Thank you to Nora7 for the ko-fi~ ٩(^ᗜ^ )و ´-
“The Emperor has arrived in Shou City.” In the study, a man sat at the desk, nervously tapping a white jade Ruyi scepter in his palm, his face filled with worry.
His appearance was not particularly remarkable; aside from a peculiar white strand at his forehead, he would likely go unnoticed on the streets. However, within this room, all eyes were on him. This man was General Andong, the Commander of Yang County, and the Prince of Langya, Sima Rui. Since being dispatched to Jiangdong by the Prince of Donghai, Sima Rui had worked hard for a year to quell unrest and establish a foothold in Jianye. Unexpectedly, before he could fully implement his plans and break through the southern barriers, he faced the significant event of the Emperor relocating the capital.
The Emperor had moved to Yang County, and the government office remained in Shou City, located in Huainan Commandery. What would become of his efforts in Jianye?
Sima Rui’s lineage and status were not comparable to the princes who had vied for power in Luoyang initially; he was a distant relative of the imperial family. When he first arrived in the southern regions, he was completely disregarded by the influential families of the Three Wu regions. He had intended to use the opportunity of the upcoming festival to gain support and recognition, but the Emperor decided to relocate the capital. Even if he had the intention to serve, these powerful families of Jiangdong would choose to align with the central court, not him.
How could he realize his aspirations now?
Someone beside him spoke loudly, “General, why worry? The Emperor’s arrival in the South is an opportunity for your career! Imagine how many noble families will follow the Emperor’s entourage south. These northerners need to be properly appeased. If we settle them all in the south, how much fertile land will be taken away? This alone will provoke discontent among the Southerners! The Emperor has not crossed the river yet, and by establishing his residence in Shou City, it is clear he intends to return to the Central Plains. However, the true influential families of Jiangdong are in Wuchang, Wuxing, and Kuaiji. As long as the Emperor does not cross the river, these people will not dare to act rashly, which is advantageous for General’s grand plans.”
Upon hearing these words, Sima Rui visibly relaxed and looked toward the distinguished and elegant man seated at the upper position. Since relocating to Jianye, he had relied heavily on Wang Dao as his right-hand man. Now that Wang Dao had gone to Shou City to welcome the Emperor, Wang Dun, who was similarly renowned and unrestrained, became another dependable talent to rely on.
Wang Dun’s words were indeed reasonable. The conflict between Northerners and Southerners had always been a troublesome matter. In the past, scholars like Lu Ji who ventured into northern territories faced extermination of their clans and died in a foreign land. Now, with northerners migrating south, the issues they faced were even more complex. With the capital moved to Shou City, these troublesome matters were bound to fall on the Emperor’s shoulders first.
In this way, wouldn’t it be like stirring up trouble in the east?
After pondering for a moment, Sima Rui sighed, “Though what you say is true, it remains uncertain whether the Emperor will return to the Central Plains. If we establish a foundation in Shou City after three or five years, won’t we still be pawns in someone else’s game?”
This statement hinted at a somewhat disloyal sentiment. If others were to hear it, it might cause significant trouble. However, for individuals like Wang Dun, who hailed from the Wang family of Langya, it was a familiar sentiment. Sima Rui himself originated from Langya, and after crossing the river, he highly valued these two brothers. Now, the three of them had similar thoughts, so what did it matter if they were deemed disloyal?
Wang Dun chuckled, “If not for the intention to head north, why cross the river? General, rest assured, as long as the Emperor intends to reclaim the Central Plains, he won’t attach much importance to a corner of Jiangdong. General should prioritize the grand cause and focus on how to win over the southern people. As for the Emperor…”
A cold smile appeared on his lips, “The Emperor is exceptionally clever, probably harboring suspicions about the generals around him. Wasn’t the solar eclipse a bad omen? There are Han forces like the Xiongnu, ready to handle those troublesome matters for the general.”
Having spent some time in the imperial court, Wang Dun had heard a lot from Wang Yan. He had a fair understanding of this young Emperor. Such an individual, when in power, might be able to stabilize the situation. However, for their noble families, he was too cunning and unsuitable to assist. Compared to the Emperor, the gentle and benevolent Prince Langya before him was a more worthy figure to serve. If he ascended the throne, how different would it be from the rule of Prince Langya’s family?
Wang Dun, unlike the mild-mannered Wang Dao, had ambitions. Now that he had finally stabilized the situation, how could he be willing to let go?
Hearing Wang Dun’s words, Sima Rui finally let go of his worries and nodded, “Zhongchuang’s words are not wrong. We must still win over the southern people! I only hope that Shou City will cause fewer disturbances…”
Wang Dao had already gone on his mission to Shou City to gather information. Alas, why move the capital at all? It would have been so much better if that young boy died in Luoyang!
※
He finally endured it!
When he saw the low city walls of Shou City, the first thought that came to mind was this. Sima Tan couldn’t help but press down on his knees and straighten his back. He endured it!
From Luoyang to Shou City, there was the option of traveling by boat, but with the river frozen in winter, it was impossible to cross by boat. This journey of over a thousand miles could only be undertaken by land. The long and arduous journey took over a month. Along the way, they encountered numerous enemy forces. The soldiers from Bing County, previously dispatched to intercept Wang Mi’s army, had not returned. It was unclear whether they died in battle or fled during the confrontation. Nevertheless, they did play a role. For over ten days, there was no pursuer in sight. However, after passing Ruyin Commandery, the situation changed, and Wang Mi’s large army caught up, repeatedly attacking the convoy heading to the new capital.
Even with such hardships and the constant threat of the northern forces, maintaining such a group of soldiers and horses was extremely difficult. Along the way, people kept falling behind, some died, and even Sima Tan himself was forced to abandon the imperial carriage and escape on horseback several times.
And now, after enduring countless hardships and near-death experiences, they had finally reached this new capital. How could Sima Tan not be delighted?
Although the city walls were low and far inferior to Luoyang, here there were no northern threats, no tens of thousands of troops causing constant anxiety. As long as there was time to catch a breath, why worry about not being able to regroup the army and recapture Luoyang?
The month of panic, the previous fear of the solar eclipse, was gradually fading away. Sima Tan had restored the bearing of an emperor, sitting upright in the carriage, welcomed into the city by envoys.
The Shou City Prefectural Government Office had now become the temporary imperial palace. Despite its cramped space, the young Emperor still presented the demeanor of presiding over the court, meeting the prominent ministers who came to greet him.
The Grand General Liu Zhun wore a joyful expression, genuinely welcoming the Emperor’s move to the new capital. Suo Xi displayed a hint of vigilance towards him. This was Liu Zhun’s territory, and there might be some conflicts between them. However, Sima Tan’s attention was not focused there but on Sima Rui, the Commander of the Yang County, and the envoy sent by him.
As the Commander of Yang County, Sima Rui had been in Jiangdong for about a year, presumably accumulating some influence. The young Emperor had secretly speculated whether this man would pose a threat or, like Sima Yue, attempt to control him and become a powerful minister against his will. Unexpectedly, Sima Rui showed prudence and only sent a general, Wang Dun, to represent him. He appeared like someone who wouldn’t act without an imperial summons.
And this Commander of the East, Wang Dun, happened to be a relative of Wang Yan. Unlike Wang Yan’s ethereal grace, Wang Dao had a dignified countenance and a tall stature. He exuded a refined Confucian elegance from head to toe. He seemed not only non-threatening but also humble and courteous, making it easy for people to develop a favorable impression.
Faced with such a respectful reception, Sima Tan naturally had to make a gesture of appreciation, “Thanks to General Wang Dao for providing provisions and supplies, it allowed Us1TL’s note: This is a way how Emperors addressed themselves… something like that ૮₍ ꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ ₎ა It’s hard to explain… ૮₍ ꒦ິ꒳꒦ີ ₎ა to take control of Shou City. General Wang’s thoughtful gesture is truly commendable.”
This time, Wang Dao did not come empty-handed and brought a considerable amount of food and forage. For the court officials who had endured hunger and hardship along the way, this food was indeed life-saving. How could it not evoke a sense of gratitude?
Wang Dao bowed respectfully, “Your Majesty has traveled a long way. As a loyal subject, I must do my humble part. General Sima also mentioned that as long as Your Majesty calls, he will surely devote himself wholeheartedly and serve the court with unwavering loyalty!”
Such flattering words made the young Emperor squint his eyes slightly. However, the pleasure of being praised did not relax him even a bit. Shou City already had Liu Zhun stationed, and now Suo Xi’s faction had also added to the mix. If Sima Rui, the Commander of Yang County, joined in the commotion, it would be complete chaos.
“General Sima’s intentions are deeply appreciated by Us. However, the matters in Jiangdong are pressing, and it would be prudent for General Sima to remain stationed in Jianye, securing the rear for the court. When the spring arrives and the troops are mobilized, there may still be a need for a considerable amount of military provisions.” The young Emperor spoke warmly.
These words made Wang Dao squint his eyes slightly. Although not as unconventional as his younger brother Wang Dun, he also harbored ambitions to assist Sima Rui in proclaiming himself emperor. A year of careful cultivation had been thrown into disarray by this young Emperor. How could he not feel annoyed? His visit to Shou City this time was to stabilize the Emperor’s thoughts and discern his intentions. It seemed that this man was impatient to launch a counteroffensive into the Central Plains.
If he was so fond of the northern territories, why not stay in Luoyang? In the end, he was just someone who feared death and wanted to avoid it. Yet, he still dragged the entire Jiangdong, providing military supplies and troops to the northern territories. Jiangdong had experienced two major upheavals before, and how much wealth and resources had been extracted by others?
Suppressing the sarcastic thoughts in his heart, Wang Dao’s expression became more solemn, “Your Majesty, rest assured. We will spare no effort to guard Jiangdong for Your Majesty.”
Although they spoke these words, they were not going to serve someone else for nothing. The aristocrats and impoverished commoners in Jiangnan would clearly understand that the one causing them to suffer losses in wealth, food, and even lives was the current Emperor, not Sima Rui, the Commander. How many people in Jiangdong would harbor deep resentment for the Emperor’s northern expedition? The more they stirred up public grievances, the easier it would be for their generals to win the people’s hearts.
With each having their own thoughts, they maintained the appearance of a harmonious ruler and minister, continuing their conversation for a while. Just as the young Emperor was about to change the subject and talk to someone else, a confidential report suddenly arrived in the hall. Taking the sealed letter handed over by the eunuch, the young Emperor’s expression changed as he glanced at it.
The contents of the letter were brief. The Han Liu Yuan sent envoys to Bing County, intending to marry the Liu clan’s daughter to Liang Zixi, fostering goodwill between the two families.
How could they dare to do this right after his departure from Luoyang?
Translator’s note:
I feel something fishy about that letter… ಠ_ಠ
