sovbooks Chapter 59 The Storm Is Brewing
Chapter 59 The Storm Is Brewing
On the fourth day, at dawn, thirty li outside Chang'an City, at Baqiao Post Station.
The entourage of Grand Master of Ceremonies Xu Han slowly came to a stop in the morning mist. As a special envoy sent by the court to the Kingdom of Wu, he was tasked with comforting King Liu Bi of Wu and explaining the unexpected death of his crown prince.
In addition to Emperor Wen's handwritten eulogy and list of rewards, there was also a coffin carefully sealed with sandalwood in the carriage, containing Liu Xian's remains, which were actually replaced by the charred bones of a death row inmate of similar build.
Xu Han lifted the carriage curtain and looked southeast. The willows on both sides of the post road were newly green, and the morning dew had not yet dried, but his heart was heavy.
Before his departure, His Majesty summoned him privately in a side hall of the Xuan Shi Hall and said only two sentences: "Your journey to Wu is fraught with peril. If things do not go well, put yourself before the country, and I will not fail your family."
"Doctor, the Crown Prince of Liang has come to see us off," the attendant whispered.
Xu Han looked up and saw a rider galloping in from the morning mist; the young man on horseback was Zhang Keran.
He was dressed in a plain dark robe, not in official attire, and dismounted with swift and decisive movements.
"Lord Xu," Zhang Keran bowed, "Please, upon your arrival in Wu, if you witness any unusual actions by the King of Wu, or if you yourself encounter danger, prioritize your own safety!"
Xu Han gave Zhang Keran a deep look: "Did the Crown Prince already anticipate this?"
"King Liu Bi of Wu is fierce and vindictive. His heir died in Chang'an; regardless of the reason, he will surely be resentful." Zhang Keran's voice was calm, yet every word was clear. "The court has shown him considerable respect, but respect cannot quell his ambition, nor can it extinguish the pain of losing his son. Your mission, ostensibly to offer comfort, is in reality to probe his true intentions and observe his movements. If King Liu Bi still possesses reason, accepting the rewards and weeping bitterly, this matter may be temporarily deferred. If he rebels on the spot, or refuses to see anyone..."
"Then their minds are made up to rebel," Xu Han interjected. "Your Highness, rest assured, having received the Emperor's favor, I will do my utmost."
Zhang Keran stepped back and bowed deeply to the ground: "You are a man of national talent. I, Keran, am here to wish you a speedy return to Chang'an. When you return in triumph, I, Keran, will greet you at Ba Bridge with a willow branch."
The caravan set off again, disappearing into the thin mist of the southeastern official road. Zhang Keran stopped his horse in place until the last supply wagon was out of sight, then turned his horse around. Instead of returning to Chang'an, he headed west along the Wei River, heading directly towards the Shanglin Garden west of the city.
In a secluded hunting lodge within the Shanglin Garden, Crown Prince Liu Qi had been waiting for some time. He was not dressed in his crown and robes, but only in a narrow-sleeved Hu-style robe suitable for riding and archery. He was pacing anxiously in the courtyard when Zhang Keran entered, and immediately greeted him: "How is it? Has Physician Xu set off yet?"
"We've crossed the Ba Bridge." Zhang Keran nodded, taking two bows and arrows from beside his saddle. "Your Highness summoned me here today not just for hunting, was it?"
Liu Qi dismissed his attendants and led Zhang Keran into the study deep within the hunting palace. This place was originally where Emperor Wen occasionally rested; the furnishings were simple, but the bookshelves on the four walls were piled high with bamboo slips and maps.
"Keran, look at this." Liu Qi pushed a thick scroll of silk over from the table.
Zhang Keran unfolded the silk map, his pupils contracting slightly. It was an extremely detailed map of the power of the various vassal kingdoms, not only marking their territories, military strength, and the amount of money and provisions, but also meticulously marking the backgrounds, temperaments, and relationships with Chang'an of the main generals of each kingdom in neat clerical script.
The information on the Wu Kingdom is particularly detailed, including 36 coastal salt fields, 3 copper mountains, the estimated number of soldiers that can be conscripted, and even the names of famous retainers that Liu Bi has recruited in recent years.
"This is……"
"Dr. Chao secretly delivered this to the Eastern Palace yesterday," Liu Qi said in a low voice. "He said that the matter of reducing the power of the vassal states is imminent. Liu Xian's death is a disaster, but perhaps also an opportunity. He requested that Father Emperor take this opportunity to first reduce the power of the two commanderies of Yuzhang and Kuaiji in the Wu Kingdom, to test their reaction."
Zhang Keran's finger traced the territory of the Wu Kingdom on the map. Yuzhang and Kuaiji were important copper-producing areas and sea salt hubs, respectively. To eliminate these two prefectures would be tantamount to cutting off the economic lifeline of the Wu Kingdom.
"Dr. Chao's strategy is too hasty." Zhang Keran slowly rolled up the silk scroll. "The King of Wu has lost his son and is still grieving. If the court issues an order to reduce the power of the vassal states at this time, no matter how noble the pretext, in the eyes of the people, it will be seen as taking advantage of the mourning period to oppress others, which is unjust and immoral. Other vassal kings will inevitably think: Today it is Wu, but will it be me tomorrow?"
"And what's your opinion?"
"Wait." Zhang Keran's gaze was calm. "Wait for news from Doctor Xu Han, wait for the reaction of the King of Wu. What the court needs to do now is to outwardly show leniency and inwardly strengthen military preparedness. His Majesty has already mobilized troops to the three passes to intimidate the feudal lords. But in addition to that, we should also secretly contact the King of Chu and the King of Zhao. If King Wu Bi rebels, he will definitely seek allies. King Wu of Chu is young and impetuous, and has a marriage alliance with King Wu Bi, but his prime minister Zhang Shang and Grand Tutor Zhao Yiwu are both loyal and upright old ministers, and may not be willing to follow the rebels. King Sui of Zhao, his father had an old grudge against the King of Wu, so we can try to sow discord between them. As for the kings of Qi, their territory is close to Wu and Chu, and their attitude is ambiguous. We should send eloquent and persuasive people with generous gifts to establish good relations."
As Liu Qi listened, his eyes lit up. Zhang Keran's analysis was different from Chao Cuo's sharp and outspoken advice; it focused more on the checks and balances between various forces and the support or opposition of the people.
"How did you know this?"
"My father often said that if we want to survive and become strong, we must understand the customs of people in all directions and weigh the advantages and disadvantages."
Zhang Keran paused, then added, "Governing a country is like playing chess; sometimes, a slow move isn't cowardice, but rather a preparation for a more decisive and powerful strike!"
Liu Qi seemed to be deep in thought. He walked to the window and looked at the undulating mountains and forests in the garden.
The early summer sun bathed everything in gold, creating a scene of peace and tranquility. But he knew that beneath the calm, undercurrents were beginning to surge.
"Keran, accompany me for a walk."
The two strolled out of the hunting lodge and walked slowly along the lush, tree-lined path. In the distance, they could faintly hear the shouts of the Imperial Guards training.
"Father asked me yesterday what to do if the King of Wu really rebelled," Liu Qi suddenly said. "I said that we should appoint Zhou Yafu, the governor of Henan, as general, to occupy the grain in Ao Cang, Xingyang, and block his westward advance; we should also order Dou Ying to garrison troops in Luoyang as backup; at the same time, we should issue an edict to the whole country, exposing the King of Wu's crimes and calling on all the feudal lords to jointly punish the disobedient."
"Zhou Yafu is the son of Grand Commandant Zhou Bo, and he certainly has his father's style!" Zhang Keran nodded: "Your Highness's plan is already a mature and insightful suggestion for governing the country. However, I would like to add two points."
"speak."
"Firstly, the armies of Wu and Chu are skilled in naval warfare but weak in siege warfare on plains. The Central Plains are flat and easy to traverse, which is advantageous for cavalry and chariots. The court can order General Zhou Yafu to dig deep trenches and build high walls to avoid their main force. Once their supplies are exhausted and their troops are weary, elite cavalry can then harass their rear and cut off their supply lines. This is a strategy of waiting in comfort for the enemy to tire themselves out and using strengths to attack weaknesses."
Liu Qi's eyes lit up: "And the second one?"
"Secondly," Zhang Keran continued, "if the King of Wu rebels, his slogan will be nothing more than 'Purge the court of corrupt officials and execute Chao Cuo.' At that time, there will be pressure in the court to demand that His Majesty... spare Chao Cuo to secure the peace of the realm."
Liu Qi paused, then abruptly turned to look at Zhang Keran.
Zhang Keran met his gaze frankly: "Minister Chao Cuo is loyal to the country and determined to reform. His policy of weakening the regional powers aims to strengthen the central government and weaken the local forces, thus preserving the Liu family's dynasty for generations. However, his upright character has made him many enemies. If it really comes to that, Your Highness... what will you do?"
This question instantly turned Liu Qi's face pale. Chao Cuo was his teacher, a key minister who strongly advocated for his appointment as crown prince and taught him Legalist legal principles. Aside from Chao Cuo? He had never even considered it.
"Father wouldn't..."
"Your Majesty is wise and insightful, and naturally understands Chao Cuo's loyalty, as well as the implications," Zhang Keran said slowly. "I only ask Your Highness to consider this: a ruler sometimes must choose between the death of one person and the peace of the realm. The weight, the pain, and the difficulty of this choice far surpass that of a thousand armies!"
Liu Qi remained silent for a long time, the mountain wind blowing his robe sleeves, making them flutter.
"I will... consider this carefully." Liu Qi's voice was a little hoarse, but his eyes were no longer confused. "I will also try to protect Master Chao."
Zhang Keran bowed deeply and said no more. Some paths must be clearly seen by the crown prince himself; some burdens must be borne by the future emperor.
Meanwhile, three thousand miles to the southeast, in Guangling, at the Wu King's Palace.
Contrary to the court's expectations, Liu Bi did not fly into a rage. He calmly received Xu Han, the envoy from Chang'an, calmly listened to Emperor Wen's heartfelt eulogy, calmly accepted the mountain of rewards, and even calmly stroked the sandalwood coffin, saying to Xu Han, "Your Majesty has been kind enough to worry about me, and I have troubled you, sir. My son is unworthy, and this is his fate."
Xu Han was far from relaxed; on the contrary, alarm bells were ringing in his mind. This King of Wu, known for his bravery and ferocity, was now eerily calm, and this abnormality was often the most frightening.
That night, a banquet was held in the Wu King's palace to entertain the envoy. During the feast, Liu Bi chatted amiably, reminiscing about his time accompanying Emperor Gao on the campaign against Ying Bu, discussing the local customs and products of Wu, and even inquiring about the popular poetry and prose in Chang'an. Only as the banquet was about to end did Liu Bi casually ask:
"Doctor Xu, I've heard that His Highness the Crown Prince has recently taken a liking to the game of Liubo. I wonder if his skills have improved?"
Xu Han held the goblet with a steady hand, and replied with a smile, "His Highness the Crown Prince is benevolent, filial, and diligent in his studies. Gambling is only something he does occasionally, just for amusement."
Liu Bi laughed heartily, downed the wine in his cup in one gulp, and asked no further questions.
After the banquet, Xu Han returned to the inn, dismissed everyone, and sat alone under the lamp. He knew that the test had begun.
Liu Bi's words, seemingly casual conversation, were actually a warning and a question.
In a secret chamber deep within the Wu King's palace, Liu Bi dismissed all his attendants, leaving only his two most trusted retainers: Ying Gao, a strategist from the former Chu state, and a general from Yan who had fought against the Xiongnu on the border and was well-versed in military strategy.
Liu Bi's voice was icy, devoid of the smile he had displayed at the banquet. In his hand he held a charred bone taken from the coffin. "Did they think they could exchange my son's life for these worthless things, and a few insincere words, and that they could control me, Liu Bi?"
Ying Gao stroked his beard and said, "Your Majesty is wise. The court's actions are nothing more than a delaying tactic. They killed the crown prince and fear Your Majesty's wrath, so they feign compassion. However, their intention to weaken the vassal states is already obvious. Chao Cuo has been submitting memorials repeatedly recently, and his momentum is overwhelming. Even without the crown prince incident, the court's sword would have fallen on the Wu Kingdom sooner or later."
"Then let them come!" Liu Bi slammed the charred bone in his hand onto the ground, shards flying everywhere. "I have ruled Wu for over forty years, boiling seawater for salt, mining mountains for coins, making the country prosperous, and possessing no fewer than two hundred thousand soldiers capable of fighting! Liu Heng wants to be a peaceful emperor and use me, Liu Bi, as a scapegoat? Dream on!"
He turned to the Yan general: "How is it going that I asked you to contact the kings of Jiaoxi, Zichuan, Zhao, and Chu?"
The general bowed and said, "The King of Jiaoxi, the King of Zichuan, and the King of Zhao have all sent secret envoys to report that they are willing to stand with Your Majesty. The King of Chu is young, and the attitudes of his prime minister and grand tutor are unclear; they are still observing the situation. As for the kings of Qi, most of them are indecisive."
"Enough!" Liu Bi's eyes flashed coldly. "With the support of Jiaoxi, Zichuan, and Zhao, plus my Wu troops, we are enough to shake the world! As for the King of Chu, I have personally written a letter. As for Qi... let's see how they still stand by and watch after my army passes through!"
He walked to the wall, suddenly pulled back the curtain, revealing a huge map, far exceeding the area held by the imperial court, meticulously marking every pass, granary, and ferry crossing from Guangling to Chang'an.
"Mr. Ying, has the manifesto been drafted?"
"It's all ready." Ying Gao took out a scroll of silk from his sleeve. "Purge the court of corrupt officials, execute Chao Cuo, and secure the Liu family's safety. This is the righteous cause. The court is tyrannical, harming the imperial relatives and forcing the princes to rebel. This is the reason for raising an army. We await Your Majesty's order to issue a proclamation to the world."
Liu Bi pressed his finger heavily on the two characters "Xingyang" on the map. It was the heart of the Central Plains, the location of Ao Cang, and the most important grain storage in the country.
"After the autumn harvest, when provisions are plentiful, it will be time to raise an army." His voice echoed in the secret chamber, filled with resolve and hatred. "Liu Heng, Liu Qi... I will make you pay for your crimes in blood!"
Zhang, like a butterfly, ultimately stirred up a storm, causing the Rebellion of the Seven States to break out ahead of schedule.
Meanwhile, in the Shanglin Garden of Chang'an, Zhang Keran and Crown Prince Liu Qi were climbing the highest watchtower of the hunting palace. Looking southeast, they could see the clouds churning where the sky met the earth, and the faint sound of thunder could be heard.
"The world is about to change," Liu Qi murmured.
"Yes, Your Highness. But this storm was bound to come sooner or later," he said softly, his voice carried away by the wind. "Since it has come, let us accept it. Ultimately, it is Your Highness who will bear the brunt of this storm for the Han Dynasty."
History, amidst the willow catkins of Baqiao, the raging waves of Guangling, and the silence of Chang'an, slowly sailed into its turbulent river. And the fate of all people would rise and fall in the tumultuous waves to come.