Lu Xiong said solemnly, "Your Majesty, although Traitor Xiao has been executed, Chaoge's defenses remain thin. We must transfer troops from elsewhere to guard against another rebellion."
He actually wanted to suggest that King Zhou keep strict watch over Chaoge's Four Gates, which would make it harder for rebel troops to enter disguised as merchant caravans. But he also knew that commercial taxes accounted for over half the treasury's revenue. Those taxes were what allowed the palace to finish building several great halls in one go.
Zi Shou froze. This was a major problem.
He had thought about it a few days earlier. These constant rebellions could not go on. Even if he could suppress them all, anyone would get annoyed if they happened every other day.
He cracked a walnut and said, "We do indeed need to strengthen Chaoge's defenses."
Lu Xiong advised, "Old General Huang at Jiepai Pass is unwaveringly loyal. Why not transfer a force from Jiepai Pass to garrison the capital?"
Zi Shou shook his head. "No. Jiepai Pass is a vital grain depot. Its troops cannot be moved lightly. The Dare-to-Bear Army rendered great service during this rebellion, which is ample proof that slaves deserve our trust."
Lu Xiong hesitated briefly. "Does Your Majesty mean to expand the Slave Army? That would be one solution. Where does Your Majesty intend to gather the slaves?"
Zi Shou smiled broadly. "From the feudal lords' domains, naturally. Those lords contributed no manpower to building the Great Wall, so they have plenty of slaves under their rule. We shall draw them from wherever they are most plentiful."
"Pass on my command. Order General Zhang Shan in Hu Fang to dispatch troops immediately. The domains of those feudal lords who marched on E City are poorly defended, so he will