Chapter 637 Returning to Beijing

The people had already known the news that Qin Ze would return to Beijing today, so from ten miles outside the city to the city gate, in addition to the court officials and the ceremonial guard brought by Zhang Li, there were countless civilians. After Qin Ze arrived, they followed the carriages and horses on both sides with joy, and their cheers were endless. The ceremonial guard was still beating the drums to signal the return of the army, which almost broke Qin Ze's eardrums.

Although he had caught a cold, Qin Ze felt that the symptoms had subsided after a few days. He just felt a little listless. However, as more and more people followed him, he had no choice but to get off the carriage and ride on his horse to accept people's "admiration".

This return to Nanjing is different from the last time. The last time he returned to Beijing, he chased Jin Jianren all the way into the capital, and the big thing had not been completely accomplished. But this time he returned to Beijing, he had completely overthrown the Jin family and ended all the domestic wars. Therefore, this return to Beijing is much more grand than the last time.

As soon as they entered the city gate, except for the soldiers guarding both sides of the road, the rest of the place was crowded with a large number of people, including countless men, women, young and old. When they saw Qin Ze riding a horse into the city, they bowed their heads and kowtowed.

Even though Qin Ze asked them to get up, the people still knelt on the ground and chanted praises. Now, they almost worshipped Qin Ze as a god.

After all, he not only overthrew the incompetent and corrupt old dynasty, but also went to the sea to Fuso and killed all the ambitious Japanese pirates, accomplishing something that no previous dynasty had ever done in one fell swoop.

As for the naval battle between the South China Sea and other countries, it was also reported back to Nanjing a few days ago along with the news of Qin Ze's return to Beijing. At this moment, everyone knew that the royal army defeated the fleets of several overseas powers in one fell swoop in the vast ocean.

The people knew that this war not only defended the country, but also inflicted heavy damage on those foreign nations. Of course, this was only their understanding.

In fact, Qin Ze knew that the war was just the beginning. The other countries had already become rich and strong through continuous plundering, and they also had larger armies in their homelands. Therefore, Yan State would have to engage in a more intense war with them next.

But at least not now.

Amidst the non-stop cheers, several hours later, Qin Ze finally arrived at the imperial city. Then came the more grand ceremony of entering the palace. Zhang Li had already arranged all the complicated etiquette, so Qin Ze could only go along with it.

After arriving at the Golden Throne Hall, there were more trivial matters to deal with. It was not until the evening when the ministers dispersed that the palace gradually became quiet.

At this moment, outside the Golden Palace, Qin Ze was standing on the steps in casual clothes, looking at the sun that was about to set in the west.

Beside him, Zhang Li was standing respectfully with his hands hanging down.

Qin Ze withdrew his gaze from the sunset and turned his gaze to Zhang Li.

It's only been a few months since I last saw him, but the old man's hair seemed to have turned a lot whiter, and his body was slightly hunched.

"Thank you for taking care of me while I was away." Qin Ze looked at him and said.

"Your Majesty is serious."

"Your Majesty is grateful for your trust in letting me, an old minister, act as regent. I am only doing my duty," Zhang Li said slowly.

"On the way from Nanze, I have seen good governance and harmony among the people along the way, which shows that your governance during this period has been quite effective." Qin Ze gave him an approving look.

After saying this, Zhang Li shook his head and said, "Your Majesty, I am not being modest. This is definitely not my own achievement."

"If it weren't for your majesty's conquests, overthrowing the Jin family, and repelling foreign enemies, how could the country be peaceful? It was because of the establishment of the new dynasty that the people saw new hope, so I and the ministers were able to rebuild the government."

"If the superiors follow the laws and the people obey them, and if the rule is not harsh, the people will naturally obey."

"The people of Dawn don't want anything rare, just a piece of land to grow food and a house to avoid the heat and cold. If they are satisfied with these two things, they won't cause trouble."

"As for the rest, we have to take our time. Now there is a lot of work to be done, the whole country is full of vigor and vitality, if we implement benevolent policies, it will naturally prosper over time."

After listening to the speech, Qin Ze nodded slightly: "With benevolent policies and the rule of law, everything will work out smoothly."

Zhang Li stroked his beard and nodded repeatedly, then he suddenly said: "Your Majesty, I heard that you caught a cold. I didn't have time to ask you because there were so many people around. I wonder how you are now?" As he spoke, he looked straight at Qin Ze's face.

Qin Ze chuckled and said, "Do you think I look like I'm in trouble?"

"Not likely. The symptoms should be gone." Zhang Li smiled and shook his head.

Qin Ze nodded and said, "I was a little tired on the road, but after entering the city, I rode a horse under the scorching sun all the way, and it seemed that all the coldness in my body was dispelled."

"That's good. With the blessing of all the people, no disease can harm your dragon body."

"Then I'll take your good words." The two smiled at each other.

With a faint laugh, Zhang Li hesitated and said, "Your Majesty, I have one more thing I want to ask you."

"Go ahead."

Zhang Li's face turned serious: "In the battle of the South China Sea, your majesty led the army to defeat the fleet formed by various countries. This battle was a great victory, but your majesty let a foreign fleet go back. Is this...?"

Before he finished speaking, Qin Ze smiled and said, "Let the tiger go back to the mountain?"

"I dare not." Zhang Li waved his hands quickly.

Qin Ze restrained his smile and continued, "It doesn't matter whether we release the tiger back to the mountains or not. You just need to know that the other countries will never give up plundering our Yan country's territory because of this defeat."

“They will come again.”

After saying this, Zhang Li frowned and his expression gradually became solemn.

The conversation with his daughter many days ago came to his mind. His daughter also said that the countries would not restrain themselves for this. Now His Majesty also said so, which made him sigh in his heart.

"Isn't this battle enough to make them retreat?" the old man sighed.

"The dog learned its lesson after being beaten for stealing meat, and it won't dare to steal next time. But this beast understands the truth, and they don't understand it now. Only by injuring them or even making them half dead, will they understand this truth." Qin Ze's face was cold, and he continued:

"That's what I was going to do."

Hearing this, Zhang Li's heart tightened, and he said hesitantly:

"The country is finally at peace now, and it is a time to rebuild. The people are all seeking a long-term peaceful life. Your Majesty, do you want to start a war again?"

Qin Ze looked at the old man deeply and said, "Tianguan, everyone wants a peaceful life, but if there is no war, this peace will not last long."

"I've already decided."

"Next, I will form a brand new fleet, sail from the South China Sea, and travel overseas."

Zhang Li's heart skipped a beat. "Your Majesty, this..."

Qin Ze took two steps forward, patted him on the shoulder, and said, "Tianguan, defending our territory is not a long-term solution. Sooner or later, we will be invaded by foreign powers. At that time, we can only passively fight back. Instead of waiting for them to come to us, we might as well take our fleet to their waters."

Zhang Li hesitated and said, "But now that the major issues have been resolved, isn't it too early to start a war again?"

Qin Ze could understand the old man's conservatism. After experiencing a year of war, neither the ministers nor the people wanted to see war again.

So he changed his statement: "As for the Heavenly Official, there is an old saying: The most important affairs of a country are sacrifice and war."