Chapter 427

Chapter 427

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Royal Power, Unification of the World, Chapter 427: Luoyang’s Discussion of Merits

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Can a Strategist Not Ascend the Throne?

Chapter 427: Luoyang’s Discussion of Merits…

Her personal expedition to Ji Province, which completely annihilated the Han Dynasty, signifies that the female emperor of Da Yong now holds the world, an unstoppable force.

Externally, this is the case, and internally, it should be even more so.

If there were previously some whispers in private, with some minor criticisms about her promoting four female officials to the positions of the Nine Ministers, but they dared not voice it openly due to her recent ascension and the need for a few fires to establish her authority, then with the sweeping victory in the battles to reclaim Ji and Qing Provinces, they will be even more afraid to spread any rumors.

At this point, provoking her would be unwise, as there is no hope for any forces intending to restore the Han Dynasty to rise again, nor for the noble families to unite and form a counterbalance against Qiao Yan.

If they really do this, they should consider whether to join Yuan Shao in counting wheat or to face a life-and-death trial like the noble families of Hebei.

With both military power and popular support in Qiao Yan’s hands, all they can do is adapt to the current situation, not offer any useless criticisms.

Thus, the environment where female officials gradually ascend to the court has already taken shape as the smoke of war settles.

If one truly has the talent to be enfeoffed as a marquis or king, why shy away from names? Step forward and showcase your abilities!

Perhaps cultivating a group of female generals and soldiers is only feasible in places like Yizhou and Liangzhou among the thirteen provinces of the world, but among civil officials, a group of capable individuals can already emerge.

Thinking of the three female candidates obtained from the Hebei region, Qiao Yan couldn’t help but show a satisfied expression.

Zhen Mi no longer needs to be tied to Yuan Xi first and then become the femme fatale caught between Cao Pi and Cao Zhi in later rumors.

Guo Zhao no longer needs to only display her talents in helping Cao Pi compete for the heir position, nor bear the suspected crime of causing Zhen Mi’s death.

The third is Xin Xianying, the six-year-old daughter of Xin Pi, who has now been freed.

Before Qiao Yan waited for the punishment of the Hebei noble families to be finalized, she met this child in Ye City.

Xin Pi’s sudden defection brought significant pressure to his family, but when Qiao Yan met Xin Xianying, the child had already advised her family to remain calm with the reasoning that “Yuan Shao dares not act rashly, and Ye City will not be safe.” Such behavior is hardly something a child of that age could manage.

She truly lives up to the evaluation: “As for Xin Xianying, she foresaw the short-lived Wei dynasty and the inevitable downfall of Cao Shuang, with flawless strategies and upright words. She is indeed a first-rate figure.”

Unfortunately, she is still a bit young.

But now is the time for young women like Qiao Lan, Qiao Ting, Ren Hong, Cai Zhaoji, and Huang Yueying to showcase their talents in the court. These rising stars still have ample time to grow.

However, compared to the still young Xin Xianying, the more regrettable one is another person.

Kong Rong’s daughter, who was about to be executed along with him for his arrest and uttered the phrase “Under a toppled nest, how can there be intact eggs,” has not yet been born, and it’s uncertain if she will ever have the chance to appear in this world.

When Qing Province faced turmoil, Ye City received an urgent plea for help from Yuan Tan, forcing Kong Rong to hastily return. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving in Qing Province, he lost his usefulness following Yuan Tan’s defeat and Xin Ping’s capture.

However, having managed the Beihai region for several years, he had many friends in Qing Province who provided shelter during his escape.

It was just unfortunate that he encountered the old fox Jia Xu.

Thus, as the punishments for the Hebei noble families were nearly completed, Kong Rong was also escorted to Ye City.

The Han Dynasty’s principles of “Dismissing the Hundred Schools, Solely Respecting Confucianism” and “Governing the World with Filial Piety” were deeply ingrained, making Kong Rong, a descendant of Confucius with the “Pear Yielding” anecdote, unsuitable for execution at this time. However, letting him off lightly would be even more inappropriate!

When Liu Bian, using a proclamation written by Chen Lin, launched a denouncement against Qiao Yan and sought support from all sides, Kong Rong was the first to respond. He even offered advice when Liu Bian intended to confront Qiao Yan.

If he were simply let go, her labeling of Liu Bian as a “rebel” would lose credibility due to this differential treatment!

Therefore, Kong Rong must be punished, and severely so.

According to the five punishments inherited by Da Yong, Qiao Yan ultimately decided to sentence Kong Rong to thirty lashes and exile to Yizhou, nominally stating:

The four surnames of Wu Commandery in Yizhou have long been estranged from the Central Plains, lacking teachings on virtue and integrity. Kong Rong, inheriting the Confucian family tradition, should take it upon himself to educate the descendants of the four surnames. If there is still time, he might as well teach the indigenous people on the island, demonstrating the Confucian principle of “teaching without discrimination.”

As for his failure to distinguish right from wrong and his support for Liu Bian, he can reflect on his stance alongside the four surnames of Wu Commandery.

Given Yizhou’s terrain and conditions, coupled with the oversight of Gu Yong, the prefect of Yizhou, the possibility of Kong Rong uniting with the four surnames of Wu Commandery and even counterattacking Yang Province is minimal.

However, to prevent the eloquent Kong family members, who still harbor hopes of restoring the Han Dynasty, from colluding with the island’s prisoners, Qiao Yan decided to assign Kong Rong a companion.

This person happens to be an acquaintance of Qiao Yan.

Upon hearing Qiao Yan’s order, Qu Yi, who led the vanguard camp to merit, couldn’t help but pause for a moment.

This person is none other than Han Fu!

Back then, relying on his status as a disciple of the Yuan family of Runan, he secured the position of General Who Crosses the Liao River, bringing Qu Yi along to Bingzhou. However, he was imprisoned for not cooperating with Qiao Yan’s actions.

Qu Yi quickly switched allegiances, while Han Fu spent several years in prison before being sent back to Ye City.

Yuan Shao went through considerable trouble to assign Han Fu a position, even considering sending him to Liu Biao as a lobbyist to show that cooperating with Qiao Yan had no benefits. However, he ultimately abandoned this idea and gave Han Fu a leisurely position in Ye City without access to military power.

For Han Fu, this position was a good choice, as his experience in Bingzhou left him with a psychological shadow, making him reluctant to lead troops.

But when Da Yong’s forces surrounded Ye City, he was forced to take charge of guarding a city gate.

Given his abilities, he clearly couldn’t hinder Qiao Yan’s forces, and luckily, he didn’t lose his life during the defense. However, whether by default or by choice, he was aligned with Yuan Shao, so it was fitting to assign him this position as punishment.

Why choose Han Fu? Because he lacks the courage to join forces with Kong Rong against Qiao Yan.

When Qu Yi decided to personally escort his former superior, he even thought he saw a hint of satisfaction on Han Fu’s face regarding this assignment.

After all, according to Han Fu’s understanding, if Kong Rong wouldn’t be secretly executed by Qiao Yan, then he, accompanying him to Yizhou, would also be safe. The only thing to pay attention to would be how to handle affairs overseas.

He understands this.

After this change in position, unless he’s bored or thinks he has an extra life, why would he oppose Qiao Yan?

If there’s anyone Han Fu envies the most at this moment, it’s Cui Lie.

Both are renowned scholars from Hebei, both were sent to Bingzhou for important positions, but how is it that Cui Lie can retire while watching his son rise under Qiao Yan?

The disparity in situations between people is just too stark.

The second person he envies is probably Yuan Yao.

When Cao Cao attacked Yu Province and Yuan Shu died in the chaos, everyone thought it was a disaster for someone like Yuan Yao, who relied entirely on his father’s status to stand tall.

However, first, Qiao Yan personally rushed to Yingchuan, and then Yuan Yao suddenly became the prefect of Nanyang, neither of which was expected by anyone.

Whether his position was due to the earlier power struggle between Qiao Yan and Wang Yun or Qiao Yan’s need to station troops to contain Liu Biao, it doesn’t matter much. What keeps Yuan Yao in the position of Nanyang prefect after Qiao Yan’s ascension is likely not his talent in governing a commandery but his seemingly foolish yet wise strategy of positioning.

Now, most of the Yuan family of Runan, having sided with Yuan Shao, have been purged, with Yuan Shao in the most tragic situation, while Yuan Yao enjoys an enviably peaceful life, truly a testament to the unpredictability of fate.

Han Fu doesn’t expect to enjoy the status of Yuan Yao or Cui Lie, but wanting a peaceful life shouldn’t be too much to ask, right?

With this in mind, he resolved to strictly adhere to Qiao Yan’s rules alongside Kong Rong and, after completing the task of educating the descendants of the four surnames of Wu Commandery, leave Yizhou and retire.

After all, compared to the Hebei noble families assigned to plant winter crops in the newly established military farms in Ji Province, and Yuan Shao, who doesn’t know how long his repetitive work will last, his outcome already feels satisfying by comparison.

This also made him, upon reuniting with Qu Yi, rather than resentful of his former subordinate’s meritorious promotion in the battle to pacify Ye City, simply accept it calmly.

Qu Yi brought Han Fu’s performance and words to Qiao Yan.

Qiao Yan replied, “It’s never too late to have the awareness to retreat bravely in the face of adversity.”

After all, Han Fu didn’t cause her any trouble and even provided her with a fierce general. So, after the Yizhou matter is settled, let Han Fu find a peaceful place to take up a leisurely position.

However, speaking of this, in the change of power in Ye City, Han Fu isn’t the only one with such thoughts of retreating in the face of adversity.

There’s also Yang Biao.

Before Liu Bian was executed, Yang Xiu’s father, Yang Biao, had already come to see her once.

Qiao Yan initially thought Yang Biao was here to plead for Liu Bian, to change his execution to exile and at least save his life. However, Yang Biao came to retire and return to his hometown.

Given that Cao Cao, Xu You, Xin Pi, Zhang He, and others had all received new appointments under Qiao Yan, she wasn’t opposed to re-employing those who had served in the Ye City court, as long as they hadn’t caused irreparable trouble in direct confrontations and had useful skills, they could smoothly switch sides.

Yang Biao had long been sidelined in Ye City, holding a nominal title of one of the Three Excellencies but essentially a hostage. If Da Yong hadn’t breached the city gates in time, he might have been used by Yuan Shao as a bargaining chip. Thus, transitioning from a Han subject to a Da Yong subject wasn’t difficult.

Moreover, there was Yang Xiu’s relationship to consider.

However, after some thought, Yang Biao decided to retire and return to Hongnong to live out his years or go to Leping Academy to accompany Cai Yong and others.

Qiao Yan’s invitation to join the Chang’an court under the name of the Han court was politely declined by Yang Biao for understandable reasons.

Back when he was in Luoyang, he nearly died due to the various forces outside the Eight Passes rising against Dong Zhuo, only escaping by luck. At that time, Yang Xiu made a bet with him about who would enter Luoyang first. If Qiao Yan entered first, Yang Biao had to allow Yang Xiu to take a position in Bingzhou.

“Perhaps when I couldn’t match my son’s foresight, I should have had the awareness to retire from officialdom.”

However, at that time, Ye City urgently needed the Three Excellencies, and the olive branch extended to Yang Biao was hard to refuse. Moreover, the Yuan family of Runan and the Yang family of Hongnong had marital ties, making it difficult for Yang Biao to refuse Yuan Shao’s “kindness.”

But looking at today’s situation, his decision back then was a mistake, nearly bringing disaster to the Yang family of Hongnong.

Fortunately, Yang Xiu wasn’t entirely influenced by him and, through the Dingzhong Temple debate, closely followed Qiao Yan’s footsteps, developing a rational political mind, allowing the nearly toppled noble family to pull back from the brink.

Yang Biao added that, even ignoring this self-awareness, he wasn’t suitable for a position in Chang’an anymore.

The reasoning behind this, even if he didn’t say it, Qiao Yan understood.

Qiao Yan’s suppression of noble families had a carrot-and-stick approach, seemingly pitting noble descendants against talent cultivated by her cultural promotion in the same competitive environment.

But Yang Biao felt that this obvious move overshadowed her other changes in the court.

She was simultaneously weakening the power of the Three Excellencies, the Nine Ministers, and the Secretariat!

Grand Commandant Huangfu Song had almost no real military power, and the Commandant of the Guards and the…








The officials under the Minister of Works, Huang Wan, including the Director of the Imperial Clan, the Grand Minister of Agriculture, and the Minor Palace, are respectively led by Qiao Lan, Qin Yu, and Cai Zhaoji, and have been largely sidelined, retaining only nominal titles of the Three Excellencies.

Cheng Yu, as the Minister over the Masses, holds more real power than Wang Yun, who previously held the position. However, this is not because the position itself grants such status, but because Cheng Yu has served Qiao Yan faithfully for many years without any disloyalty.

The Nine Ministers seem to have undergone little change, but the bureaucratic heritage of the Hongnong Yang family makes Yang Biao wonder whether Qiao Yan’s decision to split part of the Minor Palace’s authority to establish the particularly unique Ministry of Works is truly to make Cai Zhaoji’s appointment as one of the Nine Ministers at her age more convincing, or if she has plans to reform the official system.

The likelihood of the latter is quite high.

As for the Imperial Secretariat, it goes without saying that the position of the Director of the Secretariat has yet to be filled.

This is not necessarily a bad thing.

Even during the brief period of Wang Mang’s usurpation, he made adjustments to the official system, even renaming the Minor Palace as Gonggong and the Grand Minister of Agriculture as Xihe, and included the Water Conservancy Commandant as one of the Nine Ministers under the name “Yu Yu.”

Since Qiao Yan has established the Da Yong court, it is only natural for an emperor to make changes to the official system.

Her own capabilities are solid, and she hopes to clarify the division of responsibilities among various parties. Due to her gender, she also needs to ensure that imperial power firmly overshadows ministerial power in this reshuffle, which is entirely understandable.

However, precisely because of the potential waves caused by these changes, Yang Biao has decided to step down from the political stage, allowing Yang Xiu, who has never taken the wrong stance, to step in and better secure the interests of the Hongnong Yang family.

Although this reform is unlikely to begin within the first two or three years of the world’s initial stabilization, stepping out of the vortex early can save him some hair from worry.

Looking at the consequences of his anxiety over the past few years, Qiao Yan can hardly doubt the credibility of this statement.

She wonders if Hua Tuo and Zhang Ji, after thoroughly researching diseases from abroad and the typhoid fever in the Central Plains, could consider developing a hair care formula to make her court look younger.

But thinking about the recent discussions with Cao Cao about the Funan fleet’s voyage, she feels it’s better to have these two medical experts focus on maritime diseases first. As for the rest…

Couldn’t the vast Chiyang Medical Academy produce a few more high-end medical talents?

That would be too embarrassing to say out loud!

While pondering these somewhat random thoughts, she ordered the packing of all the books, government storehouses, and archives from the Ye court. Although the strength of the Ye court over the past few years has been clear to all, there might still be some obscure knowledge that could serve as reference information for them.

The grain carts originally used to transport food from Guanzhong to Luoyang have also been repurposed for this task.

Xu Shu, during this period, received Qiao Yan’s orders and came to Ye after Cao Ang hurried to Hanzhong, ensuring a smoother transition.

“Before you arrived, I had already done something,” Qiao Yan gestured for Xu Shu to sit and said, “I ordered the counties to announce our response to the proclamation.”

Of course, to be precise, it wasn’t Mi Heng’s scathing critique of Yuan Shao’s forces, but Wang Can’s response to the old farmer from Ji Province.

Due to Yuan Shao’s deliberate restrictions, it was difficult for this response to spread widely in Ji Province, especially in more remote areas, where the state of the two dynasties’ struggle was unclear.

When Wang Can’s proclamation was disseminated in an easily understandable manner, including interactive stories, it could further spread by word of mouth.

The people of Ji Province might have heard about the situations in other provinces, or they might not have, but they would certainly feel uneasy about the dynastic change. However…

“Now, with the Hebei noble families being punished to quell public resentment, and this response to the old farmer from Ji Province, the people of Ji Province know that the Emperor cares for them. As long as the person taking over Ji Province can quickly stabilize the chaos and bring order, then for them, who sits on the throne and whether the state is Han or Yong is not their concern,” Xu Shu keenly picked up on Qiao Yan’s subtext and replied.

“But this doesn’t mean your task will be any easier,” Qiao Yan said seriously. “The deficiencies in Ji Province may seem fixable in two or three years, but if a disaster strikes, your pressure will be much greater than any other provincial governor. I won’t lower my expectations just because you’re a new governor.”

“Ji and Qing Provinces were the last to return to Da Yong’s rule. If chaos occurs, it might be easier to stir up trouble due to the weakened noble families. If something goes wrong—”

Xu Shu resolutely replied, “Then I will present my head!”

It must be said that Xu Shu, having been taught by Cheng Yu, does have some of his mentor’s style. Now, with one in the court and the other in the provinces, Qiao Yan is quite relieved.

She said to Xu Shu, “With your promise, I am reassured.”

Having decided to transfer Zhuge Liang from Youzhou to Ji Province, she added another layer of security.

Moreover, the situations in Ji and Qing Provinces are entirely interconnected. If Ji Province changes, Qing Province will also be affected.

Given Jia Xu’s meticulous and shrewd nature, he probably wouldn’t overlook Xu Shu’s handling of affairs as a neighbor.

However, Qiao Yan thought it best to add another layer of security.

Previously, to provoke Wang Yun and others into acting against her, she had Li Ru appear before Qi Zhou and then recalled Li Ru to Bingzhou at a specific time.

This “old but vigorous” man, considering the current shortage of personnel both inside and outside the court, it’s not appropriate for him to remain idle in Bingzhou, is it?

If he doesn’t want an official position to tie him down, being a consultant in the Ji Province Governor’s office isn’t bad.

If Li Ru, far in Bingzhou, receives this appointment from Qiao Yan, who knows what he would think. For Xu Shu, having another useful helper in rebuilding Ji Province’s order is always a good thing.

Thus, leaving Qu Yi and Yue Jin to guard Ji Province, even if there are local armed conflicts, it should be manageable.

Qiao Yan can now set off with peace of mind!

“Your Majesty means I don’t need to return directly to Youzhou?” Lu Lingju, who happened to meet Qiao Yan, was momentarily stunned upon hearing this news.

This is not like the beginning of the year when there were opportunities for her to assist Qiao Yan in battle.

Logically, since the Ye court no longer exists, she should quickly return to Liaodong to reclaim the authority over the Wuhuan from Yan Rou, to prevent the Da Yong military’s deterrence at the border from weakening and the Wuhuan from harboring any improper thoughts.

Announcing the unification of the world through her, the Protector of the Wuhuan, to Gongsun Du, can completely dispel some of his thoughts. In a sense, it’s also a way to build rapport with colleagues through this news.

“Whether you or someone else delivers this message makes no difference. Or do you think your performance in Liaodong isn’t enough to show Gongsun Du the capabilities of our Da Yong military?” Qiao Yan smiled and teased.

Gongsun Du’s inflated ambitions were built on the Han Dynasty’s fragmentation and chaos. But now, Qiao Yan and her strategists and generals have shown a state of punishing even the distant.

How could he dare to make such moves after Yuan Shao’s downfall and Liu Bian’s merciless execution?

Of course, he wouldn’t dare!

Not only Gongsun Du, but the news of Ji and Qing Provinces’ submission, having reached Xu Shu in Hanzhong, has also been sent to Yi Province Governor Wu Yi and Jing Province Governor Liu Biao, who broke out in a cold sweat at the speed of the conflict.

Wu Yi originally thought Qiao Yan promoted him to Yi Province Governor partly to rely on the Dongzhou scholars’ influence, and Zhao Ang, the Prefect of Zhangqi County, needed his mediation to pacify the Nanman forces.

But with Meng Huo and others defecting, Jiaozhou submitting to Qiao Yan, and now the final completion of the world’s unification, if he still harbors such rebellious thoughts, he’s seeking death!

Liu Biao has gradually gotten used to the shocks Qiao Yan has given and deeply understands that being able to remain as a provincial governor under the Han Dynasty’s imperial family is almost a miracle.

When the news of the Han remnants’ complete demise reached Jing Province, he and Cai Mao exchanged glances, both seeing a sense of relief after surviving a disaster.

Gongsun Du, of course, is no exception.

He even proactively cut off all ties with Fuyu and Goguryeo before Qiao Yan and Lu Lingju’s conversation, to avoid being misunderstood by Qiao Yan as having any disloyal intentions.

The auspicious stone resembling Emperor Xuan of Han’s crown stone was also destroyed by Gongsun Du.

Even without seeing this, Qiao Yan could guess his reaction.

So she added to Lu Lingju, “My expectations for you are not to contain Gongsun Du. He’s not worthy of being your long-term opponent.”

“Come with me to see a grand event.”

A grand event?

A look of surprise flashed across Lu Lingju’s face.

But she suddenly realized there should be a grand event!

Although their capture of Ye and the recovery of Ji and Qing Provinces, in the face of Yuan Shao’s futile resistance, might seem like Da Yong’s court showing its sharp claws, in fact, no one should overlook that this is a genuine pacification of the world!

Since the world had “one Han in the east, one Han in the west” seven and a half years ago, since the Qiang people troubled Liangzhou a hundred years ago, since Tan Shihuai of the Xianbei repeatedly invaded during Emperor Huan of Han’s reign, since Yi Province became an independent fiefdom under Liu Yan’s control, since Jiaozhou was ruled by local magnates away from the Central Plains’ influence, until now—

All these places have returned to the Son of Heaven’s rule, bowing to Da Yong’s Emperor, becoming an indispensable part of Da Yong’s territory.

They must celebrate this unification of the world with a grand event!

Sure enough, she next heard Qiao Yan say, “The enthronement ceremony started suddenly, and many of my long-time subordinates couldn’t attend. Now, having swept the Ye court in one battle, it’s time to reward the civil and military officials, and also to make this reward ceremony more grand, making up for the regret of March this year.”

“To ensure all parties can attend, let’s set it for the first day of the tenth month.”

“Do you have any other questions?”

There are indeed a few questions.

Of course, not about the rewards.

Lu Lingju clearly knows that her promotion to Protector of the Wuhuan for capturing Beiping County is already somewhat exceptional, and she probably won’t receive additional rewards for the subsequent southern campaign.

At her age, staying in this position for a few more years to gain experience is fine, as there are still opportunities for military achievements against Fuyu and Goguryeo in Liaodong, no need to rush.

Moreover, what kind of person the Emperor is, wouldn’t her long-time subordinates know?

In this reward ceremony, the Emperor will surely have other rewards for her.

Asking now would spoil the surprise.

She wouldn’t do something so foolish.

Rather than worrying about this, Lu Lingju is more interested in other questions, such as where her father, who feels restless when idle, will be placed after this world-conquering campaign. If he gets too idle and starts thinking about finding a son-in-law, that would be terrible.

Also, since this celebration marks the unification of the world, shouldn’t there be some commemorative item for her to receive something unique? When future batches of Leping Academy students graduate, this item could become a distinguishing mark between her and the newcomers!

But in front of someone she admires, she should act a bit more restrained.

General Lv wiped her slightly sweaty hands on her clothes and finally asked, “Where does Your Majesty plan to hold this ceremony?”

Qiao Yan sensed this might not be the question Lu Lingju originally wanted to ask.

But she still answered without hesitation, “Luoyang.”

Her position as Marquis of Leping, with no room for change, and her fame spreading among scholars, started in Luoyang. So today, announcing the world’s reunification there is also a fitting conclusion.

If another reason is needed, having the generals who participated in the battle arrive in Luoyang before dispersing is much easier than going to Chang’an.

Let’s set it in Luoyang!