The central empire has seized control of the Marquisate, completely assimilating it into Chinese culture and making it operate entirely according to the rules of the Song Dynasty. Rebellion would come at a huge cost, and after paying such a price, the chances of a successful rebellion would be slim. Who would dare to rebel so easily?

The ministers shouted, "Your Majesty is wise!"

The ministers were thrilled by the emperor's words; this was no longer just the expansion of a great nation's territory, but the spread of civilization!

"There's no need to argue about the enfeoffment anymore. Champa must be taken quickly and a marquisate established for control. The people of the Song Dynasty are waiting for grain as eagerly as men are waiting for women to undress!"

The ministers all thought to themselves simultaneously: Damn it!

"Zhao Zongzheng will be in full charge of the preparations for this matter. Everyone, please cooperate with him!"

The ministers replied, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

Zhao Zhongcong was quite pleased with himself. He never expected that the case involving the imperial clan would not only not cost him his head, but would also lead to his promotion.

Do this well, build a good relationship with the Marquisate, and you'll have influence behind you in the future. If you smooth things over in the officialdom, you might even have a chance to enter the Council of State Affairs.

After all, Xu Churen and the others were old, and when people get old, they are very likely to die from illness.

Zhao Huan suddenly turned to Zhao Zhongcong and said, "In next year's year-end report, I hope to see Song Dynasty merchant ships freely docking at the Jiulong River ferry crossing!"

Zhao Zhongcong was slightly taken aback, then quickly replied, "Yes, Your Majesty! I will certainly do it!"

He had just finished being happy when a million curses ran through his mind. The emperor wanted him to take over Champa within a year and a half!

A year and a half!

This needs to be expedited!

Xu Churen and the others looked at Zhao Zhongcong with pity, as if to say: You think you got a good deal? You've been targeted by this emperor. Don't even think about getting a good night's sleep anymore. See our dark circles?

P.S.: Some people said the word count was too low, so I'll make up for the word count of these two chapters in tonight's chapter!

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