Chapter Thirty-Five: Triumphant Return to the Capital

  Three days later, Zhang Zixing gathered the generals and the leaders of the various tribes of Dongyi, formally enfeoffed Yuemei as the Marquis of Qi, ruling over the land of Eastern Qi. He also enfeoffed Zou Xuan as the Chancellor of Eastern Qi, with the Wu Shen Army under his command serving as the Imperial Guard of Eastern Qi, which could be expanded to 10,000 men, specializing in protecting the safety of the Marquis of Qi. The leaders of the various tribes were also rewarded with generous enfeoffments. He also ordered Zhang Guifang and Feng Lin to lead 30,000 troops to garrison Eastern Qi, assisting the Marquis of Qi in maintaining peace and order, as well as arranging for soldiers from various tribes to return home. After the merchants' army returned to the capital, they would send materials and personnel to assist in construction.

  Although it was the first time in the history of Dachang that a woman was appointed as a vassal, the Dongyi tribes valued actual strength the most. The leadership and combat abilities of Yuè Jī had always been praised by all tribes. The fact that she could take on the role of King of Youhui previously was the best example. After Cāng Jié's death, the military power of Youhui collapsed, but the Youhui clan suddenly became the most powerful tribe, and Yuè Jī also held the position of Queen of Dachang. Even the Witch King was willing to surrender, so naturally no one dared to raise any objections.

  Upon learning of Zhang Zixing's decision to establish the new vassal state "Dong Qi", Duke Jiang Huan Chu of Eastern Bo felt a heavy heart, for although this move would eliminate the threat from the Eastern Barbarians, it would undoubtedly add a major trouble to the side of Eastern Lu. Despite having limited troops with new-style weapons, Dong Qi's military strength was unprecedentedly powerful. Not only could Dong Qi monitor every move of Eastern Lu, but as the noble consort of Duke Qi, Lady Yue Ji, she was not subject to the constraints and control of this Duke of Eastern Bo...

  Jiang Huan Chu, after all, was an old fox. He knew that the establishment of Dong Qi was irreversible and immediately expressed his resolute support. He also promised to provide a large amount of manpower and material assistance to Dong Qi free of charge in the future.

  Zhang Zixing saw that he knew the machine, and was also generous for a while. He praised the great contributions of Dongru in the logistics support aspect during this war, and presented the secret drawings of saddle stirrups, light crossbows, and composite bows to Jiang Hanchu, and secretly ordered him not to spread them outside. Jiang Hanchu knew that this son-in-law of the emperor was excellent in both literature and military strategy. Although the Jiang family was a noble relative of the country and had no intention of rebellion, they had been holding heavy troops for many years and were powerful, fearing being suspected. One careless move could easily lead to a repeat of the downfall of Xi Bo Hou Ji Li. Today, the emperor actually trusted the Jiang family so much that he handed over all the secret drawings of these weapons, and was overjoyed and thanked him.

  Jiang Huan Chu didn't know that these "advanced" weapons, at present, can indeed greatly enhance the combat effectiveness of the Donglu army, but with the current technical capabilities of craftsmen in the hands of various lords, mass production is quite difficult. Moreover, compared to the many secret weapons in Shenbingfang, these three things are not worth mentioning. Of course, considering all aspects, some weapons cannot be revealed in the world for the time being.

  Zhang Zixing gave the drawings to this old man, on the surface, in order to stabilize his mind and reduce his worries about Dong Qi. However, the true intention was hidden in the mysterious phrase "do not spread it outside". This sentence not only raised the value of the drawings but also had a deeper meaning - after the war between Da Shang and Dong Yi, the exposed weapons would definitely become the focus of attention for various lords, and they would eventually be deciphered and imitated. It's better to do a favor and give them to Jiang Huan Chu, more importantly, to divert the trouble. The various lords will definitely use all their efforts to get them from Dong Lu, and at that time, Dong Lu will have a good show to watch. "Do not spread it outside" is equivalent to "if you spread it, you are responsible", in this way, Jiang Huan Chu will be busy dealing with the consequences and cannot concentrate on plotting against Dong Qi. In this matter, the old and cunning Jiang Huan Chu finally fell into Zhang Zixing's plan.

  Zhang Zixing's original intention was to let Zou Qi do this Marquis of Qi, turning Eastern Qi into a mining and secret production base for the great merchants of the future. However, after Rong Ji decided to take on the role of Marquis of Qi, he had an even bolder idea, but considering the current situation in Eastern Qi, it was not convenient to implement, so it could only be left for later.

  That night, Zhang Zixing brought in Yuemei and Zou Qi to instruct them on the machine's benefits, passing on the successful experience of Jiang Taigong's governance of the Eastern Yi in history. In summary, it was "follow their customs, simplify their rituals, facilitate commerce and industry, and benefit from fish and salt". This method made the originally poor and barren state of Qi become the richest country in the world in just over a decade. These sixteen characters also became the governing strategy for generations to come in the state of Qi. After returning to the capital, Zhang Zixing immediately dispatched a large number of commercial and fishing and salt industry personnel to Eastern Qi, and gave them great preferential treatment in trade. Combining this with advanced production and management methods from later generations, he was fully confident that he could shorten the "dozen or so years" by several times.

  At present, it is the beginning of Dongqi's founding, the most important thing is to control the situation, prevent chaos, and use gentle means to stabilize the various tribal leaders, then gradually weaken and eliminate the combat effectiveness of each tribe, using both soft and hard tactics until the entire Dongqi is under control. This first step is the most difficult to take, but as long as it is successfully taken, the path ahead will be a bright and wide road.

  Zhang Zixing repeatedly instructed Yu Ji and Zou Qi, everything should prioritize the overall situation, first seeking stability, then control, and if necessary, various extraordinary measures can be taken. Only when Yu Ji has fully grasped all the tribes of Dongyi in her hands will he formally implement a special "new policy" in Eastern Qi, at which time Eastern Qi will rapidly develop in a short period, and people of all ethnic groups will have no worries about food and clothing.

  Meng Ji and Zou Xi firmly believed in Zhang Zixing's words. This young Shang Tianzi's literary and military strategy was unparalleled, shaking the ancient and modern times. In just three years after ascending to the throne, the national strength and combat power of Da Shang had soared rapidly. Since he said that he could make the Dongyi people worry-free, he would definitely be able to do it. Meng Ji and Zou Xi secretly made up their minds, no matter what, they must take this most difficult first step.

  Zhang Zixing knew that the Eastern Qi was newly established and must be facing turbulent undercurrents and difficulties at every step. There were many people who wanted to plot against Yuemei, and personal safety was also a problem that could not be ignored. Although Zhang Guifang's military power and the protection of the Shengu Imperial Guard were present, it was still possible that something unexpected might happen, so he took down the Pixiu bracelet given by Duobao Daoist and put it on Yuemei's wrist. Duobao Daoist was a great figure, and although this Pixiu bracelet was only an ordinary object among his many magical treasures, to ordinary immortals, it was already a rare protective treasure, let alone to mortals?

  The Pixiu bangle was indeed extraordinary, and on the battlefield that day, even Chi You's strongest weapon, "Devouring Soul", could not break through its defense for a time. Ordinary weapons or spells were also unable to affect it, making it a pretty good protective treasure.

  "This is Your Majesty's treasure for protecting the body, how can Concubine Yue accept it! Your Majesty's body worth a million gold, is tied to the fate of the country, how can there be any slight mistake! Please Your Majesty take back this treasure!"

  The Moon Goddess knew that the Qilin pendant was Zhang Zixing's protective treasure, and for a moment she refused to accept it. Just as she was about to take it off, Zhang Zixing scolded her with a stern face: "I am the true ruler of heaven, how can I rely on a mere external object? You are disobeying my orders as my wife, which is being disloyal; you are disobeying my edict as the Marquis of Qi, which is being treasonous! If you don't take it back, both of us will be guilty, and I'm afraid all the tribes of Eastern Qi will be implicated. Don't blame me for being heartless when that happens."

  The empress was moved to tears by the emperor's words, understanding that his rebuke was a sign of his deep concern for her. Thinking that they would soon be separated by distance, she felt even more distressed and her voice choked with emotion: "Your Majesty's intentions, how could I not know? To have met Your Majesty in this life is my good fortune... If there is blame, it is because I am willful and capricious, and have failed to repay Your Majesty's deep affection..."

  The witch king Minrui sensed that the atmosphere was "not right" and immediately automatically shielded the functions of his eyes and ears, bowing his head to retreat.

  "Although Zou Gui is old, he's also a clever and agile person who knows we have 'official business' to attend to, so he ran off faster than a rabbit! Come on, Yueji darling, don't think too much, let your husband give you a kiss first..." Zhang Zixing said with feigned casualness, intentionally trying to alleviate Yueji's sorrow. Before he even finished speaking, Yueji had already emotionally leaned in and initiated a romantic kiss.

  Zhang Zixing wouldn't show weakness, and immediately "bravely counterattacked". His hands moved up and down on the raised and sunken places, and gradually, Yuè Jī's eyes became dazed. The candles in the bedroom swayed, and the murmurs were endless, with a certain charm.

  More than ten days later, the grand eastern expeditionary army returned to the court, and from then on, the emperor's personal expedition against the Eastern Yi came to a successful end. This battle was of extraordinary significance, not only did it defeat the enemy, but also fundamentally solved the disaster of the Eastern Yi, more importantly, it achieved Zhang Ziyuan's goal of "establishing prestige". After this battle, the emperor's prestige was known throughout the world, and the eight hundred vassals each had their own calculations in mind. Those who were timid and weak naturally surrendered willingly, while those with ulterior motives also hesitated repeatedly.

  There is gathering and there must be scattering. During this period, Zhang Zixing and Yuemei were inseparable, like glue and lacquer, and their feelings for each other deepened day by day. Unfortunately, they couldn't avoid parting ways in the end. When it was time to leave, Yuemei and the Dongqi tribespeople escorted them for over ten miles before tearfully bidding farewell.

  Upon learning of the Emperor's great victory and return, the capital was in an uproar. Empress Jiang and the three consorts led the civil and military officials out of the city to welcome him back, while the people also spontaneously organized themselves to line the streets and welcome the army's return. The three consorts were overjoyed to see Zhang Zixing return safely, and they couldn't help but cry in front of everyone. Zhang Zixing saw that all three women had a haggard look on their faces, and he was deeply moved. He wished he could immediately return to the palace with them and spend some intimate time together to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, as the "Sage Virtue" Emperor, there were still many formalities he had to attend to after his triumphant return.

  Zhang Zixing personally announced the news of the great army's pacification of the Eastern Yi in front of the military and civilians, and the people suddenly cheered like thunder; after highly praising the bravery of the frontline generals, he also specially praised the officials and people of Chao Ge, saying that a stable rear was the fundamental guarantee for the frontline army to fight with peace of mind. Finally, Zhang Zixing mournfully mourned all the fallen generals and soldiers, expressed condolences to their families, and ordered the construction of a large mausoleum in the suburbs to bury the ashes of the martyrs brought back, erecting a monument to engrave the names of the martyrs for eternal memory. On a chosen day, the emperor would personally go to offer sacrifices. Those soldiers who were seriously injured and could no longer fight also received corresponding compensation. These actions are common among "travelers", but in this era, they are unprecedented, and all military and civilians are moved to tears, kneeling down to praise the emperor's kindness.

  The officials escorted the emperor's carriage back to Xianqing Hall, where they stood in separate courts. Zhang Ziyu caught sight of Wen Zhong and Shang Rong standing at the front of the Danbi steps, holding a large number of memorials in their hands. He knew that these two men had been working hard on government affairs for several months and must have many important matters to report and seek instructions on. Without waiting for them to step forward and present their reports, Zhang Ziyu immediately ordered a three-day recess on the pretext of fatigue from the journey, hastily dispersing the court and fleeing into the rear palace. Wen Zhong and Shang Rong exchanged a bitter smile, knowing that the emperor's actions were suspiciously lazy.