I run a training class in Shu Han

Chapter 112 Retreat from the Dynasty

"Zhang Yi, have you forgotten? Not long ago, this Prefect Meng... was plotting to collude with Gao Ding and Zhu Bao to raise an army against the imperial court. If it weren't for Prime Minister Zhuge's brilliant strategy in laying a trap to capture him, the imperial court might already be sending troops to the south."

"Do you know how much money and grain the imperial court has to burn every time the troops move?"

"Will today's spring plowing ceremony be filled with such a joyous scene of universal celebration?"

The speaker was Wang Lian, the Colonel of the Cavalry.

When Yong Kai rebelled, he advocated that the court remain inactive and risk conquering the rebellion. Only after the court had recovered its strength and the people had had time to recuperate should troops be dispatched to quell the rebellion.

"Nanzhong has been a barren land since ancient times, plagued by epidemics, and therefore it did not submit to the king's rule. Now that Nanzhong has submitted, the court has provided money, grain, and manpower to help them cultivate the land and improve their lives. If we were to appoint the people of Nanzhong as governors, it would undoubtedly be like raising a tiger to cause trouble."

Previously, the southern region was a barren land. If the barbarians dared to rebel against the imperial court, a single general with tens of thousands of troops could suppress them.

However, after the imperial court helped the Southern Regions grow stronger, they were no longer a rabble, but a force that could threaten the imperial court.

Wang Lian's words were insightful and profound, and the court officials present nodded in agreement.

Zhang Yi bowed deeply to Wang Lian.

Both of them had served concurrently as the Prefect of Shu Commandery and the Chief Secretary of the Prime Minister's Office, so Wang Lian was the senior.

"Lord Wang, what you said earlier is indeed reasonable. It is indeed risky to let the barbarians govern the South. But Lord Wang has forgotten the most important word."

Wang Lian raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? What character?"

"Time!" Zhang Yi said, "Time refers to the opportune moment. It means to live in accordance with the opportune moment. The South is no longer the South of yesterday. After His Majesty pacified the South, he spread benevolence and kindness to the barbarian people, so that the South is no longer suffering from the ravages of war."

"Now, we are also developing water conservancy projects and educating the people of the south with agricultural science. With the people's lives improved, who would rebel against the imperial court?"

"If there is any rebellion in the South, it would be tantamount to defying Heaven and would surely lead to their own destruction. This is the way of Heaven, and also the way of Your Majesty's benevolence."

Wang Lian was speechless, sighed briefly, and retreated.

"What do you mean by 'from time to time'? In my opinion, this is just your personal agenda, Zhang Yi."

One of the court officials stepped forward and spoke righteously.

Liu Shan squinted and looked over; it was Situ Xu Jing.

"Your Majesty, Zhang Yi speaks with absolute certainty that he is acting for the sake of the court, but in reality, he harbors selfish motives."

Zhang Yi waved his sleeves dismissively and said frankly, "What selfish motives would I have?"

Xu Jing stroked his beard and smiled, saying, "Since Nanzhong has already submitted and the people's hearts are with us, it is in accordance with the law and reasonable for the court to send officials to serve in the seven prefectures of Nanzhong. They do not necessarily have to be barbarians."

"As all the officials know, when Meng Huo first arrived in Chengdu, he set fire to a mountain, which, according to the law, should have landed him in jail. But our Lord Zhang, with just a few words, saved him from imprisonment by offering to 'cut off his beard in lieu of his head,' and the two then became sworn brothers."

"Now that Lord Zhang has recommended Meng Huo as the Prefect of Jianning County, I think it's because of the deep brotherly affection between them."

Xu Jing spoke very cryptically, but everyone present could understand that he was implying a secret affair between the two.

Upon hearing this, Meng Huo could no longer tolerate it and said, "I have no say in how the court decides to deal with me for letting the mountain burn. But you have no evidence to falsely accuse Lord Zhang and question his character, and I, Meng Huo, cannot tolerate that."

Seeing the anger on his face, Xu Jing immediately said, "You can't stand it anymore because I exposed your conspiracy and started to get anxious."

"You..." Meng Huo clenched his fists, his eyes wide with anger, wishing he could devour Xu Jing in one bite.

"Xu Situ, stop rambling."

Zhang Yi shouted angrily and said solemnly, "General Meng was ordered to farm for the sake of the people of Nanzhong. Although he accidentally set the fire, it was this fire that made the people of Nanzhong realize the difference between their farming and that of the people of Chengdu."

"I also understand why the court and His Majesty wanted their leaders to learn farming."

"General Meng is using his bones as a torch."

Zhang Yi paused for a moment, then continued, "The South is different from Chengdu. It is mountainous and far away, and the people are complex. If the court sends officials there, they will be unfamiliar with the place, unable to speak the language, and have different customs, which may easily incite a popular uprising. Let the people of the South govern the South, using barbarians to control barbarians."

"Furthermore, the imperial court is not turning a blind eye. Li Hui, the governor of Yijiang, is stationed in Nanzhong, and the imperial court has troops stationed in each prefecture to monitor the movements of each prefecture. Wang Ping has five thousand elite troops under his command, and he can reach any corner of the seven prefectures in Nanzhong within three days."

"This is His Majesty's wise policy of governing the country with 'one dynasty, two systems,' not some so-called private exchange or act of personal motives."

"Zhang Yi's heart is as clear as day, and there is no need for you to say anything more."

After hearing this, Meng Huo nodded repeatedly and then knelt down.

"Your Majesty, I, Meng Huo, was foolish before and wanted to oppose the rule of the court. But now I know that Your Majesty cares for the people of Nanzhong, and I, Meng Huo, sincerely submit to the court. If I break this oath, may I die a terrible death."

Silence fell over the imperial court.

The silence was broken by Liu Shan's "Good!"

He was well aware that all the various factions were vying for a piece of the pie from the seven counties of Nanzhong for their own benefit.

As an emperor, even if he has a plan in mind, he cannot favor one side over the other.

Zhang Yi's eloquence in debating with the courtiers and Meng Huo's sincerity gave him the opportunity to speak.

It was also an opportunity to overwhelm all forces.

"Zhang Changshi's use of the word 'time' is excellent. Times have changed. The South is not the South of the past, and the court is not the court of yesterday."

Liu Shan's first words shut everyone up.

He was telling everyone that no matter their official rank or past achievements, the world now belongs to him, and the court belongs to him. If you dare to oppose him, you are his enemy.

"I established the Imperial Academy not only to teach how to be an official, lead troops, or farm, but also to teach you how to be flexible."

"Times are changing, the world is changing, and the methods of governing a country must also change accordingly."

"The core of 'one dynasty, two systems' is one dynasty, the Han dynasty. The coexistence of two systems represents the peaceful coexistence of two vastly different systems: one in the Central Plains and one among ethnic minorities."

"With the initial pacification of Yizhou, the submission of Nanzhong, the alliance with Eastern Wu, and the retreat of Cao Wei to the north, this presents a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for development."

"The current reforms of the court are perfectly in line with the times, a mighty and sweeping movement that has swept through everyone. Some, through their own efforts or by chance, have managed to rise to the forefront."

"Where the tide goes, there is boundless glory, boundless temptation, and boundless risk. It all depends on how you manage your own judgment."

"Looking to the future is far less clear than looking back at the past. Excitement and confusion intertwine in people's hearts."

Liu Shan's words were passionate and inspiring, prompting his ministers to reflect on their own thoughts.

"I have said all I have to say. You, my ministers, can interpret it yourselves."

"Court adjourned!"