Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
It seems that the Minister anticipated such a question. Zhang Bin took out a memorial from his sleeve and presented it: “The list is here, please review it, Your Majesty.”
After a brief glance, Liang Feng furrowed his brows: “Even the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Personnel are involved?”
The list contained names with brief descriptions of their official positions. Most were expected, but the involvement of the six ministries troubled Liang Feng. These ministries were established during his time in Bing County; their quick infiltration was disconcerting.
Zhang Bin remained composed: “Only two officials, both associated with the internal affairs of the Ministry of Personnel, pose no threat to the overall situation.”
Though prestigious families traditionally refrained from intermarriage with commoners, the dynamics changed as the emperor began recruiting talents from lower social strata. When a new elite’s wife passed away, it didn’t take long for them to marry into a noble family. Despite their high status, these newcomers were still considered commoners. Who wouldn’t want to marry into a noble family and elevate their social standing?
Understanding the situation, Liang Feng’s voice turned cold: “Send the list to Yu County and let Zu Ti handle it. Keep a close eye on these two individuals. If they cause trouble, send them to the northern border garrison!”
Yu County was the frontline facing the Jin Dynasty, and any misstep could jeopardize Luoyang. Liang Feng couldn’t allow these greedy aristocrats to disrupt the peace.
Softly, Zhang Bin suggested: “Your Majesty has already set a trap. Perhaps it’s better to patiently await their self-exposure. If we act abruptly, we might startle the snake in the grass.”
Earlier discussions within the court about Yu County were meant to serve as a warning, urging those involved to be cautious with their actions. However, the recent dismissal of officials elevated the situation, potentially making everyone within the court wary. Many officials, with a background in aristocracy, were not to be trusted. A misstep might lead to a widespread crisis. Liang Feng was aware of the complexity and closed his eyes, saying, “I understand. Instruct Xinling to keep a close watch, with Yu County as the priority.”
Being a meat-eater is not a joke.
Unfortunately, these people hold a significant amount of land and human resources. To truly replace them, they’ll have to wait for the civil service examinations and local education to be implemented for a decade or so.
However, these nuisances can’t be let off so easily.
“Let more people into the Imperial Censorate. Each faction should have some representation, and give them more tasks,” Liang Feng added.
Since the Han Dynasty, the position of the Grand Inspector was among the Three Excellencies. However, the supervisory power was not independent; it was akin to the deputy of the Prime Minister. After ascending the throne and restructuring the Three Departments and Six Ministries, Liang Feng separated the position of the Imperial Censor and established the Imperial Censorate. It was dedicated to accusations and inspections, directly accountable to the emperor.
Throughout history, the primary purpose of a supervisory department has been to act as the eyes and whip of the rulers, preventing bureaucrats from abusing their powers and deceiving the sovereign. However, in the early days of the nation with only a few provinces and commanderies, it could still be effectively controlled. The more critical function of the Imperial Censorate was to serve as a weapon, allowing conflicting interest groups within noble families to first bite at each other. It might be a bit manipulating, but dealing with the aristocracy required some clever maneuvering.
Zhang Bin nodded in understanding, “Should the Secretariat increase its staff?”
Currently, the Secretariat was under the control of Chi Jian, responsible for reviewing imperial edicts. As Chi Jian belonged to the scholar-gentry class, even if he was loyal, his class affiliation was undeniable. If he leaned towards the aristocracy, the probability of “rejecting” edicts and returning them to the Imperial Secretariat would increase. Adding more subordinates, especially low-ranking “censors,” could balance the power between the two sides.
After pondering for a moment, Liang Feng shook his head, “We still need to appease the aristocracy.”
Although he wasn’t very familiar with the evolution of ancient political institutions, comparing the Three Departments and Six Ministries system to what he knew, he could roughly outline it. For example, the three-province system, replacing the prime minister system, had the Imperial Secretariat responsible for decision-making, the Secretariat responsible for deliberation, and the Ministry of Personnel in charge of execution. In other words, the Imperial Secretariat and the Secretariat were equivalent to the National People’s Congress, while the Ministry of Personnel and its six ministries were like the State Council and its various ministries.
By separating policy formulation and execution, it could effectively prevent the emergence of powerful ministers. The right to reject imperial edicts, especially in the hands of the Secretariat, could even to some extent curb imperial power. In this way, turning a single prime minister into a group of officials, wasn’t it a form of “scholar-officials and the emperor sharing governance”? Regardless of whether the power dynamics operated exactly like this, the posture was there and more enticing than the Eight Princes system of the Western Jin Dynasty. That’s why the aristocracy willingly took the bait and boarded this treacherous ship.
In political maneuvering, the role of force was limited, and ultimately, it came down to checks and balances and compromise.
With this question, Zhang Bin was actually testing the waters. Seeing that the emperor didn’t lose his reason due to anger, he smiled and said, “Your Majesty, don’t worry. Just wait for General Yi to return triumphantly, and the court will naturally be cleansed.”
This statement was not entirely false. In times of chaos, only a formidable military force mattered. As long as they could win a splendid battle in Yu County, those aristocrats would temporarily retract their claws.
Feeling a sense of relief, Liang Feng nodded, “After suppressing the rebels in Yu County, we can open another round of amnesty…”
He never worried about the situation in Yu County. He only hoped that the person could return victorious as soon as possible…
※
On the frontier, it was the season of abundant water and grass. However, this year, the Duan Tribe in Liaoxi had no leisure to herd horses in the Southern Mountains. Tens of thousands of enemy troops, armored and sharp, rode towards You County. Even the valiant Duan Tribe, who were fierce Xianbei warriors, couldn’t help but shiver at the sight.
With Ji City lost, the Duan Tribe had no choice but to set up defenses at the doorstep of Liaoxi, ready to confront the incoming enemy.
“General, your military might is truly awe-inspiring, making people admire!” Sitting on a horse, Tuoba Yilu had a smile on his face, his words carrying flattery.
This major battle marked the first large-scale military action by the Zhao Dynasty against You County since its founding. As the commander of the Tuoba Tribe, Tuoba Yilu personally led thirty thousand elite riders to come to aid in the battle.
This move was not just because You County was genuinely important to the Tuoba Tribe. It was also a way to test the strength of the new country that defeated Wang Jun and dealt a severe blow to the Xiongnu. However, even with some preparation, when Tuoba Yilu saw the military preparations of the Zhao army with his own eyes, he was still taken aback.
Before the army moved, the supplies took precedence. Transporting the baggage of this massive army wasn’t just a convoy of horses and carts. Thousands of large and small boats sailed north along the river, directly reaching Yan County. Subsequently, they turned to land transport and were carried to the front lines by four-wheeled carts. These newly designed four-wheeled carts were far more capable of carrying goods than two-wheeled ones. What was even more formidable was that, to facilitate the movement of the convoy, the Zhao Dynasty had actually constructed a grain road in a matter of months! Moving on the newly built road, the wheels rolled like galloping horses. Countless provisions were enough to sustain the large army.
The infantry accompanying the fleet were all equipped with armor. The armor was different from the usual scale style, with a bright iron plate in front that could protect the chest and abdomen, impervious to anything but strong crossbows! There were also numerous siege weapons, enough to capture not only Liaoxi but even major cities in the Central Plains!
The cavalry resembled the elites on the grasslands, each person having two horses, with packhorses and attendants. Knights with solemn expressions carried hand crossbows on their waists and carried longbows on their backs. Even their horse knives were made of high-quality steel, gleaming with a cold light.
Even someone as self-proclaimed as Tuoba Yilu, commanding two hundred thousand archers, dared not lightly provoke such a formidable army. Moreover, this was just the Northern Expedition Coalition; no one knew how many troops and horses there were within the borders of the Zhao Dynasty!
Therefore, Tuoba Yilu showed a smile, a very friendly and warm smile. This powerful army could only be considered a friend, not an enemy. The crucial matter at hand was still You County.
“In this campaign against the rebels, we also rely on the strong army under the Great Chanyu.” In the face of flattery, Yiyan showed no arrogance, courteously responding.
His tone was neither humble nor overbearing, filled with sincerity. Not only Tuoba Yilu but even the accompanying officers of the Tuoba Tribe found it quite pleasant. However, these favorable impressions were not what Yiyan truly wanted. What he sought was the awe in the eyes of that person.
In this campaign, his goal was not only to pacify the Duan Tribe and Cui Bi but also to deter the northern grasslands!
These nomads, who lived by following water and grass, were like howling wolves. Only when facing a fierce tiger would they bow their heads. If they discovered that the opponent was nothing more than a weak lamb, they would immediately reveal their fangs and give chase. In the early days of the new dynasty, it was necessary to demonstrate strength against the enemy. Only then could tribes like the Tuoba and Murong obediently follow orders and help clean up the enemies in the north!
Although their thoughts varied, a few of them still showed mutual understanding, gathered together, and discussed how to launch the attack. The forces of the coalition army exceeded those of the Duan Tribe, and with skilled generals leading, they quickly formulated a strategy. The Zhao army would be responsible for the enemy’s central army and the right flank, while the Tuoba Tribe would encircle from the left. The Murong Tribe, which had been subverted by Xinling, would stay in Liaodong. Once the Duan Tribe was defeated, they would launch a surprise attack on Ping County and attack Cui Bi and the Yuwen Tribe.
With the framework determined, the two Xianbei forces were eager to demonstrate their prowess before the royal army, not only to showcase their skills but also to claim the readily available pastures and slaves.
However, there was someone even more eager for battle!
“This time, the Shenji Army will reveal its sharpness for the first time! All of you should be loyal to the emperor, and in this battle, show your might!” Wearing bright armor, Sun Jiao pressed his hand on a precious knife and shouted loudly.
After the new emperor ascended the throne, the Sanqian army underwent expansion and reorganization, transforming into the Six Armies of the Emperor. Among them, the elite troops were drawn to form the Yulin and Longxiang armies stationed in Luoyang. Additionally, the Shenwei, Shence, Shenji, and Shenwu armies, besides protecting the emperor, guarding the capital region, and subduing rebellious subjects, also bore the responsibility of border defense. Now that the emperor valued military achievements, wanting to be rewarded and honored was necessary to achieve military feats on the battlefield!
The Shenji Army originated from the Thunderbolt Army, and its commander, Sun Jiao, had also been transferred accordingly. The Thunderbolt Army had an illustrious military history and was renowned for its constant victories. Now, with a change in its name, Sun Jiao was full of energy, eager to compete with other “Shen1Divine” armies and establish rankings. Although he couldn’t surpass General Yi and fell short compared to Zhang He and Wang Long, wasn’t he still a trusted confidant from the Qianfu Residence?
With the main general in such high spirits, the officers and soldiers beneath naturally exuded a formidable aura. Towering catapults, ferocious bed crossbows—each piece of artillery and weapon was pulled to the frontline by robust horses.
Even if it was a cavalry-focused force, what did it matter? In this battle, they feared Yiyan would take the lead!
“Ah, this time the Duan Tribe has staked everything. Facing seven to eight thousand troops head-on, isn’t the Zhao army being too arrogant?” On the left flank, Tuoba Liuxiu rode his horse to his father’s side. It was his first time cooperating with the Zhao army in battle. With only ten thousand cavalry and thirty thousand infantry, did they really think they could block the central forces of the Duan Tribe head-on? They hadn’t even secured their left flank, and their ally was already retreating.
Tuoba Yilu sneered and asked in return, “If it comes to a direct confrontation, how do you compare to that Duan Jilu?”
Tuoba Liuxiu snorted, “He’s just a defeated underling of Yue Lu. I can naturally defeat him!”
Tuoba Yilu frowned. His nephew, Yue Lu, was one of the top commanders of the Tuoba Tribe. While his eldest son had combat skills, he was reckless and arrogant. Having won many easy battles, he acted as if he had the upper hand. Did he ever consider that without the cooperation of the Zhao army, where would they find so many victories?
The combat strength of Duan Jilu was not weak. Even if the Tuoba Tribe confronted them head-on, the outcome was still uncertain. Moreover, the tens of thousands of grieving soldiers were risking everything, and if things went wrong, the whole situation might collapse. Yet, this Yi Boyuan dared to go straight for the central forces. If there wasn’t a well-thought-out plan, would he arrange it like this?
However, if the Zhao army could truly withstand the Duan Tribe’s direct confrontation, their military strength might be even stronger than he had imagined.
“Since we can win, let’s send troops to exert pressure on their formation first.” Despite these thoughts, Tuoba Yilu did not reveal them outwardly, directly ordering his son.
Tuoba Liuxiu immediately became spirited, leading his troops into battle. Both sides were cavalry, and they had been longstanding opponents. When the Tuoba Tribe engaged in battle, the left wing of the Duan Tribe moved accordingly. Testing each other and defending, the two armies circled each other like cunning jackals.
Although Liuxiu charged with bared teeth and claws, Tuoba Yilu did not immediately apply pressure, conducting the battle very cautiously. He had no intention of repeating the mistakes of the Duan Tribe; he still wanted to observe the situation in the central forces before making a decision.
However, after less than half an hour of skirmishing, an unexpected change occurred in the Duan Tribe’s formation! A scout rode in swiftly, “Great Chanyu, the central forces of the Duan Tribe are unstable!”
“What?!” Tuoba Yilu was surprised, quickly asking, “How did the Zhao army deploy their troops?”
“The Thunderbolt Cannons fired five rounds, and then the infantry pressed forward. The Duan Tribe couldn’t withstand it!” The scout’s face was flushed, and he spoke rapidly, obviously shocked by the tactical prowess of their allies.
Tuoba Yilu clenched the reins tightly, raising his voice, “Spread the order, advance the entire army!”
Regardless of whether the Zhao army could defeat the central forces of the enemy, now was the best time to attack! Once the central forces were in chaos, would the left flank still be difficult to break?
However, this Zhao army was much stronger than anticipated! In the past, when he roamed the Northern territories, defeating the Wuhuan tribes and making formidable leaders like Gongsun Du and even the mighty warlord Cao Cao bow their heads, were they also this formidable? The Tuoba Tribe was far from reaching its moment of rise and still needed to rely on the Central Plains…
Amidst the internal turmoil, the troops did not halt their advance. With attacks from both sides, the massive military formation of the Duan Tribe was completely torn apart, like frightened prey delivered into the jaws of predators.
