Chapter 185
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The Provincial Governor of Jingzhou had once wavered between Yuan Li and Chen Wang but ultimately chose to side with Chen Wang due to the distance between them. Because of his grudges with Chen Wang, he planned to kill the emissaries sent by Yuan Li, Xiang Hongyun and Wang Qianzhi, to please Chen Wang. He even intended to eliminate Wang Qianzhi’s entire family.
If it hadn’t been for Xiang Hongyun and Wang Qianzhi’s quick wit, they would have met a tragic end by now.
Yuan Li remembered this incident clearly, but at the moment, he didn’t have time to confront Jiang Biao. However, it didn’t mean he would let Jiang Biao off easily.
He hadn’t yet vented his anger for his subordinates.
Yuan Li ordered the fleet to dock, but both he and the Emperor stayed on the boat. Instead, he dispatched numerous soldiers on behalf of Xiang Hongyun, instructing Xiang Hongyun to go and negotiate with Jiang Biao.
For a Provincial Governor to act so servilely, he expected to meet the Emperor and Duke Wen. Instead, he encountered a mere advisor. Yuan Li, observing from the boat, noticed Jiang Biao’s darkening face. Clearly, Jiang Biao wanted to leave in a huff, but to avoid offending him, he tried his best to speak respectfully and amicably to Xiang Hongyun, every movement polite and deferential.
Watching Jiang Biao’s demeanor, Xiang Hongyun couldn’t help but find it somewhat amusing.
He knew that Yuan Li’s show of support was meant to boost his morale. Even though Xiang Hongyun wasn’t concerned about these matters, he felt warm in his heart due to Yuan Li’s support.
However, while Yuan Li was willing to lend him support and vent his anger on his behalf, Xiang Hongyun couldn’t be so reckless. He knew they were currently in a critical period, and any problems with Yuan Li’s grand plan must be avoided at all costs.
Although a Provincial Governor couldn’t shake Yuan Li’s position, he was still a Provincial Governor. One couldn’t underestimate such a figure. At this moment, they couldn’t afford to have a complete falling-out with Jiang Biao and make things ugly.
Thus, Xiang Hongyun was also polite and courteous, ensuring that Jiang Biao didn’t lose all face.
After Xiang Hongyun returned, the fleet continued its journey.
In early June, Yuan Li finally returned to Youzhou.
After disembarking from the boat, they switched to carriages. The Emperor curiously peered out, exclaiming with childlike wonder, “Although Youzhou might not be as prosperous as Yangzhou, the people here seem well-fed and well-clothed. It’s completely different from the dire situations described in books. Rumors are unreliable; those who claim to be suffering might not be genuinely suffering. Lord Guo, do you think the tales of widespread famine are also unfounded?”
Guo Mao’s smile faded, and he replied, “Your Majesty, you’ve misunderstood. I am a native of Youzhou, and I can assure you with my life that the people here truly suffered in the past. The fact that they are now well-fed and their fields are filled with crops is all thanks to Duke Wen’s efforts. However, Duke Wen is just one person, and there are thirteen provinces in the realm. Beyond Youzhou, countless people still live in poverty and deprivation, eating mud and vegetation, and some even resort to cannibalism.”
The Emperor was both horrified and curious, asking, “How can one eat mud?”
Guo Mao briefly explained the dire situation to dispel the Emperor’s curiosity.
Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were resting in the carriage. As they approached Jixian, the procession suddenly stopped.
Yuan Li opened his eyes and lifted the curtain to look outside. Just as he was about to inquire about the situation, he heard a resolute and sorrowful voice, full of determination and aged wisdom.
“Minister Zhang Liangdong pays respects to the Emperor, pleading with the Emperor to retract the abdication. The Great Zhou has been ruled by the Qin clan for three hundred years; how can it be given away to someone else? I earnestly implore the Emperor to reconsider!”
Zhang Liangdong exerted all his strength, his voice trembling with the fervent loyalty of an old subject devoted to his ruler and country.
Yuan Li heard everything clearly.
He maintained his posture of lifting the curtain, his eyes lowered, his expression unchanged.
Zhang Liangdong shouted again, “Minister Zhang Liangdong pays respects to the Emperor, begging the Emperor…”
A guard quickly approached and whispered, “My Lord, Zhang Liangdong and his disciples have knelt in front, blocking the way. We tried to persuade him, but Minister Zhang insisted on kneeling until the Emperor summoned him.”
Yuan Li smiled wryly without showing any emotion. “He’s still kneeling on the road, obstructing the way.”
Chu Hechao’s eyes flashed coldly. “Zhang Liangdong came from Bingzhou?”
“Yes,” the guard replied, “as soon as he heard that the Emperor was coming to Youzhou, he rushed from Bingzhou.”
Yuan Li took back his expression. “Since he wishes to meet the Emperor, then ask if the Emperor is willing to see him. If not, Zhang Laingdong is getting older; kneeling for too long could be detrimental to his health. Just forcibly lift him up.”
The guard respectfully acknowledged the order.
Once he left, Yuan Li let the curtain down.
Chu Hechao hugged him from behind, soothingly patting his arm. “Zhang Liangdong has always been loyal but somewhat foolish. Considering his loyalty to Northern Zhou, it’s not surprising for him to act like this.”
“I know,” Yuan Li leaned against him, his face calm. “Ever since I decided to ascend the throne, I knew this day would come.”
He had been pleasantly surprised that his mentor, Ouyang Ting, supported him, but it was expected that Zhang Liangdong would oppose. He just didn’t expect Zhang Liangdong to come forward so quickly, using the method of kneeling and blocking the road, creating a misunderstanding in an attempt to persuade the Emperor to change his mind.
Zhang Liangdong consumed the grain from his territory and received the salary issued by him, officially serving as a minister under Yuan Li’s rule. However, this minister chose to betray Yuan Li in broad daylight.
Yuan Li wasn’t angry or resentful. If anything, he felt disappointed.
If news of this incident were to spread, given Zhang Liangdong’s reputation, it could create ripples.
Yuan Li closed his eyes and nuzzled against Chu Hechao’s neck. He thought that Zhang Liangdong was no longer suitable to be the Provincial Governor of Bingzhou.
On the other side, the Emperor, shielded behind Yuan Li’s carriage, did not hear Zhang Liangdong’s plea.
When asked whether he wanted to meet Zhang Liangdong, he couldn’t even remember who Zhang Liangdong was. With little interest, he shook his head and said, “I don’t want to see him.”
The guard conveyed the message to Zhang Liangdong as it was.
Disappointed to the extreme, Zhang Liangdong tentatively asked, “Is it true that the Emperor is unwilling to see me?”
The guard immediately frowned, “Do you think someone else is stopping the Emperor from seeing you? Minister Zhang, the Emperor has been on the road for a long time and is extremely fatigued. He urgently needs rest upon arriving in Jixian. I urge you to get up quickly and stop blocking the way.”
Even if Zhang Liangdong was unwilling, he could only be helped up by his disciples.
The convoy successfully returned to Jixian.
As Yuan Li got off the carriage, he saw his subordinates standing in a row, their faces flushed with excitement and reverence as they saluted him and the Emperor.
Seeing so many people, the Emperor’s heart trembled, and he quickly excused himself to rest and followed his attendants.
Only Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were left. The enthusiastic subordinates finally calmed down and all bowed to Yuan Li, expressing their remorse.
Liu Jixin felt guilty and frightened, “It’s all our negligence that allowed Zhang Liangdong to block the Emperor’s path. My Lord, we are willing to accept punishment.”
“It was because he was afraid you’d stop him that he didn’t say anything,” Yuan Li reassured them, waving away their formalities. “If he wants to do something, you won’t be able to stop him.”
Before they could exchange more words, a servant came to report that Zhang Liangdong was requesting an audience with Yuan Li.
Yuan Li hesitated.
The expressions of those in the room varied, but it was evident that they did not welcome Zhang Liangdong.
Zhan Shaoning looked especially troubled; he certainly didn’t want Zhang Liangdong to come before Yuan Li and speak nonsense again.
Zhang Liangdong didn’t want Yuan Li to ascend the throne, but everyone else, including himself, wanted Yuan Li to become Emperor as soon as possible.
If Yuan Li could truly replace Northern Zhou, Zhan Shaoning would even drink the night away, offering comfort to the spirits of his deceased family members!
Yuan Li understood the thoughts of his subordinates and sighed inwardly. He rubbed his forehead and said, “Let him in.”
Zhang Liangdong walked in with a complicated expression, respectfully bowing to Yuan Li and speaking with some distance, “Minister Zhang Liangdong pays respects to Duke Wen.”
Yuan Li smiled faintly, calmly asking, “What brings Governor Zhang here?”
This was the first time Yuan Li had spoken to Zhang Liangdong in this manner, and the latter felt uncomfortable. He hardened his heart and said, “I wish to see the Emperor. I request your permission, Duke Wen.”
Yuan Li raised an eyebrow, “It sounds like I’m the one stopping you from seeing the Emperor.”
Zhang Liangdong fell silent for a moment before continuing, “Duke Wen, there have been increasing rumors about you and the Emperor in recent days. May I dare to ask if you are aware of them?”
Yuan Li picked up the teacup and took a sip, not saying anything, which was taken as his consent.
Zhang Liangdong was thoroughly disappointed.
He had always believed that Yuan Li was one of the rare loyal ministers who could assist the Emperor in pacifying the world and become a famous minister for generations to come. But the reality had completely deviated from his expectations. How could Yuan Li become a traitor?
This world belonged to Northern Zhou, and Zhang Liangdong’s ancestors had served Northern Zhou for four generations. The rule of the Qin clan over Northern Zhou had deeply ingrained itself in his heart. To him, anyone who sought to seize the world was a traitor! How much he had admired Yuan Li before, and now, how greatly he was disappointed.
When the rumors about Yuan Li’s intentions first emerged, Zhang Liangdong could hardly believe them.
He had hoped that Yuan Li would become Duke Wen, challenging Chen Wang, and dividing the power of Chu Hechao to help the Emperor clear obstacles and stabilize Northern Zhou. But now, what had happened?
The Emperor himself initiated the rumors of abdication, but Zhang Liangdong suspected that Yuan Li had coerced the Emperor into speaking that way, as part of a scheme to openly obtain the throne.
Initially, he had some hope for Yuan Li, but during their conversation, Zhang Liangdong had already lost that hope.
He even suspected that Yuan Li was preventing him from seeing the Emperor because the Emperor was already being held captive. Perhaps the Emperor was now living in perilous circumstances…
Zhang Liangdong didn’t want to think of Yuan Li in that way, but as Yuan Li’s status and power grew, he became more and more mysterious and inscrutable. Zhang Liangdong couldn’t be sure if Yuan Li was still the same person who was once devoted to the country and the people.
He looked at Yuan Li with eyes that harbored a hint of wariness, something that had never appeared before. Then, he spoke firmly once again, “I request Duke Wen’s permission to meet the Emperor.”
Zhan Shaoning and Zhang Liangdong had a good relationship, and the former was becoming anxious, sweating on his forehead. He couldn’t help but speak up, “Minister Zhang, you seem tired. You should go back and rest!”
This remark infuriated Zhang Liangdong, and his hands trembled with anger. He turned around and pointed at Zhan Shaoning’s face, shouting, “You should be the one to go back and rest! It is only right for ministers to pay respects to the Emperor when he visits a place. The Emperor is the Emperor, and we are the ministers! This world has belonged to the Qin clan of Northern Zhou for three hundred years! Have you forgotten the teachings of your ancestors?!”
This was clearly a harsh condemnation.
Guo Mao couldn’t hold back his anger, “You—!”
Yuan Li raised his hand to stop Guo Mao’s words. He looked at Zhang Liangdong calmly, then suddenly smiled, “Gu* and Shaoning has called you Uncle many times before, but now it seems that it was all in vain. Minister Zhang, your devotion to the Emperor and the country is truly admirable, but your baseless speculations are rather displeasing. Shaoning doesn’t dare to forget the teachings of his ancestors, but as for his father’s matter, it seems that you have forgotten.”
* means I for noble person or emperor
Yuan Li stood up and took steps toward Zhang Liangdong.
He had grown taller than Zhan Shaoning since he was twenty-three years old, and his figure was always tall and upright. As he approached, his robe swayed gently, his imposing aura rising with each step, making people feel awe and fear.
Zhang Liangdong felt a cold sweat forming on his forehead, but he steadied himself.
“Have you forgotten about the death of Zhan Qibo, Shaoning’s father? His entire family, men, women, old, and young, were all wiped out, leaving only him to escape at the cost of his own life. Do you not know the reason behind this incident?” Yuan Li stared at Zhang Liangdong’s eyes, his anger and disappointment burning within him. “He regarded you as an elder, Zhang Liangdong. When you used those words to criticize him, did you ever consider how he felt?”
Zhang Liangdong’s breath seemed to stagnate, and he quickly looked back. Zhan Shaoning’s eyes were red, and he forcefully turned his face away.
Zhang Liangdong felt ashamed and turned back.
Yuan Li’s questioning continued, “You must have been greatly disappointed by what the late Emperor did, so you fell into despair after being dismissed from your position and retreated to paint and write at home. You think you can’t change the late Emperor, so you abandoned yourself, unwilling to do anything for Northern Zhou. Yet, now you come here to accuse others and criticize them for not being loyal to the Emperor? You only know how to sacrifice your life to consolidate the Emperor’s authority, but you never use your abilities to truly do something for the people and the country. The books you’ve read, the words you’ve learned, and your decades of experience as an official, do they only teach you the principle of loyalty to the Emperor?”
In an instant, Zhang Liangdong’s face turned red. “Duke Wen!”
Yuan Li walked past him and went to Zhan Shaoning, comforting him by patting his shoulder. “Zhang Liangdong, let me ask you, during your journey to escape to Youzhou, did you see the destitute and starving people who had nowhere to go?”
Zhang Liangdong couldn’t help but recall the scenes of misery he had witnessed during his escape.
After spending a few years in Bingzhou living a comfortable life, he had almost forgotten about the hardships of the common people. But now, as he seriously recalled those scenes, they were vividly clear in his mind. He took a deep breath and said, “I remember.”
Those scenes were so tragic that no amount of talent or literary skills could accurately depict them.
“There are destitute people like that scattered across all thirteen provinces. If the late Emperor had not died, could you still shout ‘loyalty to the Emperor’ in front of those people?” Yuan Li turned to look at Zhang Liangdong, the first time he had shown such open disdain for the late Emperor. He sneered, “You were disappointed and hid away, but you don’t allow others to be disloyal to the Emperor. If those people were ordinary peasants, starving and unable to pledge loyalty, would you still force them one by one to be loyal to the Emperor, to be loyal to the ruler who let them starve and suffer in the chaos of the world?”
Yuan Li’s gaze was piercing, as if shooting arrows that were forcing Zhang Liangdong to lose his composure, leaving his face pale and his steps unsteady.
“Zhang Liangdong, you are too arrogant. Let me tell you this, the Emperor you are loyal to is only the one you want to be loyal to, not the one that the people of the world, this vast land of the Central Plains, truly want to be loyal to.”
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