We have fought to the Arctic Circle, and you want me to inherit the throne?

Chapter 1055 Li Che's Southern Tour (Part 2)

Seeing their panicked expressions, Li Che's expression softened slightly.

“I have carefully reviewed your resumes. Although you come from noble families, your lives were not particularly luxurious during the late emperor’s reign, and I have never heard of any misdeeds such as embezzlement or abusing the people.”

"The reason I retain you is that I believe you still have practical talents. In the future, when new policies are implemented, we will need capable officials who are familiar with the local areas."

Upon hearing this, the three men felt a surge of fervor and repeatedly declared, "We will serve Your Majesty with our lives to repay your kindness and trust, and we would never dare to have any disloyal thoughts!"

"Yes, I hope you will be consistent in word and deed." Li Che nodded slightly. "That's all for today. Go back to your posts."

"My southern tour is planned accordingly, and I do not need you to accompany and serve me. Focus your attention on important matters and on the people."

"Remember, no matter your background, as long as you are dedicated to your work and treat the people well, I will guarantee your future."

“But if they outwardly comply but inwardly defy, or even mistreat the people…” Li Che’s gaze suddenly sharpened, “then don’t blame us for not showing mercy!”

"Your Majesty's instructions will be firmly remembered!"

The three men felt as if they had been granted a pardon. They bowed again before cautiously exiting the imperial carriage.

It wasn't until they were quite far from the procession and a summer breeze blew that they realized the back of their official robes was soaked with cold sweat.

They looked at each other and both felt as if they had survived a disaster.

Upon hearing that the emperor was going on a tour, they assumed that it was just a formality to show off imperial power and intimidate the local people.

Unexpectedly, the emperor went directly to the local areas and even went so far as to personally audit the accounts of government offices, resulting in the removal of many local officials of the same rank.

The three of them were considered to be quite law-abiding and had little connection with powerful families, which is why they only received a reprimand.

However, it was precisely because of this that they caught the emperor's eye.

As long as one supports the new policies and refrains from actions that harm the people, the future remains bright.

After the three people left, Li Che turned his gaze to the outside of the curtain, his serious expression melting like spring ice.

Yelü Xian had been waiting impatiently for a long time. Upon seeing this, she immediately lifted the curtain and slipped in, bringing with her a fresh scent of grass and trees.

Holding up her prey, she presented it to Li Che with a beaming smile, saying, "Your Majesty, look! I finally managed to hunt this. This rabbit is very plump. I'll have the imperial chefs roast it for us tonight!"

Yelü Xian, being a Khitan princess, was naturally not the kind of woman who would say, "Rabbits are so cute, I can't eat them."

If it were any other woman in the inner palace, let alone shooting a rabbit herself, she would have covered her face and fled in panic even if she saw the cook killing a rabbit.

What Li Che liked most was her uninhibited and genuine nature.

Her hair was a little messy, sticking to her sweaty forehead, and there was some dust on her cheeks, but it made her look even more vibrant.

Li Che smiled and reached out to pull her to sit down beside him. He took the heavy rabbit, weighed it in his hand, and praised, "It is indeed plump and delicious. Xian'er's archery skills have improved even more. It seems that three years in the palace have not wasted this skill."

As he spoke, he naturally raised his hand and used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from her forehead.

Yelü Xian enjoyed his intimacy, her eyes curving into crescents. She leaned against his shoulder and mumbled:

"The palace is nice, but riding horses and shooting arrows outside is even more enjoyable. Your Majesty, please bring Xian'er with you on your next tour."

"I'll bring you out for a stroll if it's suitable," Li Che said gently, his gaze already turning to Luo Yueniang, who quietly stepped into the carriage.

Luo Yueniang entered the carriage and bowed respectfully, saying, "This humble general, Luo Yueniang, greets Your Majesty."

That fleeting glance, the tenderness between His Majesty and the Imperial Concubine, stirred something within her.

If my husband were still alive...

"General Luo, there's no need for such formalities. You've had a hard time." Li Che raised his hand in a gesture of support, his tone becoming more formal. "I'm grateful that you've accompanied Xian'er on this journey."

Luo Yueniang quickly replied, "Your Majesty is too kind. It is my honor to be able to protect Your Highness."

She knew in her heart that His Majesty allowed her to be so close to the inner palace because he considered her one of his own, and she would not be ungrateful.

Li Che nodded and pondered, "I summoned you to accompany me not only to keep Xian'er company, but also to hear your insights."

Luo Yueniang's expression turned solemn: "Your Majesty, please speak. This humble general will answer all your questions."

"This southern tour will eventually lead us to Sichuan." Li Che looked at Luo Yueniang. "The situation in Sichuan is complex, with Han and Yi peoples living together. I have read many reports about tribes such as the Baicao Qiang and the Duzhang Man..."

"You come from the Shu region, and your understanding of the actual situation of these tribes should be more genuine than any written document. I would like to hear your opinion."

Yelü Xian also curiously raised her head and looked at Luo Yueniang.

Born on the grasslands, she was considered a foreigner to Daqing, hence her keen interest in the tribes deep in the mountains of Sichuan.

After a moment's thought, Luo Yueniang slowly spoke: "Your Majesty, the Shu region is surrounded by mountains and has a treacherous terrain. Tribes such as the Baicao Qiang and Duzhang Man mostly live in the towering mountains of western and southern Sichuan."

"They are not a unified group; each has its own leader or chieftain, and their customs and languages ​​also differ. Overall, they are known for their fierce and courageous nature, and they place great importance on blood ties."

She paused, then continued, "Their relationship with the government has always been delicate. When the court was strong, they were mostly willing to pay tribute, provide mountain products and medicinal herbs in exchange for necessities such as salt, iron and cloth. Even if there were conflicts, they were easy to resolve."

"But if the government governs poorly, or if they are exploited by corrupt officials, these tribes will defend their own territory and even plunder surrounding villages and towns, causing border troubles."

"In the late years of the previous dynasty, such chaotic events frequently occurred in the Shu region."

Luo Yueniang frowned slightly: "Now that His Majesty has pacified the world and implemented new policies, they are deep in the mountains and have little contact with the outside world. They are still observing the court's decrees."

“The Duzhang barbarians are particularly fierce. Their land is treacherous, and their people are extremely savage. Historically, they have often refused to submit to the king’s rule.”

Li Che listened attentively and asked, "In your opinion, what is the best strategy for dealing with these tribes if we want long-term peace and stability in Shu?"

Luo Yueniang pondered for a moment and then said, "In my humble opinion, we should use both suppression and appeasement, with appeasement as the primary approach and suppression as a secondary measure."

Li Che's eyes lit up: "Explain in detail."

Luo Yueniang said, "If we only appease them, they may become arrogant and think that the court is weak; if we only wage war, the mountains are high and the forests are dense, the costs are huge, and it is easy to create deadly enemies."

"In my humble opinion, we should use both kindness and severity."

"On the one hand, we strictly restrained border officials, prohibited them from harassing or oppressing the Yi people without cause, and ensured fair trade; we selected capable officials who were familiar with the Yi people's situation and fluent in their language to go deep into the villages, preach and educate them, and establish connections."

"On the other hand, we must strike swiftly against the stubborn barbarians who actively plunder and harm the people, so as to set an example and demonstrate the law of the court."

She glanced at Li Che, and seeing him nod slightly, she mustered her courage and added, "In addition, we may learn from His Majesty's policy toward the grassland tribes and select the sons of tribal chiefs who are willing to be close to the court, and allow them to study in the official schools in Shu."

"Regular border markets can also be established and strictly managed to ensure that people can obtain what they need through legitimate means without having to take risks."

"Over time, we may be able to win him over."

Li Che remained silent for a moment, then showed an approving expression: "General Luo's words are exactly what I thought. She truly deserves to be called a heroine of Shu, with extraordinary insights."

Luo Yueniang felt a warmth in her heart and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is too kind. This humble general has only done what I know."

Li Che said solemnly, "Please take good care of me on this trip to Shu."

"This humble general obeys!" Luo Yueniang replied solemnly.

Once the serious business was over, Yelü Xian became lively again, shaking Li Che's arm: "Your Majesty, let's roast rabbit for dinner tonight, and let General Luo join us!"

Li Che smiled and agreed, then said to Luo Yueniang, "General Luo, if there's nothing else to do this evening, let's have dinner together."

Looking at Yelü Xian's radiant smile, Luo Yueniang felt a mix of envy and complex emotions. She forced a smile and bowed.

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty and Your Majesty."