You have truly caused me great suffering!

On his first day in office, Yuwen Xuzhong was shocked.

The limit that a scholar-official could imagine was probably the Zhenguan and Kaiyuan eras, when the country was prosperous and the people were wealthy, and the surrounding barbarians became vassals.

But now, the central government is dealing with policies and decrees that he could never have imagined every day.

What about dividing Japan into dozens of small countries to seize its gold, silver, and sulfur? What about driving out Jiaozhi and annexing the southern wilderness to protect the copper mines? What about accepting Dali as a vassal state without resorting to war?
His own ambitious plans for the Northern Expedition to the grasslands and the replacement of local chieftains with centrally appointed officials were not even included in the important government decrees.

As for domestic affairs, he saw an even grander blueprint: to make the Central Plains a well-connected land and waterway network, linking everything together.

If all these things could really be accomplished, he couldn't imagine what kind of empire the Great Jing would become.

His Majesty's ban on charcoal was actually for the sake of waterways and to make coal more widely available.

It was originally thought that small farming families were privately burning and selling charcoal, making it difficult to collect taxes, while coal mining and selling in a concentrated manner made it easier to collect taxes.

Today, coal, like salt and iron, has become a major source of tax revenue.

He was in the midst of a grand spectacle, yet he was completely unaware of the empire's operational direction and its magnificent prospects.

It's truly breathtaking.

He quickly immersed himself in the vast amount of confidential documents, just as Chen Shao had expected; he was the "patient" one.

At this moment, Chen Shao was in the Privy Council, looking at the room full of nobles and military generals, making arrangements for the full takeover of Jiaozhi.

Now, with the aid of the Jing Kingdom, the Great Zhang Dynasty is winning battle after battle. Chen Shao is worried that if they continue to win, it will once again ignite their national pride.

So, as usual, Zhang Boyu submitted a memorial requesting to be annexed by the central government, and Chen Shao immediately agreed.

Within Jiaozhi, it is estimated that there is no major opposition; even if some local tyrants and powerful figures oppose it, it will not amount to much.

We'll suppress them gradually in the future.

The main reason is that Wu Jie is so efficient at his work, which saves a lot of effort.

Wu Jie was the most qualified to speak on this matter, and he stated with certainty, "As long as we occupy the Red River region, we can control all of Annam and Jiaozhi; otherwise, they will all starve to death."

To rebel, you need capital. Without the fertile land of the Red River Plain as a granary, how will you feed the rebels?

Chen Shao nodded and said, "That makes sense."

During this period, many people in Jiaozhi (Vietnam) made a fortune from the war by following Da Jing.

In Srivijaya, Cambodia, Champa, and other places, they abducted and castrated boys, seized women, and looted jewels; disorderly robbery was a constant occurrence.

Although this was not Chen Shao's original intention, he knew that if you want to use someone, you can't stop them.

Even if Jingjun were sent, the same thing would not be avoided. At this time, trying to enforce strict military discipline down to the moral level is just wishful thinking.

The region of Jiaozhi was completely separated again during the Five Dynasties period, and the time since then is not very long.

Historically, when Zhu Di went there again, the people had already been separated for hundreds of years. They had been independent for too long and had various forces, making them very difficult to subdue.

They barely managed to gain a foothold through bloodshed, but as soon as the Ming Dynasty's national strength declined even slightly, they immediately began to rebel.

Now that Wu Jie has wiped out most of the local bullies in Jiaozhi, they are at their most vulnerable.

If they don't go now, and the deterrent effect of the Red River Massacre gradually weakens over time, while new powerful figures emerge, they will inevitably harbor ambitions to become independent again.

"We can't wait any longer. Draft an imperial edict immediately to summon Zhang Boyu to Jinling."
-
April of the second year of Jianwu in the Great Jing Dynasty.

The ruler of the Zhang Dynasty of the Great Yue Kingdom submitted a petition requesting to submit to the Central Plains. The emperor granted his request, bestowing upon him the title of King of Yue, and his descendants were granted the hereditary title of Duke of Yue.

The emperor bestowed upon him a seven-tassel crown, a purple-gold fish-shaped pouch, and a jade belt, in accordance with the rites for princes of outer vassal states.

He was granted 10,000 acres of fertile land, a mansion in Jinling, 200 bolts of colored satin, and 500 bolts of silk.

Zhang Boyu led officials from Jiaozhi to the capital by sea from Qinzhou, arriving in the capital in less than five days.

The streets of Nanjing were deserted as thousands flocked to witness this grand event.

Chen Shao did not publicize the fact that the Southern Kingdom had submitted to the government, but the people were already in an uproar over this matter that boosted morale.

For Nanjing, this kind of thing is definitely a good topic of conversation. Many years from now, people will still be talking about it with great interest.

Our founding emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty never fought a war in the Central Plains. His soldiers didn't kill their own people, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't fight.

The more people feel the nation is in decline, the more they seek something to boost their morale. The Song Dynasty, having endured so much pent-up frustration for so many years, finally unleashed its full force within the current dynasty.

People happily strolled down the street, while vendors beamed with joy, knowing it would be a lively event and they could definitely make a fortune.

The idle men in the city were all eagerly awaiting this exciting event.

Once His Majesty reports victory at the Imperial Ancestral Temple, according to the rules of the Song Dynasty, there will likely be more than ten days of unrestricted entertainment in the city, with the whole country rejoicing.

Zhang Boyu was in a great mood. As a survivor who had witnessed the Battle of the Red River, he had always felt that being the King of Jiaozhi was like having a knife hanging over his neck.

Only now does my life truly belong to me.

Moreover, he hadn't expected Chen Shao to treat him so well, offering him so many benefits.

In fact, Chen Shao was doing this for Dali's benefit, so that Zhang Boyu could get away with it.

But compared to gaining Jiaozhi and Dali, some rewards are insignificant, and any further effort is worthwhile.

After landing in Longgang, Jinling, Zhang Boyu led almost his entire clan northward to settle in Jinling.

For a powerful local figure like him to remain in Jiaozhi would be tantamount to suicide.

He knows this very well.

In recent years, for whatever reason, he has effectively led Jiaozhi to victory in every battle.

The soldiers from Jiaozhi (Vietnam) marched out of Southeast Asia, plundering relentlessly. They made a fortune just by castrating boys and selling them to the Arab world. This also created a large number of interest groups, and everyone benefited from following Zhang Boyu's lead.

Naturally, one would want to eat more meat with him.

But Zhang Boyu wasn't stupid. You guys are enjoying your meal, but I'm the one who has to bear the risk of our clan being wiped out.

I'm coming to Nanjing to enjoy life; you can do whatever you want with me.

The treatment Chen Shao gave him was something Zhang Boyu could never even dream of. He was originally a powerful minister of the Li Dynasty, and it was Da Jing who put him on the throne after Da Jing destroyed the Li Dynasty.

Even if the Ly Dynasty had not been destroyed, his best outcome would have been to become a powerful figure in Dai Viet.

But now, he has transformed into the King of Yue of the Great Jing Dynasty, and his descendants have inherited the title of "Duke of Yue," becoming the meritorious relatives of the Great Jing Dynasty.

Zhang Boyu's mouth was never closed; it was always wide open, and he would nod and wave to everyone he saw.

You'd think he came to Nanjing to conquer the city and become emperor.

The officials who came to greet him frowned upon seeing his appearance.

How could people be so heartless! This scene reminded them of the historical record where Sima Zhao asked Liu Shan, "Do you miss Shu?"
Zhang Boyu was clearly enjoying himself and had no intention of leaving.

In truth, they still didn't quite understand Zhang Boyu's situation. If Chen Shao and Wu Jie were here, they would naturally understand him.

Because of his high rank, everyone else bowed to him, but Zhang Boyu dared not accept it casually.

He was merely a figurehead King of Yue, while these people were the true powerful ministers of the Great Jing Dynasty, and he might have to rely on them in the future.

He quickly waved his hand, repeatedly saying he dared not.

Zhang Boyu brought his entire family of seventy-three to Jinling this time. Liu Jizu smiled and said, "Shall we go and meet His Majesty?"

"No rush, no rush!" Zhang Boyu quickly replied with a smile, "There are still more than fifty ships that haven't arrived yet."

"Fifty ships?" Liu Jizu was also stunned by what he said. Zhang's background had long been thoroughly investigated by Jinling.

Where did you get so many people from?

Did they bring all the powerful families from Jiaozhi (Vietnam) with them?
Zhang Boyu smiled and said, "The officials and people of Jiaozhi are all grateful for Your Majesty's great virtue, so they entrusted me to bring some gifts to Your Majesty, a total of fifty ships full of treasures."

"I borrowed this ship from a merchant caravan."

The official from Dajing finally understood. No wonder His Majesty rewarded him so handsomely; he really dared to sell out the country!
Fifty ships in a caravan—what does that mean? And since he said they were 'treasures,' they weren't just gold and silver items, but rather gold, jewels, and shells. This clearly meant that they had emptied the treasure trove of Dai Viet.

In the Water Margin, Liang Zhongshu celebrated his father-in-law's birthday with 100,000 strings of cash, which could be carried by about ten carrying poles.

These fifty ships
Liu Jizu nodded slightly, thinking to himself that Zhang Boyu was indeed wise. It didn't matter how much His Majesty rewarded him; it was what he deserved, and since it was given by His Majesty, no one dared to covet it.

But if you embezzle all the wealth accumulated by the Great Yue Kingdom over the years, then you're in for trouble once you enter Jinling.

If any prefect came to your door asking for two treasures to admire and play with, would you give them to him or not? Would you dare ask him to write you an IOU? And if he didn't pay you back, you wouldn't have any way to get them back.

The group stopped urging each other and wanted to broaden their horizons. They had only heard of "wealth comparable to a country" before, and today they wanted to see what kind of wealth could be considered "wealthy enough to rival a country".

In 938 AD, Wu Quan, a powerful clan leader in Jiaozhi, decisively defeated the Southern Han navy at the Battle of Bach Dang River, killing the Southern Han commander Liu Hongcao. He then declared himself king and established the Wu Dynasty. This marked the temporary end of the Central Plains' thousand-year-long rule over Jiaozhi.

Thirty years later, Dinh Bo Linh unified Jiaozhi and established the Dinh Dynasty. He sent envoys to the Song Dynasty to request investiture. To stabilize the south and avoid war, Emperor Taizu of Song, Zhao Kuangyin, conferred upon Dinh Bo Linh the title of "King of Jiaozhi".

This effectively recognized its independence; the Song Dynasty formally relinquished its direct rule over Jiaozhi, recognizing it as an outer vassal state rather than an internally controlled prefecture.

This move is tantamount to legally acknowledging that Jiaozhi (Vietnam) has broken away from the Central Plains administrative system, retaining only nominal suzerainty.

Nearly two hundred years have passed; just how many treasures have they accumulated?

Soon, the ships that Zhang Boyu had mentioned arrived one after another. Because the port could not accommodate so many ships, they had to queue up to enter.

The first to disembark were a group of strangely dressed people who then laid down thick wooden planks.

With a bellow, six giant white elephants descended one after another, eliciting gasps from the crowd.

This scene alone makes today's trip worthwhile.

Six white elephants, driven by these animal trainers, were chained and pulling a cart with a golden statue of the Thousand-Handed and Thousand-Eyed Guanyin on it.

This was cast in 1057 by imperial decree of Emperor Li Shengzong. It is twelve feet tall, covered with pure gold, and inlaid with seven treasures (pearls, coral, agate, etc.).

There is also a Buddha tooth relic that has been worshipped by the people of Jiaozhi for generations, which was called the national relic by the Joseon Dynasty.

The Guanyin statue shone brightly in the sunlight, with a giant beast leading the way, and it seemed as if there was a faint halo around it under the blazing sun.

The onlookers prayed, hoping for blessings that would bring them great wealth, and even the officials seemed somewhat dazed.

Further on were several young boys and girls from Jiaozhi, holding a 'golden seal', a 'yellow dragon flag', a 'shuntian sword', a 'thunder drum', and a 'penal code'.

These were all national treasures claimed by the Ly Dynasty. Although they were not necessarily very valuable, Zhang Boyu's actions truly severed the foundation of the Dai Viet Kingdom.

These are all things they painstakingly created to form their own culture and sense of belonging; they are tokens of their separation from the Han Dynasty.

Further on, there were cartloads of pearls, dragonwood, jade, and other rare treasures.

The first ship's cargo had been unloaded for several hours and was still not finished. Seeing this, Liu Jizu and his men estimated that it would take more than a month and it might not be completely unloaded.

He suddenly remembered the four large warehouses that His Majesty had built at the port some time ago.

Your Majesty truly had foresight.
Actually, Chen Shao used it to store stones and silver.

Zhang Boyu said, "Let's go to the palace to meet the Emperor!"

In reality, only the very first few items were truly intended to be presented to the emperor; the emperor would most likely not even glance at the others.

By this time, Chen Shao no longer lacked these things, so there was little use for them; they were merely gifts to his close associates.

Unlike Emperor Huizong of Song, he didn't feel uncomfortable unless he lavishly distributed money, and he would go crazy every day rewarding his close ministers, Taoist priests, and concubines.

Officials escorted Zhang Boyu to his carriage, along with his close family members.

The people on both sides of the road were truly amazed. This must have been the scene when the Wu-Yue Kingdom surrendered to the Song Dynasty.
Inside the imperial city, the Inner Palace Attendants Bureau had already made all the preparations, just waiting for them to enter the court and complete their ceremonies.

From then on, Jiaozhi was renamed Annam and returned to the Central Plains.

When the group arrived at the palace, the officials were already waiting in the Zichen Hall. Because of this important event, the grand court assembly, which was not usually held, was exceptionally convened.

Today, all the officials are behaving themselves properly. Such a momentous event will surely be recorded in the annals of future generations.

If someone makes a fool of themselves, it will be recorded and become a stain on their reputation for generations.

For scholars and officials who had studied the classics, participating in such an important event was an absolute moment of glory.

Sitting on the high dragon throne, Chen Shao couldn't see what was happening below at all.

He had always enjoyed discussing matters with his ministers, but at this moment he seemed rather bored.

During the monthly grand court assembly at the Zichen Hall, he had nothing to do. Usually, Prime Minister Li Tangchen would step forward to greet him on behalf of the other officials, and the eunuch Wang Xiaojie would answer for him.

The officials bowed and then the court session ended. Chen Shao even considered abolishing this grand court assembly.

But after being advised by officials, he changed his mind. Etiquette and law were very useful in this era.

The Grand Court Assembly, as the highest-level ceremonial assembly, did not focus on political discussions, but rather on symbolism—it was a grand display of the legitimacy of imperial power, the order of the world, and cosmology.

As the group of people entered, Zhang Boyu rushed forward, knelt down, kowtowed, and then, holding the memorial in his hands, began to read it aloud:
I humbly believe that there cannot be two suns in the sky, nor two kings among the people.

Throughout history, all within the four seas have been unified; beyond the nine provinces, all have submitted.

Your servant has heard that when a sage arises, all things are revealed, and when the emperor appears, the four barbarian tribes look up to him.

Now, the Great Jing Dynasty has received its mandate from Heaven, its glory shines upon the Central Plains, its virtue extends to the eight directions, and its might shakes the nine regions. Though I dwell in the remote southern wilderness, how could I forget my humble sincerity?

I humbly recall that my ancestors were descendants of the Han and Tang dynasties, who guarded the ancestral lands of Jiaozhi. Since the chaos of the Five Dynasties period, they have been separated from the Celestial Empire and have usurped the throne for their own amusement, which was truly not their choice.

For a century, though we have followed the legitimate calendar, our status has not been truly established, and we have always lived in constant fear. Every time I read the passage in the "Yu Gong" about "the south reaching Jiaozhi," I cannot help but weep.

Now, Heaven has despised the disordered and virtuous, and has favored those who have returned to their rightful place. The Great Jing Dynasty has risen, sweeping away the dust of the barbarians and rebuilding China.

I have observed the celestial phenomena and examined the hearts of the people, and I know that the mandate of Heaven cannot be defied and the general trend cannot be reversed.

If we continue to defend this isolated city and falsely claim to be an outer vassal state, we will be going against the principles of Heaven, violating human ethics, and betraying our ancestors!
Therefore, I dare to speak frankly and earnestly, presenting the land of the thirty-six caves and the map of the eighteen prefectures.
We are willing to relinquish our false titles and submit to the Holy Dynasty. From this day forward, the people of Jiaozhi are the people of Dajing.
The City of Rising Dragons is also known as the City of Great View.

Money and grain were handed over to the officials, and military equipment was all under the control of the military commander.
Officials were appointed and dismissed by the Celestial Empire, and rites and music were observed throughout China.

May your Majesty remember that I am lonely and loyal, and pity my foolish and upright people.
May the envoy serve as a loyal servant at the palace gates, and may his descendants forever live as people of peace and prosperity.

Born as a citizen of the Great Jing, die as a ghost of the Great Jing.
This is my wish, and also my good fortune!

I was filled with fear and trepidation as I wrote this, and I was at a loss for words.

We respectfully dispatch our retainers Nguyen Van Cao and Le Trong Hoa, carrying the golden seal, maps, and household registers.
I prostrate myself before the palace gates, awaiting punishment and to report my guilt.

After listening, Chen Shao also said loudly, "I believe that Heaven has no boundaries and Earth has no limits, and all those illuminated by the sun and moon are my children. Now, you, Zhang, know the difference between obedience and rebellion, and understand the distinction between Chinese and barbarians. You can be called both loyal and wise!"

"Your Majesty, I grant your request!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Zhang Boyu breathed a sigh of relief. He knew that his family had successfully risen from a powerful clan in Annam to a prominent family in the Central Plains.

I can say that I have done right by my ancestors!
Chen Shao looked at Zhang Boyu, who was prostrate below, and was actually quite satisfied with him, because in the past few years, when he was the king of Jiaozhi, he had done a great job in the battles he fought for him.

He was also very effective in suppressing the rebellions within Jiaozhi (Vietnam).

Not just anyone can be a good puppeteer.

Chen Shao laughed and said, "King of Yue, please rise! Men, bring a seat for the King of Yue!"

After the ceremony, a grand banquet was held outside the palace. This was the first banquet of its scale since the capital was moved.

Almost all officials of the fifth rank and above in Beijing, except those who were on duty, had arrived.

If you happen to get stuck there and can't get in, it's a regret for life.

The people outside the palace lingered, spontaneously shouting "Long live the Emperor!" The crowd grew larger and their voices louder, even drowning out the music and drums played by Jun Rongzhi inside the palace.

As Chen Shao listened to the distant sound, he suddenly felt moved; no one could remain unmoved by such a scene.

He specially ordered someone to go to the inner palace and summon the Empress and the Imperial Noble Consort, who accompanied him to the outer gate tower of the palace, one on his left and one on his right.

Upon hearing this, Zhong Lingxi and Li Shishi carefully tidied their appearance. At 1:15 PM, Chen Shaohe and the two walked up the city wall step by step.

At that moment, everyone subconsciously held their breath and bowed deeply.

Then, a deafening shout rang out.

Although people couldn't see it clearly, they all knew that the emperor of the Great Jing Dynasty was above that high gate.

Chen Shao waved his hand downwards, causing another thunderous roar.

Zhong Lingxi nervously clenched her hands together inside her sleeves, trying her best to maintain an absolutely dignified and composed demeanor.

As for Li Shishi, she couldn't help but turn her head, her beautiful eyes filled with Chen Shao's image.

Looking at the crowd below, Chen Shao suddenly felt a sense of relief. He thought to himself, "Having experienced this once, even if I die, it's worth it!" (End of Chapter)