Sword from the Tang Dynasty

Chapter 223 The Sea of ​​Stars
On the huge square outside the Qianyang Hall, there is a large sacrificial cauldron to connect heaven and earth and to pacify the world.

The shouts of the courtiers paying homage echoed within the tripod.

After the officials finished their rites, the master of ceremonies announced their greetings again.

A large number of former royals from various countries outside Kyushu, holding scrolls and brocade, lined up and entered under the watchful eyes of civil and military officials.

This is a grand scene unlike any seen in history.

Back then, to showcase the grandeur of the empire, Emperor Yang Guang planted cherry and pomegranate trees on both sides of the main street of the imperial city, and introduced flowing water along the road, indulging in extreme luxury. During celebrations, brocade curtains were used and silk was wrapped around the trees.

In the sixth year of the Daye era, leaders and merchants from various Western Regions countries arrived in Luoyang.

Shops in Luoyang offered free hospitality to foreign merchants, and the market dared not charge for food and drink. They even wrapped trees in silk to create the illusion of a prosperous era.

Let Tianjie become the stage for this grand performance.

As soon as the foreign merchants stepped out of the Heavenly Street, they realized that the so-called 'prosperous age' was nothing more than a beautiful garment draped over a thin, festering body.

But no one could have imagined it.
Today, all nations come to pay tribute to the new monarch, and the gifts they present are not coral, jade trees, or rare treasures, but rather albums of pictures.

The former King Yeongnyu of Goguryeo, now the governor of Goryeo County, walked at the head of the procession.

He dared not raise his head, carrying the picture book the whole way, and immediately knelt down upon entering the Qianyang Palace.

First, he shouted "Long live the Emperor!" and then raised the scroll in his hand above his head.

He muttered incantations in a loud voice:

"Your Majesty's virtuous rule extends far and wide, illuminating the eight directions. Your divine might resounds far and wide, benefiting all regions. Your humble servant, Gao Jianwu, dwells in the remote east of the sea, revering Your Majesty's benevolent rule and enjoying your benevolent influence for a long time. Today, I have come to present Your Majesty with a scroll depicting the scenic landscape of Goguryeo."

Eunuch Li from Jiangdu Palace accepted the regional map brought by Gao Jianwu and presented it before the emperor.

The map of Goguryeo is clearly not as long as the map of Yan.

Li Gongping unfolded at that moment.

Zhou Yi had exceptional eyesight; with a single glance, he could clearly see the perilous Yalu River, the magnificent Changbai Mountain, the array of cities and garrisons, and the varied routes and paths depicted on the map.

It is clear that Gao Jianwu had put a lot of thought into it.

Zhou Yi smiled slightly and asked, "Why present the map?"

Gao Jianwu, feigning fear, kowtowed repeatedly: "I only wish that Your Majesty would grant me the wisdom of the sun and moon, and recognize my humble sincerity, so that the people of the East may forever be under Your Majesty's rule."

Upon hearing the voice of Prince Rongliu, the court officials were filled with excitement.

Some former Sui dynasty officials were filled with emotion.

Thinking back to the days when Yuan was treated like dirt, and then comparing him to Jianwu who presents maps today.

There was no need for a million-strong army to conquer Liaodong; the mere imperial might was enough to make all nations bow down and foreign tribes submit.

In front of all the court officials in the Qianyang Palace, King Yeongryo, as the ruler of Goguryeo, declared with this action that Goguryeo had officially become history, and the land of Kyushu had gained a new Goryeo County.

After Gao Jianwu started.

Next came Tongyagu Khan from the Western Turks.

The man with the prominent hooked nose and imposing physique was visibly tense, a chill running down his spine, fearing that the emperor on the throne might suddenly come looking for him to settle a score.

Fortunately, following Rongliu Wang's lead, Tongyagu Khan successfully presented the map and records of the Western Turks.

Throughout the entire process, Zhou Yi did not make things difficult for him.

After receiving the thanks of Tong Yabghu, he, like Gao Jianwu, joined the ranks of the civil and military officials of the Tang Dynasty, just like a courtier.

The Western Turks were under the jurisdiction of the Nine Provinces, and the title of Khan was a thing of the past; he was naturally a subject.

Tong Yehu watched as Jieli Khan's nephew and Bohai Kingdom Dragon King Bai Ziting's uncle presented the map together. He breathed a sigh of relief and in his heart thanked Commander Yun a thousand times, ten thousand times.

It is said that it was Yun Shuai who drove the oxen to help him secure this precious opportunity.

Otherwise, his fate would be the same as that of Jieli Khan and his group on the north bank of the Wei River—to have his head cut off.

The Gaochang Kingdom, Tuyuhun, Tiele, and Dangxiang Qiang in the northwest of the Western Regions.

The 32nd Tibetan king, Nangri Songtsen, even brought his young son, Songtsen Gampo, along to pay homage.

Ryukyu in the East Sea, Lin-yi and Champa in the south, and Shiwei and Uyghur in the northern desert.
The mountains and rivers are beautiful in shape, and they all enter Kyushu.

Each scroll of regional maps was incorporated into the map of the Tang Dynasty.

As a newly enthroned emperor, this gift from all nations was truly unprecedented.

After the court ceremony, Zhou Yi bestowed titles and honors upon the meritorious officials.

Du Fuwei, the Prince of Huainan, was granted a fief of three thousand households.

The nominal title of Duke of Zhao was actually granted to him, with a fief of 2,800 households.

You Hongda was granted the title of Duke of Lai, with a fief of 2,700 households.

Li Jing was enfeoffed as Duke of Wei, with a fief of 2,600 households.

Many meritorious officials who contributed to the country, such as Shan Xiongxin, Chen Laomou, Yang Zhen, Xu Shiji, Dou Jiande, Lu Zushang, Zhang Xutuo, Song Lu, Song Zhi, Feng Ge, Qin Shubao, Cheng Yaojin, and Luo Shixin, were all granted different official titles and rewards.

At the same time, a series of policies were announced to reduce or exempt taxes, alleviate the burden on the people, provide disaster relief, and improve the legal system.

In terms of official system, the six ministries responsible for implementation remained unchanged.

The three provinces were transformed into the Grand Secretariat, serving as advisors to the emperor and capable of drafting memorials.

A supervisory pavilion was set up opposite the inner cabinet, and this supervisory pavilion was not composed of eunuchs.

Instead, it came from the "coffin palace".

These people originally practiced the Coffin Palace martial arts, which made their path difficult, but after Zhou Yi perfected the techniques, they were able to break free from mental constraints.

Moreover, they do not have worldly desires for power.

Inner demons arise from worldly desires, therefore those who have passed the selection process of studying at the Coffin Palace and entered the Supervisory Pavilion cannot be bribed or threatened. They are able to remain steadfast and meticulous in following the rules, strictly limiting the power of the cabinet, making them a powerful tool for oversight.

Those who are eager to learn martial arts will have the opportunity to practice secret techniques, and Zhou Yi has set a time limit.

Upon reaching their sixties, the members of the Supervisory Pavilion can resign at any time, making the most of the mindset they have cultivated over the years to pursue the ultimate in martial arts.

Xu Xingzhi and Wei Zheng were admitted to the cabinet, and Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui, who were privately recommended by the two emperors, were also adopted by Zhou Yi.

From top to bottom, there were former relatives and friends, those who surrendered, and former adversaries.

Zhou Yi doesn't shy away from the past identities of talented individuals.

In his view, achieving this was nothing special.

but
These people, including Wei Zheng and Fang Xuanling, were very excited.

The Supreme Being is wise, benevolent, and compassionate; there is no need for further proof.

With the entire official system in place, coupled with a special and rigorous oversight system, Zhou Yi was relatively at ease.

Once you get through the initial period, even if you develop a physique like a crane, there probably won't be any major problems.

Where there are people, there will be conflict; this is something that can never be avoided.

However, it is acceptable as long as it is within the rules.

On the first day of his coronation ceremony, amidst the announcement of numerous new policies, Zhou Yi solemnly announced the "Imperial Examination System."

It was not the imperial examination system of Emperor Yang Guang's time, but a public examination, fair competition, and merit-based selection process, open to everyone, providing a path for advancement for ordinary people and children from poor families.

In the morning he was Tian Shelang, and in the evening he ascended to the Hall of the Son of Heaven.

This poses a challenge to powerful families who crave social solidification; the continued selection of the virtuous and capable will inevitably threaten their status.

However, when Zhou Yi announced this policy and stated that he would build official schools, no one objected.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Wei Zheng was the first to stand up and kneel in gratitude on behalf of the people. Having experienced hardship and poverty himself since childhood, he knew how difficult it was for students from poor families.

At this moment, Zhou Yi could almost be described as a "wise and benevolent ruler throughout the ages" in his mind.

All the officials followed Wei Zheng and expressed their gratitude.

Even if some people have ulterior motives, they dare not reveal them.

Now that the territory of Kyushu has expanded considerably, there is a shortage of officials.

The imperial examination system for selecting talent was indeed very necessary.

Moreover, they were facing the most unique monarch in history, whose personal power was unparalleled, and who dared not disobey any official or defy his will. Under these circumstances...

Knowing that it is a decision that benefits the world, how could anyone oppose it?
……

After several hours of political discussions on the founding of the nation, Zhou Yi finally left the dragon throne and returned to the Ziwei Palace.

The main hall is almost newly built. Although many skilled craftsmen with internal strength worked together to build it, some parts are still not perfect because of the short time that has passed.

He arrived at the back garden of the Ziwei Palace.

As soon as I entered the park, someone came up to greet me with a smile and a composed bow.

May Your Majesty enjoy boundless happiness and peace.

Zhou Yi looked at the stunningly beautiful woman in front of him, dressed in a yellow silk gown and adorned with two jade sashes at her waist. He couldn't help but roll his eyes at her, especially at the undisguised teasing in her eyes, and thus ignored her words.

"Your Majesty, I have prepared your favorite Sichuan Mengding tea. Would you like to try some?"

Zhou Yi sat in the stone pavilion in the middle of the pond in the Imperial Garden, reached out and hugged her, 'warning' her with a threatening tone: 'Xiao Feng, be normal and speak properly.'

“Your Majesty is perfectly normal,” Dugu Feng said with a beaming smile. “It is Your Majesty who is not normal.”

"Why is it abnormal?"

"No emperor looks gloomy on his first day."

"I do not have."

"You have."

Dugu Feng kissed him on the cheek and whispered words of comfort:

"You don't need to carry such a heavy burden. The common people are already overjoyed to know that there is an emperor like you who cares about them and worries about them. It's only the first day, and the whole world is celebrating. Why should you be so anxious?"

Zhou Yi thought about it for a moment, following her words.

If you force your own ideas into this era, even if you can suppress them with force, it doesn't necessarily mean they will fit in.

Looking up at the boundless blue sky, I relaxed and regained my composure.

"You're right, let's go take care of some important business."

"What's the matter?"

Zhou Yi reached out and lifted a strand of her hair, gently scratching her snow-white face: "Of course, I want a princess."

Dugu Feng brushed the strands of hair from his hand, gave him a reproachful look, and then leaned against him again.

Suddenly remembering something, she braced herself with her hands and stared at him with bright, sparkling eyes.

"what happened?"

Dugu Feng pondered for a moment, her expression quite serious: "Aren't you going to consider filling the harem?"

"Even if you have some candidates in mind, there are still the nine concubines, including Zhaoyi, Zhaorong, and Zhaoyuan, the twenty-seven ladies-in-waiting, and the eighty-one imperial wives."

She said a lot, and Zhou Yi quickly stopped her.

"No, I really don't have that idea."

Little Phoenix's serious face instantly turned into a smile. She hugged Zhou Yi's face with both hands and kissed him several times.

Her eyebrows relaxed, and she said with a hint of amusement, "In my heart, Zhou Yu is already the most wise and sagacious ruler."

"I'm glad I didn't disappoint you."

Although he had ascended the throne and become emperor, the atmosphere between the two remained unchanged.

Dugu Feng could speak to him without any reservations, asking whatever came to mind.

She wasn't trying to interfere in politics; she was simply curious about his ideas.

"Now that we've received maps of multiple countries, what are your next steps?"

Zhou Yi countered, "Do you think the territory is large?"

“It’s huge,” Dugu Feng pondered, “It should be the largest ever.”

"I don't think it's enough."

"Hmm? Does this mean we're going to extend our reach towards India?"

"It's more than that."

Zhou Yi described to her the vast overseas lands, continents, and oceans.

This time, he spoke in great detail.

As one of the first people to come into contact with the inner workings of the sect, Dugu Feng was not surprised by Zhou Yi's extensive knowledge.

However, overseas territories remained shrouded in mystery for her.

Listening closely, it's quite interesting.

"You want to conquer all the continents and oceans?"

"With this idea in mind, I naturally hope that all fertile lands belong to Kyushu. However, I may not have the energy to do so."

“It’s not difficult at all,” Dugu Feng said with a smile. “Nothing can stump the mighty and wise Emperor Zhou.”

"Although the Tang Dynasty is newly established, everything is renewed and full of vitality. It just needs to discover talents of all kinds and encourage them to explore new territories, just like you mentioned before, the Age of Exploration. There are those who follow the rules, but there is never a shortage of explorers."

Little Phoenix added, "However, these people who go out must not only be knowledgeable, but also have martial skills."

"Only in this way can we subdue the foreign peoples overseas."

Zhou Yi smiled leisurely: "Promoting the imperial examination and building academies now is only the first step. In the future, we will not only learn all kinds of knowledge, but also practice skills so that they can go further."

"This would be a completely different dynasty, well, no, that's not quite right either."

Dugu Feng's eyes flashed as she corrected herself:

"Dynasties always come to an end. They shouldn't be called dynasties. Perhaps it would be more appropriate to call them divine dynasties or immortal dynasties. You can travel through the void and have the opportunity to live forever. Perhaps you really will go from being called 'Long Live the Emperor' to being truly 'Long Live the Emperor'."

She suddenly had many ideas, pointing to the sky:

"Which is more expansive, the other world you experience or the many continents and oceans here?"

"Of course, that side is more spacious."

"Besides its vastness, is there anything else different?"

After thinking for a moment, Zhou Yi revealed the secret: "As soon as I crossed the boundary, an endless power surged into my body, and Yang Xuyan also had similar fluctuations, but they were far less intense than what I felt."

"I suspect it's a kind of cross-disciplinary filling."

"I shattered the void; Yang Xuyan took a shortcut. That's the difference."

"Therefore, before the shattering, the higher the martial arts level, the better."

He smiled slightly: "So, you're right to say that the Divine Dynasty and the Immortal Dynasty are not wrong. The goal of the people of the Nine Provinces can be to have enough to eat and wear, or it can be to reach for the stars and the sea."

"No wonder you were preaching Taoist arts in the Ziwei Palace," Dugu Feng suddenly realized, "You were guiding them."

"Open source, open source, open source for all people, open source for the land of China, open source for this world."

"His lofty ambitions are not enough to describe Zhou Yu; others have excellent judgment!"

The little phoenix hugged him, smiled happily, and asked again:
"What kind of Taoist magic do you plan to use in the Ziwei Palace?"

Zhou Yi chose to keep it a secret: "You'll find out then."

……

June 20th, the first year of open source.

This day was Little Phoenix's birthday. Zhou Yi presented her with a gift he had prepared long ago. He announced to the world from the Qianyang Palace that he had officially made her empress.

On the same day, another piece of news also came out.

This winter, the first heavy snow fell in Dongdu.

At that time, a grand ceremony for the Supreme Daoist teachings will be held in the Ziwei Palace.
……

(End of this chapter)