512 Nipping It in the Bud (1/2)
The eastern line's victory had been relayed back to the capital city and the emperor was, of course, overjoyed by the news. He had foreseen the disadvantage the eastern defense would have suffered in warfare and had even contemplated the possibility of paying a personal visit to assist at the border. However, Old Marshal Qiu had already carried off most of the elites in Tiantang City, the royal forces included. Even if he were to set off in person, there was no one he could bring along to accompany him. Besides, the four-nation siege was at such an abrupt timing that it was too late to salvage the situation, even if Tiantang City had more relief troops.
The news of ultimate victory in the war was unexpected, not to mention the shocking revelation that Dongxuan's main marshal Han Sanhe had fallen as well. This result finally allowed Yutang's emperor to heave a long, relieved sigh.
Nonetheless, he was silent for a long time after inquiring about the number of casualties.
It was a short battle, merely two to three months of warfare, but there were already millions of soldiers who had perished.
Even though Yu Peize was Yutang's ultimate ruler, the emperor who held Yutang in his hands, he still felt the throes of war.
His heart ached for his people.
”Hundreds and thousands of warriors they are indeed...” His Majesty sighed, tears shining in his eyes. ”All the perished soldiers are lion-hearted warriors who have guarded the country! The day they return victorious, I shall welcome them, hundreds of miles outside the city. I shall personally wait for these warriors to return!”
”I wonder how Old Qiu is faring now…”
”Inform the Board of War and the Board of Revenue to increase the rewards for those who are worthy of merit. Allocate the pensions of the highest class to those who died. I want to personally go through everything related to this war.”
”Inform the Board of Civil Appointments, do not be parsimonious in promoting and granting titles to those who deserve them.”
”Inform the Board of Rites that they have to figure out how to welcome the army back with the highest protocol! Be fast! I want to host this welcoming party personally!”
”I wish to announce this delightful news to the world!”
”Inform the Board of Punishments that they are to enforce the law nationwide, with focus on gangsters and rogues terrorizing villagers. The crimes of those who bully the families of sacrificed soldiers will be deemed more severe than ever; they are to be punished strictly and heavily, without the possibility of pardon!”
The emperor was also a military man. He knew very well what the soldiers needed the most, what they wanted the most, what they were the most worried about, and what the fallen heroes would miss the most.
Hence, the first response he made after obtaining the news was to think of and execute decisions in the most practical manner possible.
The last instruction to the Board of Punishments had been hand-written personally by the emperor with his imperial seal stamped on it. He had even stamped his personal seal under the imperial jade seal.
This was a unique exception in terms of the royal decree drafting process. This action that did not seem to fit protocol clearly indicated His Majesty's thoughts regarding this matter!
He was using practical actions to tell all his officials that he was not only delegating work, he was personally supervising the whole affair. Anyone who dared to bend the law for personal gain would not only face their superior's fury but also the emperor's wrath!
Those who wanted to act recklessly could do so at their own risk. Who would dare anger the emperor?
Once an emperor was enraged, the line of corpses would stretch for thousands of miles!
”From today, we shall forge a memorial hall for these heroic souls!”
”From today, we shall rebuild the tower of meritorious officials!”
”From today, liquidation is to begin nationwide!”
The emperor's series of orders almost sent the serving eunuchs to their deaths.
His Majesty's last four words – liquidation to begin nationwide, was spoken exceptionally sternly.
No one would have wagered on Yutang to win in this four-nation siege war, including those in the country. Compared to the ordinary citizens and martial world practitioners who actively enlisted and fought through this tribulation together, there were many wealthy families and businessmen who were coming up with their own discreet plans – no small number of them had used their connections to contact the noble families of other countries.