Chapter 388

Chapter 388

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Royal Power, Unification of the World, Chapter 388: Deciding the National Title

The people remember me, the elders trust me, my subordinates follow me, I dare not refuse!

This was Qiao Yan’s response.

Liu Yu heard it clearly. In these sixteen words, there was no fear of taking on this heavy burden, only the calmness of taking responsibility one by one.

But whether it was daring not to refuse or simply going with the flow, everyone present could see clearly.

However, the transition of imperial power ending in such a manner might be the best outcome for the Han Dynasty.

The people remember me—

If it weren’t for the support of the people of Chang’an today, Liu Yu might not have handed over the throne so quickly. The former Han courtiers would not have seen so clearly that the Han Dynasty they stubbornly clung to had long lost its beloved status in the hearts of the people after years of turmoil.

The four-hundred-year legacy of the Han Dynasty had been replaced by its old, corrupt ailments, overshadowing the sense of belonging brought by its former strength.

Those in power had even turned the struggling people into mere symbols to be manipulated at will.

Why couldn’t they make their own choice after breaking free from their numb state?

Qiao Yan was the result of their choice, and she clearly understood the principle that “water can carry a boat but also capsize it,” placing the chief contributor to her rise at the forefront.

The elders trust me—

This phrase was a response to Liu Yu.

The moment she called Liu Yu an elder instead of Your Majesty, their relationship had already shifted in this power transition.

But perhaps this was the meaning of the Han Dynasty being handed over to Qiao Yan in this manner.

The title of “elder” ensured she would not make any improper arrangements for Liu Yu’s future. Even if she couldn’t keep the former emperor in a high position in the new court, giving him a marquis title and allowing him to live in seclusion would still be a good ending for Liu Yu.

The word “trust” also signified approval of the Han Dynasty’s legacy, preserving its final dignity.

My subordinates follow me—

Today’s peace in the provinces was inseparable from the contributions of those loyal to her.

Most of them were not in Chang’an, but when she spoke these words, Liu Yu, who was closest to her, had no doubt that once the news of Qiao Yan’s ascension spread to the provinces, she would ensure she knew the movements and choices of her subordinates, thus preventing any unrest in her territories.

This hasty transition would not be an opportunity for the Ye City court but a great chance for her young generals and officials to rise from the turbulent waters.

These sixteen words, each clear amidst the surrounding noise, seemed to illuminate the path of this new dynasty.

The commotion that had momentarily settled due to the transition between Qiao Yan and Liu Yu rose again, but this time, it was not filled with uncertainty or doubts about Liu Xie’s proposal to hand over the Imperial Seal to the Grand Marshal, nor was it a desperate cry. Instead, it was a jubilant celebration.

They might have known that the smooth transition of the throne was not just due to their response to Liu Xie’s issues but also because of the advantages already established in all directions.

But when the new emperor, whom they had elevated, placed “the people remember me” at the forefront, these voices, whether high or low, weak under the vast sky, converged into an undeniable force!

Lu Zhi watched the scene before him, and the lingering sigh in his heart turned into deep emotion.

Who wouldn’t be moved by such a scene?

Unfortunately, his student couldn’t witness this.

But perhaps, for him, it was best to leave the memory at the moment when the Han emperor held the Imperial Seal and walked towards the Zichen Hall.

His other student now tightly held the Imperial Seal, firmly grasping the power of the vast realm.

Back in Luoyang, when Qiao Xuan passed away, did he ever imagine today’s scene?

Would he have thought that his granddaughter would not only become the pillar of the Han Dynasty guarding the borders but also the ruler of the world?

Perhaps, even as a pillar of the Han Dynasty, seeing the current situation, he would feel comforted.

At least, the people of the world, when they welcomed their Grand Marshal to the throne, had a hope for survival.

Let us hope she remains true to her初心 while ruling the world.

Lu Zhi’s gaze met Qiao Yan’s for a moment. Under the already dimming sky, the street lamps along Chang’an’s roads lit up one by one, illuminating her clear eyes.

In them was a calmness undisturbed by external factors, tinged with the joy of being urged by the people of Chang’an to ascend the throne, yet clearly not losing composure in this grand scene.

She knew what she wanted and what rules bound her.

With such self-restraint, even wielding the blade to expand territories and govern the world, she would never become a slave to power!

What he should do now is witness her rise, not speculate wildly about the future.

He then saw Qiao Yan holding the Imperial Seal, bowing to the jubilant crowd.

This bow was not to the Han emperor but to the masses of the world.

“I was just one day late to Chang’an!” When Cai Yong arrived in Chang’an and heard Lu Zhi explain yesterday’s events, he almost wanted to slap himself.

This excitement was understandable.

What was one of his professions? A historian!

The difference between firsthand and secondhand accounts needed no explanation.

He had missed such an important scene—the transition of the Imperial Seal and the throne, the response of the Chang’an people—and would never have a chance to see it again.

Even if the Grand Historian had a complete record of the event, with Ren Hong’s reverence for Qiao Yan, there would be no gaps in the details. Still, Cai Yong felt that if he had known about today’s events, he should have learned to ride a horse during his years in Leping.

If he could have galloped here like Lu Zhi, he wouldn’t have missed the scene.

Lu Zhi thought for a moment and comforted him, “At least you didn’t miss the enthronement ceremony in half a month…”

That should be considered fortunate.

Cai Yong frowned unconsciously, “Half a month? Isn’t that too fast?”

No wonder Lu Zhi said he hadn’t missed the enthronement ceremony. In such a short time, the news of Qiao Yan’s ascension could barely reach the provinces, but it would be nearly impossible for the generals guarding the borders to return for the ceremony.

This would inevitably mean fewer attendees at the enthronement.

“Two reasons,” Lu Zhi replied. “First, Yuan Shao thinks that due to internal strife, we in Chang’an are too busy to deal with them. He’s attacking Mengjin, Xiaopingjin, and Hulao Pass, and even the troops at the Taihang Mountain pass are stirring, looking for a breakthrough. Yueshu’s idea is to secure the internal situation first, finalize the emperor’s title, and spread the news of the new dynasty’s establishment to catch Yuan Shao off guard.”

“That makes sense,” Cai Yong nodded. “For the frontline soldiers, if this battle is the first of the new dynasty, their achievements would surely bring greater rewards, motivating them to fight harder for rewards. What’s the other reason?”

Lu Zhi sighed, “Yueshu said, although the transition in Chang’an went smoothly, not everyone in the world has such awareness. Just like the four families of Hanyang she killed while pacifying Liangzhou and the four families of Wu County she sent to Yizhou, even if they lack strength, they will still jump out to oppose.”

“She doesn’t mind such people existing.”








Just in time for her to reorganize the forces across the four regions, but causing such a bloody incident before the coronation is a bit inauspicious. It would be better to wait until after the coronation.

Half a month is just enough time for these people to receive the news and confirm their stance. Whether they live or die afterward depends on their own awareness.

Don’t think that just because she plans to enfeoff Liu Yu as the Duke of Anyi and Liu Xie as the Duke of Shanyang, allowing them a peaceful end, she is truly a benevolent and kind-hearted person.

If the foundation of this dynasty requires bloodshed to establish authority, she wouldn’t mind adding a few more lines to her already glorious record!

“Actually, what needs to be prepared are the ceremonial vessels, clothing, and other items. But since spring plowing hasn’t started yet, while there might be shortages of goods in Chang’an, there’s no shortage of manpower. There’s still time.”

Lu Zhi added, “Moreover, Ye Shu also mentioned that the world hasn’t been reunified yet. It’s not too late to hold another ceremony after bringing the Ye City court under our control.”

Cai Yong smiled upon hearing this, “In a few days, we can’t call her Ye Shu anymore.”

She should be called Your Majesty.

This fire of Sheyu has ultimately replaced the flames of the Han dynasty.

Cai Yong reminisced about the scenes from his time in Leping, his thoughts momentarily jumping to the scene when Qiao Yan returned to Leping from Jinyang after the locust plague.

Perhaps this desire to seek justice had already shown signs of reward back then.

“By the way,” Cai Yong suddenly asked as if remembering something, “has the national title been decided yet?”

According to tradition, just as the Han emperor took the title ‘King of Han’ as the Son of Heaven and inherited the character ‘Han,’ Qiao Yan should also take her fief as the national title. However, Leping can’t compare to Hanzhong, and neither ‘Le’ nor ‘Ping’ seems suitable for the name.

“If Leping County is considered ancient Jin territory, should ‘Jin’ be the national title?”

Lu Zhi replied, “I don’t know what Ye Shu thinks. She said the character ‘Jin’ is fine on its own, but as a national title, it’s a bit inauspicious. I asked her if it was because of the Three Families Dividing Jin, but she said it wasn’t for that reason. Unfortunately, when I wanted to ask further, she didn’t give any more reasons.”

Qiao Yan couldn’t say that she was considering the historical context of later generations.

Although the Three Kingdoms period ended with Jin unifying the world, this short-lived dynasty is almost forgotten as one of the great unified dynasties. Due to the subsequent War of the Eight Princes, it declined, leading to the invasion of the northern tribes and the chaos of the Five Barbarians.

The Eastern Jin dynasty after the southward migration of the nobility also failed to recover the old territories, and it wasn’t until the Sui dynasty that reunification was achieved.

Using this name at other times might be fine, but using it for the dynasty following the Eastern Han is a bit微妙.

“If we consider the marquis’s hometown Suiyang, it once belonged to the ancient Song state, was later annexed by Qi, and eventually became part of Qin. From this perspective, ‘Song’ or ‘Qi’ could both be explained.”

While Qiao Yan was pondering the dynasty’s name, she called Cai Zhaoji. As she rested her chin on her hand and held a brush, looking at the blank paper in front of her, she heard Zhaoji say.

“Forget ‘Song,’ it’s also a bit inauspicious.”

Cai Zhaoji looked at Qiao Yan for a while, but didn’t hear her give an answer, realizing that this was probably another choice based on Qiao Yan’s preferences, similar to why ‘Jin’ couldn’t be used.

But as someone about to become the Son of Heaven, having such secrets isn’t a problem.

She then heard Qiao Yan say, “Actually, there’s another reason why ‘Song’ and ‘Qi’ aren’t in my consideration. Since the Qiao family has already changed from the Liang Qiao family to the Leping Qiao family under me, why should I look back at these former homelands?”

The Liang Qiao family had already drawn a clear line with her. When she became the Grand Marshal, they couldn’t expect any familial ties from her, and it’s the same now!

After her coronation, the only ones who can truly be called the royal family are the branch she separated.

Since this attitude of drawing a clear line was conveyed years ago, there’s no need to give them any expectations in the national title!

But speaking of the Liang Qiao family, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but want to laugh.

Earlier, they conspired with the Shouzhang Wang family to send accusations against Cao Cao to Ye City.

Not to mention that their little scheme was already seen through by Yuan Shao’s strategists, but due to Qiao Yan’s intimidation, the alliance between Yuan Shao and Cao Cao became even closer. The Liang Qiao family was truly in an awkward position, offending both sides.

They had thoroughly offended Qiao Yan and were thrown out of the Tong Pass area. Those who opposed Qiao Yan didn’t regard them as trusted subordinates, even considering them lacking in insight and ability, barely surviving in the cracks.

At this time, if they heard the news of Qiao Yan’s coronation in Chang’an, what would they think?

Probably as精彩 as Yuan Shao’s reaction…

But Qiao Yan thought again, she wouldn’t be able to witness the reactions of either side. Rather than speculating here, it’s better to continue pondering what the national title should be.

Looking at the naming of national titles throughout China’s five thousand years of history, besides naming after places, there’s also naming based on meanings.

For example, the ‘Yuan’ in the Yuan dynasty is said to derive from the phrase ‘Great is the Qian Yuan’ from the beginning of the I Ching.

Could she also follow this method and come up with an answer?

If this answer could follow the rules of the previous dynasty while avoiding微妙 characters like ‘Jin’ and ‘Song,’ that would be even better.

Cai Zhaoji saw Qiao Yan沉思 for a moment, then her eyes suddenly lit up.

Her previous hesitations didn’t affect her determination as she picked up the brush to write.

The confident strokes of the brush were somewhat similar to when she inscribed the name for the new road in Chang’an.

But back then, it was for naming a new road, and today, it’s for naming a dynasty born from her hands.

As the brush settled, Cai Zhaoji saw the character Qiao Yan had written on the paper.

It was the character ‘Yong.’

Qiao Yan said, “Back when Lu Gong taught me the ‘Book of Documents,’ there was a sentence in the Yao Canon that I remember vividly—’The people are enlightened, harmonizing all states, and the common people change with the times to become harmonious.’ Now that I am replacing the Han, I must take this as my goal to be worthy of this dynastic change.”

The people are enlightened, harmonizing all states!

When these eight words came from Qiao Yan’s mouth, even though there were no cheering citizens of Chang’an in front of them, nor were they spoken like a rallying cry, Cai Zhaoji felt an indescribable振奋 from them.

Qiao Yan continued, “Among the ancient nine provinces, the name Yongzhou no longer exists, but ancient Yongzhou was in Guanzhong. Since I was elected by the will of the people in Guanzhong and the Han emperor abdicated and presented the imperial seal in Chang’an, using this as the title is quite fitting.”

“If I must explain, there are a couple of reasons.” Qiao Yan looked at the character ‘Yong’ and said, “Back when I severed ties with the Liang Qiao family, I once told Liu Bo’an something. The ‘Qiao’ in the Liang Qiao family comes from the Qiao Mountain where the Yellow Emperor was buried. His descendants guarded his tomb and changed their surname to Qiao, which has been passed down to this day. Qiao Mountain is located on the Ziwu Ridge, the boundary between ancient Yongzhou and ancient Bingzhou. Using ‘Yong’ as the title can be seen as not forgetting our roots.”

“Moreover, there’s an ancient prophecy that the Ji-surnamed Zhou dynasty, descendants of the Yellow Emperor, was where the phoenix sang at Qi and soared at Yong. The phrase ‘Phoenix soaring at Yong’ also matches today’s景象.”

Back in the Dingzhong Temple in Luoyang, Xu Zijiang gave her the评价 ‘The young phoenix has a clear voice.’ Now, she holds great power and is about to ascend the throne, no longer the稚嫩 young phoenix, but the phoenix soaring through the nine heavens!

Phoenix soaring at Yong, perfectly fitting!

With these four reasons laid out, the steady character ‘Yong’ on this plain sheet of paper already hints at political harmony and human prosperity, with a sense of soaring freedom.

Cai Zhaoji replied, “The state of Yong under heaven, moving the borders of the two Zhou, is indeed a good character.”

As soon as she finished speaking, she saw Qiao Yan pick up the brush again and write two more characters below ‘Yong.’

As she wrote, she said, “Since it comes from ‘The people are enlightened, harmonizing all states,’ then the era name should also have a beginning and an end.”

“Let it be—Yuan Zhao.”