"Greetings, Master!" Four guards on the steps ran over excitedly, clasped their hands in a salute, and then took the reins from Qin Qiong.
"Thank you for your hard work." Qin Qiong nodded with a smile.
"Master, you..." A guard stared at Qin Qiong in shock, speechless.
"What's wrong with me?" Qin Qiong looked at his body in confusion and asked.
"Master, you look so young!" The guard exclaimed in surprise, finally confirming that the person before him was indeed Qin Qiong.
"Hehe! He is indeed a bit young. By the way, this is my eldest son, Qin Mu," Qin Qiong said with a proud smile.
"Greetings, Young Master." The guard hurriedly clasped his hands and bowed to Qin Mu.
"No need for such formalities, everyone," Qin Mu said gently, returning the greeting with a cupped hand.
"I'll go inform the ladies right away." A guard turned and ran into the mansion excitedly.
“That’s the imperial city!” Qin Qiong pointed to another city wall in the distance and introduced it again.
"Oh!" Qin Mu glanced at it and nodded. The city wall was probably two or three thousand meters away from here, but you could still see a bit of its outline.
"Chang'an City has three city walls. The first is the place we just passed, and the other is the Imperial City ahead. Behind the Imperial City is the Palace City. The offices of the Three Departments, Six Ministries, Twenty-Four Offices, Nine Temples, and Five Directorates are all located within the Imperial City. The areas outside are just some branch offices of government departments. The Palace City is, of course, where His Majesty resides." Qin Qiong was not in a hurry to enter the mansion and explained to Qin Mu from outside the gate.
"There don't seem to be many pedestrians on this street?" Qin Mu said after looking around.
"This street was mainly for the convenience of court officials going to and from court, so only officials lived there. Officials without rank were not qualified to live on either side of this street."
"Correspondingly, on Golden Light Street, live the people of the great noble families. The dozens of mansions nearby are inhabited by dukes and princes. As for princes of the first rank, they all reside in the imperial city now," Qin Qiong pointed out.
Even without Qin Qiong's explanation, Qin Mu could tell that this was completely different from Chang'an in the other world; it was at least much larger, roughly twice the size. The imperial city was surrounded by the entire city of Chang'an, with the palace at its very center.
The saying "Eight rivers surround Chang'an" is not just an empty phrase. Chang'an is indeed crisscrossed by waterways, and boats from the East and West markets can travel directly outside the city, though they must be inspected by the imperial court. The largest residential area is in the south, with officials residing on Zhuque Avenue and around the Imperial City; while aristocratic families live on Jinguang Avenue, which runs east-west through Chang'an, surrounding the two largest markets in the east and west.
North of the imperial city were mainly military camps, residences for soldiers and their families, as well as some royal properties and gardens. The North Market could be considered the royal private market, selling goods produced by royal properties at relatively low prices, which is why poor people from other areas also liked to shop there.
Back in Chang'an, Qin Qiong's spirits were high, and he pointed around, introducing things to Qin Mu.
Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from inside the mansion. Qin Mu turned around with Qin Qiong and saw a rather plump and elegant woman walking over with slightly hurried steps.
"Master, you're back."
"I'm back," Qin Qiong said with a gentle smile.
"Master, you?" Madam Zheng was equally shocked by Qin Qiong's change, pointing at him as if she couldn't believe it. Fortunately, she knew that the person in front of her was indeed Qin Qiong, because the subtle feelings of family members who had spent a long time together could not be mistaken.
"Hehe, this is all thanks to the treasures left behind by Mu'er's sect. It's a long story, I'll tell you about it slowly later, Madam," Qin Qiong said with a smile. Anyone who suddenly becomes ten years younger would definitely be very happy.
"This must be Mu'er?" The woman nodded, turned around, and asked Qin Mu with a smile.
"Yes, this is Mu'er. I have finally found him." Qin Qiong nodded and sighed. Then he said to Qin Mu, "Mu'er, this is your Aunt Zheng, and also the biological mother of your brother Huaiyu."
Qin Huaiyu was Qin Qiong's second son. He also had two daughters, but neither of the daughters were born to Zheng.
This is perfectly normal in this world, and even in the ancient times we live in. How many noble families don't have concubines? Of course, this doesn't apply to families where the principal wife is exceptionally powerful.
Qin Qiong had explained to Qin Mu on the way that this Aunt Zheng was from the second branch of the Zheng family in Xingyang.
"Greetings, Aunt Zheng." Qin Mu bowed respectfully.
"Mu'er, no need for formalities, we're all family." Aunt Zheng helped Qin Mu up, then looked him up and down, nodding repeatedly, and said to Qin Qiong with a smile, "He's such a good child, just like his master."
This was, of course, just polite talk. Qin Mu guessed this body resembled his mother more, and only shared similar eyes with Qin Qiong—both had double eyelids. Fortunately, he didn't see the tense atmosphere he'd expected from meeting his stepmother, which put him at ease. He was worried that if things didn't go well, he might put Qin Qiong in a difficult position.
"Hehe! Let's go back to the manor first. I still have to go to the palace later," Qin Qiong said happily.
"Alright, you must be tired from your journey. Go home and rest. I've already had the servants prepare a meal."
Surrounded by Qin Qiong, the group entered the mansion. The Duke of Yi's mansion wasn't particularly luxurious, but it was clean and tidy; not a single fallen leaf could be seen along the way. It was clear the servants had taken great care in maintaining it.
After all, it was the grand mansion of a Duke, and it was indeed very large. There was a large hall in the front courtyard, but they did not linger there. Aunt Zheng explained that it was used for receiving guests, while daily life took place in the back courtyard.
Artificial hills, pavilions, ponds, and flower beds—it had everything, and while not exquisite, it wasn't unattractive. There was a garden with several smaller courtyards on either side. Instead of going to Qin Qiong's residence in the center, they led Qin Mu directly to a courtyard on the left.
"Mu'er, this will be your place from now on. Your younger brother Huaiyu lives over there, but he's still at the martial arts academy. We'll have a family gathering tonight," Qin Qiong said, pointing to the right.
“This used to be the residence for honored guests. Now, the Duke’s mansion is even more popular, and it’s perfect for Mu’er to stay here,” Aunt Zheng said with a smile.
Qin Mu was a man of considerable experience and could discern whether someone was sincere or not. He was genuinely happy for Aunt Zheng; it wasn't feigned. This pleased him greatly, as they would be family from now on, living together for a long time. If they were constantly scheming and plotting, it would be pointless and put Qin Qiong in a difficult position.
This was a separate courtyard with a row of two-story wooden buildings. In front was an open space with weapons on both sides, clearly intended for martial arts practice. To the left was a pond and pavilion, and to the right were flowers, trees, and shrubs. It was no less impressive than the Qin family's villa, and Qin Mu was very satisfied.
"I'll go into the palace first." Qin Qiong said this as she led Qin Mu into the courtyard, and then hurried away. It was clear that she probably wouldn't have even entered the house if it weren't to settle Qin Mu in.
"That's just how your father is. He values official business more than his family. Mu'er, don't be angry," Aunt Zheng comforted him.
"It's alright, national affairs come first, I understand."
"What a clever child. See if there's anything you're not satisfied with, and I'll have someone fix it up," Aunt Zheng asked as she strolled around the courtyard with Qin Mu.
"It's already very good, I'm satisfied, no need to trouble yourself," Qin Mu said, shaking his head.
“You silly child, we’re all family, why are you making such a fuss?” Upon reaching the second floor, Aunt Zheng personally pushed open the door and went inside.
This is a suite-style room. The entrance leads to the living room, with a study on one side and the maids' quarters on the other. The master bedroom is behind the maids' quarters.
"The guards and servants live downstairs; you can keep your mount there."
As Aunt Zheng explained, Qin Mu learned that although the Duke of Yi's mansion had its own stables, the owners of some particularly valuable warhorses or mounts usually kept them close to their owners, so many courtyards had special areas for them.
This pleased Qin Mu greatly, and he also quite liked the rhinoceros. It was nice to have it as a pet to amuse him when he had free time.
Two maids and two guards were arranged for Qin Mu to use. Aunt Zheng also had all the bedding changed before leaving at Qin Mu's urging.
This meticulous care truly moved Qin Mu. Even though he knew she wasn't his biological mother, and this was their first meeting, family is family! There was no sense of distance like with outsiders.
Moving into his new home, Qin Mu was a little excited. He walked around for a while before returning to the attic. At that moment, the servants brought him writing brushes, ink, paper, inkstones, and clothes.
Fortunately, Qin Mu was already used to being served in his daily life and accepted it all calmly. Although the servants were all secretly observing this young master who had just returned.
The meal was very plentiful, with meat, vegetables, and pastries all served, eight dishes laid out in front of us.
"Young Master! Madam said to make do with this for now. When Master returns tonight, we'll have a welcome feast for you." The maid glanced at Qin Mu furtively, then immediately lowered her head and spoke softly.
"What are your names?" The two little girls, who looked about the same age as Qin Mu, around fourteen or fifteen years old, with their hair in buns, stood to the side somewhat frightened.
"Your servant is Dongmei! Your servant is Qiuju!" the two maids hurriedly replied.
Winter plum blossoms and autumn chrysanthemums—Qin Mu couldn't help but want to complain. This was utterly unoriginal. He estimated that there were at least eight thousand, if not ten thousand, maids in Chang'an with this name.
"Okay, you can go now. I'll call you when I'm done eating," Qin Mu nodded. Although he liked being waited on, that only meant having someone do chores and clean up the mess; he didn't have the habit of being watched while he ate, especially not by several people watching him eat alone.
Eight dishes, though numerous, were served in small portions, which posed no problem for Qin Mu, and he finished them off quickly.
After having someone clean up the mess, he returned to his room. Thinking of his family, he couldn't help but start looking through the Heavenly Mystery Tower, searching for items that would be suitable as gifts.
……………
Qin Qiong entered the palace without any hindrance. He rode his horse into the imperial city and stopped at the palace gate. Then, led by the guards, he arrived at the Lizheng Hall.
"Your subject Qin Qiong greets Your Majesty."
"Shubao is back! Rise quickly." Although he already knew Qin Qiong had returned, Li Shimin still looked very surprised and delighted. He put down his imperial brush and personally went forward to greet Qin Qiong. It must be said that his actions deeply moved Qin Qiong.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Hey, Uncle Bao! What's wrong with you?" Li Shimin looked at Qin Qiong's face in surprise as soon as he helped him up.
Qin Qiong, already used to such things, smiled and explained, "When I went out this time, my son noticed that I was not feeling well, so I used a precious elixir that his sect had given me, which is why I look younger."
Qin Qiong had been wounded many times and lost too much blood, which had damaged his health. Li Shimin knew this, and seeing his condition, he knew he had recovered. He was happy for him.
"Good! Good! Uncle Bao has recovered, my valiant general is back, this is wonderful!" Li Shimin exclaimed, patting Qin Qiong's shoulder repeatedly.
"I'm sorry to have troubled Your Majesty."
"Hehe, it's good that you've recovered. Come, sit down and tell me about the details of this trip." Li Shimin asked warmly, pulling Qin Qiong along.
"Your subject obeys the decree!" Qin Qiong followed Li Shimin and sat down to the side.
Li Shimin had tea served and watched Qin Qiong intently, waiting for his report.
Qin Qiong was a straightforward man. Without any subjective bias, he recounted everything he had seen and heard on his trip.
Li Shimin showed no impatience and did not interrupt him. He listened quietly, then remained silent for a moment before smiling and asking, "Luo Cheng's family will arrive in Chang'an soon. I remember that house behind yours is uninhabited. Uncle Bao, could you please have someone clean it up?"
Qin Qiong naturally knew about the house behind his own residence, which was separated by a canal and was no smaller than his own Duke's mansion. This showed that Li Shimin was indeed happy that Luo Cheng's family had come to Chang'an.
"Your subject obeys the decree." Qin Qiong bowed and accepted the order.
"Regarding the Khitan matter, the Prince of Hejian has already sent a memorial. You have done a very good job," Li Shimin praised again.
"this…"
"If Uncle Bao has something to say, he might as well speak frankly." Seeing Qin Qiong hesitate, Li Shimin couldn't help but ask curiously.
Qin Qiong hesitated for a moment, but continued, "Your Majesty, why not settle the Khitans separately?"
"How should we separate them?" Li Shimin asked, puzzled.
"This time, 300,000 Khitans will be relocated, and more will follow. The total Khitan population is nearly 800,000. If they are all settled in Pingzhou, Lulong, and Yuyang, there is a risk that they will become too powerful to control. Moreover, the Khitans may not be too happy to be settled in the border areas. It would be better to divide and conquer them. Some will be sent to the interior. Life there is stable and less dangerous, so I believe they will not complain," Qin Qiong explained.
Actually, Qin Mu and he talked about these things on the way. At the time, he didn't pay much attention to them, but now that he thinks about it, they make a lot of sense.
“If we relocate them to other places, there won’t be enough land to resettle them in a short time!” Li Shimin said with a frown.
"Your Majesty, instead of giving them separate territories, we should relocate them as a whole and disperse them to various counties, with the court providing the funds and provisions for their resettlement. In this way, the Khitan people will benefit from the court's policies and will naturally be grateful to the court. Moreover, with the people dispersed, it will not be so easy for the Khitan tribal chiefs to maintain control of their tribes as before."
"These ordinary Khitans have lived among the people of our Great Tang for a long time. After two or three generations, where is the distinction between Khitan and Han people anymore?" Qin Qiong continued.
"Brilliant! This plan is brilliant! Even if it costs more money, it's worth it." Li Shimin clapped his hands in praise. Then he frowned and said, "Such an obvious division, I'm afraid those chieftains won't agree, right? If they cause trouble, wouldn't all our efforts be in vain?"
"That's easy to handle. Your Majesty can reward them handsomely, then summon them to the capital and bestow upon them houses and servants. I believe that once they have witnessed the prosperity of Chang'an, they will still yearn to return to their savage lives," Qin Qiong suggested.
“That’s right. By summoning them to the capital, we can take the opportunity to settle them. Even if they find out and want to back out, it will be too late.” Li Shimin clapped his hands in admiration.
"Chang'an is vast, and living here is not easy. Those tribal chiefs, accustomed to life in Chang'an, will find it difficult to maintain their status. Your Majesty could take this opportunity to have them help appease the people and continue the subsequent immigration," Qin Qiong said with a smile.
"Uncle Bao, you have truly impressed me! This is truly my mistake; I have been using you as a general all along. If I had known you had such talent, I should have sought your guidance more often," Li Shimin exclaimed.
"Your Majesty flatters me! I am unworthy of such praise. To be honest, these were all my son's words, which I found to have some merit, which is why I spoke to Your Majesty. If there is anything inappropriate, please forgive me." Qin Qiong rose and bowed.
"Ah! Uncle Bao, you mean your eldest son who was just found? I didn't expect you to have such insight! You're truly remarkable." Li Shimin said, pausing for a moment.
"Your Majesty flatters me. I'm just glad you don't blame him for talking nonsense."
"Oh! Uncle Bao, what are you saying? How could I blame a subject for his words? Besides, such a good plan has been of great help to me. He should be rewarded handsomely," Li Shimin said, waving his hand.
"Hehe, it's good that he can help His Majesty. As for rewards, there's no need for them, lest he become complacent." Qin Qiong was even happier to hear his son being praised than when he heard himself being praised, and said with a smile.
"Hmm! I have my own plan for this matter. Uncle Bao, tell me, what else did your son say about the Khitan?" Li Shimin nodded and continued to ask.
"My son said that we Han people are the most inclusive ethnic group, and any foreign ethnic group will eventually be assimilated into ours. Separating the Khitan people and having them live with us Han people for a long time will easily change their lifestyle."
The construction of the reservoir at Juyong Pass presents another excellent opportunity. Relocating some of the Khitan people there will not only accelerate assimilation but also allow them to witness the greatness of the Tang Dynasty and enjoy the benefits of the court, thus stabilizing their hearts. Furthermore, the Khitans are one of the best sources of soldiers. The three passes are governed by Qin laws, with strict rules, which will also help to restrain the more unruly Khitans,” Qin Qiong continued.
These words made Li Shimin hesitate, after all, allowing immigrants to Juyong Pass would essentially increase the Qin family's power. He couldn't afford to be careless.
Qin Mu had also thought of this, so he told Qin Qiong, who naturally wouldn't hide it from Li Shimin.
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