CHAPTER 668: CHAPTER 648: FOR THE CONSORT

Xie Xun also understood that the living conditions in Beiman were harsh. If Beining were to face such icy, snowy lands, impossible to survive in, he too would lead the populace to seek a new homeland. This is the instinct for survival and the fundamental reason for decades of conflict between Beiman and Beining. Every generation of Beiman Kings has sought to invade Beining and seize its flourishing lands.

Lin Helin said, "Beiman’s submission is just one step away. Beiman is aware that today’s Yuwen Dynasty is not the same as before, and once we have recuperated, we will certainly expand our territories. Although those lands are not suitable for living, they are rich in mineral resources. Dugu Jing’s willingness to submit is low, but the Beiman King is not the same. This year alone, he lost two Princes to the severe cold, making migration inevitable. What they worry about now is how the two groups can coexist peacefully after migrating. Settling in Ningzhou is absolutely not an option due to deep-seated hatred. If they move to the South, they won’t adapt well and would still need to adjust to the Southern people’s way of life. The best option is to migrate them to the Twelve States. Several major cities in the Twelve States have sparse populations, so they can be dispersed there."

Xie Xun frowned and pondered, "Beiman people’s customs and habits are fundamentally different from ours. With a population still numbering about a million, would it be better to centrally manage them, or disperse them across the Twelve States?"

Lin Helin and Xie Jue had also been considering this question. This population of a million is roughly equivalent to the population of Yangzhou City but comprises a disproportionate number of Beiman Soldiers. If concentrated in one city, Beiman would have to govern themselves, and Beining’s State Mansion would struggle to keep them under control.

But if they are relocated together to a feudal land, a million Beiman people forming armed factions would lead to the feudal land becoming uncontrollable. How to appropriately handle Beiman civilians is indeed a significant challenge.

This is also why the High Priest insists on Ningzhou.

Ningzhou is the most suitable place for Beiman people to live.

"What does the Prince think?" Lin Helin asked Xie Jue, as Xie Jue was the person most familiar with Beiman.

"Beiman people are naturally unruly. Even if they submit, they will retain a very rigid sense of territorial awareness and exclusivity. If they are settled centrally in one city, chaos is inevitable; they must be managed in a dispersed manner. However, dispersing them will lead to frequent conflicts, putting immense pressure on the local State Mansion’s governance capabilities. Therefore, if we must settle Beiman people, it’s better to divide them across the Twelve States. The Ningzhou Iron Cavalry can also be dispersed for stationing purposes, military generals could transition into civilian officials, and the local State Mansion staffers could assist in collective governance. How about that?"

Lin Helin’s thoughts coincided with his. This approach would at least make Beiman less likely to rebel, with Zhongzhou acting as a buffer zone. Though conflicts would arise initially, after decades, Beiman and Beining could integrate, making governance easier. However, the problem remains: how can we appease the local populace of the Twelve States, given the deep historical grievances between them and Beiman?

Xie Xun also felt this arrangement would be unfair. "Why should all of them be sent to the Twelve States? They are nothing but bandits; how can the Twelve States alone bear this burden? If I were a citizen of the Twelve States, I certainly wouldn’t be happy about this."

"Then what would you suggest?" Xie Jue asked.

"The court must offer compensation," Xie Xun said. "Otherwise, why should only the people of the Twelve States suffer for this? Beiman people are fierce and strong-willed; wouldn’t the local populace just end up being bullied?"

"If we place them in Jiangnan, they won’t adapt either!"

"Who cares? They’re surrendering, not coming here to live in comfort. If they can’t adapt, they’ll have to figure it out. Spread them across both the North and South to avoid concentrating them in the Twelve States, which would make it easy for them to rally and revolt." Xie Xun had a strong emotional attachment to the Twelve States. "As for their royal family, move them to the Capital City. For the Capital, extend its boundaries to include Yiling Village and Gaoping Town—under the Emperor’s direct control, they will be easier to manage and serve as an example."

"They certainly won’t agree!" Zhang Boju didn’t even need to think to know the Beiman people would refuse.

"Why not? The Capital is the most prosperous place in Beining; why would they be dissatisfied? It’s not like anyone is imprisoning them." Xie Xun listened to the ongoing discussions, realizing that settling the Beiman population was indeed a headache. No matter where they are placed, they would definitely be unwelcome, and conflicts were bound to arise.

They couldn’t be centralized in a single city—lest they spark rebellion.

Lin Helin seemed to be waiting for Xie Xun to speak up. "If their royal family is relocated to the Capital City, the Emperor would need to take the Beiman Princess as a consort. Would His Majesty be willing?"

Xie Xun, "..."

Xie Xun snapped back to his senses and blurted out, "Cousin, were you planning all along to have the Beiman royal family settle in the Capital City, just waiting for me to fall into your trap?"

"I wouldn’t dare. His Majesty is overthinking."

Xie Xun felt he wasn’t overthinking at all. Unable to help himself, he looked toward Xie Jue for support, hoping his Second Brother could bail him out. Xie Jue, quietly holding his tea, remained silent, leaving Xie Xun stranded and murmuring to himself, "I’ve just recently wed."

Lin Helin said, "It’s not necessary for the consort-taking to happen this year."

"The Empress is physically frail and emotionally sensitive."

Lin Helin said, "The Beiman Princess is only fifteen years old. We could wait two or three years before formally designating her as consort."

"The Empress controls Beining’s economic lifeline. If she gets upset and cuts off the flow of funds, the Ministry of Revenue will cry poverty. Would Cousin be able to cover the deficit?" Xie Xun asked with a hint of melancholy.