Stroking a stubborn donkey along the grain can lead to unexpected results.
During the few days Xie Linchuan was held in prison, the turmoil in the capital finally subsided.
The news that Li Xuehong, the last successor of the Jing Kingdom, had been captured and had personally written an edict of abdication to submit to Qin Li spread like wildfire. The curtain had fallen on this drama of dynastic change, and a winner had been decided.
Aside from scattered remnants and a few stubborn old officials putting up a last ditch resistance, those who needed to be killed were killed, and those who needed to be captured were captured. The imperial city had fallen completely under Qin Li’s control.
Most of the generals and soldiers under Qin Li were unrefined men from humble backgrounds. They carried a heavy air of banditry and lacked formal education. However, Qin Li managed his troops with clear rewards and punishments. Discipline was extremely strict; anyone daring to loot or commit sexual violence within the city was swiftly dealt with by military law.
Already, a few bold merchants in the city had quietly opened their doors to resume business.
Those court officials who had been confusedly captured because the former Vice-Commander of the Imperial Guard, Yang Qiong, opened the gates to surrender, saw that even Li Xuehong had chosen to yield. They all breathed a collective sigh of relief and followed suit by submitting their own declarations of surrender.
It was not that there were no loyal ministers willing to die for Great Jing; it was simply that the winter water was too cold, and their own blankets were much more comfortable.
With Li Xuehong’s cooperation, Qin Li’s grand coronation ceremony was held as scheduled.
On the magnificent and open central courtyard plaza, ranks of soldiers stood in full armor holding long spears. Towering black and gold banners fluttered solemnly in the wind.
The civil and military officials filed into the Hall of Central Rectitude from the left and right. Most of their expressions were solemn and respectful, though a closer look revealed distinct differences.
Those qualified to stand in the front rows of the hall were the trusted civil and military officials who had followed Qin Li since the beginning of his uprising. Their faces bore unmistakable excitement and joy.
Standing at the head of the right side were Qin Li’s top general, Nie Dong, and his sworn brother, Qin Yongyi, two men Xie Linchuan had already met.
Opposite them, leading the civil officials, was the strategist who had followed Qin Li the longest, Yan Yu. He was slender with a fair complexion and a fine, elegant beard. Near forty years of age, he appeared refined, mature, and possessed an extraordinary aura.
Xie Linchuan had met him a few times in his past life and held a quite deep impression of him.
In the previous life, there was no personal enmity between them, yet Yan Yu was extremely wary of Xie Linchuan. He had repeatedly advised Qin Li not to grant him any official rank or power. Later, he even demanded Xie Linchuan be executed to eliminate any future trouble, but Qin Li had always brushed these suggestions aside.
Xie Linchuan observed the man surreptitiously. He had to admit that Yan Yu’s vision was far more ruthless and accurate than Qin Li’s.
If Qin Li had listened to Yan Yu’s heartfelt advice sooner, how could he have ended up as Li Xuehong’s prisoner in the end?
Before long, the surrendered officials from the previous dynasty also took their designated positions, each looking grave and cautious.
Xie Linchuan glanced back casually and actually spotted two familiar faces: his former colleague, the Minister of War, Mei Ruoguang, and the former Vice-Commander of the Imperial Guard, Yang Qiong.
Xie Linchuan raised an eyebrow. He knew these two all too well.
The former was the culprit who had whispered slanders to the old Emperor, accusing General Xie of cultivating bandits to bolster his own importance and having merit so great it intimidated the ruler. This led to the original owner being stripped of military power and dying in a prisoner’s carriage on the way back to the capital for trial.
Mei Ruoguang had once been cursed as a treacherous villain by General Xie in front of all the civil and military officials. After Xie Linchuan transmigrated, Mei Ruoguang had tried several times to have him imprisoned; he was Xie Linchuan’s greatest political enemy.
The latter, Yang Qiong, had long ago betrayed the Li imperial family and secretly communicated with the Prince of Yao’s army. He not only surrendered the city but also acted as an informant, making it impossible for Xie Linchuan and Li Xuehong to escape in time, leading to their capture.
If one were to ask who the remaining subjects of Great Jing hated most, Yang Qiong might actually rank higher than Qin Li.
As Xie Linchuan studied the two, Mei Ruoguang and Yang Qiong also noticed him. Their faces turned various shades of blue and white as if they had seen a ghost, filled with both shock and rage.
Mei Ruoguang was short and thin, nearly fifty years old, with a beard that had already turned white. He squinted his small eyes, pointing at Xie Linchuan for a long while before finally letting out a cold snort. “I wondered who it was. So, it is our Great Jing’s unmatched loyal and brave General Chixiao.”
“Since the Emperor has changed, why is it that General Xie, as the Commander of the Imperial Guard, did not sacrifice himself to follow the late Emperor when the city fell? Instead, you stand here so brazenly at the new Emperor’s coronation?”
This sarcastic remark was quite hilarious because standing right next to him was the Vice-Commander who had literally opened the gates to surrender. Xie Linchuan immediately let out a light chuckle.
Mei Ruoguang also realized he had misspoken. He quickly changed his tune toward the sour-faced Yang Qiong: “Vice-General Yang truly has eyes like a hawk. Knowing that he could not hold the imperial city and being unable to bear seeing the common people suffer, he preferred to bear the infamy of betraying his master just to save the citizens of the capital.”
“Oh,” Xie Linchuan nodded. “So acting as an informant was also for the safety of the people?”
Ever since Yang Qiong committed the act of selling out his master for personal gain, he had focused only on saving his own life and securing wealth. He had long since tossed such harmless mockery to the back of his mind.
He was tall and robust with a round belly, but his voice was somewhat shrill. He replied without changing his expression, “Ever since the late Emperor passed away, Prince Xuehong looked down on us old officials for being aged and frail, while treating General Xie with special favor.”
“But look at you now? Has General Xie not also abandoned his old master to serve in the same hall as us treacherous ministers you once criticized?”
“Hmph. What unmatched loyalty and bravery? It is nothing more than this. Perhaps even before everyone else, you had secretly colluded with the Prince of Yao’s army. Otherwise, by what virtue or ability do you occupy the head position among the former officials in this grand hall?”
Upon hearing the words “head position,” Xie Linchuan understood.
In a formal and solemn occasion like a coronation, every position occupied by the officials was meticulously arranged; there would be no mistakes. Originally, Yang Qiong, due to his early surrender and the merit of opening the gates, should have been at the head of the surrendered officials.
Yet, Qin Li had deliberately placed Xie Linchuan in front of Yang Qiong. Without an ounce of merit, he was forced to stand above him.
“By what virtue or ability?” Xie Linchuan chewed on those four words and smiled calmly. “The same as yours.”
Yang Qiong and Mei Ruoguang were both stunned. “What?”
Xie Linchuan said solemnly, “Precisely because I could not bear to see the people suffer, I preferred to be cursed as a traitor by petty men just to save the citizens of the capital.”
“The current Emperor has eyes like a hawk and knows how to use people well. Therefore, based on talent and virtue, he placed me here. Otherwise, who else could be at the head? Could it be you two? That would surely become a laughingstock for the people of the capital.”
Yang Qiong and Mei Ruoguang were so shocked by this shameless yet righteous speech that their mouths hung open and their faces turned the color of pig liver. For a moment, they did not even know how to refute him.
They exchanged a glance. The Xie Linchuan in their memory was clearly an upright, steady, and cold general. When did he learn such a slick way of talking?
Yang Qiong wanted to offer a few more sneers, but he saw Xie Linchuan point ahead. Qin Li had already appeared in the hall, and the eunuch announced the start of the coronation.
Seeing this, Yang Qiong had to swallow his anger and stand back behind Xie Linchuan, suppressed by rage. He already resented Xie Linchuan for being Li Xuehong’s confidant and forcibly taking his position as Commander. He thought he had finally made a comeback in the new dynasty, but before the new Emperor was even officially crowned, history repeated itself, and Xie Linchuan had once again taken what belonged to him.
Yang Qiong wished he could swallow him alive!
He knew very well that Xie Linchuan must hate him for surrendering the city and acting as an informant. The enmity between them was as deep as the sea, with no possibility of reconciliation.
Xie Linchuan narrowed his eyes. His and Yang Qiong’s positions were clearly a deliberate move by Qin Li.
Qin Li possessed all the flaws historical tyrants often had, such as hostility, domineering behavior, arrogance, and suspicion. Qin Li was not a natural born ruler, but his experience of fighting his way up from the bottom made his desire for power and control exceptionally vigorous and sensitive.
The vast majority of Qin Li’s Yao Wang army were unrefined military men; there were pitifully few scholars under his command. He had just ascended the throne and had few trusted, experienced civil officials to fill central government vacancies. For the time being, he had to continue using the surrendered officials from the previous dynasty.
In the current political climate, internally there was Li Xuehong, the Prince of Shun, who was full of resentment. Externally, Li Fenghao still carried the banner of the previous dynasty and led troops in opposition. If these surrendered officials in the court were to band together, acting in defiance or deceiving their superior, Qin Li might find that his decrees could not even leave the imperial city.
After all, one can conquer a kingdom with soldiers, but one must rule a kingdom with civil officials.
The best way to prevent civil officials from colluding is to place enemies together to check and balance each other.
Qin Li placing him in the first position was definitely not a show of affection or a reward for his lover. It was clearly because he suspected Xie Linchuan was still loyal to his old master and plotting something, so he was putting him in the hot seat!
Surrounded by political enemies and with Li Xuehong unable to help himself, let alone anyone else, Xie Linchuan would have to rely on Qin Li’s imperial favor to stand firm in the new court.
Suppressing the surrendered officials, staying wary of Xie Linchuan, and forcing him to submit, this was truly killing three birds with one stone.
This was very typical of Qin Li.
In his past life, Xie Linchuan had been imprisoned the entire time and refused to bow to Qin Li, so Qin Li naturally had not arranged any official position for him. That had also prevented him from clashing with these ministers so early.
It was not until later, when he decided to cooperate with Li Xuehong for revenge, that he softened his attitude to put Qin Li at ease, which finally granted him some power and freedom. Back then, his only focus was on dragging Qin Li off the throne; he had no extra energy to deal with Mei Ruoguang and Yang Qiong. By the time Qin Li lost his throne, those two petty men had already been finished off by someone during the palace coup.
Xie Linchuan was the type to repay kindness and take revenge when wronged.
He looked up at the silhouette at the head of the hall.
Qin Li wore the Nine Dragon Crown and the black and yellow dragon robes, stepping up the imperial stairs toward his dragon throne one pace at a time.
Li Xuehong, who was no longer a sovereign, stood at the front of the hall. After reading the edict of abdication, he lowered his body and knelt to Qin Li, declaring himself a subject.
At this moment, whether it was the officials who had followed the new Emperor or the surrendered officials of the old dynasty, everyone felt a sense of lament in their hearts.
Qin Li officially ascended the throne with the dynastic title “Yao.” He conferred rewards on his civil and military officials, declared a general amnesty, and announced that a Heaven worshiping ceremony would be held one month later.
After finally enduring the end of the ceremony, Qin Li did not follow convention by holding a victory banquet to settle people’s hearts. Instead, he personally led the officials out of the imperial city toward the South City Execution Grounds.
At first, the officials were confused, but when they saw the massive “Jingguan,” a pyramid of severed heads, at the execution grounds, they were struck speechless.
The monument before them was about two or three people high, built into a spire using thick wooden logs. It was densely packed with blood dried heads and corpses, some already swollen and stinking, appearing utterly horrific.
Most of the military generals were indifferent, but the civil officials all frowned. Especially the surrendered officials, who were so terrified by this blatant warning and intimidation that their faces turned pale, and they dared not even breathe loudly.
Qin Li stood at the very front, looking with satisfaction at the shock or fear on everyone’s faces. He did not speak.
The meaning was clear: whoever dared to resist him in the future would meet this end!
For a time, no one spoke. Only two or three bold ones flattered him, “Your Majesty is victorious in every battle; your heroic name strikes terror into the hearts of villains.”
The officials followed suit with their agreement. As for whether they were cursing Qin Li in their hearts as a bloodthirsty tyrant, no one knew.
Qin Li’s cold, sharp gaze swept across their faces one by one, finally landing on Xie Linchuan. He suddenly smiled. “What does General Xie think?”
In his past life, Xie Linchuan had seen plenty of Qin Li’s violent behavior. As a modern person, he naturally found it extremely distasteful. He had expected Qin Li to question him and said calmly, “The world has just been settled; I fear this act is not conducive to stabilizing people’s hearts.”
Qin Li narrowed his eyes and gave a click of his tongue. “Is General Xie trying to teach me how to handle affairs?”
He had already ascended the throne and should have referred to himself as “Zhen,” the imperial We, but he could not change his habit for the moment, and no one dared to remind him.
In his past life, Xie Linchuan would have surely mocked him for being fierce and cruel. But now, he decided to change his approach.
Xie Linchuan thought for a moment and asked, “I wonder who the people inside are?”
Qin Li did not bother to answer himself and pointed casually. Qin Yongyi, behind him, immediately explained:
“A small portion are stubborn remnants of the previous dynasty’s soldiers. The majority, however, are members of the Yao Wang army who dared to kill, burn, or loot in the city in violation of military orders. They were all beheaded on the streets.”
The number of people who died for this reason even far exceeded those who died at the enemy’s hands during the siege.
Qin Li was so ruthless he even killed his own soldiers. These surrendered officials had to weigh for themselves whether they dared to be half hearted or loyal to the previous dynasty.
His fingers lightly stroked the dragon headed sword that never left his side. He glanced at Xie Linchuan, wanting to see an expression of fear and submission.
But the other man’s expression remained indifferent as he asked in return, “I wonder why Your Majesty built this monument?”
Qin Li sneered. “As a Grand General, have you never led troops? For committing crimes and looting, one must naturally kill the chicken to warn the monkey.”
The surrendered officials, who were being called “monkeys,” all lowered their heads in unison.
Xie Linchuan said slowly, “The reason for killing disciplined soldiers to deter others is that their harming of innocent civilians makes the people fear and loathe the King’s army. It makes them not identify with the Yao Wang army or Your Majesty as the new ruler, correct?”
Qin Li said lazily, “That is natural.”
Xie Linchuan added, “But building such a monument, besides deterring those who commit crimes, will also cause panic among the people. Similarly, it is detrimental to Your Majesty’s reputation. They originally thought that with a new Emperor, they could live a peaceful life. Instead, they must continue to live in fear.”
Qin Li’s gaze darkened.
These words truly struck a chord with him, Nie Dong, and the others. Nie Dong had once told Li Xuehong in the Heavenly Prison that they had indeed risen in rebellion because they could no longer survive.
Qin Li grew displeased, his face turning somber. On his first day as Emperor, Xie Linchuan actually dared to contradict him in public. The surrounding officials were trembling. Even Yang Qiong and Mei Ruoguang felt that Xie Linchuan was truly courageous, fearing he was about to become a member of the head pyramid.
Xie Linchuan showed no sign of panic despite his precarious situation. He continued:
“Soldiers follow their masters. If their commander tells them to kill, they kill. They are but pitiful weapons, while the hilt of the blade is held by the enemy general.”
“If Your Majesty wishes to deter, you should hang my head, the general’s, there instead.”
Qin Li’s eyes stayed heavy with anger. But thinking of Xie Linchuan’s handsome head hanging there, pale and swollen, he suddenly felt the monument did not look so good anymore. He thought about it, and his anger subsided a bit, assuming Xie Linchuan was just acting on a random impulse of kindness based on his favor.
“Fine, you have a point. Men, go burn that pile of things.”
Soon, guards approached with torches and set the wooden tower ablaze.
Watching that messy mountain of corpses being consumed by flames, everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief and sincerely hailed Qin Li as wise and heroic.
Qin Li usually despised such flattery, but at this moment, Xie Linchuan also offered a perfectly timed, subtle compliment: “Your Majesty is wise.”
The corner of Qin Li’s mouth twitched upward slightly before he quickly pressed it back down.
People are truly strange. When others flattered him, Qin Li felt it was only natural and even found it annoying. But when Xie Linchuan, who usually gave him no face and refused to submit, softened and offered praise, Qin Li felt very pleased, even if the other man might have just said it casually.
With one hand behind his back, Qin Li maintained his lazy and elegant demeanor, but the corner of his eye was secretly watching Xie Linchuan. No matter how he looked, he felt that head looked better on the man’s neck. Even that red mole seemed particularly pleasing to the eye.
Xie Linchuan’s thoughts were spinning. This was only the second time in two lifetimes he had said those four words, “Your Majesty is wise.” The first time was in his past life, when he was calculating and seeking revenge, using it to paralyze Qin Li and coax him into lowering his guard. The second time was now; although it was just following along, there was a bit of sincerity in it.
He thought carefully. Although Qin Li had a violent temperament, he was not stupid. Perhaps he was like a stubborn donkey, stroking the fur the right way might lead to unexpected results.
Qin Li walked forward two steps, feeling a small surge of pleasure in his heart, when he suddenly realized something was wrong. Just now, Xie Linchuan’s words clearly had a hidden meaning.
Since the soldiers were just weapons following orders, the responsibility should be borne by the superiors. If so many soldiers committed crimes, did that not imply that the generals under Qin Li were not strict enough and failed to manage the army well?
Ultimately, as it moved up the ranks, did it not become his own fault?
Having come to his senses, Qin Li turned back and narrowed his eyes, glaring fiercely at Xie Linchuan. But he saw the other man still looking composed. Noticing his gaze, Xie Linchuan slowly moved his eyes over.
Xie Linchuan blinked his clear eyes as if to say, “?”
Qin Li: “…”
The man clearly provoked him yet wore an innocent expression. It was enough to make one’s teeth itch with frustration.
Qin Li stared at his high nose bridge and then felt annoyed by that bright red mole again. Since the monument was already being burned, it was not a good time to lose his temper. Qin Li thought to himself that since Xie Linchuan was already living in his bedchamber, what was the hurry to deal with him?
Seeing Qin Li’s ever-changing, sour face, Xie Linchuan guessed the man must have realized he was pointing at the mulberry to revile the locust.
He bet that Qin Li would not actually execute him at a time like this. He was gambling, or rather, testing how much offense Qin Li would tolerate before turning against him. The result was clear: Qin Li’s tolerance for him was indeed very high.
Xie Linchuan touched his own face. He had not expected that an arrogant and conceited guy like Qin Li would also fall victim to being a sucker for a pretty face.
Actually, General Xie’s appearance was somewhat similar to his modern body, especially the red mole on the side of his nose, which was in the exact same position. When he first transmigrated in his past life and looked in the mirror, he was shocked. Since then, he had felt a certain inexplicable reverence for the workings of fate.
As the flames rose high, Xie Linchuan and Qin Li each calculated in their hearts how to deal with the other. They exchanged a look full of hidden motives before turning away as if nothing had happened.