Chapter Eleven: Some Rejoice While Others Mourn
He stole a glance at the emperor, only to discover that the emperor was watching him as well. Flustered, he lowered his head at once.
“When did you pick up this habit? You, a man among men, a general who strikes terror into the hearts of your enemies, have always been upright and forthright. Since when did you start sneaking glances at people? Stand up and speak.”
The sudden shift in the emperor’s tone left Wang Sizhong momentarily at a loss, but he nevertheless rose slowly to his feet.
Gao Buyi smiled and said, “Judging by your expression, it’s clear you haven’t figured out how to handle this matter. So, listen to my thoughts. You’re now one of the four military governors, are you not? Hand over the command of Hexi and Longyou to Generals Huangfu Weiming and Guo Ziyi. You will instead take charge of Shuofang, Hedong, and Fanyang, and be appointed concurrently as Minister of War.”
“Thank you, Your Majesty, for your boundless grace. But Fanyang is already An Lushan’s territory. I fear he won’t surrender it meekly. That brute is both rough and reckless, and has always relied on Your Majesty’s and the Imperial Concubine’s favor to act without restraint. Forcing the issue may well lead to chaos.”
“That’s precisely why this must be done in secret. At the next grand court assembly, I will announce that the Imperial Guards and local armies are to rotate their posts regularly, establishing this as a precedent to ensure the strength of the national military. Of course, the rotations won’t happen all at once, but in stages. The first location will be Fanyang, and you will oversee the operation. The other rotations will begin in due course once Fumeng Lingcha assumes his post as Deputy Minister of War.”
“May I ask, Your Majesty, how many troops will be rotated at Fanyang?”
“Fifty thousand.”
“Fifty thousand! Isn’t that too many?”
“Don’t worry. I ordered a ceasefire at the borders specifically for this. With no fighting, what’s the point of keeping so many men in those harsh, desolate places? It pains me. As for how you’ll take over as military governor of Fanyang during the rotation, that’s for you to plan. I won’t announce your appointment at the first court assembly; you’ll have ample time to prepare. Later, go discuss this with Chancellor Pei An. The chancellor still holds considerable sway in Fanyang—you must ensure everything is watertight. If that brute is driven to desperation, you must suppress him swiftly.”
“Your servant obeys!”
“This matter is between the two of us alone. Not a word must leak out. You understand the consequences.”
“Yes!”
“After the Lantern Festival, proceed to Hedong without waiting for the assembly. I’ve already dispatched General Huangfu Weiming to Hexi in secret. When you arrive in Hedong, quietly gather the army in Zhenzhou—it’s closest to Youzhou. If any news leaks, say you’re conducting military drills as ordered, and then act as circumstances dictate.”
“Yes! May I request instructions regarding the deployment of the Shuofang army?”
“The Shuofang troops will be led by Vice Commissioner Li Guangbi. Gather them discreetly around Shuo Prefecture and keep them ready for any developments.”
“Your servant obeys!”
“Has Pugu Huaien arrived?”
“He has, Your Majesty. He’s waiting outside for an audience.”
“Good! Have him come in. You may go and reunite with your family. As for the rumors that have been circulating, pay them no heed. I can discern right from wrong.”
“I dare not presume, Your Majesty.”
“Heh. Go on.”
“Your servant takes his leave!”
Soon after, Pugu Huaien presented himself before Gao Buyi, who motioned for him to rise. “General, you are clearly a rare talent.”
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s praise!”
“Haha, excellent! From this day forth, I appoint you as Commandant of the Imperial Guards, responsible for palace security.”
“My deepest thanks for Your Majesty’s great favor.” This was an extraordinary promotion—three ranks in one stroke.
“Rise, Geshu Han!”
“Your servant is here!”
“From today, I appoint you as Grand Commissioner for the South, stationed in Yangzhou. Within five years, you are to train an elite navy of thirty thousand men for the court. Well? Do you have the confidence?”
“Thank you, Your Majesty! I will not fail in my mission.” For him, too, this was an unprecedented elevation—a favor as immense as the sea. As a battle-hardened general, he found palace duties tiresome; now, to be entrusted with such important responsibilities was truly an imperial favor beyond measure.
“Good! It’s settled. Take Li Sheng with you—I appoint him as your chief secretary. Hand over your palace duties to Pugu Huaien, and then depart for your posts.”
“Yes, Your Majesty!”
Gao Buyi’s reasoning for these appointments was to swiftly bring forth new talent. Otherwise, the line of capable generals would soon be broken. At the same time, this signaled to all the talented people of the realm that the emperor would not be bound by convention in employing men, laying the foundation for future talent selection.
Upon leaving the palace, Wang Sizhong went directly to Pei An’s residence.
Pei An personally welcomed him. “General Wang, it has been years since we last met. I trust all is well?”
“Greetings, Lord Pei.”
“Come inside, please—”
Pei An led Wang Sizhong into a warm chamber, just the two of them.
“You’ve met with His Majesty?”
“I have.”
“What are your thoughts? You memorialized the court many times to restrict An Lushan in the north, yet were framed by An Lushan and Li Linfu—the two great traitors—almost sharing my own fate.”
“Indeed, it feels like a different lifetime. His Majesty sent me to consult you on this matter; I wonder what wise counsel you might offer.”
“No need to rush. You’ve heard of His Majesty’s collapse on New Year’s Day?”
Wang Sizhong nodded.
“Since His Majesty awoke, he has accomplished four great deeds, each bringing joy to the hearts of the people. Now His Majesty is wary of the likes of An Lushan, Li Linfu, and Yang Guozhong—a most fortunate change.”
“It’s just—”
“Speak freely.”
“How is His Majesty’s health? Imperial Consort Yang remains in the palace.”
“You’re right. However, His Majesty recently restored Consort Mei to her former rank—this is well known throughout the realm. Consort Mei is renowned for her virtue. As long as there’s no monopolization of favor, it’s to our advantage.”
“You speak wisely. Chang’an is in turmoil; I worry for the emperor’s well-being.”
“Just do your duty. This is to let you know not to harbor fear. The emperor is not the same as before. Even if the Yang family tries to sway him, it’s unlikely to succeed. Enough of this; you’ve been entrusted with a most important task—that’s a sign of His Majesty’s trust.”
“Yes.”
“You must already know the emperor’s plan. I have no objections. I served in Fanyang for ten years; some of my old friends there may prove useful. Since An Lushan took charge of Fanyang, he has purged many, yet some of my old subordinates remain…”
The two of them conspired in the warm chamber for half a day before parting.
Naturally, their actions did not escape the notice of Li Linfu and Yang Guozhong.
“My lord, Wang Sizhong was summoned by the emperor as soon as he arrived in Chang’an, and then spent half a day at Pei’s residence. Clearly, they’re plotting something.”
“I’m aware. But what exactly are they plotting?”
“We don’t yet know.”
“Keep digging. Have our agents in the Wang and Pei households redouble their efforts. There will be a handsome reward for any useful information.”
“Yes, my lord. And in the palace—?”
“I’ll handle that. Since the old man released the palace maids, we have only a few spies left inside. We can’t afford further losses.”
“Yes. I take my leave.”
Meanwhile, at Yang Guozhong’s residence, Lady Guo of Guo State, Lady Han of Han State, and Lady Qin of Qin State were also present. Although the emperor had stripped them of their privileges, he had not taken their titles. With the wealth they had amassed, they still lived in luxury.
“Guozhong, have our people uncovered anything?” Lady Guo asked languidly from a chaise lounge.
“Not yet. Since the sudden clean-up of the palace, it’s been impossible to get anything inside. We can only wait passively for word from my sister.”
“The moment Wang Sizhong arrived in Chang’an, he was summoned by the emperor. I heard he spent two hours in the palace. Something important must be brewing. Now that you’ve been relieved of your positions as Minister of Personnel and Military Governor of Jiannan, could this forebode ill?” Lady Guo, displaying more resolve than before, now wore her palace attire with dignified grace.
“I doubt it’s aimed at us. Apart from stripping my concurrent posts, nothing else has happened. My sister remains mistress of the harem,” said Yang Guozhong.
“Don’t forget, your sister’s archrival has also been pardoned and may soon return to the palace. Life will become difficult for her again,” Lady Han commented.
Yang Guozhong grew vexed. “The emperor’s actions are unpredictable now. We must heed my sister and wait and see. I’ll try to contact her. The lack of news from the palace is making me restless.”
Though the emperor’s changes unsettled the great and powerful, they won the heartfelt support of the common people throughout the Tang Empire. Everywhere, fireworks and firecrackers were set off, and people rushed to spread the good news.
At the same time, the scholars and poets in Chang’an spared no ink in extolling the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty and the emperor’s wisdom and martial prowess.
In a blink, the Lantern Festival arrived.
After supper, with the help of Shangguan Peihui, Gao Buyi changed into ordinary clothes. “Your Majesty, I must still urge you to be cautious. The city is lively, but your safety matters most.”
“Oh, Hui’er, my ears are growing calluses from your warnings. Hm—without the beard I do look a few years younger. Not bad! No need to worry about safety. Isn’t Chen Xuan here? And Wang Sizhong? And you, a heroine in your own right—if we can’t guarantee safety with all of you, who could?”
He glanced in the mirror again—a prosperous old man, though a bit thin, and the clothes were a little ill-fitting. Yet at his side, Shangguan Peihui, dressed as a man, looked strikingly heroic and endlessly captivating.