I, Liu Bian, Sanxing Han Dynasty

Chapter 628 New Year's Day Court Meeting

"It's you who killed my brother!" Wei Qu grabbed Dong Qiu by the collar and said. Facing Wei Qu who almost lost his mind because of his brother Dong Feng being captured, Dong Qiu was unable to do anything.

His previous explanations fell on deaf ears, and finally he shouted, "Your brother is incompetent, and was taken away by Gan Ning among the crowd. What does it have to do with me?"

Then he saw stars.

"I'll take you to exchange for my brother now!" Wei Qu said coldly.

"Wait a minute!" Dong Qiu came back to his senses from the pain and immediately tried to persuade Wei Qu, "If you show weakness to Gan Ning now, will you two brothers still have a place to stand in Yuexi in the future?"

"Besides, my Dong family is a big family in Yuexi, and we have branches in Yizhou and Zangke counties. If you dare to touch me, aren't you afraid that you will die without a burial place in the future?"

"Why don't you and I work together... Now your brother is in Gan Ning's hands, and the most urgent thing is to rescue him... I have a way, just find your brother and his wife and ask for help from the Bull King. Ah!"

With a cry of pain, Dong Qiu fell to the ground.

"I also have a plan. Tell me, who would Gan Ning prefer to have in his hands, you or my brother? If he captures you, my brother can come back!" Wei Qu said.

Then he dragged Dong Qiu away like a dead dog.

The soldiers in Dong Qiu's house who were disguised as servants had already been subdued by the barbarians brought by Wei Qu.

The barbarians are not all fools, and not all of them are willing to be used as guns by the big tribes in South China.

……

"So, the Yuexi Rebellion was caused by Dong Qiu's instigation?" Liu Bei received Gan Ning's report and said to Zhuge Xuan, "The Dong family is a large family in southern China. They have branches in all three counties and are connected to each other. If they have rebellious intentions, I wish to eradicate them!"

Faced with these big Han Chinese families in South China who were constantly trying to cause trouble, Liu Bei was really annoyed.

Zhuge Xuan immediately advised, "General, you can't do that. I have discussed the Nanzhong issue with Ziyu and Kongming before, and we all believe that to conquer Nanzhong, we must attack its heart. Although Dongfeng was instigated by Dong Qiu, he did not really harm the lives of the soldiers and laborers who were transporting the copper from Nanshan, and the Maoniu Yi King did not act abnormally because of this."

"Therefore, in order to appease the barbarians, although Dong Feng should no longer be the chieftain, his crime should not be punished by death. As for Dong Qiu's crime, at most the Dong clan of Yuexi will be implicated, and it should not be expanded."

After listening to this, Liu Bei felt that there was some truth in it, but he still wanted to take this opportunity to further clean up those restless clans in Southern China. Finally, after thinking about it, he decided to write a letter to the court and ask the emperor to make the decision.

When writing the memorial, Liu Bei suddenly thought of the wooden oxen and flowing horses that had been brought to Nanzhong before, and immediately added a note at the end of the memorial - Nanzhong is mountainous and the roads are mostly rugged, and the wooden oxen and flowing horses are particularly suitable for use in the mountains.

Liu Bei then requested the court to send more craftsmen who could make wooden oxen and flowing horses to Nanzhong. If that was not possible, he could send people to Luoyang to learn... Of course, Nanzhong could not afford the travel expenses and the cost of studying...

——There is nothing new under the sun.

After learning about Yuexi County, Liu Bian thought so.

At all times, there are always people who create all kinds of problems for their own selfish interests.

Not only did people in Nanzhong intend to cause chaos in the counties, but the four southern counties of Yangzhou and the four southern counties of Jingzhou were no exception after Generals An Dong and An Nan left.

Along with Liu Bei's memorial came the news that Chen Deng's Minzhong County had just put down a rebellion by mountain bandits. Governing a country is a long process, and there is no permanent solution that can solve the problem once and for all.

After discussions in the Secretariat and the Council of Political Affairs, it was unanimously agreed that they should follow Zhuge Xuan's advice and only target the Dong family of Yuexi County. The main culprit would be killed and the rest would be exiled to Hexi. The process was very smooth.

Of course, there was also a reward for Gan Ning, who had made great contributions and eliminated a very likely rebellion - the Inspector General of Yuexi.

After capturing the Yi chieftain alive among the "ten thousand troops", Gan Ning's power was more than enough for him to become the governor of Yuexi.

On that day, Liu Bian finished his government affairs early and arrived at the West Palace early in the morning.

At this time, Liu Bian's concubines were also there.

Perhaps it was because the world was peaceful after the land measurement that Liu Bian was able to relax both physically and mentally. After his two sons and one daughter, Liu Cheng, Liu Ze and Liu Le, there had been no movement in Liu Bian's harem for nearly two years. But in the year after the land measurement was completed, there was suddenly a lot of movement.

At the end of October, Mi Zhen gave birth to a daughter for Liu Bian, and Tang Wan also won a prize when she accompanied Liu Bian to Nanyang in the middle of the year.

Cai Yan and Dong Heng also found out they were pregnant after winter came.

During the banquet, Princess Wannian, who was already a married woman, said: "I still remember that before I left the palace, I used to play with my younger brother at the banquet..."

Having said this, Liu Shou suddenly shut his mouth and looked at Queen Dowager Dong with some apology, because Liu Xie was not here now.

Unexpectedly, Empress Dowager Dong smiled and said, "Don't look at me. I told your brother that after the wedding, I would no longer care about his stay or departure. Now the couple are practicing medicine and doing good deeds together. They are living happily, and I have nothing to ask for!"

After hearing this, Liu Bian said, "Don't worry, grandma. When my brother left, I specifically told him to come back before the New Year. When he wrote to me half a month ago, he was already in Runan County. I think he should be in Luoyang in a few days."

Empress Dowager He said to Dong Heng, "I wonder if your sister is pregnant after her marriage. If she is, Xie'er will have to stay after the New Year. By then, I will have a few more grandchildren, and the palace will be even more lively."

The points of conflict between Empress Dowager He and Empress Dowager Dong no longer exist. Over the years, the two have become accustomed to existing in the West Palace. It is impossible to have the mother-in-law and daughter-in-law be of one mind, but there is no problem with the superficial harmony.

Although Liu Xie eventually married her sister, Dong Heng was unaware of this.

Afterwards, Empress Dowager He said, "After the New Year, Cheng'er and Ze'er will be old enough to be enlightened. Has the emperor thought of a good candidate?"

Liu Bian had indeed considered this question. After all, it was an enlightenment, and it was impossible to really find a great scholar to teach him. He replied: "Zheng Kangcheng's son Zheng Yi has always been diligent and dutiful, and he also had good moral integrity when he was an official. He should be able to take on this task!"

If Zheng Xuan is not suitable, then let his son come. With the influence of his father and mother, Zheng Yi's level should not be too bad... Besides, if there is any problem, he can ask Zheng Xuan for help nearby.

Liu Bian had a beautiful idea.

Neither Empress Dowager He, Cai Yan, nor Tang Wan had any objection to this. However, Tang Wan did not say much, considering the issue of her sons Liu Ze and Liu Cheng going to school together, and only gave them a primer.

Liu Bian thought that he was still young and the training of the heir could be observed slowly. The eldest son was the most reliable heir... Liu Bian looked at Liu Cheng, who was eating because he was tired from playing during the day, and hoped that he would not let him down in the future!
Time quickly came to New Year's Day. On the eve of New Year's Day, Liu Xie indeed brought the princess back to Luoyang. Empress Dowager He's words came true, and Dong was indeed pregnant. This time, Liu Xie never mentioned leaving Luoyang after the New Year.

However, he did benefit a lot from this trip to treat illnesses and save lives. In Liu Bian's view, Liu Xie suddenly grew up, not knowing whether it was because of his increased experience or because he was about to become a father.

Liu Bian had no time to chat with Liu Xie at the moment, as the grand court meeting on New Year's Day was approaching and Liu Bian was also very busy. This time, many chieftains from various tribes came to participate in the grand court meeting.

In the south, whether in the southeast or southwest, there were enthroned chiefs who came to pay homage to the emperor. Even the Qiang chiefs among the Qiang people came to the court under the arrangement of Shu County and Jincheng County respectively.

Needless to say, the princes of the Western Regions were present. This year, influenced by the Han Dynasty's expansion into the Western Regions, King Bi of Shanshan and King Long'an of Yanqi brought eight kings of small countries to the court to pay homage.

Although the Xiongnu Zuoxian Wang Yufuluo did not come, the Chanyu Qiangqu had already settled in Luoyang. The Xianbei leader Dou Bin also appeared in Luoyang. Although Budugen did not come, he sent his brother Fuhanluo to the court on his behalf.

In Liaodong, Zhao Yun, the prefect of Xuantu County, who had not returned to Luoyang for a long time, brought the Wuhuan leader Lou Ban, as well as chieftains and generals from Goguryeo, Yemok, the Three Han and other tribes, as well as Liu Yu, Zhang Rang and others who had completed their missions, to the court.

What surprised Liu Bian was that even the Japanese Kingdom sent envoys to pay a visit through the Three Han Kingdoms.

These kings and chiefs of small countries or tribes will publicly pay homage to Liu Bian at the grand court meeting on New Year's Day.

"I haven't seen you for many years. Are you in good health?" Liu Bian asked Liu Yu.

This time Liu Yu went to court, and it was almost impossible for him to return to Youzhou, but he also brought such a valuable gift to Liu Bian at this time. Without Liu Yu's support, even if Zhao Yun wanted to gather so many brave chieftains of different ethnic groups, he would probably not be able to contact them.

Liu Yu replied: "Although I am old, my desire to serve my country is as strong as ever!"

Obviously he doesn't accept his age.

Liu Bian's appointment of Liu Yu was worthy of his efforts: "I would like to appoint you as a Sanqi and to take charge of the affairs of the Shangshu."

Liu Yu thought about what position the emperor would assign him, and thought it would probably be one of the Nine Ministers. However, he did not expect that he would be in charge of the Secretariat upon his return, so he instinctively declined, "Your Majesty, I have been in Youzhou for a long time, and I have no access to information..."

"You don't have to refuse!" Liu Bian said, "You are the elder. When my father was alive, I regarded you as a great sage of the clan. Now you have been in charge of Youzhou for many years, making the people rich and living in peace. How can I be stingy with the official position?"

After hearing this, Liu Yu no longer refused.

Then he took the initiative to say: "I saw that Your Majesty had the heart to educate the four barbarians, so I took the initiative to invite the Hu and Yi people around Youzhou to come to the court. I hope Your Majesty will not blame me."

After hearing this, Liu Bian laughed and said, "How could I be surprised...it's just that the Minister of Rites is inevitably busy."

"But as for educating the four barbarians, you have been in Youzhou for a long time, and the four barbarians have come to submit to you. What good ideas do you have?"

Liu Yu replied: "The border areas are short of supplies. In the past, when the powerful families traded with the Hu people, they often bullied them... Moreover, the Hu people are greedy for profit and are not afraid of death. If trade is not possible, they will resort to looting. Now that the Han army is strong and powerful, the Hu people are afraid of it. It is the right time to trade."

"However, I have observed the climate outside the Great Wall. For example, in the north of Yuyang County, snow in August is not uncommon, and it is earlier than a hundred years ago. I think that if this continues, the area outside the Great Wall will become less and less suitable for living. If there is no loss from war, even the trade will not be able to meet the needs of the Hu people. If we want to stabilize the border in the future, we need to keep the Hu people in the country."

Liu Bian did not expect that Liu Yu, who had been in Youzhou for a long time, had observed this.

Indeed, during the Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties, the Hu people generally submitted to the Han Dynasty. In addition to the fact that the Han territory had been in chaos for a long time and the people were no longer alive, the harsh environment outside the Great Wall was also an important reason for the Hu people to move south.

Liu Bian said: "It is fine for the Hu people to surrender, but it is absolutely not okay for them to surrender like the Southern Xiongnu did in the past! I have read history books and found that the Southern Xiongnu rebelled and surrendered many times. Such hidden dangers cannot be left to future generations."

"The people inside should follow the example of military farming and register as equals!"

As for those who don’t want to, just stay outside the Great Wall!

Liu Yu had long been aware of Liu Bian's style of doing things, and upon hearing this, he did not try to change Liu Bian's mind, but instead suggested: "Most of the barbarians outside the Great Wall follow the orders of the chieftains. If we can make the chieftains loyal to the Han Dynasty, then we can register them as common people."

Speaking of registering all people, Liu Bian thought of the Southern Xiongnu. After years of management by Cao Cao and others, almost all the Xiongnu people in Bingzhou were included in the Han Dynasty's household registration. At present, the Han Dynasty's understanding of the Xiongnu population is probably even better than that of Fu Luo.

But the Huns did not yet have to bear the same taxes as the Han people - this did not mean that the life of the lower-class Huns was easy, because their property and even themselves belonged to the tribal chiefs - and Liu Bian's next goal was to let the chiefs make a choice - to be a promising Han official, or to be a scum destined to be swept into the garbage dump.

From the current perspective, Gongsun Zan should be able to serve as a qualified white-faced hero.

After a brief distraction, Liu Bian asked Liu Yu again, "I have awarded various classic collections to the chieftains many times before, but the effect is very small. The chieftains still do not know them. You have been in the border area for a long time. Can you teach me?"

Liu Yu hesitated for a moment, and finally answered: "They value profit, maybe they can be tempted by it."

Before becoming an official, Liu Yu was also a famous Confucian scholar. It was a bit difficult for him to personally say that he could use benefits to lure people to study Confucian classics.

"You have always enjoyed prestige among the four barbarians. Now, when it comes to educating the four barbarians, I think no one in the court or the country is better than you." Liu Bian flattered.

Liu Yu knew in his heart that the emperor wanted him to be in charge of this matter, but he did not feel dissatisfied at all. Instead, he was very excited - he was even given the position of Shangshu Ping, what else could he ask for?

"I am willing to share your Majesty's worries!" Liu Yu responded decisively. This was indeed what he was willing to do.

Not long after Liu Bian met with Liu Yu, the largest New Year's Day court meeting since he ascended the throne began.

Perhaps because there were too many barbarians coming this time, the Minister of Rites Han Rong took the initiative to request that the grand court meeting be held in a more splendid manner. On that day, although everything was scheduled, no officials or ministers would really report anything outside of the schedule at the grand court meeting. However, by the time Liu Bian got up early in the morning and finished all the ceremonies, it was almost noon, which was a seamless connection with Liu Bian's banquet for the ministers at noon.

Compared with the grand court meeting, the atmosphere of the banquet involving ministers and friends from home and abroad was undoubtedly more relaxed.

During the banquet, there were dances by Hu girls presented by the Western Regions countries. King Bi of Shanshan and King Long An of Yanqi took the opportunity to step out when the Hu girls finished their dance and Liu Bian and the officials were praising them.

(End of this chapter)