The Fallen Nation System, Turning the Tide - Chapter 71: Birthday

Chapter 71: Birthday

“If Your Majesty wishes to see it, this old minister shall make a humble attempt.”

The Western Rong Khatun, Sunongdaluo, and her son Bars had been staying at the Jin army camp for some time. Before dawn, the sounds of drills echoed outside, and as the sun rose, after meals, the noise of training was replaced by the sound of reading. Sunongdaluo found this scene remarkable.

A soldier’s primary duty is to follow orderswhat use is teaching them to read and write? Isn’t it a waste of effort?

When Zhang Keqian learned of Sunongdaluo’s thoughts, he lowered his head in slight embarrassment but spoke earnestly: “Only by studying can soldiers understand the importance of battle, better comprehend their commanders’ orders, carry them out effectively, and improve their combat skills.”

Moreover, for the soldiers themselves, advancing to higher ranks requires knowledge and cultivation. Even after the war ends and they are discharged, their ability to read and calculate would help them find work to make a living.

Thus, the soldiers cherished this rare opportunity, reciting what they had learned during the day with every waking moment.

To demonstrate the Western Rong’s sincerity, Sunongdaluo discussed with the surrendered Western Rong generals the idea of having their soldiers join the learning. This would not only win the favor of the Empress but also help them understand the Jin state better, allowing the Western Rong soldiers to integrate quickly and stabilize morale.

After several days of consideration, the Western Rong generals conveyed this idea to their soldiers. With most in agreement, they asked Sunongdaluo to relay the request to Zhang Keqian.

When Zhang Keqian heard that the Western Rong soldiers also wished to learn from the Jin army, he was astonished. Setting down his book, he thought for a moment, then turned to Sunongdaluo and said, “In that case, let us learn from each other. Not only in language and cultureyour cavalry is fierce and exceptional, while our tactics are slightly superior. We can teach and learn from one another.”

A spark of excitement flashed in Sunongdaluo’s eyes. She clasped her hands together enthusiastically and nodded repeatedly.

The Western Rong would learn the Han language, while the Great Jin would study the Western Rong tongue. The Great Jin would teach the Western Rong about its culture, and the Western Rong would instruct and train the Great Jin in cavalry and horse rearing.

Acting on this immediately, Zhang Keqian felt a surge of passion in his chest. There were no schemes, no cumbersome documentsjust the freedom to gallop across vast lands. It was a satisfaction and joy he had never felt during his years of study.

Zhang Keqian assigned the soldiers accordingly, pairing one Jin soldier with one Western Rong soldier as sworn brothers to exchange knowledge. The Jin soldiers, while learning characters, suddenly found themselves with additional lessons.

Youzhou, Azure Wave Study.

After subsidizing the western campaign, Xu Ying was running low on funds. Having pardoned prisoners and reduced taxes upon her ascension, the state treasury was strained. The construction of the Council Hall, officials’ duty stations, the Administrative Hall, and palace residences was nearly complete, leaving only minor issues. Money flowed like water, and expenses were needed everywhere.

Leaning back in her chair, lost in thought, Xu Ying suddenly sat up straight and summoned a palace attendant: “Fetch the records of the scholars from the Hall of Gathered Talents.”

Upon receiving the files, she checked each one’s birthdate, selecting those born before the seventh month. She gathered eleven people and immediately went to find Xu Lang, saying, “Fourth Sister, the scholars of the Hall of Gathered Talents haven’t been properly celebrated since their success in the exams. I’d like to use the occasion of their birthdays to formally welcome them into the Hall and boost their morale.”

Xu Lang’s hand holding the tea cup paused. She couldn’t help but stare blankly, taking the proposal and names written by Xu Ying to examine carefully. After a long while, she slowly uttered: “But their birthdays don’t seem to be in July…”

Xu Ying responded with an “oh” and explained: “That’s because hosting celebration banquets for just a few people in a single month would appear too extravagant. It would be better to divide them between the first and second halves of the year. We’ll celebrate these people in the first half, and hold banquets for the remaining ones in the second half.”

Xu Lang frowned, her fingers gently rubbing the corners of the paper as she hesitated: “But with this unbearable summer heat, does Your Majesty really intend to have Gao Niangzi and the other gentlemen parade through the streets on horseback? Wouldn’t that be inappropriate?”

Nothing could be more unsuitable than this. High temperatures make people irritable, accumulating negative emotions. When people feel uncomfortable, they easily develop feelings of aversion.

Xu Ying said with satisfaction: “When they passed the examinations, we were strictly cracking down on extravagance, so they didn’t dare hold grand banquets. Consider this me making up for the celebration banquet I owe them. But there’s consideration behind scheduling it in July.”

Xu Lang’s brow relaxed slightly as she focused her gaze on her.

Xu Ying began speaking nonsense with a serious face: “Firstly, July marks the beginning of the second half of the year, a month that connects the past with the future. It’s convenient for summarizing achievements from the first half and looking ahead to the future. At the same time, it provides direction for scholars who have entered the Hall of Gathered Talents but haven’t yet adapted, facilitating work in the second half.”

“Secondly, July seventh is the Qiqiao Festival, when lovers meet. This is precisely the time for beating gongs and drums, making a splendid procession to display their elegance. If fate permits, settling major life matters through this would be a wonderful thing.”

“Moreover, the heat begins to recede in July as the weather turns cooler. It won’t be so hot anymore – the intense summer heat might suddenly give way to pleasantly cool weather. This is actually a good omen.”

Xu Lang was persuaded by Xu Ying: “Your Majesty makes reasonable points. But… holding it the day after tomorrow – wouldn’t that be too rushed?”

Xu Ying said: “It’s fine. The morning procession will coincide with commoners going to work, allowing everyone to know about this matter. We’ll hold the banquet in the afternoon. If we start preparations now, there should be enough time.”

Xu Lang nodded slowly. “Good, I’ll immediately issue orders for preparations to begin.”

When Liu Xu received the notification about attending the Hall of Gathered Talents birthday celebration the day after tomorrow, he asked in surprise: “Whose birthday is it? His Majesty is giving them such great face!”

Lu Jian paused before saying: “It’s not for one person, but for a group – scholars whose birthdays fall before July, they say.”

Liu Xu was puzzled and confused – what was this about now?

Gao Yun was also somewhat bewildered when summoned to attend some Hall of Gathered Talents birthday banquet. At the break of dawn, she mounted her horse as gongs and drums cleared the way. Only when they reached the main road did she clearly understand – it turned out to be celebrating the birthdays of herself and ten others.

Her birthday had passed nearly a hundred days ago, making the current celebration somewhat strange. Yet simultaneously, a peculiar feeling welled up in her heart.

His Majesty had actually specially arranged a birthday banquet for them!

Throughout history, who had ever received such special honor – the emperor personally celebrating their birthday? This tremendous glory had unexpectedly fallen upon their heads so suddenly.

After the sun rose, the temperature gradually increased. Everyone felt both joyful and unbearably hot, and with empty stomachs, they were so hungry they saw stars.

But when they saw the envious looks in the crowd’s eyes, they suddenly felt it was all worth it. Their spirits immediately lifted, becoming radiant and triumphant. Hunger and high temperatures no longer mattered – even sweating profusely, they still maintained their smiles.

The common folk on the streets marveled, remarking that these were truly no ordinary individualsthey seemed completely unaffected by the sweltering heat, their smiles radiant and extraordinary.

Xu Ying waited for a long time, but the hatred meter remained unmoved. Seeing no effect, she ordered them summoned inside to begin the banquet early.

Gao Yun and the others changed their attire and entered the hall under the envious gazes of the officials to pay their respects to Xu Ying. After a brief exchange, they took their seats.

Xu Ying clapped her hands, signaling the start of a classic performance: the Beidi Kehan presenting a dance. If the Western Rong Khan hadn’t died, she mused, it might have been entertaining to pit the two against each other in a dance-offa pity the Western Rong Khan had met his end too soon.

As these thoughts crossed her mind, the hatred meter crept up a few notchesbetter than nothing. Xu Ying waved for the Beidi Kehan to return to his seat and turned her attention to Liu Xu. “I’ve heard that Prime Minister Liu’s swordsmanship was once unparalleled. Would you grace us with a performance, so we younger generations might learn from your expertise?”

The Beidi Kehan, noticing Xu Ying’s lack of interest in his dance, felt a surge of indignation. Though he ought to have been relieved, an inexplicable sense of loss washed over him, leaving a sour taste in his heart.

Meanwhile, Liu Xu, caught off guard by the summons, froze with his chopsticks suspended mid-air. He wondered if he had misheardsince when did juniors demand their elders perform sword dances in public?

The officials fell into a hushed silence. With the crisis in Qingzhou still unresolved and their own fates hanging in the balance, none dared speak up for Liu Xu.

Liu Xu glanced sidelong at the others, drew a shallow breath, and replied through gritted teeth, “Since Your Majesty wishes to see it, this old subject will humbly oblige.”

The hatred meter abruptly skyrocketed. Satisfied, Xu Ying applauded and ordered a sword be brought to Liu Xu.

Liu Xu rose, accepted the sword, and positioned himself at the center. Slowly lifting his gaze, his sharp eyes swept across the banquet hall. His supporters bowed their heads, shrinking like quails, while Zhang Yu and the other officials gave him a fleeting glance before looking away. Only Xu Ying, popping a grape into her mouth, watched with keen interest.

It had to be admittedLiu Xu was in fine form. With the sword in hand, he carried himself with authority, executing each thrust and spin with precision and vigor, every movement brimming with power.

Xu Ying narrowed her eyes. Liu Xu’s skill was genuineso why hadn’t he seized the chance to eliminate her? Was his reputation truly so precious to him?

She decided to keep him aroundthere was still more hatred to harvest.

After finishing his routine, Liu Xu paused to steady his breathing, returned the sword, and walked back to his seat.

Banquets were seldom about indulging in food and drink. Once Liu Xu’s swordsmanship display concluded, the eleven individuals being honored took turns toasting Xu Ying.

Having heard that this birthday banquet was meant to review their administrative achievements, Gao Yun had prepared her remarks during Liu Xiang’s performance. When her turn came to offer a toast, she began: “Your Majesty, since joining the Hall of Gathered Talents, I have assisted the Ministry of Works with miscellaneous duties. After familiarizing myself with official affairs, I was entrusted with responsibilities related to the laborers’ bedchambers and put in charge of the Female Medical Academy. I am well aware of my shortcomings and humbly seek guidance from esteemed seniors to further my learning. Henceforth, I pledge to dedicate my utmost efforts to share Your Majesty’s burdens and alleviate the people’s hardships.”

Xu Ying nodded with a smile. “You have done excellently and serve as a model for the Hall of Gathered Talents.”

Seeing Gao Yun receive praise, someone nearby could no longer contain their explosive revelation. Suddenly rising, they strode to the center of the main hall, bowed deeply, and declared: “Your Majesty, this student Lu Wei accuses Yu Weiwen of plagiarizing his classmate Qin Mu’s literary work, then silencing him permanently. After entering official service, Yu Weiwen presided over salt administration at the Linping Supervisor but abused his power for enormous profits, oppressed salt merchants, and colluded with the Retaining Courtyard. This led to dozens of petitioners with no recourse drowning themselves in despair while common people suffered under this tyranny. I implore Your Majesty to immediately dismiss Yu Weiwen from his post and summon him to the capital for trial.”

Clattera cup slipped from someone’s grasp onto the table.

Liu Xu’s face instantly changed color. He turned to look at Lu Jian, who appeared equally astonished, wide-eyed and frantically waving his hands to indicate he had no prior knowledge. He never expected his own son to emerge and target Liu Xu’s nephew Yu Weiwen.