Chapter 136: The Reward
Deep in the night, Gaomen Village was still bustling.
Passing by the dilapidated residential houses, Xiao Yi could see from the wind-swept windows that the Dragon Merit Officials were in high spirits, discussing the matter of welcoming the Son of Heaven into the capital tomorrow.
Outside the Village Chief’s house, he encountered Tang Jin again.
“How is it?”
“Only this one token is left.”
“Sigh, military discipline is too strict now; we didn’t care about such things before. Have you collected your monthly salary yet?”
“Not yet.”
“You’re confused, aren’t you? It’s alright, next time you’ll know to collect your monthly salary first. By the way, where are you staying tonight?”
“I’ll pitch a tent.”
“Where would there be a tent? It’s such a tiny village. I’ve already sent your men back to the capital for you. You can squeeze in with me.”
Xiao Yi didn’t really want to share a bed with Tang Jin. He thought of Hou Renbao’s village house, which was relatively clean, and walked towards it.
He knocked on the door, and a farmer welcomed him in. Inside, it was almost a single large room, with only a thin wall made of straw mixed with yellow earth separating a single room, covered by a curtain.
By the stove, a large communal bed had been set up temporarily, where the farmer’s family was sleeping.
Hearing the commotion, Hou Renbao emerged from the single room, wrapped in a fur cloak. A smile bloomed on his chubby face, and he said, “General Xiao, if you don’t mind, please make do here for the night?”
“Thank you, Brother Hou.”
“Old man, boil some hot water for General Xiao to wash up.”
It could be heard that Hou Renbao was quite clean and worried that he was dirty.
Xiao Yi saw the farmer busy at work and took out money to give him.
Hou Renbao quickly said, “No need. I’ve already paid him. I won’t treat him unfairly.”
Xiao Yi removed his armor and washed up. He entered the single room and saw curtains hanging everywhere, blankets spread out, and incense burning. It was arranged more neatly than some girls’ boudoirs.
But it was still chilly. The common people’s earthen houses were drafty, not even as warm as tents. No wonder Old Man Hou Yi didn’t come to stay.
Hou Renbao handed him a felt blanket and asked softly, “Looking at the talisman on your waist, did you get punished?”
“Yes.”
“This… I shouldn’t say it, but Your Majesty shouldn’t punish the General. The Empress Dowager died of anger due to Li Ye’s incitement of the late Emperor. The Empress and the General are completely innocent. This punishment only causes more misunderstanding.”
Xiao Yi had also thought this, but who knew Guo Wei would actually punish him.
Looking at Hou Renbao’s eyes, there was clearly more suspicion, likely guessing that he had an affair with the Empress, which led to the Empress Dowager’s suicide.
“Brother Hou, you don’t know, I am not wronged. I have some entanglement with the Palace Lady-in-Waiting of the Inner Palace.”
“I see. A Palace Lady-in-Waiting, responsible for music and dance, and rituals, must be extremely beautiful… Oh, I mean, the General’s actions are understandable. Heh heh heh, this punishment is still too severe. General, please don’t give up on yourself. I dare to assert that you will be heavily relied upon sooner or later.”
Xiao Yi initially thought Hou Renbao was just being polite, but hearing his words, few people spoke so confidently when being polite.
“Why do you assert that?”
“The General has suffered such a great setback, yet his eyes are calm. Furthermore, the General has shown kindness to His Majesty. He has made great achievements but is punished, which shows that His Majesty wants to heavily rely on the General.”
The last sentence surprised Xiao Yi somewhat.
He looked at Hou Renbao again, sensing that this dandy was somewhat unusual.
Although the earthen house was cold, he slept quite comfortably that night. Before dawn the next day, a hunter brought a roasted pheasant. It was quite fragrant, served with the white porridge the farmer had cooked.
Hot water was also prepared, and even the dirty clothes he had taken off the previous night were washed and dried. They were dry and comfortable to wear, and his armor was also wiped clean.
It really makes a difference to have money.
However, Hou Renbao still lamented that these villagers didn’t know how to serve people.
After tidying up, it was already dawn.
“Cock-a-doodle-doo—”
“Let’s go, one last persuasion.”
Emerging from the earthen house, he saw that the small path leading to the Village Chief’s house was already crowded with civil and military officials.
Hou Renbao was not qualified to join the queue and stood under the ancient tree at the village entrance.
Xiao Yi lined up with the military officials and looked back. The old woman by the well was full of confusion, muttering to herself.
Half of the earthen wall on the east side had collapsed, and a few dirty children were peeking from behind it, also imitating the adults and discussing current affairs.
“Gouwa, what are you doing?”
“Duke Guo doesn’t want to be Emperor, so he’s hiding in our Village Chief’s house. He’s been persuaded for days.”
“Why doesn’t he ever agree to be Emperor?”
“He doesn’t want to betray his older brother.”
“But if he doesn’t agree soon, the world will be ruined!”
Xiao Yi saw that the children were very agitated and almost crying with urgency. He beckoned to them, and soon they came over, looking up at him with their dirty faces.
“Do you also want Duke Guo to agree to be Emperor?”
“Yes!”
“Good, follow me. Later, you can also join the persuasion and receive a reward.”
“I don’t care about the reward. I just feel that the white-bearded old official is crying so pitifully for the people.”
Soon, Feng Dao’s voice, full of anticipation, was heard.
“Your humble servant Feng Dao, leading the civil and military officials for the third time, respectfully requests the Regent to ascend the throne. The divine artifact is without a master; the Regent governs the nation with benevolence and righteousness, and pacifies chaos with arms. This is the mandate of heaven, which you must not refuse!”
The officials echoed in unison, kneeling on the ground, and said: “Please ascend the throne!”
After a long while, Guo Wei finally came out of the Village Chief’s house, waving his hands.
Xiao Yi then whispered to the children, “Go, start shouting.”
“Please ascend the throne, Duke Guo!”
“Duke Guo, just ascend the throne!”
The childish voices cut through the village. Guo Wei glanced in this direction, waved, and asked, “Little children, why do you wish for me to ascend the throne?”
“Duke Guo, if you don’t agree soon, the world will be ruined!”
“Your Majesty, open your eyes and see, this is the will of the people!”
Wang Jun was extremely excited, his voice trembling. Then, he waved his hand.
Tang Jin presented the tailor-made dragon robe and, without further ado, wrapped it around Guo Wei. Guo Shouwen stepped forward at the opportune moment to help Guo Wei dress.
“Long live our Emperor!”
“Long live our Emperor!”
“Moo—”
The cow at the village entrance also cheered.
In the distance, several old farmers kept rubbing their eyes and exclaimed, “He’s become His Majesty?!”
Drums and music began to play, and horns sounded to the sky.
Twelve guards armed with halberds led the way, escorting Guo Wei onto the Emperor’s Golden Chariot. Wang Yin led the Imperial Guard to clear the path, and Wang Jun led the officials behind the Golden Chariot. The procession moved majestically towards Kaifeng.
Xiao Yi was watching the spectacle when he saw Wei Renpu beckon him as he passed, signaling him to ride alongside and talk.
“Last night, what did Ming Gong discuss with you?”
“Because I made a mistake, I was punished.”
“Aside from that?”
“I chatted with the old farmers about grain tax and salt tax.”
Wei Renpu had clearly not slept all night, his face gaunt. Upon hearing this, his eyes showed thoughtfulness. After a while, he asked, “What do you think?”
Xiao Yi had intended to say that they should definitely be reduced.
Then he thought, Guo Wei and Wei Renpu hadn’t said a word yet, how could he lose his composure first?
“I think the common people are suffering.”
Wei Renpu asked, “Regarding your next official position, what does Ming Gong have to say?”
“Ming Gong did not say.”
“And you? What are your thoughts?”
“I accept Ming Gong’s arrangements and will not complain.”
“Can you handle your own affairs?”
“Yes.”
Xiao Yi understood what this meant: they had a relationship from handling secret matters, and if something truly happened, Wei Renpu would help him, but it wasn’t necessary now.
Wei Renpu seemed to have a lot on his mind and was silent for a long time, only speaking when Kaifeng City was within sight.
“Ming Gong pondered for a few days and finally made a decision, asking me to add a passage to the accession decree.”
“What is it?”
“All arrears of taxes that have not been paid shall be exempted. In addition to the double taxes, all surplus from extra measures, weighing fees, excess tributes, and miscellaneous items shall be abolished.”
“What great spirit!”
Xiao Yi couldn’t help but praise.
Wei Renpu looked at him deeply, not saying another word, as if all his energy in recent times had been spent on this single decision.
The procession circled the city and entered Kaifeng from the South Gate. The common people lined the streets to welcome them, but their eyes were filled with numbness.
It was as if they wanted to finish this martial man’s enthronement ceremony as quickly as possible and go home for the New Year.
Xiao Yi knew that from the fall of Jin, the Khitans’ occupation of the Central Plains, the three years of Han, to the present, over ten years had passed, and emperors had changed like a revolving lantern; they were tired of it.
They had not yet realized that this emperor was different.
It doesn’t matter. Once the accession decree is read, people will shed their numbness, cheer, and realize that this time it is truly bidding farewell to the old and welcoming the new.
Amidst this solemn, orderly, but unenthusiastic atmosphere, the Golden Chariot passed through Kaifeng, entered Da Ning Palace, and arrived at Guangzheng Hall.
Xiao Yi wisely stood at the end of the military officials, watching Guo Wei receive the imperial seal and ascend the throne.
Cheers of “Long live” echoed.
Afterwards, the accession decree was promulgated.
“Since ancient times, rulers who receive the mandate and establish dynasties have always conformed to the will of heaven and the desires of the people… I am a distant descendant of the Ji clan, a descendant of Guo Shu. Accumulated blessings and merits have reached the heavens and illuminated the world. Great virtues have been extended for a hundred generations, and the great mandate has now fallen upon my humble self. Today, the founding of the nation shall be named ‘Great Zhou’, and the fourth year of Qianyou of Han shall be changed to the first year of Guangsheng.”
Xiao Yi listened patiently, waiting for the crucial information that followed.
Indeed, he heard about the tax reduction.
“Officials in charge of revenue shall act according to the regulations and directives, and shall not collect any extra fees. All previously submitted excess tributes and miscellaneous items are hereby abolished.”
He looked up. On the throne, Guo Wei straightened his body, listened carefully to this article, and his eyes scanned the officials with a scrutinizing gaze, gradually becoming resolute.
His posture was stiff, as if he were not yet accustomed to it, but Xiao Yi saw his determination to become a wise ruler.
Unexpectedly, the officials reacted little to this. Perhaps they considered it mere pleasantries.
It seemed that only a very small number of people saw the new emperor’s resolve.
After the accession decree was read, shouts of “Long live” were heard again.
Subsequently, a decree was issued to posthumously award titles to the late Han ruler and Empress Dowager Li, essentially giving Liu Chengyou a posthumous title.
“Now that I have established the Great Zhou, extending benevolence to the previous dynasty, I shall properly bury the former ruler. According to the rules of posthumous titles, ‘lack of brilliance in governing the state is called ‘Yin’, and unfulfilled emotions are called ‘Yin’.’ The Han ruler reigned for three years, his achievements were not evident, and the dynasty was abruptly ended. He shall be posthumously titled ‘Yin’.”
Emperor Yin of Han?
Xiao Yi mused to himself, “I am the real actor.”
The ceremony was not over yet; it entered the lengthy process of rewarding meritorious officials.
“All officers and soldiers of the cavalry and infantry, who have exerted their utmost sincerity and loyalty, and offered their allegiance, their merits and contributions shall be recognized and rewarded…”
“Wang Jun has long been in the inner circle, assisting in the restoration. His loyalty and diligence are outstanding, and his talent and insight are sharp. He is hereby appointed as Right Vice Minister, Attendant Official, and concurrently Grand Councilor of State, and Supervisor of the National History, to promote good governance and set an example for posterity.”
“Wei Renpu is prudent and diligent in his duties, managing important affairs with remarkable success. He is hereby appointed as Deputy Commander of the Bureau of Military Affairs, in the hope that he will further dedicate his efforts and assist in confidential matters.”
“…”
Not long after, Xiao Yi actually heard his name.
“Xiao Yi, the twentieth commander of the Tianxiong Army, has always been loyal and brave, saved the Emperor’s bloodline, destroyed the enemy on the battlefield, and pacified Kaifeng. In recompense for his great achievements, he is granted the title ‘Meritorious Official of Assisting the Reign and Loyal Bravery’, enfeoffed as a county baron of the founding state, appointed as General of Zhongwu, awarded the title of Grand Master of Regular Presence, and concurrently Minister of the Court of Judicial Review.”
Xiao Yi was surprised.
First, he was astonished that Guo Wei still gave him a generous reward after he had made such a serious mistake. Of course, because Li Hanmei had been granted a too high official position previously, Guo Wei found it difficult to bestow further appointments; any higher would place him in the third rank.
Even more surprising was that there were no actual duties assigned.
The titles of meritorious officials and noble ranks were merely nominal. General of Zhongwu was a military honorary title, Grand Master of Regular Presence was a civil honorary title, and “concurrently” was an honorary additional appointment.
In other words, he was not given any real power.
Why?
There were two possibilities: either they no longer wanted to use him and gave him empty titles to settle the debt of gratitude; or they had not yet decided how to use him.
Xiao Yi pondered this, uninterested in observing the subsequent enthronement proceedings.
It wasn’t until the grand ceremony concluded that he followed the officials out of Guangzheng Hall.
“General Xiao.”
A young eunuch walked towards him, his steps unsteady, appearing to have recently undergone castration. He managed to reach him with difficulty and bowed.
“Your humble servant Zhang Dejun, greets the General. His Majesty has ordered the General to continue to temporarily hold command of the Inner Palace Guard until a new candidate returns to the capital for handover.”
“Your subordinate obeys the decree.”
Xiao Yi took his leave and, on the way back to the Two Corridors Guard Room, he kept pondering but still could not fathom Guo Wei’s intentions.
“The General is back!”
His subordinates surrounded him, chattering excitedly.
“We heard the music from guarding the Xuanwu Gate, and from now on, it will be the Great Zhou dynasty!”
“General, where will we be assigned? If you ask me, guarding the Imperial Palace is not very interesting. It’s better to go to Ye Du to fight the Khitans and earn merits.”
“Exactly, let’s raise the banner of the Nian Battalion and kill the bandits to earn merit.”
Xiao Yi waved his hand and said, “Don’t rush. The specific assignments haven’t come down yet. Today is New Year’s Day. Although we still have to be on duty, we should prepare some wine and meat.”
“Really?!”
“Indeed.”
Xiao Yi smiled and said, “Let’s not think too much about other things for now. Let’s have a good New Year together, brothers. Old Pan, give everyone some extra New Year money.”
“Alright!”
“That’s great!”
Old Pan smiled, “It’s just that at this time, with the Emperor’s enthronement, wine and meat weren’t prepared in advance, so it might be difficult to buy.”
“I have a way,” Lu You said, “My family are butchers. We definitely have pigs at home. If the General allows me an hour, I’ll go home and slaughter one.”
Wei Liang said, “My father hid ten jars of wine underground. I’ll go get them.”
“Great!” Zhang Mantun rejoiced and praised them repeatedly, “You two are truly loyal.”
“At least it’s better than Brother Tie Ya not paying a single cent.”
“You guys know nothing. If I weren’t married, I’d be so generous I’d die.”
“Hahahaha…”
In the evening, the wine and meat were prepared, and the Imperial Palace was about to be locked.
However, someone in plain clothes came out from the direct gate, causing the soldiers under his command to shout.
“Who dares to trespass?!”
“They actually came out of the palace, and… and they have a beard?!”
Xiao Yi rushed over and saw that it was Guo Wei.
“Your Majesty.”
“Shh, I’m going back to my residence to celebrate the New Year with my daughter. I promised her. Don’t spread the word. In a couple of days, after everything is settled, I’ll move in.”
“But…”
“It’s so desolate, what am I staying here for? You’re still drinking while on duty!”
“Your subordinate obeys the decree.”
Xiao Yi escorted Guo Wei out of the palace gate. Watching the night fall and the hooves recede, he suddenly felt that the art of ruling an empire was not so terrifying after all.
Wisps of the aroma of wine and food drifted through the cold palace towers, and laughter rose and fell, adding a touch of New Year’s atmosphere.
The third year of Qianyou of Han passed.
Tomorrow will be the first year of Guangsheng of the Great Zhou.
