klisemfg Chapter 298 Helping to Begin the Path of the God of War
Chapter 298 Helping to Begin the Path of the God of War
To gain a more detailed understanding of the current situation in which Lu Yuanchangming (Li Cunxu) was situated, the Yu Yueqing Whirlwind duo specifically consulted relevant materials.
Everyone learned that:
In 907 AD, Zhu Wen usurped the Tang throne and established the Later Liang Dynasty, the first dynasty of the Five Dynasties period.
In the first month of the second year of Kai Ping of the Later Liang Dynasty (908), Li Keyong, the Prince of Jin, who rose to become the largest regional military power at the end of the Tang Dynasty along with Zhu Wen, died of illness.
Emperor Zhu Wen of the Later Liang Dynasty believed that the biggest obstacle to unifying the country had disappeared, and the situation of north-south confrontation on both sides of the Yellow River was about to end.
But before Zhu Wen could even secretly rejoice, an even more formidable opponent, Li Cunxu, the son of Li Keyong, suddenly appeared...
On the 20th day of the first month of the second year of Kai Ping of the Later Liang Dynasty (908), Li Cunxu, who was only 24 years old, succeeded his father as the military governor of Hedong and the Prince of Jin.
The members of the Yu Yue Qing Xuan Feng duo were transported to Lu Yuan Changming's (Li Cunxu's) camp, paving the way for Li Cunxu's path to becoming a war god!
Upon arriving at Li Cunxu's camp, the members of the Yu Yue Qing Xuan Feng group discussed the current situation.
Although Li Cunxu inherited his father's vast fortune, the road ahead for him was still quite arduous and long.
Not only were the three major enemies—Liu Rengong, the Later Liang, and the Khitan—all militarily strong, but the Hedong Group itself was also facing numerous crises.
When Li Keyong first raised an army in the Yun and Shuo regions, he adopted many of the brave soldiers he gained as his sons. Now, these adopted sons all command elite troops and are arrogant because of their achievements. Meanwhile, the young master Li Cunxu is young and inexperienced, and is unable to win over the people.
The consensus was that to resolve the current issue of Li Cunxu's inability to gain popular support, they should start with a thorny problem.
That is because when the late King Li Keyong was alive, he favored Hu people and soldiers. These people ran rampant in the city, invaded and disrupted the streets and shops, and the people complained bitterly.
After careful consideration, Qiu Ziyue offered her suggestion:
"Changming, I have a suggestion that might solve our current predicament."
Li Cunxu raised his head and looked intently at Qiu Ziyue: "Please continue."
"During the reign of the late king, he favored the Hu people and soldiers excessively, which led to their disregard for the law and their reckless behavior," Qiu Ziyue said slowly.
"To win the hearts and minds of the people, we must severely punish those who have committed numerous evils and restore order."
After Qiu Ziyue finished speaking, she added, "Furthermore, I suggest appointing Li Cunzhang as the military commander of Hedong and the commander of the cavalry and infantry, so that he can be responsible for rectifying military discipline and maintaining order."
Li Cunxu frowned: "Li Cunzhang? Is he capable of doing this?"
"Li Cunzhang was an upright and incorruptible man who was strict in managing his troops and was deeply respected by his soldiers."
Qi Yuxuan explained, "More importantly, he is familiar with the situation in the Hedong region and knows how to deal with these Hu people and soldiers. I believe he would be a suitable candidate."
Li Cunxu pondered for a moment, then finally nodded:
"Alright, we'll do as you say. Appoint Li Cunzhang as the Military Commissioner of Hedong and Commander of the Cavalry and Infantry, with full authority to rectify military discipline and maintain order."
A few days after taking office, Li Cunzhang quickly took action, formulating strict military regulations that all officers and soldiers were required to abide by.
At the same time, he began to investigate and collect evidence against the domineering Hu people and soldiers.
A month later, Li Cunzhang ordered the arrest of several particularly brutal and tyrannical individuals and publicly announced their crimes.
These individuals were subsequently executed according to law as a warning.
This move immediately caused a sensation, and the people in the city applauded.
The once arrogant and domineering Hu people and soldiers no longer dared to act recklessly, and order in the city gradually returned to normal.
Within a month, the city of Hedong had maintained order and the changes were astonishing.
The rampant misbehavior of the Hu people and soldiers was gone from the streets. Merchants resumed their business with peace of mind, and citizens returned to a peaceful life.
Li Cunzhang's decisiveness and fairness earned him people's respect and support.
Whether ordinary people or generals and soldiers, everyone praised him highly.
Li Cunxu gradually established his prestige and gained wider recognition because of this move.
One evening, Qiu Ziyue came to the council hall again to tell Li Cunxu the good news:
"Changming, after a month of rectification, order in Hedong City has been fully restored. Li Cunzhang's work has been very effective, and the people have more trust and support for your rule."
Li Cunxu nodded in satisfaction:
"Thanks to your advice, we have the situation we have today. Twilight Sparkle, it's so good to have you."
Qiu Ziyue smiled slightly:
"Changming, you flatter me. As long as I can contribute to the stability and development of the Hedong region, I am willing to continue to work hard."
Li Cunxu stood up, his eyes filled with deep affection and expectation.
He slowly walked up to Qiu Ziyue, his voice low and sincere:
"Twilight Sparkle, I'm so happy you're back."
He paused, as if searching for the right words.
"Could you give me a chance, choose me once, and let me take care of you? Can we get married and live together? If you don't like the military, I don't need to be the king."
Qiu Ziyue was stunned; she hadn't expected Li Cunxu to confess his feelings to her at this moment.
A complex mix of emotions welled up within her, a mixture of gratitude and helplessness.
She knew Li Cunxu's feelings for her were genuine, but reality wouldn't allow her to accept them. Qiu Ziyue gently shook her head, her voice trembling slightly:
"Changming, what nonsense are you talking about?"
She tried to keep her tone calm, but the tears in her eyes were hard to hide.
"It's impossible for us. I appreciate your deep affection, but what's done is done, and I can't abandon Yuxuan."
She took a deep breath and continued, "I will lend you a hand and do my best to help you govern Hedong. But that doesn't mean we can be together. My heart is only for Yuxuan and his children; I cannot let them down."
A hint of disappointment flashed in Li Cunxu's eyes, but he still tried to salvage the situation:
"Twilight Sparkle, I know you have concerns, but you can think about it again. I can give up everything just to be with you."
Qiu Ziyue shook her head firmly:
"Changming, stop saying these things. I've made my choice, and I won't change it. I hope you can understand."
After firmly stating her intention to leave, Qiu Ziyue turned and left the council chamber.
Although her steps were light, each step seemed exceptionally heavy.
She knew that Li Cunxu's feelings were genuine, but she had to stick to her choice.
She already has her own family and can't go back.
Li Cunxu stood there, watching Qiu Ziyue's departing figure, unable to come back to his senses for a long time.
He understood Qiu Ziyue's choice, even though it broke his heart.
He took a deep breath and secretly resolved to work harder to become a better monarch and live up to Qiu Ziyue's expectations.
A few days later, Li Cunxu summoned his generals and announced a series of reform measures, determined to further rectify military discipline and improve public security in the Hedong region.
To be continued in the next chapter!