Chapter 79: Unification of the World
After a series of thrilling court games, interest exchanges and system adjustments, with the full support of Emperor Liu Jin and a certain degree of "behind-the-scenes manipulation",
With the almost "unconditional" cooperation of Emperor Xiao Ziran of Nanyue, an unprecedented situation was finally formed.
A grand abdication ceremony was held in the capital of the Celestial Empire.
Emperor Liu Jin formally abdicated the throne to Crown Prince Liu Xiao.
At the same time, a ceremony was also held in the capital of Nanyue. Emperor Xiao Ziran of Nanyue announced his abdication and was honored as the Supreme Emperor. He also announced to the world that Emperor Liu Xiao of the Celestial Empire would inherit the throne of Nanyue.
Liu Xiao, the young emperor who carries the most noble blood of the two countries, was crowned as the emperor of both the Celestial Empire and Nanyue.
He changed the name of the era to "Qiyuan", which means the beginning of a new era.
The two countries temporarily maintained their original administrative systems and legal systems, but military, diplomatic, and major financial decisions were uniformly decided by Emperor Liu Xiao and the "Privy Council" he established, which was jointly participated by important officials from both countries.
This move undoubtedly shocked the world, but it also minimized unrest.
What the subjects of the Celestial Empire saw was their own crown prince ascending the throne, and Nanyue being incorporated into the system in a manner that was almost "submission", and their national self-esteem was satisfied.
The subjects of Nanyue firmly believed that their "prince" had become the supreme ruler, and that Nanyue's influence had thus covered the entire Central Plains, and they felt extremely honored.
After ascending the throne, Liu Xiao displayed talent, strategy, benevolence and wisdom far beyond his age.
He did not indulge in the pleasures brought by power, but worked hard with Liu Zong to govern the country.
He took advantage of the huge resources and talent brought about by the merger of the two countries to build water conservancy projects, encourage farming, dredge trade routes, and reduce taxes.
He selected talents without any restrictions and only promoted people based on their merits. No matter if they were from the Celestial Empire, Nanyue, or even the other three kingdoms, as long as they had real talents and knowledge, they would be given important positions.
At the same time, he and Liu Zong adopted the strategy of "combining power and virtue" against the remaining three countries.
On the one hand, it demonstrated its powerful and unrivaled military strength to deter others; on the other hand, it opened up trade and provided economic incentives to demonstrate the prosperity and stability that could be brought about by unification.
Over the years, Liu Xiao's benevolent rule and strong national strength have formed a huge centripetal force.
Within the remaining three countries, the voices resisting unification are growing weaker, while the calls for peace and prosperity are growing louder.
In the fifth year of the Qiyuan period, the Dayuan Kingdom in the Western Regions, admiring the culture of the Central Plains and under economic and military pressure, took the lead in requesting to submit to the Central Plains.
In the seventh year of the Qiyuan era, after experiencing two consecutive years of white disasters, the tribes in the northern desert grasslands felt powerless to compete with the central dynasty. Led by the leader of the largest tribe, they presented a surrender letter, expressing their willingness to submit forever.
In the ninth year of Qiyuan, the last country of Fusang in the East China Sea, isolated and pushed by domestic reformists, finally sent envoys to present the national seal and map.
At this point, the world was united and peace reigned. For the first time, the Central Plains and surrounding territories, which had been plagued by conflict since ancient times, achieved unprecedented unification, establishing the vast "Qiyuan Empire."
The unification of the world brought unprecedented peace and prosperity.
The highways connecting the east, west, south and north were completed, and merchants and travelers were able to travel back and forth without interruption, and goods were flowing freely.
Unified currency and weights and measures greatly facilitated economic exchanges;
The imperial court organized the compilation of a vast collection of classics, integrating the essence of culture from all over the country;
Liu Xiao also ordered the establishment of official schools in all prefectures and counties, so that everyone, regardless of their social status, would have the opportunity to study and gain knowledge.
The people finally got rid of the shadow of years of war and were able to live and work in peace.
In the fields, in the streets and alleys, people talked about the current emperor and praised him unanimously:
"What a wise ruler! If it weren't for your majesty, we wouldn't be living in peace today!"
"Yes! Your Majesty knows the suffering of our people!"
"More than that! Your Majesty has inherited the throne of both the Celestial Empire and Nanyue at the same time. He is the reincarnation of a true dragon, destined by heaven!"
"These days, taxes are lower, roads are easier to travel, and children can go to school. It's truly a great time!"
"Thanks to His Majesty and His Royal Highness the Regent! One is kind and virtuous, the other is a warrior. They are truly a match made in heaven!"
The people even spontaneously built a shrine for Liu Xiao and Liu Zong to express their gratitude for the prosperous times they brought.
The story of "Two Saints Reigning" spread throughout the world. Liu Xiao's kindness and Liu Zong's strength complemented each other and were deeply rooted in the hearts of the people.
Deep in the palace, the lights in the imperial study were often on until late at night.
Liu Xiao, who has become the common ruler of the world, still maintains the habit of working diligently.
There were mountains of memorials on his desk, but he handled them with ease.
A pair of bony hands with thin calluses held a cup of ginseng tea and placed it silently on the desk.
Liu Xiao raised his head and met Liu Zong's deep and focused eyes.
The baptism of time and war has made Liu Zong's temperament more introverted and powerful. Only when he looks at Liu Xiao, the sharpness in his eyes will turn into endless tenderness and love.
"It's getting late. It's not too late to review these tomorrow." Liu Zong's voice was low, with unquestionable concern.
He is now powerful in the world, but in front of Liu Xiao, he will always be the guardian.
Liu Xiao put down his red brush, rubbed his eyebrows, took the ginseng tea and drank a sip naturally, and said with a smile:
"I'll be well soon. But you, you just came back from patrolling the camp, and you don't even go and rest first."
"Wherever you are, there I will be."
Liu Zong spoke very naturally. He walked behind Liu Xiao and skillfully massaged his tense shoulders and neck.
Such intimacy has become a habit over countless days and nights.
The palace servants were already accustomed to this and quietly retreated to a distance, leaving space for the most noble couple in the empire.
Their relationship is an open secret among the top brass and confidants.
There may have been some complaints at first, but in the face of Liu Zong's absolute strength, his unreserved loyalty to the emperor, and the prosperous era they created together, all the criticisms seemed pale and powerless and eventually dissipated into nothingness.
Liu Xiao leaned back in his chair and relaxed, enjoying the warmth that belonged only to him.
He held Liu Zong's hand and said softly
"Brother Zong, thank you for your hard work over the years."
Without Liu Zong's iron-blooded military strategy and unconditional support, he would not have been able to rule the world so smoothly.
Liu Zong held his hand with his backhand, leaned over and whispered in his ear, his breath warm:
"For you, I am happy to do it. This world is a landscape that you and I share."
His words were filled with absolute possession and affection.
The two smiled at each other, their affection expressed in words. They were not only ruler and subject, but also lovers, shoulder to shoulder, ruling this vast empire together.
This relationship, tempered in blood and fire, power and warmth, has long been indestructible.
The prosperous Qiyuan era lasted for decades and became a brilliant chapter in the history books of later generations.
The story of Emperor Liu Xiao and his regent Prince Liu Zong has also been passed down as a classic tale.
Later generations of scholars and poets gave free rein to their imagination, describing various legends, some true and some romantic, between the emperor with stunning appearance and benevolence known throughout the world, and the prince beside him who was all-powerful, ruthless throughout his life but gentle to only one person.
Liu Jin and Xiao Ziran, who had already abdicated and were traveling around the world together to enjoy their retirement, smiled at each other when they heard these folk tales in a picturesque valley somewhere.
All the storms, love and hate entanglements have passed, leaving behind the calmness of seeing through the world and the peace of being together.
All the land under heaven belongs to the king.
All under heaven are the king's subjects.
In this prosperous territory jointly guarded by Liu Xiao and Liu Zong, people live in peace, cultures blend, and legends are forever cast.
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