Xiao Qing gazed at Liang Xiao, his eyes blazing, his heart surging with emotion!
If the barbarians can go, so can I!
Who says only the barbarians can roam the great desert!
"Since the founding of our Great Qian dynasty by Emperor Gaozu, our nation has adopted a defensive stance against the barbarians. This is ultimately not a long-term solution. The revenge for Yanzhou is a painful memory… I, too, hope that one day our nation can avenge this humiliation. Otherwise, if we are helpless against even a single barbarian tribe, how can we be worthy of the title 'Central Kingdom'?"
"From today onwards, the state will gradually improve the treatment of soldiers and encourage the populace to enlist, thereby strengthening the nation and its military. However, we must also avoid overcorrection and excessive militarism, which could lead regional commanders like Dugu Ling to amass their own power and even rebel. Henceforth, the appointment of generals in key military strongholds must be decided by me and the four Grand Regents!"
The officials were awestruck, and even Ouyang Ji and others dared not speak in opposition.
They could all sense the fervent emotion and unassailable authority in Xiao Qing's voice.
Liang Xiao nodded slightly, not negating Xiao Qing's words.
Scholars often lead a nation to decay.
If military men are not kept in check, they can directly rebel, leading to a million casualties!
The conflict between civil and military powers requires a balance, and a wise ruler is naturally at the center of this balance.
Seeing that no more officials objected, Xiao Qing finally lifted his spirits and smiled, "I am aware of the situation. The captain of that foreign merchant ship was a descendant of the Great Zhou dynasty from centuries ago, who came to pledge allegiance to Great Qian. Unfortunately, he met his demise at the hands of Japanese pirates. Now, only his wife, He Liuzhu, and granddaughter, He Ling, remain..."
"Issue a decree to all nations, posthumously enfeigning He Yao as the Marquis of Return, and enfeoffing He Liuzhu as the Lady of Return. Women of Great Qian are eligible to inherit titles under special circumstances. In the future, He Liuzhu will inherit the positions of Marquis of Return and Lady of Return! From the wealth of the foreign merchant ship presented by He Liuzhu, ten thousand taels of silver will be set aside for her family, along with an additional grant!"
"Yang Huan, the General of the Feathered Forest Guard, has rendered meritorious service in stabilizing the East Sea situation and is currently assisting General Li Mou, the Commander of the Naval Forces, in defending the East Sea. He is summoned back to the capital to report on his duties, promoted to the rank of General Pacifying the East, and awarded a thousand taels of gold! The remaining soldiers of the Feathered Forest Guard will be rewarded for their merits tomorrow, with each receiving no less than thirty taels of silver!"
As soon as the words fell, officials led by Wang Canghai shouted in unison, "Your Majesty is wise."
The Four Ping Generals, a rank between the Heavy Seal Generals and Miscellaneous Generals, held a position below the Four Town Generals but were still officials of the court with a rank of fourth grade and above, qualifying them to attend court sessions!
Ouyang Ji and He Wanli, among others, felt like thorns in their backs.
Yang Huan was related to the Liang residence by marriage. This was clearly a move to cultivate Liang Xiao's influence and suppress them!
After the court session, Liang Xiao followed Xiao Qing back to the imperial study. Xiao Qing looked at Liang Xiao, his heart filled with emotion.
Once again, his elder brother bore all the hatred for him, even extracting three million taels from the Dugu family and coercing them into mortgaging their land!
"Brother, when do you think it's appropriate to announce that the salt-making technique originated from you? Xiao Shuang Zi will then notify the world…" Xiao Qing said with utmost sincerity.
Xiao Qing's thoughts were now complex.
On one hand, Xiao Qing wished to "deceive" this rascal elder brother again under the guise of "Xiao Shuang Zi"; it was so much fun!
On the other hand, he also wished to reveal the truth to Liang Xiao, so he wouldn't have to constantly suppress the urge to rush into Liang Xiao's arms.
Liang Xiao looked at Xiao Qing and smiled, "Xiao Shuang Zi, Brother truly doesn't care about fame or fortune…"
"I know, Brother entered the officialdom because of Xiao Shuang Zi!" Xiao Qing lowered his head, feeling ashamed.
With Liang Xiao's talent, he could easily be a carefree wealthy gentleman, how pleasant that would be!
Liang Xiao smiled, "You must become a sage emperor for all time, establishing an era of peace and prosperity. As a ruler, you must firmly control both civil and military powers. Never be careless. Even with your own elder brother, you must have your own opinions…"
Xiao Qing exclaimed in surprise, "Xiao Shuang Zi will always trust Brother!"
Ning Xuejun pondered for a moment before letting things take their course.
Without Liang Xiao, no matter how wise her lord was, she could only delay the dynasty's decline, still being constrained by the aristocratic families. How could such achievements be possible today?
Both the national policies and the new crops would bring a new look to Great Qian!
Liang Xiao patted Xiao Qing's head and said earnestly, "Xiao Shuang Zi needs to grow up. If, one day, Brother also threatens imperial power, I will naturally choose to withdraw in time."
Xiao Qing was startled and looked pleadingly at Liang Xiao, "Does Brother wish to leave Xiao Shuang Zi and your Shuang'er…?"
Liang Xiao shook his head, hesitating to speak.
Xiao Qing saw it and said gently, "Brother, whatever you have to say, just tell Xiao Shuang Zi. Xiao Shuang Zi will never make things difficult for Brother!"
Liang Xiao was touched and sighed, "Xiao Shuang Zi, can you promise never to harm Brother's family…?"
Xiao Qing was taken aback, then recovered and nodded, as if understanding something, "Brother, have you had contact with the remnants of the Great Heng Kingdom?"
Liang Xiao gave a wry smile, "Xiao Shuang Zi is always so smart."
Ning Xuejun was shocked, looking at Liang Xiao with a complex expression.
She could naturally see that Liang Xiao would not harm Xiao Qing, but why was he involved with the remnants of the Great Heng Kingdom?
Xiao Qing held Liang Xiao's hand and said softly, "That day, Brother suddenly asked my opinion of the Great Heng Kingdom's remnants, and now you are so hesitant. Of course, I guessed. To make Brother so cautious, the other party must have an unusual identity. Brother doesn't want to cooperate with the Great Heng Kingdom's remnants, yet you were eager to inquire about the whereabouts of the Great Heng Kingdom's princess that day…"
Liang Xiao fell silent.
Xiao Qing continued, "It seems to be related to the Great Heng Kingdom's princess. But that princess was sent to the home of a loyal official by my father. Brother doesn't know… I can only guess that the infant sent to the loyal official's home was not the true princess of the Great Heng Kingdom, but the relative of the person who approached you? And calculating the years… Miss Yue Lian's age fits perfectly. A coincidence?"
Liang Xiao nodded with difficulty, "Yes, I cannot betray Yue Lian, nor can I betray you and Shuang'er. The remnants of the Great Heng Kingdom accidentally discovered Yue Lian's identity and informed me and Yue Lian, wanting to subvert us, but I drove them away. However, they will not give up easily. I hope to find his daughter so he stops causing trouble…"
Just as Liang Xiao was about to say more, Xiao Qing covered his mouth.
"Brother, as long as you can keep an eye on her and ensure she isn't used, and doesn't collude with the remnants of the Great Heng Kingdom, nothing else matters…"
Liang Xiao was stunned, "Then what is important?"
Xiao Qing said earnestly, "Great Heng Kingdom has the Marquis of An Guo, Xiao Shuang Zi and Shuang'er have Brother. That is the most important thing!"
Liang Xiao looked at Xiao Qing, his eyes moist, and embraced him.
Xiao Qing's heart fluttered wildly. She reached out to shield her chest, fearing that with their chests touching, Liang Xiao would discover her secret.
"Brother will not let Xiao Shuang Zi down, because Brother cherishes Xiao Shuang Zi the most. If only Xiao Shuang Zi were a girl."
Hearing Liang Xiao's affectionate words, Xiao Qing finally burst into tears.
Ning Xuejun finally breathed a sigh of relief.
The four Grand Regents were ultimately just four protective talismans. The one who could truly help the lord establish a prosperous era was still Liang Xiao!
"Xiao Shuang Zi, you must grow up quickly and have many children. Don't go astray, or Brother will spank your bottom!"
Ning Xuejun was speechless, and Xiao Qing choked.
"I know! I won't go astray…" Xiao Qing mumbled.
That despicable fellow, she was a girl, how could she go astray!
Liang Xiao chuckled, released Xiao Qing, wiped his own tears, and then put on a sanctimonious demeanor, pouting, "Supervise on Brother's behalf, and don't let Shuang'er go astray either. I suspect her favorite is actually her sister Qingxue. If this continues, Brother will have to fight Qingxue for women!"