Chapter 3

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

The Emperor’s command cannot be disobeyed

Emperor Cheng lifted his hand: “Rise quickly.”

Huo Linfeng slowly lifted his lowered eyes. He took a careless glance at the Emperor, not bothering to observe closely. Golden bricks paved the walls and red carpets covered the floor. On both sides, golden-plated dragon statues stood. Emperor Cheng, who was well over fifty, sat up straight on the throne high above. He had always been considerate to his subjects and officials, but he also exuded the feeling of control.

“The Marquis has had a long and arduous journey.” Emperor Cheng said, “After not meeting for so many years, Zhen [1] rests assured knowing that you are still as healthy as before.”

Huo Zhao cupped his hands, thanking the Emperor for his concern. It was hard to know what the Emperor was thinking, so it was best to speak first: “Speaking to Your Majesty, this old subject had come with his second son Linfeng. This child is stubborn and disobedient. I fear that he will offend Your Majesty. Your Majesty, please forgive me.”

Emperor Cheng objected: “Where is the truth in that?” He lightly shifted his gaze at Huo Linfeng and observed him for a while. “Your stubborn and disobedient child severed Mohelu’s head. The story of his heroism has already reached Chang’an. General Huo, how old are you this year?”

After a moment of silence, Huo Linfeng replied: “Answering Your Majesty, this humble subject is twenty-three.”

Emperor Cheng praised: “Zhen remembers that when you were thirteen, you followed the Marquis onto the battlefield and nearly got taken away by the barbarians. In the short span of four years, you fought your first fierce battle and brought peace to the chaos.”

Huo Linfeng stared blankly for a while. At seventeen, when he first started commanding, the military situation couldn’t be considered chaotic. When he led his troops, he had killed wildly and unrestrainedly. After winning the battle, he took his army to massacre a whole city, slaughtering both the young and old, women and children. That city became a wasteland. The weeds grew wildly and no children ever ran in those streets again.

The Emperor sat on the throne, laughing as if he was telling an amusing story.

Little did he know that after that battle, Huo Linfeng had nightmares for months on end. Blood flowed like rivers and screams pierced the sky. Red was all he could see and wailing all he could hear. He was a little distracted: “Your Majesty thinks too highly of me. This humble subject just wants the world to be peaceful and the common people to be happy.”

Emperor Cheng was pleased and hummed in satisfaction. His gaze flitted back and forth between the father and son pair. After the decisive victory, the non-Hans would have to lie low for a few years. Thinking to this point, his smile deepened.

The hall was filled with officials kneeling in neat rows, congratulating the Great Yong and the Emperor according to court rules. After silence fell, another voice rang out, “Your Majesty, General Huo is brave and courageous with excellent martial skills. He undoubtedly has the talents of one in a million.”

These were ordinary praises, but they were no longer ordinary once these few words were said in the imperial court. The speaker was around forty-five or forty-six. The strings of hair under his cap were more or less gray. He had light eyebrows and a pair of phoenix eyes. The wrinkles between his eyes were deep as if he wrinkled his forehead in worry often.

Huo Linfeng sized him up out of the corners of his eyes. This was his first time in Chang’an, so he could not recognize who it was. Instead, he examined his robes. He wore a purple robe with wide sleeves, embroidered with a white crane embedded with jade and pearls. In addition to his position in the front row, it was safe to assume that he was the Grand Councilor.

He guessed correctly, this man was indeed the Grand Councilor, Chen Sheng — courtesy name, Chen Ruoyin.

After Chen Ruoyin’s praise, Huo Zhao said: “Great Yong has many talented people. The Grand Councilor has overpraised my son.”

“The Marquis is too modest.” Chen Ruoyin laughed politely and turned towards Emperor Cheng to bow, “Your Majesty, the border is now peaceful. We no longer need to worry about the situation in the mountain pass. General Huo’s great deeds cannot go unnoticed. This subject wants to request on behalf of General Huo for a long-term bestowment.”

Huo Linfeng’s heart jumped. Before he came, he knew that it wouldn’t be as simple as receiving a reward. Right now, he was hoping in his heart that the Emperor would refuse.

From the side, smoke rose quietly and peacefully from the candles, filling the hall. Emperor Cheng was quiet for a while. “Let’s hear what the Grand Councilor has to say.”

Chen Ruoyin said: “Responding to Your Majesty, General Huo’s abilities are not worse than that of his brother Jinghai. In addition, the border does not need two great generals to keep stability. This subject thinks it would do no harm for him to leave the mountain pass and work for a greater cause.”

The hall turned still. The Marquis of Dingbei, who protected the country and was also a pillar for the imperial court, was unexpectedly told to hand over his son. The Grand Councilor’s remarks were planned beforehand with the backing of the Emperor.

Huo Linfeng suddenly felt tired. When he fought day and night in battle, he never got tired. Yet, at this moment, he felt exhausted. He said: “Your Majesty, this subject is afraid he can’t bear the heavy responsibility.”

Emperor Cheng waved his hand: “How can the son of the Marquis be compared to an ordinary person. There’s no need to humble yourself like so. Moreover, you’re only twenty-three. Staying in Saibei all your life would be dull. Leaving your home for a while is good.”

These were light sentences, yet they had a heavy weight with the power to cause great changes. The thousands of words Huo Linfeng wanted to say were stuck in his throat like fishbones. He bent his knees and knelt: “This subject will heed to Your Majesty’s commands and would not hesitate to do so even in the face of death.” In that instant, he saw Huo Zhao’s fist clench tightly.

When the hour came, everyone stood to leave. Emperor Cheng stood up straight with the help of a servant. As he lifted his eyes, there was an unspeakable dignified air to him. He opened his mouth and said that there would be a welcoming banquet held tonight for the Marquis of Dingbei and his son. Moreover, there were things to be further discussed.

The officials knelt and dispersed. Huo Linfeng followed Huo Zhao out the hall. They only walked out a few steps when they heard Chen Ruoyin calling to them.

“The Marquis’s strides are powerful, this humble one has difficulty catching up.” Chen Ruoyin stroked his beard, his bright phoenix eyes curving onto a smile. “I originally wanted to invite the Marquis over for a chat, but since the palace is hosting a banquet, the two of us should drink a few cups of wine.”

Huo Zhao moved his hands: “Of course. Grand Councilor has a sharp tongue, you should make sure you stay hydrated after all that talking.”

Chen Ruoyin did not waver. He leaned closer, the white crane on his purple robes touched the qilin overcoat. “The Marquis mustn’t blame me,” he said quietly next to Huo Zhao’s ear, “They’re merely using this mouth of mine to speak for the Emperor. If the Marquis were to blame me, I would be greatly wronged.”

The two were of the same official rank. For him to offend the other, there must be a reason behind it.

Chen Ruoyin rejoiced in the others misfortune, laughing at the Marquis of Dingbei’s misery. He shot a glance at Huo Linfeng and said, “Worthy nephew, a word of advice: take things as they come [2].”

In front of the emperor, one cannot be too arrogant or restless. Who cares if you were a Marquis or a minister? Either way, only when you peel the skin and break the bones can one have a taste of endless suffering.

Chen Ruoyin strode away, his purple robes shivering in the wind. The white crane seemed to shake its wings, preparing to fly free. Huo Linfeng stared after him. This was the first person who dared act arrogantly in front of his father.

Without further ado, a servant came to call them into the palace garden to rest.

Dusk arrived. The blazing light of three hundred red candles lit up Phoenix Song Platform, its smoke filling the night sky. The musicians strummed their zithers, the free and unfettered music flowed. Small square tables draped with delicate, smooth silk were neatly placed about. Warmed fine wines were abundant. A servant knelt on the side to pour wine. Huo Linfeng picked his cup up. As he tilted his head to drink, he glanced at the person across from him.

That person was watching the dancers swaying on the stage. His age was around that of Huo Zhao and Chen Ruoyin, yet his stature did not seem to be from the same mold. Instead, he was pale and frail. His facial features were plain but still like tranquil water. He seemed to be a refined scholar and was extremely eye-catching in this crowd of wasted officials.

Just then, sweet pear and roasted goose were served. Huo Linfeng retracted his gaze and couldn’t help but remember the steam pears from home. Suddenly, a clear sound rang out. Emperor Cheng had tapped his chopstick against his cup and everything became silent in an instant. It was so quiet that it almost seemed like no one was there. The servants serving food and cleaning tables held their breaths.

“Zhen is drunk.” His words were clear and dragged out. Emperor Cheng said fondly: “— Linfeng, if you take a fancy of anywhere within the four seas, Zhen will give you that place. Zhen will not treat you shabbily.”

Huo Linfeng’s heart jumped to his throat. He stood rapidly and knelt: “Your Majesty regards me too highly. This humble servant is merely a newcomer and will always carefully obey Your Majesty’s orders.”

Emperor Cheng signaled with his eyes. The official in charge understood and told the musicians to continue playing.

Huo Zhao looked at Chen Ruoyin. As expected, he had come prepared. Chen Ruoyin’s deep smile was like a saucer of rich ink pouring onto Huo Zhao, dirtying him. He stood: “Your Majesty, this subject has a proposal. I think the Xiqian Ridge [3] below Mount Lengsang [4] would be an appropriate place.”

Xiqian Ridge was extremely far away from Chang’an. It was located at the border of Jiangnan [5], where Huo Linfeng has never set foot. Emperor Cheng listened and felt it was not bad, but someone rose and reproached: “Your Majesty, this subject disagrees.”

Everyone craned their necks to look at the person who suddenly spoke out. Huo Linfeng looked over. It turned out to be the scholarly official from earlier. “So it’s Grand Mentor Shen,” The one who spoke out was indeed the Grand Mentor, Shen Wendao. Emperor Cheng: “The Grand Mentor’s knowledge is vast. Speak what you deemed inappropriate.”

Shen Wendao spoke: “Answering to Your Majesty, the land of Jianghu beyond the imperial court is vast. Xiqian Ridge cannot be counted as a good place. First, Xiqian Ridge is far, locating to the south of the river. I fear General Huo would have a hard time adjusting. Second, there’s news of an evil tyrant who seized control of Jianghu. These years, this tyrant have brought no little trouble to innumerable government officials. It’s too dangerous. Therefore, this subject thought it would be inappropriate for General Huo to go.”

The proposal was refuted thoroughly. The pros and cons, the causes and effects — they were all laid out properly. All that was left was for the emperor to make his decision. Emperor Cheng narrowed his eyes, seeming to be thinking deeply about this matter. In this short moment of silence, Chen Ruoyin sneered: “Grand Mentor’s words are wrong. There is no place under the Heavens that does not belong to the Emperor. Although Xiqian Ridge is far, it is still a piece of territory that belongs to the Great Yong. No matter how barbaric those people in Jianghu are, the court still needs to regain control of it. Furthermore, how can other people compare to the Marquis of Dingbei’s son? General Huo has become a hero at such a young age with outstanding military merits. How can he not handle some insignificant Jianghu people?”

Shen Wendao agreed at once: “The Grand Councilor’s words are extremely reasonable.”

Chen Ruoyin was stunned. Everyone stared blankly, thinking that the Grand Mentor was going to debate with the Grand Councilor. The fact that he had agreed so readily was truly hard to chew on. Shen Wendao lifted his robes and knelt respectfully: “Your Majesty, as the Grand Councilor said, General Huo should leave for Xiqian Ridge. He will be able to get rid of the thieves and wrongdoers. It’s just that…”

Emperor Cheng: “Speak, there’s no harm in saying it.”

“It’s just that General Huo is only one person. Even if he grew three heads and six arms, this attempt would be in vain.” Shen Wendao kowtowed, “This subject proposes that once General Huo arrives in Xiqian Ridge, the local barracks would be handed over to him to command. Like this, he would definitely be able to bring the barbarians under control.”

Chen Ruoyin narrowed his eyes. How cunning, striking when the iron is hot [6] and beating him at his own game!

There were no glaring lights or flying shadows of swords, but this battle of words was even deadlier than those of blades. After a long time, the platters of roasted goose had turned cold and the sweetened pears were now covered in a layer of candy frost. The hall-full of officials waited on bated breaths.

Emperor Cheng held his cup and said slowly: “It’ll be as the Grand Councilor and Grand Mentor said. Huo Linfeng will be assigned to Xiqian Ridge to take over the garrison there and straighten out Jianghu for Zhen.”

Fearing that things would get worse, Huo Linfeng kowtowed: “This lowly subject will abide by the Emperor’s decree, even in the face of a thousand deaths.”

At this moment, the welcoming feast could finally truly start. Melodious music filled the ears as happy chatter filled the air along with the aroma of warmed wine. The bustling excitement lasted well into the night. Emperor Cheng was tipsy and went to rest. Once he left the hall, the feast had ended. Cups and dishes were laid in a mess.

Almost everyone was drunk, only leaving a few sober. The moonlight shone down brightly as the Huo father and son pair met up with Shen Wendao. They were still within the palace and the walls have ears, so they swallowed some words they wanted to say.

Huo Zhao cupped his hands and thanked him. Shen Wendao shook off his cogent way of speech and said lightly: “To want to weave a robe of brocade, but receive one of hemp instead. One must not be anxious, but maintain one’s resolve [7].”

The situation now cannot be considered a dead end. Even when hidden in the deepest alley, the aroma of fine wine cannot be concealed. Likewise, one cannot hide the skills of a talented general. As long as the general has troops to command, he can topple the Heavens and the Earth.

To avoid arousing suspicion, Shen Wendao left first in large strides after they finished speaking.

Huo Linfeng was shocked. Within the gratitude birthed admiration and respect. He turned back to his father, who unexpectedly had an expressionless face.

“Dad?” He called.

Huo Zhao let out a long sigh. To want to weave a brocade robe but receive one of hemp instead. The original person who said this phrase had died seventeen years ago.

“Is it …”

The famous scholar, Grand Mentor Tang Zhen.

Huo Linfeng suddenly remembered, but he didn’t dare to say it. It must not be said. He savored the sweetness of pear and the fragrance of wine left in his mouth until it was no more.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Notes

Click on the bolded words to locate it in the chapter.

Like this:Like Loading...