Жизнь сельских жителей в городе во времена династии Сун

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Volume Two, Turkic Chapter Seventy: Subduing the People

The fifth year of Tai Ning in Dayu.

In the second month of the Western Turkic Year of the Rabbit, Wei Zijun, the Left Wise King of the Western Turks, succeeded to the throne as Yibi Shekui Khan.

Envoys from various countries arrived one after another to offer their condolences. As the new ruler, Wei Zijun received the envoys who arrived first.

The envoy from Dayu who arrived a few days ago brought a letter from Chen Chang.

Mentioning Da Yu stirs a slight ripple in my heart.

Dayu... could be considered her hometown, after all, in modern times, she lived on that land, and now, she has passed away, a traitor to Dayu.

Sitting on the pure gold throne, Wei Zijun felt very uncomfortable, as everything was far too luxurious. Almost everything the Khan used was made of pure gold. Silver was forbidden from entering the Khan's tent, demonstrating that this was another Khanate that revered gold.

"Khan, your old minister has chosen an auspicious day. What do you think of holding the enthronement ceremony on this day?" Pazil, an old minister of the official position of Jielifa, presented a booklet containing extremely detailed information on the taboos and auspicious times of the day.

Wei Zijun glanced at it, casually placed it on the table, her expression indifferent, revealing neither joy nor anger. "The enthronement ceremony is out of the question. The late king has just passed away and has not yet been buried, so it is not appropriate to celebrate."

A disdainful snort came from below.

The ministers immediately exchanged nervous glances, stealing glimpses at the expression of the person seated at the head of the table.

Wei Zijun looked toward the source of the voice, which was a few men behind He Lu. She couldn't tell which one it was, but they were clearly very united. They all had solemn faces and didn't look at the person who spoke, making it difficult for others to tell who was so audacious.

The entire tent was so quiet that you could hear everyone breathing. Looking at the old ministers who were sweating with tension, Wei Zijun laughed self-deprecatingly.

These loyal ministers, devoted to their ruler, trusted and respected their Khan's choices, and would remain utterly loyal regardless of who the new emperor was. However, the hot-blooded, young ministers, arrogant and self-important, refused to submit to a mere youth like herself. But such disrespect and defiance would have dire consequences, and she had to nip all their inappropriate thoughts in the bud.

Thinking of this, Wei Zijun lightly twirled the golden cup between her fingers, pondered for a moment, and slowly spoke: "My ministers, today, setting aside my identity as Khan, I wish to have a few words with you all. However, those hot-blooded ministers in their prime are arrogant and unwilling to submit to a mere pale-faced youth like me. But once disrespect and disobedience arise, the consequences will be endless. I must eliminate all their inappropriate thoughts today."

Thinking of this, Wei Zijun lightly twirled the golden cup between her fingers, pondered for a moment, and slowly spoke, "We respect their Khan's choice, and therefore, no matter who the new ruler is, they will be utterly loyal. But those hot-blooded, young ministers consider themselves extraordinary and are unwilling to submit to someone as plain as her. However, once disrespect and disobedience arise, the consequences will be endless. She must nip all their inappropriate thoughts in the bud today."

Thinking this through, Wei Zijun lightly twirled the golden cup in her fingers, pondered for a moment, and slowly spoke: "My ministers, today, setting aside my identity as Khan, I wish to speak with you all. I know you have questions and thoughts about the new ruler's ascension. Of course, some are indignant, and some are dissatisfied. Those who are indignant are naturally speaking out for their brothers, while those who are dissatisfied simply believe that I served the ruler with my beauty, that I obtained the Khanate through the late King's favor. However… I must remind you all, you must not harbor such thoughts. Do you understand… this is questioning the late King's wisdom? Would the late King choose a ruler based solely on momentary whim? Would he not consider the safety of the Western Turks when choosing a ruler? As for me, I swore to the late King to protect the Western Turks with my life, and I will not allow you to disrupt the court and disrespect the relationship between ruler and subject. From tomorrow onwards, if any of you speak of doubting the late King, you will be punished for insulting the monarch."

Having said that, he smiled slightly, stood up, and slowly walked to the center of the ministers. "I know! You think I am not worthy to sit on this throne, but whether I am worthy or not is not for you to decide. After all, it is I sitting here, not any of you. I also know that you are not convinced by my assertiveness. Very well, today, I will give you a chance. Remember, this is a one-time opportunity, so don't miss it. If you have any complaints, questions, or even insults, come at me all at once. I will not punish you. But after today, I will no longer tolerate such behavior."

After the words were spoken, there was a deathly silence. No one dared to stand up and say anything, perhaps because they hadn't yet figured out what to say.

The anxious ministers stole glances at the person standing beside them. Her slender, graceful figure was less robust than that of a Turkic woman, yet it made their eyes dart around, unable to meet her gaze. Her frail body seemed utterly weak, yet she possessed an overwhelming strength. The domineering aura emanating from her was that of a king, her sharp presence causing their knees to tremble.

In the entire tent, only He Lu dared to look directly at her.

Wei Zijun walked up to He Lu and asked with a smile, "He Lu? Have you spoken again?" He Lu's eyes, which had been staring blankly just a moment ago, flickered. Looking at that dazzling smile, his heart skipped a beat, but he was annoyed by her teasing smile and replied coldly with a hint of resentment, "No."

Wei Zijun laughed and strolled away, then suddenly said coldly, "What do you mean by 'matched'? What do you mean by 'speak'?" He Lu blinked, his eyes, which had been staring intently just a moment ago, and looked at that dazzling smile. His heart skipped a beat, but he was annoyed by her teasing smile and replied coldly with a hint of resentment, "Nothing."

Wei Zijun laughed loudly and strolled away, then suddenly said coldly, "What is meant by worthy? What is meant by unworthy? What should a wise and benevolent ruler do? What are the means of governing a country? Literary talent? Military strategy? Virtue? Do you think I lack any of these? Virtue?"

No one dared to breathe loudly, for who would dare say that their Khan was immoral?

"Khan, is it truly possible that no punishment will be handed down today?" Asijie Nishusijin stepped forward and asked.

Wei Zijun stared directly at him, "You should believe every word I say."

"Yes, Your Majesty, I believe there are indeed some controversies regarding the Khan's moral character!"

These words shocked all the ministers.

Wei Zijun calmly gestured, "You speak!"

“The Khan should not engage in forbidden love, as it would damage the prestige of the nation,” Asijieni Shusijin said, mustering his courage.

"Forbidden love? Have you ever seen me engage in forbidden love with anyone?" Wei Zijun's tone was somewhat cold.

"This...all the ministers know that the late king favored you."

"Are you implying that I had a forbidden love with the late king? Did you witness it with your own eyes? Did you see any improper conduct between me and the late king?"

"This... I've only heard about it..."

"Since it's just hearsay, there's no evidence! You believe everything you hear? You question me without any proof? Do you know how foolish you are to act like this? How many times can your reckless behavior lead to death or injury? Do you know that by denying me on this matter, you are also denying the virtues of the late king? Do you know that uttering such words is disrespectful to the late king? You don't believe in the new ruler, nor do you believe in the late king. Do you know that this is blasphemy against the spirit of the late king in heaven?"

Asijie Nishuji Jin listened, his legs trembled more and more, realizing the mistake he had made. Yes, this was all without any evidence; how could he have been so stupid! "Khan... Your Majesty, I know my crime! I spoke ignorantly and recklessly; please forgive me, Khan." With a thud, he knelt down and begged for forgiveness.

Wei Zijun glanced at the people on the ground. "Get up. I said I would not punish them today." She then looked at the assembled officials and said, "The late king favored me, as you all have seen. But the late king valued my talent and loved my character. Has anyone seen the late king and I ever deviate from the established order? From tomorrow onward, if anyone discusses this matter with the late king again... they will be severely punished!"

Everyone breathed a sigh of relief, secretly admiring the new ruler's eloquence. At this rate, he could talk the dead back to life. However, what he said was indeed reasonable and well-founded.

Pazil looked up at Wei Zijun with considerable admiration. The Khan's choice was indeed correct; with just a few words, he had silenced the rumors. Regardless of his innocence, no one would dare to speak ill of him now, and the reasons were quite plausible. In the past, he disliked attending court and rarely saw Wei Zijun. His knowledge of him came only from rumors. He had heard that Wei Zijun led troops like tigers and dragons, never suffering a defeat, and that he was exceptionally talented in literature and had a sharp tongue. But rumors were just rumors. Today, witnessing his eloquence, he saw that the rumors were indeed true. It seemed that the Khan had made a careful selection of his subordinates.

Seeing that everyone remained silent, Wei Zijun continued, "What else? One can govern the country with civil skills and secure the nation with military skills. Both are indispensable. Do you, my beloved ministers, think I have lost in any aspect?"

Silence, and more silence.

"Literature? Which of my beloved ministers, confident in their talent, may boldly step forward? From national policy to poetry and prose, from ancient times to Taoism, from the Jin Dynasty to current affairs, all are open to debate with me." His gaze swept lightly over the assembled ministers. "Who will go first?"

The silence and bowed heads of the ministers showed that none of them dared to claim that their talents surpassed his. Everyone knew of his talent; even Ashina Helu, the most talented man in the Turkic Khaganate, could not compare to him. Who would dare to take such a risk?

“Pazile…you old ministers have followed the late king to this day, and you must be full of knowledge. If you have any thoughts, feel free to speak them.” Wei Zijun turned to the old ministers who had succeeded to the throne.

"Khan, please forgive us. We know our talents are no match for yours, and we have no ideas," the senior ministers replied tremblingly.

"Since that's the case, let's leave it at that for now. In the future, I will certainly need to learn from you all." With that, Wei Zijun turned and walked outside. "My beloved ministers, please come out with me."

The outdoor air, covered in snow, was exceptionally crisp and refreshing. A tall, slender figure walked ahead, exuding a sharp and assertive aura. The group followed cautiously, remaining silent. The only unusual sounds were the crunching of their footsteps and the wisps of white breath they exhaled, swirling in the frigid air.

"Today, I give you one last chance." Wei Zijun stood in a spacious area, scanning the assembled officials. "I know that some of you are still dissatisfied, so I will give you a chance... to defeat me! Today, all your resentment, anger, and even hatred will have a chance to be vented. You can use any means to defeat me—weapons, hidden weapons, killing moves, assassinations—I will not punish you. If you lose, from now on you should behave properly as subjects and not harbor any disloyal thoughts. If you can defeat me, you have the right to make me abdicate and establish a new emperor."

Silence fell again. The civil officials all lowered their heads and stared at their toes, while the military officials, though also keeping quiet, had a distinct gleam in their eyes, revealing their innate fighting spirit.

"What? Are you held back by your status? Or do you know you're outmatched in martial arts? I've said it before, no punishment today. Who's first?" His gaze turned to He Lu. "He Lu! You go first?"

He Lu stared at her for a while, his face still cold and expressionless, without uttering a word. He knew he couldn't beat her, but he wasn't angry that she had deliberately put him in an awkward situation.

Seeing his Yehu being humiliated, Geshu Quesijin was really indignant. This man was too arrogant, as if no one in the entire Western Turkic Khaganate could defeat him. He refused to believe that so many generals could take turns coming and still not be able to defeat such a skinny pretty boy.

"Khan, I am willing to take the liberty of giving it a try."

Wei Zijun glanced at Geshu Quesijin, nodded, and said, "Come on." She then took off her long fur coat and draped it over the snow.

Geshu Que Sijin leaped out from among the ministers, steadily assuming his stance, only to see Wei Zijun simply standing calmly with her hands at her sides, nodding to indicate that he could begin. So he exerted all his strength, his two fleshy palms whistling through the air with fierce gale force.

Wei Zijun remained calm and unhurried. Just as the palm was about to reach her, she shifted her body slightly, swift yet elegant. Light and shadow flickered, ethereal and like a flowing breeze. In an instant, she had moved behind the newcomer. With a gentle flick of her slender hand, snowflakes rose from the ground, and amidst the swirling snow mist, Geshu Que Sijin had already fallen more than ten feet away.

His chest heaved with anger and secretly rejoiced that the blow hadn't been too forceful; otherwise, it would have been fatal. He hadn't expected this skinny boy to possess such profound internal strength. He had only heard that he could fight He Luneng to a draw, but he never imagined that in just half a year, he would have developed such skill. He cast a reluctant glance at Asijie Nishusijin, giving him a signal to make his move.

Asijie Nishu Sijin, feeling guilty about what had just happened, dared not make a move. Her eyes darted around, avoiding his gaze.

"Who's next?" Wei Zijun asked calmly.

The surrounding military officers all knew that they were not much different from Geshu Que Sijin, so who would dare to try again!

Seeing that everyone was frozen in place, Wei Zijun said calmly, "Come on up, let's gang up on them!"

As soon as the words were spoken, everyone was stunned for a moment. After a while, the generals exchanged glances and rushed over together.

Wei Zijun moved lightly, not retaliating, her figure swaying like a lotus in the wind, soft and graceful, her clothes fluttering as she easily dodged the attacks of the generals.

Seeing that they couldn't even touch the hem of her clothes, the generals all drew their weapons.

Seeing this, Wei Zijun waved her long sleeves, leaped into the air, her figure soaring and swirling, stirring up a myriad of snowy hues on the ground. Her graceful dance was like a fragrant orchid in the wind, her long sleeves billowing and filling the air with fragrance. Her white robes shimmered with a mesmerizing light under the snow, her elegant figure dancing in the sky as if she were about to fly into the boundless snow.

The civil officials were all captivated by the fluttering figures, standing there in astonishment, looking as if they were in a daze. In no time, they saw the figures easily float down, and upon closer inspection, the weapons in the hands of the military officers clattered to the ground, each of them frozen in place like rotten wood, unable to move.

Wei Zijun picked up the snow-white long fur coat from the ground, gently brushed off the snowflakes, her expression gentle, her movements elegant and alluring, her long eyelashes casting a row of light and shadow on her face, her calm and warm expression as if nothing had just happened.

The ministers stared dumbfounded at the young Khan, thinking to themselves, "No wonder he has won the king's favor. Such a person, ah! I'm afraid no one would be willing to let him go. If they were also fortunate enough to have such a person, what does it matter if they were gay? What does it matter if they became lovers? What does it matter if they became lovers!" Then, a jolt ran through them. If he knew what they were thinking, what would happen? Each of them cursed themselves inwardly.

Wei Zijun looked up and saw the dumbfounded gazes of the officials, which made her smile. "What? Do you civil officials also want to try your skills?" Seeing the officials shaking their heads, she chuckled again and glanced at He Lu, who was staring straight at her. "He Lu, go and release their pressure points."

It's been quite a while, and in this freezing weather, if it goes on any longer, my blood might freeze.

Upon hearing this, He Lu walked expressionlessly to the generals and released their pressure points one by one.

The ministers were once again greatly surprised. The usually arrogant Helu was so obedient, without even showing the slightest sign of reluctance. It was clear that the young Khan's ability to subdue people was not to be underestimated.

The generals, whose pressure points had been released, knelt down with a thud, saying, "We submit and are willing to serve the Khan for the rest of our lives."

The remaining few who hadn't knelt down, seeing the situation compelled, also knelt down.

"Get up, all of you. This matter ends here. No further rumors shall be spread." With that, he turned and left, leaving behind a group of dumbfounded officials.

"Khan, which of the late king's consorts do you intend to take in?" The old minister Pazil stood respectfully to the side and asked.

Wei Zijun leaned back on the soft couch, stroking the exquisite and soft white fox fur on it, and pondered for a long time, "Can't I just not accept it?"

This annoying custom of levirate marriage.

"If you don't want to accept them, then let them all be buried alive with you!"

Wei Zijun was startled. She put down the book in her hand and straightened up. "Is it really necessary to do this?"

"Yes, Khan, this is custom and rule."

"Sigh!" She sighed softly. "You may leave. I know what I'm doing."

"Yes, this old minister takes his leave."

Raising his teacup, he frowned in deep thought, just as he was about to bring it to his lips, Bahasun stepped forward. "Khan, the tea is cold. Let me brew you another cup."

"No need!" He raised his head, took two large gulps of cold tea, and stood up.

The heavy snow outside the tent has been falling since yesterday afternoon, with large flakes of snow drifting down and landing on the bright red cloak in the snow.

Wei Zijun looked up at the sky, and a few snowflakes melted and fell on her cheeks, turning into a cool sensation that went straight to her heart.

Upon reaching the felt tent where the concubines resided, a servant went in to inform them. Instantly, five or six heavily made-up women rushed out, surrounded Wei Zijun, and coquettishly tried to tug at her bright red cloak.

Wei Zijun shook off the snowflakes on her body and coughed awkwardly, "My ladies, it's cold outside. Be careful not to catch a cold. Let's go inside and talk."

Once all the concubines had gathered, looking into their young and eager eyes, Wei Zijun sighed inwardly; she could give them nothing.

"My consorts, the late king has passed away. Please accept my condolences. I know you are all suffering, and I cannot bear to see you in such a terrible state. Therefore, I am giving you a choice today. The late king will be buried according to custom when the grass and trees are in full bloom. Those who wish to be buried with the late king will not be stopped. Those who do not wish to be buried with him, I, the Khan, will take you in. However, I will not consummate our marriage. If you come with me, be prepared for loneliness."

"Khan, do you despise your concubine?" Reyique asked softly.

“No, please don’t misunderstand. It’s because…” Wei Zijun hesitated for a long time before making a firm decision, “It’s because I have a hidden ailment that prevents me from consummating our marriage.”

The tent fell silent abruptly, followed by sighs. The women lamented that such a handsome man was a cripple; fate was cruel. They recalled how they had hoped to one day be in his arms when they first saw him, but now… they all began to grieve for themselves, knowing they would be alone for life.

"However, I allow you to marry outside the palace. If you find someone you like and want to go with him, I will not punish you and will even give you a dowry. But you can marry, but you must not engage in promiscuity in the harem."

"Your Majesty, I am willing to serve the Khan with all living beings. No matter what ailment the Khan may have, I will not remarry," Reyique said, kneeling down.