Chapter 139
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Amidst the chaotic times, many prophecies would emerge, mostly hidden predictions by diviners that weren’t immediately discernible. But once one made a connection, it seemed to fit various people and events perfectly, leading people to believe in it more and more.
Just like Wu Shanshi, he was convinced that the prophecy “Three hundred years of demise, three gold shall rise” was referring to him, thanks to previous signs.
The Northern Zhou dynasty had lasted for three hundred years, and it seemed evident that “three hundred years of demise” referred to the fall of the Northern Zhou dynasty.
As for the “three gold,” it might puzzle some, but not Wu Shanshi.
The character “Wu” had the character “Tian” (meaning “heaven”) underneath it, and both belonged to the element gold in the Five Elements theory. The character “Shan” was part of the character for “yang” (sheep), also belonging to the element gold. Similarly, the character “Shi” also belonged to the element gold. When combined, didn’t it form three gold elements? Wasn’t it a clear indication of Wu Shanshi’s rise to power?
Wu Shanshi felt absolutely certain about his interpretation. This prophecy undoubtedly meant that he would eventually overthrow the Northern Zhou dynasty and establish a new rule.
With all these things combined, Wu Shanshi believed that it was the trend of the times, and not becoming emperor would be unacceptable.
However, he was too agitated to keep it to himself. He called Zhou Gongdan to the study and asked, “What do you think the prophecy ‘Three hundred years of demise, three gold shall rise’ means?”
Zhou Gongdan pondered for a long time, under Wu Shanshi’s increasingly hopeful gaze, he slowly said, “When I heard this prophecy, I indeed thought of you, my lord.”
Wu Shanshi felt elated and tentatively asked, “Do you think this prophecy is true?”
Zhou Gongdan sighed, “My lord, no one knows if this prophecy is true. What we know now is that the rumor of the Golden Dragon’s descent has spread throughout Jizhou.”
Wu Shanshi was taken aback and immediately sent someone to inquire. He found out that Zhou Gongdan was right, and the rumor had indeed spread throughout Jizhou.
Wu Shanshi’s foolish followers and subordinates seemed to see this as his opportunity for a comeback.
Even Cai Ji, who had sought refuge with Wu Shanshi, came to congratulate him, flattery dripping from his words. He claimed that these auspicious signs were heaven’s way of showing that Wu Shanshi was not a villain and that he had been specially chosen to receive such signs.
Otherwise, why would they appear in Jizhou and not elsewhere?
Wu Shanshi liked what Cai Ji said because it was exactly what he believed.
Cai Ji, on the other hand, didn’t take the rumor of the real dragon’s appearance seriously. He thought these auspicious signs were all fabricated by Wu Shanshi to clear his name.
Although Cai Ji felt that the rumor of the appearance of a real dragon was somewhat dangerous, he couldn’t rule out the possibility that Wu Shanshi’s intention in spreading this auspicious omen was to demonstrate loyalty to the emperor.
Wu Shanshi might have thought, “Your Majesty, see, the real dragon has descended upon my territory, proving how loyal I am to you and to the Northern Zhou dynasty. Such loyalty has even moved the real dragon to appear in Jizhou, clearing my name from the label of a traitor.”
Cai Ji believed he had grasped Wu Shanshi’s thoughts accurately.
He also believed that Wu Shanshi’s followers and subordinates thought the same.
As Wu Shanshi observed their delighted expressions, an odd idea began to take root in his mind.
It seemed that everyone in Jizhou was expecting him to become emperor.
It seemed that people from all over the world believed that he had the ability to ascend the throne.
That night, when Wu Shanshi returned home, his mother and wife also mentioned the matter to him. They didn’t understand the political maneuver behind the auspicious signs nor what the descent of the Golden Dragon represented. They simply believed the rumor and were proud of it.
His mother even said, “Those heartless people in our hometown of Runan abandoned my son cruelly and looked down on him. But now, the Golden Dragon has appeared in my son’s territory. Hmph, the heavens can see much clearer than them. My son’s future is undoubtedly extraordinary and beyond their reach.”
With his mother’s words, Wu Shanshi recalled the attitude of the Wu family in Runan.
When he asked them to provide resources and talents, they ruthlessly rejected him. He knew why they did so. It was because his reputation was tarnished, and they deemed him useless. Sending talents to Jizhou would be a waste.
It made him itch with hatred.
Upon thinking about this matter, Wu Shanshi was filled with rage.
That night, he tossed and turned in bed, unable to sleep, his mind consumed with thoughts of what it would be like if he became emperor and controlled the entire world. He imagined how the people in his clan would fawn over him and fear his retaliation, and those who had betrayed him and fled would regret their decision, realizing they had forsaken the future emperor and cut off their path to prosperity.
The more he thought about it, the more excited he became, and he didn’t sleep at all that night. However, by the early morning when the sky was still dim, he regained his composure.
Though he was eager to become emperor, Wu Shanshi understood that rashly declaring himself as such would be a dangerous move. He feared that declaring himself emperor might lead to other lords raising armies to attack him.
After much contemplation, Wu Shanshi decided to test the waters first.
If he wanted to become emperor, at the very least, his inner circle had to agree. If even they didn’t support him, how could he become emperor?
On that day, Wu Shanshi called several trusted confidants to his side and once again brought up the topic of the auspicious signs.
The atmosphere was tense, and the group exchanged glances, faintly grasping the thoughts of their lord.
However, daring to entertain such a rebellious idea, how could they?
No one dared to speak, and Wu Shanshi’s face grew darker, and his smile vanished. He finally fixed his gaze on Zhou Gongdan and asked, “Wenning, do you have something to say?”
The atmosphere weighed heavily, and Zhou Gongdan stepped forward and bowed to Wu Shanshi.
When he straightened up, his expression showed determination. Instead of gently persuading Wu Shanshi, he spoke resolutely, “My lord, you are right. You are the chosen emperor by heaven. Since that’s the case, how can we defy heaven? Whatever my lord wishes to do, do it boldly. Heaven has already orchestrated such circumstances for us. If we hesitate and fear, we will only waste this opportunity.”
Wu Shanshi’s delight was evident, and he couldn’t help but hold Zhou Gongdan’s hand, sighing, “Wenning, you understand me best. With your words, I feel at ease.”
Others exchanged puzzled looks, uncertain whether to agree or object.
One of Wu Shanshi’s loyal generals, Jia Qing, observed Zhou Gongdan closely.
Jia Qing was intelligent and courageous, a fierce general under Wu Shanshi’s command. He was not one to speak much and had a resolute personality. He was deeply loyal to Wu Shanshi. At this moment, seeing that no one dared to step forward to advise Wu Shanshi, he slowly stood up and spoke in a solemn tone, “My lord, this matter cannot be done.”
Wu Shanshi frowned at him, his lips pressed together, displeased, “And why not?”
Jia Qing remained silent for a moment. He knew that Wu Shanshi disliked hearing contrary opinions. But at this moment, only blunt and straightforward words would make Wu Shanshi take it seriously.
Jia Qing’s tone was not gentle, even somewhat forceful as he said, “The emperor is still alive, and the Northern Zhou is still under the rule of the Qin clan. If you declare yourself emperor now, you will be a usurper and a traitor, committing an unforgivable crime. This will only enrage the people of the entire world! My lord, do you wish to become a traitor like Li Li?”
Wu Shanshi slammed the table in anger, his heart restless and furious as he pointed at Jia Qing and scolded, “Say that again?!”
Jia Qing remained composed, “My lord, this cannot be done, absolutely not. As long as the emperor is alive, you should remain a loyal minister for the country and the people.”
Wu Shanshi’s heart was filled with raging fire.
The Qin clan’s rule, the Qin clan’s rule. Had the world always been under the surname Qin?!
The emperor, the emperor… Wasn’t it that fifteen-year-old who only knew how to indulge in feasting and pleasure? Could he possibly do a better job than him, a governor of one province?
“Shut up,” Wu Shanshi rebuked furiously.
Zhou Gongdan, on the side, flickered with uncertainty, choosing to remain silent.
Jia Qing pursed his lips, lowering his head, “My lord, these auspicious signs are too exaggerated, and I’m afraid they might have been deliberately orchestrated by someone. I beg my lord not to take them to heart. Instead, capture a few commoners who have been spreading these rumors and put them to death to forcibly suppress the rumors.”
However, while Jia Qing felt the auspicious signs were deliberately staged, Wu Shanshi believed that they were a sign of heaven’s favor. After Jia Qing finished speaking, Wu Shanshi’s face darkened completely.
But it seemed like Jia Qing didn’t notice and continued, “My lord, please allow me to advise you. Those who support you becoming emperor surely have ill intentions. Your wise counselor, Zhou Gongdan, should understand the difficulties you would face after becoming emperor. Your reputation has already been tarnished due to Li Li’s actions. Once you declare yourself emperor, how can the troops of Jizhou stand against the rest of the world? My lord, do not be deceived by traitors!”
Wu Shanshi was so angry that he felt suffocated and had a headache. His fingers trembled as he pointed at Jia Qing. However, Jia Qing’s words also helped him regain some of his rationality, which had been clouded by his ambitions and desires for power.
Jia Qing was a man of loyalty and righteousness. He remained devoted to Wu Shanshi, even in his darkest moments. When Wu Shanshi led troops to attack Li Li, Jia Qing was by his side. When Wu Shanshi killed Wang Yun with his own hands, Jia Qing was also present.
Back then, Jia Qing had tried his best to dissuade Wu Shanshi, and after Wang Yun’s death, he couldn’t help but feel a chill in his heart. However, he didn’t leave Wu Shanshi’s side.
Wu Shanshi knew of Jia Qing’s loyalty, but he also trusted Zhou Gongdan.
He had never been steadfast in his decisions, and his thoughts were often swayed by his ministers. Inevitably, he cast a doubtful gaze at Zhou Gongdan.
Zhou Gongdan’s palms were sweating.
Under everyone’s gaze, the counselor remained calm as usual and even smiled helplessly at Jia Qing’s suspicions. “General, your words truly trouble me.”
He shook his head and sighed, “Since I support my lord’s ascension to the throne, naturally, I have plans to deal with the challenges.”
Wu Shanshi subconsciously asked, “What plans?”
Zhou Gongdan slowly continued, “Yanzhou’s Che Kangbo once had a feud with Yuan Li, who sent troops to suppress bandits on his behalf. Che Kangbo suffered a great loss of face at Yuan Li’s hands. However, he has a good relationship with you. He is a wavering man who desires to live in peace in Yanzhou. Last year, when he was supposed to send troops to help you in rescuing the emperor from Li Li, he didn’t move because he feared Li Li’s strength. Although I am unworthy, I think this person can be useful to you. Start by luring him with benefits, let him assist you in declaring yourself emperor. If he refuses, you can use force to threaten him. This way, Che Kangbo will surely become your right-hand man.”
Wu Shanshi seemed contemplative and nodded, “You are right.”
He started to waver again.
Yes, if he could bring Yanzhou to his side, becoming an emperor might not be an impossible task.
However, Jia Qing was not swayed. His brows furrowed deeper as he spoke, “My lord—”
Zhou Gongdan smiled slightly and spoke forcefully, “Please General, let me speak.”
Wu Shanshi, who had been captivated by Zhou Gongdan’s words, waved his hand in annoyance, “Wait for him to finish before speaking.”
Jia Qing had no choice but to close his mouth.
Zhou Gongdan quickened his pace, “Although Chen Wang from the south is formidable, they are too far from Jizhou. Even if they learned that my lord intends to declare himself emperor and want to attack, they are not capable of leading an army on such a long march. Furthermore, their infantry is far less powerful than the navy. Therefore, we don’t have to fear Chen Wang for the time being.”
Wu Shanshi nodded, stroking his beard, “Indeed, Chen Wang won’t be able to lead an army against me in a year or two. The two imperial uncles are still watching him closely.”
“Exactly,” Zhou Gongdan said, “Now, the only real threat in the north comes from Chu Hechao and Yuan Li. Faced with them, having only Che Kangbo from Yanzhou supporting you won’t be enough. I’ve heard that Hui Zizhen, the Governor of Qingzhou, is a man who loves wealth. You have an extraordinary background and great wealth in Jizhou. As long as you offer him enough, promise to bestow him titles and wealth after you become emperor, he will undoubtedly be persuaded to serve you.”
Jia Qing felt that Zhou Gongdan’s words seemed to make sense in every aspect, yet there was something odd about them at the same time. Although he couldn’t pinpoint what was amiss in such a short time, he still firmly opposed Wu Shanshi’s plan to declare himself emperor. “I still believe, my lord, that you cannot declare yourself emperor.”
Wu Shanshi suppressed his anger, asking, “Why?”
Jia Qing couldn’t find the words to respond. He opened his mouth, but after a long pause, he finally said, “My lord, truly, this matter must not be pursued.”
“D*mn it!” Wu Shanshi couldn’t hold back his anger any longer. He picked up the bamboo slips from the table and threw them at Jia Qing, exclaiming, “Get out of here!”
The bamboo slips hit Jia Qing’s forehead with force, causing him to bleed profusely. The room turned chaotic. After Jia Qing was assisted out of the room by attendants, the others in the room exchanged glances, feeling a chill in their hearts, and no one dared to speak.
Wu Shanshi looked around at them and said, “Does anyone else have objections?”
The others remained silent.
Satisfied, Wu Shanshi nodded and ordered someone to prepare writing materials. He immediately wrote letters and sent them to Qingzhou and Yanzhou.
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