The Emperor ordered Zhao Tang

Chapter 325 Discussion on the Conquest of the Western Regions
Da Ci'en Temple, the shrine of Empress Changsun, the place where Xuanzang stayed to translate Buddhist scriptures, a sacred site of Mahayana Buddhism, and also a hall for scholars to pray for literary success. No other Buddhist temple in the Western Capital could rival it.

Later generations became familiar with this temple mainly because of the Big Wild Goose Pagoda.

The pagoda rises five stories, gradually narrowing as you ascend. Reaching the summit, one can enjoy a panoramic view of the imperial palace, the misty waters of Qujiang River, and the city's vibrant lights. Here, relics are enshrined, scriptures are rare, and eminent monks and priests abound. Even the ladies strolling about seem more vibrant than elsewhere.

Zheng Yanchang especially loved this place.

All the officials knew that Zheng Yanchang was mean-spirited and ungrateful, cold-hearted towards the emperor and his family, and fierce and harsh towards his ministers. However, few knew that he would steal a few days each month to climb the Big Wild Goose Pagoda. A Yellow River carp and a few jars of Jiannanchun liquor were his half-day of pleasure.

By this time, the old man had already drunk his third cup.

He was in high spirits, with two volumes of Buddhist scriptures serving as his cushions. Before him were a ladle of cups and plates: warm and smooth egg and tofu soup, thick and hearty braised beef, fatty and succulent braised lamb trotters, fresh and delicious Yellow River carp, crispy salt and pepper snake segments, and fragrant steamed dog meat.

Sipping wine slowly, my gaze swept over the murals of relics covering the walls, almost completely violating the rules and regulations of the Great Ci'en Temple.

Fortunately, the abbot had already ordered the fifth floor to be cleared out.

"How's it going with finding out about Zhu Dalang's background?" Zheng Yanchang asked, his cheeks flushed, as he picked up the golden cup and looked at the table opposite him.

Before anyone knew it, an ugly young man had taken up a seat at the table. His features were crooked, his beard sparse, and he looked as slovenly as a rat that had come to life: "He only discusses military and political matters with Zhu Wen's old subordinates and confidants, and it's hard to find an opportunity to discuss them."

He was a spy planted in Bianliang by the imperial court, Sikong Yan.

The use of spies has been a common practice since the Spring and Autumn Period, and it remains so in this dynasty. During the mid-Tang Dynasty, the court had spies in various military garrisons, and the generals also had informants in the two capitals; everyone was on the same page. The court was no exception. In the past, Yu Chaoen was brought down by Yuan Zai because Yuan Zai's spies were everywhere—in his residence, in the army, and in the palace.

However, nowadays, political struggles often resort to violence. This clandestine activity has declined compared to the past.

Sikong Yan's superior was Du Rangneng. After the death of the Grand Commandant, Liu Chongwang, the Minister of Works, was sent to Hunan, and Zheng Yanchang took over the management of foreign intelligence as the Prime Minister.

"Is it a lack of opportunity... or a failure to exert all one's efforts?" Zheng Yanchang smiled, his words slow and sarcastic as he addressed him: "Sikong... Judge."

"The commander-in-chief..." Sikong Yan's gaze swept over the dishes on the table twice, his throat bobbing: "Zhu Dalang is now... very suspicious. I'm afraid I might make a mistake and expose my whereabouts."

Zheng Yanchang pursed his lips and nodded slightly a few times: "Never mind."

"Help yourself with the beef brisket, lamb trotters, and steamed fish, but don't touch the wine." Zheng Yanchang refilled his cup, grabbed two slices of braised beef, and stuffed them into his mouth. His cheeks bulged, and his voice, tinged with the stickiness of chewing, said, "I only have three questions for you—how many elite soldiers does Zhu Dalang have left?"

“Indeed, just over 100,000.” Sikong Yan pondered for a moment, carefully choosing his words: “Half of them were newly recruited after the defeat in Tokyo. They have been trained for so long, and they seem to be a strong and well-equipped force. If you add the former subordinates of Zhu Wen, such as Ge Congzhou, Wang Jingyao, and Yuan Xiangxian, who signed the petition, as well as the local militias, the number can be estimated at 300,000.”

He paused, then lowered his voice even further: "...Ge Congzhou and his ilk are all like mountain kings, waging wars on their own. It's difficult for you to command them, Dalang...Dalang is hard to command."

"Can you even get it working?" Zheng Yanchang's eyes suddenly flashed like lightning.

“Zhu Dalang and the others… usually exchange messengers and send gifts during festivals, so they have some influence.” Sikong Yan shook his head, his brows furrowed: “But to bring them together to fight the court… the hearts of warriors are too deep, and we can’t fathom their intentions. Prime Minister, Dalang’s power is still blazing, we must not… act rashly.”

"You dare to act rashly?" Zheng Yanchang stretched his withered hand towards the window, then poked it back into his chest, shrugging, "It's him, it's Zhu Dalang who won't rest until he's killed me! What can I do?"

“Eldest brother… he may not have intended to overthrow the Tang Dynasty…” Sikong Yan sighed, his head bowed. “If… if you hadn’t pushed him so far, driving a tiger into a dead end, eldest brother… he wouldn’t have been so determined to take this desperate path… He was thinking… that the world would be at peace, the Tang Dynasty would last forever, and the people would have good lives, and that he himself would be content to stay in his small territory…”

"Bullshit!" Zheng Yanchang spit out his curses, "What's the point of being prime minister if I don't eliminate these arrogant vassals?" He pointed at Sikong Yan and said, "You've been hiding in this den of thieves for too long, has your heart become warped? If that guy surnamed Du can stuff you in, I can pull you out whole too!"

Sikong Yan hung his head, looking like a child being scolded by his teacher.

“Remember this—” Zheng Yanchang sneered a few times and threw the judge's tablet back into Sikong Yan’s arms: “Your master is here.”

"What is the current situation in Liangdi?"

"...A year of great famine, a year of great plague." Suddenly, Sikong Yan's mind flashed to the three naked mother and daughters squatting outside the military camp, peeling water to drink. There were also the old men and middle-aged men who had been dragged away from the fields by the soldiers under the command of Yuan Zheng, Liu Chongxin, and Xu Huaiyu.

"Last year, the Guanzhong Plain was flooded, and the Yellow River breached its banks at Luoyang and then at Huazhou... This led to widespread famine and plague. In addition, the former subordinates of the Zhu family were fighting amongst themselves, and the Central Plains..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was interrupted by clapping: "Good hunger! Good disease!"

“Prime Minister…” A hint of helplessness flashed across Sikong Yan’s brow, “Why has it come to this? With everyone dead, what’s the use of recovering lost territory?”

"Would I not be able to clap my hands and cheer if it weren't under my rule?"

"The bride was sold by her mother-in-law to a merchant in Hebei. Before parting, she bit her husband's arm and wept blood. Her husband secretly followed her all the way to Weibo. The bride kept lifting the curtain in the carriage, looking for her husband's figure... When they arrived in Weibo, her husband sold himself into slavery and entered the mansion. The common people had no food and rushed to the water with the army. They were all forced into the pots by the soldiers. The able-bodied men had no armor and no food, and could only be forced to charge into battle, take the hits of arrows, and swarm to climb the city walls. A dark pack of tigers was lurking on the side of the battle line... Does the Prime Minister know what a sight that was?"

Sikong Yan spoke in a calm and indifferent tone, without sorrow or anger, simply recounting his story in a wooden manner.

Zheng Yanchang listened quietly, his knuckles lightly tapping the rim of his cup.

Finally, he waved his hand and said, "That's enough. If you say such things to Li Xi and Han Wo, they might be able to write tearful poems. I have no time to worry about the people of Bian's hunger and sustenance—are the two traitors Liang and Jin in cahoots?"

Sikong Yan nodded: "Since Keyong's defeat and return to Taiyuan, messengers from both sides have been frequently exchanging messages."

"In your opinion, based on Zhu Da's understanding of the military government's diplomacy with the two traitors, if something happens in Guanzhong, the two traitors might join forces to invade..."

"How do I know this?" Sikong Yan raised his head and interrupted, "I have only been in your staff for five years. For the first four years, I was only in charge of the post stations under Zhu Wen's rule."

"Fine." Zheng Yanchang was not offended, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

He could still fathom Li Keyong's temperament; but Zhu Dalang's thoughts were like trying to see flowers through a fog.

With war imminent in the Western Regions, if the two traitors take advantage of the situation to cause trouble... we should prepare countermeasures as soon as possible.

A moment later, he pulled a stack of files from under the stool and handed it to him: "Take this to Zhu Da. We'll rely on you a lot more often. Once the Central Plains are pacified, let alone gold, silver, pearls, and jade, I can decide even the positions of junior officials and prefects with a single word."

Sikong Yan remained indifferent. After looking at it for a while, he held the dossier close to the candlelight, his fingertips twirling it.

Flames rose, and black smoke coiled and rose like snakes.

Zheng Yanchang raised his cup in the smoke, his voice carrying a sticky warmth: "Your son has been taken into the Prime Minister's residence. I regard him as my own grandson, and I will certainly hire renowned teachers to instruct him in the classics and history, and personally pass on the teachings of various schools of thought."

"Ha, may the Prime Minister live long enough to await that time." Sikong Yan let out a cold sneer, his figure disappearing into the dark spiral staircase.

Zheng Yanchang slowly put down the golden cup.

A powerful minister holds sway over the land, yet enemies fill the court and the countryside—the destiny of a prime minister. Having already placed himself in the cauldron of execution, what fear is there of the burning embers?
The temple bell rang into the sky. Zheng Yanchang shook his clothes and descended the pagoda, where carriages and horses waited at the mountain gate.

Incense burned brightly at the foot of the pagoda, where devout men and women knelt in prayer.

Soldiers lined the route, all returning to their camps for roll call.

The incense offerings in the monk's robe and alms bowl likely also came from the contributions of these warriors. Those who risk their lives on the battlefield are most willing to spend money to consult divination and seek talismans, just to gain peace of mind.

The soldiers have been summoned and will soon be clad in armor and wielding weapons. After a few days of training to get a sense of tension, it will be time to set off.

Just as Zheng Yanchang was returning to the palace, the Emperor, having spent time with the Empress and her sisters, also left the Cloud-Turning Pavilion to deal with the day's affairs.

Ministers Han Wo, Li Xi, Niu Hui, and others were already waiting at Penglai Palace.

The officials first congratulated the Holy Maiden Li Zhiyuan on her birth, and then Cheng Rui, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, presented several imperial edicts. The first edict was to change the era name: "Your ministers propose that, given the great victory at Guanyuan, the mountains and rivers have regained their glory, we request that the era name be changed to Guanghua to signify the beginning of a new era."

In later times, the imperial court was still dealing with the likes of Han and Li. Looking back, it was truly a world turned upside down. However, the change of era name did not take effect immediately; it would only be announced to all the emperors after the New Year's Day sacrifices to the Five Emperors.

The emperor briefly reviewed the document and approved it with a vermilion annotation.

The next edict was a decree to strengthen the border defenses: "Issued to all provinces: From now on, all death row inmates and those to be exiled shall be sent to places such as Jincheng and Xinqin. Those whose relatives wish to follow shall be given fields, houses, cattle and seed so that they may settle down and make a living."

In the prefectures of Hexi, people of various ethnicities lived together. The Han population was sparse and easily assimilated.

This law is certainly not a fundamental solution for the time being, but it's a step in breaking the ice.

Having finished dealing with all the trivial matters, the emperor picked up Liu Rengong's memorial:

"Your humble servant, Ren Gong, writes: The Shatuo have invaded the capital. I have already defeated their forces at Mugua Ravine. I humbly request the appointment of the Commander-in-Chief of the Expeditionary Army to quell the rebellion and vow to bring them to victory!"

After Li Dawang's defeat and retreat to Taiyuan, Liu Rengong, like a wolf smelling blood, asked Li Dawang for the Datong Army. Li Dawang naturally refused to give it to him and immediately launched an attack.

After a tug-of-war lasting half a year, the battle situation is gradually becoming clear.

In the Battle of Weizhou, the combined forces of Yiwu and Hedong were defeated. The Yiwu army retreated to Yizhou.

The Jin army lost 20,000 men and fled south under the cover of thunder and rain, and the strategic location of Pingcheng fell entirely to Youyan.

Liu Rengong's iron cavalry is now stationed outside the city of Daizhou.

Li Keyong, having suffered another defeat at the hands of Liu Rengong, was filled with shame and indignation, and fell ill upon returning to Beijing. Reports indicate that undercurrents were swirling within Taiyuan: the armies of the Shatuo, Tatar, and Xi tribes were preparing to enthrone Li Luoluo…

“Since he refuses to yield, he has his own ambitions. He must have been taught how to conduct himself in the world.” The sage chuckled lightly, a cold glint in his eyes.

What can be said about this? One can only laugh at the futile use of this method.

King Li, it seems you're doomed!
The reason why Li Dawang was able to withstand Zhu Wen's conquest in later generations was due to four factors: first, Zhu Wen's poor personnel management; second, the timing of the troop deployment was unsuitable for the weather; third, logistical difficulties; and fourth, the Bian army's cavalry warfare was weak, and they were often outmaneuvered.

But now?

I can only wish him good luck.

"As for Liu Rengong's request—" Han Wo stepped forward, his long sleeves billowing: "How can we repeat the mistake of working for Zhu Wen's benefit? Letting him fight with the Shatuo. While the two traitors are locked in battle, it will be the perfect opportunity for us to conquer the Western Regions."

"Han Xiang is wise," Wang Tuan agreed. "Even if we defeat Keyong, Liu Rengong will surely become a new threat. At that time, will we start another war in Hedong? We should prioritize the Western Regions."

The sage nodded slightly. "It's merely appointing someone as a commander-in-chief; why hesitate to do so?"
As for Liu Rengong's desire to annex Hedong, King Li still holds the formidable city of Taiyuan, controlling half of the region. If he merely concentrates his troops and holds firm, it will not be easy for him to be overthrown within a year or two.

"What about Yang Xingmi's matter?" Han Wo suddenly changed the subject.

For some reason, Yang Xingmi provoked Qian Liu of Zhejiang, Liu Shouzhen of Jiangxi, Wu Tao of Wuchang, and Wang Shifan of Zibo and Qingzhou to jointly submit a memorial requesting the attack on Huainan.

It's probably too powerful.

Zhu Wen's downfall—the Wu forces captured Shouchun, Haozhou, and Chuzhou in the north. They defeated Qian Liu's navy at Huangtiandang in the south, and annexed Qizhou and Huangzhou in the west. The Jianghuai warships covered the river, and Ezhou and Yuezhou held their breath, clearly becoming a threat to the south.

"I have repeatedly issued orders prohibiting land annexation, but they have turned a deaf ear," the sage sighed.

The ministers bowed their heads and remained silent, fearing that if the emperor rashly expressed his opinion, it would force Huainan to rebel and push Yang Xingmi and other neutral princes to the opposite side.

Han Wo bowed and reported again: "Since the fall of Chao and Cai, the imperial authority has been broken. Now, orders do not extend beyond Tongguan, and the prefectures and counties turn a deaf ear. The likes of Qian Liu have not yet gained sufficient power, Shi Fan still respects the imperial orders, and Shou Zhen, though arrogant, has not rebelled... In my humble opinion, since we are powerless to look eastward, we should send envoys to demarcate the borders. We should order all the towns to guard their respective territories and cease hostilities."

"You all should act accordingly." A cold glint flashed across the sage's lips: "Let them fight amongst themselves where their reach is limited."

Once the western frontier is pacified, the royal army will point eastward; won't they all be just toys?
After speaking, he stood up and spread out the map on the rosewood table.

The ministers stood in a circle, their eyes following the direction of his finger.

"This western expedition is a long and arduous journey. Once the army departs, it may be years before they return." The Sage, holding his ruyi scepter, paused at the three passes in Guanzhong: "The Zhu and Li families, hearing of my westward departure, will surely rebel. The three routes of Tongguan, Wuguan, and Pujin urgently need their key defenses—"

"Since Chen Xiong of Hezhong is the maternal grandfather of the King of Lu, a detachment of troops on the west bank of Pujin is sufficient. Only the Tongguan and Wuguan passes..." His gaze swept over the ministers: "I intend to appoint the King of Wu as regent and send Marquis of Changshan, He Chuyu, Guo Meng, Fu Cunshen, and others to guard the two passes. What do you all think?"

The hall fell silent; such an arrangement…

Han Wo and Wang Tuan exchanged glances, then Han Wo stepped forward and said, “What if a rebellious minister harbors ambitions and, under the guise of ‘the emperor’s sudden death,’ seizes military power and supports the Prince of Wu to usurp the throne? At that time, the Wei Bridge Mutiny will erupt, Lantian will rise up in protest, and officials will be taken hostage…”

"I made this plan precisely because I feared I would perish in a remote place." The sage closed his eyes and sighed deeply.

Given the current situation, shouldn't Han Wo's worries serve as a warning from the past?

“Your Majesty,” Wang Tuan said after a moment’s thought, “To prevent any unforeseen circumstances, I suggest that the court move to Jincheng Palace, where the King of Wu can oversee the state. The court and Your Highness can stay at Jincheng Palace, while the defense forces can remain in the capital, separated by the two passes.”

"I second that opinion." As the tutor of the King of Wu, Han Wo was the first to bow to avoid suspicion.

Niu Hui, Cheng Rui, and others also crossed their hands in agreement.

The saint tapped the diagram for a long time: "So be it."

He then summoned his secretary, Yu Daolian, and ordered that Dengzhou be on high alert with scouts, and that 3,000 troops be dispatched from Xiangyang to garrison Wuguan City immediately.

"Your subject respectfully obeys." Yu Daolian, who was sitting to the side grinding ink, brewing tea, and doing odd jobs, got up, supported her large pregnant belly, sat down behind the desk, spread out paper and drafted the edict, and after writing it down, sent someone to deliver it to the Hanlin Academy for imperial decree.

The assembled officials lowered their eyes, held their breath, and died speechless.

A pregnant female official who entered the palace, and who wasn't even a member of the Privy Council, was actually involved in military affairs? Has the Emperor's heart always been so broken and disorderly in the central government?
The sage, seemingly oblivious, sipped his cheese and then tapped the table: "How many of the soldiers left behind are truly good?"

"The more the better," Zheng Yanchang's voice suddenly came from the palace gate: "With the capital region at peace, we are spared the worry of being exiled. I apologize for being late."

"Please take a seat." The Sage Ruyi gestured to the seats and continued, "More is certainly not acceptable—this expedition will inevitably involve several fierce battles with the various Tibetan tribes. I intend to launch a three-pronged attack: the central army will advance from Shazhou, the western army will sweep through Xihai, Jishi Mountain, and Dafeichuan, and the eastern army will subdue the Turkic and Uyghur tribes north of Gansu and Liangzhou. At most, I will leave behind 20,000 armored soldiers, along with the Guanzhong militia trained by Ding Hui, Wu Yi, and Nobunaga, the troops of various Dangxiang and Hu tribes, and the troops of various prefectures to guard the two passes and the three auxiliary regions."

"In addition," the sage suddenly thought of something and added, "the Zhao army under the command of Grand Master Wang Zimei can also be temporarily used for defense."

After the successful campaign against Li, Zhao's army rested and reorganized in the capital and did not return.

I had intended to take them on a western expedition, but they were willing to go to Luoyang to quell the rebellion and Chang'an to defend the emperor, and might not be willing to embark on a distant expedition to remote regions.

Talk to Zimei, and it shouldn't be a problem for him to stay in Chang'an for a while.

But it's hard to say. What if Li Keyong, that mad dog, tries to get Chengde to commit suicide, and Liu Rengong launches a surprise attack on Zhenji? Prince Mei and Xiao Gan would have to prioritize returning to protect their families. This isn't determined by their political stances, but rather because the soldiers all belong to Chengde.

"Alright, all of you may go and prepare." After discussing the miscellaneous matters, the emperor dismissed all the ministers, leaving only Zheng Yanchang in the hall.

Inside the room, only a loud shout rang out: "We, your humble servants, take our leave!"

(End of this chapter)