Do You Know?: I, the Little Cabinet Elder, Regent of the World

Jiang Zhao folded the paper along several place names.

then

"His!"

With a tear, Liangzhe Road was split in two.

"South of Chun'an County is Liangzhe East Circuit; north of it is Liangzhe West Circuit."

The group exchanged glances, and a collective shock ran through them.

It seems they're going to reorganize the organization!

Teng Fu quickly lowered his head.

This kind of severe punishment, which affects the overall situation, is not something you can get away with!

“In addition, there will be restrictions on scientific research qualifications and the number of years for promotion,” Jiang Zhao continued.

In this era, if we want to truly inflict pain on millions of people, we must start by restricting the eligibility for the imperial examinations and the promotion of officials.

In fact, there should have been a limit on "taxation," that is, raising taxes.

However, compared to the qualifications for the imperial examinations and the years of service for promotion, the burden of taxes was essentially borne by the common people, not by scholars and officials.

Raising taxes would be unethical and unnecessary.

As for the civil and military officials, they were basically demoted, killed, exiled, or their clans exterminated, from the ninth rank to the second rank, from top to bottom.

In any case, it is at least on par with the "impersonating an imperial envoy" case during the reign of Emperor Taizong.

The difference lies in the fact that the "impersonating an imperial envoy" case during the reign of Emperor Taizong was more inclined towards murder, while the "burning of the imperial envoy" case was more inclined towards political persecution.

Who told Liangzhe Road to crash into us!

In the past year, through one expansion of territory and one purge of the empress, the emperor has completely seized control of the imperial power and firmly held the position of the supreme ruler.

As a result, not long after he came to power, Liangzhe Road committed an unforgivable crime, which can be described as walking into the line of fire.

The emperor could take this opportunity to test the sharpness of the swords!

Teng Fu sighed.

Jiang Zhao must have spoken privately with the officials about this kind of suppression on a large scale.

We can't get a single penny!

June 17, Hangzhou.

The setting sun sinks in the west, and the evening clouds hang low.

Along the riverbank, peddlers, porters, and sailors could be seen moving about from time to time.

Perhaps influenced by the burning of the imperial envoy, the huge port was not as bustling as expected, but rather had an indescribable desolation.

"what?"

"Are there still big ships around?"

On the river, several masts were faintly visible, and the patrolling official was surprised and couldn't help but point at them.

Several junior officials on patrol all looked over.

"wrong!"

After just a couple of glances, their expressions changed drastically.

There was no other reason than that masts kept increasing in number, one after another being erected.

Within moments, one could vaguely see the ship teeming with spears, armor, and elite soldiers.

"Quick, let's get out of here!" the group shouted, and they ran back immediately.

Many peddlers and laborers, upon seeing this, quickly retreated.

The burning of the imperial envoy has recently caused quite a stir.

Those hundred or so large ships were clearly carrying the imperial guards sent by the court!

About the time it takes to burn an incense stick.

"Tie on the rope!"

Every now and then, sailors would shout that the large ship was moored at the shore.

Jiang Zhao stood at the ferry crossing, his clothes fluttering, gazing into the distance.

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao stood on the left and right, respectively, while the remaining officials lined up side by side.

The waters on both banks are calm, the lakes and mountains are beautiful, and the population is thriving, truly a land of plenty.

"Liangzhe Road is indeed a prosperous place."

Jiang Zhao sighed, "What a pity."

Burning the imperial envoy violated a taboo and was destined to be punished.

Teng Fu sighed and lowered his head, remaining silent.

Originally, Liangzhe Road was considered a first-class prosperous area, almost comparable to Huainan East Road.

After this incident, it will likely decline for decades.

After all, the act of burning the imperial envoy would definitely leave a "scar" in the emperor's heart.

For people from Zhejiang and Jiangsu provinces, passing the imperial examinations for the top three ranks or becoming a probationary official would be considerably more difficult.

"Pass down the order: form ranks!" Gu Tingye took a few steps forward and roared.

"Pass down the order: Form ranks!"

"Pass down the order: Form ranks!"

With a series of long shouts, the 25,000 Imperial Guards lined up in battle formation, spears and shields in hand.

Even more strikingly, some held crossbows with solemn expressions.

"This place is less than five li away from the Imperial Guard camp on the Qiantang River."

Wang Shao glanced at the geomantic map a few times and said, "The Imperial Guard camp on the Qiantang River has 5,000 Imperial Guards stationed there, which is about half the size of the Imperial Guards in Hangzhou and about 30% of the size of the Imperial Guards in Liangzhe Road."

Jiang Zhao nodded and instructed, "Let's march now and take control of the Hangzhou garrison first."

The first thing to do upon landing is to seize control of the Imperial Guards.

Therefore, even if the soldiers were slightly tired, they could only continue marching.

"promise!"

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao bowed in succession and ordered in unison, "Move out!"

As the army set off, Gu Tingye looked at his personal guards and asked, "Shitou, where are the horses?"

Large ships are mainly used for transporting people, and are not convenient for transporting horses.

Fortunately, Shi Tou was the younger brother of the leader of the Cao Gang.

By taking advantage of the canal transport system, horses could be prepared in advance.

"Yes, yes!" Stone nodded and called over some people.

Before long, a hundred or so fine horses were brought in.

"drive!"

Several commanding officers and generals mounted their horses and accompanied the army on its journey.

Qiantang River, Shangsha Garrison.

The two armies faced each other, and a tense atmosphere filled the air.

They were wielding spears, carrying shields, or controlling bows and crossbows, as if they were about to engage in battle at any moment.

"Who are you, daring to trespass into a military camp?"

An armored lieutenant rode out on horseback and asked angrily, "Do you have any official documents from the court?"

Since the reign of Emperor Taizu, due to the system of "strengthening the trunk and weakening the branches" and "mutual restraint between the inside and outside", the garrison locations of troops have been strictly regulated.

When one army suddenly enters the encampment of another, it inevitably arouses suspicion and is regarded as a "potential rebellion."

In addition, it also involves some issues of "overstepping authority and interference".

Instinctively, however, one will subconsciously produce a rejection reaction.

"drive!"

Jiang Zhao pulled on the reins and took a few steps forward.

Gu Tingye and Wang Shao followed closely behind, half a step behind.

"Where is the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Liangzhe Road Army? Let him come out and speak," Jiang Zhao said calmly.

This subordinate general has some status, but he can't make decisions.

The general looked up and saw that the speaker was dressed in a purple robe, with a handsome and refined face. He was holding his sword with a calm and composed demeanor, exuding an air of profound composure and majestic dignity.

A typical big shot!

Within moments, several more people emerged, all dressed in purple robes.

Compared to the speaker, he lacked some of the poise, but he was still exceptionally refined and dignified.

"Alright." The lieutenant quickly agreed, not daring to disobey.

"However, the deputy commander is currently entertaining guests and is not in the military camp. It will probably take two incense sticks to burn before he can be summoned," the lieutenant explained hastily, fearing he might be neglecting the commander.

"It's alright," Jiang Zhao waved his hand.

Thus, the two armies faced off.

About three incense sticks.

The general looked anxious, glancing frequently toward the city.

"Please wait a moment, sir, it should be soon." The lieutenant was sweating and somewhat flustered.

This is a high-ranking official in purple robes!

Rather, it wasn't just one high-ranking official in purple robes!

"It's alright," Jiang Zhao said calmly, waving his hand.

Judging from the way this subordinate handled the situation, he was at least of average ability.

Facing 25,000 imperial guards and several high-ranking officials in purple robes, he was still able to speak without trembling, which was quite remarkable.

"drive!"

A moment later, the sound of a whip cracked.

"They're here, they're here!" The lieutenant clapped his hands, feeling a sense of relief.

"Who's calling me 'General'?"

The deputy commander of the army had a flushed face, probably from drinking quite a bit of wine, and he arrived by carriage.

At this moment, he was even a little unsteady on his feet.

The lieutenant quickly went over and whispered something to him.

"What? Trespassing into a military camp?"

The deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road army didn't even glance at Jiang Zhao before waving his hand and saying, "No matter who it is, anyone who trespasses into the military camp will be killed without exception!"

"You wretched child! How dare you treat the imperial envoy with such disrespect!" Jiang Zhao rebuked, his face showing displeasure.

"Ok?"

A loud shout brought the deputy commander of the Liangzhe Road military forces back to his senses, and he glanced at Jiang Zhao.

The sight of several figures in purple robes brought him back to his senses, and he asked, "Who are you?"

"Humph!"

Jiang Zhao snorted coldly: "My surname is Jiang, my given name is Zhao, I am from Huaizuo, I have served as Vice Minister of State Affairs, Grand Secretary of Wenyuan Pavilion, I entered the cabinet to oversee the affairs of state, I was granted the title of Grand Master of the Palace, Junior Guardian of the Heir Apparent, Duke of Zhao, and I was appointed by imperial decree to oversee all military and political affairs of the two capitals and fourteen circuits, and I was granted the Huan King Sword by the Emperor, which gave me the power to act at my own discretion."

With each word spoken, the Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Liangzhe Road Military Forces became more lucid.