After dealing with the Shannan Army, Wu Shuangren finally had time to take stock of his gains from this battle.
First, there's the money. If all the money seized in Rong Province City were converted into copper coins, the preliminary tally would amount to over 150,000 strings of cash!
After deducting the money spent on the more than 1,000 soldiers of the Shannan Army, Guo Jiwang suggested that Wu Shuangren return some of the money previously plundered by Mount Liang to the surviving gentry in Rong Province City.
If Wu Shuangren wants to manage Rong Province and develop his own power in the future, he will inevitably have to deal with these gentry, so he needs to maintain goodwill towards them.
Anyway, after Mount Liang entered the city, they killed many wealthy families. A large portion of the money Wu Shuangren obtained was unclaimed. Even if he returned some of the money, the rest would still be the bulk of the wealth.
In addition, some of the money was plundered by Mount Liang from various places in Rong Province.
Wu Shuangren will send the Militia Private from Yi Province Militia to return this money.
He brought the Yi Province Militia to Rong Province to save the people of Rong Province from their suffering, not to plunder their wealth like bandits.
This is very important!
After deducting these funds, Wu Shuangren is expected to receive around 90,000 strings of cash in the end.
This is still a huge sum of money, enough to cover the military expenses of the Yi Province Militia for several years!
Besides money, there were also weapons.
After capturing Mount Liang Rong Province City, the Yi Province Militia seized over a hundred powerful crossbows, over six hundred sets of leather armor, over a hundred sets of light lamellar armor, as well as a large quantity of swords, spears, shields, and bows and arrows from the Liangshan forces.
Today, after breaching Rong Province City once again, Wu Shuangren seized a large amount of military equipment from the Shannan Army!
However, not all of this weaponry could be taken away, otherwise Zhang Liao and his more than a thousand Shannan Army would have no way to return and report.
In the end, Wu Shuangren took away all the armor of Xu Rong's more than two hundred personal guards.
In addition, he took five hundred warhorses!
Although the Battle of Rong Province was perilous, it brought Wu Shuangren two First Rank experts with unique Traits, as well as a large amount of money and military equipment.
It also won the hearts of the people of Rong Province!
PS: Thank you to reader "Secret Chamber Minister" for the generous donation. I should have added an extra chapter as a token of my gratitude, but...
The update speed is slow, partly because I have to repeatedly consider many plot points. For example, regarding the plot where the protagonist is the first to arrive, I actually had two ways to break the deadlock beforehand, but I wasn't satisfied with either of them; they weren't exciting enough. It wasn't until an hour before the update that I finally settled on the method of having the protagonist arrive first.
So the author actually knew the plot only an hour before the readers, and that's not a joke...
In short, thank you all for your support. I've had too many social engagements during this holiday, so I'll try my best to make up for the extra chapters later with a bonus chapter for those who become patrons.
189. In the heights of the imperial court, a storm is brewing.
The day after Xu Rong was killed.
The capital of the Wu Dynasty.
Taiji Hall.
At 3:45 AM, the morning light shone on the glazed tiles of the palace roof, reflecting off them and making the entire hall shine brilliantly.
The palace gates swung open, and civil and military officials entered in procession. Those of higher rank wore purple robes, those of lower rank wore scarlet robes, and those of lower rank wore green or blue robes, forming a dense, dark mass that filled both sides of the hall.
Inside the hall, golden dragons coiled around vermilion Zhuzi, lifelike in their detail. The floor was paved with gold bricks, so shiny they reflected light like a mirror. (Note 1)
Emperor Yuanxing sat upright on the dragon throne.
The current emperor of the Wu Dynasty is just over forty years old. His features are clear and bright, and one can still vaguely see the dashing and romantic air he had in his youth.
He was dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe and wore a crown. It was only the beginning of the court session, but he already looked somewhat tired.
The eunuch from the Directorate of Directorate of Ceremonial shouted in a shrill voice:
"If you have something to report, speak now; otherwise, the court is dismissed!"
As soon as the words were spoken, the Ministry of Revenue stepped forward first, bowed, and reported, "Your Majesty, the four prefectures of Xu Province and Hao Province in Henan Circuit have suffered a severe famine this year, with tens of thousands of people already displaced. The governors of the four prefectures have jointly submitted a petition, earnestly requesting Your Majesty to exempt the four prefectures from this year's land tax to alleviate the people's suffering."
After listening, Emperor Yuanxing frowned slightly. "What was the result of the Ministry of Revenue's discussion?"
The Ministry of Revenue said, "We believe that the number of refugees in Henan Circuit is approaching 100,000, and local officials and troops may need to be mobilized to defeat them. Abolishing land taxes would give the people some respite, so as to prevent heretical sects from taking the opportunity to sow discord and cause another Yellow Turban Rebellion."
Upon hearing the words "Yellow Turban Rebellion," Emperor Yuanxing's expression changed slightly.
He hesitated for a moment, then said, "Granted."
"Your Majesty's benevolence is a blessing to all people!"
The Ministry of Revenue immediately bowed, and the other court officials followed suit.
Next, the Vice Minister of Ministry of Works stepped forward. "Your Majesty, our ministry has received a report from the Jiangnan Circuit that the Tuo River dike has developed numerous cracks due to flooding this year. If it is not repaired in time, there is a risk of it breaching during next summer's flood season. The Jiangnan Circuit requests the central government to allocate 30,000 taels of silver for reinforcing the dike."
Emperor Yuanxing tapped his fingers a few times on the armrest of his dragon throne. "Can the Ministry of Revenue come up with this sum of money?"
The Ministry of Revenue replied without hesitation, "Your Majesty, this year's tax revenue from various regions is likely to be even lower than last year, and many areas are also experiencing famine, so the funds allocated for disaster relief are insufficient."
Emperor Yuanxing said to the Vice Minister of Ministry of Works, "Did you hear that? Issue an edict to Wei Chengyun, instructing him to gather funds from the wealthy gentry of Jiangnan to ensure the river embankment is repaired."
The Vice Minister of Ministry of Works had anticipated this and immediately accepted the imperial decree.
Next to step forward was the Ministry of War:
"Your Majesty, the Prince of the Western Capital reports that the Jurchens cavalry have repeatedly invaded the border recently, with more than ten large and small raids since last winter. The Northern Garrison Army has suffered heavy losses in food and weapons. The Prince requests the Ministry of War to allocate 50,000 shi of military rations, 100,000 arrows, and 3,000 sets of various types of armor to replenish the army's supplies."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanxing visibly looked troubled. "Ministry of Revenue, the Northern Garrison Army needs 50,000 shi of grain, do you have it?"
The Ministry of Revenue immediately said, "Your Majesty, the disaster relief grain in Henan Circuit is already insufficient. If we were to allocate 50,000 shi of grain to the Northern Garrison Army, the disaster situation in various regions this year would likely spiral out of control!"
"Your Majesty, the Jurchens are ambitious. The Northern Garrison Army guards the border, which is a matter of national importance. If the front lines lack provisions, unforeseen events may occur!"
A vice minister from the Ministry of War immediately stepped forward and spoke.
"His Majesty..."
One minister after another stepped forward to speak, some saying that grain should be allocated to the Northern Garrison Army first, others saying that the Northern Garrison Army was strong and could hold out for a year or two without any problems, and that the grain should be used for disaster relief.
For a time, a heated argument broke out in the main hall.
The courtiers argued back and forth, eventually reaching a compromise.
First, allocate 30,000 shi of grain to the Northern Garrison Army. The remaining military supplies should be gathered by the Ministry of War as soon as possible and sent to the Northern Garrison Army.
After settling the matter, Emperor Yuanxing took the initiative to ask, "How is the battle situation in Hebei Circuit?"
The Yellow Turban Rebellion began in Yi Prefecture Hebei Circuit, and later swept across almost the entire Hebei Circuit. The imperial court had no choice but to send 50,000 imperial guards to suppress it.
The war has now lasted for almost half a year, costing a lot of money and food, and conscripting 100,000 laborers, which has delayed farming.
Otherwise, the imperial court wouldn't have argued so much over even the allocation of 50,000 shi of grain.
"Your Majesty, General Han sent a military report the day before yesterday, stating that he has captured Jialing Pass and forced the bandit army back to Yi Prefecture. He will now seek an opportunity to engage the bandit army in a decisive battle."
The Ministry of War stepped forward to report.
Emperor Yuanxing said sternly, "Tell Han Shizhong that this battle has already cost them dearly, and the war must be ended within a month!"
The Ministry of War wanted to say something, but cautiously glanced up at the steps above the palace, and ultimately just bowed his head in agreement.
Next, the court officials reported several more matters, none of which were satisfactory.
The weariness on Emperor Yuanxing's face became increasingly apparent.
"Your Majesty, the military governor of Shannan Circuit has submitted a memorial."
A minister suddenly stepped forward, holding a memorial in his hand.
"Bring it here."
Emperor Yuanxing nodded.
The eunuch from the Directorate of Directorate of Ceremonial quickly stepped forward, took the memorial, and presented it to the emperor.
Emperor Yuanxing took the memorial, read a few lines, and the weariness on his face immediately faded, with a slight smile appearing at the corners of his mouth.
He handed the memorial to the eunuch beside him. "Read it aloud."
The eunuch received the order, opened the memorial, and read it aloud:
"Dong Zhuo of Shannan Circuit, submitted a memorial: 'Since the Mount Liang bandits ran rampant, they have captured Rong Province, attacked Ya Province, and ravaged Jiannan, causing great suffering to the people. I was ordered to send the Shannan Army to suppress them, and thanks to Your Majesty's divine might and the soldiers' valiant efforts, we have won several battles! Now the bandits are in dire straits, and their chief culprit, Song Hai, is in a state of panic. He has sent an envoy with a memorial, wishing to surrender with his entire army and begging the court to pardon his past crimes. This is due to the awe of Your Majesty's divine might and Your Majesty's virtuous rule, and not to human effort. I humbly request Your Majesty's decision.'"
After the reading was finished, the hall was silent for a moment, then a low murmur arose.
Both were bandit rebellions, both involved tens of thousands of people, and both quickly seized a province after starting their uprising.
The Yellow Turban rebels in Hebei Circuit have not yet been defeated, while the Shannan Army has achieved victory in Jiannan Circuit in less than two months!
In comparison, and given that Military Governor Dong submitted another memorial, he probably gained even more favor from the emperor.
As expected, Emperor Yuanxing's tone became noticeably lighter. "Let's discuss the matter of Mount Liang's surrender to the imperial court."
As soon as the words were spoken, a minister immediately stepped forward and said, "I believe that accepting the offer of amnesty is acceptable. It would not only demonstrate Your Majesty's benevolence but also allow us to absorb their troops and expand our border forces."
"I second that opinion. Subduing the enemy without fighting is the best way to demonstrate Your Majesty's divine might and the court's military virtue!"
"I second that opinion..."
Most of the court officials agreed to offer amnesty.
These people were not all willing to support Dong Zhuo and boost his influence; it was simply that, given the current strength of the imperial court, they were unwilling to fight any more wars.
Emperor Yuanxing nodded in satisfaction. His gaze swept over an elderly man sitting silently in a chair to his left, and he asked, "What does Grand Tutor Yuan think?"
Yuan Feng, who was ranked among the Third Division, was nearly sixty years old, with his hair and beard completely white.
Upon hearing the emperor's question, he stood up shakily, cupped his hands, and said:
"Your Majesty, I believe that offering amnesty is feasible. Your Majesty can issue an edict summoning Song Hai and his leaders to bring the elite Mount Liang to the capital to receive their titles. The elite troops can then be dispersed and incorporated into the Imperial Guard to serve the country. As for the remaining Mount Liang troops, they should be dispersed and settled in the three regions of Shannan Circuit, Shanbei Circuit, and Longyou Circuit, and incorporated into the border troops to prevent them from colluding with each other and causing further trouble."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanxing pondered for a moment and then said, "The Shannan Army quelled the bandit rebellion so swiftly, causing tens of thousands of rebels from Mount Liang to surrender. Grand Tutor, what do you think should be done to reward them?"
Dong Zhuo is now a regional military governor, holding both political and military power, and there is no higher title he can hold.
As for silver, the Ministry of Revenue officials' remarks in court today can be summarized in just two words—
No money!
However, the Shannan Army had rendered meritorious service and could not be left unrewarded. The fact that the other side had petitioned Mount Liang to accept amnesty meant they must have their eyes on Mount Liang's tens of thousands of troops.
Emperor Yuanxing originally intended to Push the Boat Along the Current and grant the Shannan Army preferential treatment in this matter as a sign of favor. However, with just a word from Grand Tutor Yuan, he wanted to summon the most elite troops from Mount Liang to the capital and distribute the remaining troops to two other border armies that had not participated in the battle at all.
How can this convince the Shannan Army?
That's why the emperor asked Yuan Feng how the Shannan Army should be rewarded.
Upon hearing this, Yuan Feng maintained his unhurried demeanor. "Your Majesty, Jiannan Circuit is a fertile land. Now that the Shannan Army has defeated the Mount Liang bandits and rescued the people of Jiannan Circuit from their suffering, Your Majesty should issue an edict ordering the local gentry of Jiannan Circuit to also raise funds to reward the Shannan Army. As for the generals who led the Shannan Army in this battle, Your Majesty may bestow rewards upon them separately."
Upon hearing this, Emperor Yuanxing hesitated.
The assembled officials secretly admired Grand Tutor Yuan's shrewdness!
The phrase "Jiannan Circuit is a fertile land" was actually a reminder to the emperor that the Shannan Army had probably already made a fortune by leading its troops into Jiannan Circuit, and the court did not need to reward them too much.
Furthermore, although the Shannan Army was credited with this victory, Dong Zhuo Dong Zhuo did not lead the battle, so the credit should not be entirely attributed to him.
With just a few simple words, Grand Tutor Yuan completely shattered Dong Zhuo's wishful thinking in his memorial!
Soon, ministers stepped forward to agree with Yuan Feng's proposal.
Emperor Yuanxing did not hesitate for long and finally agreed to Yuan Feng's proposal.
After discussing a few more matters, a weary-looking Emperor Yuanxing waved his hand to dismiss the court.
After the emperor left, the officials filed out of the Taiji Hall.
Yuan Feng was the last to leave the main hall, and soon guards came to help him.
He waved his hand, signaling the guards to step back, then turned to look at a person waiting to the side.
"Greetings, Grand Tutor."
The other person stepped forward and bowed respectfully.
"Lord Wang, there's no need for such formalities."
Yuan Feng smiled.
Wang Junning, Chancellery secretary in the Secretariat.
The Censor-in-Chief is Principal Fifth Rank official. Although the rank may not seem very high, it is one of the most crucial official positions in the Chancellery. The Censor-in-Chief is responsible for reviewing the edicts drafted by the Central Secretariat. If he or she deems them inappropriate, he or she has the right to directly alter them and return them to the emperor.