Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
“How can banned books be entering the country again?! Didn’t I instruct the Grand Historian to compile the imperial calendar?” Sima Rui was furious, throwing a book to the ground.
Wang Dao lowered his gaze and saw the bright cover with the words “Kaiming Sixth Year.” This was the imperial calendar for the next year in Zhao, and it was the second time that the rebellious thief had smuggled historical books into Eastern Jin.
Who would have thought that a sovereign of a country would print and sell calendars everywhere? This was truly against the national principles! However, the calendar was closely related to agricultural affairs, with precise details about seasonal changes and auspicious or inauspicious activities. This well-crafted calendar, priced at just over five hundred coins, was not only sought after by aristocrats but also widely collected by commoners and merchants.
This violated the emperor’s taboo. How could Sima Rui allow the calendar of those traitors and rebels to circulate within his jurisdiction? However, despite multiple prohibitions, the emperor’s orders couldn’t completely eradicate this menace. Even the stern measures of printing and distributing a new calendar were of no avail.
Printing such a book would cost more than five hundred coins, not to mention the rush in compilation. Considering the difficulties in sales, it was only reasonable. However, Wang Dao wouldn’t express it in this way. He spoke softly, “Your Majesty, you may issue a decree to penalize those who privately hoard banned books, imposing fines and corporal punishment to serve as a deterrent.”
Upon hearing this, Sima Rui’s eyes brightened, “Impose hefty fines! Also, punish those who privately sell goods from the Northern territories!”
It was fine to penalize the common people who bought banned books, but the goods from the Northern territories were affordable and widely used by everyone. Regardless of trade, there were influential families involved. If investigated thoroughly, it might invite disgrace for those families.
However, Wang Dao also knew that the emperor had no choice but to act. The royal treasury was not as abundant as during the Taikang era; the palace had been looted several times, and the relocation of the capital had incurred substantial expenses. Even if they exhausted the wealth of the former Prince of Langya, it wouldn’t be enough. Moreover, with the establishment of new commanderies and counties to settle the Northern people, many commoners became wealthy, leading to an even greater strain on the state treasury. If they could impose fines, it might bring some relief to the emperor’s financial concerns.
Since the emperor was determined, Wang Dao wouldn’t openly oppose it and accepted the decree with a respectful bow. Seeing Wang Dao’s compliance, Sima Rui restrained his emotions and sighed, “These are minor matters. Now that the rebel Liang is advancing into Yong County, it seems we might face difficulties dealing with both him and the Xiongnu. How about sending the Grand General to recapture Yu County?”
In the past two years, there were several small skirmishes in Yu County. However, Wang Dun kept retreating, withdrawing beyond the Huai River. This situation deeply troubled Sima Rui. Despite delegating military and political authority to the brothers Wang Dao and Wang Dun, the state of affairs in the court worsened day by day. While Wang Dao could handle internal matters, could the same be said for Wang Dun’s avoidance of battle?
Wang Dao, as a member of the Langya Wang family, naturally defended his cousin: “Now that the war has just begun, the rebel Liang Feng hasn’t fully concentrated his forces in Yong County. Only when he’s deeply entangled in difficulties will it be the best time to seize Yu County. Your Majesty must not be impatient and disrupt the military affairs on the front lines.”
What could be disrupted on the front lines? Sima Rui endured and then said, “The Grand General being away on a military expedition leaves Yang County somewhat lacking in defense. I propose appointing Liu Kun and Dai Yuan as the generals guarding the north and west, respectively, to protect the capital region and guard against external enemies.”
Although it sounded like he was seeking Wang Dao’s opinion, Wang Dao knew well that the emperor harbored dissatisfaction with Wang Dun. Especially in recent years, with Wang Dun leading troops to quell bandits several times, the Langya Wang family had planted many trusted individuals in the military forces of Jing County and Yang County. Promoting Liu Kun and Dai Yuan was, in fact, a precaution against Wang Dun’s power grab.
Speaking these words was a way to test his stance. Despite the emperor’s weakness, he wasn’t foolish. If Wang Dao were truly colluding with Wang Dun inside and outside, the emperor would find it hard to sleep and eat.
Therefore, Wang Dao humbly bowed and said, “Your concerns are valid, Your Majesty. General Liu accompanied Prince Donghai in battles across the land, showing great skill in warfare. He will certainly be able to protect the capital.”
There was a slight twitch in Sima Rui’s eyebrows. Although Liu Kun had assisted several princes of the Sima family, he survived while all the princes perished. The Liu family of Zhongshan had not completely relocated from the Northern region, and there were probably many relatives serving under the rebel Liang Feng. The question of whether this person could be trusted was indeed a problem. After contemplating for a moment, he said, “Liu Kun is good at warfare; it’s better to have him defend Shou City. Let Dai Yuan and Diao Xie remain to guard the capital.”
Even though the emperor took Wang Dao’s advice and appointed Liu Kun, placing him in Shou City indicated an increased level of caution against his cousin.
Pondering silently, Wang Dao returned home and immediately wrote a letter, having it sent to Wang Dun in Jing County. Just after Wang Dun had successfully quelled the rebellion in Jing County, he received a letter from his younger cousin. After reading it, he was furious, “Sima brat! If it weren’t for my two brothers and me, where would you be today!”
Although these words were disrespectful, none of his subordinates dared to speak up. Wang Dun was headstrong and had a fiery temper. Advising him at this moment might provoke his anger and lead to dire consequences.
After a barrage of anger, Wang Dun forcefully restrained himself and said coldly, “If Liu Kun is to go to Shou City, how should we handle it?”
As officials of the same court, they shouldn’t have posed such questions. However, the trusted aides below understood the situation and said, “It is said that General Liu and the traitor Zufei Zai are good friends. If something goes wrong, Shou City will be in danger!”
There were rumors of a friendship between Liu Kun and Zufei Zai, but that was over a decade ago. Bringing it up now might seem like an attempt to frame Liu Kun. However, Wang Dun nodded thoughtfully, stroking his beard, “We have to be cautious… station troops in Wuchang Commandery. In case of any changes on the front line, they can assist in defense!”
This is clearly not a defensive posture; it reveals a guarded stance against the court. If troops are dispatched from Wuchang Commandery, it might even be possible to capture Jianye. However, none of Wang Dun’s subordinates showed surprise; instead, they all agreed. As the Grand General controlling the eastern regions, the commander-in-chief of Yu County, Yang County, Jing County, and Xiang County, Wang Dun had reached the pinnacle of power. Moreover, Wang Dao held sway in the court. Replacing the Sima family with the Langya Wang family seemed acceptable. The Liang family in the Northern region was just a second-rate noble family and could easily be dominated. With talents emerging from the Langya Wang family, wouldn’t it be worth supporting?
Indeed, the northern state of Zhao had sparked ideas in many people’s minds. Under Wang Dun’s hint, the military forces in Jing County began to prepare troops and supplies, presenting a defensive posture against potential enemies.
※
“Father, releasing the imposter Liu Yi, is it to make him withdraw from Yong County? But Qin County is relatively desolate. If allowed to escape, suppressing him might require even more military forces.” In a side hall, Crown Prince Liang Rong stared at the sand table before him and hesitated.
Just a few days ago, Chang’an fell. Although there was no direct assault on the city, the continuous siege and bombardment broke the courage of the defending forces. Gathering the elite troops from the city, tens of thousands of Xiongnu nobles escorted their self-proclaimed emperor and fled from Chang’an, heading towards the rear in Qin County.
The Zhao army did not immediately pursue but entered Chang’an first, reclaiming the lost territory.
When the news reached Luoyang, it naturally boosted morale. However, Liang Rong still had some doubts. If they had launched a vigorous attack, they might have broken through Chang’an and captured the imposter Xiongnu emperor. Now that the Xiongnu had fled to the west, intercepting them again might prove troublesome.
“Does the Han still have the strength to resist us?” Liang Feng asked in return.
This question held a bit of mystery, not asking about the two armies but rather the two nations. Liang Rong was momentarily stunned and shook his head, “The Han is dominated by corrupt ministers, the people are suffering, and the military morale has collapsed. Faced with our mighty army, they won’t withstand a single blow.”
Having studied military strategy since childhood, Liang Rong understood that the key to warfare lay in the underlying national strength and popular support. Only when a nation was strong and united could it overcome its enemies.
“In that case, capturing Liu Yi is not an immediate concern. Reclaiming lost territory and pacifying the people should take precedence.” Liang Feng answered decisively.
In wars of conquest, capturing the enemy’s emperor might seem crucial, but it was not always so. The position of an emperor could be easily replaced in the declining years of a dynasty. If expending too much human life for such a “disposable item” was not worthwhile, it was better to gradually confine the enemy, forcing them into a desperate situation. In dealing with the Xiongnu, it was essential to deplete their manpower to achieve the strategic goal of pacifying Yong County and Qin.
Liang Rong also grasped some insights, saying, “If that’s the case, completely pacifying the Xiongnu might take a few more years… Will it be the same when we campaign to the south?”
“Waging a national war is all about national strength. Nowadays, the maritime trade between the North and South, selling luxury goods in exchange for money and grains, is also part of a national war. Only by incorporating land and population into one’s control can one strengthen oneself and weaken the enemy.” Liang Feng had witnessed various subversive wars in the future. Not only economic warfare but also ideological issues could instantly bring down a major power. Competing solely in military strength led only to protracted warfare, wasting countless human and material resources, ultimately resulting in demise due to bellicosity.
Therefore, whether pacifying Yong and Qin or unifying the southern regions, he was not prepared for reckless military exploits. A steady and strategic approach, combining economic, political, and even conspiratorial tactics, was the optimal method.
Liang Rong had heard superficial information about these concepts before, but today’s explanation made them much clearer.
“The strength of a nation lies in its people and its situation.” After pondering for a while, he softly uttered this sentence.
Liang Feng smiled and nodded, “Exactly.”
As long as he grasped the key issues, Liang Rong, when ascending to the throne, wouldn’t mishandle things too badly.
Having learned another lesson, Liang Rong felt greatly inspired. Since his grand wedding, he had been observing politics in the court, taking time to review memorials with his father to understand state affairs. Now, he was no longer as ignorant as he had been in his youth. Governing a country was more complicated and exhausting than he had imagined. How he wished to share the burden with his father!
Glancing at his son, Liang Feng suddenly said, “After pacifying Yong County, we’ll need to prioritize river management. At that time, I’ll assign you to supervise the river works and handle practical matters.”
“Father!” Liang Rong couldn’t help but feel delighted, taking a step forward. “Your son will surely handle the task well and not disappoint Father!”
The little boy from back then had grown into a handsome young man. Married and with a child, he had shed all traces of immaturity and gained a composed and dignified demeanor. His diligent practice in archery and horsemanship had added a touch of heroism, and he now possessed the solemnity befitting someone in a higher position. Yet, this was not enough. A flower raised in a greenhouse needed to experience wind and waves.
“You will be responsible for the people on both sides of the Yellow River. River management is intricate, and you must not be careless or complacent.” Liang Feng earnestly advised, “Zhang Shi and Yu’er will stay in the palace, and they will be well taken care of. You need not worry.”
Upon hearing these words, a slight blush appeared on Liang Rong’s face. His consort, Lady Zhang, was currently pregnant again, and their eldest son, Liang Yu, was still young. Father’s words were likely meant to reassure him.
Seeing his son’s reaction, Liang Feng smiled faintly, “Today, you should return to the Eastern Palace earlier. During this time, take a look at the books on river management. But remember, your responsibility is supervision. Observe and listen more, don’t intervene arbitrarily.”
It was both advice and a reminder. Liang Rong immediately nodded, “Your son will heed Father’s teachings.”
Reaching out, Liang Feng patted Liang Rong on the shoulder and smiled, “Go on.”
Watching his son’s departing figure, Liang Feng leaned back on the couch, sighing with a smile. He hoped that before the New Year, Yong County would be restored to stability, allowing the victorious army to return.
