Chapter Fifty-Five: Yuan Shu Declares Himself Emperor

Light or heavy makeup, both suited her well.

Born with natural beauty, Tao’er was destined to be a great beauty of her era. She sat before the bronze mirror, gently applying powder, and gazed with satisfaction at her own reflection. Her looks were modest and refined, not quite comparable to those legendary beauties who could topple kingdoms, yet she was undoubtedly exquisite in her own right.

Today the master was returning home, and the household women were expected to pay their respects in the main hall. Yet the thought of her rival left Tao’er less than cheerful.

Leaving her boudoir, several maidservants of plain appearance followed closely behind her.

“Madam, rest assured. I, Li Er, will always stand by your side!” Li Er, a burly and straightforward woman, patted her chest and declared boisterously, “If you’re ever dissatisfied—”

Tao’er nodded at Li Er with a gentle smile.

Tao’er herself had once been a beggar and understood the hardships of those from humble backgrounds. With Jiang Wen’s instructions, she managed household affairs meticulously, never allowing the slightest negligence, and treated the servants with special care. As a result, all the servants in the household held her in great respect.

Eager to see Jiang Wen immediately, Tao’er’s steps unconsciously quickened.

Many of the household staff were elderly, and though there were a few strong men, none were entirely hale. They bowed respectfully as Tao’er passed.

“Greetings, Madam.”

After bathing and perfuming himself, Jiang Wen arranged his hair and looked at his reflection in the bronze mirror. Once a youth working the fields, he had become a talented official valued by the Prime Minister. Years had passed since, and recalling his days as a poor scholar, he now found himself in a position of power.

The pavilion was built with exquisite craftsmanship, adorned with painted beams and pearl curtains. The main hall was spacious, its ancient wooden floor smooth and polished, with tables of purple sandalwood arranged in rows. On each sat a small bronze incense burner and seat cushions.

Behind the main seat stood two folding screens, painted with bold and vibrant landscapes rendered in heavy ink—classic and majestic, imbued with a sense of melancholy.

“Young Master!” came a sudden girlish shout from behind.

Jiang Wen felt someone leap at him, knocking him several steps forward before he stopped. Warm arms wrapped tightly around him, and he could faintly hear sobs.

Jiang Wen remained silent but gently freed himself. Turning, he saw Tao’er’s delicate face—his tender wife, her lovely cheeks flushed, eyes shimmering with unshed tears. He laughed softly, embraced her, and said gently, “I’m home.”

“Tsk, why is it that every time I come, it’s always at the wrong moment?! Sorry to interrupt! Maybe I should wait outside and let you finish your sweet reunion before I come in?”

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“Ziming now holds the office of Front General, yet enters my residence without waiting for the servants to announce him.”

“Come now, who are we to each other? Those sworn brothers aren’t as close as the two of us. I never minded your wife calling me by my courtesy name.” Lü Meng strode up the steps to the main hall. “Besides, I’m just a rough fellow—don’t blame me, Changsu.”

Hearing his voice, Tao’er quickly slipped from Jiang Wen’s arms, her cheeks reddening as she hid behind him, unwilling to be seen.

“It’s not even noon yet and Ziming is already here. Surely you haven’t come just to mooch a meal?” Jiang Wen laughed, holding Tao’er’s soft hand.

“Well, rumors say that Changsu has brought Diao Chan into his household.” Lü Meng looked around, “Your residence really is more elegant than mine. Just look at the taste in these furnishings.”

“Enough flattery—what’s brought you here?”

Lü Meng glanced at Jiang Wen with some resignation. “Something big has happened. The Prime Minister has summoned us to court immediately.”

“What could be so urgent? Tao’er, fetch my official robes.”

“Yuzhou’s Yuan Shu has proclaimed himself emperor.”

Inside the Prime Minister’s residence in Xiangyang, Jiang Wen stood behind Sun Ce. They hadn’t met in several days, but seeing Sun Ce’s angry expression, Jiang Wen grew concerned yet said nothing.

Beside him stood a man with purple beard and green eyes, whose demeanor set him apart—Sun Quan. Behind him were Cheng Pu, Huang Gai, Zu Mao… all veteran generals who had followed the Prime Minister through many campaigns.

These old generals seemed ill at ease, but their animosity appeared directed at Sun Ce.

At that moment, Sun Jian had yet to arrive. The officials in the hall remained silent, the atmosphere heavy and oppressive.

“The Prime Minister arrives!”

“We greet the Prime Minister!”

Sun Jian took his seat of honor. His fierce gaze swept over the assembled ministers. “Rise, all of you.”

“Thank you, Prime Minister.”

Sun Jian spoke, “The realm is breaking apart, chaos and war everywhere. In the north, we still contend with the adopted son of the traitor, Lü Bu. And now, another fool—reckless and courting death—has dared defy all reason!”

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“In the past, Yuan Shu of Yuzhou claimed the Imperial Seal but refused to surrender it. I saw then his disloyalty, yet I never imagined he would go so far as to defy Heaven and proclaim himself emperor in Shouchun, holding the seal for himself!”

“What do you all think should be done? Speak freely.”

Cheng Pu replied, “That old bastard Yuan Shu has always schemed to shortchange our army’s supplies. He’s already made himself our enemy. Now that he’s dared proclaim himself emperor, let’s beat him until he cries for his mother!”

“Haha, General Cheng Pu speaks true. Yuan Shu has surely heard of our army’s might and will flee in terror!” Sun Ce mocked, “But Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao are sons of four generations of high officials; they command countless troops and talented generals. General Cheng Pu, you’ve led campaigns for years—how can you forget this?”

“Are they at odds?” Jiang Wen wondered, puzzled. Cheng Pu and Huang Gai, veteran generals, should be trusted by Sun Ce. Why was there tension between them now?

“Minister and strategist, General Zhou Yu has submitted a memorial!” Zhou Yu stepped forward. “I believe Yuan Shu’s usurpation brings two major dangers to our army. First, his act may incite other lords to follow suit. If we don’t assert our power, others may imitate him in the future!”

“Second, past grievances between the Prime Minister and Yuan Shu over the plot for Jingzhou ensure that Yuan Shu will seek to seize it to strengthen his claim. He will try to win over other lords, and I dare say, Lü Bu will surely stand with him!”

“If the southern forces of Jingzhou respond to his call, our army will face enemies on all sides.”

“I request the Prime Minister to immediately petition the Emperor for an edict to punish the traitor, and to rally the armies of the realm so that the wavering are too fearful to ally with Yuan Shu!”

Sun Jian nodded, then looked at Jiang Wen, standing behind Sun Ce. “Ritual Minister Jiang, what do you have to say?”

Jiang Wen bowed and answered, “Prime Minister, I believe Yuan Shu’s proclamation is both peril and opportunity. The southern lords of Jingzhou are insignificant; if they side with Yuan Shu, we need only send city defenders to hold them off.”

“Second, Yuan Shu’s usurpation is universally condemned. By attacking him, the Prime Minister stands on the side of justice. Except for Lü Bu, no other lord will dare act rashly. I predict that Liu Bei of Xuzhou will also raise troops to join the campaign against Yuan Shu!”

ps: I never expected anyone would tip the author—suddenly, I feel a mysterious confidence.

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