“The Grand General cannot!”
As soon as Yuan Shao’s words fell, Chen Lin immediately stood up.
“The Book of Changes says, ‘There is no worry for the deer.’ And there’s a saying about catching birds by covering their eyes. You can’t deceive to achieve success. If even hunting is such a situation, what about state affairs?”
Chen Lin cupped his hands towards Yuan Shao, showing no disrespect, and continued, “I know that the Grand General faces a dire situation, compelled by forces from above, and must take desperate measures. But allowing chaos to fester in Hedong under false pretenses will inevitably lead to future disasters. This is self-deception!”
“Gathering strong troops as external aid in the capital will inevitably lead to the strong getting stronger. At that time, the weapons may turn against you. Whether success is attainable is unknown, but chaos in turn is certain! I urge the Grand General to think thrice.”
Upon hearing Chen Lin’s words, He Jin couldn’t help but hesitate.
He glanced at Yuan Shao, who remained calm, clearly unfazed by Chen Lin’s challenge.
“Benci, say your mind outright.”
Yuan Shao replied, “I understand Kong Zhang’s concerns. The external aid approaching the imperial capital may undermine the authority of the Son of Heaven. If mishandled, there might be an even greater backlash. Additionally, if Dong Zhongying harbors treachery, it would be hard to prevent disaster from befalling us.”
Did Yuan Shao not know Dong Zhuo’s capabilities?
Of course he did.
Even sickly Liu Hong believed that Dong Zhuo, having risen from Xiliang and befriended the powerful, displayed the demeanor of a warlord, destined to become a future disaster.
This guy not only had a bunch of Xiliang generals backing him with a reputation for might but also kept cool and executed clever tactics when being surrounded years ago while pursuing Han Sui. He surely had cunning strategists around him.
If such a person were given the formal opportunity to mobilize troops in Hedong, trouble was bound to follow.
But Dong Zhuo had a glaring weakness too.
In such an age where personal character and lineage mattered greatly, Yuan Shao felt Dong Zhuo had no chance to overstep.
Hence, Yuan Shao continued, “With Uncle Ying here, I must speak cautiously. Although Dong Zhongying is now titled General for pacifying Xiliang, he hails from Lintao, with no roots in the Central Plains. To command troops in Hedong further is extremely challenging, especially with Generals above him to rein him in and the Northern Army Five Divisions defending the city. It’s vital to prepare early; this isn’t a case of ‘no worries for the deer,’ but rather, aimed and precise.”
Of course, he would not mention that Dong Zhuo had once received a boost from the Yuan family in his rise.
This boost wasn’t major, enough to still keep Dong Zhuo slightly distant from complete allegiance to the Yuan family, but in today’s reputation-conscious environment, if Dong Zhuo received their assistance, he should be grateful in some measure.
As he finished speaking, he shot a look at Dong Min.
Dong Min was previously annoyed about the selection of Western Garden Eight Schools and the General of Duliang, harboring resentments towards the noble families.
If it hadn’t been for Liu Hong not publicizing his drunken remarks, he would have clashed with Yuan Shao already. Yet, he couldn’t help but think about his own elimination and secretly nursed a grudge against these noble clan kids.
But he was quick on his feet now, realizing this might be a chance his brother spoke of earlier this year, and immediately added, “Grand General, please rest assured, my brother greatly admires you. He previously declined the positions of Minor Palace and Governor of Qingzhou, largely due to his connections with the heroes of Liangzhou since youth. If the Grand General gives an order, my brother shall surely obey.”
Dong Min put on a show of sincerity that could almost be interpreted as swearing an oath.
Honestly, He Jin felt a bit fond of this act.
He couldn’t tell if this fondness stemmed from their lowly origins or if Dong Min just looked not particularly clever.
When he heard Dong Min say, “If the Grand General orders, my brother must obey,” it felt like he was listening to a heroic proclamation, complete with some credibility.
But before he could respond to Dong Min, another person stood up among the crowd.
“I still think this move is improper.”
He Jin turned toward the voice and saw it was Zheng Tai.
Zheng Tai, a.k.a. Zheng Gongye, hailed from the recommendation for Filial Piety and Integrity, but he refused public recruitment. Instead, he mingled with heroes and supported righteous individuals with his own 400 acres of farmland, earning a name in his hometown.
Since He Jin gained power as Grand General, he had heard of Zheng Tai’s name and brought him into his ranks, giving him the official post of Officials Assistant.
As he overlooked the Son of Heaven’s recruitment with disdain, He Jin was fond of him for this.
He asked, “May I know what your opinion is, Gongye?”
Zheng Tai was not one to keep face like Yuan Shao, who had to maintain composure because of Dong Min’s presence. He could conspiringly plot to assassinate Dong Zhuo later with He Yong and others, showcasing a fierce temperament.
He replied, “Dong Zhuo is a tiger-like fiend, having advanced in defeating Han Sui, he is still greedy, while penetrating deep into our territory. He evokes the image of a savage thief. Even with Uncle Ying vouching for him, one cannot trust too blindly. This Grand General is removing one calamity only to invite another!”
“The Western Liang scoundrels are cunning and fickle. Previously, Dong Zhongying was hesitant to relinquish military power back to the central authority. If he approaches the Central Plains under some grand pretense, how will he be induced to retreat later? Besides, things can suddenly change, and the lessons from history aren’t far off. I hope the Grand General handles this with caution.”
Dong Min instinctively wanted to argue with Zheng Tai.
But Zheng Tai, not yet forty and possessing a commanding appearance, seemed so poised that Dong Min worried about running out of words in a quarrel.
He could only cast hopeful glances at He Jin, as if to say, “Surely there are honest folks from Liangzhou here who are genuinely unable to argue.”
“…” He Jin then turned his gaze towards the proponent, Yuan Shao.
Yuan Shao pondered a moment before replying, “As for the matter of personal character, I dare not hastily judge. But there is a method that can alleviate the Grand General’s worries about Dong Zhongying deploying troops to Hedong.”
He Jin’s eyes brightened: “Benci, tell us.”
“I propose the Grand General refrain from summoning the former general to Hedong but have Bao Ji and Ding Jianyang recruit soldiers on the east side in response and strictly order Dong Zhongying to carry no more than three thousand troops. If unforeseen events arise, he can be contained. How does the Grand General find this?”
The Bao Ji mentioned by Yuan Shao was Bao Xin while Ding Jianyang referred to Ding Yuan.
Both men were currently serving under He Jin’s Grand General Mansion.
According to Yuan Shao’s plan, one would muster troops near the capital while the other would gather soldiers from Yanzhou, while Dong Zhuo’s troops would be positioned in Hedong, northwest of Luoyang, effectively flanking from east and west.
If they could also limit the numbers of Dong Zhuo’s soldiers, it would certainly alleviate some troubles.
He Jin clearly found this idea appealing.
By proceeding this way, Dong Zhuo’s influence would also diminish, perhaps even reducing the calamities Chen Lin and Zheng Tai warned of.
Seeing Zheng Tai had more to say, He Jin quickly raised a hand signaling him to hold his tongue.
But at that moment, He Yong stood up again.
He Yong had previously presided over matters in the Three Dukes Mansion, and offered He Jin many useful suggestions over the years. When he stood up, He Jin inwardly sighed, acknowledging that this idea truly had its twists and turns, yet he still gestured for him to share his thoughts.
“I have no objections to Benci’s idea,” He Yong stated, “but if the General wants Dong Zhongying to advance into Hedong, he must pay attention to one person. If the Son of Heaven hears news and orders another person to march from the north, while General Huangfu advances east, the pressure on Dong Zhongying can quickly be relieved.”
From the north?
He Jin immediately grasped who He Yong was referring to.
“You mean Qiao Yan?”
“That’s right,” He Yong replied.
Due to the previous selection competition among the Western Garden Eight Schools, and because Qiao Yan had relayed news through Guo Jia to He Yong, she ended up as the ultimate winner, causing He Yong to harbor some apprehensions towards Qiao Yan.
This Prefect of Bingzhou was not to be gauged by the ordinary standards of youth. Last spring, her victorious campaign against Xianbei made He Yong raise his evaluation of her yet another notch.
So, if Dong Zhuo were positioned as an external aid to compel the Son of Heaven into a decision, could Liu Hong truly have no way to counter it?
Not necessarily, for he could mobilize Qiao Yan as a trump card.
Dong Zhuo’s soldiers were borne from the battlefield in Liangzhou, while Qiao Yan’s troops had equally endured confrontations against the Hu barbarian forces!
If both sides had equal numbers, the outcome would be unpredictable.
However, if Dong Zhuo adhered to He Jin’s limitations, coming with just three thousand, then Qiao Yan could emerge from the Shan Pass region of Fen River, undoubtedly gaining an advantage.
If Huangfu Song, who was still in Xiliang, returned to strike, victory would be a foregone conclusion.
He Yong worried this intimidation would either backfire or become a reason for the Son of Heaven to hold He Jin accountable and initiate a reckoning.
“On this point, Berqi is indeed overthinking,” He Jin replied without Yuan Shao needing to chime in, “The news from the Imperial Medical Bureau indicates that the Son of Heaven likely has less than four months left. I hold no intentions of regicide; I only wish to ask that the Son doesn’t make unwise choices in his illness. Thus, we only need to seize the upper hand within four months.”
“Quite the coincidence, three days ago, Qiao Yan, like last year, went to attack the Xianbei royal court. Given last year’s changes, this Xianbei tribe will surely relocate, making it difficult to find the royal court. Even if the Son calls for her, she won’t be able to make it back,”
At this point, He Jin couldn’t help but chuckle.
This lady Qiao certainly chose the wrong time to head north.
By the time she returns, Liu Hong might have already passed, and Liu Bian could be seated on the throne.
At that point, dealing with the Prefect of Bingzhou wouldn’t be too late.
He Jin couldn’t help but think if Liu Hong hadn’t been so intent on masking his health condition to keep his covert troop mobilization under wraps, the general fighting against the Hu in Liangzhou wouldn’t have mistakenly thought it was the right moment to head north.
Liu Hong had truly dug himself a hole.
And without Qiao Yan’s support, relying only on Huangfu Song to contain Dong Zhuo’s forces wouldn’t be easy.
Huangfu Song was, after all, not as embedded in Liangzhou as Dong Zhuo, and while his accomplishments surpassed Dong Zhuo’s, if Dong Zhuo stayed behind with his forces to impede Huangfu Song, a month might not yield a clear victor.
With this guarantee in mind, He Jin thought Yuan Shao’s proposal was indeed feasible.
He immediately had three letters penned, sent to Captain of the Guard Ding Yuan, Governor of Jibei Bao Xin, and the former General Dong Zhuo, before announcing the dissolution of the council.
However, as he stepped out of the Grand General’s mansion, Zheng Tai, who had spoken earlier, still felt there were significant issues with He Jin’s actions.
He glanced at the lavish golden plaque and sighed silently. After withdrawing his gaze, he quickly took two steps to catch up with a figure ahead, asking, “Gongda, why didn’t you speak up in the hall?”
The person he caught up with was Xun You from Yichuan.
Since Liu Hong’s health has been declining, He Jin’s powers had been increasing correspondingly.
He was far less pleased that those fleeing from the Prohibition of Factionalists had joined him.
Perhaps he realized he was becoming a tool for others to eliminate the court, so among his recruitments, he chose a different approach.
After having He Yong and Xu You compile a list, he extended invitations to renowned scholars nationwide, summoning over a dozen to Luoyang, among whom Xun You arrived at that time, taking up the post of Palace Attendant.
This member of the Xun clan was six years older than his uncle Xun Yu, yet still just in his thirties.
Moreover, the Xun clan was noted for their beauty, and upon sight, his demeanor indeed set him apart from the crowd.
Hearing Zheng Tai’s question, Xun You smiled and replied, “Knowing that my words wouldn’t be heeded by the higher-ups, why bother with such a pointless act?”
Zheng Tai sighed, “You certainly have a good temperament.”
Though he said so, he understood that Xun You, who seemed gentle and perhaps a bit slow, was actually passionate and had his own strategies and aspirations.
After they walked a little distance away from the Grand General’s mansion, with no one around to overhear, Zheng Tai suddenly spoke up, “That He Jin is not someone who can be assisted. You saw the scene in the hall today. Saying that bringing Dong Zhuo into Hedong as an external aid is the most suitable action is essentially a shortsighted move that you and I are both aware of.”
Noticing Xun You nodding but remaining silent, Zheng Tai continued, “I intend to resign from my post and not participate in this scheme. If chaos truly erupts in Luoyang, I’ll seek opportunities to make some moves.”
“Your temperament, Gongye, is indeed not suited for staying at this time,” Xun You replied as they walked, “But I feel that as onlookers, only by being in the thick of it can we find the chance to strike and alter the outcome. Thus, I wish to stay and observe a bit longer.”
“That works too.” Zheng Tai was not too worried about Xun You’s safety.
Though the Yichuan Xun clan might not be as exalted as the four generations of the Yuan clan, the fame of the eight dragons of Xun was well-known between Ru and Ying and was far from ordinary. Being a junior of theirs, Xun You enjoyed a bit of reputational protection.
He himself was a wise strategist and could be relied on for self-preservation.
When Xun You asked Zheng Tai where he was headed, Zheng Tai countered, “How do you know I’m not returning to Kaifeng?”
“Xun You just smiled and didn’t answer, but we both knew what he meant.”
If Zheng Tai wanted to leave Luoyang for a bit to watch the situation, he certainly wouldn’t choose his hometown.
He’d come to answer He Jin’s call, and now distancing himself from the Grand General was sure to offend that big shot, so he needed to get far away.
Zheng Tai understood the teasing behind his friend’s smile, replying, “You’re right. I don’t plan on going back to Kaifeng. Luoyang is less than 400 miles from there, and if the Grand General happens to be bored and decides to find me, that could spell trouble. I’ll head north instead.”
He wasn’t trying to keep Xun You in suspense, continuing, “I intend to visit Bingzhou. He Boqiu and the Grand General are both pleased with Qiao Yan’s troops moving outside the pass, but I think if there’s a change in plans with Dong Zhuo heading into Hedong, it will be none other than Qiao Yan who can stabilize the situation.”
Leaving his official post felt oddly liberating.
Zheng Gongye had some reputation in Henan, but he didn’t have any defining characteristics or outrageous claims to fame, so it made more sense to visit Bingzhou as a stranger.
Previously, he thought He Jin was providing a safe haven for many factions, showcasing heroes in the making. That’s why he came to Luoyang, but now that he realized things were turning out differently than he expected, he thought it best to personally investigate before placing faith in anyone else.
Remembering that Qiao Yan was away outside the pass and not in Bingzhou, made the situation there feel all the more real.
This was a prime opportunity for observation.
Xun You didn’t try to dissuade him from this idea.
He quietly listened to his friend remind him of Dong Zhuo’s “cunning and ruthless” ways and advised that staying in the capital required a cautious approach. He nodded in response: “You go ahead. If things go south, I’ll find someone to protect me.”
But if we dig deeper, if ascending to the throne was bound to be paved with bloodshed, where could one find true protection?
After parting ways with Zheng Tai, Xun You walked the last stretch to his current lodgings in Luoyang, pondering that even the Emperor, sitting on the throne, was now at the mercy of the external threats, unable to pass his final days in peace.
This world today…
He looked up to the sky; though it was spring, the ominous clouds loomed overhead, signaling an approaching storm.
It wasn’t merely dark clouds.
In early April, a solar eclipse occurred.
Even if it wasn’t happening right above Luoyang, it sparked widespread panic among the populace.
Liu Hong had dismissed the Grand Commandant Ma Ri from his position and intended to appoint Yang Xu, the Prefect of Nanyang, as the new Grand Commandant.
He still held himself together in the court, but once he returned to the Jiade Hall, he fainted.
When he came to, night had fallen and candles were lit within the hall.
He tried to say something, but his voice came out raspy, nearly losing its strength.
A solar eclipse, a solar eclipse!
No matter how much he told himself, just like what Qiao Yan said during the debate with Zhang Jiao back in the day, even the most wise and enlightened ruler couldn’t be expected to connect the eclipse to their reign.
Yet with his life now sliding into a countdown, the teachings he had learned as a child screamed at him—it felt like an omen just for him.
An omen of imminent death.
“Zhang…”
Just as he uttered a syllable, Zhang Rang dashed in front of him, “Your Majesty, nothing more needs to be said right now. I’ve ensured that your fainting spell remains a secret. Not even the Empress’s inquiries shall divulge that you’re inaccessible.”
“No… allow them to know,” Liu Hong said with a decidedly grim visage, his eyes blazing as if they were the last flicker of a dying flame, “Let He Jin know. Only when I’ve reached the brink of death will summoning him not raise any suspicion.”
His frail hand firmly grasped Zhang Rang’s wrist, exerting great effort to squeeze out a few words, “Send a secret order to Jian Shuo, summon those who can be deployed from the Western Garden, and those capable in the Imperial City. If He Jin steps into the palace, eliminate him on the spot.”
Seeing a momentary flicker of hesitation on Zhang Rang’s face, Liu Hong’s expression darkened, “Are you afraid?”
“No! It’s my duty to alleviate Your Majesty’s worries, how could I be scared?” Zhang Rang chuckled nervously, “I just wish I knew how the news leaked, allowing that butcher He Jin to get wind of our plot.”
Liu Hong’s face changed again, listening as Zhang Rang elaborated, “In the half-day since Your Majesty has fainted, news reached that He Jin ordered Dong Zhuo of the Xiliang to advance into Hedong, manifesting his intention to threaten the capital. He’s already on guard against Your Majesty. It won’t be easy to lure him into the palace while you’re ill.”
Liu Hong nearly choked up.
Zhang Rang took a moment of shock before managing to regain focus.
With a panicked gaze, Zhang Rang looked at Liu Hong, spitting up blood, his condition growing weaker, feeling a pang of regret for revealing this information.
But at this point, he had no choice but to lay the situation bare to Liu Hong. If their assassination of He Jin failed, they would plunge the situation into irreversible chaos.
He helped Liu Hong drink a few sips of herbal medicine, then removed the blood-stained handkerchief so Liu Hong could rest comfortably, and after a fair while heard Liu Hong curse, “Advancing into Hedong? Ridiculous! I’m wary of Dong Zhuo; what kind of character is He Jin to dare grant such power to him? Truly a callow view!”
“Draft an edict for me, instructing Qiao Yan to advance from Bingzhou and take down Dong Zhuo.”
Seeing that Zhang Rang didn’t move, Liu Hong shouted, “Hurry!”
Zhang Rang shook his head, “Your Majesty… have you forgotten? Last month, you approved Qiao Yan’s plan to head north to attack the Xianbei as she did last year to ensure that the Xianbei don’t invade Bingzhou this winter. She’s still far from returning.”
In Qiao Yan’s earlier report, she noted that Youzhou and Jizhou had just experienced the Zhang Ju and Zhang Chun rebellions, and are now in the process of stabilizing life for the people.
If they just harvested something between spring and autumn, and then were attacked by the Xianbei come winter, it would surely incite public resentment.
Since Bingzhou had the capability, she thought to take this moment to hunt in the northwest, showcasing the power of the Han Dynasty.
What was Liu Hong thinking back then?
He believed he could take He Jin down with him before dying and let Dong Zhong take over military matters, while Qiao Yan maintained peace outside—truly a win-win, and immediately approved the proposal.
But how could he have known? He Jin, that foolish man, got hold of some information from who knows where and made this ludicrous decision.
And how ironically, at such a critical moment where Qiao Yan could have tipped the scales, she wasn’t even within Bingzhou!
The vast expanse ahead, how could anyone possibly attack Dong Zhuo’s forces?
Not the Duliang General!
He Jin and the Yuan Clan of Runan could be seen as in cahoots in Liu Hong’s eyes, while the Duliang General Han Fu was a remnant of the Yuan’s old clique. If Han Fu were to play both sides against the middle, it would certainly sabotage his plans right off the bat.
Huangfu Song wouldn’t do either!
Just as He Jin speculated, Liu Hong also didn’t think much of Huangfu Song’s chances of driving back Dong Zhuo in the short term, unless he were given greater recruiting powers.
But Liu Hong could never forget that Huangfu Song rarely tasted defeat in battle; there were even suggestions to him to claim the throne in the past.
A few years ago, Huangfu Song certainly didn’t have that inclination, yet now he had to be on guard; better safe than sorry.
Liu Hong felt an inexplicable sorrow at being in such a situation, surrounded by few options.
If the Han Dynasty fell into hand of Liu Bian under such pressure, what would be the difference if it ended up with He Jin?
In such case, he might as well summon Liu Bian to Jiade Hall and end it there.
But… it wasn’t time yet.
Liu Hong’s gaze turned toward the candles burning at the foot of his bed, staring at the flames for a long while without averting his eyes, until Zhang Rang thought he was about to give up, when suddenly Liu Hong said, “Now isn’t the time for any rash actions that might alert the snake.”
So even after excluding Qiao Yan and Huangfu Song, the next person he thought of wasn’t someone to challenge He Jin.
“Come here.”
Zhang Rang felt as if he saw a desperate glint in Liu Hong’s nearly shut eyes.
After hearing Liu Hong’s words, he gasped in shock.
Such a plan!
This idea truly was astounding yet… surprisingly doable.
“Once Qiao Yan returns to Bingzhou, if the situation isn’t settled by then, let her carry this decree to cleanse the court!”
“Got it?”
Zhang Rang didn’t dare hesitate.
The candlelight in Jiade Hall illuminated Liu Hong’s face, revealing a pallid visage of death, yet the fierce gleam in his eyes made one feel as though he wasn’t a sovereign but a gambler.
He replied immediately, “Your Majesty, rest assured. I will see this through!”
But recalling Liu Hong’s earlier warning, he couldn’t help but feel a chill creep through him.
Such a sovereign, willing to sacrifice anything…
In the meantime, Liu Hong’s decisions had nothing to do with Qiao Yan.
Even if she was in Bingzhou, she was a river and a mountain range away from the tempests brewing in Luoyang, not to mention she was currently out on the steppes, with the Yanshan mountains in between.
Having Jia Xu and Cheng Yu, these cunning individuals, at her side in Bingzhou didn’t make her worry about any chaos at all.
And best of all—
Neither of these two were devoted supporters of the Han Dynasty.
So they would never feel compelled to rush off to the capital to save the day if they received any orders to do so while she was temporarily unreachable.
This time she took Guo Jia with her when heading outside the pass, a strategic adviser at her side to counter whatever Budugen might scheme.
Guo Jia initially thought heading outside the pass was like a vacation, but after two days of jostling along on horseback, he felt like he was falling apart.
“I can’t decide if I should envy Zhi Cai for being sent to Leping for Hua Tuo’s acupuncture treatment, or envy Wen He and Zhongde for their leisure at Jinyang.”
Qiao Yan looked at Guo Jia and couldn’t help finding his state amusing.
They had brought along some “second-rate” supplies for Bingzhou, meant to be distractions and peace offerings for dealing with Budugen.
These items were naturally packed into transport carts.
Not used to long horse rides, Guo Jia flopped into one of the crates, making the whole scene quite the sight.
“If Feng Xiao is included as part of the exchange, I think the Xianbei tribe will need to throw in an extra two thousand livestock just for that.” Qiao Yan teased, seeing where he was at.
Guo Jia showed no interest in moving, just turned in the box and replied, “Just make sure to pull me back in the autumn, we can do this with no costs involved every year.”
Qiao Yan raised an eyebrow, “Should I ask them to toss in a further token to atone for their offenses toward you?”
Guo Jia said, “That would make it all the better.”
Feeling somewhat exasperated with this shameless group, Budugen thought he might just lose it.
This time, Qiao Yan came out through Yanmen, but took the long way round, while Budugen remained blissfully unaware of their approach, having circled around to the north side of the Xianbei royal court.
When she sent envoys urging him to meet, Budugen nearly dropped his cup.
Leading several riders, he confronted Qiao Yan’s overtly camped forces, struggling to maintain his composure, asking, “What brings you here, Qiao Hou?”
Wasn’t it agreed that he was to pay tribute and lay low?
Qiao Yan replied, “First, I’m bringing you some of Bingzhou’s lower-quality coal, the usual mulberry bark clothing from last year, along with some surplus grains. I’d like to trade for more horses.”
Budugen glanced back at the crates stacked behind Qiao Yan, and if what she said was true about supplies, it looked like she was here to be the moneybags! Trading seemed reasonable!
Yet he failed to notice Qiao Yan’s brief pause when she mentioned “lower-quality.”
She added, “Additionally, last time I came, I brought three of my officers, and this time aside from Wen Yuan, who’s your old acquaintance, I’ve brought two newcomers. It’s good for everyone to get familiar; even if they’re not, a sparring match will do the trick.”
Pointing at Dian Wei and Zhao Yun, she offered Budugen a friendly smile.
“This one’s the introduction.”
