You have truly caused me great suffering!

[The edict said:
After Zhu Luo was pacified, his usurped titles were abolished, his private seals were destroyed, and his registers and maps were confiscated.

The area west of Tanjawur, north of Jianzhibuluo, and south of Madurai was entirely under the jurisdiction of the South India Circuit, with its administrative centers in Zhennan Prefecture, Chengtian Prefecture, South India Prefecture, and Zhulian Prefecture. It was granted the title of Xianning Prefecture.

Chengtian Prefecture was the seat of the Circuit. The remaining twenty-eight prefectures were upgraded to six prefectures: Gaozhou, Jianzhou, Mazhou, Jiazhou, and Wuzhou. Each prefecture was governed by appointed officials. Sub-prefectures and counties were established in accordance with the regulations.

Chengtian Temple is established under Chengtian Prefecture, with a Protectorate Official and Temple Supervisor appointed by the Emperor himself. He will bestow upon the temple a thousand acres of land for incense offerings annually, a privilege that will never be changed. The Maritime Trade Office, located in California, will be responsible for the exclusive control of maritime goods, with annual shipments to the Imperial Treasury.

All officials in the Southern India Circuit are assessed every three years and replaced every five years. Those who can attract refugees, promote agriculture and sericulture, and maintain peace along the coast are promoted.
Those who oppress the people, conceal their registration, or illegally increase taxes levied on foreigners shall be impeached and then dismissed, without exception, regardless of whether they are Chinese or foreign.

A proclamation was issued throughout South India, so that all may be informed.

This edict had actually been written long ago, and it could be used after the war was won.

Because the imperial court did not anticipate that they would lose here.

The journey was long, and it would take several months to exchange messages, so it was better to write them in advance.

This also happened frequently in previous dynasties.

Moreover, it wasn't just on the battlefield. Some prefectures transported tax grain to the central capital, and there was bound to be some damage along the way. So they would write down and stamp the documents in advance, weigh them upon arrival, and then fill in the numbers.

Later, Zhu Yuanzhang of the Ming Dynasty used the pretext of "system rectification" to actually "establish imperial authority and eliminate the unspoken rules of civil officials," and created the Blank Seal Case.

He discovered that when local officials went to the Ministry of Revenue in Nanjing to verify the amount of money and grain each year, they would leave blanks on the blank stamped documents (blank stamp paper) in advance, and then fill in the actual amount after arriving at the Ministry. Because the journey was long and the amount of money and grain was often slightly adjusted, this became an "unspoken rule" to save time on round trips.

Zhu ordered a thorough investigation and the execution of local officials in charge of official seals (prefects, governors, county magistrates, and provincial judicial commissioners) and those implicated, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.

Many of these were wrongful killings.

In Thanjavur, dozens of craftsmen and soldiers are repairing new city gates and walls.

The Indians of the Revenge Camp, armed, supervised the prisoners and laborers as they moved goods outside the city.

For Jingjun, building a city would certainly not involve constructing just one city.

The outer auxiliary cities and fortified villages are all very important.

They can protect their own water sources and support each other.

Moreover, defending a city is definitely not about defending just one isolated city, but about engaging in offensive and defensive battles around the city.

At the city gate, Wu Qian and Li Shiyan looked at the newly inlaid bricks and stones bearing the inscription "Zhennan Prefecture" and smiled with satisfaction.

We need to grab this name quickly.

Otherwise, if others get elected, they might not be selected.

Because the name of the prefecture in the imperial edict, Chengtian Prefecture, was designated in advance by Chengtian Temple. It was located in Gaozhou in the north, where a religious war was to be fought.

Next is Zhennan Prefecture, which has the highest status.

According to the imperial decree, their next step is to use this city as a center and spread outwards.

Within the territory of the Chola Dynasty, the Southern India Pacification Commissioner's Office, the Southern India Transport Commissioner's Office, and the Garrison Commander's Office were established.

They awaited the arrival of personnel from the imperial court to assume their posts.

Apart from Chengtian Prefecture, which has already been planned, the other prefectures will govern six counties, which will be divided up after the arrival of the military commissioner.

This provides ample space for soldiers fighting on the front lines to operate.

The imperial court and the South China Sea Navy will definitely turn a blind eye.

In this day and age, it is not advisable to treat people who have traveled across oceans and thousands of miles from home to fight wars without giving them any benefits and to strictly follow the law in every aspect.

In essence, the current Great Jing Dynasty can be considered an armed force that has bribed and pulled the civil official group onto its side.

Since you conquered the country with the help of the Dingnan Army, you must settle everyone properly, instead of playing the "discard the bow after the birds are gone" game.

You, Chen Shao, have no clan power whatsoever. If the old brothers of the Dingnan Army become disloyal to you, it is actually very dangerous.

Chen Shao did a good job in this regard. The first point is that he clearly showed favoritism and bestowed rewards upon the Dingnan Army.

Secondly, his harem was also very important.

Although Chen Shao was lustful, he resisted the temptation to open a large harem, and long after the founding of the country, the harem consisted entirely of his own people.

There was a queen of the Zhuang clan in the northern border of the Western Army;

Zhai Rui and Zhang Yinghan, who have backgrounds in Hexi;

The three consorts of the Jin clan of the Qiang people in Northwest China;
Li Yumei and Liu Caiwei of the Hedong Clique
Once the political situation stabilized, when he once again widely selected virtuous women, the nine new women he took in were also very particular, most of them being ladies from the families of high-ranking officials and scholars of the former Song Dynasty.

Because at this time, those scholar-officials from the previous dynasty who had not yet been purged were already boarding the chariot of the Great Jing and pledging allegiance to him.

Marriage is the most direct and common means for interest groups to form alliances, and Chen Shao's behavior reassured these people that they were on their side.

Therefore, his core group has always been very stable, and there have been no internal problems, which is rare among entrepreneurial groups throughout history.

If there are no internal problems, it will be difficult for external forces to overthrow his great cause through conspiracies and tricks.

Chen Shao never held his subordinates to the standards of a saint. Unless they crossed his bottom line like Wei Li, there was no danger of his meritorious officials being purged.

Moreover, despite Wei Li's crime, Chen Shao still managed to protect his descendants, providing them with a family school and burial grounds where they could collect rent for their education, thus giving them the opportunity to re-enter officialdom and rise again.

As for armies fighting abroad, especially those on distant expeditions, their profit-seeking activities are generally not investigated.

When Chen Shao was leading troops, he was not law-abiding at all. He immediately spent a lot of money to bribe Tong Guan and his men.

As long as it doesn't affect the battle situation or delay subsequent resettlement, it's fine.

The army also had a tacit understanding with the emperor, knowing when to stop and to consider the overall situation.

If an arrogant and unruly military general does something outrageous, then he is the culprit who breaks this tacit understanding.

There was absolutely no need for Chen Shao to take action.

He was effectively suppressed within each of the various military units.

Because this action of yours could potentially cut off everyone's livelihood, making you everyone's mortal enemy. Cutting off someone's livelihood is like killing their parents.

After the Chola dynasty was defeated in India, it was as if a bridgehead had been established in southern India.

The battles to come will be much easier.

Moreover, Gao Shunzhen in the north has already opened half of the road, and after two and a half years, they are about to open up the land passage.

This was the most fatal flaw: with this supply line, the warhorses, mules, and camels of the Great Jing could enter the Tianzhu continent.

The entire southwest of Dajing is working hard on this matter, and this is also an opportunity for them.

Today, the ability to launch expeditions means that enormous profits await to be seized.

The southwest was originally relatively isolated, and if we simply tried to change the local chieftains and replace them with centrally appointed officials, we might encounter strong resistance.

But if you take them to conquer territory and seize other people's land, it will actually bring you closer together.

It's similar to how people get along; to quickly deepen a relationship, you have to do bad things together.
-
Haidong.

The former capital of Goryeo, Gaegyeong, was the garrison commander.

Ma Kuo sat at the head of the table, with Li Gang and Cui Shunting below him.

Cui Shunting looks even younger than he did a few years ago. This successful speculation has rejuvenated him, giving him a second spring in his life.

This time, the imperial court appointed him as the deputy transport commissioner of Haidong Road, to assist Li Gang. In reality, he was the third-in-command in Liaodong, Goryeo, and Japan.

His power and influence far surpassed that of his ancestors, bringing glory to his family.

Cui Shunting looked at Ma Kuo, who was frowning, and was quite unconvinced.

The situation is so good now that as long as we defend our borders well, we should suppress any rebellious Koreans with ruthless force.

What worries could there be?

In fact, those who were the most ruthless to the Goryeo rebels were actually the original Goryeo people.

We've all submitted to the Great Jing and become its officials, so why are you putting on a show of loyalty?
Is that noticeable?

If you become a hero, then aren't we just traitors?

Such treacherous officials and traitors must be severely suppressed!
Ma Kuo hadn't expected that so many people would still be resisting, while the Japanese had actually surrendered quite thoroughly.

Li Gang stroked his beard and said, "In the towering mountains south of the mountain, the roads are blocked and it is very difficult to pass through. The bandits hide in the mountains, and when they are cleared out, they disguise themselves as mountain people. After the soldiers leave, they stir up trouble again."

"I think we should use both kindness and force to wipe them out."

Ma Kuo then added, "That's right. Let them feel the benevolence of our Great Jing Dynasty, and perhaps we can subdue them without a fight."

Choi Soon-jeong immediately volunteered, "This humble official is willing to recruit Goryeo soldiers to go and suppress the bandits."

Ma Kuo shook his head and said, "The bandits are like weeds on the plains, impossible to eradicate completely. I think we need to start from scratch."

Cui Shunting stood up, looking somewhat excited, and said, "General! Dongying and Liaodong were both pacified by our Great Jing soldiers through bloody battles, so their land submits, and their hearts submit as well."

Liaodong was swept away by the Duke of Ying's troops, and all ethnic groups witnessed the demise of the once invincible Jurchens. In Japan, the uprising of the rioters was followed by our Jing Army's campaign from west to east, extinguishing their will to rebel.

Only Goryeo was different—our Great Emperor Gyeongsang was divinely mighty, and the hearts of all under heaven were with him. He conquered Goryeo without shedding a drop of blood. The mountain people of Goryeo had never suffered, and therefore had never feared.

Although they now submit, their powerful chieftains and scholars still harbor thoughts of their former country. Given the slightest opportunity, they will surely rekindle their rebellious intentions. This military campaign is unlike any ordinary suppression of bandits. We must plunder their homes, sweep away their strongholds, relocate their powerful families, and disarm them, so that they may know—the might of the Great Jing lies not in appeasement, but in the ability to exterminate their clans and extinguish their lineages. Only in this way can we extinguish their will to rise again.”

"This humble official is willing to swear a military oath: if I fail to wipe out these mountain bandits within three months, I am willing to bring my head to repay Your Majesty's kindness!"

Li Gang and Ma Kuo both looked at him in surprise. Ma Kuo said, "Lord Cui's loyalty and courage are truly moving. I will report to His Majesty and request that you be rewarded."

"This is merely the duty of a subject; why should one seek credit?"

Cui Shunting was determined; these troublemakers had to be completely replaced.

Moreover, Cui Shunting also realized that in Dajing, ability is the most important factor.

Although Kim Boo-seok became a respected scholar in the court, Yu Yeong-bi was the one entrusted with important responsibilities.

Logically speaking, Kim Boo-seok had frequently traveled to the Central Plains during the Song Dynasty and had become even more familiar with His Majesty.

Yu Yingbi only met the emperor for the first time after he had submitted to the emperor.

It is clear that His Majesty appoints people based solely on their abilities.

I need to show my skills again.

Maybe we can go even further!
Watching Cui Shunting leave in a flurry, Ma Kuo and Li Gang exchanged a smile.

This was something they had discussed beforehand, and they were confident that Cui Shunting would volunteer.

They shared similar views with Cui Shunting, all believing that a drastic measure should be taken.

However, this ruthless act should not have been carried out by the Jingren people, otherwise it would easily arouse fear among other Goryeo survivors.

It would be best to let the Koreans do it themselves.

The deterrent effect is achieved, and it's not easy to leave behind hatred.

In fact, the two of them knew that Cui Shunting was probably aware of their plans.

But this is something that requires mutual understanding but cannot be spoken aloud.

For Cui Shunting, this was also the most credible pledge of allegiance to Da Jing, showing her utmost sincerity.

He has no intention of staying here in the future.

“Cui Shunting is determined to suppress the bandits this time. Do you think he can win?” Li Gang asked.

Ma Kuo chuckled, "It's true that he recruited Goryeo soldiers. He stuffed three or five Jing soldiers into each squad and gave them enough firearms and supplies. He surrounded the entire mountain to suppress the bandits, investigated and searched them one by one, and wiped out all the thieves."

"Eliminating them is not difficult; the methods used after they are eliminated are what we are not suited to handle."

Li Gang nodded.

When he was about to build a city in Baidao, Yuwen Xuzhong suggested that he incite the local tribes to fight each other so that he could reap the benefits.

At that time, Li Gang still felt it was inappropriate, believing that this was not a fair and aboveboard approach, and was unwilling to do as Yuwen Xuzhong suggested.

Now, five years later, he has already begun to devise such a plan.

A person can teach a person a thousand times, but an experience can teach a person in one go.

This was the first time the emperor had entrusted these former Song Dynasty officials with important responsibilities in Haidong.

They have to do a fantastic job; the stakes are too high.

The position of Haidong Garrison Commander is also extremely important.

Beginning with the Xianbei at the end of the Jin Dynasty, this region frequently saw the rise of foreign tribes who then invaded the Central Plains.

Unlike the grasslands, Liaodong is arable land, which makes it particularly challenging.

Back then, during the chaos at the end of the Jin Dynasty, hundreds of thousands of Han Chinese from the Central Plains fled here, and the Xianbei people profited from this population dividend.

The Han people brought not only population, but also various technologies, which led to the rise of the Xianbei.

The Murong and Yuwen tribes became the main players in the Central Plains from then on until the Sui and Tang dynasties.

If the Central Plains dynasty could occupy this area, then with the rise of foreign tribes in Liaodong and Goryeo as a check, it would be extremely difficult for them to enter the Central Plains.

If you dare to move south, I can easily launch an attack, cut off your supplies, and even send troops from Goryeo to destroy your vulnerable base.

If you attack Goryeo earlier, then the Central Plains dynasty can launch an attack from Youyan.

After passing through the pass, they were again attacked from both sides.

The worry on Ma Kuo's face disappeared after Cui Shunting left.

When Tong Guan attacked Liao, he was in such a passive situation, but he was not afraid.

He traveled back and forth between the Song, Jin, and Liao dynasties, negotiating and mediating, and then gracefully extricated himself from the situation.

Given the current situation, there's nothing for him to worry about; it's already a perfect start.

They were just mountain bandits; what he really wanted to do was to use these bandits to completely shatter the Goryeo people's hopes of restoring their kingdom.

Cut off all delusional fantasies. (End of Chapter)