novelraw Chapter 55 : Cheng Yaojin’s Promotion
Chapter 55 : Cheng Yaojin’s Promotion
Chapter 55: Cheng Yaojin’s Promotion
Jiang Zhaoming’s gaze swept across the gathered ministers below.
Among the ranks of the generals stood Zhao Shuijiao, a late-stage Divine Power Realm expert, as well as Qin Qiong, Aruba, Qin Wei, and Cheng Yaojin—four in the mid-stage.
At the early stage of the Divine Power Realm, besides the veterans Yan Chen, Ma Fei, Gu Shuyu, and Guan Ning, there were seven new faces: Xiao Yunhe and Han Lie from Suiye County, Lu Jiuxiao and Luo Tianyue from Jinman County, Bai Jinghong and Duan Canglang from Xuanchi County, and Yan Hengge from Ronglu County.
Apart from them, two new Divine Power experts had also appeared under Jiang Zhaoming’s command—his personal guards, Gu Landa and Chen Kang.
This meant that under Jiang Zhaoming’s banner, there was now one late-stage, four mid-stage, and thirteen early-stage Divine Power Realm generals.
Though Jiang Zhaoming commanded many military officers, when it came to civil officials and administrative talent, Anxi Prefecture was noticeably lacking.
Most of the officials of Anxi Prefecture had either been executed by the rebels or beheaded for betraying Great Zhou.
This led to a loss of nearly seventy percent of the prefecture’s officials.
Jiang Zhaoming had summoned all the key figures of Eastern Anxi to discuss the prefecture’s next phase of development over the coming days.
Half a day passed.
During that time, Jiang Zhaoming gathered detailed reports on the five newly annexed counties and discussed the army’s defensive arrangements.
From then on, the Queshe Army would be stationed in Cangbei, the Black-Armored Army in Loulan, and the Guan Ning Iron Cavalry in the Prefectural City.
All other armies would remain in place and could not be moved without direct orders.
When the day’s session concluded, most officials withdrew from the hall, leaving only Fan Kang and several generals summoned by Jiang Zhaoming.
Fan Kang glanced curiously at the gathered generals, and Cheng Yaojin and the others returned the same puzzled look.
Seeing this, Jiang Zhaoming broke the silence first. “Prefect Fan, if you have something to say, feel free to speak.”
Fan Kang cupped his hands, thought for a moment, and then said solemnly, “Your Highness! In my opinion, within the next twenty years, Anxi Prefecture should not launch any campaigns westward unless absolutely necessary!”
At these words, both Jiang Zhaoming and the generals looked astonished.
Cheng Yaojin could not help but ask, “Prefect Fan, what do you mean by that? Please explain.”
Fan Kang looked around and said slowly, “Generals, allow me to ask first—how would you describe the territory of our Anxi Prefecture?”
Without hesitation, Cheng Yaojin replied, “It is vast and expansive. The ten counties in the east alone stretch tens of thousands of miles apart.”
“General Cheng is correct,” Fan Kang nodded and continued, “Then, if the Great Jin in the north were to march south, could our army hold them off?”
Cheng Yaojin frowned and pondered for a moment before shaking his head with a sigh. “It would be difficult. Anxi is vast but sparsely populated, and its terrain is flat. Should the Jin forces invade, it would be hard to detect them in time.”
Fan Kang followed up with analysis, “Exactly so. Though Anxi’s territory is immense, its population is scarce. Large stretches of land are uninhabited, and there are no natural defenses along the borders. Not only the Great Jin—even any foreign army could invade with ease.”
Jiang Zhaoming nodded slightly. Fan Kang’s words struck the heart of the matter.
The reason the pacification of Anxi had gone smoothly was largely because the rebels sought independence, not pillage—the commoners had not been harmed.
But if Great Jin were to march south, or if the forces from the western thirteen counties that emphasized racial divisions rose up, the consequences would be disastrous.
Under a cavalry’s swift advance, massacres would be inevitable.
Seeing everyone’s solemn expressions, Fan Kang continued, “Therefore, I believe Anxi’s territory is too large—it has become a burden. The urgent task is to increase the population in the east, not to continue expanding.”
At these words, the generals turned their eyes to Jiang Zhaoming, fearing such counsel might anger their ruler.
Unexpectedly, Jiang Zhaoming smiled and said, “Prefect Fan’s foresight and prudence are truly a blessing to Anxi.”
Fan Kang quickly bowed humbly. Jiang Zhaoming then asked, “According to Prefect Fan, how should we resolve this dilemma?”
Fan Kang responded in an orderly manner, “Your Highness, there are three urgent measures: first, cease military expansion; second, improve the livelihood of the people; and third, encourage childbirth to replenish the population.”
Jiang Zhaoming rose and paced slowly. “What you say is reasonable, but in twenty years, how much can Anxi’s population truly grow? Perhaps not even double.”
Then, changing the topic, he asked, “Prefect Fan, do you recall the three assassins who once tried to kill me?”
“One was a death soldier of Great Liao; the other two were former soldiers of the Ronglu Army, twin brothers.”
“Do you know why they attempted the assassination?”
Fan Kang answered, “It was discovered that the three resented Your Highness for ‘occupying western lands’ and were dissatisfied that less than ten percent of western officials were locals.”
Jiang Zhaoming sat back upon his throne and sighed. “Anxi lacks an examination system and has few academies. The western folk cling to their native cultures and refuse to attend private schools. Thus, few qualify as officials.”
His sharp gaze turned toward Fan Kang. “What does the Prefect think should be done?”
Fan Kang thought for a while before replying, “I believe Your Highness could restore the Anxi imperial examinations and build academies across the prefecture.”
Jiang Zhaoming shook his head. “Prefect Fan, that would not suffice. Do you think that by doing so, the people of the western regions would truly participate?”
His tone grew firmer. “Their reluctance to attend schools is not because they don’t understand the value of study, but because they do not yet recognize our Great Zhou’s culture.”
“Relying only on childbirth and examinations won’t increase our population effectively, nor will it unite the hearts of Anxi’s people. Only when the westerners witness Great Zhou’s prosperity and come to understand its culture can this problem truly be solved.”
By now, the generals were confused, and even Fan Kang looked uncertain.
Finally, their collective doubt condensed into a single question from Fan Kang: “May Your Highness enlighten us?”
Jiang Zhaoming smiled mysteriously. “From this day forth, reopen the trade routes through Zhenlong Pass and Canglong Pass, rebuild Anxi’s industries, expand trade between the heartlands and the frontier, and bring in large numbers of Central Plains citizens to increase our Great Zhou population. Establish a Great Zhou Splendor Hall in Anxi to showcase our way of life…”
As Jiang Zhaoming continued speaking in grand and detailed plans, Fan Kang’s eyes shone brighter and brighter.
Yet in the end, he asked one more question.
“Your Highness, all else can be done, but there is one issue.”
Jiang Zhaoming asked, “What is it?”
After a moment’s thought, Fan Kang said, “How will Your Highness persuade the gates at Zhenlong and Canglong Pass to open for the people? And if so many citizens migrate westward, will it not cause discontent among the other princes?”
Jiang Zhaoming’s lips curved into a faint smile. “As for the passes, I have my ways. And the other princes? Since when do they have the authority to decide where the commoners may live? Great Zhou’s laws forbid no such freedom of movement.”
Fan Kang flushed with embarrassment and said no more.
“These matters will take time and effort. Prefect Fan, go now and think through the details carefully.”
Fan Kang bowed and withdrew from the hall, leaving behind a few drowsy generals.
Seeing them, Jiang Zhaoming shook his head with a smile before turning serious. “General Cheng, how did you achieve your breakthrough?”
The other generals immediately turned their gazes toward Cheng Yaojin, curious to know.
Feeling their eyes upon him, Cheng Yaojin did not hide the truth and spoke openly.
“Your Highness, while cultivating some days ago, I discovered that if one leaves their ‘mark’ within this world, Heaven and Earth will acknowledge it—thus allowing advancement.”
A mark?
Everyone frowned, listening as Cheng Yaojin continued.
As he explained further, the generals’ puzzled looks gradually turned to bright realization.