, ignoring Nangong, but simply raised her cup and drank, seemingly unperturbed.

Silence is the highest form of contempt.

Nangong felt as if he had punched cotton, and was about to start lashing out again, but the Holy Emperor gave him a stern look, which stopped him in his anger.

Ding chuckled twice, then said seriously, "I've come to offer advice."

"What's the plan?"

"The strategy to destroy Jin and Bian".

Beside her, Zhang Hui had already started grilling lamb chops and beef. Amidst the sizzling sound of the oil, the Holy Emperor helped her while nodding and saying, "Tell me in detail."

“Let’s not beat around the bush. I always speak frankly or not at all.” Ding Hui’s hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, and his mood was not very calm: “Your Majesty’s strategy for revival should be to stabilize Yongliang and then seize the opportunity to expand outwards, right? I think that’s inappropriate.”

"Oh?" the Holy Emperor asked seriously, "What's wrong with it?" Ding Hui spoke eloquently, "The restoration of the emperor is different from the struggle for supremacy among military leaders. It's not about conquering one territory after another, developing slowly, and gradually expanding. The imperial weapon is the emperor's most powerful weapon. In the Wende era, a single edict instigated a siege of Chen Jingxuan by various warlords. In the Longji era, a single edict led to the five garrisons attacking Jin. These are all demonstrations of the power of the emperor's imperial weapon. No other warlord could do that. Moreover, now that the court's authority has been restored, there will only be more people who fear it."

"If we follow the idea of ​​conquering territory, given the population, financial resources, and geography of Guanzhong, it will definitely not be able to develop as well as Li and Zhu."

Ding Hui, catering to his preferences, addressed Er Gou directly: "Once His Majesty has pacified Guanzhong and developed for a few years, and his military and civilian strength are robust, do you think Er Gou will stand still? With the foundation of the four towns in Hedong and the seven towns in Henan, after a few years of recuperation, he will only be stronger than His Majesty, perhaps even several times stronger."

"During the An Lushan Rebellion, why did Emperors Xuanwu and 2nd Emperor lead their ragtag army, recklessly appointing officials and bribing military leaders everywhere, to fight desperately against the four traitors of An Lushan? It was for this very reason. They couldn't give the rebels time to establish a foothold, consolidate their territory, and develop their strength!"

"Therefore, I believe that we must first subdue and quell the two dogs. Only by taking over the Central Plains, with its manpower, financial resources, and geography, can we truly revive the Tang Dynasty and restore its former glory."

Zhang Hui handed over a plate of roasted mutton. The Holy Emperor picked up his knife and fork, eating as he spoke, "That makes sense, that's what I thought too. But..."

However, their capabilities are limited.

If Li Zhu were to lose, the worst outcome would be a usurpation of power by his subordinates, and the regional military governors would still remain. But if he were to suffer a defeat and fall into a disadvantageous position, the very existence of the empire would be threatened; a major defeat could mean certain death.

The risks and costs of the two are different, making people hesitate.

Ding Hui, observing the situation, added, "Is Your Majesty worried that the two traitors are still powerful? Actually, no. When I was in Bianliang, I served as an advisor on military affairs and was in charge of the military government. I know the strength of the Bian people better than anyone. In the Jingnan Campaign, those who died in Tongguan, Hezhong, Yanzhou, Yuncheng, Xuzhou, Caizhou... the number of Bian people killed was more than 100,000. Almost 70% of their elite troops were lost. Morale was low, and the people were wailing. Otherwise, could Zhu Dalang have so easily overthrown his superiors? Otherwise, could Your Majesty have won the Battle of Hengshui? Otherwise, would I have fled from Bianliang? This is precisely a sign that the Bian army is extremely weak. I have seen the royal army, and I dare say that it is far superior to the current Bian army. If Your Majesty does not believe me, you can ask the Heavenly Immortal Lord for verification."

Zhang Hui, pressing her hand to her collar and taking small bites of grilled meat, nodded upon hearing this and said, "Pretty much."

"As for Li Keyong," Ding Hui said disdainfully, "Everyone says the Jin army is very capable, but to be honest, I think they're just so-so. How many defeats have the Jin people suffered? Besides, they have a mad commander. This time, Zuo Fengyi lost 60,000 to 70,000 men in the battle of Hezhong, which has severely weakened them. If the pressure continues, Li Keyong might be killed by his own men. Your Majesty, we must not miss this opportunity. We cannot give them time to lick their wounds."

"Let's wait and see," the Holy Emperor said. "Let's eliminate the Guiyi Army and the Long Clan of Suzhou first. It's a waste of your talents to be a commander. With the new peace of Lingxia, I hereby appoint you as the new Qin Commandant and concurrently the Military Commissioner of the Northern Circuit of the Capital Region. Go and manage the military affairs of Tongwan City and build a strong army."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Ding Hui bowed and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly train a capable army for the court."

Upon seeing Ding Hui, the Holy Emperor leaned on Zhang Hui's shoulder and then summoned the commander of Lingxia.

Soon, dozens of chiefs, large and small, jogged up.

"Your Majesty..." someone knelt down upon seeing him, crying out, "Stop killing people! Stop raiding the city! Stop searching the mountains!"

"The Shui Ni clan wishes to immigrate, only asking for leniency from the imperial court."

"........."

The Holy Emperor stared at these various Hu (non-Han) leaders.

Although they are all Tanguts, judging from their tribal names and appearances, most of them are not actually Qiang, but rather red-haired, white-haired, or green-haired Hu people, some with Caucasian features and others with Central Asian characteristics. Why do they call themselves Tanguts? Because the Tanguts were the most powerful force in the Lingxia region.

"Be gentle," Zhang Hui whispered, handing over a bowl of freshly brewed milk tea.

The Holy Emperor picked up the steaming hot milk tea and sipped it slowly, saying, “From now on, obey the orders of the prefectures and counties, and be obedient subjects, and there will be no trouble. First, all subjects, regardless of age or gender, must report to the government for registration and receive land allocation. Second, after the registration of households, you are no longer allowed to issue orders to your subjects. If the court requires a certain tribe to relocate to a certain prefecture, depart on time without delay. If property is required to be handed over, do not hide any valuables. Anyone who dares to swallow gold and silver and expect to take it away, hmph. Fourth, you must diligently learn the Chinese language and Han etiquette. Grow your hair long and wear Han-style headwear, use Han burial methods, and follow Han customs. Fifth, you must diligently learn farming… Those who offend me in the future, those who become unruly subjects, know my heart.”

The remaining hundreds of thousands of Hu people in the Lingxia region would be easy to manage once the military phase was over and they expressed their willingness to be conquered. The imperial court's plan was the same old story: disperse and resettle them, registering them as ordinary citizens.

Therefore, the Holy Emperor first confiscated the chieftain's ruling power and the tribe's property.

Don't blame them for their ugly behavior. Suppressing the rebellion costs money. They've spent money on these people, so they have to make up for it.

After this step, the next steps involve changing surnames under threat of violence, reforming customs, and engaging in farming. This also includes building schools, promoting Chinese education, and conscripting soldiers. Over time, these people will gradually lose their own culture and be assimilated into the broader ethnic group. It won't take long; two generations will suffice.

"Don't worry, as long as you listen to me, you'll have good days ahead," the Holy Emperor comforted you. "Everything you've lost for the time being will be gradually returned to you by the Holy Tang Dynasty in other ways."

"Thank you, Your Majesty." The crowd bowed in unison. "Your Majesty, please accept the woman we have presented. Do not refuse! We will strive to build the three palaces and the new city of Xia Bei!"

"Go." The Holy Emperor waved his hand, too lazy to say more.

This visit is meant to reassure them and put their minds at ease.

The chieftains turned and left, leaving behind rows of women standing anxiously.

With that, the long-standing Lingxia matter was finally put to rest.

"Girlfriend Killer Ling Shu?" The Holy Emperor, pulling along a beautiful green-eyed foreign woman, asked, "What kind of creature are you, anyway?"

"do not know."

"Take it off," the Holy Emperor commanded. "I'll know once I see it."

Girlfriend Killer Ling Shu was stunned: "So many people..."

"Take it off!" The Holy Emperor slammed his hand on the table, looking at the other hundred or so Hu women: "You all take it off too."

His girlfriend, Sesshō Rin, was startled. She bit her lip and gently took off her clothes.

"Wait a minute." Nangong uttered the Holy Emperor's favorite phrase, then exclaimed in surprise, "A monkey? A Turk?"

The girls looked over and saw that their girlfriend, Seki Rinju, was covered in thick, yellowish-black body hair. If it was like this in the suburbs, one could only imagine what a horrific scene it must be in the city.

"Nonsense," Ashina Laimei retorted. "Our Turkic women aren't that vigorous; it must be the Uyghurs."

Galan sneered and lifted her skirt: "Is that so?"

Nangong glanced at his girlfriend, Sha Lingshu, then at Jialan, and finally his gaze settled on his own crotch. He stroked his chin, looked at Liang Xiaoyao and Dugu Hua, and asked in confusion, "Why don't we have any?"

The Holy Emperor smiled with delight and said, "Ling Shu, Shuang Yang, Ye Yue, come into my arms."

His girlfriend, Shu Shu, Wei Mu Shuang Yang, and Wu Yi Ye Yue struggled to sit down gently in his arms.

The Holy Emperor took the knife, stroked his girlfriend Shu Lingshu's itchy back and heart, and laughed loudly: "You even prepared props! I'll give you a haircut and make you as clean and as fierce as Nangong."

"Aaaaaah!" Nangong screamed, covering his ears. "Don't expose my privacy!"

The Holy Emperor was enjoying the haircut, but in his heart he was thinking: He had taken in more than a hundred women in one day, and that was just Lingxia.

Once the Western Regions are recovered, won't that number skyrocket to a thousand? I wonder where Cui Xuan and Du Hu are now.

With the days numbered, there aren't many days of leisure left; it's time to start preparing for battle.

Suzhou, Guiyi Army, Xihai! Maybe we can sweep through the Qaidam Basin after we return? If we can make a good fortune off the Tibetans this time, the eastern expedition will be worry-free.

Mother-in-law, I'll be coming to see you soon!

(End of this chapter)