1024 Battle of Yashan (1/2)
Chapter 1024 – Battle of Yashan
Gaia 5th year, 5th month, 15th day, Xia Palace.
On this day, Ouyang Shuo's pair of children were born. Based on the suggestions of the Cabinet, the boy was named Ouyang Yu. Since he was born 10 minutes earlier, he became the older brother. On the other hand, the girl was called Ouyang Luo, who was the younger sister.
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The moment the news spread out, the officials all sent their congratulations.
Ouyang Shuo took this chance to announce the forgiving of crime. All Great Xia prisoners, as long as they did not commit one of the 10 deadly sins, would all be released to show the kindness of the king.
Wuji Hall.
Looking at the pair of white twins, Ouyang Shuo gave out a rare fatherly smile. His smile contained the nervousness of being a father and the joy of having children.
Be it Yu'er or Luo'er, they were both different from birth. Each one had a symbol on their right hand, one was a golden dragon, one was a fire phoenix.
When the court ladies saw that, they were all surprised beyond words.
The head court lady Zisu smiled, ”The prince and the princess are dragons and phoenixes amongst men, born extraordinary.”
Ouyang Shuo smiled, ”For the birth of my children, all the court ladies and maidservants have credit. Based on their grade, you will be awarded gifts.”
”Thank you king for the gifts!”
Zisu led the maidservants to thank him.
Ouyang Shuo waved his hand. Looking at his wife, who was lying on the bed, he smiled, ”It has been hard on you, rest well. I'll go to the front hall first and come back later.”
Song Jia gave out a warm smile, ”Go get busy!”
...
Ouyang Shuo rushed to the front hal. Apart from accepting the congratulations, he also wanted to meet one person. This person was Hu Zongxian, who had rushed back from Hanoi to get his debrief.
10 days had passed since the Battle of Annan. Although the trauma from the war could not be wiped away, the chaos brought from it slowly calmed down.
As for how to rule the Annan Province, Hu Zongxian needed to personally report to Ouyang Shuo.
Apart from that, Hu Zongxian also brought a number of treasures. They were obtained from the imperial city treasury, and it even included the ones from Haiphong City.
Coincidentally, he made it in time for the birth of the king's children, which was an auspicious sign. In the future period of time, each Provincial Governor would probably enter the city to congratulate the king.
The Cabinet would handle the tabulation of the goods, gold, and jewelry. Hu Zongxian Naturally, they did not bother Ouyang Shuo about the matter and presented him with two of the rarest items.
Thousand year ginseng (platinum): Top grade medicinal herb, can be used as a nourishing product.
Although the introduction was short, this was a truly rare item. Coincidentally, Song Jia had given birth and needed nourishment, so this ginseng came at the right time.
Diting Talisman: Can eavesdrops on the words of a specific position at a specific time.
Legends had it that Diting was the god beast under the care of Kṣitigarbha. Through listening, one could differentiate any living being, and it was good at listening to the thoughts of people.
This was pretty much an eavesdropping God Weapon that could be used at a crucial moment.
Putting away the two treasures from Hu Zongxian, Ouyang Shuo started to instruct him about the plan of Annan Province. The first thing he said excited Hu Zongxian, ”Annan Province is only a transition, after taking down Zhenla and Nanzhang, they will be merged into one province known as the Hanoi Province.”
After pausing there, Ouyang Shuo said, ”Zongxian, do well in Annan, do not let me down.” The meaning of his words was really obvious. The future Hanoi Provincial Governor belonged to Hu Zongxian.
If the three lands truly merged, Hanoi Province would, be it in terms of land size or strategic position, among the top three of all the provinces. The position of Hanoi Provincial Governor was naturally more important.
”I'll work my heart out to thank you for your good grace!” Hu Zongxian nodded his head solemnly.
”Along with the tunnel between Annan and Yunnan, it's the key to traffic between the mainland and ASEAN. You must pay attention to the cooperation with Yunnan Province and open up a merchant route.” Ouyang Shuo continued.
The tunnel linked Mengding Prefecture, and it stretched all the way to Gaoping Prefecture in Annan. As a result, this tunnel would be named the Menggao Tunnel. Be it Mengding Prefecture or Gaoping Prefecture, they were both mountain regions. To truly open up a free trade route would not be easy and would need large amounts of resources.
”In terms of finances, the Imperial Court will fully support you. Specific workings need the both of you to execute and work together.” Ouyang Shuo calmed Hu Zongxian down.
”Understood!”
Hu Zongxian showed no fear. He was a person who did what was asked of him, and he was not afraid of difficulties.
”Apart from that, Annan Province will play a role as a middleman to mediate the relationship between Great Xia and the ASEAN states, especially Johor and Siam. We must let them feel our sincerity and cannot let them join hands.”
Great Xia had no intentions to and could not possibly cause all the ASEAN states to bow down. If not, he would make enemies out of all of them.
On this point, Ouyang Shuo made it clear with Hu Zongxian in case friction started by accident.