Chapter 260 - Men from Chee-ker City
“Your Highness, urgent news from Ye City,” a guard rushed into Crown Prince Zhao's study.
While news of the King of South Jin's demise had reached North Yue, Crown Prince Zhao was ensnared by post-war obligations. He had yet to disengage fully. Once he delegated crucial responsibilities in North Yue, he intended to journey to South Jin. Besides paying homage to the late king, he anticipated a slew of issues requiring his attention. Tang Yue's welfare remained a mystery.
Separated by vast distances, news trickled in sluggishly. Similar to the delayed report of his father's passing, it might be months before he learned of it. By the time he returned, events might have already unfolded, including the usurpation of the throne.
Upon hearing of the visitor from Ye City, Crown Prince Zhao promptly abandoned his tasks, inquiring, “Who has arrived?”
Before the guard could respond, a voice boomed from outside, “It is I, Hu Hansan…”
All eyes within the study turned towards the entrance, puzzled by the audacity of Hu Hansan's declaration before the Crown Prince.
Zhang Chun entered confidently, his foot poised mid-step. Observing the Crown Prince's occupied state, he withdrew, maintaining a genial facade, “If Your Highness is occupied, I shall wait outside…”
An officer among the gathered generals trembled, hastily darting out to greet Zhang Chun. Without preamble, he seized Zhang Chun, rushing him away.
“Hey… what is the meaning of this? Release me at once! I have matters to attend to…”
Confusion enveloped the study as Crown Prince Zhao spoke calmly, “Proceed with the previous matter. Delegate all administrative affairs within the capital to Mr. Xuan Jing. Detain the former Prime Minister, Grand Commandant, and Imperial Censor. Other officials shall remain inactive for the time being.”
Order returned, gazes shifting to Mr. Xuan Jing, tinged with a mix of envy and resentment.
His ascent had been meteoric, evolving from a powerless advisor to a city's pivotal figure. Despite being revered as a sage, a chasm still separated him from those wielding genuine authority.
“Your Highness, depart without concern. Upon your future ascension, dispatch an official to assume control. Until then, I pledge to govern the capital dutifully.”
Crown Prince Zhao harbored reservations. While Mr. Xuan Jing possessed sharp wit and strategic acumen, his lack of prior governmental or civic experience rendered his competency uncertain.
However, due to limited civil support, he had little choice but to entrust Mr. Xuan Jing with this responsibility for the time being.
“Upon my departure, let General Hu command thirty thousand troops to defend the capital, while General Wang will lead the same number to safeguard the city of Yan Province. They are to support one another in times of crisis, with joint decision-making in the face of sudden developments. No formal decree is required.”
With all arrangements made, Crown Prince Zhao dispatched someone to fetch Zhang Chun. As anticipated, an hour lapsed before the messenger returned.
The guard tasked with summoning Zhang Chun stood with bowed head, too timid to speak. His ears flushed crimson, suggesting he had been eavesdropping in the corner for some time.
Observing Zhang Chun's flushed countenance, Crown Prince Zhao noted a marked absence of the pallor he had previously witnessed. He couldn't help but discern the implications of Zhang Chun and Wang Dingjun's recent activities.
Nonetheless, he was not one to be unreasonable. A temporary parting was preferable to a strained relationship. Besides, their separation had spanned over two years; it was natural for them to struggle with self-restraint.
Getting straight to the point, he inquired, “Did Crown Princess summon you, or did you come of your own accord?”
Naturally, Zhang Chun claimed he had been dispatched by Tang Yue, even patting his person for an extended moment, muttering, “I also brought a missive from Brother Tang. Where is it?”
Hearing of Tang Yue's letter, Crown Prince Zhao couldn't allow a leisurely search. He promptly instructed aides to scour the chamber where Zhang Chun had lodged.
Eventually, they unearthed it from beneath a bed in the adjacent hall. Crown Prince Zhao couldn't decide whether General Wang's impatience knew no bounds or if their affection ran exceptionally deep. He couldn't help but take a few more steps.
Zhang Chun blushed, offering a forced chuckle. “It must have slipped during my bath and change of clothes. You see, I've bathed thrice on the journey. I feel as if I'm rotting away.”
“It's not a sensation, it's a certainty!” Wang Dingjun interjected from the sidelines.
Hastily, he moved to usher Zhang Chun away. Initially intending to cast him to the ground immediately, the pungent odor emanating from Zhang Chun's person deterred him from taking a bite. Instead, he resolved to strip Zhang Chun bare and dunk him in water for a thorough wash.
Zhang Chun shot him a glare. “It's been an arduous journey. The elements have been harsh, with wind and rain aplenty. We've been exposed to the elements during camp, deprived even of warm water. Naturally, one's hygiene suffers without a bath.”
Truthfully, as they ventured into North Yue territory, the weather grew colder with each mile. Wrapped in blankets, Zhang Chun dared not alight from the carriage, let alone consider bathing.
Finding an inn with adequate facilities proved challenging. Though hot water was available, the state of the tubs rendered them unsuitable for use.
Crown Prince Zhao, disinterested in their squabbling, eagerly unfolded the letter from Tang Yue. As customary, Tang Yue's letters contained a mix of good and bad news, along with detailed accounts of daily life for both himself and his son. The correspondence often meandered through discussions on the weather in Ye City, the well-being of its inhabitants, and various tidbits of gossip before addressing more pressing matters.
“Father's sudden passing has left many matters unresolved. State Duke Lu has been confined to his residence, albeit showing signs of improvement under the care of imperial physicians. However, he remains immobilized. Acting on my suggestion, the Prime Minister has opted not to disclose his transgressions publicly, awaiting your triumphant return to preside over the case.
“Court proceedings have remained relatively uneventful. Investigations into Father's horse incident have yielded no evidence of foul play, despite the princes' unfounded suspicions and attempts to implicate others. As your sister-in-law, I took it upon myself to reprimand them on behalf of your brother, hoping they might mend their ways.
“Notably, the actions of the Fifteenth Prince have taken a peculiar turn, displaying newfound assertiveness while maintaining decorum. His conduct has earned praise from select ministers, marking a departure from his previously reserved demeanor.
“Initially, I suspected a change of heart, but subsequent inquiries revealed he had merely concealed his true nature in the past.
“With the court leaderless, your return remains uncertain, fueling unrest among the populace and fostering ill-conceived notions. Yet, the Empress maintains control of the inner palace, while loyal ministers safeguard the Imperial Court, leaving no room for subversion despite misguided attempts.
“Ye City remains stable, alleviating concerns for the Sovereign's safety. However, delays in battle reports have cast uncertainty over ongoing military campaigns. I eagerly anticipate a swift resolution and our eventual reunion.”
Examining the date on the letter's signature, Crown Prince Zhao frowned. “Half a year's journey from Ye City?”
Zhang Chun blinked and confirmed, “Indeed. Despite our best efforts, the journey proved arduous. We encountered numerous setbacks, including the loss of three horses and damage to two carriages.”
Wang Dingjun's expression soured at the revelation. He had assumed Zhang Chun's visit was prompted by nostalgia, not mere sightseeing. Feeling slighted, he muttered to himself, “Merely passing through, I suppose?”
It had indeed been a trying ordeal.
Zhang Chun rubbed his head, admiring the ornate beauty of North Yue's palace, even marveling at the colorful murals adorning its ceilings.
“Given the trials endured by Loyal and Brave Marquis, let us rest within the palace before embarking on our journey southward tomorrow. General Wang shall oversee Yan Province in our absence.”
Wang Dingjun's incredulity mirrored Zhang Chun's own astonishment. Despite years of separation, Crown Prince Zhao's penchant for pettiness remained unchanged. Couldn't he overlook a few days' delay in receiving a letter?
Concerned about potential delays in frontline supplies, Zhang Chun had taken precautions to ensure timely delivery, hoping to avoid any unintended consequences.
Nevertheless, everything else was fine. It presented the ideal opportunity to explore the renowned capital. As for Wang Dingjun's resentful glare, Zhang Chun opted to disregard it.
During the summer of the first year of the Great Tang era, Crown Prince Zhao led his fifty thousand troops to a resounding victory. Along the journey, civilians hailed him, offering tea and water. Every household adorned itself with lanterns and set off firecrackers. Slaughtering chickens and sheep became as commonplace as ushering in the new year.
In early autumn, Crown Prince Zhao ascended to the throne at the behest of the hundred officials and myriad subjects. Great Tang was renamed Ye City. He proclaimed himself the First Emperor, appointing Crown Princess Tang Yue as Empress, granting her supreme authority within the palace. Former Queen Madame Hu became Empress Dowager, retaining control of the Phoenix Seal and overseeing many harem affairs. Wives of the previous King of South Jin escorted their sons out of the palace to establish their own households, while childless ones relocated to Xiyuan Nunnery in the outskirts to pray for the populace's welfare.
Mid-autumn saw the First Emperor rewarding those who had performed meritorious deeds, promoting Wang Dingjun to State Protector and Yueyang Marquis to Duke's Protector. Additionally, several soldiers were commended for their significant contributions. Deputy Commander Lu Xingjiang's efforts were noteworthy, yet he received neither promotion nor demotion. However, State Duke Lu, Xia Kui, was found guilty of misappropriating military resources for personal gain, resulting in his title being revoked and a death sentence.
Beyond military commendations, the First Emperor planned to initiate a scholar recruitment program after the New Year, welcoming individuals of sound judgment irrespective of social standing. Once appointed, they would be dispatched as officials across various regions to serve and benefit the populace.
By year-end, the First Emperor, influenced by the Empress's counsel, granted a general amnesty and revised laws, abolishing cruel punishments such as Che Lie and the other six tortures. With the exception of human trafficking, akin to emancipating slaves, abolishing the slave trade entirely proved challenging due to the prevalence of slaves in noble households.
With the world unified, numerous tasks lay ahead. After three years of strenuous efforts, Great Tang finally achieved stability. The populace witnessed the new ruler's tolerance and benevolence, as well as the nation's strength and prosperity. Consequently, the people of North Yue, who had harbored aspirations to restore their own nation, relinquished such ambitions and peacefully assimilated into Great Tang.
Another spring dawned. Outside the city gates of Ye City, a carriage halted. A man in white assisted a servant out of the carriage, gazing at the ascending city walls with a smile. “We've returned at last. Ye City is truly the finest!”
Behind him, a youth wearing a felt hat and enjoying a candied gourd remarked, “In my opinion, the capital still reigns supreme. The women are enchanting, endowed with ample bosoms and curves, while the men are sturdy and tall. What say you, Mr. Xuan Jing?”
Before Mr. Xuan Jing could respond, laughter echoed from afar. “Ah, our valiant Marquis is thoroughly content. This Young Master even entertained the thought that you met an untimely demise on the road and contemplated dispatching troops to search for you.”
“Brother Tang, how have you fared?”
“I'm well. Alas, some matters are not as simple to address.” Tang Yue turned to Mr. Xuan Jing, bowing respectfully. “I am grateful for your efforts, sir,” he said. “I will rely on you to tutor the crown prince in the future.”
Beside Tang Yue, a young man in his early teens calmly lifted his robe and knelt down, bowing three times. “Student Li Luoyuan pays respects to you, sir!”
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