The Demon Lords-Chapter 743 - 162: Becoming a King! _3

"Next spring, students from Jin land may be recommended by local elders and officials, granted the same status as those who passed the civil service exam, and allowed to participate in the Spring Exam. The results will be divided into two groups to ensure the adequate registration of Jin students."

If General Zheng were in the Imperial Study now, he would undoubtedly be astounded by the Crown Prince's grand strategy, probably even feeling an urge to applaud in admiration. These measures were all very familiar to General Zheng, as they had been verified in the history he knew. The former was the policy adopted by the Qing after they entered the capital, and the latter was the system of Southern and Northern Imperial Examination rankings during the Ming Dynasty.

In other words, the aim was to distribute the benefits, to incorporate the talents of Jin land—including the aristocratic families and the erudite scholars—into Yan's rule by giving them opportunities to rise in status. Once they were satisfied, they would assist in appeasing the general populace of Jin, and everyone would be content.

One of the critical reasons for the downfall of the Qin State after only two generations was its superficial rule over the Six States. The regional officials were Qin people, and a Qin army was stationed nearby, which they considered successful occupation and control. However, the underlying local officials and other personnel were still remnants of the Six States. As the first unified dynasty, the Qin State failed in several aspects, providing lessons for future dynasties to learn from and improve upon.

However, it must be noted that the Crown Prince's insight was quite astounding. The Ji Family was indeed extraordinary.

"Also, regarding military officials, a supplementary army should be established in Jin land. The remnant forces of the Helian Family may head to Snow Sea Pass. The troops under Prince Cheng's Mansion may be relocated to South Gate Pass. Even Beifeng Prefecture, if it could quickly restore the Three Jin cavalry's..."

The Yan Emperor interrupted at this moment, "Matters of the military and its officers are to be discussed once Lord Jingnan's memorandum arrives."

"Yes, Father. I have been impetuous," said the Crown Prince, bowing his head.

"No, what you said just now was very good," the Yan Emperor paused before continuing. "However, military affairs have wide-ranging implications and must be the primary focus."

If anything went wrong in the management of the troops, no matter how well everything else was done, it would all be futile. Most importantly, after a major battle, when it was time to distribute the rewards, the court needed its share, and the victorious generals also needed to secure a portion for their subordinates. Even if Lord Jingnan did not want it for himself, he would need to fight for opportunities for promotion for his generals. If you chilled the hearts of scholars, at most they might pen some bitter verses or articles to satirize you. But if the resettlement of these war-hardened soldiers was not properly handled, real problems could arise.

The Yan Emperor was a monarch with great ambitions. He thoroughly understood that if he wanted the soldiers of Yan to maintain their enthusiasm for expansion, he had to allow them to genuinely enjoy the benefits of this expansion. Most importantly, Lord Jingnan's forces were currently somewhat estranged from the court; if there were any errors in the distribution of rewards, the situation would truly become dire. In short, the resettlement of military officials must be in accordance with Tian Wujing's demands.

"Crown Prince, you should discuss the allocation of civil officials in Li Tian City and Quhe City with the Prime Minister again. After the discussion, jointly submit a memorandum to me."

Zhao Jiulang immediately stood up and, along with the Crown Prince, bowed in assent.

Finally, the Yan Emperor waved his hand and said, "As for the Mansion of Lord Jingnan, it will be relocated to Ying Capital City."

This was only logical. The region east of the Wang River in the Three Jin had not yet been completely subdued, and the threats from the wild people and the Chu people continued. With Lord Jingnan stationed in Ying Capital City, the court could rest assured. What was also important was, if further problems emerged and Tian Wujing was too far away, what would happen if the messenger refused to comply with the imperial edict? The court had already lost face once. There was no reason for it to dig another hole for itself.

Currently, the strategic layout of Yan was such that the Earl of North Border guarded the west, and Lord Jingnan guarded the east. The barbarian tribes had been docile in recent years, but no one dared to be complacent. If the barbarians were to cause chaos and truly invade, the damage they would inflict would far surpass that of the wild people.

At this point, Zhao Jiulang stood up again and said, "Your Majesty, in my humble opinion, it is inappropriate for Lord Jingnan to move to Ying Capital City."

"Oh?" The Yan Emperor was slightly taken aback.

The other ministers, including the Crown Prince, immediately wore solemn expressions. In fact, everyone understood that while this might seem like the Prime Minister refuting and questioning the Emperor's decision, it could actually be a prearranged act. Zhao Jiulang had attained his powerful position among court officials partly due to his undeniable talent in governing, and partly because he always faithfully followed the Emperor's commands. However, with Yan's national power at its peak, no one dared to disparagingly label Zhao Jiulang a 'paper chancellor.'

Zhao Jiulang began, "Your Majesty, Ying Capital City is Prince Cheng's fiefdom. If Lord Jingnan resides there, there could be some... protocol issues."

The implication was: in Ying Capital City, should Lord Jingnan bow to Situ Yu, Prince Cheng?

Bow? What a joke.

Everyone present understood the situation. In reality, it was more plausible that Situ Yu would kneel before Lord Jingnan. Indeed, Situ Yu, as Prince Cheng, had kneeled to Lord Jingnan before.

But why raise this issue specifically?

Hsu Guanghuai cast his gaze towards the Crown Prince.

The Crown Prince hesitated slightly.

Hsu Guanghuai's gaze remained fixed.

Zhao Jiulang also remained silent.

The Crown Prince finally stood up, proactively knelt, and earnestly said, "Father, I am recommending these individuals despite our close relations, speaking from a purely impartial standpoint. 𝓯𝓻𝓮𝙚𝙬𝓮𝙗𝒏𝙤𝒗𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝒐𝓶

"Lord Jingnan has repeatedly rendered meritorious service to the state, vanquishing Jin and expelling the wild people, thereby expanding the territory of Yan!

"The Earl of North Border has defended Beifeng Prefecture for generations, guarding Yan against the barbarians. His centuries of contributions are as immense as the heavens!

"I boldly petition for royal titles to be conferred upon the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan!"

One was his future father-in-law, and the other was his maternal uncle. Truly, he was not avoiding favoritism in this internal recommendation.

The Yan Emperor calmly surveyed all the officials present in the Imperial Study. Immediately, all officials rose and knelt, collectively exclaiming, "We boldly petition for royal titles to be conferred upon the Earl of North Border and Lord Jingnan!"

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