FYM - 125

On the twenty-first day of the fourth month of the first year of Guangyou, Shi Hong, the military governor of Lingnan, and Du Zehun, the military governor of Jiannan, arrived in Jinling to pay homage to the emperor. Each brought five thousand troops, their journey marked by a grand and imposing display that left the common folk along the way trembling with fear, mistaking them for rebel forces intent on marching all the way to Taicheng.

It wasn’t until they reached a hundred li outside Jinling that General Lou Feng personally led his men to greet the two envoys. From the moment they met, Lou Feng’s expression was icy as he clasped his hands and addressed them: “Even nobles entering the capital may not bring more than a thousand soldiers. The two of you have brought such a large force, which risks alarming the imperial presence. Please reduce your numbers before proceeding.”

Shi Hong and Du Zehun had served as officials for many years—how could they not know the court’s rules? But their intention in coming here was to seize the initiative and intimidate the young Empress Dowager residing in Fuqing Hall. Naturally, they had brought a full complement of troops, unwilling to appear weak or vulnerable.

“General Lou is unaware,” Shi Hong replied with a forced smile, engaging in diplomatic evasion. “The situation in the south is complex. Our decision to bring troops north was made with caution in mind. Our forces are weary from the long journey and would find it difficult to camp in this wilderness. It would be better to allow them into the city first, after which we will explain ourselves to Her Majesty the Empress Dowager and His Majesty.”

But Lou Feng had no patience for such maneuvering. Cutting him off mid-sentence, he firmly stated: “Jinling and Taicheng are under the emperor’s direct authority. How can we permit armed conflict or disrespect? You must carefully consider your words and actions, lest you invite trouble through a single misstep.”

These words were far from polite, and the latter half carried an unmistakable warning. The scar across Shi Hong’s brow immediately took on a menacing glint, revealing the anger rising within him.

—Who did this Lou Feng think he was?

The Lou clan of Guannei were nothing but stray dogs, disgraced and branded as traitors after the debacle at Shangxiao Valley! Now, barely clinging to life, how dare he lecture someone like him, a powerful frontier commander?

Shi Hong was about to retort sharply and teach him a lesson when Du Zehun discreetly pulled him back. The latter was adept at smoothing over conflicts and now nodded graciously at Lou Feng, saying: “General Lou’s advice is well-taken. We were indeed remiss in our consideration…”

After taking a step back, Du Zehun exchanged meaningful glances with his old friend, urging him to prioritize the bigger picture. But Shi Hong refused to yield, still shooting back: “His Majesty is benevolent and forgiving. Even those who once defied orders and harmed the nation have been given important roles. Surely bringing a few thousand extra troops won’t be scrutinized so harshly?”

There’s a saying: one misstep can lead to eternal regret. Eight years ago, Lou Xiao’s violation of military orders had led to the fall of Chang’an—a crime that time could never erase. This jab not only pierced Lou Feng’s heart but also turned the faces of the Lou clan’s soldiers behind him ashen. Watching this, Shi Hong burst into laughter, then hypocritically shook his head, claiming he had “misspoken.” Just as he was reveling in his triumph, the sound of galloping hooves approached from afar. A dark cloud raced forward like a gale—no banners were needed to identify the approaching force as the elite Shenglüe Army of Yingchuan.

“What is causing this commotion on the road?”

The leader appeared unfamiliar, likely a general from one of the Fang clan’s lesser branches. As he reined in his horse, the entire army stood in solemn silence, truly embodying the discipline and authority of a force renowned for its strict obedience. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, neither Shi Hong nor Du Zehun dared to show any disrespect. Shi Hong quickly wiped the smile from his face and politely bowed to the man, while Lou Feng’s expression remained grim as he leaned over to whisper a few words to the Fang general.

The Fang general’s expression darkened upon hearing this, then turned impassive as he glanced at the two envoys. Without raising his voice, he simply stated: “Military governors entering the capital are permitted to bring no more than five hundred soldiers according to regulations. Violators will be charged with treason and executed.”

The word “executed” hung heavy in the air. The renowned elite warriors of the Shenglüe Army were no ordinary force. The private troops brought by Shi Hong and Du Zehun instinctively took a step back, their fear clearly written on their faces.

Shi Hong felt as though he’d been doused with a bucket of cold water. Half of his earlier arrogance had already dissipated. Du Zehun, meanwhile, scrambled to de-escalate the situation, repeatedly nodding and saying: “Yes, yes, we will naturally abide by the rules… abide by the rules…”

The two then complied, each selecting five hundred soldiers to accompany them forward, while the rest of their forces remained behind to await further orders. The Shenglüe Army personally escorted them into Jinling. The common people lining the roads watched with awe and respect, stepping aside deferentially.

The news of the two envoys entering the palace city naturally reached Fuqing Hall first. At that time, Song Shuyan was seated calmly in the inner hall, her eyes lowered as she reviewed the land inspection reports submitted by Xu Zongyao from local prefectures and counties. Without looking up, she instructed those around her: “Have them wait at Fengyang Hall. Tell them I will arrive shortly.”

“The way of kingship lies in the art of strategy…”

In the past, Emperor Renzong often imparted this lesson to her when he was ill.

“Sometimes you must conceal your emotions from your ministers, and other times you must make them aware of your displeasure—Shuyan, you must learn to gauge the balance yourself.”

She understood his meaning: to feign weakness when strong and strength when weak. A ruler must instill fear in their subjects. Now, not only did Shi Hong and Du Zehun intend to intimidate her, but she also wished to strike them down with a show of authority. The interplay of truth and deception hid countless opportunities within these subtle struggles.

But back then, she had been young and did not fully grasp Wei Qin’s intentions. By his sickbed, she respectfully leaned forward and asked: “Has Your Majesty ever employed such strategies? To whom did you conceal your feelings, and to whom did you reveal them?”

He fell silent then, his frail figure leaning deep into the dragon bed, his slightly closed eyes exuding an air of inscrutability. She realized she had said something foolish and refrained from asking further.

Now, she used the methods he had taught her to discipline her ministers, leaving the two military governors waiting at Fengyang Hall for most of the day. It wasn’t until nightfall that she sent Zhao Hua to deliver a message: the Empress Dowager was too busy with state affairs to receive them today. They were to rest at the guest quarters and would be received in the palace the next day.

Shi Hong was naturally displeased, but he couldn’t help but feel uneasy. Reflecting on the subtle humiliation he suffered earlier at the hands of the Shenglüe Army, he began to suspect whether the young Empress Dowager’s cold treatment of them was due to some hidden contingency. Du Zehun, who was more cautious by nature, felt even more unsettled. That night, he didn’t sleep at all, and when he entered the palace the next day, dark circles under his eyes were clearly visible. As he entered Fengyang Hall, his palms were slick with sweat.

The young Empress Dowager they had once belittled sat calmly behind the imperial desk. No one dared to look up at her face, bowing deeply in respectful prostration. After a long silence, she finally uttered a faint, “Rise,” without offering them seats—a marked departure from her usual treatment of senior officials.

“The two generals have traveled far to Jinling, enduring much hardship along the way,” she finally spoke, her voice cool. “However, since the southern migration, the people have suffered greatly. I have personally decreed that all palace expenses be kept simple. Therefore, no special banquet will be prepared to welcome you.”

This excuse was skillfully crafted, and everyone present understood it as a public humiliation of the two military governors. Word would spread among the officials that they had fallen out of favor with the Empress Dowager, and their reception would consequently be lukewarm at best.

Shi Hong felt a surge of indignation at being treated so arrogantly by a mere woman but managed to utter a few polite words before adopting a grave tone: “I am well aware of my own inadequacies and lack of merit, and I dare not accept undue rewards. I also understand the difficulties the court faces during these troubled times. Thus, I humbly offer a plan to alleviate the burdens of Your Majesty and the emperor…”

His words were smooth, but the Empress Dowager above remained silent. He steeled himself and continued: “I trust my previous memorial has already reached you. My concerns are entirely selfless. The five prefectures of Lingnan are crucial frontier strongholds, tasked with deterring the southern regions since the founding of our dynasty. However, since the Taiqing era, military supplies have been strained. Our soldiers often lack food and weapons, resulting in heavy casualties when fighting against the tribes of Suijing. Every time I witness this, I cannot help but feel deep sorrow…”

“And if the court were to grant us the authority to collect taxes and provisions, the army’s needs would be immediately met, eliminating any concerns about defending the borders. The entire army would unite with renewed vigor to fortify our nation’s defenses. I am fully aware of the dangers posed by the Zhong clan and harbor no intention of amassing power to challenge the throne. I sincerely request that Your Majesty consider this proposal and appoint provincial governors to oversee the military and financial affairs of the five prefectures. I guarantee complete transparency and will report everything faithfully. If I violate this pledge, I will offer my head in apology!”

With that, he knelt again with a resounding thud, his mention of “offering my head” adding to the dramatic effect. Du Zehun, startled, quickly followed suit, bowing deeply with an earnest expression, as if portraying himself as a righteous and virtuous statesman worthy of eternal remembrance.

Song Shuyan’s lips curved slightly, thinking how meticulously these two had planned, even considering the appointment of provincial governors. But what good would that do? While initially they might serve as her eyes and ears to monitor the military affairs of the prefectures, over time they would inevitably be bribed or threatened. Once things changed, they would be the first to be sacrificed by these unruly generals. How many could truly remain loyal?

“Your thorough consideration makes me seem shortsighted,” she said, her voice growing colder. The palace attendants in Fengyang Hall felt a chill run down their spines. “But according to your reasoning, if the financial authority is not granted, will the troops refuse to defend the borders wholeheartedly?”

This question cut deep. Shi Hong and Du Zehun both kowtowed, exclaiming, “We dare not!” Song Shuyan remained expressionless, her tone growing increasingly severe: “Since you mentioned the name ‘Zhong,’ you should know the root of the current chaos. The seven military governors already wield significant power and hold high ranks. To seek more is sheer greed and arrogance, deserving of universal condemnation.”

The word “condemnation” echoed chillingly with Shi Hong’s earlier “offering my head.” Though not as impassioned as his words, her statement was firm and penetrating. The two men on the ground trembled visibly, unprepared for the Empress Dowager’s mercilessness and lack of room for negotiation.

“I understand your hardships…”

Suddenly, her tone shifted, becoming softer. The art of kingship lay in balancing kindness and severity, and she had mastered the lessons imparted by the late emperor.

“The imperial examinations have just concluded, and the court has resolved to implement new policies. Once the people prosper, the nation’s foundation will be secure, and military supplies can be adequately allocated. All of you are trusted ministers of two dynasties. Surely, you can empathize with the difficulties faced by me and the emperor…”

This was a slap followed by a sweet treat, manipulating hearts with a few light words. Shi Hong clenched his fists tightly, realizing he had underestimated this woman. Burdened by such immense responsibility, she left little room for argument or persistence.

“Your servant…”

He attempted to argue further, but the Empress Dowager impatiently waved her hand, her delicate brows furrowed as if silently conveying the message: “Do not be ungrateful.” She then coldly added: “The two of you have traveled far and may stay in the new capital for some time. When the time comes… you may bid me farewell.”

The final sentence was profoundly ambiguous, suggesting an intention to detain them in Jinling indefinitely. Shi Hong and Du Zehun silently exited Fengyang Hall, their earlier bravado reduced to a mere shadow after the encounter with the Shenglüe Army.

“Pengda, this…”

Du Zehun was beside himself with worry, fearing the Empress Dowager might indeed harbor murderous intentions. Even if they could leverage the situation in the south, their fates remained firmly in others’ hands. Shi Hong was equally unsettled, his mind racing with unease. Just then, they noticed several figures approaching from the distant imperial path. Upon closer inspection, they recognized the Five Regents, led by Marquis Fang Xianting in a purple robe, his cold gaze piercing. A step behind him stood Wei Bi of Yinping, his eyes twinkling with subtle amusement.

Both men were startled and hastily bowed to the senior officials. The Marquis strode past them without pause, heading toward Fengyang Hall. The other regents similarly exchanged no words with them. Only Wei Bi stopped, greeting Du Zehun warmly and exchanging a few pleasantries. Then, glancing subtly in the direction the Marquis had departed, he raised his voice slightly: “Jima, it has been many years since we last met. If you have time tonight, why not visit my mansion for a chat?”

This gesture of goodwill was a lifeline for the two men. Du Zehun, overwhelmed with gratitude, bowed deeply to Wei Bi and quickly replied: “Thank you for not abandoning me, my lord. I will certainly come, I will certainly come.”

Seeing this, Shi Hong tugged urgently at his colleague’s sleeve, signaling him to introduce him as well. Wei Bi, accommodating as ever, patted his shoulder warmly before departing with a laugh. The two watched as the Five Regents entered the gates of Fengyang Hall, their gazes meeting with a newfound depth.