Thank you to pandorasproxy for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
“Sima Rui has already passed away, does Ah Long still need to protect that little child?” Wang Dun didn’t use Wang Dao’s courtesy name, but addressed him with a familiar name, clearly indicating an attempt to win him over.
Having replaced Sima Shao, who had come of age, with a young child as the new emperor, Wang Dun had already achieved his original goal. However, the current situation is different from before. With Sima Rui’s sudden death, there was no one left in the court to counterbalance the power of the Wang family. Merely holding the emperor as a hostage couldn’t satisfy Wang Dun. Following the example of Wei Wen and Jin Wu, changing the dynasty was his ultimate goal.
To truly ascend to the throne, Wang Dao’s support was crucial. Despite holding military power and gaining the support of several influential families in Jiangdong, controlling the court was still in the hands of Wang Dao, a key minister in charge of the government. Since Sima Rui ascended to the throne, political affairs had been shouldered by Wang Dao. While there were occasional factional struggles, even many sons and descendants of the Wang family in Langya were obedient to Wang Dao.
If Wang Dao did not support him, it would be impossible for Wang Dun to ascend the throne. Therefore, even if he had to humble himself, Wang Dun had to come to Wang Dao’s residence personally, seeking to win over this not-so-obedient younger cousin.
The words were spoken intimately. Wang Dao glanced at his elder cousin and calmly responded, “I’ve received the grace of the country, and my loyalty lies with the peace of the nation. But, dear cousin, the Northern Army has already taken control of half of Jing County. Are you truly willing to destroy our Langya lineage?”
The first sentence stirred intense emotions, and the latter was even more cutting. With Wang Dun currently holding significant power, how many people dared to speak to him in such a manner?
“Will the Sima family be able to rectify the world? If the Northern Army attacks, won’t we, brothers, still stand and fight? Are you asking me to sit idly by, letting that little child manipulate us?” Wang Dun angrily retorted.
“If it weren’t for Elder Brother raising troops, the national fortune could have continued for several more generations. Now, it’s just hanging by a thread,” Wang Dao’s face also bore a sorrowful expression. “My foolish younger brother only serves as a loyal subject and refuses to be a traitor causing chaos in the country.”
“You!” Wang Dun suddenly stood up, anger blazing in his eyes. However, Wang Dao remained calm, showing no signs of fear.
Wang Dun’s internal fury grew, but he couldn’t unsheathe his sword. This wasn’t just any reckless relative; it was Wang Dao, the foremost figure in Jiangdong!
“A disrespectful son should not scheme!” Wang Dun, with a sweep of his wide sleeves, turned and left.
Behind him, Wang Dao sat alone, his brows furrowed, contemplating. When they had once joined forces to assist the late emperor in ascending the throne, who would have thought that within a few years, things would deteriorate to this extent? Was the Great Jin Dynasty truly coming to an end? If so, he would rather leave behind an untarnished reputation…
※
Another New Year’s Day arrived.
The imperial court set up tables at the front gate, where courtiers and officials gathered. The grand music played, and lanterns illuminated the night as the drums and music resounded in the hall in front of the palace. Before midnight struck ten, the palace’s braziers and illuminated trees were gradually lit. The warm fires dispelled the chill, and the brightly colored lanterns illuminated the night.
Before midnight struck seven, on the Phoenix Tower, the bell rang. From Chang’an’s gates to the various gates within the city, all were wide open. The magnificent Luoyang Palace, like an awakened giant beast, opened its eyes wide, overlooking the world.
Ministers lined up, proceeding through the Yunlong East Central Gate, passing through the resolute guards of the Imperial Army, and reaching the East Pavilion, waiting quietly before the throne.
Before midnight struck five, the report officials, the Grand Supervisor of the Minister of Works, each announced, “The officials are in their designated positions!”
As the night waned, the first rays of sunlight illuminated the sundial on the Open Splendor Terrace. The solemn and majestic music started playing. The Emperor appeared before the Taiji Hall.
All the officials prostrated themselves, and the sound of a hundred voices shouting echoed.
Standing on the red steps, Liang Feng looked at the densely packed crowd in the square. Cabinet ministers, six ministries, civil and military officials—all were offering their respects, congratulating him.
In addition to this, there were envoys from the Xianbei tribes, Goguryeo, the Three Han, and the Wa state. Even the once-closed Silk Road was now reopened. Envoys from Western Regions, such as Kucha, Shule, Wusun, and Cheshi, all sent representatives to congratulate. From the northern deserts to the southern clouds, from the eastern oceans to the western Gobi, the entire world paid homage. Such achievements in civil and military affairs!
However, in Liang Feng’s eyes, there was no self-satisfaction or arrogance, only a calmness as profound as a deep pool. Auspicious signs one after another were presented before the imperial court. Only high-ranking officials of the second rank and above could ascend the hall to kneel and offer the longevity wine. Cheers of “May you live for thousands of years” echoed incessantly beneath the golden pillars of the Taiji Hall.
The recovery of Ba County, the conquest of Xu County, and the capture of most of Jing County—all under the heavens, only the corner of Jiangnan remained untouched!
“Your Majesty has pacified the Nine Provinces, and your fame resounds throughout the Eight Wildernesses. It is time to change the era in celebration!” Whether stimulated by the ceremony or the overly exuberant music and dance, a high-ranking official spoke aloud.
“In the auspicious reign of ‘Kaiming,’ ten years have passed. From the mere three provinces to half of the country. With such great governance, how can we not change the era?”
On the imperial throne, the Emperor smiled, “The southern lands are not yet pacified; how can there be a complete pacification? The governance of Kaiming still requires accumulated achievements!”
What does this mean? The civil and military officials in the court couldn’t help but feel their blood boil. Is there going to be a Southern expedition?! After a decade of accumulation, with the surrounding areas finally settled, is it time to lead the troops south? Once the country is unified, Great Zhao will become the successor to the Great Han, another dynasty with a foundation to last a hundred generations!
Annihilating the former dynasty will be the greatest and sweetest victory!
“Long live our Emperor!”
Inside and outside the grand hall, the shouts resounded again, accompanied by the beating of drums, reaching up to the clouds!
The grand feast continued from sunrise to sunset, and all the guests were merry. When the courtiers dispersed, the Emperor returned to the inner palace.
“My lord, you drank too much today.” Yiyan took the towel handed by a palace maid and gently wiped the sweat from Liang Feng’s forehead.
The news of the Emperor’s severe illness did not reach the front lines before, and it was only when he returned to the capital that he learned of this perilous situation. Since that day, Yiyan had not left the palace, staying by Liang Feng’s side.
“It’s a celebration; it’s unavoidable.” Liang Feng smiled, picked up the sobering soup on the table, and took a sip.
Even for the Emperor, face must be given to those frontier lords. The promise of their descendants entering the capital is their commitment to the court. The respect shown by the emperor is the court’s trust in them. Only when the relationship between the central and local governments is close, and the decrees are smoothly communicated, can there be good governance. Once this delicate balance loses control, the land will immediately crack and divide.
After sipping the tea, Liang Feng suddenly said, “Wang Dun’s usurpation in Jin has caused great turmoil. Coupled with the sudden death of Sima Rui and the enthronement of his young son, the Wang family of Langya has split into two factions, with Wang Dun and Wang Dao at odds. The time for a southern expedition has come.”
This timing is earlier than anticipated.
The pacification of Yong County has restored the output of the Guanzhong Plain to its previous levels. The significant military garrisons and equal-field system have further stimulated the recovery of the Central Plains, the main grain-producing region. Despite frequent wars and natural disasters, the court has stored enough grain and provisions to support a southern expedition.
In the past decade, a thousand or more ships have been newly constructed for the Navy. Whether it’s transporting grain, troops, or engaging in naval warfare, they are well-prepared. The campaigns to conquer Yong County and Jing County have accumulated valuable experience in amphibious and naval operations. Not to mention the navy’s warships that can navigate the seas.
With favorable timing, geographical advantages, and a strong military force, everything is in their favor. The small southern court, already incapable of posing a threat, is further weakened by internal strife and power struggles.
It is time to send the troops.
“This battle will surely pacify the southern lands,” Yiyan’s voice was calm, lacking much excitement.
They have been preparing for this battle for too long. Step by step, they weakened the enemy, all to ensure that this major confrontation would end with the least possible loss.
Every plan was made with the worst-case scenario in mind. Even during Jin’s peak, they had a seventy to eighty percent certainty of success. Now, after years of disasters, internal strife, and continuous losses, East Jin has become an empty shell. Competent generals have been killed or demoted by Wang Dun, replaced by sycophants. As for Liang Feng himself, he is still busy contending for the throne with the Sima family and has no time to spare.
In this situation, with the army at the gates, there will likely be more surrendering cities. Why worry about not winning?
“Unfortunately, I can’t personally lead the troops into battle.” Liang Feng sighed with a smile.
This illness has terrified the people around him. They treat him as delicately as if he were a fragile glass vessel. In modern times, even with pneumonia or myocarditis, it wouldn’t be so severe. Unfortunately, this era is still a time when a common cold can be fatal.
“Merely rebellious ministers, there’s no need for Your Majesty to personally lead the expedition,” Yiyan’s expression became ten times more serious than before as if facing a formidable enemy.
Liang Feng waved his hand with a smile, “No need, no need. I’ll be waiting in Luoyang for your triumphant report.”
“As long as the southern lands are pacified, Lord can also set aside the heavy responsibilities on his shoulders…” Yiyan reached out, holding the other’s hand. On that slender palm, there was already scarce flesh to be found. Gripping it in his palm, the thinness was truly heart-wrenching.
How much more time would it take to heal this body?
Heavy burdens? Liang Feng relaxed his body, leaning back on the soft cushion behind him. “I heard from the Ministry of Works that the dragon boats are already more than halfway done. They’ll be ready to launch in another half year.”
“Is Lord going for the Fengshan ceremony?” Joy flickered in Yiyan’s eyes.
“No, we’re not.” Liang Feng decisively vetoed, “We’ll stick to the original route, go see the sea. I’ll also show you what the ocean looks like.”
“It should be similar to traveling by boat.” Yiyan thought for a moment and replied.
“It’s far from similar.” Closing his eyes with a smile, Liang Feng murmured, “Crossing the first and second island chains, you can enter the Pacific, following the ocean currents eastward, you can reach the continent of America. Going south leads to Australia. Gold, silver, copper, iron, corn, chili, potatoes… countless treasures… I really want to go see…”
The voice was ethereal, like a whisper, gradually becoming inaudible. Yiyan bent down, picked up the sleeping emperor, and walked towards the dragon bed. Gently laying him on the brocade couch, he undressed and covered him with a silk quilt. Yiyan lowered a kiss on the slightly furrowed brows, “Lord wants to go; I will accompany you by your side.”
Witnessing the unseen, hearing the unheard, just like this twenty-year dreamlike journey.
Taking off his outer robe, he lay down on the couch, embracing the person in his arms.
The news of the young emperor falling seriously ill came before spring had ended. Sima Xi in the distant Jiuzhen couldn’t contain himself and ordered Liu Kun to lead troops, attacking Yang County. He wanted to eliminate Wang Dun, the powerful minister.
By midsummer, the army of the Crown Prince was once again annihilated by Wang Dun. Liu Kun died, and Sima Xi fled south. Subsequently, massive floods struck Jiangdong, famine spread, and a peasant uprising occurred.
Just as Wang Dun was in a desperate situation, preparing to suppress the rebels, the drums of war resounded in Da Zhao. A navy and army of six hundred thousand soldiers were mobilized and marched south!
