Chapter 150 Recreating the World. The era belonging to me has arrived. ...
The morning light pierced the clouds, dispelling the last wisp of smoke that lingered over the palace. The blood-stained flagstones had been washed clean overnight, leaving only a few newly added marks of swords and axes on the palace walls, silently recounting the dramatic changes of the previous day.
Before dawn, civil and military officials had already gathered in front of the Taiji Hall. Unlike in previous days, the ranks were clearly divided today.
On one side were the old troops of Songyang, led by Zhuge Liang and Huo Qubing, exuding an air of grandeur.
On the other side were the former officials who remained in the capital. Though their clothes were neat and even more meticulous than usual, they tried to use this last vestige of decorum to conceal the turmoil within their hearts. However, their slightly trembling sleeves, pale and bloodless faces, and the fear, suspicion, and a hint of hope in their eyes when they exchanged glances all betrayed their anxiety.
Some whispered amongst themselves, speculating how the new emperor would deal with them, the remnants of the previous dynasty; others secretly regretted not having joined the Songyang Army sooner; still others furtively glanced towards the dragon throne, hoping for a glimmer of hope. When the morning bell rang and the palace gates opened, officials entered in order. The dragon throne was empty, which only heightened the unease among the former officials.
"His Majesty has arrived!"
Amidst the clear and melodious calls of the eunuch, Jiang Ge emerged from behind the screen. She was not wearing a dragon robe, but only a dark black robe with simple cloud and dragon patterns embroidered in gold thread on the collar and cuffs. Her long hair was loosely tied up with a jade hairpin.
This outfit has less of the oppressive feeling of an emperor, but more of a sharp edge.
She sat down on the dragon throne, her gaze calmly sweeping over the assembled officials below.
"All of you, rise."
The sound was clear and melodious, standing out exceptionally well in the silent hall.
The former officials secretly breathed a sigh of relief—at least, the new emperor didn't intend to intimidate them.
“Bring Li Cheng,” Jiang Ge said calmly.
A moment later, two guards escorted Li Cheng, who had been stripped of his crown and was now dressed in a plain white prison robe, into the palace. The once high and mighty emperor, who held the power of life and death, was now disheveled, his eyes unfocused, and his steps unsteady. His dragon robe had been replaced by prison clothes; the emperor had become a prisoner.
Some former officials lowered their heads in sorrow, overwhelmed with grief for their kind.
Zhuge Liang stepped forward and unfurled a bright yellow imperial edict.
This was not an imperial edict from the new dynasty, but rather an edict of self-reproach drafted in Li Cheng's name.
"I have been appointed by Heaven to rule the country, but my virtue is lacking, which has led to chaos in the court, suffering for the people, and unrest on the borders. Heaven has sent down disasters as a warning, and I am filled with anxiety..." Zhuge Liang's voice was clear and penetrating, and every word struck the hearts of the old ministers like a heavy hammer.
The imperial edict, written in blood, laid bare the accumulated ills of the old dynasty: favoring treacherous officials, indulging relatives of the emperor, imposing exorbitant taxes, neglecting military preparedness, engaging in extravagant construction projects, and indulging in pleasure... With each point read, some of the former officials turned paler and broke out in a cold sweat, for behind these malpractices, they were more or less involved, either participating, tacitly approving, or powerless to stop them.
Some people even felt their legs go weak and could barely stand.
When the text read, "Now a sage has descended from Heaven, restoring order and saving the people from suffering, supporting the nation from collapse. I am ashamed before my ancestors and have no face to meet the people of the world. I wish to emulate the ancient sages Yao and Shun, abdicating the throne to a virtuous ruler to atone for my sins," Li Cheng, who had been in a daze, suddenly seemed to be pricked by a needle. He abruptly raised his head, and a final burst of resentment and madness erupted in his cloudy eyes. He screamed hoarsely, "This edict was not written by me! It was you... you forced me! It's a forged edict! This is a forged edict! I am the true Son of Heaven!"
His roar echoed through the hall, filled with despair and resentment. The former officials remained silent, none daring to respond.
"Take him away." Jiang Ge's voice wasn't loud, but it stopped Li Cheng's roar abruptly.
Watching the former emperor being dragged away, she slowly rose: "The previous dynasty's moral failings were not the fault of one person alone. I hereby promise that the past will not be investigated, and only the talented will be promoted."
These words were like cold water being poured into a frying pan, and whispers immediately arose among the ranks of the former officials.
“However,” Jiang Ge changed the subject, “anyone who oppresses the people or embezzles public funds will be severely punished.”
She took out a register: "Zhang Qian, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, was promoted to Minister of Revenue for his integrity and self-discipline during his tenure."
“Wang Lang, the Prefect of Jingzhao, was retained in his original post for his meritorious service in controlling the floods last year.”
"Zhou Wu, deputy commander of the Imperial Guard, fought bravely yesterday and did not retreat. His loyalty and courage are commendable. He is hereby awarded the title of General of the Valiant Cavalry."
One name after another was read out, including both former officials who remained in their posts and meritorious generals. With each name read, the tense atmosphere in the hall eased a little. The former officials realized that this new emperor was not trying to purge the court, but was earnestly practicing meritocracy.
Finally, Django took out a golden scroll.
"Effective immediately, a cabinet shall be established to oversee all government affairs. Zhuge Liang shall be appointed as the chief minister of the cabinet."
"Establish the Privy Council to command all the military forces in the empire. Appoint Huo Qubing as Privy Councilor."
"Bai Qi is hereby appointed as the General Who Protects the Nation, in charge of the defense of the capital."
"Zhao Kuangyin was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the Palace Guards, in charge of the Imperial Guards."
……
Each appointment acted like a stabilizing force, firmly establishing the power structure of the new dynasty. When Huo Qubing knelt on one knee to receive the tiger tally, the clanging of his armor sounded like the war drums beating for the new dynasty.
When the court session ended, the former officials walked with noticeably lighter steps. Several officials who had been retained surrounded Zhuge Liang, eagerly inquiring about the details of the new policies.
And at this moment, the streets of the capital city.
A huge banner announcing the new policy outline has just been posted at the entrance of the market, beneath the eye-catching city wall.
A large crowd had already gathered in front of the notice, including scholars in white robes, curious merchants, artisans, and even some daring farmers who squeezed to the sidelines, craning their necks to listen. An elderly scholar, who had been invited, stood before the notice and read it aloud in a slightly trembling but resonant voice:
I. Abolish twelve exorbitant taxes and levies, including the poll tax, the salt and iron monopoly tax, and the maritime trade tax.
"Good!" The crowd erupted in cheers, especially the small vendors and ordinary farmers, whose faces were flushed with excitement.
Second, an eleven-fold tax shall be levied, with one-tenth of the produce from the land, and this shall be a permanent rule. No additional tax may be levied without the approval of the Cabinet and the Emperor.
"Heaven has opened its eyes!" An old farmer tremblingly stroked the large characters on the notice, tears streaming down his face, and bowed repeatedly towards the direction of the imperial city. "Long live the Emperor! Now the children can finally have enough to eat, and we will never have to sell our sons and daughters again."
Third, encourage land reclamation and new land cultivation. No taxes will be levied on mountains, forests, lakes, and marshes for three years, and half taxes for five years.
This road made the eyes of many young and middle-aged people who had little or no land light up, as if they saw a glimmer of hope for settling down and making a living.
Fourth, establish public pharmacies, with medical officers selected by each prefecture and county, so that poor people can receive free medical treatment and medicine with the guarantee of the village head.
"A living Buddha! This is a living Buddha!" a woman holding her sick child murmured, tears streaming down her face.
Fifth, to rectify official corruption, establish the Censorate, ensure open channels for expression of grievances, and allow ordinary people to directly voice their grievances…
VI. Water conservancy projects will be funded by the imperial court through a work-for-relief program…
VII. Reorganize the military, recruit warriors, and protect the territory and its people...
...
With each line read aloud, a burst of increasingly enthusiastic cheers and discussions erupted from the crowd.
The pent-up resentment towards the old dynasty seemed to be released with each reading of the new policies, and the anticipation and support for the new dynasty rapidly intensified and solidified on this cold morning. Many scholars listened and took notes rapidly, their eyes filled with excitement. From these new policies, they saw the signs of a dynastic revival and a stage for them to realize their ambitions.
In the eastern market of the city, Yuchi Jingde was leading a group of soldiers to inventory the official granaries left over from the old dynasty. The moment the granary doors were opened, even this seasoned, dark-faced general gasped in surprise.
Outside, refugees were everywhere, but here, millet was piled up, some of it even hardened and moldy, emitting an unpleasant smell.
"Damn it! What a despicable emperor who deserves to be torn to pieces!" Yuchi Jingde couldn't help but curse, kicking a moldy grain sack and kicking up a cloud of dust. "The grain in the warehouse is all piled up to the point of being moldy and infested with worms, while the people are starving and eating tree bark and clay! This rebellion was absolutely the right thing to do!"
The more composed Qin Shubao had already begun directing the soldiers to move and clean up: "Jingde, say less, he can't hear you anyway. Quickly count out what's still edible and distribute it to the poor counties and people in the capital as soon as possible, as His Majesty and Prime Minister Zhuge have instructed. As for the moldy stuff, see if it can be used to feed livestock or for composting. In short, we can't waste it."
Under his command, the soldiers began to work enthusiastically, and bags of grain were transported out of the warehouse to be dried.
Meanwhile, on the grand drill ground in the western suburbs of the capital, Huo Qubing was reorganizing tens of thousands of former imperial troops who had surrendered the day before. A dense mass of people stood on the drill ground; the two sides that had been fighting fiercely just yesterday now faced each other, the atmosphere delicate and tense, the surrendered soldiers' eyes filled with confusion, fear, and uncertainty about the future.
Huo Qubing stood high on the command platform, his voice echoing across the drill ground, clearly reaching everyone's ears: "...Yesterday's events were for the sake of our respective masters, and we will not hold them accountable. But from today onward, you are no longer soldiers of the old dynasty, but generals of the new dynasty. Those who wish to stay will be selected and assessed, and then incorporated into the new army. From now on, you will be comrades-in-arms, sharing rewards and punishments, and treated equally. If anyone wants to go home, step forward now, and we will provide you with travel expenses, register you, and allow you to return home to farm!"
A commotion arose from the audience; some hesitated, while others were tempted. Soon, a group of older soldiers or those who were homesick timidly stepped forward.
Huo Qubing glanced at it and continued, "Alright, everyone has their own ambitions, we won't force them. Quartermaster, distribute travel expenses according to the roster, and do not deduct any!" This action reassured many of the surrendered soldiers.
They really didn't want to fight anymore.
However, his tone suddenly turned stern, and his gaze swept across the audience with a cold, sharp intensity over those whose eyes were darting around, especially a few who had previously held mid- to high-ranking positions in the old army: "But! Since you have chosen to stay, if there are still those who are half-hearted, outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, or who harbor illusions, thinking they can get by without contributing anything, or even those who secretly sabotage things..."
He suddenly grabbed the spear beside him, exerted force in his arm, and the spear transformed into a black lightning bolt, shooting through the air.
With a sharp crack, a flagpole as thick as a bowl snapped at the edge of the drill ground, and the upper half, along with the tattered flag, crashed to the ground.
"Just like this pole!" Huo Qubing's voice was resolute, filled with intense killing intent. "Military law is merciless and will never tolerate such treatment!"
The entire area was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop. The surrendered soldiers were terrified, utterly intimidated by this overwhelming and powerful aura. The officers who had initially harbored hopes of a comeback, or even secretly conspired to cause trouble, turned pale, bowed their heads deeply, and dared not make another move. Through a combination of kindness and severity, the morale of this surrendered army had been initially stabilized.
As the sun set, Zhuge Liang and Jiang Ge stood side by side atop the city wall, gazing at the capital city gradually returning to life. Wisps of smoke rose from chimneys, sporadic cries of vendors echoed through the streets, and children began to chase and play in the alleyways once more.
"The people's hearts in the capital have begun to settle down." Zhuge Liang gently waved his feather fan. "The letters of loyalty from officials in various prefectures and counties have already reached 60% by this morning."
Django nodded, but his gaze remained serious: "It's not enough."
She pointed to the distant, indistinct mountains: "Those vassal kings who are still watching, those generals who are defending their cities, those powerful families who are waiting for their chance..."
Zhuge Liang agreed wholeheartedly: "Your Majesty is wise. Although the capital has been secured, the world is not yet at peace."
As dusk deepened, the last rays of sunlight shone into Django's eyes.
“It’s time,” she said softly. “There should be a momentous event to announce to the world the transition from the old to the new, and to establish a new order in the world.”
Zhuge Liang bowed slightly: "Your Majesty means..."
"The coronation ceremony." Jiang Ge turned around, his dark sleeves fluttering in the evening breeze. "I want the whole world to know that my new era has arrived."
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