Chapter 1370 We have accomplished

Chapter 1370 We have accomplished

In Qin County, Jiangbei, a large number of people gathered outside the city from early morning. It was not until the afternoon that a grand and majestic team appeared on the road in the north of the city and slowly walked towards Qin County City.

"The subordinates and others welcome the angel!"

The disciples who had been waiting outside the city for a long time saw this and came forward to greet him, lining up on the left side of the road.

However, the team did not stop in the north, but bypassed Qin County City and came to the bank of the river in the south. Not long after, Xiao Zha, wearing a crown and belt from the Southern Dynasty, walked out of the team.

He walked to the riverside, looked up to the sky and looked south. His sight passed through the vast river surface, and he was already in tears before he opened his mouth. The Qin County disciples followed him all the way here. Because they knew who Xiao Zha was, they could understand his behavior and stood quietly by the side without disturbing him.

"I never thought that I could return to Jiangnan in this life!"

After a long time, Xiao Zha bowed to the south of the Yangtze River again, and then slowly stood up, turned around and looked back at the Qinjun disciples who had been waiting on the side, and sighed: "My lord is benevolent and generous. The remnants of the Liang family like me can still be used and returned. You Jiangzuo disciples can come!"

"Your subordinates have been thirsty for a long time and have been waiting for a long time. The angel has arrived, and I bow to God's will!"

After hearing this, the officials of the Southern Chen in Qinjun bowed in response.

Compared to the general war of annihilation, the means of conquering the Southern Chen by the Tang Dynasty were much softer, step by step and long-prepared. Although it was inevitably accompanied by war, it was mainly aimed at the stubborn faction in the Southern Chen who refused to unify the North and the South, but those who did not oppose the unification of the North and the South, at least did not firmly oppose it, were basically not attacked or harmed.

The previous series of wars had allowed the Tang Dynasty to actually control the entire Jiangdong region, but it still retained the Southern Chen court. Regardless of the purpose, this attitude could be described as very mild.

Even if the Chenchang monarch and his ministers were summoned to Chang'an this time, Xiao Zhao, a member of the Southern Liang clan, was sent as an envoy. Of course, this was also to promote to these people that as long as they cooperated, they would not be punished or harmed when they entered the capital, and even their official titles and glory would be continued.

After such a long period of self-digestion, the monarchs and ministers of the Southern Chen Dynasty had already recognized that the unification of the world was an unstoppable trend, and they did not have much resistance to this in their hearts. Some people even secretly hoped that this day would come earlier, so that the situation could progress to the next step as soon as possible, and everyone could strive for and embrace a good change in the situation.

Xiao Zhao's arrival this time was highly anticipated. Although there were many people from Jiangdong who went north to Guanzhong before, most of them stayed in Jiangdong and wanted to further observe the changes in the situation. When Xiao Zha came to the south, the people in Jiangdong, both in the court and in the opposition, all kept a close eye on him.

Chen Chang, the Lord of Chen, also welcomed Xiao Zha's arrival in the city and entertained him. The relationship between them was somewhat subtle. Chen Chang's father, Chen Baxian, was originally a minister of the Southern Liang Dynasty, but he usurped the Liang Dynasty and established the Chen Dynasty. Therefore, in Xiao Zha's eyes, Chen Chang was undoubtedly a traitor.

But Chen Baxian usurped the country from the son of Emperor Yuan of Liang, Xiao Yi. The hatred between Xiao Zha and Xiao Yi was very deep, even exceeding the basic family and country position. He also made a great effort to destroy the Jiangling regime. From this perspective, there was no need for him to blame Chen Baxian for usurping the country.

Especially now that he is the prime minister and imperial envoy of the Tang Dynasty, he represents the court to come here to summon the Lord of Chen to the court, which can be regarded as destroying the Southern Chen regime with his own hands. In short, it was a mess, and there was no clear enemy or friend position between the two sides. Therefore, during the meeting, Xiao Zhao, as the prime minister of the Tang Dynasty, only told Chen Chang about the various procedures and arrangements after summoning him to the court.

As for Chen Chang, he took this last opportunity to propose some conditions for him and his family to the Tang envoy, and tried his best to get greater preferential treatment.

The communication between the two sides went relatively smoothly. Since Xiao Zhao had to wait for other people distributed in various parts of Jiangdong to pass through, and Chen Chang had to take stock of the people who followed him before leaving, the two sides agreed to set off northward in half a month.

In addition to Chen Chang and his ministers, there were also Xu Du and others who had surrendered before, as well as a group of meritorious people who had returned to the court and made meritorious contributions in the war in Jiangdong, such as the family of Guangzhou Governor Ouyang He and Gaozhou Governor Feng Pu.

While waiting for these people to gather, Xiao Zhao was not idle. He led his men across the river to Jiankang to pay homage to the old city and worship the tombs of his father and ancestors. This was not a private action, but an arrangement that the court had already made, and it was also one of the links to appease the people of Jiangdong.

Although the Southern Chen regime had previously ruled Jiangdong, the Southern Chen regime actually effectively controlled Jiangdong for only a few years after Chen Baxian became emperor, and then it fell into various disputes due to internal and external troubles. Under the constraints of various internal and external factors in the past few years, Chen Chang, the king, had a very weak presence in the country.

So if we really want to talk about it, the Southern Liang regime, which had ruled for nearly sixty years, had a more far-reaching influence in Jiangdong.

Although Emperor Wu of Liang made a big move in his dying years, it has to be admitted that during his reign, it was rare for the Southern Dynasty regime to maintain social stability for a long period of time. He firmly controlled the regime for more than 30 years by his own strength, and it was not until his death that various suppressed hidden dangers had a concentrated outbreak.

Therefore, when Xiao Zhao returned to Jiangdong to pay homage to his ancestors' tombs, many old people from the Southern Liang Dynasty heard the news and rushed to witness this scene. Recalling the prosperity of Jiangzuo in the old days of the Southern Liang Dynasty, they could not help but burst into tears.

After the death of their father, the Xiao Jin brothers have been in a state of being ostracized and suppressed by their uncles. Their grandfather Xiao Yan also acquiesced in this situation. Therefore, he had little emotion for the old affairs of Jiankang, so he was just like the old people. On this occasion, the emperor's decree of the Tang Dynasty was once again preached.

Soon the relevant personnel gathered, and everyone was about to leave for Chang'an. Although Chen Chang's presence in the country was not strong, he was the monarch who ruled Jiangdong after all, so before he left, many Southern Dynasty subjects came to see him off.

Chen Chang felt that as the king of a subjugated country, he was originally unwilling to appear in front of his disciples, but after taking a look at Xiao Jin who was traveling with him, he decided to show up to meet his subjects.

He cheered himself up in the car for a long time, then got up and walked out. Looking at the Jiangdong soldiers who were isolated on both sides of the road by the Tang army soldiers, his eyes were a little wet for a while. He took a deep breath and said tremblingly: "I The elders of Jiangdong were very righteous, but unfortunately encountered mediocre masters, which made people's livelihood miserable. Today, the Supreme Emperor of the Tang Dynasty will take pity on his elders. The politics of Jiangdong will soon be prosperous! This mediocre person will go to court to plead guilty. , please don’t think too much about it, but it is enough to make the people harmonious and the people’s livelihood prosperous!”

After saying this, he bowed to everyone around him, shed tears and said goodbye, then boarded the car and left. After seeing this, all the Jiangdong elders around him shed tears and bid farewell to their old master.

There is no need to elaborate on the journey. When the time entered the twelfth lunar month, the group finally arrived in Chang'an. Ba Shang in the east of Chang'an City had already prepared a grand welcome ceremony, and the prime minister, on behalf of the Supreme, led hundreds of officials to personally greet him. If it were just Chen Chang and his party, there wouldn't be such a big battle. The main reason was that they were accompanied by a group of victorious soldiers from the Southern Expedition.

Chen Chang had lived in Chang'an as a hostage for several years before, and he still had his original impression of Chang'an. But when he returned to his hometown this time, what he saw was a grand city that was beyond imagination and unprecedented. He was surprised for a moment. His eyes widened with an expression of disbelief.

At this time, in addition to the welcoming officials arranged by the imperial court, many soldiers and civilians came outside Chang'an City after hearing the news. When they saw the leader of the Nanchen Kingdom driving the car, they suddenly raised their arms with pride and shouted: "Master Wang is majestic. , Destroy a country! Capture the thief leader, toast me and offer me meat!”

This shouting naturally made the Nanchen monarchs and ministers feel embarrassed and embarrassed. However, this is the privilege that the victor should have. The people's emotions were hot and direct, and they were naturally rejoiced and proud of the strong national power.

After entering the city, all the people went straight to the imperial city. Today, there is still a grand banquet in the Qianyuan Hall of the imperial city to welcome the victorious heroes and present the monarchs and ministers. When the crowd arrived outside the Qianyuan Hall, Emperor Li Tai, who had been waiting for a long time, also came to the hall. Also arriving with him were the emperor's eldest son Li Jin and several of his increasingly mature sons.

Soon the crowds filed into the palace, and all the practitioners were beaming and excited. However, many people in the Southern Dynasties had not seen the current Supreme Being. They had only heard about the Supreme Being's unparalleled grace in rumors, and they were more or less aware of it. I was a little suspicious, thinking that the praise must be a bit exaggerated. When I went to the palace today, I couldn't help but bravely took a peek at the palace.

Because this night was not an official court meeting, the emperor did not wear the formal official crown dress. He only wore an ocher yellow robe. The clothes were relatively simple, but he had starry eyes and sharp eyebrows, and was handsome. When he stood up from the imperial bed and looked down When the crowd entered the temple, they felt an almost physical sense of oppression.

Because it was not a formal ceremonial occasion, Li Tai was more casual.

His eyes first paused at Chen Chang, who was leading the Southern Dynasty disciples to the temple. After a brief nod, he turned to look at the victorious warriors led by Li Miao in another team. His expression suddenly became lively. The eyes of everyone watching were filled with relief and joy.

"Today I treated everyone hard in the palace and had no intention of taking care of things. I summoned all my subordinates to show off my martial arts achievements. However, this group of generals and soldiers only achieved another achievement. I don't know how great this achievement is! Since Yongjia in the former Jin Dynasty, The collapse of Chi County and the unrest in the world were considered by the ancients to be a temporary disaster. Unexpectedly, the disaster lasted for more than a century. How could the righteous people of China endure the weakness and deficiencies? Blood, tears and frustration are beyond words!”

When Li Tai said this, he first took a deep breath, and then said in a louder voice: "But today, we have come together! For thousands of years, I and you will have a good time! What is missing in the sky can be mended, and what is cracked in the earth can be filled." , this is possible, why can't it be done? Heaven and earth are so lucky that the catastrophe has continued to happen to us. We are so lucky that we are full of determination and can achieve great things! You and other people are not just meritorious men of one dynasty, but also our country's example for thousands of years. Strength can be re-created, and merit can be revived! If future generations cannot surpass us, how dare they be called heroic?"

While he was talking, he walked into the palace and took his son Li Jin to introduce him one by one to all the warriors in the palace. At the same time, he said sternly: "In the future, you will be able to enjoy the prosperous world. Don't say that this is how the world should be. It is not for this group of disciples to fight with all their strength." How can peace be achieved by eradicating the enemy? Building a family and defending the country is not a one-time thing, it is a lifelong undertaking. Be prepared for danger in times of peace, but you must always remember it!"

No wonder Li Tai was so happy that he was so happy, not only because he personally led the talents of the Tang Dynasty to achieve this great feat that no one could achieve for hundreds of years, but also because he had the memory of later generations and became more and more aware that the reunification of the world would bring great benefits to the entire world. The evolution of China is of great significance.

It is precisely because of this unification and rejuvenation that from then on, although the entire Chinese nation also experienced decline and chaos, from the octogenarians to the youngest children, they all had a deep belief that they would eventually rise and rejuvenate. !

Seeing that the Supreme Being was so excited, all the warriors became more and more excited and proud. Even the monarchs and ministers of Nanchen on one side were affected by this, and felt in their hearts that ending the rule of the Southern Dynasty was not a bad thing. Have great prospects and expectations.

Because of Chen Junchen's emotions in the south of the field, and because Li Tai had already known about it from the previous announcement of his meritorious deeds, he did not continue to ask the warriors about the details of the battle, but just kept giving them wine and rewards.

Of course, he was not indifferent to the emperors and ministers of the Southern Dynasty. He raised his glass and smiled at Chen Chang and said: "Don't be sad for your dedication because of the loss or loss of one person's power. Because you surrendered with one thought, you eliminated countless chaos and murderous intentions in the world. This achievement is equally powerful. What's more, now that you have returned to my sect, I will treat you as before, and you will not be deprived of the righteousness of your father's entrustment to your son in the past, nor will you be deprived of your contribution to the whole family this time!"

As the king of a subjugated country, Chen Chang felt a little uneasy in his heart. When he heard that the Supreme Lord once again expressed his intention to treat him well in public, he immediately burst into tears of gratitude and stood up to raise a toast to thank him.

Li Tai was also very enthusiastic about the surrender of Xu Du, Ouyang He and other people. He personally came to their table and gave them wine and laughed and said: "The benefit of Wu lies with all the ministers. Once the ministers and others arrive, the world's elites will be among the best." , I have it!”

Just when he was giving wine to Ouyang He, he was startled by a little black monkey in Ouyang He's banquet. When he heard the introduction, he found out that this was Ouyang Xun. He couldn't help but feel happy, and he directly asked the little monkey to be He was led to the table where his sons were, and as several children gathered together, they felt that their sons were more and more pleasing to their eyes.

In addition to Ouyang Xun, there is another child in the palace, that is Yu Shinan. Both his father and brother died in the king's affairs, and there are no relatives in the family. When the relevant matters were reported, Li Tai noticed it and specifically ordered Yu Shinan to be brought into the court this time.

Because it was the mourning period, Yu Shinan stayed away from Si Zhu, so he was placed in a tent in the corner of the palace, accompanied by his division commander Gu Yewang. Li Tai purposely walked to this tent and saw a haggard-looking child in garb, sitting behind a small case, looking lonely and pitiful.

Yu Shinan was only a child of five or six years old, and he had suffered a tragic accident. He was naturally a little embarrassed in such an occasion. When he saw the Supreme Being coming to see him, he was so frightened that he shivered behind the case. The teacher Gu Ye beside him Wang Pin made a hint, but he didn't notice it. He clenched the corners of his clothes tightly with his two small fists and lowered his head nervously in tears.

Li Tai walked slowly to the banquet, leaned over and picked up the boy in his arms. He heard the voice saying: "Your father and brother are loyal men who sacrificed their lives for the king. The loyal family will never be alone! Now I have several sons in my family." You are about the same age as you. From now on, you will be fed and raised in my house, and I will let you return home as an heir when you are an adult!"

"Supreme benevolence, thank you very much, thank you very much, Your Majesty, thank you very much..."

King Gu Ye on the side suddenly became excited after hearing this, and repeatedly reminded Yu Shinan in a low voice. The rest of the people also looked happy after seeing this, especially those from the Southern Dynasties, who were even more moved by the Supreme Lord's adoption of the orphan.

After a banquet, the next day is a series of celebrations that have been prepared for a long time. They are arranged directly from the beginning of the month to the end of the year, and every day is full.

All the heroes who served in the Southern Expedition were also greatly rewarded. King Li Miao of Jiangxia was not promoted to a title, but all his subordinates were granted the title of Duke of the County. Generals Shi Ning, Tian Hong, and Quan Jingxuan were all granted the title of Duke of the State. The remaining officers and men Each has its own merits, and there are countless rewards for various fields, houses, and property. At the same time, following the past practice, if you are willing to accept the rewards of Jiangdong's fields and houses, the rewards will be doubled.

As for Nanchen, Xu Du, Ouyang He and others who were heroes of Guiyi were also promoted to officials, but they had to directly enter the court and no longer return to Jiangdong to serve. Feng Pu of Lingnan, who was in a special situation, temporarily returned to Lingnan. However, Feng Pu no longer served as the governor of Gaozhou, but was transferred to the general of Suwei. In the next year, he led the troops of Li Liao to join the imperial guards.

After Chen Chang, the leader of the Southern Chen Kingdom, entered the court, he was granted the title of Duke of Chen. His treatment was similar to that of Duke Xiao Qing of Liang. However, he was not directly appointed as prime minister, but was appointed as Guanglu Qing. He was also one of the third-rank imperial officials and one of the nine ministers.

Since then, the Tang Dynasty has completed the unification of the main body of the world, both in fact and in form. Only in some relatively remote areas such as Liaodong and Lingnan Jiaozhou, there are still some resistance forces. And these are only regional troubles, and there is no need to use the entire country to conquer them for the time being.

After the Jiangdong War, Datang will once again enter a period of recuperation and internal integration, and will continue to radiate to the outside world and increase its influence through non-military means, so as to accumulate strength and go further.