Ask the mountains and rivers

Chapter 472 Ending
Pei Qinghe's gaze swept over the assembled officials one by one.

The loyal ministers knelt, heads bowed, and she stood alone in the majestic and solemn Golden Palace. From her angle, she could only see kneeling heads; she couldn't make out anyone's face.

This is the unique power and honor of being the Son of Heaven. This crown is also extremely heavy.

From this day forward, she is the sole master of this vast land. She must shoulder the heavy responsibilities of an emperor, protecting the country and its people.

She wanted to control her ministers and make them all serve her. She wanted to see through the respectful faces and understand the dark and fickle nature of people's hearts.

This is much harder than taking up a sword and going to the battlefield to kill someone.

Pei Qinghe sighed inwardly, but showed no sign on her face, and said calmly, "All of you, rise!"

The officials shouted their thanks to the emperor for his great favor, and then cautiously rose to their feet.

In such a solemn and serious occasion, only a handful of people are truly qualified to speak.

Pei Qinghe looked at Prime Minister Pang and said gently, "Prime Minister Pang has lived up to my expectations and persuaded Luoyang to surrender. This saved us from a bloody battle. I will give Prime Minister Pang credit for this achievement."

Prime Minister Pang solemnly bowed and replied, "His Majesty led the Pei family army to a great victory over the Imperial Guards and beheaded the traitorous Minister of Works. His divine might is awe-inspiring and unstoppable. The civil and military officials in Luoyang are all in favor, and the people are eagerly awaiting his return. This old minister merely arrived first and, relying on His Majesty's prestige, managed to get them to open the city gates. This is a trivial achievement, and I dare not presume to receive His Majesty's high praise!"

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly: "If it were someone else, they might not have been able to have such a peaceful and smooth experience. Moreover, these surrendered officials are very respectful and obedient to Prime Minister Pang. Prime Minister Pang, there is no need to be modest."

When it came to surrendered officials, Prime Minister Qi couldn't avoid the topic and had to bite the bullet and speak: "This surrendered official dares to speak. For the past ten years, Luoyang has been almost constantly engulfed in war, and the imperial city has changed hands several times. Today, we finally welcome the Emperor. From now on, the world will be at peace, and Luoyang can finally be truly stable. I humbly request Your Majesty to allow this surrendered official to retire to his hometown and live out the rest of his life in peace."

The more than one hundred surrendered officials in the Golden Palace spoke in unison: "Your Majesty, we also wish to retire and return to our hometowns. We beg Your Majesty's permission!"

Years of war ravaged Luoyang, killing wave after wave of its inhabitants. The court officials were in similar turmoil; many who refused to surrender were killed by King Qiao, and later, many more died at the hands of General Situ. Of the six ministries' officials still alive, only these people remained.

Pei Qinghe knew perfectly well that they might not really want to leave the court; they were just using this statement to test her attitude and stance.

Take Prime Minister Qi, for example. If he truly wanted to retire and return to his hometown, he should have done so more than a decade ago. Why has he remained until now?
Regardless of who sits on the throne, civil officials are needed to manage the mundane affairs of state. If Emperor Zhaoyuan could accept Prime Minister Pang and Minister Qin, why couldn't he use surrendered officials like Prime Minister Qi?
Before appointing them, it's inevitable to use methods of suppression and appeasement. Surrendered officials are inherently flexible, and when necessary, they'll kneel down even faster.

Prime Minister Pang gave Minister Qin a wink. Minister Qin nodded slightly, stepped forward, and bowed to plead for the surrendered officials: "I have something to say. Prime Minister Qi is a veteran official of several dynasties, well-versed in government affairs, and there are also a group of surrendered officials, each with their own strengths. I earnestly request Your Majesty to temporarily detain them and select the most capable to employ."

Pei Qinghe gave Minister Qin a look: "Minister Qin's words are exactly what I think. However, I also have some thoughts that I want to share with you."

"First of all, I have already established the capital in Yan County and will never move it to Luoyang. There is no need to keep so many officials in Luoyang. The normal staffing of officials for a county is sufficient. Those who wish to continue to serve the court should go to Yan County. I will consider appointing them myself."

Prime Minister Pang and Minister Qin breathed a sigh of relief almost simultaneously and bowed in agreement.

Prime Minister Qi and the others were somewhat disheartened. However, at this moment, they had no choice but to bow in unison.

The next moment, Emperor Zhaoyuan looked over: "Prime Minister Qi!"

Prime Minister Qi's heart skipped a beat, and he bowed his head, replying, "Your surrendered subject is here!"

Pei Qinghe said calmly, "I will spare the others for now, but I grant your request to retire!"

Prime Minister Qi: "..."

Prime Minister Pang: "..."

All the officials in the hall were stunned, and they all looked up, forgetting their rank and status.

Emperor Zhaoyuan, who rose to power by killing bandits, disliked beating around the bush and spoke directly: "I have Prime Minister Pang to lead all the officials, which is enough. I do not want to see civil officials forming factions and vying for power. If anyone is dissatisfied with Prime Minister Pang, they may return to their hometown now, and I will grant their request."

Prime Minister Qi was instantly filled with despair. He knelt down, kowtowed three times, and then bowed and withdrew from the court. After a moment, an elderly minister nearing sixty years old stepped forward, knelt down, and then left the Golden Palace.

He was even more senior than Prime Minister Pang. Emperor Zhaoyuan was strongly supporting Prime Minister Pang, and for an old minister like him, the only way to preserve his dignity was to step down now. What else could he do? Stick to his post and be kicked out again?
Subsequently, several more senior officials passed away.

Six civil officials left in total. The remaining surrendered officials were either less experienced or exceptionally thick-skinned; in any case, they all stayed quietly.

From initial shock to tears, Prime Minister Pang has now calmed down.

The emperor treated him as a national hero; his old life would henceforth belong to the emperor. He would dedicate himself to the emperor until his dying breath.

With just a few words, Pei Qinghe completely won over Prime Minister Pang and forced a group of former officials to retreat. Next, she looked at several military generals.

These few men, left to guard the city, were mostly minor figures in the Imperial Guard. The only one who was a confidant of General Situ was killed in the palace coup a few days earlier. The remaining few only wanted to preserve their lives.

Emperor Zhaoyuan glanced at them, and immediately one of the quick-witted men knelt down: "This humble general is injured and wishes to go home to recuperate. Please grant me permission, Your Majesty."

Pei Qinghe's eyes flickered slightly, and she nodded in agreement.

She had many loyal and brave men under her command. If these generals were sensible enough to vacate their positions, they could at least maintain some dignity. If they were not, she would have no choice but to "save face" for them.

One of the military officers started the conversation, and the others followed suit. One said he was getting old, and another said he had long wanted to retire.

Pei Qinghe readily approved all of them, and then said in front of all the officials: "I will not pursue the past. However, from today onwards, whether you stay in the court or leave, you must abide by the new rules of the Republic. That is, you must abide by my rules."

"Anyone who uses their status and position to oppress the people will be executed by me."

The last sentence, spoken in a calm tone, resonated like thunder in the ears of the surrendered officials. Their faces paled, they trembled, and they all lowered their heads, responding in hushed tones.

After the initial show of force, Pei Qinghe showed no mercy whatsoever: "Those of you who wish to stay and be appointed, please pack your bags, bring your families, and head directly to Yan County."

"After I arrive, the Minister of Works and Minister Meng, who will remain in charge, will arrange my duties. I will stay in Luoyang for a while to deal with the remnants of the Jiangnan rebels and the Imperial Guards, and then I will lead my troops back to Yan County."

The ministers bowed and agreed.

Having finished discussing official business, Pei Qinghe did not linger and ordered the court to adjourn.

The other officials left, but Prime Minister Pang remained.

Prime Minister Pang bowed deeply.

Pei Qinghe smiled and helped Prime Minister Pang up, saying gently, "Please help me, Prime Minister, to restore our land and bring peace and prosperity to our people."

Prime Minister Pang replied solemnly, "Your subject will certainly do his utmost."

Pei Qinghe smiled slightly and slowly walked out of the Golden Palace.

The sun was blazing, its rays dazzling.

Our beautiful land is at your fingertips.

　The main story is over, but there are some side stories.

　　(End of this chapter)