Hengping County, Pandong Commandery, Cheng Province.
This was the garrison of Dian Wue and his followers. With towering walls and a deep moat, backed by strong soldiers and sturdy horses, one could tell at a glance that the place had been painstakingly maintained over a long period.
After openly proclaiming their allegiance to the Marquis of Quanling as the Sovereign, Dian Wue and his allies no longer concealed their movements, swaggering into the government offices. Among them was, of course, the impostor “Wen Jinming.” However, this person was self-aware enough to know her place as a fraud and dared not treat those around her as subordinates. She delegated all affairs to True Master Pingtai, a disciple of Xuanyangzi, and dutifully played the role of a puppet.
Inside the inner chamber.
An advisor named Yu Gao reported, “General, word has come from the front that the Jianping army is now encamped at Lujia City and may march eastward in the coming days.”
Dian Wue replied in a modest tone, “I have always been rather ordinary in matters of warfare. I would ask you, Master Yu, to analyze the situation for me.”
Without hesitation, Yu Gao stated directly, “In my humble opinion, we currently face three disadvantages. First, most of the Jianping soldiers are battle-tested veterans, far from ordinary recruits, and their commander is a renowned general of the age. That is the first disadvantage.
“Second, ever since Great Master Xuanyang passed away, the morale in the eastern region has wavered. Many of the local magnates and clan leaders lack firm resolve; while they may pledge allegiance to us now, they may not resist the Jianping army with full effort when the time comes. That is the second disadvantage.”
“Lastly, while we lack neither troops nor provisions, our forces are scattered, concentrated mostly around Hengping. In contrast, the Jianping army has already assembled into a cohesive force. That is the third disadvantage.”
As his words fell, the expressions of many in the inner chamber had already turned somewhat grim. Due to his position, Yu Gao had left some things unspoken: Wen Yanran still held the mantle of legitimate authority. The reason they had managed to sway support was largely because the eastern region was densely packed with powerful local magnates and fortified strongholds, essentially a patchwork of mini-states. These factions naturally resisted a strong central authority, preferring to rally behind an ambiguously identified “Marquis of Quanling” rather than acknowledge the new emperor. However, such arguments might hold sway in the east, but in the central, southern, northern, and especially western regions, they would likely carry far less weight.
Yu Gao was a scholar. In his youth, he had received great kindness from Xuanyangzi, which led him to vow lifelong service to Tian Dongyang. Because he possessed genuine ability, he was often relied upon more than disciples like Dian Wue. At heart, Yu Gao had no desire to become an outlaw. However, upon hearing the news that Xuanyangzi had been slaughtered like a chicken or dog by Yan Xiaolou in the residence of Marquis Dong, his heart burned with an indignation he could not suppress. It was this that steeled his resolve to join Dian Wue in rebellion.
In truth, while disciples of Xuanyangzi like Sun Wuji harbored some resentment toward Yu Gao’s consistent favor, Dian Wue recognized the man’s genuine talent. After the rebellion began, he was willing to set aside past grievances and frequently heed Yu Gao’s counsel.
Dian Wue asked, “Then, in your view, what should we do?”
Yu Gao replied, “General, you should dispatch trusted and prestigious aides to supervise the front lines. This way, if we are defeated, we can swiftly regroup the remaining forces.”
Dian Wue fell silent for a moment before asking, “In your opinion, are we certain to be defeated once we engage the traitor Tao?”
Yu Gao nodded, then shook his head. “Judging by the contest for individual cities and territories, currently no one in the east can rival Tao Jia. However, looking at the broader picture, you are not without chances for victory, General.”
Dian Wue said, “I wish to hear the details.”
Yu Gao sighed, “In recent days, my thoughts have been consumed by the actions and style of that young emperor from Jianping. The reason she was able to pacify Tai Province lies not only in her military prowess but also in her genuine skill in stabilizing regions, governing, and managing the populace. Though rumors of her ruthlessness abound, she is not without a measure of benevolence.”
Someone in the inner chamber couldn’t help but snort coldly upon hearing him praise Wen Yanran.
However, Dian Wue said, “In terms of discerning character, I am far inferior to you. Knowing both oneself and the enemy is the path to victory. Your ability to gauge people’s hearts is nothing but beneficial for the overall situation.”
Yu Gao listened quietly, then bowed before continuing, “Thank you for your trust and esteem, General.” He proceeded, “That young emperor from Jianping thinks far ahead, and thus will inevitably consider the issue of pacifying the people after victory.”
In the early days of Wen Yanran’s reign, the central government’s talent pool had been severely depleted due to the waste and mismanagement of the previous, oppressive emperor. Consequently, while she faced few constraints from obstructive figures after ascending the throne, there were also genuinely few capable people available to serve her.
Yu Gao spoke earnestly, “This being the case, the young emperor will have no choice but to rely on the local great clans to pacify the east.”
Indeed, in Tai Province, Wen Yanran had done precisely that. While she centralized the authority for appointments and dismissals, she also implemented additional policies to reassure the hearts of the local communities and selected outstanding individuals from among them to enter the Imperial Academy.
Yu Gao continued, “Since Lujia City is already lost and there’s nothing left to hold back the enemy from that direction, we might as well let Tao Jia advance. After enduring the initial unfavorable phase of battle, his forces will naturally penetrate deep into the eastern hinterland. Tao Jia will need to garrison troops to secure captured passes, continuously dispersing his strength. We can then seize the opportunity to defeat him.”
Dian Wue asked, “What if reinforcements arrive?”
Yu Gao shook his head. “Back then, the young emperor could mobilize the entire nation’s strength to pacify the western tribes, but she cannot do the same today.” He unfurled a map and analyzed carefully, “In the northern region, we must guard against local magnates stirring up trouble, so the forces under Song Nanlou cannot be mobilized…”
Before he could finish, someone interrupted, “But didn’t the tyrannical emperor also transfer Song Nanlou to Tai Province before?”
Yu Gao felt his throat grow dry. He paused before saying, “That was because Wen Xun was there.”
At the time, Wen Xun was nominally a general in the rear camp, but in reality, she frequently had to lead troops on training exercises near the northern border, using military presence to exert pressure.
Yu Gao continued, “But now, the young emperor cannot continue to act in the same manner.” He looked at the others in the inner chamber and said, “Since we have raised the banner of the Marquis of Quanling, can she still feel as secure about the southern region as before?”
The western tribes differ from the eastern region. Given the prevailing sentiment of the times, people from different backgrounds formed clear-cut factions. Someone like Ren Feihong is virtually unique in the entire realm. No matter how ruthless Wen Yanran might be, she need not worry about court officials colluding with the western tribes. However, she does have to worry about them becoming entangled with the east.
“Then there are the western tribes, only recently subjugated. The tribesmen have never been known for keeping faith, so we must guard against them surrendering only to rebel again. That general in the Imperial Guard, Zhong Zhiwei, is a trusted favorite of the young emperor. If the western tribes were stable, she wouldn’t have delayed recalling her for so long. Therefore, the only elite troops the young emperor can deploy and trust are those from the Central Camp.”
The Central Camp served as the reserve force for the Imperial Guard, and the Imperial Guard itself was needed to defend the capital.
Yu Gao stated, “Once Tao Jia penetrates deep into the east, we can wear him down by attrition – there are so many fortress manors in the east. Even if the fortress manors behind him surrender after he advances, can’t they rebel again? Does he have the troops to garrison every single city?” He bowed to Dian Wue. “My strategy for you, General, is this: dispatch people to ensure the land remains unsettled even if we lose it, and the troops do not scatter even if we are defeated.”
Dian Wue nodded and turned to the others. “If no one has objections, we will proceed according to Master Yu’s plan.”
After the meeting concluded, Dian Wue kept Yu Gao behind for a private conversation before letting him leave. Yu Gao looked up at the bright moon in the sky and, thinking of Xuanyangzi’s profound kindness toward him, couldn’t help but sigh deeply. He then turned and headed south to visit Chu Sui, who was under house arrest there.
A guard reported in a low voice, “She has started eating.”
Yu Gao stopped outside the door, not entering. From where he stood, he could already hear Chu Sui’s voice coming from within.
Chu Sui sneered, “You needn’t trouble yourselves with forcing a feeding tube down my throat anymore. I shall eat on my own, and there is no need to worry that I might take my own life – how else would I live to see the day when all of you reach your utter end!”
Yu Gao sighed inwardly. Knowing Chu Sui had the proud temper of a scholar-official, he straightened his robes before stepping inside and said, “Master Chu.”
Chu Sui paid him no mind.
She had ample reason not to engage with this former acquaintance – it was Yu Gao who had detained her when she was preparing to return to her hometown, severing her communication with her family.
Yu Gao, privately doubtful that the Marquis of Quanling could succeed, had kept Chu Sui in hand as a potential contingency. He first appealed to her emotions, then tempted her with benefits. Upon realizing she genuinely refused to serve Dian Wue, he abruptly turned hostile, placed her under house arrest, and, using her past writings as material, forged that declaration of war.
He wasn’t entirely lying – the text was indeed crafted by Chu Sui, but it wasn’t a single piece; rather, it was a patchwork of many writings. As someone deeply conscious of potential crises, Chu Sui had worried that her lord might lack inspiration if he needed to compose a document on the spot. Therefore, she had prepared the proclamation for the Marquis of Quanling’s ascension in advance, along with declarations of war. Phrases such as ” usurps the throne for self-glorification” were taken from her earlier drafts, originally describing Wen Jiangong. However, since he had not been chosen as the successor and had already met his end, Chu Sui had naturally cast that article aside.
Yu Gao fell silent for a moment, then retrieved the declaration of war from his sleeve and read it aloud in front of Chu Sui. He then said, “This text has now spread throughout Jianping. You once enjoyed considerable literary fame, Master Chu, with many writings circulating. In your opinion, could others recognize your style in this?”
Chu Sui replied coldly, “The details of this text are so clumsy. If I truly had composed it for the Sovereign, would I have failed to mention the Emperor’s maternal relatives at all?”
Whenever a declaration of war is used to denounce someone, any available vulnerability must be seized upon.
Yu Gao paused and said, “The Emperor is young and never attended school in the past, so she likely wouldn’t notice such things. As for others, who would dare to speak up?”
Upon hearing this, Chu Sui immediately fell silent.
Cut off from outside communication, she had access to very limited information and was unaware of Wen Yanran’s portrayal in rumors. She felt Yu Gao’s words made considerable sense. Moreover, at such a time, the southern scholar-official families who had been on good terms with hers in the past were the least likely to speak up on their behalf, while officials in Jianping naturally had no desire to invite trouble.
Meanwhile, Yu Gao thought to himself: Rumors abound about that young emperor’s near-omnipotence, even in arithmetic. It wouldn’t be surprising if she also possessed some literary talent. He thus resolved to continue pressuring the Chu family. If the Emperor ultimately chose to take action against them, the morale of the major southern clans would inevitably waver, allowing his side to proceed with greater ease.
Wen Yanran had transmigrated too quickly and hadn’t deeply studied the side quest guides, so she was unaware that in certain plotlines, the Chu family would be taken over by other factions after the death of the Marquis of Quanling. Due to their tragic endings, players jokingly remarked that the entire family carried a debuff of being “100% framed and executed or frightened into suicide.”
Chu Xi had returned home for three days now.
At the time of his resignation, the Emperor naturally urged him to stay. Drawing from his family’s scholarly tradition, he understood that to gain a ruler’s trust, one must avoid placing oneself in a suspicious position. Weren’t the Song family of Jianzhou loyal ministers? During the Western Tribes campaign, because Song Nanlou was leading troops abroad, Song Wenshu in Jianping absolutely refused to monopolize court affairs. It was only after the Emperor assigned Yuan Yanshi and Wen Jingmei to collaborate with him that he fearfully accepted the task.
The current predicament of the Chu family was somewhat similar to that of the Song family back then, only far more precarious.
The Song family’s stance was sound, yet they had once followed Wen Jingming. At least Yu Gao was correct about one thing: being scholar-official clans, officials of the Great Zhou indeed possessed the potential to defect to the eastern faction. Moreover, the more deeply rooted and influential a clan was, the more likely they were to hedge their bets by supporting both sides. In this context, the Chu family’s position was particularly awkward.
As former followers of the Marquis of Quanling, if the eastern faction truly succeeded in contacting and enthroning Wen Jingming’s descendant, how could they bear to oppose their former young lord?
If other scholar-official clans might surrender after capture, the Chu family could not easily do so. After the defeat at the Northern Park, they had already switched allegiance once. Even if Wen Jingming’s descendant were to genuinely hold no grudge upon succeeding, would they have the face to return?
As Chu Xi was tormented by inner anxiety, a servant came to report that his uncle, Chu Fu, had summoned him.
“Uncle is here today?” Chu Xi asked.
Nominally, Chu Fu had already severed ties with the Chu family, which allowed him to act without restraint, helping the Emperor decisively deal with the powerful southern clans. This also secured the opportunity for Chu Xi to enter government service. Precisely because of these intertwined interests, the two sides were superficially separated yet still considered one family.
After pledging allegiance, fearing the Emperor’s suspicion, the clan elder Chu Cong, along with Chu Fu – who had previously served under the Marquis of Quanling – and a group of the clan’s elderly and young, all relocated from the south. They settled honestly in Jianzhou, effectively placing themselves as hostages under the Emperor’s watchful eyes to reassure her.
Chu Fu asked, “That proclamation – was it truly written by Ah-Sui?”
Chu Xi bowed his head, tears welling up, not daring to speak.
Chu Fu sighed, “So it might indeed be possible.”
Chu Fu slowly rose and bowed toward the south, burning incense. Though unspoken, it was clear to any observer that he was at that moment remembering the Marquis of Quanling.
During these days back home, although Chu Xi had not ventured out, he was aware that all the wards within Jianping had been placed under strict control, and the city’s morale was somewhat unsettled.
News of the Marquis of Quanling’s rebellion had spread with alarming speed, and that proclamation seemed to have scattered everywhere overnight. The Great Zhou did not yet possess woodblock printing technology; the ability to disseminate information so widely clearly demonstrated that forces obeying the eastern faction must exist within Jianping.
The Emperor had directly imposed a curfew. Even during the day, people were forbidden to leave their residential wards. Under Yan Xiaolou’s command, the Imperial Guard’s external patrols meticulously inspected the city’s situation. Many individuals under suspicion were apprehended, including servants from the Chu family residence. After much inquiry, Chu Xi learned that these servants had also secretly worshipped Great Master Xuanyang.
He had always known that Xuanyangzi held significant sway among the common people, but he never expected that even servants of noble families could fall under his influence.
