Starting with a Wei Wu soldier

Chapter 246 The Pacification of the South

With the Imperial Seal in hand, the symbol of divine mandate firmly held in his grasp. Carrying this imposing presence, Chen Xing slowly stepped through the gates of Jinling City under the watchful eyes of the crowd. This former capital of the Southern Dynasty, a place of six dynasties' golden splendor, now welcomed its new master with a complex and oppressive silence. Shops along the streets were tightly shut, and most people hid in their homes, only daring to peek through cracks in doors and windows with a mixture of awe, curiosity, and fear as they watched this victorious army, gleaming in black armor and displaying its formidable military might.

Chen Xing did not go directly to the Southern Dynasty's imperial palace, but instead first ascended the Stone City fortress. This strategically important fortress, controlling the Yangtze River, was now completely under the control of the Xingqi army. Standing atop the city wall, overlooking the surging river flowing eastward below, gazing at the faint outline of the northern lands on the opposite bank, and looking back at the newly subjugated city of Jinling, a sense of pride in controlling the vast land and a heavy responsibility on his shoulders surged within Chen Xing.

"Prime Minister Jia," Chen Xing said, his voice carried far by the river breeze.

"Your old minister is here." Jia Wensu stood beside him.

"Although Jinling has fallen and the Imperial Seal has been obtained, the Jiangnan region is vast, with numerous prefectures and counties, and the people's hearts may not be entirely loyal. After the Battle of Poyang Lake, defeated soldiers, bandits, and even those with disloyal intentions may still remain in the mountains and rivers. The first priority now is not to celebrate victory, but to quickly pacify the surrounding areas, appease the people, and restore order." Chen Xing's gaze sharpened as he looked towards the wider southern region. "I want to make Jiangnan a truly stable territory of Xingqi in the shortest possible time, rather than just an empty title on a surrender document."

"Your Majesty's considerations are thorough and comprehensive." Jia Wenshen agreed. "Jiangnan has just submitted, and both benevolence and severity must be applied, without neglecting either. Capable officials should be dispatched quickly to various prefectures and counties to proclaim Your Majesty's benevolence, take over the government, conduct a thorough investigation of households and land, implement the 'Equal Field Equalization Decree' and the 'New Tax Law' on a trial basis, and carefully select and appoint capable and incorruptible former officials of the Southern Dynasty. At the same time, elite troops and strong generals are needed to sweep away the disloyal, using both suppression and appeasement to eliminate bandits and deter villains."

Chen Xing nodded, then turned his gaze to Lin Wan'er and Lan Fenghuang, who were standing to the side: "Wan'er."

"I am here."

"You are familiar with the scholars and common people of Jiangnan, and your literary talent is outstanding. Immediately, in my name, draft the 'Edict to Pacify Jiangnan,' the 'Order to Recruit Talented Individuals,' and the 'Proclamation to Encourage Agriculture and Ensure Peace for the People.' The wording should be earnest and the policies clear. Emphasize my intention to 'forgive past transgressions, promote only the talented, and allow the people to rest.' After the edicts are completed, send them to all prefectures and counties in Jiangnan immediately and post them publicly so that even women and children may know them."

"Your concubine obeys the decree and will do her utmost." Lin Wan'er bowed gracefully, her eyes gleaming with a sense of mission to participate in creating history.

"Phoenix".

"Brother Xing, what do you say?" Lan Fenghuang was eager to try.

"Jiangnan is hot and humid, making it prone to epidemics after the war. You should lead the medical battalion and recruit skilled doctors from Jinling and the surrounding areas to immediately set up temporary clinics and medicine distribution points in the city and surrounding key locations, focusing on the prevention and treatment of knife wounds, frostbite, typhoid fever, and any potential epidemics. The necessary medicines can be sourced from the Jinling treasury or purchased at fair prices from local pharmacies. I want to see the people of Jinling not only spared from the ravages of war but also quickly rid themselves of the suffering caused by illness."

"Don't worry! Leave it to me! I'll make sure everyone's alright!" Lan Fenghuang patted her chest, full of confidence. Her unique affability and miraculous medical skills often had unexpected effects in times like these, when it came to calming the people.

"Chen Wei, Dian Xiong, Shen Qing." Chen Xing looked at the three pillars of the army.

"Your Majesty, we are here!" the three replied in unison.

"Chen Wei, you are in charge of the overall defense of Nanjing and the military situation in Jiangnan, sitting in the central command and coordinating all parties. Dian Xiong, you will lead your elite troops and integrate some trustworthy units from the surrendered army to form several rapid reaction brigades, dispatched to Xuanzhou, Shezhou, Raozhou, and other mountainous areas in southern Anhui and western Zhejiang to suppress defeated soldiers and bandits, quell local tyrants, ensure the smooth flow of post roads, and maintain local peace. Remember, a combination of suppression and appeasement is necessary; those who can be persuaded to surrender should be persuaded to do so, and those who stubbornly resist should be resolutely annihilated!"

"Your subordinate obeys!" Dian Xiong clasped his hands in a fist salute, his voice booming like a bell.

"Shen Qing, your naval mission is even more important. Reorganize the fleet, replenish its losses, and then, using Nanjing as a base, patrol the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River to ensure the safety of the waterways. At the same time, dispatch a detachment south to enter the Taihu Lake, Qiantang River, and even the Minjiang River basin to assist in the pacification of the coastal prefectures and counties, demonstrate the might of our Xingqi Navy, and deter any potential troublemakers along the southern coast."

"Your humble servant obeys! I will ensure the smooth flow of the Yangtze River and spread our might across the world!" Shen Qing readily agreed.

Orders were issued swiftly and clearly, and the entire occupation machine began to operate efficiently. Chen Xing knew that military occupation was only the first step; true "pacification" lay in the establishment of political power, economic recovery, and the reshaping of social order. He had to establish effective rule before the old forces could retaliate and new conflicts could arise.

The following days passed in Jinling City in an atmosphere of slight tension, yet one that quickly moved towards order. Xingqi officials, under the protection of the army, methodically took over the various government offices and treasuries, inventoried records and household registers, and posted public notices to reassure the people. The documents drafted by Lin Wan'er, with their elegant and clear language and concise and practical policies, quickly spread, largely calming the anxieties of the gentry and common people. The medical stations organized by Lan Fenghuang began operating, providing free or low-cost treatment for wounded soldiers and the poor; their remarkably effective Miao medicine and friendly attitude quickly won over many hearts and minds.

Dian Xiong's iron cavalry swept across the mountains of southern Anhui and western Zhejiang, swiftly crushing several large groups of fleeing soldiers. At the same time, he pardoned numerous small bandit groups who had nowhere else to turn, allowing them to return to their hometowns or be incorporated into auxiliary troops, thus quickly stabilizing the region. Shen Qing's navy cruised the rivers; wherever its banners flew, the counties and prefectures along the river surrendered without resistance. The few fortified villages and water fortresses that attempted to resist using their waterways crumbled quickly before the massive crossbows and slingshots of the warships.

More importantly, Chen Xing adopted the suggestions of Jia Wen and Lin Wan'er, and carefully and actively screened and appointed former officials of the Southern Dynasty. Apart from a few die-hards who were extremely disliked by the people, had a long history of misdeeds, or were incorrigible, most middle and lower-ranking officials, as long as they were willing to cooperate, were able to remain in their posts or be transferred after a simple assessment, thus maintaining the operation of the administrative system. For renowned scholars and literati in the Jiangnan region who were also cooperative, Chen Xing personally received them, treated them with great courtesy, either granting them sinecure positions or recruiting them to the Hanlin Academy to participate in the compilation of classics, greatly alleviating the resistance of the intellectual class.

Economically, in addition to announcing tax reductions and exemptions in some areas and abolishing some of the oppressive taxes levied by the Southern Dynasty, Su Xiaoxiao's pre-planned commercial system also began to take effect. Caravans from the north poured into Jiangnan with goods and orders, buying tea, silk, and porcelain, and selling furs, medicinal herbs, and ironware from the north. This quickly revitalized some commercial activities and gave many artisans and merchants a glimpse of livelihood and hope under the new dynasty.

Meanwhile, Chen Xing demonstrated a balanced approach of leniency and severity in dealing with members of the Southern Dynasty's royal family and high-ranking prisoners. Prince Xiao Jingyan of Chu was granted a residence and placed under house arrest; his direct descendants were also monitored but not mistreated, thus demonstrating benevolence and appeasing the remaining elders of the Southern Dynasty. However, those distant relatives of the Xiao clan and loyal generals who attempted to resist or create chaos at the last moment were decisively purged as a warning to others.

In just half a month, centered on Nanjing, Xing Qi's rule spread like wildfire, rapidly penetrating and consolidating throughout the Jiangnan region. The sparks of resistance were quickly extinguished, onlookers flocked to his side, and the hearts of the people gradually turned to him as order was restored and their interests were guaranteed.

On this day, Chen Xing listened to reports from all sides at the temporary palace. Jia Wen summarized the progress of civil administration, Chen Wei reported on the results of military suppression, Lin Wan'er presented a list of gentry from various places who responded to the call for talent, and Lan Fenghuang reported with a smile that the hidden dangers of the epidemic had been basically controlled, and the people of Jinling praised the new dynasty's "divine physician empress".

Chen Xing nodded slightly and walked to the huge map of Jiangnan hanging in the sky. The black area on it, representing the area controlled by Xing Qi, was steadily extending from Nanjing to southern Jiangsu, Zhejiang, southern Anhui, Jiangxi, and even further to Fujian.

"The overall situation in Jiangnan is about 70-80% settled," Chen Xing said slowly. "However, even a centipede with a hundred legs will not fall down when it dies. The Feng family of Lingnan and the Chen family of Fujian have always been semi-independent of the Southern Dynasty, and their attitudes are ambiguous. Moreover, the mountains and rivers in the south are dangerous and remote, and there are many barbarian tribes living there. It will take time and patience to completely pacify them."

He turned around, his gaze intense: "But regardless, the Southern Dynasty has fallen, Nanjing has been captured, and the Imperial Seal has been obtained. The fertile lands of Jiangnan are now within my grasp. This is an unparalleled achievement, and the foundation of the new dynasty! Issue my decree to reward the three armies and provide compensation for the wounded and the injured. At the same time, order the Northern Capital to expedite the construction of the new capital, Chang'an, and preparations for the enthronement ceremony!"

"I will soon return north in triumph, carrying the Imperial Seal. All affairs in Jiangnan will be entrusted to Governor-General Chen Wei and Prime Minister Jia. You, both civil and military officials, must diligently assist them, ensuring that this region achieves complete peace and prosperity as soon as possible, becoming the wealthy and prosperous Jiangnan of the empire!"

"Your Majesty, we obey! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"