Chapter 1811: Chapter 422: Returning to Huangzhou Prefecture, Reuniting with My Wife

"Then I’ll go to the capital with you!"

Ruyang King said, and upon hearing this, Tuotuo laughed, while Boluo Timur didn’t laugh but looked relieved.

Li Siqi observed this and said, "Chahan, I heard a big rebel recently emerged in Jiangnan, Zhu Chongba, do you know him?"

Ruyang King replied, "I know."

"You’re still going to the capital?"

Ruyang King hesitated upon hearing this, but at that moment, Tuotuo laughed and said, "Don’t worry, Zhu Chongba is being watched by the court’s army, there won’t be any issues, and Ruyang King accompanying us to the capital won’t take much time or delay important matters."

Upon hearing this, Ruyang King said, "Indeed, let’s proceed to the capital!"

Listening to Ruyang King’s words, a hint of helplessness appeared on Li Siqi’s face, as it is said, it’s hard to persuade a ghost destined to die.

Ruyang King seemed to be poisoned, insisting on going to the capital, leaving Li Siqi helpless.

Tuotuo, fearing prolonged deliberation, said, "Alright, since that’s the case, the matter is settled, Ruyang King will accompany the army to the capital, as for King Qi!"

Tuotuo looked at Li Siqi, who said, "I won’t be joining you!"

Hearing this, Tuotuo said helplessly, "Then it’s settled with King Qi, King Qi will return to his fief and await the court’s next arrangements."

With this said, the journey was finalized, and Tuotuo announced the meeting adjourned. Li Siqi and Ruyang King walked out of the tent, and Li Siqi said to Ruyang King, "Are you truly foolish? They are deceiving you to enter the capital, surely with ill intentions!"

Ruyang King replied, "The capital is the heart of the realm, governed by court laws; what could they possibly do there?"

"The laws have always been reserved for the upper echelon, even though we are part of it, there are still those above us. Chahan, you had better be careful."

Having said this, Li Siqi returned to his own army and quickly assembled his men, hastily departing without any hesitation, as if afraid they would be pursued.

"Lord Prime Minister, King Qi has already led his troops away."

At this moment, a messenger reported to Tuotuo inside the command tent.

Tuotuo took a sip of tea and looked at the opposite Boluo Timur, saying, "Li Siqi, like a cunning rat, is remarkably wise, refusing to fall into our trap."

"Initially, the plan was to lure both kings to the capital and forcefully abolish regional autonomy, yet Li Siqi avoided the trap. Fortunately, Ruyang King is rather naive, making him easier to manage."

Boluo said, "Chahan is devoted to the state, naturally prone to falling into traps. Li Siqi isn’t a reliable person."

After saying this, Boluo looked at Tuotuo, saying, "So, must we abolish regional autonomy? Ruyang King is loyal and reliable in suppressing Jiangnan."

"Loyal and reliable, but how could Princess Xiangning be abducted by bandits when she enters the capital?"

Tuotuo then said, "Ruyang King’s actions are concealment in deceit; does he really think he can hide it from us?"

"It’s ridiculous that such daring banditry should occur in Jiangnan, how could I believe it?"

"And Chicken Head Mountain, haha..."

Tuotuo’s face was full of ridicule, then he said, "There’s something the Emperor cannot speak of, but I must address. Though Ruyang King has merit for the state, his military authority cannot be retained."

"Now, by deceiving Ruyang King into the capital, we can have the State Preceptor detain him, while I send people to take over Ruyang Royal Mansion’s forces in Jiangnan, allowing Jiangnan to return to direct court management."

"No more regional autonomy ruling; instead, implement the Han county system and let the court directly manage places. As for the Vassal Kings, they can enjoy their riches without wielding military power."

Tuotuo continued.

Boluo Timur said, "But ruling over territories by vassal kings was established by the Heavenly Khan; if we change it, wouldn’t it betray our ancestors?"

Tuotuo replied, "Betray our ancestors, now vassal kings amass troops and focus only on their power. Only Ruyang King has a heart for the realm, maintaining order in Jiangnan’s military and politics. Otherwise, would Jiangnan still belong to the court?"

"Then why remove Ruyang King’s military authority if he’s devoted to the Emperor and the state?"

Boluo couldn’t understand why remove someone doing well?

"Is it just for Princess Xiangning’s sake?"

Tuotuo replied, "A woman alone would not ruin a general of the court, alas, it’s an unavoidable matter. Regarding the vassal kings, Ruyang King and King Qi are primary, Ruyang King manages the Southern Vassal King system while Li Siqi manages the Northern."

"These represent virtually all vassal kings in the realm, so to consolidate vassal king powers into the court, we must start with them."

"Ruyang King is good, but other Southern kings are not. Henan Luoyang King seizes land and oppresses people, causing rebellion. King Zhe raises tax fivefold for entertainment!"

"Furthermore, Prince Xiang and King Wu treat people with disdain, leading them to rebel. This causes widespread unrest; local rebels persistently resist. I’ve thought it over, and abolishing regional autonomy seems the only viable plan!"

"Consolidate vassal king powers internally, restrict military authority, stabilize governance, concentrating all power in the court. In the future, vassal kings can enjoy their lives, while governance and suppression of rebellion remain the court’s responsibility to prevent chaos and recurrent rebel forces!"