Chapter 120, Chapter Thirteen: Still in Regret

Despite Cheng Guo's efforts to unite around Liu Jun, the treacherous rebel, the King of Langya remained unchanged. Countless indignant proclamations were written by the talented men of Jiangdong, yet not a single soldier was dispatched.

Tao Kan, Xi Jian, and other loyal ministers of Jin were either old or frail and could no longer stir up any trouble. However, news came that Wang Dao, the true pillar of Jiangdong, had passed away.

Liu Jun made a decisive move, ordering his eldest son, Liu Yong, to go to Hanzhong, where he would soon lead troops to reclaim Bashu.

At this time, Zhuge Quan had already passed away, and his son Zhuge Xi was mediocre in talent and learning. However, Liu Jun still retained him as Sima, just so that the legacy of the Shu Han prime minister Zhuge could continue to protect the descendants of the Han family.

When Yin Xiaocheng rushed over to deliver the news, Liu Jun was discussing disaster relief with Wen Qiao and others. Upon seeing Yin Xiaocheng, he sighed softly, "Defeated?"

Yin Xiaocheng nodded, looking rather troubled. "The mountains of Shu are treacherous, and the roads to Shu are rugged. Later, we encountered a great flood, so the Second Young Master led his troops back to Liangzhou."

“I see,” Liu Jun tossed the pen aside. “Here’s what we’ll do. Let him stay in Liangzhou and order Liu Qin to go and reinforce him.”

Wen Qiao frowned, "Your Majesty, wouldn't this be beneath the Second Young Master's dignity..."

“If it weren’t for his maternal family, I would have recalled him immediately. Why keep him there to embarrass himself and delay military operations?” Liu Jun said coldly. “Actually, sending the eldest son would be the best option, as he is familiar with Liangzhou. However, I cannot rest easy until the matter of him tipping off Sima Ye is thoroughly investigated. Giving them another chance is pointless. Bashu is currently in chaos. If they cannot even defeat Li Qi, even if we conquer this land, future generations will not be able to maintain it. Why should I waste my time?”

"If we fail to win again, will Your Majesty personally lead the expedition?" Wen Qiao asked tentatively.

Liu Jun rubbed his forehead. "Our territory is so vast now, we are desperately short of capable generals."

"What does Your Majesty think of the Xianbei people?" Ji Dan, who had been silent all along, suddenly spoke up.

Liu Jun, who always respected him, hurriedly asked, "When recommending worthy people, one should not avoid relatives. General, you may recommend anyone you wish."

"Murong Hui passed away last year. His son, Murong Han, is skilled in both literature and martial arts, and is a capable general. However, he is suspected by his brother, Murong Huang, and has temporarily sought refuge with the Duan Xianbei. But he has not been given important positions. Fortunately, I have a past relationship with him..." Ji Dan hesitated, "but I am worried that some officials in the court may have prejudices against the Hu people..."

Liu Jun interrupted him, "The Xianbei tribe has always been loyal to Jin, and during the war they also took in a large number of Han people. Compared to the Xiongnu and Jie, they have never slaughtered too many people. But what if he, like his father, still wants to be a loyal subject of Jin?"

Ji Dan smiled and said, "Your Majesty is divinely mighty, and all the barbarians around you are in awe of you. You have worried too much."

“Since he is a Xianbei, it would be better for him to serve under you for now.” Liu Jun pondered. “The court will be waging war against the south for some time to come, but now that Han and Yi people live together, there is no telling when the northern border will be in turmoil again. We must not be careless.”

“I also have someone to recommend,” Wen Qiao said, seizing the opportunity. “When I was ordered to go to Xiangzhou and Jingzhou to supervise the war, I noticed a general named Mao Bao. He is brave and resourceful and quite skilled in naval warfare. He is currently serving as a military advisor in my staff.”

"Great!" Liu Jun was overjoyed. "I'm in dire need of a general to pacify the south."

He looked up at Wen Qiao, "Brother-in-law, you are highly talented. These past years you have been confined to the inner sanctum, managing my supplies and provisions, which is a real waste of your abilities. Now is the time to make your mark and achieve great things. Brother-in-law, would you like to ride your horse across the Yangtze River?"

Wen Qiao was both tempted and hesitant. "Does His Majesty not intend to personally lead an expedition to Jiangdong and establish his authority in the south?"

Liu Jun smiled and said, "Now that I have become emperor, I cannot just be a general. I must also govern the country. Besides, while it is possible to pacify the world with authority, it is not enough to govern it with mere power. Was the previous holy dynasty's rule based on filial piety enough? I should emulate Emperor Wen and Emperor Guangwu and let the world recuperate and thrive."

"Why does Your Majesty say that?" Wen Qiao had always seen him fighting and killing, and he didn't know that he had such ambitions at such a young age.

Liu Jun slowly said, "Two days ago, a letter arrived from Baima Temple. In the letter, the Prince of Chenliu told me that although the monks in the temple had no worries about food and drink and could even be described as living in luxury, the people who came to pray and offer incense were all poorly clothed and emaciated. Out of curiosity, he asked one of them and learned that with years of war, it was already difficult for the people to have a full meal every day. So he also tried it for more than a month, eating only one vegetarian meal a day and sleeping under only a thin blanket. Only then did he know what hunger and cold were."

He was certainly not telling this story to praise Sima Ye for his benevolence towards the people, so the crowd remained silent and listened attentively.

"If the people in the capital region are like this, what about the borderlands and the Central Plains, which are constantly at war?" Liu Jun said softly. "If we want this country to be stable forever, war is certainly important, but the peace and prosperity of the people are the foundation. Everyone knows that I rose from the ranks of the army, especially the high-ranking families of Jiangdong, who probably think I am just a reckless man. If I cannot reform the internal affairs and create a peaceful and prosperous era, I am afraid my fate will be like that of the tyrannical Qin Dynasty, which gained territory but lost the hearts of the people. How can it last?"

His deep contemplation moved Wen Qiao, who bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I am willing to serve you, even if it means dying a hundred times."

Liu Jun laughed and said, "You gentlemen have followed me in battles across the north and south, working day and night, all for the sake of enjoying peace and tranquility. Why would you want to die a hundred times?"

He descended the steps and slowly said, "Once we take over Bashu, I'm afraid we'll have to reform the military system. I've heard that the military settlements have changed in some places, with many settlers being treated like slaves. If this continues, it will not only fail to increase the population but may also lead to unrest..."

His gaze swept over the faces before him with worry, noticing that more than half were from the Pei, Yang, Cui, and other families of Hedong. A thought struck him: "The lack of soldiers and food is easy to solve, but the lack of talent is what truly troubles me. It is a rare opportunity to be in the capital these days, so I intend to reopen the Imperial Academy and select talent without regard to background. Issue an edict to all regions, regardless of their social status, that anyone who is willing to serve the court and is confident in their abilities may come to the Imperial Academy for a tryout."

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Ignoring the praise around him, Liu Jun strolled out of the palace gates, looked at the still dilapidated palace buildings, and said to Lu Jing, "The princes are away fighting and have all established their own residences. The number of concubines and princesses can be counted on one hand. Leave five servants for each of them, and release all the other palace maids. There is no need to repair the empty palaces, so as not to waste money."

He looked at the fine lines at the corners of Lu Jing's eyes and suddenly realized that this loyal servant who had followed him for most of his life was now over forty. "A-Jing, this time you should go with Tai-Zhen..."

Lu Jing wanted to stay, but then Liu Jun said, "Even if it's just to secure a future for our descendants, that's the only way to repay our friendship. Come back soon, because I don't have many old friends left around me."

Lu Jing, his eyes red with tears, expressed his gratitude, while Liu Jun gazed at the distant pagoda and murmured, "Green are your robes, deep is my longing. For your sake, I have pondered until now..."