sovbooks Chapter 1486 Heart-killing
Chapter 1486 Heart-killing
Chapter 1486 Heart-killing
In May of the fifteenth year of Yanxi, in the study of the Grand Marshal's residence in Chang'an.
The openwork silver incense burner was sent to the Grand Marshal's residence along with a batch of "Yue kiln celadon tea sets".
The porcelain pieces of this batch have a bluish-green glaze, like the new leaves after rain in Kuaiji Mountain. The body is as thin as paper, and when struck, it produces a sound like a chime. They are elegant objects cherished by the gentry of Jiangdong.
"Grand Marshal," Lü Yi bowed and presented the incense ball with both hands, "this was entrusted to me personally by the Princess of Wu, who said that it must be presented to you in person."
Feng Yong took the incense ball, his fingertips touching the warm, smooth surface of the silver ball, then looked up at Lü Yi:
"It was quite unexpected for me, Lü Zhongshu, to make this trip in person."
“This matter is of utmost importance, and I dare not entrust it to others.” Lü Yi lowered his head. “The princess said that this letter… is extraordinary.”
Feng Yong nodded, opened the incense ball, took out the piece of silk as thin as a cicada's wing, and when he unfolded it, gold powder and ink traces were faintly flowing.
He read very slowly.
After reading the entire letter, Grand Marshal Feng clicked his tongue softly and placed the silk ribbon on the table.
“Commander Lü,” Grand Marshal Feng raised his eyes, “Does the princess have anything else to say?”
"The princess only said..." Lü Yi paused, "I hope the Grand Marshal will consider this carefully."
Feng Yong smiled: "Save it carefully? Very well, I will certainly save it carefully."
"Governor Lü must be tired from your journey. Please rest at the post station first. Mi Shiyilang will arrange your subsequent itinerary."
Lü Yi bowed and withdrew.
The study returned to silence.
Grand Marshal Feng's gaze fell on the letter on the table, his expression a mixture of scrutiny and doubt.
He didn't understand or see anything like ambiguity.
Even if I figured it out, I wouldn't be in the mood to think about it.
After all, you can't expect someone like Feng, who can barely manage his own wives and concubines, to have the time or inclination to think about such trivial matters.
He just wanted to know the true intentions behind Princess Jeon's letter.
Feng Yong thought for a moment, then suddenly stood up: "Someone, please invite the two ladies to the study—I have important matters to discuss."
Women understand women better.
Before long, his two wives arrived together.
When Grand Marshal Feng placed the silk letter on the table and pushed it towards the two ladies, he added a special note:
“A private letter written by Princess Sun Luban of Wu, delivered personally by Lü Yi.”
Madam Zuo took the letter first. As she read it, her expression grew colder, and when she read the phrase "my heart yearns for it," she couldn't help but snort.
"Witch! You bewitch your master, your heart is wicked. You dare not fight openly, so you resort to such despicable means!"
After he finished scolding her, he handed it to the right lady.
The right-hand lady was somewhat surprised. She took it and glanced at it, but after reading only half of it, she couldn't help but spit out a curse:
"What a shameless old witch, the Princess of Wu, writing such soft words like a young lady in her boudoir."
Grand Marshal Feng raised an eyebrow: "Pretending to be young?"
“It’s more than just pretending to be young.” Zhang Xingyi lightly touched the word “concubine” on the silk handkerchief with her fingertip. “She calls herself a ‘concubine,’ but throughout the entire text she refers to herself as ‘the eldest daughter of the late emperor.’”
"She claims 'women should not interfere in politics,' yet her words are rife with political innuendo. What is this called? Outwardly appearing chaste and innocent, inwardly harboring cunning—how utterly hypocritical!"
She paused, then added, "What's even more ridiculous is this 'sweating-soaked clothes.' To pretend to be virtuous while simultaneously engaging in seduction—is there any logic to this?"
Zhang Xingyi put down the silk handkerchief, took a handkerchief and wiped her hands, as if they had been contaminated with something unclean.
"This woman is well-versed in male psychology. The higher a man's position and power, the more likely he is to feel pity for a 'weak and noblewoman who admires him'."
"She was betting that her husband would show mercy to the Wu Kingdom because of his pity."
She looked at Feng Yong, her tone calm, but her eyes held a scrutinizing gaze that only husband and wife could understand:
"When my husband read this letter, was he even slightly moved?"
Grand Marshal Feng stroked his chin:
"Madam, you know me. If I were that lecherous man, with my power, what woman couldn't I have?"
"I heard that this woman is involved with her nephew Sun Jun... cough cough, never mind, that would only offend people's ears."
"However, no matter what, she is still the eldest princess of Wu."
“In Wu, many administrative orders were issued under the name of Sun Liang. When she wrote to us, we could not ignore them.”
"So I invited the two ladies over to help me decide how to reply to this letter."
The right lady pondered for a moment:
"This old hag's letter has at least two hidden agendas."
"The first is a delaying tactic to buy time for Sun Jun."
"Secondly, it was a test; she was probing our Han state's strategy against Wu, whether to launch a swift attack or proceed cautiously."
Madam Zuo nodded: "Fourth Sister's analysis is thorough. So, in your opinion, how should we respond?"
The Right Lady looked at Grand Marshal Feng: "My lord, you must already have a plan?"
Grand Marshal Feng quickly waved his hand:
"No, no, I called you here to ask you to help me think of how to deal with Princess Quan's letter."
The Right Lady snorted, "Isn't that simple?"
“He publicly replied to Wu ruler Sun Liang, and sent a copy to the Prime Minister’s office, discussing only state affairs and not mentioning private matters.”
"My elder sister and I, in our capacity as the wives of the Grand Marshal, will privately reply to Princess Quan in a letter. There is no need for us to be polite."
Do you even know who you're dealing with, you're just an old woman?
Trying to win favor with just a letter?
Lady Zuo's gaze fell on Grand Marshal Feng's face.
Grand Marshal Feng quickly replied, "Fourth Sister's words are absolutely right, let's proceed according to this plan."
Upon hearing this, the Right Lady said with satisfaction, "Then, my lord, is it appropriate for my sister and I to write the private reply together?"
"No!" Grand Marshal Feng quickly stopped him. "You can write it yourself. Just sign your name at the end of the letter and have Third Sister affix her personal seal."
Lady Zuo gave Grand Marshal Feng a meaningful look.
The Right Lady glanced at him and said, "Very well, I'll write this letter then?"
"Write it."
The Right Lady picked up her brush and wrote several lines on a piece of plain silk: —
Princess Wu's Makeup:
I have read your letter and understand everything you said. The matter between Han and Wu concerns the people of both countries, and should be resolved through official correspondence; private letters are inconvenient.
Princess, please respect your status and strictly abide by etiquette.
We have heard that Your Highness's clothes are soaked with sweat. Is it because the spring in Jiangdong is cold and damp, and Your Highness is not feeling well?
The Imperial Medical Bureau of Chang'an has a good prescription for treating dampness and cold. If the princess needs it, she can send a physician to fetch it.
I have also heard the princess speak of "respect for the Duke's righteousness," but I dare not accept such praise. What the Han state upholds is the public justice of the world, not the power of one person.
As for the princess saying, "I yearn for it," and "I regret that I could not have been born on Han soil."
The Han Dynasty was prosperous and harmonious, and the people lived in peace and happiness. This was due to the concerted efforts of the court and the people. The military strategy was also aimed at protecting the borders and ensuring the safety of the people.
If the princess truly yearns for it, she should advise the ruler of Wu to cultivate virtuous governance, care for the people's strength, and distance himself from treacherous officials, so that Jiangdong can also enjoy peace. Then all the scholars and people of the world will yearn for it, not just the princess alone.
However, private correspondence is ultimately not in accordance with the proper conduct of the state. Matters concerning Han and Wu should be resolved through official correspondence. Princesses, residing deep within the palace, should be especially careful to observe proper etiquette and lest their reputation be tarnished.
Words cannot express all that is said; I hope Your Highness will consider this carefully.
A joint letter from Lady Guan, the Left Lady, and Lady Zhang, the Right Lady, of the Grand Marshal's Mansion of the Han Dynasty—
After writing, Madam Right put down her pen.
Both ladies took out their private seals and stamped them together below their signatures, the vermilion ink bright and clear, like two swords crossed.
The letter was placed in a blue satin envelope, and then sealed with two seals.
After receiving the sealed letter, Grand Marshal Feng asked:
"Fourth Sister, who is this 'treacherous official' you mentioned, referring to 'cultivating virtuous governance, caring for the people's strength, and keeping away from treacherous officials'? Sun Jun?"
The Right Lady said calmly:
"If she's smart, she'll understand. If she pretends not to understand, we won't say anything. Some things are better left unsaid."
Mrs. Zuo smiled.
Grand Marshal Feng sighed.
"Great!"
When Princess Quan unfolds this letter, sees the two private seals affixed together, and reads the signature "To be opened by your concubines," she will understand:
She was not dealing with a man who would be moved by "clothes soaked with sweat".
Instead, it was a Han state where husband and wife were of one mind, possessed both literary and martial talents, and were upright and honorable.
Trivial tricks won't work here.
-
The following day, Grand Marshal Feng met with Lü Yi again.
After exchanging greetings, Lü Yi sat opposite Grand Marshal Feng, holding a teacup with both hands in a respectful manner.
After exchanging pleasantries, Lü Yi put down her teacup, lowered her voice considerably, and hesitantly asked:
"Grand Marshal... do you still remember the matter of raising the price of coarse sugar and raw silk by 10%?"
Feng Yong did not answer immediately.
He refilled Lü Yi's tea with a composed gesture: "Lord Lü, is there any progress on this matter?"
"I remember that Lu Kang should still be leading troops in Shouchun at this time, right?"
Lu Yi bowed even lower, "That is indeed the case. Therefore, I am handing this over for two reasons: first, to deliver a letter to Princess Quan, and second, to... report on the progress."
Grand Marshal Feng gently turned his teacup: "Progress?"
Lu Yi raised his head and sighed softly, "With Zhuge Ke dead, Lu Kang's wife is Zhuge Ke's niece, which is a ready-made handle."
“Sun Jun had already become suspicious of Lu Kang, but he did not take action for the time being due to the Lu family’s prestige and the defense of Shouchun.”
Grand Marshal Feng nodded slightly; this was something he had expected.
"and then?"
However, Lü Yi sighed again, this time with genuine regret:
"Who would have thought that things would turn out so unexpectedly? That's why I've come here today to seek advice from the Grand Marshal. Could the Grand Marshal offer some guidance on Lu Kang's matter?"
"Oh? Tell me."
"To be honest, after Zhuge Ke died, I ordered my confidants to spread rumors in the marketplace."
"Lu Kang expressed his grief and indignation at the death of Zhuge Ke, and secretly lamented that 'the birds are all gone and the bow is put away,' which caused some dissent in the army."
"Then the report was submitted to Sun Jun by the Office of the School Affairs, so Sun Jun had already become suspicious of Lu Kang."
"This is good," Feng Da Sima nodded and praised.
When Zhuge Ke committed suicide in front of the three armies, more than a hundred people volunteered to be buried with him, a story that moved everyone in Jiangdong.
It's only natural for anyone, regardless of who they are, to sigh in hushed tones behind their back.
But the crux of the matter is that before Zhuge Ke committed suicide, he publicly berated Sun Jun and Princess Quan:
“Sun Jun, you scoundrel! Quan, you wicked woman! You have bullied the young and weak emperor, seized power and disrupted the government, slaughtered members of the royal family, and harmed loyal officials. The state of Wu will perish in your hands!”
This was very awkward—both Sun Jun and Princess Quan were embarrassed.
So all they could do was sigh inwardly.
Lü Yi slapped her thigh:
"The plan had already succeeded, but Lu Kang turned out to be quite ruthless and cold-hearted. He actually divorced his wife and severed ties with the Zhuge family."
"Hmm?" Grand Marshal Feng's eyes sharpened, and his teacup paused slightly in his hand. "Lu Kang actually divorced his wife?"
He really didn't know this.
“Exactly!” Lü Yi gritted his teeth. “When the news came, I couldn’t believe it either.”
"Zhuge has been married into the Lu family for five or six years, bearing children and managing household affairs without any faults."
"To avoid disaster, Lu Kang was so resolute that he threw his wife out of the house with a single letter of divorce!"
Feng Yong remained silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a long sigh.
The sigh carried a complex meaning.
“What a fine Lu Kang.” Grand Marshal Feng slowly put down his teacup and murmured, “What a fine Lu Youjie (Lu Kang’s courtesy name).”
He stood up, walked to the window, turned his back to Lü Yi, and looked southeast.
"Lord Lü, do you know what I'm thinking right now?"
"I... dare not presume to speculate."
“I’m thinking,” Grand Marshal Feng turned around, his eyes filled with complex emotions, “that powerful families, when they really want to cut their losses and survive, are truly not human.”
Zhuge Ke died, and Zhuge Rong led his troops to surrender to the Han Dynasty. The Zhuge family was no longer of value for marriage alliances, so they were directly divorced…
Of course, it is more likely that the entire Zhuge clan of Wu surrendered to the Han.
Zhuge Ke is indeed a regrettable figure, but the fact that he publicly berated Sun Jun and Princess Quan is enough to make people avoid him at all costs.
Lu Kang resorted to this desperate measure in order to avoid suspicion.
But I have to say, that's ruthless!
Grand Marshal Feng returned to his desk, sat down again, and lightly tapped his fingers on the table:
"When Zhuge Ke was alive, Lu Kang repeatedly rose through the ranks by taking advantage of his marriage ties; after Zhuge Ke died, he hastily divorced his wife to sever all ties."
"How is this behavior any different from that of merchants who abandon morality for profit? No, even merchants know the meaning of 'trust,' but Lu Kang's actions are even worse than those of merchants!"
Lü Yi was slightly surprised upon hearing this.
He hadn't expected Feng Yong to react so strongly.
Grand Marshal, is your sense of justice really that strong?
He asked cautiously:
"What the Grand Marshal means is..."
“What I mean is,” Grand Marshal Feng looked directly at Lü Yi, his tone turning cold:
"Lu Kang is a man whose cold-heartedness is beyond that of ordinary people. If he treats his wife like this, how much genuine affection can he possibly have for his sovereign, his colleagues, and his soldiers?"
He paused, then suddenly asked, "Where is that Zhuge woman who was divorced now?"
"According to reports, he has been sent back to his family and is living in his old house, which is tantamount to imprisonment."
“Alright.” Feng Yong nodded, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. “Lord Lü, when you return, please speak to Sun Jun on my behalf.”
"Please speak, Grand Marshal."
"Just say—"
Feng Yong slowly said, "Although Zhuge Ke is dead, his younger brother Rong led his troops back to Han, weeping blood day and night, longing for his daughter."
"Now that Lu Kang has divorced his wife, the Zhuge family is like a rootless duckweed in the Wu Kingdom."
"If the ruler of Wu can grant this request and allow Zhuge to return north to reunite with her family, it will not only demonstrate his benevolence but also appease the hearts of the people."
"They are grateful for the kindness of the Wu ruler, and may be able to persuade Rong's troops to gradually give up their desire for revenge."
Lu Yi was taken aback, then suddenly realized.
He suddenly looked at Grand Marshal Feng, and there was a look of fear in his eyes.
The Grand Marshal is... using the guise of humanity to actually attack someone's heart!
"Also, after you return to Jianye, do one more thing."
Lü Yi felt a little tremble: "Grand Marshal, please speak."
"Spread a fact."
Although Grand Marshal Feng's voice was soft, it carried an intense chill:
"You must let everyone in Wu know that after Zhuge Ke's death, the Han Dynasty still took in his brother and cared for his clan."
"But Wu general Lu Kang hastily divorced his wife, discarding her like a worn-out shoe."
"Let everyone say, 'The Han value loyalty and righteousness, while the Wu are often cold-hearted!'"
After hearing this, Lü Yi trembled a few times.
"Grand Marshal," Lü Yi's voice trembled slightly, "if this plan succeeds, Lu Kang's reputation in Wu will be ruined..."
Grand Marshal Feng chuckled lightly, raised his cup, and drank.
"Isn't this exactly what you wanted? Then, pushing for 'never to be used' will be a piece of cake, won't it?"
Can a general labeled as 'cold-blooded' still win the hearts of the soldiers? Can he still gain the support of the intellectuals?
"Even if Sun Jun wanted to use him, he would have to think twice. What would the world think of Wu if he put an 'unrighteous and immoral' person in charge of the army?"
"I don't need to teach you the rest, do I?"
Lü Yi nodded repeatedly:
"Yes, yes, I understand!"
He answered aloud, but inwardly he was sighing.
Fortunately, the Grand Marshal was not in Wu. Otherwise, how would I have had the opportunity to sit in the position of Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat?
People like us only think about how to curry favor and frame others.
This Grand Marshal's actions are upright and honorable, using 'benevolence and righteousness' as a weapon to eliminate Lu Kang's heart!
"It's good to know."
Feng Yong picked up the teapot again and poured tea for the two of them:
"If this matter succeeds, the price of raw sugar and silk will increase by 10%, and Mr. Feng will fulfill that promise. As for the follow-up..."
He smiled again:
“After this incident, Lu Kang will surely harbor resentment towards Sun Jun. At that time, if you sow discord a little more, how can you not make him ‘never be employed’?”
Lü Yi nodded emphatically and drank the tea in one gulp.
At the same time, a chill rose from the bottom of my heart and penetrated to my very bones.
That wasn't fear, but rather awe of true political maneuvering.
It turns out that killing really can be done without a knife.
It turns out that you can truly strike at someone's heart without drawing blood.
-
Supplement to the Biography of Lu Kang in the Book of Wu: Events in the Fifteenth Year of Yanxi:
Initially, Feng Yong, the Grand Marshal of Han, wrote to the ruler of Wu, requesting that Lu Kang's wife, Lady Zhuge, be sent north so that she could reunite with her uncle, Rong.
When the letter arrived in Jianye, Princess Quan received a reply from Lady Zhang, the Right Lady, who wrote in the letter, "Be careful to observe etiquette and do not let your reputation be damaged."
Upon seeing that both Lady Guan and Lady Zhang bore their private seals, he was overcome with shame and indignation. He burned the letter in a secret room in Zhaoyang Palace and said to those around him, "The women of Chang'an have gone too far in deceiving me!"
When Lü Yi, the Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat, returned from Chang'an, he secretly met with Sun Jun and said:
"Feng Yong's proposal is actually a test. If we refuse, he will surely spread rumors that the Prime Minister is 'unrighteous'; if we agree, it will demonstrate the Prime Minister's magnanimity. Moreover..."
He bowed his head and whispered:
“Lu Kang divorced his wife to protect himself. Now, if his wife’s affairs affect national policies, I fear that the soldiers in the army will secretly criticize him for ‘harming the country for his own selfish reasons.’”
His words were firm and resolute.
In May, an imperial edict arrived in Shouchun, ordering Lu Kang to "send the Zhuge family back north to demonstrate the benevolence and virtue of the Wu Kingdom."
At the time, Kang was twenty-six years old, young and impetuous, and felt deeply humiliated, so he submitted a memorial to firmly decline the offer.
“Having already released him, all ties of duty and gratitude are severed. To forcibly send him back would be an insult to both me and the nation. Moreover, the Han state could use this as leverage to exert pressure; if we comply, it might set a precedent for interfering in internal affairs.”
Jun was furious and said to Lü Yi:
"Your words have come true! This person is cold-hearted and disregards the big picture."
He then issued another strict decree, condemning the resistance as "indulging in personal grievances and harming national policies," and ordering the Zhuge family to be sent out of the country within ten days.
In June, upon hearing the imperial decree, Lady Zhuge was overcome with grief at her old residence in Kuaiji.
It is said that she said on her deathbed: "I was once a wife of the Lu family, now I am a chess piece between two countries. I have no joy in life, and I will not go north in death."
He then hanged himself.
Upon hearing the news, Jianye was in an uproar.
Lü Yi secretly instructed the Imperial Academy to spread rumors among the common people:
One said, "Zhuge would rather remain in Wu as a commoner than return to Han to see his uncle. What kind of pain could have caused him to this?"
The second statement reads: "Lu Kang forced his wife to commit suicide; his cruelty surpassed that of tigers and wolves."
The third statement reads: "They rose through the ranks by relying on Zhuge Liang's influence, but now they discard Zhuge Liang's daughter like worn-out shoes. How can such people be loyal to their ruler and care for their subjects?"
Rumors spread like wildfire, reaching all corners of Jiangdong within a month.
The soldiers whispered among themselves, "If the general treats his wife like this, how will he treat us soldiers?"
Scholars in Wu County commented: "The Lu family has been loyal and virtuous for generations, but now that a young man named Lu Kang has done such a thing, the family's reputation has been ruined."
In July, Sun Jun, pressured by public opinion, summoned his ministers for a meeting.
Princess Quan secretly sent a messenger to the court, saying, "Lu Kang is young and impetuous; he should temporarily resign and reflect on his actions."
Jun then issued an edict, citing "improper handling of family affairs that led to diplomatic disputes," removing Lu Kang from his post as supervisor of Shouchun and recalling him to Jianye, granting him the sinecure of Attendant Gentleman of the Palace, which was in fact a sinecure.
He defied the imperial edict, became ill with resentment, and submitted a memorial to defend himself, but the emperor kept him in the palace without issuing a reply.
Kang submitted another memorial, which enraged Jun, who dismissed him from his post and demoted him to commoner status.
Although the Zhu, Zhang, and Gu families of Wu County knew they were protesting the injustice, they dared not speak out for fear of the power of Sun Jun and Princess Quan.
The historian "Wei Yi Ai the Thief" wrote:
Lu Kang's predicament was not due to a lack of skill in battle, but rather a consequence of the circumstances. With Zhuge Ke's death, a pillar of the Wu kingdom was lost; with Lu Kang's dismissal, the bulwark of Jiangdong weakened.
Sun Jun and Princess Quan abused their power, Lü Yi framed and stirred up trouble, and Feng Yong plotted from afar.
Despite his wisdom and courage, he was no match for the combined forces of three sides.
Later, the state of Wu declined day by day, not because it lacked good generals, but because it was unable to use them effectively.
Alas!