Supreme Golden Palace

Chapter 126 Good News (Part 1)

As the sun dipped below the horizon, its afterglow fell upon the Kaiyuan Gate of Daxing City. The imposing city gate stood majestically, its vermilion lacquer deepening in the twilight. The gate tower was adorned with flying eaves and brackets, and rows of guards stood watch, their cold gazes sweeping the surrounding area.

Suddenly, the sound of rapid hoofbeats came from afar. Three fast horses swept in like a whirlwind, carrying couriers covered in dust, their robes soaked with sweat and clinging tightly to their bodies. They headed straight for Kaiyuan Gate, and the guards at the gate immediately straightened up upon seeing them.

"A great victory in the northern frontier!"

The lead courier shouted loudly, his voice echoing before Kaiyuan Gate. Upon hearing the courier's shout, the guards on duty immediately let them pass, watching as the courier rushed into the city and ran wildly along the streets.

"Urgent report from the northern frontier! A great victory has been achieved in the northern frontier!"

The three riders, raising dust, entered Daxing City through Kaiyuan Gate, headed east along the transverse street, passed directly through Jinguang Gate, and dismounted upon reaching Hanguang Gate.

Hanguang Gate is the southwest gate of the imperial city. In front of Hanguang Gate, the armor of the imperial guards clanged. After the guards verified the postman's token, the heavy palace gate slowly opened. Passing through the palace path lit by flickering lights, the postman hurried along and soon stepped into Daxing Palace.

"A great victory in the northern frontier!"

The palace was brightly lit, and the auspicious dragons carved on the gilded palace lanterns shone vividly in the light. A courier waited outside the palace, and soon an eunuch dressed in scarlet robes strode out, carefully took the dusty document from the courier's hand, and turned to enter the palace.

"Your Majesty, news of victory from the northern frontier!"

Inside the Ganlu Hall, Yang Jian sat on his imperial couch, his dragon-patterned brocade robe undulating slightly with his movements. The air was thick with the fragrance of sandalwood. An eunuch entered the hall with extremely light footsteps, holding the documents high above his head with both hands.

The eunuch Chen Dexin stepped forward, took the document from the eunuch's hand, bowed slightly, approached Yang Jian, and said in a low voice, "Your Majesty, this is an urgent report of victory from the northern frontier!"

Upon hearing this, Yang Jian's eyes instantly turned cold and sharp. He said, "Bring it here."

Chen Dexin stepped forward and handed the document to Yang Jian.

Yang Jian unfolded the document, and Chen Dexin held up the candle beside him. The flickering candlelight illuminated Yang Jian's face, making it appear and disappear.

Yang Jian's gaze swept across the paper, and the corners of his mouth unconsciously turned up. He said, "Good, well done!"

He slammed his hand on the imperial desk, causing the writing implements on it to tremble slightly.

"The battle fought by the Prince of Kaoshan forced Datou to cede territory and sue for peace. This not only eliminated the threat in the north for me, but also drove a thorn into the hearts of the Western Regions for my Great Sui Dynasty."

"Gaochang, Yiwu, and Shanshan are all strategic locations. Controlling any one of them would allow us to seize control of the lifeline of the Western Regions trade routes. Now that we have all three, our Great Sui Dynasty may well be able to use this to recreate the glory of the Han Dynasty."

"If I can reopen the Protectorate of the Western Regions and use this civil and military achievement, who would dare to say that I obtained this empire unjustly?"

It should be noted that since the Han Dynasty, the Western Regions have been part of Han territory.

During the Han Dynasty, the emperors established the Protectorate of the Western Regions under the pretext of pacifying the various states, issuing decrees and monitoring their activities. If a rebellion occurred, they would raise troops to quell it. For hundreds of years during the Han Dynasty, the Western Regions were all under the control of Han territory, which is known as harmonious relations and a peaceful border region.

After the Han Dynasty, the Central Plains were in turmoil, with frequent conflicts and the Five Barbarian Invasions. The Jin Dynasty moved south, and the Western Regions gradually became estranged from the Central Plains. During this period, various barbarian groups vied for power, and regimes changed hands, leading to the abolition of the Protectorate of the Western Regions and the control of the Western Regions by barbarian groups.

If Yang Jian could bring the Western Regions back to Han territory during his reign, he would be worthy of being recorded in history for this achievement, and it would not be an exaggeration to say that he was the most brilliant ruler of the Northern and Southern Dynasties. Looking at the report of victory in his hand, Yang Jian's thoughts were churning. He tapped his fingertips on the imperial desk, pondered for a moment, and then suddenly raised his voice and said, "Chen Dexin, quickly summon Gao Jiong, Yu Qingze, Yang Su, and Su Wei to the palace."

"promise,"

After the eunuch acknowledged the order, he slowly withdrew from the main hall, his figure disappearing into the shadows outside.

After a while, hurried and respectful footsteps came from outside the hall. Gao Jiong, Yu Qingze, Yang Su, and Su Wei, dressed in court robes, entered the hall and immediately prostrated themselves, saying, "Long live Your Majesty! We have heard of the great victory in the northern frontier and congratulate Your Majesty on the widespread spread of your holy might!"

A smile appeared on Yang Jian's face as he presented the victory report to Chen Dexin, saying, "My dear ministers, take a look at this report. The Prince of Kao Shan's campaign to the north has opened the door for our Great Sui Dynasty to manage the Western Regions. I intend to reopen the Protectorate of the Western Regions. Do any of you have any good strategies?"

Chen Dexin took the victory report carefully and presented it to Gao Jiong. Gao Jiong took it with both hands and quickly read through the contents. After he finished reading, the others couldn't resist and took the report, reading it word by word.

These four men were highly trusted by Yang Jian and were known as the Four Nobles in the court, enjoying a level of honor and favor far exceeding that of ordinary officials. Therefore, when Yang Jian received the news of victory, they were the first people he thought of.

After reading the report of victory, Yang Su respectfully returned it to Chen Dexin with both hands, bowed slightly, and said with a hint of excitement, "Your Majesty, this is a godsend! In my opinion, the most urgent task is to send a capable envoy with an imperial edict and generous gifts to the Western Regions."

"Firstly, to demonstrate the might of our Great Sui Dynasty to the three kingdoms of Gaochang, Yiwu, and Shanshan, and to consolidate our newly acquired territories; secondly, to ascertain the strengths and weaknesses of the surrounding kingdoms, explain the advantages and disadvantages to them, and let them know the benefits of submitting to the Great Sui Dynasty, so that they will take the initiative to become our vassals and pay tribute."

Su Wei then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Lord Yang is absolutely right. However, I believe that we should immediately increase the number of troops in the northern border, build passes, deter the Western Regions, and prevent them from being fickle."

"In addition to increasing the number of troops, we should also develop trade relations with the countries in the Western Regions, exchange goods and services, and make them closely connected with our Great Sui in terms of economy."

Yang Jian narrowed his eyes slightly, scrutinizing the two men. After a moment, he stroked his beard and laughed, saying, "What you two ministers have said is exactly what I wanted!"

"Sending envoys, increasing troops and strengthening defenses, and promoting trade and mutual assistance—these three strategies complement each other and are indispensable. Suwei, you are familiar with the geography and customs of the Western Regions. In your opinion, who is the most suitable person to be sent as an envoy to the Western Regions?"

Su Wei pondered for a moment, then stepped forward and reported, “Your Majesty, Pei Ju, the Attendant Gentleman, is learned and has a strong memory. He is proficient in the languages ​​and systems of the Western Regions. I believe that if Pei Ju leads the delegation, he will surely fulfill his mission.”

Yang Jian frowned and asked, "Pei Ju?"

"His Majesty,"

Su Wei said, "This man comes from the Pei family of Wenxi. His family has been officials for generations and he has a deep understanding of the study of governing the country and saving the world."

"In his youth, he extensively collected books on the landscape and customs of the Western Regions, and frequently interacted with merchant caravans from the Western Regions, so he was quite familiar with the situation of the various countries in the Western Regions."

Yang Jian nodded in approval, saying, "In that case, Pei Ju is indeed a talented person. Chen Dexin, convey my decree to summon Pei Ju to the palace immediately."

Then Yang Jian turned to Yang Su and said, “Yang Su, the matter of reinforcing the troops in the northern frontier and building passes is of great importance. You should quickly coordinate with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Works to formulate a strategy and present it to me for review in three days.”

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Yang Su prostrated himself to receive the order.

(End of this chapter)