bestfiction Chapter 317 Founding the Nation
Chapter 317 Founding the Nation
The moment Xiao Chengjun received the imperial seal of regent, the winter sun pierced through the clouds, casting a dazzling light on the dragon pillars of the Golden Palace. He straightened his back, his gaze sweeping over the assembled officials with their varied expressions, before solemnly tucking the seal into his sleeve. This seal, inscribed with the words "Regent," was not only a symbol of power, but also carried his father's trust and the future of the entire Nanzhao Kingdom.
Upon assuming the regency, Xiao Chengjun immediately set about reforming the bureaucracy. He knew that the cases involving the Vice Minister of Rites and the Minister of Personnel were merely the tip of the iceberg; the deeply entrenched network of vested interests within the court was the real threat. He established the "Imperial Censorate," selecting upright and honest officials for key positions specifically to supervise government offices at all levels. Simultaneously, he promulgated new laws to severely punish acts of forming cliques, engaging in corruption, and accepting bribes. All officials involved, regardless of rank, were to be dealt with severely.
However, the reform was not without its challenges. The new laws threatened the interests of many powerful officials, who resisted them both openly and covertly. One day, the Minister of Revenue, along with dozens of other ministers, submitted a memorial arguing that the new laws were too harsh and might cause widespread panic. Emperor Xiao Chengjun summoned his ministers for a meeting, where a heated debate ensued in the court.
"You all say the new laws are harsh, but have you considered the suffering of the people?" Xiao Chengjun held a scroll of case files, his voice steady and powerful. "These are case files recently uncovered by the Imperial Censorate. A county magistrate embezzled disaster relief funds, leading to the starvation of hundreds; a prefectural governor condoned smuggling by merchants, enriching himself. Shouldn't these crimes be severely punished?"
He ordered the case files to be circulated, causing an uproar in the palace. Those ministers who had tried to obstruct the reforms were rendered speechless by the irrefutable evidence. Ultimately, the new laws were successfully implemented.
While reforming domestic affairs, Xiao Chengjun did not forget the security of the borders. He personally visited military camps to understand the soldiers' living conditions, improved their pay and benefits, and upgraded their equipment. He also promoted young generals, encouraged them to innovate tactics, and strengthened military training. Under his efforts, the combat effectiveness of the Nanzhao army was significantly improved.
At this time, news arrived from Xijing Kingdom that the son of the newly enthroned ruler, Jiang You'an, had ascended the throne. Xiao Chengjun knew that the change of regime in a neighboring country made the situation delicate and required careful handling. He dispatched envoys to Xijing Kingdom, firstly to congratulate the new ruler on his ascension, and secondly to probe the other party's attitude.
Upon the envoy's return, he brought a handwritten letter. The letter was earnest, expressing the desire to continue the friendship between the two countries, but also subtly mentioning some issues concerning border trade. Xiao Chengjun realized that this was both an opportunity to improve relations between the two nations and a test.
He summoned his court officials to discuss the matter. Some advocated a hardline approach, while others suggested compromise and concessions. Xiao Chengjun pondered for a long time before saying, "We cannot lose our dignity as a great power, nor can we easily provoke conflict. We can send eloquent and persuasive individuals to renegotiate trade terms with the Western Jing Kingdom, reaching an agreement on the basis of mutual benefit."
In springtime, the capital of Nanzhao was ablaze with flowers, and Zhuque Avenue bustled with activity, presenting a scene of peace and prosperity. However, deep within the magnificent imperial palace, an unseen storm was brewing. Since Xiao Chengjun assumed regency, his series of new policies had revitalized the nation, but they had also threatened the interests of many established aristocratic families. These forces, lurking in the shadows, were waiting for an opportunity to launch a counterattack powerful enough to shake the very foundations of the state.
That morning, Xiao Chengjun had just finished processing a batch of memorials when A Lie rushed into his study, his face flushed: "Your Highness, something terrible has happened! A fire has broken out in the granary in the west of the city, and 100,000 shi of new grain have been reduced to ashes!" Xiao Chengjun's brush fell to the table with a "clatter," the ink spreading across the memorials, mirroring his chaotic state of mind. The granary in the west of the city was a crucial element in his implementation of the "New Famine Preparedness Policy." Now that the grain was destroyed, not only was the safety of the people threatened, but it could also become a handle for his political enemies to attack the new policy.
When Xiao Chengjun arrived at the granary, the scene was a complete mess. Thick smoke billowed from the charred beams and pillars, and the air was thick with the acrid smell of burning. He crouched down, carefully examining the remnants in the ashes, and suddenly discovered several pieces of unburnt oil paper—a waterproof material unique to the Western Regions, rarely circulated within the Nanzhao Kingdom. "A'Lie, immediately seal the city gates and thoroughly investigate all caravans carrying goods from the Western Regions," Xiao Chengjun said, a cold glint in his eyes as he stood up.
Meanwhile, the imperial court was in an uproar. Led by the prime minister, conservative ministers jointly submitted a memorial criticizing the regent's new policies for being implemented too hastily, leading to mismanagement and ultimately this disaster. "Your Highness, this is the third granary fire this month!" the prime minister said, leaning on his ivory tablet, his tone aggressive. "This old minister believes that the most urgent task is to suspend the new policies and restore the old system!"
Xiao Chengjun calmly unfolded a scroll: "Gentlemen, you may know that these fires, though seemingly accidental, were actually foreshadowed." He ordered someone to present physical evidence—several fragments bearing markings from the Western Regions. "Investigation has revealed that these arsonists colluded with foreign forces, intending to undermine the new policies and disrupt the foundation of the nation."
However, this evidence alone was insufficient to convince the public. Even more problematic was the growing rumor that "the Crown Prince's regency has been disastrous, and Heaven has sent down calamities," causing widespread panic. Xiao Chengjun realized that this was not merely an attack on the new policies, but a battle for the hearts and minds of the people.
To quell the rumors, he personally went to the worst-affected areas, set up temporary soup kitchens, and comforted the people. At the same time, he secretly dispatched his guards to investigate the source of the rumors. As expected, these rumors originated from several long-established powerful families who attempted to force the court to compromise by creating panic.
Just as Xiao Chengjun was preparing to take action against these powerful families, an even more severe crisis followed. The Western Jing Kingdom suddenly unilaterally broke its trade agreement, sealed off the border, and reinforced its troops at the border between the two countries. Urgent reports from the border poured in like snowflakes, and the pro-war and pro-peace factions at court were locked in a fierce debate. Xiao Chengjun knew that if he rashly started a war at this time, he would be playing right into the enemy's hands; but if he retreated without hesitation, the prestige of the Nanzhao Kingdom would be completely destroyed.
He summoned several trusted generals overnight and devised a meticulous plan. On the surface, he sent envoys to Xijing Kingdom to sue for peace and buy time; secretly, he deployed elite troops to ambush them on the border. At the same time, he took advantage of the interruption of trade to vigorously support domestic handicrafts and agriculture, reducing dependence on Xijing Kingdom.
However, beset by internal and external troubles, Xiao Chengjun's health finally gave way. One day, during a court meeting, he suddenly felt dizzy and nearly collapsed. News of this spread, and various factions began to stir. The conservatives saw an opportunity and accelerated their impeachment efforts; meanwhile, some unscrupulous members of the imperial family secretly contacted ministers, attempting to seize the position of crown prince.
Upon learning of her son's illness, Lin Wanqing, despite her own poor health, personally went to the Eastern Palace to care for him. Seeing his haggard face, she felt a pang of heartache: "Jun'er, don't push yourself too hard. Some things don't need to be borne alone." Xiao Chengjun forced himself to sit up, managing a faint smile: "Mother, don't worry, I'm fine. It's just that the situation is complicated; a slight misstep could lead to utter ruin."
Under his mother's meticulous care, Xiao Chengjun gradually recovered. He knew that the more perilous the situation, the more he needed to remain clear-headed. He began to divide the conservative faction, exploiting their internal conflicts to defeat them one by one; at the same time, he promoted a group of promising young officials to strengthen the court.
After months of struggle, Xiao Chengjun finally gathered enough evidence to bring down the mastermind behind everything—it turned out to be his seemingly indifferent imperial uncle. It turned out that he had always coveted the throne, secretly colluding with foreign powers and powerful domestic families in an attempt to overthrow the court. With the downfall of his uncle and his cronies, the opposition in the court finally subsided.
On the border issue, Xiao Chengjun's strategy also proved highly successful. When the Xijing Kingdom's army rashly invaded, they fell into the Nanzhao Kingdom's ambush and suffered heavy losses. Left with no other option, Jiang Mingyuan had to send envoys to negotiate peace again. This time, the Nanzhao Kingdom took the lead at the negotiating table, not only renewing the trade agreement but also securing even more benefits.
After the crisis, Xiao Chengjun's prestige reached unprecedented heights. However, he did not become complacent; instead, he became even more diligent. He knew that the path to power was never smooth, and only by constantly moving forward could he safeguard the prosperity of Nanzhao.
Hidden Undercurrents: A Cunning Political Landscape Conceals Deadly Intent
In the sweltering summer of the Nanzhao Kingdom, cicadas chirped incessantly, yet the atmosphere inside the imperial study was as heavy as an icebox. Xiao Chengjun unfolded the latest secret report, his knuckles turning white from the force—his secret guards had discovered that several martial arts factions were secretly gathering, their leaders wielding black iron tokens identical to the insignia of the private army of the prince who had plotted the rebellion years ago. Even more alarming was the close ties these martial arts figures had with several newly promoted officials in the court.
"Your Highness, the Minister of the Court of Judicial Review requests an audience." Ah Lie's announcement interrupted his thoughts. The man looked flustered, and the wooden box he was carrying was stained with dark red blood: "Your Highness, this morning three censors were found dead, and only this was left at the scene." He opened the wooden box, and a bronze token engraved with a hideous ghost face lay quietly, its edges still stained with undried blood.
Xiao Chengjun's pupils constricted sharply. This ghost-faced token was the symbol of "Youming Pavilion," the most mysterious assassin organization in the martial arts world. He immediately ordered the capital to be sealed off and security strengthened, while secretly summoning his trusted generals. However, when the generals arrived at the Eastern Palace, one of them suddenly drew a dagger and stabbed Xiao Chengjun in the throat.
"Watch out!" Ah Lie leaped to block the fatal blow, his arm slashed open with a deep, bone-revealing wound. The guards quickly subdued the assassin, only to find that he had already committed suicide by poison. They found half a note in his sleeve, which read, "When the moon is full, blood stains the palace walls."
When the news reached Xiao Nanyi's ears, the emperor was furious and immediately ordered more Imperial Guards to protect the Crown Prince. Xiao Chengjun, however, politely declined: "Father, this assassination attempt, though seemingly aimed at me, is actually intended to undermine the foundation of the nation. If we make a big fuss about it, we'll fall into their trap." He requested a full investigation into the matter, and Xiao Nanyi, seeing the determination in his son's eyes, finally nodded in agreement.
To lure the assassins out, Xiao Chengjun deliberately spread the word that he would be going to Baiyun Temple in the south of the city to pray for blessings on the night of the full moon. At the same time, he laid a trap along the way, waiting for the assassins to walk right into it. However, when night fell, there was no unusual activity from Baiyun Temple; instead, flames suddenly erupted from the palace—Princess Chang Le's bedchamber had been attacked again!
Xiao Chengjun was frantic and led his men back to the palace. He found Princess Chang Le surrounded by a group of masked men in black, the leader of whom was the younger brother of the general who had attempted the assassination. "Your Highness, prepare to die!" The men in black swung their swords, and Xiao Chengjun drew his sword to meet them. In the flash of the blades, he noticed that the assassins' moves had a Western Region style.
At the critical moment, a familiar figure rushed into the battle—it was Xiao Nanyi, who had arrived incognito. Father and son fought side-by-side, finally repelling the assassins. Princess Chang Le was unharmed, but utterly shocked and speechless for a long time. Xiao Chengjun gripped his sister's trembling hand, his eyes blazing with murderous intent: "The one behind this, I will tear you to pieces!"
During interrogation, one of the captured assassins confessed that the operation was orchestrated by a "man wearing a golden mask" with the aim of creating chaos and plunging the Nanzhao Kingdom into internal strife. Xiao Chengjun suddenly remembered that several officials in the court who had recently advocated for "reducing military spending and allowing the people to recuperate" had previously served as envoys to the Western Regions. He immediately ordered a thorough investigation of these officials' correspondence and, sure enough, discovered evidence of collusion with foreign powers.
However, just as the operation was about to be completed, the key witness died mysteriously. Even more strangely, rumors began to circulate in the court that "the Crown Prince's excessive killings during his regency have angered the gods," causing widespread panic among the people and a sharp decline in support for the new policies. Xiao Chengjun realized that this was a meticulously planned series of conspiracies; his opponents not only wanted to take his life but also to destroy the fruits of his painstakingly cultivated reforms.
To break the deadlock, Xiao Chengjun decided to take a risk. He announced that a "Grand Ceremony to Worship Heaven" would be held in three days to pray for national peace and prosperity. At the same time, he secretly arranged for skilled individuals to infiltrate the audience and ordered A Lie to lead elite troops to ambush around the imperial city.
On the day of the sacrificial ceremony, the sky was overcast with dark clouds, and the atmosphere was so oppressive that it was hard to breathe. As Xiao Chengjun ascended the altar, a sudden gust of wind arose, and an assassin disguised as a musician seized the opportunity to shoot a poisoned arrow. In the nick of time, Xiao Chengjun dodged to the side and threw his jade pendant, killing the assassin on the spot.
Meanwhile, shouts of battle erupted all around the imperial city. Xiao Chengjun remained calm and composed, taking out a hidden command flag and waving it, summoning all the hidden soldiers. After a fierce battle, the assassins were all wiped out, and the mastermind behind it all, wearing a golden mask, was shot by an arrow from A Lie while fleeing and fell from his horse.
The moment the mask fell off, everyone was shocked to discover that this man was none other than the Vice Minister of Rites, who had been thought to be dead! It turned out that he had faked his death to escape, colluding with foreign forces and martial arts organizations in an attempt to overthrow the Nanzhao Kingdom. Xiao Chengjun looked at the dying Vice Minister of Rites and coldly asked, "Who gave you the audacity?"
“It’s…it’s people who don’t want to see you destroy the ancestral system…” The Vice Minister of Rites said weakly, “Do you really think those old guys in the court…will sit idly by and watch the new policies take away their interests?” He died before he could finish speaking.
This dramatic crisis finally came to an end, but Xiao Chengjun fell into deeper contemplation. He understood that as long as the conservative forces remained, similar conspiracies would never cease. Returning to the Eastern Palace, gazing at the mountain of memorials, he picked up his brush and wrote: "Governing a country is like controlling water; dredging is worse than blocking. The path to reform must be taken gradually."
Upon learning the truth, Xiao Nanyi was deeply moved: "Jun'er, you have matured. This turmoil has shown me your strategy and courage." He decided to abdicate ahead of schedule, allowing Xiao Chengjun to ascend the throne as soon as possible and complete the unfinished reform.
On the day of his coronation, the sun broke through the clouds and shone on the majestic palace. Xiao Chengjun, dressed in a dragon robe, looked down upon his subjects who shouted "Long live the Emperor!"