Thank you to Yuki for the ko-fi~ ♡⸜(˶˃ ᵕ ˂˶)⸝♡
The consideration of what title to choose weighed heavily on the mind of Liang Feng. The focus in the current situation in Bing County was primarily on proclaiming himself as a king, a prerequisite for ascending the throne. In the history of various dynasties, before assuming the title of emperor, rulers often proclaimed themselves as kings, establishing a precedent for their reign. However, unlike many founding monarchs who received titles bestowed by the previous dynasty, Liang Feng had rejected the offered titles from the Southern Court. This meant that he, like Liu Bei before him, would self-proclaim as king.
The Chief Priest, soon to be known as the Minister of Rites, Fan Long, enthusiastically suggested potential titles: “In the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors era, Emperor Yao founded the Tangling, and it was named the Tao Tang Shi. When King Cheng of the Zhou Dynasty annihilated the ancient Tang, his younger brother, Duke Yu, was given this land and established the state of Tang, hence being called the Tang State. This is the precursor to the Jin Dynasty, and Your Highness, who governs both Bing and Si County, can rightfully proclaim yourself as the Tang King!”
Liang Feng, whose surname was Liang, was hesitant to adopt the name Tang. Fan Long, noticing Liang Feng’s silence, continued his suggestions: “The son of King Ping of Zhou, Ji Tang, was given control of Nan Liang, governing Ru. He took the fief as his surname, naming it the Liang State. Your Highness is also a descendant of Ji Tang and hails from Chen Commandery. You may consider adopting the title Liang, which would be appropriate.”
This suggestion, though associated with Liang Feng’s ancestral roots, posed challenges. While no one cared whether Liang Feng was truly a descendant of Ji Tang, the title Liang carried the connotation of being a part of the Eastern Zhou lineage, which was highly esteemed. Liang Feng’s commandery was originally in Chen, and after the reign of Emperor Sima Yan, it became part of the Liang State. Choosing the title King Liang seemed fitting, but the only dilemma lay in the fact that the Liang State was currently under the jurisdiction of the Southern Court. If Liang Feng were to adopt the title Liang, it might necessitate an immediate military campaign to reclaim the jurisdiction of Yu County.
However, with Si County now under control, the next stage’s objective should be to surround Yan County from the directions of Ji County and Qing County. Attacking Yu County directly would prove to be quite challenging. Moreover, naming the country after one’s surname seemed a bit odd. People were known as Liu Han, Cao Wei, Li Tang, Zhao Song, Zhu Ming—was he supposed to be called Liang Liang?
After pondering for a moment, Liang Feng finally spoke, “What else?”
Understanding that the previous suggestions were not to the ruler’s liking, Fan Long quickly proposed, “Shangdang is affiliated with the Han family; we can use Han as the title.”
“Han Guo?” Liang Feng immediately shook his head, “Inappropriate!”
“If Han is not suitable, we can also consider Zhao,” Fan Long explained, “Marquis Lie of Zhao established his kingdom, starting from Jinyang, later moving to Zhongmou and Handan. Your Highness, who holds both Bing and Ji County, can also adopt Zhao as the title.”
“Do you want to be considered part of the Zhao family?” As if recalling something, a self-deprecating smile crossed Liang Feng’s lips. However, the smile quickly faded, and he nodded, “Three families divided Jin… Zhao is good, let’s go with Zhao.”
Originally, during the transition from the Jin Dynasty, there were three countries—Zhao, Wei, and Han. Since the other two were not viable options, Zhao became the most suitable choice. Additionally, with skilled archery, Li Miao securing the borders, and the powerful military of the Warring States period, the Zhao State possessed unparalleled strength. The heroic figures of Yan and Zhao were not just empty names. Compared to other titles, Liang Feng hoped that his future country would embody such vitality and spirit.
With the title decided, preparations for the ceremony to proclaim himself as king, a step towards becoming emperor, had to be made promptly. This was no ordinary coronation; it was a preparation for ascending the imperial throne. Every detail had to be carefully arranged, and both the upper and lower echelons of Jinyang immediately busied themselves with the preparations.
※
Looking at the letters on the table, Wen Qiao let out a long sigh of relief. These days, he was utterly restless, unsure of what course of action to take. Liang Feng proclaiming himself as emperor was an imminent matter, and there was no room for self-deception. Wen Qiao, who had been elevated to an official position by Liang Feng and received his trust, felt the burden of gratitude. The people of Northern Land, including Wen Qiao, owed their lives and prosperity to Liang Feng. However, he, as a member of the Wen family, was a loyal subject of the Jin Dynasty.
Putting aside their loyalty to the court, the Wen family had already migrated to the Southern Land. If Wen Qiao continued to stay in Bing County and served under Liang Feng, would his family face threats? Not to mention the reputation that had been built over the years!
However, if he truly left, he would indeed feel reluctant. The atmosphere of Bing County was something he had never experienced before. If he abandoned Bing County and went to Yang County, would he once again be ensnared in those endless philosophical discussions, witnessing the collapse of the mountains and rivers, and the migration of countless people? He also had ambitions and aspirations; could the small court of Yang County fulfill them?
In a moment of distraction, he seemed to understand the feelings of Xun Yu in the past. Cao Cao was indeed a rare enlightened ruler; how much better it would have been without the ambition to usurp the Han!
However, all the inner conflicts were ultimately resolved with the family letter in front of him. His father sent a personal letter, instructing him to stay in Bing County! Not only that, he handed over the entire branch of the Wen family in Taiyuan to him, concurrently sending wise and virtuous individuals from the clan to serve under him.
At this moment, Wen Qiao suddenly felt foolish. Was he Xun Yu? Was it the end of the Han Dynasty now? Of course not!
What his father wanted was what the Zhuge family had done in the past. Zhuge Jin served as Grand General in Eastern Wu, Zhuge Liang was the Prime Minister in Shu Han, and Zhuge Dan served as Grand General in Wei. “One family, three sides, the world will honor it.” This was the method of the Zhuge family, ensuring the safety of their wise and virtuous lineage.
And now, his father had recognized the strength of Bing County, considering him as a chess piece pressed into the Northern Land. What he bore was not just his own beliefs but also the heavy responsibility of flourishing the family. He could only be loyal to Liang Feng!
A feeling of relief surged through his heart. Wen Qiao carefully kept the letter, adjusted his attire with a stroke, and stood up, heading towards the door.
While Wen Qiao was still in hesitation, on the other side, Chi Jian had already made up his mind.
Facing adversity, his concerns were different from Wen Qiao’s, primarily arising from worries about reputation. If Liang Feng established his kingdom but failed to stand firm, ultimately meeting the fate of losing the nation like Shu and Wu, wouldn’t he, who had betrayed the Sima family, also suffer a fall from grace?
However, at the same time, Yang County was not a desirable destination either. The rumors of Sima Rui assassinating the emperor and usurping the throne were not baseless. Pledging allegiance to such a ruler, where was the glory?
Yet, Chi Jian did not hesitate for too long over this matter. After a brief contemplation, he had already made up his mind. Now was not the end of the four hundred years of the Han Dynasty. The usurpation by Cao Pi and the usurpation by Sima Yan were just events within a few decades. The Jin Dynasty itself was built on conspiracy, and the fresh blood spilled on Gaoping Ling had not yet dried. To suppress the murmurs throughout the land, how many scholars had faced punishment for their words, dying tragic deaths?
The Sima family would never let go of the butcher’s knife. Having an illegitimate claim to the throne was their fatal weakness. It was precisely because of the actions of the three founders of the Great Jin—Emperor Xuan, Emperor Wen, and Emperor Wu—that the various princes quarreled, leading to continuous internal strife. Now that Sima Rui had usurped the imperial throne, were there no others eager to taste the flavor of being the Nine-Five Sovereign?
Looking back at Bing County, it has been consistently clear from start to finish. There were no conspiracies for usurpation, no hidden wrongdoings; only straightforward military expeditions and the appointment of talents. Liang Feng even refused the imperial title bestowed by the court, opting to establish himself as a king. This demeanor was unlike Wei Wu or Jin Wu, but rather reminiscent of the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty.
Chi Jian hailed from Yan County, a northerner. When the capital was moved in the past, no one cared about the life or death of the people in Yan County. However, Liang Feng killed Shi Le, took in refugees, and now sought to pacify Yan County. Was Sima Rui capable of achieving this?
Moreover, Liang Feng undeniably possessed extraordinary talents! Leaving aside the imminent appointments of the six Offices, just the concept of the “Three Provinces” was astonishing. The Central Secretariat, the Department of State Affairs, and the Imperial Secretariat, all adhered to ancient practices, yet their powers and responsibilities were vastly different from the past.
As a close confidant of Liang Feng, could Chi Jian also secure a place within these Three Provinces?
Chi Jian sought fame but understood the roots of reputation. Choosing between virtuous ministers of a founding dynasty and loyal ministers of a fallen nation wasn’t very difficult.
How many prominent figures in the Northern Lands and even the entire realm had made choices similar to Wen Qiao and Chi Jian?
In April, the drought that began last winter finally came to an end. Bing County’s drought-resistant measures were effective, and it remained unaffected. By May, the wheat ripened, blessed by favorable weather, ensuring an ample grain harvest in the Three Provinces. After the busy summer harvest, at the end of June, Liang Feng established an altar in the southern suburbs and proclaimed himself Zhao Wang1King of Zhao.
Author’s Note:
This year is AD 311, originally known as the fifth year of the Yongjia era in history. In this year, Luoyang fell, and 100,000 Jin soldiers were slaughtered. The royalty, officials, and civilians suffered over 30,000 casualties, and even the Jin emperor, Hui Di, became a captive under the Xiongnu. With the crossing of the Yangtze River, Western Jin’s fame remained, but its existence was in reality obliterated. This event is known as the Disorder of Yongjia.
The title “Zhao” for a kingdom has been used before, originally by Liu Yao and later by Shi Le, known as Former Zhao and Later Zhao in history.
However, now, with the early emergence of Eastern Jin, Liu Yao and Shi Le have become transient figures. “The unification under Two Jins, Zhao” sounds smooth, doesn’t it?
The reference to the “Zhao family” is a self-deprecating joke by Liang Feng, inspired by the line “Who do you think you are, worthy of the surname Zhao?” from “The True Story of Ah Q.” =w=
