ATPnovel Chapter 236 North and South Echoing Each Other
Chapter 236 North and South Echoing Each Other
Jia Wen's words of "urging him to ascend the throne" were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake; the ripples they created extended far beyond the study of the commander-in-chief at Feihu Pass. This shrewd and calculating chief minister, having chosen to speak, had clearly already deduced the subsequent course of events. Chen Xing's words, "It needs to be considered," and "It's advisable to inform the senior officials first," were interpreted by Jia Wen as tacit approval, or at least the initiation of a formal deliberation process.
Thus, a silent yet efficient wave of "rectification of names" began to spread rapidly along the empire's military and political network.
First, within the Southern Expeditionary Army headquarters, Jia Wen convened a small meeting, limited to core civil and military officials, under the pretext of "discussing strategies for the initial pacification of Jiangnan after the Battle of Caishiji." Attendees included high-ranking military generals such as Chen Wei, Shen Qing, and Dian Xiong, as well as Su Xiaoxiao, Minister of Revenue; Lin Wan'er, a Hanlin Academy scholar and military advisor; and the newly appointed Chief Physician, Lan Fenghuang—the latter three's presence was more symbolic, representing different important forces around His Majesty.
The first half of the meeting did indeed revolve around specific military matters such as how to quickly stabilize the situation in Jiangdong and put pressure on Nanjing after the capture of Caishiji. However, when the topic came to a close, Jia Wen seemed to casually change the subject, mentioning that "Your Majesty's achievements are outstanding, and the hearts of the people are with you. However, your position and rank have not yet reached the pinnacle, which seems to be a slight obstacle to uniting the strength of the world, deterring the remaining enemies, and pacifying the newly submitted." He then quoted Chen Xing's own ambition of "unifying the world."
Chen Wei and Shen Qing, among others, were initially taken aback, then fell into deep thought. Having fought countless battles, they were already utterly devoted to His Majesty the Emperor. To them, the title "Star Duke" or "Emperor" might not make much difference; His Majesty was His Majesty. However, Jia Wen's analysis from the perspectives of "military morale" and "deterring the enemy" made them realize that a more supreme title might indeed elevate the sense of honor and belonging of their soldiers to a new peak, and could also instill greater despair in the opposing enemy.
Dian Xiong was even more direct, his large, round eyes glaring: "What's there to discuss? His Majesty should have become emperor long ago! The territory we've conquered with His Majesty is even larger than the previous dynasty at its peak! Calling him 'Duke' is just His Majesty being modest! In my opinion, after conquering Caishiji, His Majesty should be immediately given an honorific title! I, Old Dian, am the first to agree!"
Su Xiaoxiao listened quietly, her slender fingers gently gliding across the counting rods. As the Minister of Revenue, who oversaw the empire's finances, her perspective was more practical. His Majesty's ascension to the throne meant a qualitative leap in the new dynasty's institutions, ceremonial standards, official salaries, and even palace expenses, all requiring substantial fiscal expenditure. However, in the long run, a legitimate and powerful emperor would have immeasurable positive effects on stabilizing finances, attracting investment, and expanding trade. Moreover, with His Majesty's enthronement, her position as a Noble Consort would be even more secure… She nodded slightly, her clear voice ringing out: "Prime Minister Jia's considerations are far-sighted. A legitimate title leads to legitimate actions, and legitimate actions lead to favorable outcomes. For the sake of the nation's economy and the people's livelihood, and for the long-term cause, His Majesty's ascension to the throne is indeed necessary. The Ministry of Revenue should do its utmost to raise the necessary funds for all ceremonies, rewards, and salary increases, ensuring that nothing is lacking."
Lin Wan'er's heart was filled with turmoil. His Majesty's ascension to the throne... that would be the true "Son of Heaven," seemingly even more distant from her, his subject. Yet, on the other hand, it was also a symbol of His Majesty's achievements reaching their zenith, a magnificent journey she had witnessed and participated in. Suppressing a subtle sense of melancholy, she rose and gave a graceful bow, her voice gentle yet firm: "Your Majesty's civil and military achievements are unparalleled throughout history, your virtue extends to all corners of the world, and the people are devoted to you. Your ascension to the throne is an act in accordance with Heaven and the people, and a great joy that all subjects have eagerly awaited. I am willing to do my utmost to draft relevant ceremonial documents for Your Majesty, to demonstrate this glorious era."
Lan Fenghuang seemed to understand only a little, but she recognized the word "emperor"—it meant the most powerful person. She blinked her bright eyes, looked at Jia Wen, then at the others, and suddenly clapped her hands, laughing, "Emperor! In our mountains, only the strongest warrior can become the chieftain, ruling the largest territory. Your Majesty is so powerful, of course you are the greatest 'chieftain' in the world! Fenghuang agrees! When the time comes, Fenghuang will present Your Majesty with our Baiyue Sect's most precious 'Blessing of All Spirits'!"
The atmosphere of the meeting quickly shifted from initial astonishment to a warm consensus. Jia Wen was satisfied, knowing that the first step had been taken firmly. He instructed everyone that His Majesty was still considering the matter and it should not be publicized widely, but they could appropriately guide public opinion within their respective jurisdictions to prepare the soldiers and officials.
Almost simultaneously, in Chang'an, the northern capital, thousands of miles away, another force began to quietly stir.
Jia Wen, through encrypted channels, relayed the proposal to "urge" Chen Xing to ascend the throne and the initial reactions from the core leadership of the Southern Expeditionary Army to Zhao Tiezhu, the Minister of Works who remained in Chang'an, as well as several other important vice ministers and heads of the Six Ministries, with utmost speed. Zhao Tiezhu was one of the earliest followers of Chen Xing, known for his upright character and unquestionable loyalty. Upon receiving the secret letter, he read it, then slapped his thigh and laughed heartily: "Good! Old Jia has finally done something sensible! Our lord... no, His Majesty should have been emperor long ago! We old brothers followed His Majesty through piles of corpses, wasn't it all for this day?!"
He acted immediately. Although not publicly proclaiming it, in his daily administrative affairs and correspondence with colleagues in the court and local officials, Zhao Tiezhu began to consciously link "His Majesty's" achievements with "the Mandate of Heaven," revealing in his words his expectations for a "new dynasty" and "legitimate rule." Several other important officials, either trusting Jia Wen's judgment, or sharing the same sentiment, or keenly sensing the shift in the political climate, also expressed similar attitudes, either openly or covertly, in their own ways.
This trend quickly spread from the imperial court to scholars and the common people.
First, it was at the Imperial Academy in Chang'an and official schools throughout the country. Some scholars from Jiangnan who had prior acquaintances with Lin Wan'er or admired her talent and character, after receiving letters from friends in the southern expeditionary force, began to privately discuss, in light of the current war situation, that "Xing Gong's achievements are unparalleled, and she should inherit the throne." This discussion quickly spread among young students, and combined with their desire to end the chaos and establish merit, it created a passionate atmosphere of public opinion.
The Censorate's spies were everywhere, and instead of suppressing this emerging public opinion, they actually fueled it in some places. Soon, in the northern prefectures and counties, folk songs, nursery rhymes, and even eulogies published by unknown writers began to appear, praising Chen Xing's achievements and implying that he "possessed the qualities of a sage king and should rule the world." Although these statements did not directly call for him to "become emperor," their implications were very clear.
The "consensus" within the Southern Expeditionary Army and the "echo" in Chang'an, the Northern Capital, and other parts of the north, rapidly intertwined and resonated through the efficient postal system and the network of the Censorate. It was as if an invisible torrent was simultaneously brewing and surging across the empire's northern and southern lands, its sole aim the ultimate goal—to enthrone Star Duke Chen Xing as Emperor and establish a new dynasty!
All of this, of course, did not escape Chen Xing's notice. What was presented to his desk every day included not only military reports, but also a large number of government memorials from Beidu, summaries of public opinion from the Censorate, and private letters from officials and gentry from various regions.
He reviewed and corrected the papers without making a sound. Occasionally, he would stop writing, look out the window, his gaze deep, as if he were weighing the true power and meaning behind this increasingly strong tide of "north-south resonance," and... how he should ultimately respond.