The lingering clouds from the Mount Tai sacrificial ceremony had not yet dissipated, yet the atmosphere in Chang'an had already changed dramatically. In the Xuan Shi Hall, Liu Bingyi sat on the firmly secured dragon throne with two completely different silk scrolls laid out before him. To his left was the 'General Amnesty Edict', representing Confucian benevolence and righteousness. To his right was the 'New Laws of the Great Han', compiled jointly by the secret guards and the Court of Justice — every word dripping with blood. This was the imperial nature he had gleaned from three years of bloody struggle. [System 4.0: Governance Module — "A Mixture of Hegemonic and Benevolent Principles" Activated.
Core Logic: Suppress powerful clans with hegemonic methods (law, tactics and power) and pacify the people with benevolent principles (Confucianism, benevolence and propriety).
Current Blessing: Under the influence of 'Strong Han National Fortune', the efficiency with which government decrees are implemented has increased by 300%.
'Lord Zhang, which of these two edicts do you think should be issued first?' Liu Bingyi looked up at Zhang Anshi standing below the steps.
The veteran minister was now even more respectful. He knew that the white-haired emperor before him was no longer the boy who needed support. His voice trembled as he replied, 'Your Majesty, although the Huo clan has been destroyed, their followers are scattered throughout the counties. If the laws are too harsh, it may cause unrest; if the amnesty is too lenient, the law will not be respected.' Liu Bingyi sneered, his white hair gleaming metallically in the lamplight. 'Therefore, I will not choose. I will have it all,' he said. Three days after the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, an edict of general amnesty was issued throughout the Han Dynasty.
All commoners imprisoned for poverty or collective punishment were pardoned, and taxes were reduced for three years in disaster-stricken counties. Taverns and fields throughout the Han Dynasty immediately resounded with songs of praise for Liu Bingyi. 'Your Majesty is wise! Your Majesty is a true dragon descended to earth!' the people cheered. However, they only saw the tax reduction; they did not foresee the hidden blade in this amnesty, which did not pardon any powerful officials involved in corruption or treason.
Just as the people were celebrating, the New Laws of the Great Han Dynasty were enacted, striking precisely at the heads of the powerful clans who still dared to resist. Liu Bingyi appointed a large number of 'cruel officials' who had been suppressed by the Huo family, granting them the power to arrest and try people on the spot, regardless of their rank. The strict law had one core principle: the king's law superseded family law.
Those who possessed more than five weapons were beheaded; those who seized fertile land and refused to return it were executed alongside their entire family; and those who embezzled more than 100,000 coins of public funds were skinned alive, stuffed with straw and displayed at the city gates.
'Your Majesty, this is too much... The Rites of Zhou say that "punishment does not extend to high officials".' A conservative Confucian scholar attempted to remonstrate.
Liu Bingyi calmly but chillingly threw his imperial brush at the scholar's face. 'In my Great Han, there are no high officials, only subjects. Before me, all are equal. If you think the Rites of Zhou are so good, then I'll send you to see the Duke of Zhou. What do you think of that?" The scholar trembled with fear and fainted on the spot. Late at night, deep within the palace, Liu Bingyi dismissed his attendants. The task system in his previously chaotic mind had completely subsided, leaving only a golden energy cluster called 'Strong Han National Destiny' circulating.
'System, do you think I did the right thing?'
[System 4.0 (Auxiliary Mode): 'Your Majesty, tyranny is for survival; benevolence, for longevity.' You are forcibly pushing the Han Dynasty from 'rule by man' to 'rule by emperor'.' Liu Bingyi stroked the white hair at his temples, a barely perceptible pain flickering in his eyes. He had enacted such harsh laws not only to govern the country, but also to find a sense of security. He would no longer permit any power to reach a level that threatened imperial authority, nor would he allow another tragedy like that of Xu Pingjun to happen again.
In the autumn of the sixth year of Emperor Xuan's reign, the first batch of three thousand corrupt officials were publicly executed in various counties, and the chaotic administrative system was transformed. Powerful families began to surrender their excess land voluntarily and timidly, and landlords learned to give way when they encountered farmers on the road. This was not because they had become kinder, but because the white-haired emperor sat in Chang'an with a giant pair of scissors called 'The Way of the Hegemon', ready to cut off any restless heads at a moment's notice.
'Issue the decree.' Liu Bingyi stood up and looked towards the distant Western Regions and the northern frontier. His eyes burned with expansionist ambition. 'The country has been pacified and the laws have been established. Now it's time to inform those barbarians on the borders about the new rules of the Han Dynasty.' In this chapter, Liu Bingyi completes his transformation from 'Avenger' to 'Lawgiver'.
The autumn wind swept across Zhuque Street in Chang'an, bringing with it not only a chill, but also a coup d'état powerful enough to shatter the foundations of the most powerful clans. Following the bloody 'Huo family purge', almost a third of the official positions in the court were left vacant. The entire court assumed that these lucrative posts would eventually be filled by 'noble families' or 'highly respected' Confucian scholars. However, Liu Bingyi issued an imperial edict that shocked the entire city: 'Summon! Wang Changqing of the West Market in Chang'an; Guo Jie's grandson, the wandering knight of Duling; and the followers of the 'Cockfighting Club' from back then, to the hall.' Inside the Xuan Shi Hall, incense burned quietly in the censer.
Moments later, a group of men dressed in brand new official robes, but still unable to conceal their rough and ready air, entered the Xuan Shi Hall, the highest centre of power in the Han Dynasty. Some had shielded Liu Bingyi from punches, some had helped him gather intelligence on the streets and some had even fought cockfights with him in the mud.
'Your Majesty...' Wang Changqing, the leader, used to be a ruffian in the West Market. Now, looking at the imposing, white-haired emperor on the high throne, who resembled a god or demon, his legs trembled.
[System 4.0: Surveillance Module – 'Humble Blade' Activated]
Core Logic: Promote 'outcasts' from humble backgrounds with deep personal connections to establish a surveillance network directly under imperial power.
Advantage Analysis: They are familiar with the hardships endured by ordinary people and the underhand methods employed by the powerful. They have no roots or foundation; the only thing supporting them is imperial power. Liu Bingyi slowly stood up, his white hair particularly striking in the dim corner of the hall. He walked over to Wang Changqing and helped his old friend, who was about to kneel, to his feet. 'Changqing, three years ago, when we drank that jar of inferior rice wine in Duling, what did you say to me?' Wang Changqing was stunned, cold sweat pouring down his back. 'Your Majesty... Your Majesty spoke nonsense back then.' Liu Bingyi patted his shoulder with great force. "You said that most officials in this world have eyes that 'look upwards', but no heart that 'looks downwards'. Now, I return those eyes and that heart to the world.' He turned to look at the group of commoners whom the scholar-officials considered to be worthless, and his voice resounded throughout the hall. 'From this day forward, I am establishing the Azure Eagle Bureau, which will not be under the jurisdiction of the Three Dukes and Nine Ministers, but will be under my direct command. Wang Changqing will be the leader and Guo Zidi the deputy envoy. You don't need to have read the Spring and Autumn Annals, nor do you need to be able to write flowery language. I only need you to take your secret guards and keep an eye on those powerful local magnates. If they bully men and women, you will retaliate in kind. If they deceive the heavens, you will stir up the sea for me!' Less than a month after the imperial edict was issued, the Azure Eagle Division displayed a destructive power that terrified the traditional bureaucratic system.
Those self-proclaimed noble families who evaded supervision by exploiting loopholes in the law and relying on personal connections found that these methods were ineffective against Wang Changqing and his gang of 'hooligans'."Are you trying to play 'chain accounting' with me?" Sitting in front of a prefect's residence, Wang Changqing tossed a dragon-patterned token in his hand and grinned shamelessly. "Back when I was smuggling salt in the West Market, you hadn't even learned to write yet!" The colour of the soil on these estates is wrong; what's buried underneath? Are you digging it out now, or should I lead the brothers to smash it open?" These local officials have no manners or sense of propriety. They crawl through cracks in the ground and climb roof beams. They gamble and frequent taverns, gathering evidence like chivalrous knights and making raids like thugs. [System Monitoring: National Fortune Value — [Clear Laws] Continues to Rise. Effect: Local administrative losses are reduced by 40% and the tax collection rate is increased by 60%. Late at night, Liu Bingyi sat alone in the Xuan Shi Hall, reviewing memorials. Behind each one lay the potential loss of a life or the destruction of an entire family. Impeachment letters from hereditary officials poured in, accusing him of 'appointing petty officials' and 'disgracing the court'. His shadow guard, Jin, whispered, 'Your Majesty, these "hawks" do indeed have a bad reputation.'
Liu Bingyi put down his brush and stroked his white hair. His eyes were cold as he said, "Reputation? That's something only noble families care about. What I need is a sharp knife to cut through the rotten flesh of the Han Dynasty. Scholars only know how to scratch an itch with their pens. Only people who mingle in the gutter know how to dig out maggots.'
He knew he was playing with fire, but this fire would burn not only his enemies, but also illuminate his long-empty throne. Finally, he saw a long-lost loyalty, untainted by political interests, in the eyes of these old friends from the streets — a brotherhood forged in shared hardship and ignited by imperial power into unwavering devotion.
Spring of the seventh year of Emperor Xuan's reign. Wang Changqing and his men dragged the last powerful figure to resist the 'Azure Eagle Division' from the banquet and executed him on the spot, according to the strict law of 'mixing the ways of the tyrant and the king'. This marked a complete transformation of the Han Dynasty's grassroots governance. Rather than facing easily fooled Confucian scholars, corrupt officials now found themselves up against "former scoundrels" who were even more ruthless, cunning and knowledgeable about the methods of the lower classes.
Liu Bingyi stood on the terrace of the Xuan Shi Hall, watching the myriad lights of Chang'an gradually illuminate the city. 'Pingjun, you always said that the people of this world suffer too much. Look! I have now found a group of people who understand suffering best to help me protect them.' The wind blew and his white hair fluttered in the air. Not only was he the high and mighty Emperor Xuan of Han, he was also the avenging king who rose from the mire, carrying the blood and spirit to rebuild the land.
Spread out on the floor of the Xuan Shi Hall was a massive map of the Western Regions, pieced together from sheepskin and silk. This was no ordinary map. Blessed by System 4.0: The Mighty Han Dynasty's Fate, the mountains and rivers on the map shimmered faintly with light. Standing barefoot before the map, Liu Bingyi held a fine iron halberd and drew a heavy line on the yellowish-brown area representing the Taklamakan Desert. "I will build a city here," he said. Though his voice was not loud, it resounded like thunder in the hearts of all the officials and ministers in the hall.
'Your Majesty!' The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Zhang Anshi, hurried forward, cold sweat pouring down his forehead. 'The Western Regions have been desolate since ancient times, with shifting sands stretching for thousands of miles and fragile oases. Although our Great Han has military settlements there, they mostly migrate seasonally. Building a permanent base here would require transporting grain and maintaining water sources, which would be like pouring money and grain into a bottomless pit!" Liu Bingyi slowly raised his head, his snow-white hair swaying in the lamplight. His double pupils revealed a chilling mixture of madness and rationality.
'Zhang Gong, you see quicksand, but I see the throat of the Han Dynasty.'
[System notification: Western Regions Protectorate Mission – "Pearl of the Vast Sea" activated.
Core Objective: Establish a permanent military and administrative hub.
System Support: Activate 'Spiritual Irrigation', 'Sand-Stabilising Array' and 'Mechanical City Construction'.
Host's Will: Completely transform the Western Regions from a 'land of vassalage' into a 'self-sufficient territory'.
Pointing to Wulei (near present-day Luntai) on the map, Liu Bingyi said, "This will become the 'Western Regions Protectorate,' a fortress with a permanent water supply system capable of accommodating 30,000 soldiers and their families, and able to produce its own food, rather than just a simple military camp." He looked at the inspectors and mechanical craftsmen whom he had promoted from the streets. 'I don't need you to reform those barbarians. I want you to use the 'secret weapons' I gave you — hydraulic machinery and drought-resistant farming technology — to transform that desert into a fertile land." In order to ensure the establishment of the Protectorate, Liu Bingyi resorted to his 'tyrannical rule' once again. 'Send an edict to Chang Hui, informing the thirty-six kingdoms of the Western Regions that the Han Dynasty is constructing residences in Wulei as a gesture of respect. Anyone who dislikes the feng shui can expect their capital to be reduced to rubble. My troops don't reason; they kill.' The boy who had once humbly acted in the Weiyang Palace had completely vanished at this moment, replaced by a warmonger who used the national economy as leverage and wanted to carve the character 'Han' into the most desolate land on Earth. The minor kings, who had long played both sides by repeatedly switching between the Xiongnu and the Han, felt suffocated with fear when they received the blood-red imperial edict bearing Liu Bingyi's seal. This letter carried not only the emperor's authority, but also the bloody message that 'disobedience means extermination'.
However, just as the Protectorate was being established, the system issued a red alert:
[Warning: Large desert detected in the Western Regions.] [Abnormal energy fluctuations detected deep within the desert.]
Analysis: Suspected attempt by the Xiongnu Chanyu, in alliance with a mysterious sect from the Western Regions, to awaken the ancient "Storm God" and oppose the destiny of the Han Dynasty."[Warning: Abnormal energy fluctuations have been detected deep within the Western Regions desert.
[Analysis: Suspected attempt by the Xiongnu Chanyu, in alliance with a mysterious sect from the Western Regions, to awaken the ancient 'Storm God' and oppose the Han Dynasty's destiny.
Liu Bingyi stood on the terrace of the Xuan Shi Hall, gazing westward into the distance. Beneath the yellow sand, he sensed not only treasures and land, but also a 'dark force' from a different era lurking within.
'A demon god?' Liu Bingyi scoffed, his white hair gleaming with an eerie purple light in the moonlight. 'On this land, I am the only true god. Anything that dares to obstruct me from planting my flag, be it a storm or quicksand, will be shattered!" In the autumn of the seventh year of Emperor Xuan's reign, the first cavalry unit carrying heavy machinery components and elite Imperial Guards departed from Chang'an. Wang Changqing accompanied the army with his group of 'commoner brothers' as the inspector. Standing alone atop the city wall of Weiyang Palace, the evening breeze ruffling his hair, Liu Bingyi clutched the blood-stained amulet tightly in his hand. His gaze pierced the mountains and rivers as he said, "Pingjun, once I plant the first flagpole in that desert, I will take you to walk under the starry sky there. Anyone who dares to block our way will die at my hand."
The blueprint for the Protectorate of the Western Regions had barely been set out with the placement of the first boundary marker on the edge of the desert when the biting northern winds, carrying the stench of blood, howled in. In the court of the Chanyu, Woyanqudi, with his muscular arms bare, sat on a throne pieced together from dozens of Han army shields. At his feet lay a tattered Han court document. 'Liu Bingyi? That white-haired brat who hid in the shadow of the Huo family for three years?' The Chanyu laughed arrogantly, spilling the strong liquor from his golden cup. 'He killed his own powerful minister and thought himself a true dragon. But he forgot that wolves in the steppe love to eat cubs without their mothers' protection.' To the Xiongnu, the Han Dynasty's three years of 'keeping a low profile' were seen as evidence of internal strife and weakness, and the downfall of the Huo clan as the collapse of the military pillar of the Han court. 'Send my challenge to that white-haired emperor!' The Chanyu suddenly drew his golden sword from his waist and swung it fiercely in the air. 'Tell him that, since he wants to build a city in the desert, I will bury the bones of 100,000 Han soldiers beneath its foundations! I demand his annual tribute doubles, and I want the deposed Empress Huo Chengjun sent to the grasslands to serve as my concubine!' Three days later, in Chang'an, at the Xuan Shi Hall.
The challenge letter, wrapped in barbarian hide and reeking of mutton and blood, was delivered to Liu Bingyi by a wounded courier at great personal risk.The letter was extremely humiliating. It demanded that the Han Dynasty cede three northern commanderies and requested that the emperor issue an edict acknowledging the Chanyu as his 'uncle'. When it was read aloud, all the officials trembled with rage, except for Liu Bingyi, who sat on his high throne in unusual silence. Resting his chin on his hand, his snow-white hair falling onto his golden dragon robe, he showed no anger but instead revealed a chilling smile.
[System 4.0: War Simulation – Pre-Battle of Mobei]
Target: Main Xiongnu Cavalry (approximately 150,000)
Enemy evaluation: Arrogant and overconfident; strategically disjointed.
System suggestion: Since the enemy is seeking death, it is recommended that the 'Blood Sacrifice – Great Wall' plan be activated to completely destroy their national destiny.
'Your Majesty, the Xiongnu are rampant! Please send troops to strike hard!" Chang Hui strode forward, his eyes filled with murderous intent.
Liu Bingyi slowly stood up and walked over to the large map. He gently traced the words 'Xiongnu' with his fingertips. His voice was as soft as a lover's whisper. 'I originally wanted to build the city first and then deal with the Xiongnu, but these beasts on the grasslands insist on making noise while we are working.' 'Changqing.' Liu Bingyi turned to look at Wang Changqing, who had just been promoted. 'Your subject is here.' The swagger that had characterised Wang Changqing's streetwise persona had been replaced by a chilling aura tainted by imperial power. 'Bring the Xiongnu envoys here, but don't kill them.' 'First, cut off his ears, then sew the Chanyu's challenge to his back so that he can crawl back and tell Woyan Qudi.' Bending down, Liu Bingyi's eyes were as cold as the glaciers of the far north. 'Tell him I don't want his annual tribute or his land. I want his head to serve as a wine cup, his tribe to serve as slaves, and for every inch of sand in the desert to henceforth belong to the Liu family.'
In preparation for this duel, which was considered a 'war to establish prestige', Liu Bingyi used all of the 'Strong Han National Fortune' that he had obtained following the Mount Tai sacrificial ceremony. The underground workshops of Weiyang Palace were in operation all night. With the blessing of System 4.0, three thousand of the most elite cavalrymen from the Imperial Guard were equipped with brand-new gear.
[Strong Han National Fortune]: National Fortune, obtained after the Mount Tai sacrificial ceremony, which enhances overall strength.
[Armour-Piercing Dragon Spear]: The spearhead is infused with meteorite iron, which is privately held by the Huo family and possesses a built-in qi-piercing effect.
[Rapid Fire Divine Crossbow]: This improved crossbow can fire nine shots in a single volley. Arrows cover a range of two hundred paces.
[Spiritual Power Warhorses]: Each warhorse is fed spiritual medicine and can travel a thousand miles a day without leaving a trace in the snow.
[Armour-Piercing Dragon Spear]: The spearhead is made of meteorite iron, which is privately held by the Huo family. It has a built-in qi-piercing effect.
[Rapid Fire Divine Crossbow]: This improved crossbow can fire nine arrows in an instant, with a range of two hundred paces.
[Spiritual Power Warhorses]: Each warhorse is fed spiritual medicine from the system and is capable of travelling a thousand miles a day without leaving a trace in the snow.
'Your Majesty, this army is no longer of mortal power.' Looking at the black-armoured cavalry on the training ground, silent yet exuding murderous intent like ghosts, veteran General Zhao Chongguo felt an unprecedented chill. Meanwhile, Liu Bingyi stroked his horse's back and softly replied, 'Old General, this is my Han Dynasty. Not only will we defend the land, we will also devour the heavens.' "
In the spring of the eighth year of Emperor Xuan's reign, the north gate of Chang'an was thrown open. Liu Bingyi was no longer wearing heavy armour; instead, he wore a black robe and had tied up his white hair. Mounting a jet-black dragon steed, he held the 'old sword' he had used to remember Xu Pingjun in his hand.
"Issue a decree to the world." Glancing one last time at the bustling city of Chang'an, his gaze crossed the Great Wall and reached the depths of the desert. 'In this battle, I need no prisoners. All Xiongnu men taller than a cartwheel shall be executed. I will make every barbarian in the world beg for their life at the mere mention of the Han language."
In Wuyuan County, on the frontier of the Great Wall, smoke signals from 150,000 Xiongnu cavalry could be seen rising beyond the Wall. The laughter of the Chanyu seemed to pierce the sandstorm. However, inside the Han army's command headquarters, Liu Bingyi was in no hurry to deploy his troops. Instead, he stood before a newly completed, massive wooden structure, inspecting a batch of strange 'military supplies'.
'Your Majesty, is this really edible?' The veteran general, Zhao Chongguo, stared in astonishment at the object in his hand. It was tightly wrapped in oiled paper and pressed into a hard cube. It didn't smell of dried meat; instead, it emitted a faint wheat aroma.
Liu Bingyi, with his white hair flowing down his shoulders, casually took a piece and, amidst the astonished gazes of his generals, took a bite, chewing it carefully.
[System 4.0: Military Supplies Module — [Modern Logistics Knowledge] Activated.
Core Technology:
1. Compressed Rations: High in calories, lightweight and waterproof. A single soldier's carrying capacity is sufficient to sustain fifteen days of high-intensity combat.
2. Dehydrated vegetables and meat floss: Addressing night blindness and septicaemia caused by vitamin deficiencies among expeditionary soldiers.
3. [Modular Supply System]: Replacing heavy oxcarts of supplies with specially designed, lightweight, four-wheeled, horse-drawn carts.
'General Zhao, the Xiongnu are strong because they migrate with their livestock and carry their own provisions,' said Liu Bingyi, brushing the crumbs from his hands. His eyes were cold to the point of cruelty. 'But the Han Dynasty has always been weak when it comes to transporting provisions. Of ten portions of rations, only one reaches the front lines. Today, I will change this.' In this war, Liu Bingyi demonstrated his ability as a 'tactical mastermind' by achieving a devastating victory. He was not only fighting, but also playing a sophisticated 'numerical game'. While the Xiongnu cavalry relied on slaughtering and cooking cattle and sheep to replenish their strength, the Han Dynasty's Imperial Guards lay silently in the cold snow, tearing open oiled paper and eating high-energy compressed biscuits.
'Faster! Faster!' Wang Changqing and other lower-ranking officials, promoted from the 'Azure Eagle Division', acted as the army's 'calculators', meticulously calculating the consumption of each horse and the replenishment of each water source using algorithmic tables provided by the system. Previously, a Han army campaign of 100,000 cavalrymen would have required at least 300,000 labourers, but Liu Bingyi had now achieved a 'silent march' with only 50,000 elite troops. The Xiongnu Chanyu's original plan was simple: to fortify the walls and clear the fields, lure the enemy deep into their territory and then annihilate them once their supplies were exhausted and their men and horses were weary. However, he miscalculated. The small detachments he sent to flank and intercept the supply line discovered to their despair that it simply did not exist.
'Great Khan! The Han army didn't bring oxcarts! They've travelled 500 miles into the northern desert, and instead of slowing down, they're speeding up!" Woyanqudi Chanyu rose from his throne in shock, his face filled with disbelief. In his view, advancing 500 miles into the desert without setting up a supply camp was suicidal. Meanwhile, unbeknownst to him, Liu Bingyi was riding his black steed with the 'Holographic Logistics Distribution Map' of System 4.0 displayed in his vision. He could see the exact location of each squad and their remaining stamina, as well as the water sources within a hundred-mile radius.
In the dead of night, the wind howled like knives. The Han soldiers huddled behind a sheltered sand dune around a tiny smokeless furnace, which had been designed by the system. They placed tightly sealed iron cans over the fire. As the metal sheet was lifted with a hiss, the rich aroma of pork stew with beans wafted through the snowy night.
'Your Majesty, this is truly divine!' Chang Hui ate the steaming meat, his eyes filled with reverence. In this era, it was a privilege even generals dared not dream of for the expeditionary force to enjoy a bite of hot meat.
Liu Bingyi gripped his old sword and watched the flickering flames. But in his mind, he was calculating another matter:
[System Monitoring: Overall Army Stamina 95%, Morale 110% (MAX)]
[Warning: The main force of the Xiongnu has entered the ambush zone, a straight-line distance of thirty li.''Immortal arts?' Liu Bingyi scoffed, his white hair glowing red in the firelight. 'This is merely civilisation crushing barbarism. I want the Xiongnu to understand that war isn't just about the speed of the blade; it's also about who has greater confidence.' While the Xiongnu Chanyu was still gnawing on a frozen lamb's leg in his camp, Liu Bingyi's Imperial Guards had already completed their long-distance raid, unburdened by heavy baggage or logistical constraints. This army was like a scalpel honed to perfection, slicing through the darkness of the desert night.
'Chang Hui, send the signal.' Liu Bingyi drew his longsword, its crimson blade gleaming against the snow. 'Tell the soldiers they've eaten their fill; it's time to work. Tonight, I will drink their freshly brewed mare's milk wine in the Chanyu's golden tent.'