RWNEFE -Chapter 527 The Method of Dual Governance After the Tribes Submit!

The fury in Meng Xiangka’s eyes burned fiercely.

“You…” She was enraged, yet could not find a single word to refute.

Shen Lanxi said arrogantly, “I am not discussing this with you. I am informing you.”

Meng Xiangka glared. Behind her, the tribal leaders looked as if they wanted to tear Shen Lanxi to pieces.

Shen Lanxi continued calmly: “Leaving aside the fact that the Southwest is mountainous with very little land suitable for farming, let’s talk about the miasma that coils through those towering peaks. Every year it poisons many of your people. Add to that the hot and humid climate—many suffer from lung diseases. When young, they manage. But once they grow older, their legs swell and ulcerate, combined with pulmonary illness. Few among your tribes live long lives. The average lifespan is barely fifty.”

Meng Xiangka and the tribal leaders behind her fell silent.

Shen Lanxi went on: “I can guess your reasons for repeatedly stirring up trouble. First, to seize arable land. Second, to seek a way out for your people who have long been rooted in the forests.”

Though slightly exaggerated, her words struck at the heart of the southwestern tribes’ true concerns.

Shen Lanxi laid it bare: “You once bowed in submission to Great Zhou as well. These past few years, you suddenly turned hostile—was it not because you saw Great Zhou engaged in constant warfare?”

The tribal leaders’ expressions grew strange. They had not expected Shen Lanxi to openly admit Great Zhou’s former weakness.

“Unfortunately for you,” Shen Lanxi continued, “before coming to the Southwest, I already received news that Shu and Qianzhou have returned to Great Zhou’s territory. The two rebel leaders have been slain by troops I dispatched. From now on, Great Zhou has no lost lands, and the realm is at peace.”

The anger in Meng Xiangka’s heart gradually cooled. If what Shen Lanxi said was true, then the tribes were indeed at a disadvantage. But the Wolf Tribe and its allied tribes would never easily compromise.

Shen Lanxi pressed further: “When you were once subordinate to Great Zhou, you paid tribute amounting to two hundred thousand taels of silver annually—grain, furs, cattle, sheep. Correct?”

Meng Xiangka’s face showed humiliation.

“Yes. Great Zhou exploited us harshly. Two hundred thousand taels represented the total income of all the southwestern tribes. In years when the heavens were unkind, we went hungry just to pay tribute. Every year many of our people starved or were mauled by wild beasts.”

Shen Lanxi was silent for a moment before replying: “My earlier words about mutual benefit were not false. The court indeed failed to consider the realities of your tribes. If you agree to submit, I will calculate a reasonable figure based on your actual conditions.”

Meng Xiangka turned to discuss with the tribal leaders. They all frowned, clearly distrustful.

“You people of Great Zhou break your promises. How can you guarantee reducing our tribute? Does the Emperor of Great Zhou even listen to you?”

Shen Lanxi replied calmly: “I can open trade routes for you. I have already sent people to survey the region. The southwestern mountains are ideal for growing medicinal herbs. Previously you did not trade with Great Zhou; any herbs you had were for your own use. After submitting, I plan to build a medicinal processing workshop here to purchase your herbs.”

Meng Xiangka and her people murmured among themselves again.

“You may also exchange them for grain, cloth, and other goods. I will make detailed arrangements later.”

After further discussion, Meng Xiangka asked: “If we submit to Great Zhou, will you send officials to govern us like before?”

If things remained the same as in the past, they would rather fight.

Shen Lanxi answered: “Your customs differ from those of the Central Plains. Since I propose submission, I have already devised a solution beneficial to both sides.”

Many tribespeople who had remained seated only out of respect for Meng Xiangka and the other leaders now found themselves listening intently.

“What I propose is a system of dual governance. Great Zhou will not interfere in your internal tribal affairs. You need only pay taxes as allocated by the court.”

“After submission, you become subjects of Great Zhou. Tribute becomes taxation. The combined population of your tribes equals that of one province of Great Zhou. You may consider your tribal leaders as provincial governors—directly appointed by the Son of Heaven, yet not bound by Great Zhou’s laws. Of course, if in the future you find aspects of our laws worth adopting, you may implement them voluntarily.”

Meng Xiangka and the tribal leaders conferred again.

“We need to discuss this further.” Recently, many smaller tribal leaders had grown unruly; she could not decide alone.

Shen Lanxi nodded. “Very well.”

The southwestern tribes withdrew. The Southwest soldiers, who had been holding their breath, were stunned.

Just by sitting and talking for a while, the Regent had driven back the barbarian tribes?

Since when were the southwestern tribes so reasonable?

“Your Highness, what method did you use to make them retreat?”

Shen Lanxi smiled. “Reason.”

The questioning general was taken aback.

She explained: “The southwestern tribes are not entirely unreasonable. They were previously deceived by Bai Qingling into thinking Great Zhou did not value peace talks. Then Bai Qingling burned their camp. They came today seeking the culprit.”

The Southwest soldiers were startled. Hand Bai Qingling over?

Would the Prince of Zhen’nan agree?

Shen Lanxi said calmly, “The Prince of Zhen’nan has already harbored thoughts of rebellion. He will surely come to rescue Bai Qingling.”

The soldiers’ expressions turned grave.

“You have gone a full day and night without rest. Go and sleep well. There may yet be a battle.”

Their faces grew even heavier.

A battle against whom?

Against the Prince of Zhen’nan—or the tribes?

If possible, better no battle at all.

…

Soon, rumors of Zhou Ruyuan’s rebellion spread throughout the Southwest. The court also received the news.

Emperor Renxiao could not bear the blow and fainted in the Golden Throne Hall.

Fortunately, just a day later, good news arrived from the Southwest.

“The Regent has successfully persuaded the southwestern tribes! Through the method of dual governance, they have bowed in submission to Great Zhou!”

“The Regent is mighty!”

“The Regent is the pillar that upholds Great Zhou!”

This good news dispelled half the shadow cast by rumors of Zhou Ruyuan’s rebellion. State affairs were once again overseen by the assisting ministers, while Emperor Renxiao withdrew to recover and quietly rebuild strength.

~

“Your Highness, terrible news! The entire Southwest is spreading rumors that you intend to rebel!” Jiang Wuya rushed in, panicked.

Zhou Ruyuan’s face burned with anger.

When had he declared rebellion?

He had not even acted yet!

“Where did this rumor originate?” he demanded.

Jiang Wuya replied, “From within the Southwest Army. I also learned another piece of news—tomorrow the Consort will be handed over to the southwestern tribes. They intend to burn her alive to vent their anger!”

Zhou Ruyuan’s vision went black, and he staggered back two steps.