Chapter Eighty-Two: The Imperial Edict Hidden in the Robe

Jiang Wen rose to his feet, drained his cup of wine, and retrieved a token from within his robes. “General, this is the token of the Office of Investigations. I left in such haste that I did not have time to hand it to the Chancellor. I must trouble you with this task.”

Sun Jing accepted the token from Jiang Wen’s hand.

Having given over the token, Jiang Wen bowed once more. “If the General ever visits Fuchun in the future, I shall be sure to offer you fine wine and the best dishes. For now, please allow me to take my leave.”

“Safe travels, Libationer.”

Jiang Wen mounted his horse, let out a cry, and rode off.

No sooner had Jiang Wen departed than a figure emerged from behind the screen.

Sun Quan bowed to Sun Jing. “Second Uncle, are you truly letting him leave just like that?”

Sun Jing replied coolly, “He has served our Sun family faithfully. If we were to kill him, would that not make the world mock us for being unable to tolerate others and for fearing a mere scholar?”

“But Father believes this man is a grave threat. Father has long wished to be rid of him. Did you not hear Father's words on that very day?”

“My elder brother does not consider all things thoroughly.” Sun Jing watched as Jiang Wen rode into the distance. “Zhongmou, bring the horses. It is time we return.”

Spring’s green cloaked the hills, the river drifted gently, and sunlight fell golden on the branches. Lively sparrows flitted among the twigs, droplets of water rolled down emerald leaves, and horse hooves trod slowly, three paces then four, the rider’s deliberate pace meant to take in the beauty of the spring.

“Pour wine for you, my friend, so you may be at ease,
Human feelings turn and twist like waves at sea.
Even old friends reach for their swords in doubt,
While the proud laugh loudly at the gates of the highborn’s house.
The grass, soaked through by gentle rain, is lush and deep,
Flowers tremble on their branches, chilled by spring’s breeze.
Why ask after the world’s drifting clouds?
Better to lie idle and eat one’s fill.
What are rank and riches to me?”

He laughed aloud.

Xiangyang, the residence of Dong Cheng.

Carriages came and went before the gates, and many of the longstanding pillars of the court stepped down from their horses, announced themselves to the doorkeeper, and entered to meet Dong Cheng.

Today was Dong Cheng’s birthday.

In name, the loyal old ministers of the Han gathered to celebrate, but in truth, each knew the real purpose of their visit.

Another carriage stopped, and from it descended an elderly man, ruddy-faced and full of vigor, accompanied by a handsome young scholar whose gaze held a touch of ethereal detachment and whose bearing exuded confidence.

“Grand Commandant Yang Biao and my son Yang Xiu have come today to offer General Dong our congratulations.”

The doorkeeper bowed respectfully. “Please, Grand Commandant. The master has been waiting in the study.”

Yang Biao and Yang Xiu entered the residence. Noting his son’s grave expression, Yang Biao smiled. “At such a festive gathering, why does my son wear so troubled a face?”

“Father,” Yang Xiu replied thoughtfully, “I noticed that the carriages outside all belong to officials serving the Han, not the Chancellor. General Dong’s birthday is not a major one, yet so many officials are present… Father, are you not joining a plot against the Chancellor?!”

Yang Biao’s expression froze; he glanced nervously around and motioned for silence.

Though Dong Cheng swore the Office of Investigations had not infiltrated his home, their agents were said to be everywhere. Yang Biao remained cautious.

“Say no more!” he whispered to Yang Xiu.

Yang Xiu, incredulous, pressed on, “Are you truly getting involved in this? The matter is too grave—one misstep, and our family could be destroyed!”

“Sun Jian is dead. This is a rare opportunity for His Majesty and the Han. Even if it costs me these old bones, I will not shirk my duty!” Yang Biao replied solemnly. “Today, you are here merely to attend a banquet. Ask no more about other matters—you need know nothing further!”

“Father, I—”

“Is that Dezu? You’ve come for General Dong’s banquet too? Perfect timing! We were about to drink and compose poetry—will you join us, Dezu?”

A group of scholars emerged into the courtyard. Yang Biao said, “Your friends are here—go on.”

“Father, please take care! Think thrice before you act!”

Yang Biao entered Dong Cheng’s study, where Dong Cheng was reading a military treatise. On seeing him, Dong Cheng rose hastily. “Grand Commandant, you have come—please, be seated.”

“General, what have you summoned me for?”

“I have something to show you.” Dong Cheng drew a silk scroll from his breast; it was stained with the blood of many ministers. Yang Biao’s face grew solemn. “What is this?”

“The Edict in the Girdle!”

“Now that the traitor Sun Jian is dead, though power rests with the Sun clan, Sun Ce has inherited his place, yet their followers are unsettled. If we can remove him, His Majesty will be free of danger!” Dong Cheng said gravely. “You, Grand Commandant, have ever been loyal to His Majesty and the Han—will you lend your strength to rid us of the traitors?”

“I may be old, but I will do what little I can!” Yang Biao took the edict, examined it closely, and a look of joy came over him. “Heaven favors the Han! With so many worthy ministers at His Majesty’s side, the dynasty will surely be restored!”

Without another word, he took a small knife from the table, cut his finger, and signed his name in blood upon the edict. Only after this did Dong Cheng feel truly at ease.

Sun Ce’s army camp.

This battle had raged long and hard—never before had he felt so exhilarated.

Both sides had sounded the retreat. Though the veteran generals were exhausted in body and spirit, their eyes blazed with excitement—it was utterly satisfying!

As Sun Ce drank some water, a soldier approached. “Reporting to the Chancellor: in this battle, the enemy suffered over thirty thousand casualties; we captured more than two thousand warhorses and forty thousand bushels of grain.”

“What of our losses?”

“We lost over ten thousand men, with more than seven thousand severely wounded and a thousand lightly injured.”

Sun Ce nodded. “You may go. What news from the other fronts?”

“General Zu Mao reports that eight thousand enemy troops attempted to cross the Huai River but were repelled, suffering over three thousand casualties.”

“From Hefei comes word that Zhang Xun is leading seventy thousand troops in an assault; the city is besieged. General Han Dang requests that I inform you he can hold Zhang Xun at bay for three months.”

“After today’s battle, Ji Ling surely harbors some fear of our army. I suspect his plan is to pin us here, then, once Zhang Xun takes Hefei, join forces and attack Lujiang together.”

“In my humble opinion, the old general is right. We should send reinforcements to Hefei and help General Han Dang hold the city!”

“To sit back and defend is the lesser strategy. Moreover, our army holds the advantage over Ji Ling on the field. Why not seize the opportunity to press the attack, give Ji Ling no respite?”

Sun Ce fell silent.

A soldier entered the command tent. “Reporting! Military Advisor Zhou Yu requests an audience outside!”

“Let him in!”

Zhou Yu entered, his features strikingly handsome, and saluted the Chancellor and the assembled generals. “Your Excellency, generals.”

“Well, Zhou Yu, I was just about to come looking for you, and here you are instead!” one of the generals said gruffly.

Zhou Yu replied respectfully, “Regarding the matter of General Huang, I understand the veterans bear some resentment. But I am here now to assist the Chancellor in breaking Yuan Shu’s power.”