Strengthening border defense ensures national prosperity and peace.
After the crisis was resolved, Shen Qingci felt an even greater sense of mission—only by strengthening the foundation of the nation could treacherous officials be prevented from taking advantage of the situation, and the people be spared the suffering of war. He devoted all his energy to border defense construction and military reform, vowing to build an indestructible barrier for the Great Jing.
He first personally inspected various prefectures and counties along the border, surveying the terrain on-site. Afterward, he ordered the construction of more than thirty fortresses at key strategic points and the renovation of old beacon towers, establishing an early warning system of "one beacon tower every five li, one watchtower every ten li, and one fortress every thirty li." At the same time, he promoted the policy of "joint defense by the military and civilians," encouraging border residents to reclaim wasteland and build fortified settlements, serving as soldiers in wartime and farmers in peacetime. This not only replenished the border defense manpower but also solved the problem of supplying military provisions.
In response to the situation of ethnic minorities living together on the border, Shen Qingci abandoned the previous policy of isolation and sent envoys with gifts to visit tribal leaders, reiterating the importance of good neighborliness and friendship. He petitioned the emperor to reduce tribal taxes, open border markets, and allow people of all ethnicities to trade freely and exchange goods. This move resolved long-standing ethnic barriers, and many tribes took the initiative to form alliances with Dajing, promising to send troops to help if the Xiongnu invaded, thus adding a layer of "popular support" to the border defenses.
In military reform, Shen Qingci continued the reform movement, dividing the national army into twelve divisions, each with a commander for unified command, and regularly conducting joint military exercises between divisions. He also improved weaponry, ordering the Ministry of Works to forge improved crossbows and long-handled swords, and promoting the use of lightweight and durable Mingguang armor, ensuring that "sharp weapons make sharp soldiers." In addition, he established martial arts academies, selecting brave soldiers to teach military strategy and tactics, thus changing the previous military atmosphere of "emphasizing bravery over strategy."
Within months, the border defenses of Dajing were completely transformed: fortresses stretched out in a continuous line, beacon towers stood guard day and night, people of all ethnic groups lived in harmony, and the soldiers were well-equipped and in high spirits. The Xiongnu sent small groups of cavalry to probe the border several times, but they were all repelled by the combined forces of the border guards and tribal allies, and dared not cross the line again.
Domestically, everything was thriving: fields stretched as far as the eye could see, granaries were full, merchants traveled in an endless stream, and people left their doors unlocked at night. The emperor repeatedly praised Shen Qingci in court assemblies: "With Prime Minister Shen here, I have no worries about the north, and the people are free from the threat of war. It is truly a blessing for the nation!" The ministers were also sincerely convinced of his worth, and the entire court worked together to protect this prosperous era.
Shen Qingci and Su Yunqing's life gradually improved. After going through countless trials and tribulations, their feelings for each other deepened, and soon they welcomed their son. Shen Qingci named him "Chen Nianqing," which not only contained his deep affection for Su Yunqing but also implied his expectation of "cherishing the country and the people."
Shen Nianqing was intelligent from a young age, so Shen Qingci personally taught him to read and write, and to study military strategy, while Su Yunqing taught him the principles of benevolence and basic medical knowledge. In their spare time, the family of three often strolled in the back garden of the Shen residence. Shen Qingci would tell his son stories of border conflicts, court intrigues, and the loyalty and righteousness of their ancestors, such as the old servant and Lord Wang. Shen Nianqing always listened with great attention, his little face full of determination: "Father, when I grow up, I want to be like you, protecting the Great Jing and its people."
Shen Qingci gazed at his son's youthful yet resolute face, then at the smiling Su Yunqing beside him, his heart filled with gratification. But he knew that even in times of peace, vigilance was still necessary; the tranquility of the borders was only temporary, and the undercurrents in the court had never truly subsided. He gently stroked his son's head and whispered, "Nianqing, protecting the country and its people is never a one-time achievement; it requires a lifetime of diligence and selfless dedication. Remember, only by always holding a sense of awe and remembering the suffering of the people can you live up to the trust placed in you by your family and the nation."
The setting sun filtered through the branches, casting long shadows of the three men. Shen Qingci knew that his mission was far from over; only by continuing to forge ahead could this peace and prosperity endure.
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