Chapter 691: Liyang Loses Its Deer (Part 2)

Inside Xiangfan City, at a princely estate.

The young Prince Jing'an, Zhao Xun, was summoned to Guangling Dao to quell a rebellion. So far, he had neither achieved great success nor made any mistakes. The vast Qingzhou region was left under the charge of another young, blind man, and it remained calm and undisturbed. This blind man neither accomplished anything remarkably outstanding nor stooped to self-deprecating methods to gain the new Prince Jing'an's trust. This could be considered a model example of a fitting relationship between ruler and minister, somewhat reminiscent of the partnership between Prince Yan Chi and Nalan Youci.

After nightfall, stars twinkled. Lu Xu stood under the eaves, looking up at the brilliant night sky. Beside him was the sworn maid from Prince Jing'an's estate who had been assigned to him. Unexpectedly, through their daily interactions and mutual reliance, they had become like "ants on the same rope," bound together by common fate. However, this might well be a unique stratagem of the young Prince Jing'an.

"Sir, you've told the Prince he's only allowed to lose, not to win. If he loses face for the Zhao family, His Majesty the Emperor will most likely blame him, won't he?"

"Of course he will, and it will be a severe reprimand with heavy penalties."

"Then why did the Prince agree?"

"During the transition from old to new, with a new emperor comes new officials. Former allegiances and relationships are overturned and rebuilt, often without regard for merit, but solely for loyalty. For Qingzhou to demonstrate its loyalty with thousands of lives is probably enough. The old emperor's deliberate suppression of certain individuals is merely to pave the way for the new emperor to elevate others. Otherwise, who would appreciate the new emperor's benevolence? Historically, most enlightened rulers who were about to step down preferred to act obscurely, precisely because they worried the new ruler would have no capable people to rely on. Furthermore, widespread chaos is inevitable. After this great defeat, His Royal Highness, besides making a statement to the Emperor and the Crown Prince, can also use the opportunity to distance himself from the turmoil and observe how things unfold."

"Sir, does this mean you know everything under heaven without even leaving your home, like a scholar?"

"My knowledge, as a scholar, still falls far short compared to Master Yuan in Tai'an City and Master Nalan beside Prince Yan Chi."

"You are too modest, Sir!"

The blind Lu Xu smiled without speaking.

"Sir, please tell me some more grand principles, no matter what. Even if I don't understand, I enjoy listening."

"There aren't so many principles, just a belly full of complaints."

"Sir, let me say something, please don't get angry. If one day the Prince uses me to threaten you, Sir, you can rest assured. It's quite difficult to threaten a living person with a dead one, isn't it?"

"Don't do anything foolish. If you kill yourself, given Zhao Xun's nature, I wouldn't be far from death myself. Otherwise, he wouldn't sleep peacefully with a so-called confidant whom he cannot control by his side."

"Sir, are you trying to find a flimsy excuse for me to live?"

"You're not foolish, are you? But honestly, that's not a flimsy reason."

"Sir, you are a good person. Are you tired of living like this?"

"What's there to be tired about? Even if I take a step back, it's certainly easier than swindling people out of money by gambling on chess in Yongzi Lane a few years ago."

"Sir, I think you possess great wisdom!"

"But I still can't tell whether you're wearing new clothes or old ones."

"I'd know if I touched them..."

"Hm?"

"After they're off, of course."

"Look not at what is contrary to propriety..."

"Sir, don't you always say you're blind?!"

Lu Xu suddenly laughed.

Then he said softly, "'Xun' in Zhao Xun, which "Huainanzi" refers to as a beautiful jade, but if you break down the character, doesn't it signify a 'decade-long emperor'?"

Lu Xu sighed, "The backbone of us scholars will soon be broken, in just a few days."

The same night fell, but far away, at the border.

As the faint sound of hooves echoed from afar, Yanbao Fortress in Jizhou, a formidable border stronghold, awoke like a startled beast. Almost instantly, countless lanterns and torches illuminated, bathing the fortress in light as bright as day. A moat surrounded Yanbao. As the city gates swung open, the drawbridge slowly lowered. The seven or eight riders who had traveled a long distance did not have to wait a moment; they spurred their horses onto the bridge and entered the fortress. Inside the city archway, a large contingent of direct descendants of the Li family of Yanbao lay prostrate in genuflection. This included the reclusive old fortress master Li Chulin, his eldest legitimate son Li Yuanya, who had specifically rushed home from Jixi, and a group of prominent figures who were usually difficult to gather, none of whom were absent. It seemed that, apart from Li Huoli, the legitimate eldest grandson who had died suddenly after migrating south of the Yangtze, the entire Li family—who were virtually emperors in Jizhou—was present. Even the old fortress master's 80th birthday two years ago had not seen such a grand gathering.

The leader of the seven or eight riders had an unfamiliar, pale face, looking as if he struggled to endure the bitter cold of the northern winter. He wore a thick fox fur coat, a tribute from Liaodong. He was likely advanced in years, having cultivated his formidable presence into a very subtle one, without any overbearing aura. Apart from Li Chulin and Li Yuanya, no one else in Yanbao knew the identity of this distinguished man. However, the others, using the brilliant light and their peripheral vision, caught a glimpse of a clue: one of the riders serving as an attendant behind the man was none other than Gu Jiantang, the only Grand Pillar State and Great General of Liyang. All the kneeling Li family members, except for the uncomprehending youths and innocent children, correctly guessed the man's identity. At once, their eyes showed reverence and apprehension, yet also fervent pride. What an immense honor, what glory for their family, to have such an esteemed guest grace their presence! Perhaps having been forewarned by Gu Jiantang, Li Chulin and Li Yuanya merely knelt in welcome, not adding unnecessary titles. The man dismounted and, with a gentle smile, said, "The northern lands are cold and chilly. Moreover, the 'Rites of Zhou: Royal Regulations' states that an eighty-year-old may lean on a staff in court. Old Fortress Master, please rise quickly, and everyone else, there's no need to kneel."

The six riders behind him dismounted simultaneously. General Gu Jiantang, clad in light armor and bearing a sword, silently stepped forward and led the man's horse.

Li Chulin cautiously rose. On his withered, dignified, and weathered face, every crease seemed to radiate an unusual brilliance. The exceptionally tall old man remained slightly bent at the waist even after standing, likely not daring to make the man five steps away have to raise his head to speak. In terms of physical condition, Li Chulin, despite his eighty years, was still vigorous and seemed more like a "young man" than the man before him. At the very least, Li Chulin projected an imposing aura, his vigor undiminished from earlier days. In contrast, the guest who had arrived at Yanbao late at night seemed unable to hide his fatigue, appearing even more worn and frail, especially when subtly juxtaposed with the formidable Grand Martial Master, Gu Jiantang.

As the man started to walk forward, the formation began to break up, giving the impression of the guest overshadowing the hosts. The man in the fur coat led the way, specifically inviting the old fortress master, Li Chulin, to walk beside him. Gu Jiantang followed closely, leading one horse, and then came Li Yuanya. These four walked slowly at the front. Following them were the five riders, each commanding significant military power along the dynasty's northern front. And finally, the rest of the Li family, old and young. As their view was obstructed by the five men leading the horses, the Li family members, unable to approach Grand Pillar State Gu and mingle, began to look at the backs of these figures. The sharp-eyed old veterans of Yanbao recognized most of them and could guess the rest, an undeniably astonishing sight. These five were all high-ranking military figures with real power, the lowest-ranking holding a fourth-grade official position. It could be said that if these five were to die in Yanbao, the northern line of Liangliao would be half paralyzed. However, with Gu Jiantang—who was considered the foremost swordsman in the world, whether he bore a blade or not—holding the line, these five generals would likely find it hard to die even if they wished to. Besides their high positions and power, these five riders shared another commonality: compared to older generals like Yang Shenxing and Yan Zhenchun from the Spring and Autumn period, although their military achievements and fame were slightly less, they had the advantage of youth. The oldest was under fifty, and the youngest was just over thirty. The border battlefield inherently valued experience less based on age than the imperial court. Thus, it could be said that these five were destined to become the future pillars of the Liyang dynasty's military. Perhaps the next Minister of War in Tai'an City would emerge from among them.

The man walked on the smooth path paved with large bluestone slabs, looking up at the several "fire dragons" formed by lanterns and torches stretching upwards. He sighed softly, saying, "This is the first time in My life that I have entered Jizhou. I should have come earlier. Our Zhao family seized the empire from horseback. When I instruct the Zhao family descendants in the study, I always tell them not to become complacent. They must not be misled by ancient sayings, believing that after conquering the empire on horseback, one must dismount to govern it. Instead, they should continue to rule from horseback. Although I say this, I seem not to have done well myself in leading by example. I suppose some Zhao family descendants now find it harder to prioritize military affairs and border matters as our ancestors did."

Even the old fox Li Chulin, who had become shrewd through experience, would not dare to interject in the Emperor's private affairs, no matter how bold he was. He could only prick up his ears, not missing a single word. As long as His Majesty, who was on an incognito inspection tour, did not ask him anything, he would simply listen without speaking.

The man who could comfortably have Gu Jiantang lead his horse and serve as his escort was precisely the current Emperor, Zhao Dun, who had secretly traveled to the border. However, His Majesty did not issue an edict for the Crown Prince to supervise the state when he departed the capital. Instead, it was only on the verge of his return journey from Jizhou that he had Song Tanglu, the chief eunuch of the Directorate of Ceremonial, deliver a secret edict to Bai Guo of the Ministry of Rites for public announcement. The subtle implications of this act would provide much food for thought for the high-ranking officials in purple and scarlet robes. This was the old man's first time seeing the Emperor with his own eyes, and his heart pounded fiercely. Back then, the execution of the entire Han family had triggered unrest in Jizhou. The Li family of Yanbao, who were related by marriage to the Han family, were also caught in the crossfire. Li Chulin, who had not yet ceded the family head position to Li Yuanya at that time, had employed undeniably ruthless tactics. He not only had the young couple tied up and sent to the execution ground in Jizhou's prefectural city but also did not spare their two young children. In the end, the heads of the two children, who should have been surnamed Li, rolled alongside those of their parents. To this day, Li Chulin felt some guilt, but not a shred of regret. Under the crushing weight of larger forces, what did a few innocent lives matter? The Han family, overnight, transformed from centuries of loyal service into treacherous rebels who had colluded with the enemy. For the past decade or so, both the court and the public had attributed this to the "blue-eyed" Grand Secretariat's abuse of power for personal gain. It had even evolved into one of the powerful charges brought against Zhang Julu by the Censorate. This inevitably made the old man, who enjoyed reading history in his leisure, feel a touch of melancholy. Throughout history, corrupt officials who abused their power and deceived the Emperor had always been brought to justice by divine law. No one ever dared to explicitly state how incompetent the Emperor was. To be honest, Li Chulin greatly admired the Grand Secretariat, who, despite being at the center of power, maintained an impeccable reputation. Had Zhang Julu not insisted, against all opposition, on strongly supporting the northern border and allocating half the dynasty's taxes to sustain the northern defenses, the old Minister of War behind him would certainly not be so at ease now.

As for why the current Emperor would take the "unnecessary step" of visiting Yanbao, after Li Chulin received a secret letter in Gu Jiantang's handwriting, he had a private meeting with his eldest son, Li Yuanya. The answers they arrived at were nothing more than three points. Firstly, the Zhao dynasty court, or rather, His Majesty the Emperor, needed evidence from all aspects of Jizhou to vindicate the Han family. As an old established powerful family rooted in Jibei for generations, and also one of the victims of that year, the Li family's statement at this crucial moment would be more fitting and effective than the impeachment by the Right Libationer of the Imperial Academy, and it would also win more sympathy from both the court and the public. "When a wall is about to collapse, everyone gives it a push" is the general trend. But the high wall of the Zhang family, which had stood in the imperial court for over twenty years, was not something just anyone was qualified to push. Secondly, Youzhou was restless, currently making excessive and provocative moves. Tens of thousands of cavalry had infiltrated Jixi territory, and of course, the imperial court had to guard against the young man of the Xu family in Beiliang completely turning against them. With the departure of the old general Yang Shenxing from Jinan, the Li family of Yanbao, who maintained seven to eight thousand private armored soldiers, naturally fell within the court's purview. The father and son speculated that the last reason was a personal matter and a private motive of His Majesty the Emperor. After his first two personal expeditions yielded no success, the current Emperor had never again made a border inspection tour. He had not even visited the prosperous Jiangnan region. The world mistakenly believed that the current Emperor only focused on internal affairs and disregarded military achievements on the border, which was absolutely a coarse view held by common villagers. Li Chulin had always firmly believed that the current Emperor harbored an immensely strong desire for conquest regarding Beimang. This was the only feat that could prove he could stand shoulder to shoulder with the late Emperor.

Emperor Zhao Dun ascended gradually along the bluestone path. This path at Yanbao was also known as the "Path to High Office." Jizhou officials would all come here to walk it, seeking good fortune. However, for the one who sat on the dragon throne, the rapid rise to power coveted by officials was truly insignificant.

Li Chulin felt a shock in his heart. Everyone said that His Majesty the Emperor, besides being diligent in governance, did not forget to exercise and maintain his physique. People in Jizhou believed that this fifty-year-old man could continue to rule from his throne for another ten or twenty years. How could he be so physically weak in reality? Was he truly out of breath every hundred steps? Was Liyang, which was supposed to be prospering, about to see a change in its fortunes? One must know that Liyang was currently far from peaceful, plagued by internal and external troubles. Externally, Beimang's million cavalry loomed menacingly; internally, Western Chu sought restoration. Even within the imperial court, the situation was stormy and dim, with everyone feeling insecure. If something were to happen at this time... Li Chulin dared not ponder further, fearing that the slightest abnormality in his expression would be noticed by the Emperor beside him.

Yanbao Fortress was like a mountain, rising in layers, climbing higher and higher. His Majesty stopped to rest at a pavilion with an open view on the "halfway up the mountain." He tightened his thick fur coat, remained silent for a long time, then glanced west and suddenly said, "Old Fortress Master, regarding My unannounced visit, you must have already prepared countermeasures. However, you probably overthought it and thought incorrectly. Let Me tell you frankly, the reason I came to Yanbao was simply to get a closer look at that place."

The old fortress master of Yanbao seemed startled. He instinctively straightened his back suddenly, then quickly bent deeply again. The old man, accustomed to life's ups and downs, trembled with trepidation and dared not speak.

The Emperor waved his hand, and Gu Jiantang stepped forward a few paces.

Li Chulin, understanding the hint, quietly withdrew and waited at the bottom of the steps.

The Emperor coughed a few times, his voice somewhat strained. "Jiantang, I have changed My mind. Tomorrow, you will return to the capital with Me. You will then see him off. Since I dare not see him, and no civil official in court is worthy, after much thought, only a military general with your Grand Pillar State title is suitable. I actually know a little about the thoughts he buried deep in his heart."

Gu Jiantang calmly asked, "Does Your Majesty have any words you wish to convey?"

The Emperor hesitated, then said with self-deprecation, "Just tell him that the character 'Dun' in My name, Zhao Dun, has lived up to its meaning to the world, but I am solely ashamed before Zhang Julu."