The Human Emperor c1-2382

by Huangfu Qi (皇甫奇)

  Wang Chong spoke seriously. Despite reincarnating back into this era, when he thought about the severe circumstances before Great Tang, he couldn’t help but worry.

  He was the only one who knew that Great Tang’s days were numbered, and perturbed, he found himself unable to fall sleep on most nights.

  All in this conference hall were influential officials. Even though most have retired, the connections they’ve built throughout their lifetime still existed, and their clans still possessed massive influence in the empire.

  ‘The dam of a thousand li could crumble under an ant’s nest’. The current Great Tang was already facing peril from all directions, and all that was required was a trigger before it all explodes. Since those in this conference hall were able to notice the issue regarding the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganates in advance, it could be seen that they possessed foresight.

  But Wang Chong knew that this wasn’t enough. This wasn’t the core of the problem.

  Wang Chong had to find a way to warn them, and through this conference hall, he would influence even more people!

  “… But the Central Plains has been peaceful for too long. In the era of the Emperor Taizong, the Eastern and Western Khaganate have been forced to the north of the Yin Mountains. At the same time, many nomadic tribes gave in to the royal court, thus allowing the Great Tang to conquer Annam. Then, during the time of the preceding emperor, he established the Northern Protectorate Manor, Chanyu Protectorate Manor, and Southern Protectorate Manor, thus expanding the influence of the Great Tang once more. Then, in the current era, the Great Tang managed to expand westward, and the Western Protectorate Manor was established.”

  “The Great Tang has achieved many victories over the years, bringing the entire empire to the peak of its influence. Not only did we surpass the Sui Dynasty, we also surpassed the Han and Qin, and the Central Plains has reached a level of unprecedented might! But have grandfather and elders realized yet? It is precisely because of this that the entire royal court is starting to get ‘complacent’.”

  Recalling the current circumstances of Great Tang, Wang Chong’s heart became heavy. Powerful enemies weren’t fearsome. Regardless of whether it was the most powerful Xiongnu or the prosperous Turkic Khaganate, they eventually submitted to the dynasty of the Central Plains. What was the most fearsome was the scattering of people’s heart.

  “Grandson has heard of a poem in the past: Yingzhou’s youngsters adore the wild, fur coats draped they hunted beyond walls. Fearsome steeds Hu-er rode at mere ten, wine of a thousand cups could intoxicate none of them.”

  (Hu-er and the entire poem refers to the Khitan tribe (Mongolian) in the northeast)

  “While we’re busy pursuing fine drapery, immersed within extravagance and pleasure, and prided ourselves on being able to hold our alcohol, those of the northern Turkic Khaganate have been training their children to take glory in riding, shooting, and killing enemies on the battlefield.”

  “The problem regarding the Turkic Khaganate isn’t difficult to overcome, but people’s hearts are. Grandson thinks that this is the true problem!”

  When Wang Chong finished his piece, his heart felt incredibly heavy. Wang Chong didn’t make up these words just to convince and perform before the elders. Rather, he had experienced this in person in his previous life.

  He coincidentally heard of this poem while he was wandering around the borders in his previous life. Often, only when things evolved to an irreversible point is one able to peer clearly into it.

  But by then, it was already too late.

  The current Great Tang was overly obsessed with gold and alcohol, and the hearts of the people have already changed. It was no longer the Great Tang they once knew. However, being inside the box, they were unable to look beyond it and notice this.

  The conference hall was completely silent, and the atmosphere was heavy. Initially, those elders were only listening to Wang Chong’s opinion in deference to Duke Jiu, as well as to see how impressive the grandson he favored was like. However, the more they listened, the heavier their hearts sunk. Eventually, when Wang Chong recited the poem, their faces changed sharply.

  Even the old master was astonished by Wang Chong’s words.

  The reason why he had Wang Chong enter and suddenly pose this question to him was to test this grandson of his to see how talented he was. From then, he would decide what kind of position he should allocate him in the future.

  As for succession…

  From Big Uncle Wang Gen to Father Wang Yan, then to Big Brother Wang Fu, and Cousin Wang Li, he was disappointed way too many times…

  Conquering and winning the acknowledgement these group of brothers and old subordinates wasn’t an easy task.

  After so many years, he had almost given up all hope.

  However, what the old master didn’t expect was for Wang Chong’s performance to far exceed all expectations he carried. This was no longer a problem of whether he was satisfied with the other party’s reply or not.

  The content his grandson presented of has already transcended that level.

  For the very first time, he saw a ray of hope.

  When the reactions of all in the hall fell into Wang Li’s eyes, his complexion worsened.

  “Chong gongzi, I would like to ask if the poem was made up by you, or is there really such a poem?”

  Elder Ye suddenly asked solemnly.

  If Wang Chong made up the poem himself, that could only mean that Duke Jiu’s grandson was capable. To be able to contrast the current state of the extravagant Great Tang with the unique characteristics of the Turkic Khaganate nomadic tribes, his talents were admittedly superior.

  Given his young age, this was indeed an incredible feat. There were signs of the younger Duke Jiu’s flair in him.

  But if not, the entire nature of the event would be different. The situation would be much graver than they expected.

  This was no longer a problem of Duke Jiu nominating a grandson of his, but one that would affect the fate of the entire empire.

  “There is indeed such a poem!”

  Wang Chong answered grimly. In his previous life, the poem has already been spreading among the population for a very long time before he heard of it.

  If the elders were to send their people to look into it, they would surely be able to find it!

  The moment Wang Chong spoke his words, the atmosphere in the conference hall became even grimmer. The subordinates of the old master glanced at one another, and graveness was all that was on their faces.

  They didn’t fear that Wang Chong was lying; such a matter could be easily verified. What they were concerned about was another matter.

  “Duke Jiu, despite our ages, it seems like our outlooks on the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate are indeed incomparable to that of Young Master Chong. Just like what Young Master Chong has said, the problem regarding the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate isn’t with them, but with the royal court, not with steel weapons, but with people’s hearts, not in the borders, but within our territories. This is what Duke Jiu should tell His Majesty when he comes to offer his blessings!”

  Duke of Ye’s hands trembled in agitation as he spoke with a heavy heart.

  Wang Chong was only a fifteen-year-old child. On the other hand, the elders in the room were all beyond half a century old. Each of them was experienced veterans who have overcome innumerable obstacles. But that’s precisely the reason why they knew that Wang Chong’s words were true.

  The problem with the Turkic Khaganate could be easily resolved, but the problem with the people’s heart couldn’t. This was the very core of the problem.

  Despite their power and influence, they were helpless before this matter as well.

  This was why Duke of Ye was perturbed.

  After so many years, no one expected to hear the root of the problem from the teenage grandson of Duke Jiu. He has struck the bullseye with his words.

  “I will discuss this matter with His Majest
y once he arrives.”

  The old master nodded his head gravely. He also felt a heavy burden tugging at his heart.

  He didn’t expect that an idle chatter with his old brothers and a test for his grandson would end in such a manner. But compared to that, what that worried him the most was the overwhelming circumstances standing before the empire.

  “Duke Jiu, congratulations! A talented child has emerged from the Wang Clan!”

  “To be capable of possessing such foresight on the affairs of the empire at such a young age, he will surely become an important figure of the empire in the future!”

  “Young Master Chong sure does resemble the younger Duke Jiu!”

  “In the near future, Great Tang will gain another talented official!”

  “Congratulations, Duke Jiu!”

  “Congratulations, Young Master Chong!”

  ………

  The elders in the conference hall spoke up. Different from the tone they used with Cousin Wang Li previously, the elders were earnest this time. They gazed at Wang Chong, who was sitting by the corner, with appreciation.

  “Come, Young Master Chong, sit beside me!”

  The military strategy expert ‘Duke of Ye’, who exuded a powerful scent militaristic scent, suddenly beckoned Wang Chong to come over. He was getting more and more fond of this child.

  He has already met the various grandsons of Duke Jiu’s lineage, but this child was the only one who caught his eye.

  If Wang Chong could be groomed properly, then his future would surely be limitless.

  This wasn’t just empty words, this was what his intuition told him. He, Ye Dong, had a sharp eye for discerning talents, and those who caught his eyes never disappoint him. This child would surely be the same as well.

  Wang Chong was surprised. He subconsciously turned to his grandfather.

  “Hehe, go on, go on! Since Ye Dong favors you, you should sit by his side.”

  The old master gestured with a smile.

  Living an upright and incorruptible life, he was an austere person with few smiles. But today, he felt exceptionally happy.

  “Yes, grandfather!”

  Receiving grandfather’s approval, Wang Chong nodded and moved his seat to ‘Duke of Ye’s’ side.

  It was hard to tell what the other subordinates were thinking, but without a doubt, Wang Chong’s performance has already won him the recognition of ‘Elder Ye’!

  Chapter 97: Tariffs!

  “Grandfather and elders, I have another matter I would like to talk about.”

  Walking toward Elder Ye, Wang Chong didn’t sit down immediately.

  “Oh?”

  The elders turned to look at him.

  “Young Master Chong, feel free to speak your mind.”

  By his side, ‘Duke of Hu’ said. He had a favorable impression of this young grandson of Duke Jiu.

  “Even though the royal court refused to ban the sales of steel equipment and salt, there is another method to reduce the amount of steel equipment that the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate obtains. Furthermore, the entire royal court will definitely pass the motion swiftly.”

  Wang Chong calmed himself before speaking.

  Cousin Wang Li’s complexion was already awful after having his spotlight stolen from him. Upon hearing Wang Chong bring up the issue of the steel equipment which he failed to tackle at previously, his face became so dark that it seemed as though ink would drip from it.

  Wasn’t he intentionally humiliating him in public?

  “Young Master Chong, what is the method you speak of?”

  Everyone immediately asked curiously. The Sage Emperor’s intentions on the matter couldn’t be any clearer, it was impossible for a ban of any kind to be established. He wouldn’t sour trading relations over the sales of steel equipment.

  The reason why he chose to keep silent about the matter was also for the same reason.

  Yet, Wang Chong said that there was a method to reduce the sales of steel equipment that the royal court would pass. The attention of the elders was immediately piqued.

  “Chong-er. don’t spout rubbish! Everyone here is a veteran, and if you don’t know about the matters of the royal court, don’t utter nonsense!”

  Wang Chong’s big uncle warned him with a steeled face.

  Wang Gen held complicated emotions toward Wang Chong. On one hand, the more outstanding Wang Chong performed, the more unlikely Li-er would succeed his father’s standing and influence.

  But on the other, Wang Chong didn’t just represent himself before his father’s old subordinates. He represented the entire Wang Clan. There was already no hope for Wang Li, Wang Fu was insufficiently capable, and Wang Bei was already ruined. If Wang Chong were to fail as well, the old subordinates, students, and old acquaintances of his father would surely start taking the Wang Clan lightly.

  The animals of the forest would be willing to submit to the ferocious tiger, but it wouldn’t submit to a mere dog!

  Wang Chong’s previous performance was so outstanding that he wasn’t able to pick any flaws with his words. At this moment, all he feared was Wang Chong misspeaking. Given Wang Chong’s lack of understanding of the royal court, it was highly likely for his words to fall through. If so, all of his accomplishments before would be canceled out, and he would return back to square one.

  “Eldest gongzi, it’s a good thing that Young Master Chong has his own initiative. Allow him to speak!”

  ‘Elder Ma’ said.

  Those present here were all veterans, how could they not tell what Wang Gen was thinking of? Wang Chong was only fifteen, and he wasn’t old enough to access the matters of the royal court yet. Furthermore, Wang Yan was a general by the border, so it was impossible for him to teach him.

  This was the reason why the elders here wanted to see how much weight this fifteen-year-old child could pull.

  “Chong-er, don’t worry, feel free to speak. Even if it doesn’t work out, no one will blame you!”

  The old master waved his hand and said.

  He always treated all of his offsprings equally and promoted them based on their abilities. It was rare that all of his old subordinates and brothers were here, and since Wang Chong has already stood up, he wouldn’t be allowed to simply sit back down like that.

  This was a test on his future accomplishments, as well as a trial to determine how much help he would be able to gather from this bunch of old subordinates.

  The crux to all of these was Wang Chong’s capability!

  “Yes, grandfather!”

  Wang Chong bowed before continuing:

  “Actually, reducing the outflow of steel equipment is simple. We just have to raise its price.”

  “It’s useless. Steel equipment is involved in the production line and various aspects of life. From the minor things such as pot, shovel, and hoe to the weapons and armors… Raising the price of steel equipment would pose a huge burden to the civilians, as well as increase the military expenditure of the royal court. Furthermore, the steel production clans, workshops, mines, and such would all oppose violently to the matter.”

  “Thus, such a plan is unfeasible!”

  At the very end of the conference hall, a thin and short white-haired elder spoke up. Wang Chong recognized him, he was ‘Elder Zhao’. Among the old subordinates of grandfather, he had the worst martial arts.

  The reason was simple, he was in charge of rations.

  In the past, when grandfather conducted campaigns, he would specifically pinpoint him to serve as the ration officer to take care of the logistics and liaise with the royal court and the local districts for the various matters.

  Everyone knew that the logistics of a military campaign was exceedingly complicated, but as long as ‘Elder Zhao’ was present, such matters would smoothen out neatly.

  Just by hearing Wang Chong’s method, he was able to tell that it was unfeasible from the very root. It wasn’t profitable for them to do this just to curb the Eastern and Western Turki
c Khaganate. This would shake the inner stability of the Tang Dynasty, so this plan was out of questions.

  Everyone thought that Wang Chong could come up with some incredible plan, but upon hearing his words, disappointment appeared on their faces. In the end, he was only a fifteen-year-old child. How much could he possibly know about the matters of the royal court?

  If raising the price could control the outflow of steel equipment, this problem would have long been resolved. There would be no need for them to discuss this matter here.

  “Hehe, if we were to just raise the price of the steel equipment, the plan would be unfeasible…”

  Wang Chong smiled confidently. He glanced at the entire room, and he didn’t seem to be disheartened at all:

  “But what if we use tariffs?”

  “Tariffs?”

  Elder Zhao was surprised by Wang Chong’s words, and a frown slowly etched onto his forehead. On the other hand, the other elders looked around before turning to Wang Chong with interest.

  They have never heard of tariffs before.

  “May I ask Young Master Chong what tariffs are? I have been involved in finances, taxes, and logistics my entire life, and I don’t think that there are any taxes in the Great Tang that I’ve never heard of. Pardon my ignorance, but what are tariffs?

  Elder Zhao asked earnestly in desire to learn. This was one of his strengths; when he came by something he didn’t know of, he would surely ask until he gets to the bottom of it. Even when he has reached such an advanced age, this trait of his still remained.

  This was also why the old master trusted him heavily and held him in high regards!

  Seeing the elders turning to look at him, Wang Chong smiled. He had also contemplated over the matters regarding the Eastern and Western Turkic Khaganate for a very long time, and he realized that just by using tariffs, it could be solved easily!

  Even though tariffs were commonplace in another world, no one knew about them in here!

  The Great Tang had income tax, servant tax, head tax, city entrance tax, commercial tax… But it didn’t have ‘tariffs’.