Chapter 113: Successor Lord
Passing through the city tunnel, Xu Prefecture City appeared before their eyes.
Xu Prefecture was a thoroughfare downstream of the Bian River, connecting to Kaifeng and the Jiang-Huai region. Although it no longer boasted the prosperity of its Tang Dynasty “mighty stronghold” status, its commerce was quite bustling.
Xiao Yi surveyed the scene, observing shops lining the roadside, their green banners fluttering. Merchants and travelers were everywhere, followed by carts and single-wheeled carts loaded with goods, peddlers carrying their wares, and porters shouldering sacks.
Silk, porcelain, and grain from Jiangnan were being transported to various shops from the direction of the docks.
He turned to Zhang Mei and asked, “Xu Prefecture must yield considerable revenue, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Otherwise, why would the successor lord abandon Hedong to govern Xu Prefecture?”
Xiao Yi understood. Liu Yun, by holding Xu Prefecture, controlled the canal transport and could act in concert with Hedong to the north and south. Once war broke out, Liu Yun merely had to seal the city and cut off the money and grain to Kaifeng; Guo Wei, no matter how capable a warrior, would be unable to sustain his campaign.
Therefore, he needed to be persuaded to leave.
Passing by the imposing Drum Tower, they entered the tranquil residential area. High walls and deep courtyards separated them from the clamor of the marketplace, and the passersby were well-dressed.
A mansion of grand scale appeared at the end of the long street, which was the Military Governor’s Mansion of the Wuning Army.
Liu Luan had already sent word, and the gate was wide open, with armored guards armed with halberds waiting to welcome them.
“Quickly.”
A civil official, about forty years of age with a neatly groomed long beard, hurried out. He approached them and bowed in greeting to both Liu Luan and Zhao Shangjiao.
“Dong Yi, Judge of the Wuning Army Military Governor’s Mansion, respectfully welcomes the young lady and all the envoys.”
“Get out of the way, you’re blocking my path.”
Liu Luan became even more imperious, dismounted, swept past Dong Yi, and beckoned, leading the delegation through layers of security.
Moving past a mural, the view suddenly opened up; the courtyard was expansive, and the Main Hall was grand in scale.
With the sound of footsteps and the gentle clinking of jade ornaments, a group of people hurried out from the hall.
Liu Yun, about twenty years old, wore an advanced scholar’s cap, a robe with purple cloud patterns, and a jade belt around his waist. His features were deep-set, but his complexion was fair. The short beard on his chin was meticulously trimmed, and his every movement was refined and elegant.
“Big Brother.”
Liu Luan leaped forward and said sweetly, “Look, I’ve brought you the envoys from Bianjing, they want to ask you to be Emperor.”
“Is that so? Little sister, please compose yourself.”
Xiao Yi observed intently. A complex expression flickered across Liu Yun’s face, a mixture of surprise and unease. He gently patted his sister’s hand, then adjusted his robes and faced the delegation, striving to maintain his composure.
As the Deputy Envoy, he did not appear at this time; Zhao Shangjiao handled the formalities.
The two sides met with great solemnity, and the ceremony was intricate. Liu Yun, however, was very patient, and Liu Luan was stopped by him several times when she tried to speak.
Finally, Zhao Shangjiao, with a solemn expression, unrolled the Imperial Decree, cleared his throat, and announced the decree in a dignified tone.
“The foundation of the world belongs to the wise and virtuous, and the importance of the ancestral temple rests with the successor. Esteemed Yun, posthumous son of Gaozu, has long shown exceptional merit, is naturally benevolent and filial, and possesses divine wisdom…”
The Imperial Decree was long and used obscure language. Xiao Yi listened, feeling fortunate that he was not the main envoy, understanding that for certain matters, a civil official was needed to give it the proper gravitas.
Liu Yun was very solemn, bowed deeply, lifted the hem of his robe, and respectfully prostrated himself.
It was evident that he was trying to appear calm, but his voice trembled slightly.
“Your subordinate, Liu Yun, receives the decree and expresses gratitude!”
Zhao Shangjiao skillfully rolled up the Imperial Decree and stepped forward, offering Liu Yun a virtual hand to help him up.
“Your Highness, please rise.”
His voice was deep and mellow, like aged wine.
Liu Yun shivered involuntarily at these words.
“What did you call me?”
“Naturally, Your Highness.”
“Your Highness!”
“Your Highness!”
Seeing that he enjoyed hearing it, Xiao Yi also called out, signaling for everyone behind him to join in.
Liu Yun had been suppressing his joy, but his movement as he rose faltered. His pupils unfocused, as if he were intoxicated.
Beside him, Liu Luan beamed, her eyes curving into crescents, and said with a laugh, “Big Brother, hurry and get up.”
Zhao Shangjiao quickly reminded him, his tone gentle but firm, “Young lady, you must no longer call him ‘Big Brother.’ Since His Highness has inherited Gaozu’s succession, he must treat Duke Liu of Hedong as an uncle. You, young lady, must abide by the rules and change your address…”
“Get lost!”
Liu Luan’s smile froze, her eyebrows shot up, and she cursed, “I’m talking to my Big Brother, why are you old fool interfering time and again?!”
Her tone was fierce, and Zhao Shangjiao, intimidated, instinctively took half a step back.
Xiao Yi was worried that the civil official would falter, but saw him straighten his collar and step forward again, bowing respectfully.
“The rites are greater than heaven; they cannot be violated.”
“Aren’t you afraid of death?!”
Liu Luan snorted coldly and raised her hand as if to whip him.
“Stop.”
Xiao Yi, responsible for the guard duty, immediately ordered a halt. He stepped forward, without looking at Liu Luan, and addressed Liu Yun: “Your Highness, on the day Duke Guo entered the city, Minister Zhao and Feng Dao, among others, faced the axe and battle-axe directly, upholding the legitimate lineage of the Han Dynasty. Thus, this decree was issued to invite the successor lord to the throne.”
Zhao Shangjiao was taken aback and glanced at Xiao Yi, his eyebrows raising slightly, his eyes gleaming. He said sternly, “Might cannot bend the righteous.”
Wang Du also stepped forward and said, “Indeed, Your Highness inherits Gaozu’s succession and is no longer Duke Liu of Hedong’s son.”
Xiao Yi inwardly praised this, thinking this was precisely what was needed: to continuously instill in Liu Yun the concept that he was not Liu Chong’s son.
“Excellent!”
Liu Yun looked at them with admiration and exclaimed, “You officials are truly loyal subjects protecting the Han Dynasty’s state!”
After speaking, he quickly turned to Liu Luan and said in a soft tone, “Little sister, no, cousin, you must not be rude. Minister Zhao’s words are the court’s law.”
“Hmph.”
Liu Luan was annoyed and said, “I won’t pay attention.”
Liu Yun quickly leaned in and whispered a few words to her.
Xiao Yi observed intently, seeing Liu Luan’s lips part, faintly uttering sounds of “Father,” and sensing the siblings’ reliance on their homeland in Hedong.
After appeasing Liu Luan, Liu Yun breathed a sigh of relief, but his gaze turned towards them.
“General, your martial prowess and distinguished demeanor are outstanding. Have you not yet introduced yourself?”
“Xiao Yi, Commander of the Inner Palace Guards, Acting Libationer of the Imperial Academy.”
Liu Yun was slightly taken aback. Surprise flashed in his eyes, and he said, “The Xiao Yi who speared Murong Yanchao?”
Hearing this, Xiao Yi exchanged a glance with Zhang Mei, knowing that Liu Yun must have met Murong Jixun.
He withdrew his gaze and calmly replied, “A minor achievement, not worth mentioning.”
A commotion arose among Liu Yun’s retinue of generals. All eyes fell upon him, filled with appraisal, apprehension, and curiosity.
Liu Luan’s eyes widened, and she scrutinized him with undisguised curiosity, exclaiming in surprise, “You actually possess such skill?”
“General Xiao is a hero of his youth, your reputation precedes you!” Liu Yun said with a hint of probing, “In that case, General, are you serving Grand Councilor Guo?”
Xiao Yi met his gaze calmly and replied, “Your Highness flatters me. Your subordinate is a minister of Han, and I only know loyalty to serve the country, with the goal of stabilizing the realm. I serve the Han Dynasty’s state, not any individual like Li Ye or Guo Wei.”
Wang Yan stepped forward and said with a smile, “General Xiao possesses a noble and upright spirit, and his actions have always been in accordance with the Empress Dowager’s decree.”
“It… is the Empress Dowager’s will?”
Liu Yun’s gaze shifted, and he seemed to gain some understanding.
Dong Yi leaned in and said a few low words. Xiao Yi listened intently, faintly catching that if Guo Wei were to fully cede power, it would be false, and it was good that someone was acting as a bridge between the Empress Dowager and Guo Wei.
Upon hearing this, Liu Yun nodded and looked at Xiao Yi again, his gaze falling on the jade pendant at his waist, and he paused slightly.
Xiao Yi knew he was looking at the Plum Blossom Jade Pendant gifted by the Empress Dowager. Without deliberately showing it off, he calmly took out the Empress Dowager’s personal letter and said, “Your subordinate has a letter from home for Your Highness.”
Liu Yun took the letter and did not open it in public. The last trace of doubt in his eyes vanished, and sincerity appeared.
“General Xiao is a pillar of the state.”
The atmosphere turned harmonious, but Xiao Yi suddenly felt like he was being stared at with a hunter’s gaze.
He turned his head and saw that among the crowd of officials, a tall figure in a brocade robe had just slipped behind the corridor, moving with agility.
Murong Jixun?
Xiao Yi made his judgment. Without betraying his thoughts, he re-examined Liu Yun, seeing the daze and joy of being struck by fortune on his face. However, upon closer inspection, a hint of unconcealable doubt and caution could be seen in his eyes.
It was a primal unease brought about by a sudden change in destiny.
“Your Highness, your subordinate still has one matter that weighs heavily on my mind and must be addressed. I request your judgment.”
“Oh? General, please speak freely.”
Seeing this, Liu Luan beckoned to him, her face pleading, signaling him to let this matter go. Seeing that he ignored her, she gave him a fierce glare.
Xiao Yi continued, “Upon entering the city today, I happened to witness the young lady’s troops killing an old man carrying firewood. It was in plain sight, with irrefutable evidence. Your Highness is about to ascend the throne and should practice benevolent governance and rectify discipline. Your subordinate earnestly requests that Your Highness deal with this according to the law, to reassure the hearts of the realm.”
“This…”
As soon as these words were spoken, the harmonious atmosphere froze.
Liu Luan spat and said, “Pah, you actually dare to trouble me? If His Highness has the ability, then kill me and avenge the commoner. Let’s see if Father dares to break the legs of you, the Son of Heaven.”
Liu Yun deliberately showed a look of embarrassment and glanced at his subordinates behind him.
Suddenly, a General stepped forward, his eyes like those of a leopard, his voice like a thunderous bell.
“I am Zhang Lingchao, Commander of the Infantry and Cavalry of Xu Prefecture. Greetings, all envoys. General Xiao, you are very capable, but do not bully others too much. Who hasn’t killed commoners? What’s the big deal?”
“His Highness will be the Son of Heaven, the lord of all people. How can the Son of Heaven not act for his people?”
“If the Military Governor cannot even protect his own sister, what good is being the Son of Heaven?!”
“Insolence!”
Xiao Yi’s voice suddenly rose, filled with murderous resolve, and he reprimanded, “The Han Dynasty’s state has not yet fallen, its laws still exist, and its principles are still in place. How can you trample on the Emperor’s might?!”
“Zhang Lingchao!” Liu Yun shouted angrily, “Shut your mouth!”
“Yes.”
Zhang Lingchao, unable to suppress his resentment, retreated.
After this commotion, Liu Yun found it even harder to decide. He turned to Liu Luan and whispered, “A’Luan, hand over the soldiers who committed the murder?”
“Absolutely not.”
Liu Luan proudly turned her head, unwilling to back down.
Dong Yi stepped forward at the opportune moment and said, “General Xiao’s directness and courage to speak are truly reasonable and show loyalty to the state. The young lady is young and did not manage her subordinates properly. How about this: the soldiers who committed the murder can be imprisoned in the Prefectural Jail and tried by the Xu Prefecture government, to prevent personal bias and ensure a just verdict. What do you say?”
Xiao Yi was satisfied with this. Regardless of the outcome, it was a greater change for the world than simply killing the perpetrator.
“Judge Dong’s words are reasonable.”
Dong Yi then turned to Liu Luan and said, “Young lady…”
“No.”
“It’s settled!” Liu Yun’s attitude was resolute. He pointed to the soldier with an injured arm behind Liu Luan and ordered, “Take him away and hand him over to the Xu Prefecture government.”
“My lord, spare me! I am an old subordinate of the Marshal, please, for the Marshal’s sake…”
“Take him away!”
The voice gradually faded.
Through this incident, Xiao Yi not only avenged the deceased but also gauged everyone’s attitudes, knowing whom to guard against.
His gaze swept over Zhang Lingchao, and he saw dissatisfaction on his face.
Dong Yi said with a smile, “All the envoys have had a long journey. The posthouse has been prepared. Please follow me to rest. His Highness will be hosting a banquet tonight to welcome you all.”
After speaking, he led the way and settled them in a separate courtyard on the east wing of the Military Governor’s Mansion.
The courtyard was surrounded by white walls and contained over a dozen guest rooms, elegantly furnished with furniture made of high-quality wood.
“It cannot compare to the posthouse in Bianliang. I hope you do not find it too simple.”
“This place is excellent, Brother Dong. You are most considerate.”
Xiao Yi wished to chat with Dong Yi further to gauge his attitude, and said, “Brother Dong, as a close confidant of His Highness, you are deeply trusted and about to soar to prominence.”
“To serve the wise rulers and foster a simpler society,” Dong Yi said with emotion, “although my talents are meager, I often harbor the ambition to serve the world.”
Xiao Yi, knowing his intentions, smiled slightly.
