Jobless Reincarnation: Live Seriously Even Without Transfer Events

The historian commented: The deposed emperor ascended the throne at a young age, unwilling to be subservient to powerful ministers, and raised an army to seize the country; his ambition is admirable. However, the mandate of heaven is predetermined, and cannot be forced by human power. The martial trial preserved the dignity of the emperor and his ministers; the abdication prevented the ancestral temple from being extinguished. His fearlessness in battle and his undignified abdication are commendable. It is a pity that he was born in a declining era; though possessing brilliant talent, he was born at the wrong time.

Book 3, Biography of Bereas

Emperor Rudius, the Great Ancestor, who initiated the dynasty and established the martial tradition.

Rudeus, originally named Notos, was a member of the Grellat clan. A precocious child, he mastered Saint-level magic at the age of five. At thirteen, he married into the Boreas family and changed his surname to Boreas. He served under Philip and Sauros, and was renowned for his talent. When Ariel raised her army, Rudeus was already the Chief of the Inspectorate, leading the newly selected troops, capturing Darius, and stabilizing the court—his greatest contribution was to the campaign.

When Emperor Gaozong ascended the throne, Rudius was appointed as the Grand Chancellor, assisting in the administration of the court. For thirty years, Rudius reformed the laws and regulations internally and expanded the territory externally; many of the imperial systems were established by him. Emperor Gaozong once said to his attendants, "Having Rudius is like a fish finding water." When Emperor Zhongzong was young, Rudius was the sole Grand Chancellor, and all matters of state and military affairs were entrusted to him.

In the year 452 of the Ankylion calendar, Rudeus led his army south to conquer the Kingdom of Wanglong. The army conquered it in forty days and divided its territory into four kingdoms of Wanglong. He was known as "the emperor's butcher's knife" because he upheld the law to punish the guilty and led the royal army to conquer, his power shaking the world.

Rudius ruled for over forty years, establishing the civil service examination system, reforming the tax system, consolidating military power, and creating a new electoral body. All his actions were aimed at weakening the old aristocratic families and strengthening the central government. The old aristocratic families harbored much resentment, but Rudius remained steadfast and never wavered. Emperor Zhongzong once bestowed upon him a golden inscription that read, "The reason I have not perished is thanks to Minister Rudius."

In 477 of the Ankylon calendar, King Sejong died, and Rudius, who was over seventy years old, continued to assist the young King Georgeland. However, knowing the danger of his position, he gradually withdrew from the court and appointed his eldest son, Ars, as regent.

In the year 481 of the Ankylon calendar, Rudius died at the age of seventy-five. On his deathbed, he said to Ars, "Throughout my life, I have committed many acts of killing and conquest, and I know I am ashamed. But for the sake of my descendants, I had no choice but to do so. You shall carry on my will and temper the ruthless with leniency, so that the world may never again bear the name of the butcher's knife." After saying this, he died.

After Yars ascended the throne, he was posthumously honored as Emperor Qiyun Xingtian Zhaowu Gao, and his temple name was Taizu.

Historians say: Emperor Taizu, a man of different surnames, entered the throne of Bereas and ultimately laid the foundation for his empire—a feat rarely seen in history. He served five emperors and three rulers throughout his life, navigating the vortex of power with remarkable skill and integrity, not only through wisdom but also through principle. His actions demonstrate this: in reducing the power of regional military governors, he dared to bear grievances; in establishing the civil service examination system, he was courageous in implementing reforms; in expanding territory, he was adept at employing generals. Everything that laid the foundation for the empire was his doing. However, in his later years, he realized his excessive bloodshed and expressed regret on his deathbed, revealing that his humanity was not entirely lost. As the ancients said, "Extraordinary achievements require extraordinary people." Emperor Taizu possessed this quality.

Emperor Taizong, who succeeded to the throne and established the dynasty, was a man of great virtue and merit.

In the year 482 of the Ankylon calendar, Emperor Taizong Ars ascended the throne at the age of sixty. He was the eldest son of Emperor Taizu. Initially, he was the Duke of Fytoia, leading the Eastern Legion. In the Battle of Roa, he defeated George Lant, abdicated the throne, and the state of Bereas was finally established.

Upon ascending the throne, Emperor Taizong issued an edict stating, "I have inherited the foundation laid by Emperor Taizu and received the mandate of Heaven. All former officials of the previous dynasty and virtuous scholars from all directions shall participate in the renewal of the dynasty." As a result, everyone felt at ease. He also appointed Siegharut as Grand Marshal of the North, in charge of the military affairs of the North; and Robin Notos Grellat as a cabinet advisor, in charge of civil service examinations.

In the 483rd year of the Jialong reign, the "Policy for Stabilizing the Nation" was issued, stipulating that all laws and regulations established by the Taizu Emperor should remain unchanged and could not be altered arbitrarily. The number of newly elected members was also increased to strengthen oversight.

In the year 485 of the Jialong calendar, the old tribes of Usr rebelled. Emperor Taizong ordered the Imperial Guards to quell the rebellion, which was quelled within a month. He then issued an edict: all those who participated in the rebellion, the ringleaders would be executed, and the followers would be exiled. The clan's property would be confiscated.

In the year 487 of the Kata'long calendar, King Thagh was old and appointed his eldest son Saladin as crown prince, ordering him to participate in court affairs and learn about state matters.

In the spring of the 490th year of the Jialong calendar, Emperor Taizong fell seriously ill. He summoned Saladin and his ministers to his bedside and said, “I have succeeded Emperor Taizu in his work for ten years, and fortunately, I have not made any major mistakes. After you ascend the throne, you should prioritize the people, uphold the law, and rely on virtuous advisors. Be cautious, be cautious.” He then passed away at the age of sixty-eight. His posthumous title was Emperor Jitian Liji Wende Shenggong, and his temple name was Taizong.

The historian wrote: Emperor Taizong ascended the throne at the age of sixty, inheriting the foundation laid by Emperor Taizu and establishing a unified empire. He treated his former officials with kindness, promoted culture and reduced military campaigns, winning the hearts of the people. However, he acted with prudence, neither seeking immediate gains nor fame. Though he lacked illustrious achievements, he possessed the virtue of maintaining the established order. His most commendable quality was his ability to establish and adhere to national policies, ensuring the longevity of the Bereas imperial line. He can be considered a successor to Emperor Taizu's aspirations, and one who greatly expanded upon them.

Emperor Saladin, the Wise and Powerful Emperor Shizong

In the year 490 of the Kata'long calendar, Emperor Sejong Saladin ascended the throne at the age of thirty-five. He was the eldest son of Emperor Taizong. In his youth, the emperor learned military affairs from his grandfather, Emperor Taizu, and was also instructed by Emperor Taizong, thus gaining a thorough understanding of political systems.

In the 493rd year of the Kapryong calendar, the "Order for the Determination of Noble Territories" was issued, ordering the Territory Affairs Department to re-survey all lands nationwide. All lands belonging to old clans with unclear boundaries were to be confiscated by the Imperial Household. The Zephyrus clan defied the order, and King Sejong stripped them of their title, confiscated their lands, and executed the clan leader. The remaining nobles were terrified and dared not disobey. From this point onward, the power of local magnates greatly declined.

In the 495th year of the Gajong calendar, a royal library was established, and it was ordered that books from all over the world be collected and stored there.

In the year 497 of the Gaek Long calendar, the "Records of Bereas" were compiled, recording the deeds of Taizu and Taizong for posterity. Sejong personally wrote the preface, discussing the hardships of establishing the dynasty.

In the year 499 of the Gaekryong calendar, King Sejong felt slightly unwell and appointed Crown Prince Auster to oversee the country.

In the spring of the 500th year of the Jialong calendar, Emperor Shizong died at the age of 45. His posthumous title was Emperor Ruiwu Yingming Shengong, and his temple name was Shizong.

The historian commented: Emperor Shizong reigned for ten years. Although he did not wage war, his reforms to the land system and weakening of the old aristocratic clans were crucial to the long-term stability of the empire. The implementation of the "Noble Territories Ordinance" led to the decline of the old aristocratic clans such as the Aiolos, while the court's authority grew stronger. Emperor Shizong exemplified the principle of "using civil administration to compensate for military achievements." It is regrettable that his reign was short, but the systems he established served as a model for future generations.

Emperor Xuanzong Xiaode Guangyun Cheng Emperor Auster

In the year 500 of the Ankylon calendar, Emperor Xuanzong Auster ascended the throne at the age of twenty-four. He was the eldest son of Emperor Shizong. The emperor was benevolent and tolerant, and was good at accepting advice. He reigned for forty-nine years, making him the longest-reigning monarch of the Bereas dynasty.

In the 503rd year of the Jialong calendar, a heavy snowfall struck the northern border, causing severe disaster. Emperor Xuanzong allocated 300,000 shi of grain from the national treasury for relief and also exempted 30% of taxes, saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of people.

In the 505th year of the Jialong calendar, an imperial edict was issued to compile the "Comprehensive Statutes of the Asura Empire," which compiled the systems, laws, and official systems of previous dynasties into one book so that future generations could refer to it.

In the 510th year of the Jialong reign, due to the repeated abuses of power by the newly appointed officials, King Seonjong slightly curbed their power, limiting their arbitrary authority and prohibiting them from arresting ministers without solid evidence. He also established the Inspectorate to provide checks and balances.

In the year 520 of the Gatling calendar, Grand Marshal Siegharut of the Northern Frontier died of illness. Emperor Xuanzong suspended court for three days, personally went to mourn him, and comforted his family. Siegharut had no sons, so the emperor appointed his nephew to inherit the title. Siegharut's achievements remained unparalleled throughout Emperor Xuanzong's reign.

In the year 521 of the Kakuryō calendar, an accusation arose that the Sieghart lineage was plotting a rebellion, which Emperor Seonjong suspected. The Shinsengumi (New Selection Army) was ordered to search the Sieghart residence, where they found the "Thommelis Book." The Emperor was furious and executed the entire Sieghart lineage, with men, women, and children all executed in the marketplace. Among them was Fitz Boreas Grellat, a handsome young man of fifteen, who was also executed. The Notos family, related to the Sieghart lineage by marriage, was also implicated, their property confiscated, and their members exiled. People at the time felt it was an injustice, but no one dared to speak out. Since the time of the Great Ancestor, the Sieghart clan had been a pillar of the empire's northern border, pacifying conflicts, stabilizing the northern frontier, and conquering Bichenliru, achieving great merit. Their sudden destruction chilled the hearts of the people. This was one of Emperor Seonjong's major misrules in his later years.

In the 530th year of the Jialong calendar, various southwestern tribes came to pay tribute, and the empire reached its zenith.

In the 535th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Xuanzong was old and somewhat weary of state affairs, but he still held court every day without fail. Ministers requested that a crown prince be established as soon as possible, but the emperor said, "I am still alive, why the rush?" However, he ultimately did not decide on an heir, which became a hidden worry for the future.

In the year 540 of the Kata's calendar, the family of Hyberlis was promoted for their merits and their power gradually increased, but the emperor failed to curb their influence. Later commentators have considered this a mistake made by Emperor Xuanzong in his later years.

In the autumn of the 548th year of the Kabuto calendar, an urgent report arrived from the Gulins Sea: the Republic of Milis's navy had decisively defeated the Imperial fleet, the flagship "Rudius" had sunk, and Commander Dewey Heberis Boreas Greirat had died in battle. Upon hearing the report, the Emperor remained silent for a long time, then sighed, "It is my fault. During the reign of the late Emperor Shizong, the seas were at peace, so I focused on military preparations. Now Milis's warships are constantly being upgraded, and their ironclad ships are competing fiercely, yet I still use the old methods to defend against them. The ministers requested new ships, but I did not listen; they requested the purchase of internal combustion engines, but I did not grant it. All of this is my fault." After speaking, he wept, and none of his ministers dared to look him in the eye.

In the spring of the 549th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Xuanzong fell seriously ill. He summoned his ministers and said, “I have inherited the legacy of my ancestors for over forty years, and fortunately, the empire has been at peace. However, what I deeply worry about is the lack of a successor, the unrest on the borders, and the growing power of powerful ministers. My mistakes are irreversible. You should carefully select virtuous men to assist me.” He then passed away at the age of seventy-three. His posthumous title was Emperor Xiaode Guangyun Cheng, and his temple name was Xuanzong.

The historian writes: Emperor Xuanzong reigned for nearly fifty years, inheriting Emperor Shizong's policy of weakening the power of the vassal states and implementing lenient governance. The empire was at peace, and the surrounding foreign tribes submitted. His disaster relief efforts, compassion for the people, and efforts to compile books and establish laws demonstrated his virtue in maintaining order. However, he made three mistakes in his later years: first, he failed to establish an heir early; second, he failed to guard against powerful ministers; and third, he neglected the defenses of the coastal defenses. The Siegharut lineage, three generations of loyal officials, was slaughtered in a single day—this was his greatest mistake. When the defeat at the Battle of Milis occurred, the emperor wept on his deathbed, but it was too late for regret. Alas! A ruler in a peaceful era should anticipate and prevent potential troubles. Although Emperor Xuanzong was good, he still had shortcomings in this regard. From Emperor Taizu to Emperor Xuanzong, the Bereas dynasty flourished for five generations, reaching its zenith. However, prosperity inevitably leads to decline, and the subsequent events cannot be fully recorded in this annals.

(End of "The True Annals of Emperor Asura, Years 423-549 of the Ankylon Calendar")

The Chronicles of Emperor Asura (Anklon calendar 549-675)

Book 4, The Chronicle of Bereas (Continued)

Emperor Muzong Huiyuan Kangding, Leonhardt

In the year 549 of the Gapung calendar, Emperor Muzong Leonhardt ascended the throne at the age of thirty-five. He was the eldest son of Emperor Xuanzong. Emperor Xuanzong hesitated in his later years, only deciding on the heir apparent on his deathbed. After ascending the throne, the emperor first issued an edict of self-reproach, blaming himself for the misrule of Emperor Xuanzong in his later years. He also posthumously honored the lineage of Siegharut, restored their reputation, and recalled those who had been exiled.

In the 550th year of the Kakaruga calendar, Emperor Mukjong issued the "New Coastal Defense Strategy," recruiting craftsmen to build new warships. He also sent envoys to the Republic of Milis to negotiate the purchase of the internal combustion engine patent. However, Milis demanded a very high price and imposed harsh terms, which the emperor refused. He then established his own shipyard, gathering the empire's most skilled craftsmen to replicate the internal combustion engine, a process that took nine years to complete.

In 553 of the Jialong calendar, various tribes in the southwest rebelled. Emperor Muzong sent the Imperial Guards to quell the rebellion, winning three battles in a row, and the tribes were pacified again. However, the country's strength was exhausted, so the emperor ordered the cessation of military operations and focused on domestic affairs.

In the year 555 of the Jialong calendar, powerful officials formed cliques, and official corruption gradually worsened. Although Emperor Muzong was upright, he lacked discernment. The family of Hyperion contributed money and grain to the national treasury, gaining the emperor's trust and increasing their power. Despite repeated remonstrances from cabinet ministers, the emperor refused to listen, saying, "Hyperion possesses practical talent; I should employ him."

In the year 560 of the Ankylosaurus calendar, the Gulins Sea reported another border alert, with the Milis fleet patrolling outside the Empire's territorial waters. The Emperor ordered twelve newly built warships to be sent out to patrol the border, and the Milis fleet, knowing they were prepared, withdrew.

In the spring of 565 AD, Emperor Muzong fell ill and appointed his son, Crown Prince Frederick, as regent.

In the winter of the 565th year of the Jialong reign, the emperor died at the age of fifty-one. His posthumous title was Emperor Huiyuan Kangding, and his temple name was Muzong.

The historian commented: Emperor Muzong inherited the mistakes of Emperor Xuanzong, and was able to repent and posthumously honor meritorious officials, thus demonstrating the magnanimity of a ruler. However, he was unable to restrain powerful ministers and could not consolidate the foundation of the nation early on. Although he built ships and imitated aircraft, which brought some revitalization, he ultimately failed to reverse the gradual decline of the country. He was, after all, a ruler of mediocre talent, more than capable of maintaining the status quo but not capable of restoring order.

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Emperor Huanzong Yingmin Xiaocheng, Frederick

In the year 565 of the Kakaruga calendar, Frederick the Great ascended the throne at the age of twenty-eight. He was the eldest son of Emperor Mokjong. The emperor was exceptionally intelligent and skilled in crafts from a young age, with a particular passion for naval engineering. At the beginning of his reign, he personally went to the shipyard to supervise the construction, and within three years, the empire's first ironclad warship, the "Lion," was built, which became a formidable force on the seas.

In the 568th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Huanzong ordered the reform of the navy and established a Minister of the Navy to oversee all matters concerning the sea frontier.

In the year 570 of the Jialong calendar, a severe drought struck the southwest, leaving the land parched and barren. Emperor Huanzong opened the national treasury to provide relief, ordered granaries to be opened in various regions to distribute grain, and reduced taxes for three years. Millions of disaster victims were saved.

In the year 573 of the Jialong calendar, Emperor Huanzong summoned his ministers to discuss abolishing the power of the Hyperion family. At that time, the Hyperion family controlled the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of War, wielding immense power. The emperor held back, first promoting their confidants and then gradually removing them from key positions.

In the year 575 of the Jialong calendar, the head of the Haiberis family, Jue, secretly contacted the old tribes of the north, intending to coerce them into a mutiny. Emperor Huanzong preemptively struck, summoning his newly selected troops at night to surround the Haiberis residence and arrest dozens of members of his clan. After the matter was settled, the emperor did not implicate anyone, only executing a few ringleaders and exiling the rest. The court and the public rejoiced, saying the emperor possessed the qualities of Emperor Taizong.

In the year 578 of the Konoha calendar, the Imperial University's expansion was completed, and its library held over a million volumes. The Emperor personally wrote "On Ironclads," a treatise on naval tactics and ironclad warships, which was widely circulated among scholars.

In the 580th year of the Jialong calendar, Emperor Huanzong suffered from a heart ailment, yet he remained diligent in his duties. His ministers pleaded for him to rest, but the Emperor replied, "If I do not personally oversee the affairs of the realm, there will inevitably be oversights. As long as I am alive, I am alive; how can I be negligent!"

In the spring of the 583rd year of the Jialong reign, the emperor died at the age of forty-six. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Yingmin Xiaocheng, and his temple name was Huanzong.

The historian commented: Emperor Huanzong can be considered a restorer of the dynasty. He was able to control powerful ministers, build up the navy, provide disaster relief, and promote education; his achievements were all remarkable. He was good at recognizing and appointing people, but did not abuse their power; he was insightful in adapting to changing circumstances, but did not lose his integrity. If Heaven had granted him more years to rectify official corruption and secure the coastal borders, the decline of the empire might have been delayed. Alas, Heaven did not grant his wish.

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Emperor Suzong Siwen Dingyuan, William

In the year 583 of the Gapyong reign, King Sukjong William ascended the throne at the age of forty. He was the younger brother of King Hwanjong and succeeded to the throne as a prince. The emperor was kind but indecisive and not good at making decisions. In the early years of his reign, he was able to maintain the policies of King Hwanjong, reducing taxes and burdens, and allowing the people to rest and recuperate.

In the year 585 of the Kakuno calendar, the Republic of Milis blocked the sea trade route to Gulins with its navy, causing a sharp decline in the Empire's trade. Emperor Sukjong sent envoys to negotiate, and Milis demanded that the Empire cede the ports on the western coast of the mining continent. The Emperor refused, and the envoys returned home.

In the year 587 of the Kakuryū calendar, the Imperial Navy was outdated and lacked new ships. Emperor Sukjong wanted to build ironclad warships, but the national treasury was empty, and the plan was not implemented.

In the year 590 of the Kasikorn calendar, a miners' uprising broke out in the south, originating in Usr and spreading to Fituia. The Emperor ordered the Imperial Guard to suppress it, which took eight months to quell, resulting in heavy casualties. Afterwards, public resentment gradually grew, and there were calls for reforms in the court, but no concrete action was taken.

In 595 of the Gapyong calendar, King Sukjong gradually became negligent in his duties, and powerful ministers rose again. Grand Councilor Marcus von Heberis, due to his kinship with the emperor, enjoyed his trust and resumed his influence. Many cabinet ministers who offered advice were demoted.

In the year 598 of the Kakuryō calendar, Gulins suffered another defeat, with three of the Empire's battleships sunk by the Milis fleet, forcing the entire army to retreat to coastal waters. Upon hearing the news, Emperor Sukjong even considered negotiating peace by ceding territory. Censor Yang tearfully remonstrated, saying, "Ceding territory to seek peace is a disgrace to the Empire! How can Your Majesty do such a thing?" The Emperor remained silent, but ultimately did not decide on peace negotiations.

In the 600th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Sukjong died at the age of 57. He left no will, and the succession was undecided, causing great chaos in the court. He was posthumously named Emperor Siwen Dingyuan, and his temple name was Sukjong.

The historian commented: Emperor Suzong inherited the legacy of Emperor Huanzong and could have maintained the status quo. However, his indecisiveness prevented him from carrying on Huanzong's ambitions, leading to the resurgence of powerful ministers, the loss of coastal borders, and the gradual decline of national strength. His attempt to seek peace in the face of defeat, though ultimately unsuccessful, already revealed his declining spirit. In times of maintaining the status quo, the most dangerous ruler is an incompetent one, and Emperor Suzong was a prime example.

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Emperor Guangliewu of Daizong Otto

In the year 600 of the Gapyong calendar, Emperor Daijong Otto ascended the throne at the age of thirty-four. He was the nephew of Emperor Sukjong and rose through the ranks due to his military achievements. The emperor had entered the royal guard at a young age and was promoted to general. After Emperor Sukjong's death, there was no heir apparent, and the court officials recommended that the emperor succeed him.

Upon ascending the throne, the emperor swiftly executed Marcus von Heberis and confiscated his family's property. He also strengthened the military and devoted all his efforts to building ships in order to expand the maritime borders.

In the year 602 of the Kabuto era, the Battle of Gulins Sea resumed. Emperor Daizong personally went to the front lines to oversee the campaign, appointing the "Lion" as the new fleet flagship and leading twenty-four ironclad warships to sea. The Milis fleet underestimated the enemy and was caught off guard by Daizong's surprise attack, suffering a crushing defeat. The flagship "Cliff" was severely damaged and fled westward in disarray. The Empire's might in the Gulins Sea was unmatched in thirty years.

In the 605th year of the Kakuryō calendar, Emperor Daijong promulgated the "New Coastal Defense Law," which established the navy's annual budget and built a naval academy to train personnel for the shipbuilding industry. The Imperial Navy was thus revived.

In the year 608 of the Jialong calendar, the miners in the south rebelled again. Emperor Daizong personally led the Imperial Guard to suppress the rebellion, but after the battle, the emperor decreed that all those who were forced into rebellion due to hardship would be pardoned, while corrupt officials and cruel bureaucrats would be severely punished. As a result, the people's hearts were somewhat at peace.

In the 610th year of the Jialong calendar, Emperor Daizong fell ill, but still attended court every day. He revised the official system, limited the term of office of the cabinet, and prevented powerful ministers from residing there for too long.

In the year 613 of the Kakuryon calendar, the Empire and the Republic of Milis signed the Treaty of Gulins, demarcating maritime boundaries and agreeing not to invade each other's waters. Although the Empire did not recover its former territories, it secured its coastal interests. For over thirty years, the treaty remained in effect, and the maritime borders were peaceful.

In the 615th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Daizong died at the age of forty-nine. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Guangliewu, and his temple name was Daizong.

The historian wrote: Emperor Daizong rose to power during a time of crisis, and was able to eliminate powerful ministers, reclaim coastal territories, pacify the people, and establish laws and regulations. His achievements in restoring the dynasty were comparable to those of Emperor Huanzong. He was strict in governing the army but lenient in caring for the people, and his decisiveness made him a truly wise ruler. However, although his administration was revitalized, the foundation of the nation was already damaged, and it was ultimately impossible to restore the glory of Emperor Taizu. Nevertheless, fifty years later, he was still able to maintain the safety of half of the empire, thanks to the efforts of Emperor Daizong.

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Emperor Dezong Xuanwu Ding, Frederick

In the year 615 of the Kapryong calendar, Emperor Frederick the Great ascended the throne at the age of thirty-eight. He was the eldest son of Emperor Daijong. The emperor was benevolent and upheld the laws established by Daijong, and there were no major incidents, either internally or externally.

In the 620th year of the Jialong calendar, envoys from various southwestern tribes came to pay tribute, presenting rare birds and animals. Emperor Dezong refused them, saying, "I do not value exotic creatures; it is enough for the people to live in peace, farming and weaving."

In the 625th year of the Kagyu calendar, the Imperial University celebrated its centennial. Emperor Deokjong personally attended the celebration and inscribed the four characters "Nurturing Talents to Revitalize the Nation" on a plaque.

In the 630th year of the Jialong calendar, the old tribes in the northern conflict zone caused a minor disturbance. Emperor Dezong ordered the border generals to quell the disturbance, which was stopped in a few months.

In the 635th year of the Jialong calendar, Emperor Dezong, being old, appointed his son Albrecht as crown prince.

In the 640th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Dezong died at the age of 63. He was posthumously honored as Emperor Xuanwu Ding, and his temple name was Dezong.

The historian wrote: Emperor Dezong reigned for twenty-five years, continuing the practices established by Emperor Daizong and maintaining peace throughout the land. While he achieved neither great feats nor committed any major transgressions, he was able to preserve stability and prosperity, making him a capable ruler who maintained the status quo. However, times gradually changed, and internal turmoil arose within the Republic of Milis. Although the coastal regions remained peaceful, undercurrents were stirring. Emperor Dezong failed to foresee the future, for he possessed more benevolence than strategic acumen.

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Emperor Chengzong Zhengde Shundi Albrecht

In the year 640 of the Kapryong calendar, King Seongjong Albrecht ascended the throne at the age of thirty-five. He was the eldest son of King Deokjong. The emperor revered Confucianism and valued propriety. During his reign, he reformed the civil service examination system, abolishing the miscellaneous essay examination and selecting officials solely based on classical texts and policy essays. He also compiled and published the "Complete Book of Asura," which included over ten thousand works from ancient and modern times.

In the 645th year of the Jialong calendar, a new mineral vein was discovered in the southern border region. The emperor ordered its mining, which slightly replenished the national treasury.

In the 650th year of the Gapyong reign, King Seongjong ordered the compilation of the "Veritable Records of Successive Emperors" to establish official historical records.

In the year 655 of the Kakuryō calendar, the Imperial Navy reported that the Republic of Milis had reduced its naval spending due to an internal financial crisis. Emperor Seongjong subsequently cut one-third of the naval budget and allocated the funds to education and cultural pursuits. Many military officers in the court advised against this, but the Emperor refused to listen, saying, "The flourishing of civil administration surpasses military achievements."

In the year 660 of the Gaekyong calendar, a snow disaster struck the northern border. King Seongjong distributed grain to provide relief, which cost a great deal of money.

In the 665th year of the Gajong calendar, King Seongjong was old, but he still personally handled state affairs.

He died in 668 AD (the year of Jialong), at the age of 63. His posthumous title was Emperor Zhengde Shun, and his temple name was Chengzong.

The historian commented: Emperor Chengzong valued education, promoted Confucianism, and established historical records, which were commendable. However, the empire was no longer what it had been during the reign of Emperor Taizu. Although the coastal borders were peaceful, this was largely due to the legacy of Emperor Daizong; while cultural achievements were flourishing, the people's strength was exhausted. The emperor failed to assess the situation, neglecting military preparedness and weakening border defenses. Although there was no immediate trouble, this was a problem for future generations. The historical assessment that Emperor Chengzong was "more gentle and kind than decisive and resolute" is accurate.

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Emperor Min, Emperor Gongjianhuai, Corenville

In 668 AD (Gokyong calendar), Emperor Min, Coronville, ascended the throne at the age of thirty. He was the third son of King Seongjong. The emperor was frugal and disliked extravagance. Upon ascending the throne, he immediately abandoned the unfinished detached palace that King Seongjong had built in his later years. However, at that time, the empire was already deeply plagued by problems: the national treasury was empty, the bureaucracy was corrupt, the coastal defenses were neglected, and public resentment was boiling.

In the year 669 of the Jialong calendar, a severe drought struck the south, causing hundreds of thousands of refugees to flee and loot along their routes. Emperor Min exhausted the national treasury to provide relief, but it was a drop in the ocean and did little to help. The Imperial Censor Yang (grandson of the Yang family who had previously advised Emperor Suzong) submitted a memorial entitled "Memorial on the People's Suffering," directly outlining the empire's accumulated problems over sixty years. Upon reading it, the Emperor wept, saying, "How could I not know? Yet the great edifice is about to collapse; it is not something I alone can save."

In the 670th year of the Jialong reign, Emperor Min issued an edict seeking honest advice and reforming the bureaucracy. However, powerful ministers held sway, and the edict could not be implemented. The emperor wanted to reduce redundant officials and cut royal expenses, but many ministers opposed this. The emperor sighed, "I want to do good, but my ministers do not follow; I want to eliminate evil, but treacherous officials surround me. This is not my fault, but the fault of my ancestors."

In the year 671 of the Kakuryō calendar, the Gulins Sea reported another border threat, with the Republic of Milis patrolling the Imperial territorial waters with forty new ironclad warships. Emperor Min summoned his ministers for a meeting, where opinions were divided, with some advocating war, others peace, and still others relocating the capital. No consensus was reached. The Emperor declared, "I would rather die in battle than be the ruler of a fallen nation." However, the Ministry of Revenue reported that the national treasury was only sufficient to pay the army for three months. The discussion was thus dropped.

In the spring of 672 AD (Kanon calendar), the Milis fleet cut off the Imperial Mining Continent's supply lines. The army stationed at the mines ran out of food and collapsed, leading to the fall of several ports. Southern refugees, miners, and deserters joined forces, raising the banner of rebellion, calling themselves the "Grepp Righteous Army," and within a month captured seven cities. Emperor Min dispatched the Imperial Guard to quell the rebellion, but the soldiers were often dissatisfied, and the battles were largely unsuccessful.

In the year 673 of the Gaekryong calendar, the rebel army besieged the capital, and many court officials urged the emperor to flee. Emperor Min wept before his ministers and said, "Since I ascended the throne, I have never had a day of peace. I am not a ruler destined to bring about the downfall of the country, but I am facing the fate of national ruin. What more can I say?" He then refused to flee.

In the year 674 of the Kakuryō calendar, the rebel army besieged the capital, and the Milis fleet also reached the jaws of the Crimson Dragon, leaving the empire surrounded by enemies. Emperor Min summoned his ministers and announced his abdication to save the lives of the people. He then drafted the "Abdication Edict," which read: "I am of meager virtue and limited ability, which has led to the collapse of the state and the suffering of the people. Now I abdicate to give way to a more virtuous ruler, hoping to end the war and spare the people from the calamity of war." All the ministers wept.

In the spring of 675 AD, Emperor Min formally abdicated, and the rebel army established a new government, known as the "Democratic Republic of Asura." The Bereas dynasty, from its founder Rudius to Emperor Min Corenville, lasted for over two hundred years (482-675), passing through nine emperors before its demise.

After Emperor Min abdicated, the rebel army wanted to keep him in the capital, but he declined, saying, "I am a ruler of a fallen kingdom; how can I face my ancestors in the afterlife?" He then traveled north to Fetoa, where he secluded himself in a village, finding solace in farming and reading, and remaining aloof from worldly affairs. He died in his village in 680 AD, at the age of forty-two. His former officials and people posthumously honored him as Emperor Gongjianhuai, and his temple name was Emperor Min.

The historian writes: The fall of Bereas was not solely the fault of Colemanville. Emperor Xuanzong's lax coastal defenses ignited the conflict with Milis, while Emperor Chengzong's neglect of military preparedness weakened the empire's foundation. These accumulated problems persisted for over sixty years. By the time of Emperor Min, though he possessed virtues of humility and frugality and a desire to reform these abuses, it was too late. Rebellions erupted from within, Milis threatened from without, the ministers were disaffected, and the soldiers were disloyal. Though he desired to achieve something, the tide had turned. Yet Emperor Min did not contend or retreat; he abdicated to protect the people, his benevolence is pitiful; he retired to the countryside, living the rest of his life as a commoner, his integrity is admirable. Among the ancient rulers who lost their kingdoms, none were as composed as Emperor Min. Emperor Taizu gained the empire with a sword, Emperor Min ended it with abdication; was the fate of Bereas not ordained by destiny?

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(End of "The True Annals of Emperor Asura, Years 549-675 of the Ankylon Calendar")

"Lecture Room" - The Rise and Fall of the Two Dynasties of Asura

Speaker: Professor Yan Bojun

Institution: Department of History, Imperial University of Arsène