Chapter 325: Chapter 290: Surrender Request

The 14th year of Zhengyong, April 20th.

Four large armies, led by Cui Xiawu, Guanshan, Miao Xiu, and Meng Guang, converged on Jiangzhou to siege Tianlong Temple.

Tianlong Temple mobilized a hundred thousand martial monks and a million secular disciples and followers to defend. 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

However, the imperial army advanced like an unstoppable force, successively capturing thirteen cities in Jiangzhou.

On that day, golden light flickered in the direction of Tianlong Temple, and soon after, a fire broke out at the temple, with figures rising into the sky and disappearing.

The abbot of Tianlong Temple, Fa Hai, surrendered.

The letter of surrender first reached Cui Xiawu, who did not dare to neglect it. After consulting with the other generals, he sent it back to the Capital City at great speed.

The current Zheng Yi was looking at the surrender letter sent back by Cui Xiawu and others from Tianlong Temple.

After reading it, Zheng Yi tossed it onto the table and said, "Who can tell me what exactly is happening here?"

Lu Xiangqing stood up and said, "Your Majesty, Tianlong Temple’s surrender is a great blessing indeed."

"In this way, all rebels of Great Yu will be completely dismantled, peace throughout the land is imminent, and the people will soon live in peace and happiness!"

Zheng Yi frowned slightly, realizing that Lu Xiangqing was also a fool.

Tianlong Temple’s surrender seemed to hold other secrets.

"Elder Chen."

"The old servant is here."

"Go to Tianlong Temple personally and uncover the secrets behind their surrender."

Zheng Yi ordered, "Also, have Cui Xiawu’s army stationed at Tianlong Temple without fail!"

"Yes!"

Chen Liancang did not dare to delay, quickly bowed, and left Baiyu City swiftly.

Zheng Yi paced back and forth on the Dragon Throne, speaking in a deep voice, "Additionally...what conditions does Tianlong Temple have for their surrender?"

Lu Xiangqing responded, "Your Majesty, Tianlong Temple is willing to surrender under five conditions."

"Speak!"

"First, the main body of monks at Tianlong Temple remains unchanged, still as Tianlong Temple."

Seeing Zheng Yi remained silent, Lu Xiangqing continued:

"Secondly, Tianlong Temple is willing to offer two million acres of Punishment Field as military funds, and the Imperial Court shall not pursue their culpability."

As the second condition was presented, the expressions of several ministers present subtly changed, each lost in thought.

"Thirdly..."

Lu Xiangqing hesitated before saying, "Tianlong Temple hopes the court will permit them access to a position within the Martial Arts Department, allowing Tianlong Temple’s martial monks to hold office there."

This prompted more grim expressions from several ministers.

Especially Ma Jinwu, who now held command, voiced out, "Your Majesty! This precedent cannot be set."

"Oh, why not?"

Ma Jinwu said, "Tianlong Temple is a rebel, whereas the Martial Arts Department is the most crucial martial institution of our dynasty; how can rebels be allowed to hold positions in the Martial Arts Department?"

"If the people of Tianlong Temple harbor ulterior motives while residing within the Martial Arts Department, it would be detrimental to both the department and the entire court without any benefit!"

Zheng Yi looked towards the others, "What say you, my ministers?"

"Your Majesty, this precedent cannot be set."

"Your Majesty, I concur."

"Your Majesty..."

Everyone unanimously chose to oppose; Zheng Yi then looked towards Xu Mujun.

Xu Mujun, having personally experienced the southern rebellion suppression, now back in the capital for recuperation, still had many opinions about this battle.

Xu Mujun said, "Your Majesty, this precedent cannot be set."

Zheng Yi nodded and looked at Lu Xiangqing, "Lu Qing, continue, aren’t there two more conditions?"

Lu Xiangqing promptly said, "Your Majesty, the fourth condition, Tianlong Temple is willing to send two ’Celestial Dragon Maidens’ to the capital as imperial consorts."

"Celestial Dragon Maidens?"

Zheng Yi inquired curiously, "What are those? Tianlong Temple has women?"

"Yes."

This time, Xu Mujun spoke up, "I have heard that the Celestial Dragon Maidens of Tianlong Temple are said to be ’devoted to the Buddha from a young age’, ’never to marry’, dedicating their entire lives to the Buddha, praying and bowing to the Buddha all day, untouched by worldly matters."

"It is rumored that whenever a Celestial Dragon Maiden is born, anomalies occur."

"Golden lotuses spring from the earth, Buddha sounds resonate in the ears, Buddha’s light shines everywhere, among other phenomena."

Zheng Yi suddenly asked, "Do these Celestial Dragon Maidens all possess Spirit Roots?"

Several people were taken aback, Xu Mujun shook his head, "I do not know, Your Majesty."

Zheng Yi pondered for a moment, "Lu Qing, continue."

"Yes, Your Majesty."

Lu Xiangqing glanced at the memorial in his hand, took a deep breath, and said, "The fifth condition is that Tianlong Temple wishes to dispatch senior monks to establish a branch of Tianlong Temple in the Capital City to transform the masses..."

As soon as the words fell, all those present turned their eyes over.

Even Zheng Yi let out a light chuckle, "Heh."

Establish a branch of Tianlong Temple in the Capital City?

How ridiculous!

It seems Tianlong Temple, until now, does not understand the true disparity between both sides.

Zheng Yi casually picked up the letter of surrender from the table and threw it aside.

"Tell Tianlong Temple, they only have one choice."

After a few moments’ pause, many ministers bowed in attentiveness.

"Surrender unconditionally, or wait for the imperial army to breach Tianlong Temple."

"We obey the decree!"

"Is there anything else?"

At this moment, Cai Dashi quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have a proposal."

"Speak."

"Now that the rebellion in the Southern States has been suppressed, with only Jiangzhou left, which won’t last long, such a great victory should be celebrated."

"I think, before the court issues awards, we should hold a grand celebration banquet, inviting other small countries’ royalty and officials to attend, to manifest the might of Great Yu. What does Your Majesty think?"

"A celebration banquet?"

Zheng Yi stroked his chin, pondering carefully, while others murmured quietly.

A celebration banquet would require allowing many outsiders into the capital, and would cost a significant amount of money.

But for some ambitious kings, it is the best way to show their great achievements and the imperial court’s might.

This not only demonstrates the strength of Great Yu, promoting the patriotism and confidence of the people of Great Yu but also deters surrounding small countries.

The benefits far outweigh the drawbacks.

Moreover, this proposal was made by Cai Dashi.

Cai Dashi, now the Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Rites and a Cabinet Minister, is primarily a member of the Emperor Faction, loyal to Zheng Yi.

Raised in a small northeastern country of Wei, he is extremely supportive of Great Yu.

The main point is that the current Minister of the Ministry of Rites, Kong Xiangsi, is elderly and might retire at any moment.

Cai Dashi’s move is nothing but an effort to vie for the position of Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Official Personnel Affairs.

Zheng Yi said, "A celebration ceremony...why not turn it into a military parade?"

Several were stunned, while Xu Mujun pondered thoughtfully.

Cai Dashi collected himself and asked, "Your Majesty, what is a military parade?"

"It’s simple, we shall gather a part of our military forces separately in the Capital City for training, the number depending on different forces."

"Then have special formations march from the East Splendor Sect to the West Gate, where martial artists, using their mighty Inner Strength, introduce the formation’s composition and past battle achievements."

"Additionally, an observation platform can be set up outside the Imperial City, allowing citizens of the Capital City and foreign envoys to witness, thus showcasing military power, enhancing the prestige of Great Yu, boosting citizens’ confidence, and intimidating other nations."

"This...is the military parade!"

As soon as the words fell, Xu Mujun stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty, this plan is brilliant."

Zheng Yi laughed, "It seems Xu Qing is very interested in this matter. Why not let Xu Qing prepare for this military parade, with assistance from the Ministry of Rites, Ministry of War, and Ministry of Industry?"

Xu Mujun immediately said, "I...obey the decree!"