The Demon Lords-Chapter 742 - 162: Becoming a King!_2

Hsu Guanghuai was, of course, aware that speaking of "allowing the people to recuperate and recover their strength" to the current Emperor would be a very unwelcome task. However, as the Minister of Revenue, it was his duty.

The Yan Emperor showed no anger. He simply left Hsu Guanghuai standing there and turned to Zhao Jiulang. Zhao Jiulang, noticing the Emperor's gaze, rubbed his nose, deliberately ignoring the Emperor's unspoken meaning.

The Yan Emperor shook his head and looked at the Crown Prince, who sat with his back perfectly straight. "How do you think we should consolidate the Three Jin territory?" he asked.

This was not an examination. As the heir to a nation, one must have one's own well-thought-out ideas on such matters, regardless of whether one is asked.

The Crown Prince immediately rose. After a moment of contemplation, he said, "Father, the Three Jin territory has been ravaged by numerous wars in recent years. Your son agrees with Elder Hsu's assessment; it is indeed reasonable. We should allow the people to recuperate."

The Yan Emperor listened patiently, leaned back slightly in his chair, raised his hand, and said, "Be more specific."

"Yes, Father. For the imperial court, governing a region and its people boils down to just two words."

"Which two words?" the Yan Emperor asked.

Hsu Guanghuai was ready to offer his support. Since the Crown Prince had previously endorsed his views, it was natural for him to reciprocate now.

The imperial court of Yan was certainly known for its iron-blooded nature, and His Majesty was not one to consider scholar-bureaucrats exempt from punishment. Yet, on the other hand, the messy infighting within Yan's court was actually far less severe than in other states. For instance, His Majesty cared little about whether there was a "Crown Prince's faction" or not, and he even entrusted this year's imperial examinations to the Crown Prince. Therefore, it was not considered a taboo for ministers to be close to the Crown Prince.

"Simply 'Civil' and 'Military'."

The Crown Prince then walked over to the map of the Three Jin territory hanging on the west wall of the Imperial Study. Because a war was ongoing there, a map of the Three Jin territory was currently displayed in the Imperial Study. While the Yan Emperor generally avoided micromanaging Lord Jingnan on the front lines, as the sovereign, he could not possibly ignore the situation of the war.

The Crown Prince pointed to the locations of Li Tian City and Quhe City on the map and said, "Father, in your son's view, the true strategic key to the Three Jin land lies in three cities and three passes. The three cities are Quhe City, Li Tian City, and Ying Capital City. The three passes are South Gate, Town South Pass, and Snow Sea Pass.

"South Gate is the pass that Emperor Jin himself opened when the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan led their army into the Jin land. Beyond South Gate lies a multitude of small states at the junction of the Qian State, Chu State, and Jin land. Town South Pass was originally built by the Situ Family specifically to counter the Chu State. It could not be called a strategic fortress then, as the Situ Family's territory did not border the Chu State. It was only later, with Chu State's continuous expansion, that they became neighbors. In recent years, frequent minor skirmishes and battles along the border have imbued Town South Pass with a deeper strategic importance.

"Setting aside the three cities for now, let us first discuss these three passes. Father, beyond South Gate lie numerous minor states. When the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan led their forces through this area in the past, the Wenren Family received no intelligence whatsoever. This is enough to demonstrate the complex situation among these small states. This location must be garrisoned by a general who is meticulous and thoughtful. This serves two purposes: first, to guard the southern gateway to the Jin land, and second, to facilitate the division and absorption of these small states. The precedent of the Yu clan is before us, and Prince Cheng follows it. Our Great Yan has always shown utmost sincerity towards the noble houses within these states. After a few years of careful management, we can achieve the effect of subduing the enemy without resorting to warfare.

"Town South Pass is currently in the hands of the Chu people. Your son suggests that as the war concludes, we should seize the opportunity to reclaim it, leaving no loose ends. A steady and veteran general should be assigned to garrison it and guard against the Chu people.

"As for Snow Sea Pass, it is the foremost of the three passes and of critical importance. The wild people of the Snow Plains will inevitably be greatly weakened by this conflict. However, the Snow Plains are harsh and vast, and the wild people will never abandon their ambition to once again make inroads southward. Therefore, a valiant and battle-hardened general must be stationed at Snow Sea Pass. We should apply the same methods our Great Yan has used over the years to deal with the Barbarians to gradually diminish the strength of the wild people."

Here, the Crown Prince paused for a moment before continuing, "With these three passes secured, the gateway to the Jin land will be in the hands of our Great Yan. Next, these three cities are key to the governance of the Jin land. Quhe City and Li Tian City, as well as their subordinate prefectures and counties, must change the previous system and adopt the precedent of joint civil and military administration."

Hearing this, many of the ministers present nodded slightly in agreement. Previously, entrusting local governance to military commanders was a measure of necessity. After all, for newly occupied territories, maintaining stability was the primary concern. There was also the worry about the resurgence of lingering troubles from the Helian Family and Wenren Family. Moreover, having military commanders garrison and administer localities also eased the imperial court's pressure regarding the transport of funds and provisions. But now, if the New Jin territory is to be properly governed and integrated into Great Yan's domain, it is natural that civil officials must be appointed.

It was not very convenient for these ministers to voice such matters. After all, the Yan State was different from the Qian State; civil officials did not hold the upper hand over military generals. Joint civil and military governance essentially meant dividing the power of military generals. Only the Crown Prince was in the most suitable position to propose this.

Immediately after, the Crown Prince faced the Yan Emperor again and said, "Regarding this joint civil and military governance, your son has another idea. I humbly request Father's correction."

"Speak."

"Your son believes that if we wish to achieve swift governance over the Jin land, especially in civil matters, we must implement new laws. From prefects down to county magistrates and chief clerks, each position should be dually appointed. An official from the Yan region will be primary, assisted by an official of Jin origin. Recruiting Jin people to serve as officials and clerks will allow the Jin land to stabilize quickly. Furthermore, starting next year, the imperial examinations at all levels in the Jin land must be consistent with those of Great Yan."