"I see!"
Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes lit up!
This move was somewhat irregular, considering the Emperor Emeritus's extremely high status; it was rather unfair that he had been reduced to Grand Commander.
Normally, it would be more reliable for a prince to hold the position of Grand Commander, but since the emperor has no children, the only option is for the emperor to become the retired emperor.
As for whether the retired emperor agrees, that's a matter between father and son, and we shouldn't interfere. As long as it doesn't affect the rule of Great Liang, the emperor can do whatever he wants.
However, a problem has arisen. The Emperor has stated that this place will be managed by the Chief Secretary. The Chief Secretary of the Grand General's Office is a very important position, comparable to the heads of the Six Ministries.
Who will get this cushy job?
Some observant people couldn't help but ponder, wondering who the Emperor had chosen. This was a highly significant decision, undoubtedly a bellwether for the court.
Zhang Juzheng!
Lin Yi did not hesitate and looked directly at Zhang Juzheng, saying in a deep voice, "Zhang Juzheng, the Vice Minister of the Chancellery, has made great contributions to the land reform, enabling the people of Great Liang to own their own land. This time, you will carry out such a reform in Zhennan as well!"
I want to see the land returned to those who need it.
I am determined to bring happiness to All Under Heaven people, and this is not just talk; I will do what I say.
It's just a little land; he doesn't care about it!
To win over the people of Zhennan, in addition to suppression, it is also necessary to offer them benefits.
The most obvious benefit is undoubtedly the land, making land the best entry point for developing Zhennan!
Previously, the land was all in the hands of a few powerful families, and the common people had to rent their land to cultivate, which meant they were working for free. What I wanted to do was break this rule.
With land, people can survive and thrive!
This is the most fundamental thing, and it can also be used to win the hearts of most people, so that they will truly exist for Great Liang from now on. At the same time, not only can I win over the southwest, but I can also obtain supplies from Great Liang, which is a win-win situation.
If Zhang Juzheng, the land reform guru, were to go there, he could easily control the situation completely. As for any obstacles, encountering a domineering ruler like Zhang Juzheng would only lead to their own destruction.
For the sake of his principles, he could kill 100,000 people, and he wouldn't care about killing a million.
Grunt!
Those who knew Zhang Juzheng couldn't help but swallow hard upon hearing this; the Emperor had sent an extremely hardline envoy to Zhennan.
If there are any obstacles in the Zhennan, there will probably be a huge bloodbath.
When Zhang Juzheng carried out the land reclamation in Great Liang, he killed tens of thousands of people, including his own people. Now, they are outsiders. If you offend Zhang Juzheng, it will probably be no easier than Li Ru flooding Flying Hero Pass.
Some shrewd individuals couldn't help but feel envious. The emperor had sent him to a local post as a military governor, which was clearly a training opportunity. Upon his return, he would likely become a powerful figure in three provinces.
"This..."
Even Zhang Juzheng himself was almost taken aback. Coming to his senses, he immediately kowtowed in gratitude for the Emperor's favor, saying excitedly, "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty! Zhang Juzheng will certainly dedicate himself to the utmost, even unto death!"
A scholar will die for one who understands him, and the emperor was his patron.
In less than half a year, he had gone from an ordinary person to a high-ranking official in the imperial court. This was the emperor's reward.
"Haha, it's not that serious, just do your best!" Lin Yi waved his hand and laughed.
This is a talented person; it would be a real shame if he were ruined by a Zhennan.
However, Zhennan is so vast that Zhang Juzheng alone cannot handle it.
His gaze fell upon Zhang Jiao beside him, and he said in a deep voice, "Grand Preceptor, send Zhang Bao to Zhennan, and take his Edification Corps with him. Also, I will allow him to expand his army by another 200,000!"
Professional tasks should be handled by professionals!
This is an issue that Lin Yi has always emphasized. In terms of ideological influence, the three Zhang Jiao brothers are undoubtedly the best in the Great Liang camp. Their verbal skills alone can set an era apart.
With them assisting Zhang Juzheng, it would be a perfect match.
"Go to the Edification Corps?"
Zhang Jiao's eyes lit up; he hadn't expected to be given another job.
With the territory of a country like Zhennan as a base, their Way of Great Peace can now reach a new level, perhaps even several levels higher.
This job is absolutely fantastic!
He said excitedly, "Your Majesty, rest assured, the Edification Corps will never disappoint you. They will surely make you understand Your Majesty's painstaking efforts to save the world, and let you feel what it means to Win People Over with Virtue!"
Anyone who dares to disobey, I'll show them what true All Under Heaven mean!
If anyone dares to disobey, I will simply flatten their place, and then all will be at peace. This is my way!
The Emperor truly understands me!
The Edification Corps!
Upon hearing the name of the legion, everyone's eyes flickered, and a chill ran down their spines.
This Edification Corps originated among the Northern Region Barbarians. Initially, after the northern barbarians were conquered, many places had the will to resist, but after this legion entered, it directly extinguished that will.
Slaughter!
enlightenment!
brainwashing!
These labels, when attached to the Edification Corps, undoubtedly demonize it, making it a unique military system within the army.
Now that His Majesty has sent them to Zhennan, he is directly trying to eradicate their roots and make them completely belong to the Great Liang.
Xun Yu nodded silently. The emperor's considerations were thorough, and he had taken Zhennan into account completely.
Road construction!
Land allocation!
enlightenment!
These three axes clearing the way were absolutely earth-shattering; the entire Zhennan was about to be turned upside down.
Putting everything else aside, Zhennan would never have a chance to recover from this point on. Just based on Zhang Juzheng's past, once the land reform began, even if Nan Ke returned to its peak, it would be killed by its own people!
This is an open and aboveboard strategy, and it cannot be resisted.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Everyone was deeply moved, and from then on, the southwest was at peace.
It's a pity I didn't feel involved this time; I really regret it. I should have volunteered in the first place.
Lin Yi glanced at them and laughed, "Haha, my dear ministers, don't be disappointed. Our Great Liang's journey is to the stars and the sea; we are never short of opportunities."
"You missed your turn this time, but it'll be your turn next time. We have quite a few enemies: the Great West Empire, the Frostwest Empire, and even the Land of the Far West. We're still far from being a match for them!"
Huh!
Upon hearing this, everyone immediately perked up; what he said made sense.
There are plenty of opportunities!
Seeing that everyone was in high spirits, Lin Yi continued, "This time we have completely defeated Zhennan, and I am very pleased. From today onwards, the whole country will celebrate with a three-day grand banquet, and all expenses will be paid by me!"
Such a great victory deserves a proper celebration; otherwise, it would be a disservice to the soldiers' sacrifices—a victory they fought and won with their own weapons.