Unlike others, Liang Feng has been keeping an eye on the situation in Shou City, but his main concern is still the widespread epidemic.
Since he took office, Bing County has been free from major epidemics for three years. Whether it’s cleaning the battlefield or resettling refugees, there are standard procedures in place. The medical field has been recruiting talents every year, attracting skilled medical professionals from all over Bing County. These individuals collaborate to research and develop medicine, leading to significant and systematic progress in the field. Epidemic prevention, in particular, has become a top priority.
There are various prevalent diseases, not just the plague, and the methods of treatment differ. However, basic epidemic prevention measures such as isolation, disinfection, and eliminating the source of the disease are universally applicable. These principles, along with medical books provided with the Diamond Sutra, have spread widely. Despite this, Liang Feng prints epidemic prevention manuals every year, distributing them to various regions, and controls the prevention of diseases as an important criterion for assessing officials.
It is because of this that he can contain the spread of diseases under his jurisdiction, even with a large number of refugees being accommodated.
However, what works in Bing County may not be applicable elsewhere. The harsh weather conditions and the unfavorable situation in Huainan make it more susceptible to the expansion of an epidemic. Therefore, Liang Feng has twice sent letters to Luoyang, ordering Zu Ti to pay attention to the directions from Yu County where refugees are coming. Perhaps due to the vigorous efforts to control the epidemic in Jiande, after nearly a month of turmoil, there are signs of the epidemic receding. Immediately afterward, news of a major change in the court emerged.
The sudden death of the young emperor was too unexpected, and he left no will before his death. The cause of his death is no longer relevant; the focus is on what happens next. Without an heir, the succession to the throne becomes a matter that can stir the thoughts of people across the country.
However, Liang Feng did not anticipate that this succession would be so chaotic.
Four branches of power have successively declared themselves independent and, without exception, promoted him. Among them, the Yu County branch appointed him as Grand Marshal, the Yong County branch as Grand Commandant, the Yan County branch as Grand Protector, and the Xu County branch even directly offered him the title of Prime Minister. As long as he returns to Luoyang, he can have full control.
Which branch to follow is no longer a matter that a few advisers can decide with a simple discussion. Therefore, Liang Feng convened his civil and military officials under the pretext of mourning to discuss matters.
“Prince Qin has been a successor to Prince Xian since childhood, far away from the court, and is now being exploited by the rebellious army. The so-called ‘Crown Prince’ brought by the Wang family is of unknown origin and was installed by a treacherous faction. Traitors and rebels, everyone must be exterminated!” Duan Qin first clarified the main points, stating that the branches in Yong County and Yan County were puppet regimes created for personal gain. However, the situation with the branches in Xu County and Yu County is different.
“Prince Yu of Yuzhang is the younger brother of the late emperor, and as for the New Capital Prince, he is the youngest son of Prince Xiao of Wu. According to the rites, both are eligible to ascend the throne. However, considering the complexity of the court, we should carefully choose between them,” Duan Qin revealed the cards of the other two branches.
Chixu from the Office of Personnel immediately frowned, saying, “The cause of the late emperor’s death is unclear. Prince Jingling openly attacked the Grand Tutor and General Liu for personal reasons, causing chaos in the court. Allowing such a treacherous minister to ascend the throne would be illegitimate!”
Duan Qin didn’t seem bothered and replied, “If that’s the case, then when Wang Ling attacked Shou City, established the New Capital Prince, and moved the capital to Jiande, it was also inappropriate.”
The two seemed to be arguing over which of the Xu County and Yang County branches adhered more to ritual and propriety. However, in reality, they were debating the direction of Bing County’s development.
If they acknowledged the Xu County branch, they could bring the new emperor to Luoyang. Even if Liang Feng resigned from the position of Prime Minister, he could naturally control the court, achieving the goal of using the emperor to command the vassals. Whether this method would be effective or not, it could at least attract scholars from all over the country and potentially establish a dynasty through abdication, similar to Cao Wei.
On the other hand, if they acknowledged the Yang County branch, then it would be Wang Ling who had control over the emperor. Even if the other side offered many generous benefits, Liang Feng would be unable to influence the court. However, acting in this way would be the manifestation of a loyal minister. Too many people imitating Cao Cao had led to great chaos in the world. For scholars like Chixu, who harbored deep loyalty to the country, they were reluctant to see themselves attached to someone who might go astray.
And from Chixu’s attitude, it’s not hard to see. If he were to establish himself independently now, it might lead to scattered loyalties. Back in the day, when Xun Yu, as the chief civilian officer in Cao Cao’s camp, did not approve of Cao Cao’s addition of the Nine Bestowments, it’s quite similar, isn’t it? Although the time of the Sima family’s reign is not long, the legitimate lineage remains unchanged, inevitably causing concerns.
One option is simple and easy, the other is like marrying into another family. Which one to choose seems not hard to guess. In fact, for Chixu to voice such concerns takes quite a bit of courage. If the lord’s mind is already made up, expressing such opinions is likely to incur suspicion and displeasure.
However, sitting there in plain clothes, Liang Feng did not immediately respond. His gaze also turned to Zhang Bin, who had remained silent.
Knowing the meaning of his lord’s gaze, Zhang Bin smiled faintly, “There are two suns in the sky, inevitably leading to calamity. My lord, you should make a decision early.”
He didn’t offer any specific advice. Or rather, he pointed out the most crucial issue. All the counselors and ministers were just making suggestions from the sidelines; the final decision rested with Liang Feng himself.
How would he choose?
“Prince Jingling plotted treason and indiscriminately killed court officials. Without considering his own life, Prince Yu’s ascension is illegitimate. We should follow the New Capital Prince,” Liang Feng eventually answered.
This was also the most suitable plan for Bing County. What he needed was not power-hungry aristocrats willing to sacrifice themselves for the emperor. Regardless of how weakened the imperial power was, once the emperor returned to Luoyang, his status would not be lightly regarded. And no matter how weak an emperor was, they wouldn’t willingly be manipulated by others. If one went wrong, it could lead to endless troubles. Similarly, relocating the capital back to Luoyang would make Si County once again an attractive target for everyone to seize. Frequent wars were not just casual talk.
What Bing County needed most now was stability. Overwhelming stability. Therefore, acknowledging the New Capital Prince from Yang County as emperor became the best choice.
All those powerful figures harboring thoughts of the downfall of Jin would only fight each other around Yang County. The waves of migration to the south would intensify, and those mediocre and top-notch families who had withdrawn would leave behind either useful individuals determined to pacify the chaotic times or astute opportunists with a keen eye. Both of these were extremely valuable.
More importantly, Liang Feng knew the true intentions of Sima Rui. He was the first emperor of Eastern Jin in history. Even if he enthroned an emperor, could he eliminate Sima Rui’s ambition to declare himself emperor? Perhaps quite the opposite, wielding the emperor would only make Sima Rui’s desires grow larger until he harmed the young emperor and ascended the throne himself. He was not a direct descendant of Emperor Wu. When that time came, those aristocratic offspring who cared about lineage and bloodline, would they let him usurp the throne?
When a dynasty is left with only an illegitimate heir to the throne, can it be considered truly existing?
So, for Liang Feng, this decision was not difficult.
Upon hearing him speak, the light in Chixu’s eyes brightened, nodding slightly in approval. As for Duan Qin and other officials from humble backgrounds, they all closed their mouths. The lord’s aspirations were the direction they should follow.
Only acknowledging the Yang County Provincial Government meant that any usurper who came to Luoyang in the future would face a dead end. Without the support of this northern hegemon, there was Liu Yao in Yong County, Shi Le in Yan County, and Sima Rui in Xu County would take care of things. How long could these privately established provincial governments survive?
With the messenger heading south, the will and decision of Bing County also spread openly and upright.
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“That Liang Zixi does indeed know the current situation.” Upon receiving the reply from Bing County, Sima Rui breathed a sigh of relief.
Now, Liang Feng, who occupied the three provinces in the heartland of the Central Plains, was a hegemon that no one could ignore. He had troops, territories, and a reputation that resonated throughout the world. If he chose to follow Prince Yu and the Provincial Government in Xu County, it would be a big problem for Sima Rui.
On the side, Wang Dao frowned, “We can’t let our guard down. Bing County has strong troops and horses. Even if Liang Zixi has no intention of seeking power, he is still a great threat. The Grand Tutor should still be cautious in manipulating him and keep him blocking the Han forces. Only by using chaotic forces to stall Bing County can Yang County develop in the long run.”
This is a statement of sagacity. Although Sima Rui has established a new emperor and taken the position of Grand Tutor, his foundation in Jiangdong is not stable. The many problems brought by the migration of northerners to the south cannot be resolved in a short period. With the addition of wars and a widespread epidemic, this fragile balance is on the verge of collapse.
Fortunately, the troublesome Sima Tan has already died a violent death, and all the blame has been pushed onto Prince Jingling. At the same time, Sima Rui promptly sent people to treat the disasters and epidemics, earning the appreciation of many aristocrats. The establishment of the new emperor and the relocation of the capital to Jiande also prompted the restless aristocrats in Jiangdong to entertain the idea of getting a share of the benefits. With the impetus of interests, things should not be too difficult to handle.
As long as someone can stop the Xiongnu troops, why worry about the prosperity of Yang County?
Sima Rui nodded, “What Mao Hong said is indeed true. Jiande is the foundation, and it must be managed well. However, can the position of Grand Marshal convince Liang Zixi to be a pioneer?”
“High positions may not work, but money and provisions can.” Wang Dao said indifferently, “I heard that Ji County once transported provisions along the coastal route to relieve the siege of Luoyang. Liang Zixi has just occupied Si County and Ji County and must be in urgent need of food and forage. Why not use this to cut off the lifeline of Bing County?”
Although Sima Rui only has the appearance of an ordinary person, he quickly grasped the idea. Yang County is a key transportation hub for both north and south, whether by sea or river transport. If they can use this as leverage to control Bing County, it is undoubtedly a shortcut. Moreover, Bing County is famous for its white porcelain, and its glassware is also unique. Instead of trading, why worry about not making money? With such actions, it is truly beneficial without any harm!
With a smile, Sima Rui happily patted Wang Dao’s arm, “I agree with what Mao Hong said! If I ascend to the throne one day, I will not forget your contributions.”
Where could Wang Dao dare to agree, he bowed and modestly declined. However, his attitude changed, but his methods did not slacken. Soon, Sima Rui sent Wang Dun with troops to attack Xu County. The goal was to kill the pseudo-emperor and eliminate hidden threats. With the coordination of Yang County and Bing County, how could the remaining provincial governments find opportunities? For a moment, the chaotic situation unexpectedly showed signs of easing.
