Chapter 429

Chapter 429: The Moment of Xuanyuan

Can a strategist not ascend the throne? Final Volume: The Rise and Fall of Royal Power, Unification of the World, Chapter 429: The Moment of Xuanyuan…

On the first day of the tenth month, Luoyang was blessed with clear skies.

According to the Grand Historian, even the heavens should not be so unreasonable as to deny them a successful celebration on such a joyous occasion.

Otherwise, it would be a great disservice to the officials who had traveled from afar, leaving only the necessary personnel behind.

It would also be a disservice to the people of Luoyang, who had dressed up with great care for today’s celebration, wanting to show their Da Yong Emperor that choosing Luoyang over Chang’an for this event was indeed the right decision.

Many officials had come from afar, with Shi Xie from Jiaozhou being the farthest.

After Zhang Jin’s rebellion and attack on Jing Province, Shi Xie, persuaded by Fa Zheng, had pledged allegiance to Qiao Yan on behalf of Jiaozhou.

However, whether it was sending Jiaozhou’s sincerity to Luoyang or delivering the Funan ships to Qingzhou and Youzhou, it was all done by his subordinates.

Although Shi Xie was known for his robust health, traveling from modern-day Guangxi to Henan in ancient times was no easy feat.

But as news of the collapse of the Ye court reached Jiaozhou, Shi Xie, despite his local pride, had to quickly show further sincerity to prevent Jiaozhou, only overseen by Lu Kang as the court’s representative, from suffering a sudden blow during such a prosperous time.

He absolutely could not let his later years end in such a way.

In Shi Xie’s view, this was undoubtedly the best solution he could offer.

When he arrived in Luoyang at the end of the ninth month, he almost missed the gathering. Fortunately, he arrived two days early and saw the city’s southern gate and the bridge over the Luo River adorned with golden banners, with the guards replaced by Qiao Yan’s heavy-armored soldiers.

The bridge south of the Luo River, originally a pontoon bridge, had been replaced with a solid one, likely to prevent any potential attacks on Luoyang. But now, Luoyang was the safest place in the world!

It was both the temporary residence of the Son of Heaven and the garrison of the elite troops who had just returned from the campaign against Ye.

As Shi Xie stepped out of his carriage and passed through the golden banners and iron-clad soldiers, he clearly saw the intricate chainmail armor on the soldiers, capable of intercepting arrows with the most严密 defense.

These well-trained and well-fed soldiers exuded an invincible aura, but what truly struck Shi Xie was their confidence in the nation’s prosperity.

How many years had it been since the Han military had such a demeanor?

At sixty, Shi Xie, though rarely leaving Jiaozhou, had witnessed the changes in the Central Plains. Seeing this now, he understood why the Han Dynasty was destined to decline like the setting sun, to be replaced by Qiao Yan’s Da Yong.

Such a flourishing scene was not something the secluded Jiaozhou Shi family could compete with!

As he entered Luoyang, the imperial city, once ravaged by the conflicts between scholars and eunuchs at the end of Emperor Ling’s reign and Dong Zhuo’s rebellion, showed no signs of the fire damage mentioned in southern rumors.

Although the Southern and Northern Palaces remained closed to the public, the entire city was bustling with excitement, as if the desolation of the past decades had been swept away.

If the guards on the southern bridge and the official road to the city gate were already spirited, the ceremonial troops in the city were the elite of the elite.

The heavy-armored soldiers marched in perfect unison, their footsteps sounding as if from a single person. The soldiers standing on the Southern Palace walls had an imposing presence even from a distance, not to mention the cavalry patrols in the city streets, whose military equipment and appearance were astonishing.

“Is this Emperor choosing soldiers and generals based on looks?” Shi Xie couldn’t help but ask Fa Zheng, who accompanied him.

Fa Zheng: “…”

How should he explain to Shi Xie that this was merely because, on his way from the city gate to the Northern Palace, he had encountered patrols led by Zhang Liao, Lü Bu, Lu Lingju, Ma Chao, and Zhao Yun?

In short, it wasn’t that Qiao Yan was selecting soldiers based on looks, but that the patrols he saw happened to have good-looking commanders.

According to the pre-arranged message from Luoyang, this cavalry and infantry patrol was part of Da Yong’s military display, what the Emperor called a “pre-event warm-up,” which coincidentally appeared before Shi Xie.

But let’s just call it a beautiful misunderstanding.

He confidently replied to Shi Xie, “A person’s appearance is largely determined by their spirit. The elite soldiers under the Emperor’s command have been undefeated since the Zhongping era, subduing the Xiongnu and Xianbei, and forcing Dong Zhuo and Yuan Shao to submit. Naturally, they possess an extraordinary aura. You only see their sharpness in formation, first their spirit, then their appearance, hence the impression of good looks.”

Shi Xie nodded thoughtfully, feeling that Fa Zheng’s explanation might indeed be true.

But at that moment, he saw Dian Wei, with his fierce aura, leading a group of heavy-armored soldiers quickly passing by, taking over the defense of the Northern Palace’s outer perimeter.

Fa Zheng didn’t even blink, saying, “That’s the Emperor’s Yamen General, not just her personal guard commander but also a demon exorcist, making the Son of Heaven’s residence impervious to ghosts and spirits, all thanks to the bloodlust from his many battlefield victories.”

Shi Xie: “…”

If that’s the case, then… it does make some sense.

The reception was mostly handled by students from Leping Academy nearing graduation, including Dian Wei’s son, Dian Man. Hearing this, he almost stumbled.

Fortunately, though he hadn’t entered the court and battlefield as early as Lu Lingju or Zhuge Liang, years of study at the academy had given him a steady temperament, so he didn’t expose Fa Zheng’s words on the spot.

But after escorting Shi Xie to the guesthouse, he couldn’t help but ask, “Fa Xiaozhi, aren’t you afraid of rumors spreading and people using my father as a model for exorcist door gods?”

If Dian Wei ever went after Fa Zheng with his weapon, he certainly wouldn’t stop him.

Fa Zheng shrugged, “That wouldn’t be a bad thing, would it?”

Dian Wei’s position had already been adjusted after Qiao Yan’s ascension. This reward ceremony was mainly for the generals and strategists who had contributed to the campaigns in Youzhou and Qingzhou, so Dian Wei wasn’t included.

But if he gained something unexpected from this, who could say it wasn’t a good thing?

However, what Fa Zheng didn’t expect was that at the reward ceremony on the first day of the tenth month, Qiao Yan’s first words were, “In the past, the generals under Emperor Guangwu of Han could sense the winds of change and exert their wisdom and courage, thus achieving the hope of ruling the world. Later, Emperor Ming of Han, during the Yongming era, had portraits of the twenty-eight generals painted in the Yuntai Pavilion of the Southern Palace in Luoyang, known as the Twenty-Eight Yuntai Generals. Today, I have reclaimed the provinces, inherited the people’s hopes, and ascended the throne less than a year ago, already unifying the world. This is due to the joint efforts of the generals and myself, and we should follow this method to honor our ministers!”

“Across the ten provinces and millions of miles, it is only through the同心协力 of the generals that the central authority can be upheld, and only through the群策群力 of the capable ministers that peace can be maintained. Today, we have achieved the world and accomplished great deeds. Let us first toast to you all!”

On the high platform built on the former western camp parade ground, the Emperor, dressed in华丽冠冕, raised her cup to the整齐列阵的兵马 and the distant Luoyang populace.

The pre-arranged传令兵 immediately relayed Qiao Yan’s words in a声浪排空 manner to the soldiers behind.

Those who could only see the distant figure raising the cup couldn’t hear her voice directly, but in this传音, they could still discern her铿锵落字.

Lu Lingju had initially regretted that Qiao Yan hadn’t worn armor under the帝王十二旒冕, as she had hoped, to showcase the Emperor’s文武兼备特质 in attire. But when she stood closest to the stage and heard those words, that minor regret was long gone.

Indeed, if they followed the usual reward methods, there wouldn’t be many promotions based on military achievements from the recent campaigns in Ji and Qing Provinces.

Of course, Gan Ning, who had already been promoted from Tower Ship Colonel to Tower Ship General with Qiao Yan’s approval, counted.

Tai Shici, leading the Divine Bow Battalion, hadn’t received a corresponding position and should be given a Colonel or General title.

Similarly, those like Yue Jin and Yu Jin, originally under Cao Cao, and Sun Guan, Jiang Qin, and Ma Chao, who had made contributions in the surprise attack on Qing Province, should be rewarded accordingly.

But figures like Lü Bu, Zhang Liao, Zhao Yun, Qu Yi, and Lu Lingju couldn’t be promoted much further, especially Zhao Yun, who was already among the Nine Ministers. Until a suitable replacement was found for his position as Minister of the Household, the Emperor likely wouldn’t promote him to higher positions like General of Agile Cavalry.

But if they followed the Twenty-Eight Yuntai Generals model, today’s rewards could cover a much broader range.

Who wouldn’t want such a special position?

The portraits of the Twenty-Eight Yuntai Generals had long faded with time and were completely lost in the Southern Palace fire, but no one would forget the generals who had followed the founding Emperor in expanding territory and pacifying the world.

If Qiao Yan were to emulate Emperor Ming of Han and list the twenty-eight most贡献 individuals for rewards at this moment of unifying the world, their names would forever be tied to hers.

This would be a far greater honor than any将军之名 they could receive now.

Indeed, only such an event was worthy of being proposed by Qiao Yan on this occasion!

The people of Luoyang gathered outside, the soldiers of Guanzhong列队于内, and the文武官员 from the四方州郡陆续赶来, standing before her. Those absent were not truly absent but held in high regard by Qiao Yan.

Under the gleaming armor and golden banners, the writers of Leping Monthly Report and the historians of Lingtai were diligently recording every detail of the day, fearing to miss any.

However, when the list of generals was announced, the ministers present, while excited, couldn’t help but feel some anxiety.

If they were to count twenty-eight generals, it might not include all the present commanders.

Since Qiao Yan raised her forces in Bingzhou, there had been many generals: Zhao Yun, Dian Wei, Chu Yan, Lü Bu, Zhang Liao, Zhang Yang, Xu Huang, Fu Gan, Qu Yi, each with their roles. Later, in the campaign against Liangzhou, Ma Teng and his son, along with Yao Chang, representing the Qiang, followed her. Subsequently, Gan Ning, Tai Shici, Wei Yan, and Zang Ba, along with Cao Cao and his大批从属, were no ordinary战将.

Not to mention the文臣 dispatched to stabilize the民生. If only “generals” were considered, would those like Cheng Yu, Xi Zhicai, and Guo Jia, who had followed Qiao Yan since her days as Governor of Bingzhou, feel slighted?

From Qiao Yan’s words, “非各方将领勠力同心不可俯首中央，非各方能臣群策群力不可各守安泰,” it was clear she intended to include both文臣 and武将.

But this made the reward ceremony somewhat risky. Any perceived unfairness in the ranking could lead to dissatisfaction among the ministers.

Moreover, newly投效的将领, if they felt they could never surpass the “前辈” in Qiao Yan’s eyes due to today’s event, would not bode well for the Da Yong court!

No wonder there was no mention of the Twenty-Eight Yuntai Generals during Liu Xiu’s lifetime. It was only Emperor Ming of Han, in memory of his father’s campaigns to restore the Han, who listed them.

But when the文武官员 looked at Qiao Yan with this concern, they saw no hesitation or doubt on her face.

She immediately continued, “In the fifth month of Zhongping, I and the generals attacked the Xianbei in the north, carving our achievements on the stones of Saiyin Mountain. That year, I was fifteen.”

As she spoke, soldiers held up a white cloth with the碑文石刻 she had written with her calligraphy.

It read, “The Governor of Bingzhou, Marquis of Leping, Qiao Yan, with Military Officer Zhang Liao, Yanmen Commandery Officer Zhang Yang, and Yanmen Commandery Military Officer Lü Bu, on duty patrolling and defending, attacked the Xianbei in the north. Ten thousand cavalry marched together, chasing the enemy to the White Path, and beheaded the Xianbei general Fuluohan here, then continued north, chasing the Chanyu into the wilderness.”

The official positions and the stone inscriptions seemed like distant memories to everyone present. Even Lü Bu, who personally participated in the event, took a moment to recall that he had once memorized those words. It’s no wonder they felt the passage of time so keenly, as Qiao Yan had already sat in the position of Grand Marshal for four years. In those four years, the winds of change blew swiftly, making people slow to remember the year when Dong Zhuo’s rebellion was quelled, let alone the time when Qiao Yan was still the Governor of Bingzhou and Zhang Liao was a Military Officer.

When the scroll recording their achievements reappeared before them, they could only feel a tinge of regret for not joining Qiao Yan’s ranks earlier like Lü Bu and Zhang Liao to earn military merits. However, Qiao Yan clearly didn’t intend to use the stone inscriptions to judge the merits of Zhang Liao, Lü Bu, and Zhang Yang. Instead, she continued, “Today, the four seas are pacified, and the nine provinces are united. I am twenty years old.”

Shi Xie’s eyelids twitched at this. The mention of fifteen and twenty years was a particularly effective blow to someone like him, who had relied on his age to get where he was today. A twenty-year-old founding emperor, and one of a unified dynasty at that! Qiao Yan’s words rang in his ears: “In eight years, I rose from Bingzhou to rule the world. My subordinates grew from mere courage to become pillars capable of guarding the realm. The future territory of Da Yong holds infinite possibilities. How dare I say today—”

“That in my reign, only twenty-eight generals will be remembered by posterity, and twenty-eight ministers will vie for their place in history!” Indeed, their Majesty was too young, as she said, with infinite potential. For most, twenty is the prime of youth, the beginning of life. With ten provinces already under her control, would she stop there? The Liang Province, which even the Later Han couldn’t pacify, had been revitalized under her rule. The fertile lands could now support more people.

Thus, these generals were far from resting, and the ministers under Her Majesty still had vast opportunities to prove their worth. Qiao Yan continued, “The grasslands of the north, the black soil of Liaodong, the protectorates of the western frontier, and the wilds of the southern Yue—all could become part of Da Yong’s territory. Those who expand our borders and reclaim the nine provinces should be equally remembered by future generations.”

The Emperor, holding her wine cup high, exuded the confidence of a top-tier figure. If these words had come from a forty or fifty-year-old emperor, they wouldn’t have carried the same震撼 and conviction as they did from her. The borders of Da Yong, already etched in their minds, now seemed to blur and extend outward with her words.

Especially those who felt they hadn’t contributed much in the pacification of Ji and Qing Provinces couldn’t help but feel their blood boil, itching to prove themselves. Qiao Yan’s message was clear—she was young, and Da Yong, like her, had infinite potential. Today, only a portion of the meritorious officials would be recorded, but there was more to come, and these latercomers would be no less important than the pioneers.

“Over the years, Her Majesty’s rhetorical skills haven’t changed a bit,” Xi Zhicai muttered in the crowd, recalling the letter of apology Qiao Yan had him draft years ago. Back then, the young Emperor had added a stroke of genius, naming herself “Ye Shu,” symbolizing the fire of self-sacrifice. She never made mistakes then, and she wouldn’t now.

As the crowd eagerly awaited, Qiao Yan continued, “I intend to build a high platform at the site of the old Lingtai in Luoyang, named Xuanyuan, to honor the meritorious officials. Though limited to twenty-eight this time, the high pavilion will have room for more, waiting for future contributors to fill the gaps.”

The Xuanyuan Pavilion in Luoyang! “What is Xuanyuan? It was Huangdi who conquered the eastern barbarians, established our Huaxia, spread vegetation, promoted agriculture, created clothing, and pioneered medicine, giving rise to human civilization. Today, the Xuanyuan Pavilion should not only record the names of generals but also include civil officials, scholars, farmers, artisans, and merchants—all who have contributed to the foundation of Da Yong.”

As Qiao Yan finished speaking, the curtains around the high platform fell, revealing not screens but engraved copper plates, each depicting a figure. Thanks to the advancements in painting and engraving, the figures were unmistakable. Among the civil officials, Minister over the Masses Cheng Yu, Governor of Bingzhou Xi Zhicai, and Governor of Yanzhou Guo Jia stood prominently.

“Honestly, Her Majesty didn’t need to include the wine in my portrait, making future generations think I’m a drunkard,” Guo Jia sighed, though he admitted the flowing robes added a touch of elegance. “Should I be glad there’s no wine jar in mine?” Xi Zhicai quipped, noticing a soup bowl and letters in his portrait, sure there was some hidden meaning.

Among the military officials, Dian Wei, Zhao Yun, Zhang Liao, and Lü Bu were unsurprisingly at the forefront. But what caught everyone off guard was—Lu Lingju stared at a copper plate depicting a female general slaying the Wuhuan, almost doubting her eyes. “Why feel unworthy?” Tai Shici, who had mentored her, said. “You’ve captured Liaodong, pacified the Wuhuan, and defeated Gongsun Zan. Your only lag is age, but in the decades Her Majesty may reign, your achievements are far from over.”

The inclusion of Xu Rong and Ma Teng, who had reopened the Silk Road and brought new crops to the Central Plains, was equally surprising. Their contributions to agriculture and trade had saved countless lives, earning them a place among the honored. Ma Teng, nearly moved to tears, realized that his initial punishment for rebellion had turned into a lifelong honor.

The “creation of clothing” was represented by Ma Jun and Huang Yueying, while “pioneering medicine” was credited to Hua Tuo and Zhang Zhongjing. Cai Zhaoji was honored for “enlightening the people,” Bi Lan and Fu Shou for “water conservancy,” and Zheng Xuan for “educating disciples.”

The twenty-eight copper plates, like a resume of Qiao Yan’s ten-year reign, showcased each minister’s significant contributions, making the entire display shine. The plates, hung on a rotating belt, turned like a carousel, symbolizing equality among the honored.

Qiao Yan’s next words pushed the crowd’s enthusiasm to new heights. “The twenty-eight pioneers will be enfeoffed as Marquises of the Interior, with edicts to be read later. Smaller versions of the copper plates will be printed as part of the Xuanyuan Pavilion’s records. I hope you all will not slack off but continue to build Da Yong with me!”

With that, she drank her wine, sealing the pact between ruler and subjects. The titles of Marquis of the Interior, once devalued by Emperor Ling’s monetary transactions, now carried genuine merit and honor. The copper plates, more durable than paper, would preserve their legacy in the Xuanyuan Pavilion, ensuring their names would be remembered for generations.

As the ceremony concluded, fireworks lit up the night sky, symbolizing Da Yong’s rise and its mission to dispel the darkness of the late Han. The dazzling display marked the end of the awards ceremony, but the real stars were the copper plates, destined to be remembered by all under heaven.

“Let’s go, A Meng. Prefect Zhang has already left,” Deng Dang said to Lü Meng, who reluctantly turned his gaze from the platform. As they followed Zhang Zhao, Lü Meng pointed to the platform and declared, “One day, my name will be up there too!”