The Child Emperor

Chapter 175: Each with their Plans

The Northern Army was filled with many nobles, with many whose families had served as generals for generations. Here, status was not just determined by rank but also by family heritage. Sometimes, even the Grand Marshal couldn’t command his own subordinates.

Liu Kunsheng, a Northern Army Commandant and the Grand Marshal’s deputy, was by protocol in charge when the Grand Marshal was absent from the camp. However, Liu’s family had only two generations of military service, with his grandfather being a farmer. With such a background, Liu had to be extremely cautious in the Northern Army.

Liu Kunsheng succeeded in this. He had served as a palace guard for many years, capable of going days without speaking a word. Although not highly respected, he had earned his superiors’ trust.

He watched as the Grand Marshal, the Champion Marquis, quietly left the camp with a few followers. He observed the generals’ arrogance, the Northern Protection General’s messengers requesting aid, and the endless debates among the officers…

He remained silent, no matter how many thoughts he had, until a new guest arrived.

Fang Daye and General of the Left Han Tong arrived just in time. The news of over a hundred noble youths’ deaths had just reached the Northern Army, and the generals were furious, swearing to avenge their kin, though their methods varied. Some refused to mobilize troops, hoping the Xiongnu cavalry would kill their enemies, while others wanted to rush to Shattered Iron City to bring back the surviving youths, dealing with other matters later.

As Han Ruzi had anticipated, although it was Prince Donghai who had sent the noble youths to their deaths, the Northern Protection General bore most of the hatred. It was he who had brought the noble camp to Shattered Iron City against opposition and insisted on keeping the noble youths in dangerous territory amidst a major threat. Moreover, he was Prince Donghai’s brother; their rivalry was little known, leading others to believe they were close.

Like the silent and reserved Northern Army Commandant Liu Kunsheng, General Han Tong preferred to stay out of conflicts. In the central tent, both men deferred to each other about holding the seal of command, hoping that the other would hold it, while dozens of generals argued fiercely, some even speaking recklessly.

“The two sons of the Graceful Emperor are already hopeless. The palace has long wanted to eliminate them but hasn’t said it out loud. Let’s kill these two bastards; it’s a meritorious act with no drawbacks!”

Fang Daye sat quietly, sipping tea occasionally, never expecting help from Han Tong, who had traveled with him. He waited for the argument to settle.

The argument could not go on forever. Some would be persuaded, others forced to comply, and some would simply tire and accept any resolution to end the bickering.

Finally, one general gained the upper hand. He had more supporters from the start and won over more during the argument, gradually gaining dominance. He then expelled the most stubborn opponents from the tent, freeing his hands to deal with the two deferential generals.

His name was Chai Zhi, brother of Marquis Hengyang and uncle to Chai Yue and Chai Yun. He was the Northern Army’s Provost Marshal, in charge of military law.

Chai Zhi strode up to Liu Kunsheng and Han Tong, pointing to the side. “Gentlemen, please go discuss matters over there.”

Han Tong blushed slightly, while Liu Kunsheng remained unmoved, smiling and nodding. After some further deference, they walked aside and continued their discussion on who should hold the seal.

Chai Zhi dared not seize the seal himself, and he didn’t need the Grand Marshal’s seal.

After Han Tong and Liu Kunsheng stepped aside, Fang Daye was exposed to Chai Zhi. Dozens of officers approached, standing behind Chai Zhi, eyes glaring.

“What is your name?” Chai Zhi asked, legs apart, left hand on his sword, right hand on his belt.

Fang Daye slowly stood up. “I am Fang Daye, adjunct under the Northern Protection General.”

“Fang Daye? Are you that… Fang Daye?”

“I haven’t heard of any other Fang Daye.”

Though not of noble birth, Fang Daye had served in the military for many years, earning significant achievements on the frontier. Known for his bravery in his youth, his courage had not waned with age. He had even dared to storm a prison in the Capital to rescue his master. Though he failed, his reputation grew, especially among the Chu Army, where many had heard of his exploits.

Chai Zhi’s expression softened slightly as he nodded. “The Northern Protection General has good judgment in selecting you as an adjunct. You’ve come from north of the pass, have you seen the Xiongnu?”

“Yes.”

“Are there really a hundred thousand of them?”

“After several battles, the Xiongnu have suffered some casualties. At least eighty thousand remain.”

“And the Chu Army?”

“Initially over twenty-seven thousand, with casualties and later reinforcements, there were about thirty-one thousand when I left.”

Chai Zhi glanced back. “The Northern Army has fifty thousand men. If we reach Shattered Iron City, we can match the Xiongnu in strength. With the Chu army’s prowess, we will surely achieve a great victory, though not enough to annihilate the Xiongnu.”

The officers agreed, some raising concerns. “Don’t the Xiongnu have reinforcements?”

“It’s winter; where would the Xiongnu get supplies to support more troops?” Chai Zhi answered his own question, then turned to Fang Daye. “You are an old general. You have earned military achievements and ran to troubles with the law. Can you provide some advice: what military merit is needed to atone for killing imperial princes?”

Han Tong shuddered, deferring even more, refusing to accept the Grand Marshal’s seal.

Fang Daye had listened intently to the arguments, knowing Chai Zhi and others planned to kill the Northern Protection General and Prince Donghai, then defeat the Xiongnu to atone for their acts.

“Military merits can indeed atone for crimes, but the killing of innocent imperial princes is an unforgivable crime, no matter the merit.”

“Killing innocent princes is unforgivable. What about those who are not innocent?” Chai Zhi asked coldly.

“That depends on why they are not innocent. If the court is in dire need of talent, the chance of atonement could be higher.”

Chai Zhi turned to the officers. “I’ll come up with a fitting reason. The Chu empires faces internal and external troubles, it is the perfect time for the court to utilize our talents to pacify the realm.” He paused. “The Champion Marquis is already in the Capital. With him there, what crime can’t be atoned for?”

If these were ordinary officers, Chai Zhi wouldn’t dare speak such words openly, and the others wouldn’t be persuaded. But these officers were different; they were not only nobles but also held power. Well-informed, they sensed the Capital’s turmoil even from afar, giving them the courage to undertake bold deeds.

Others, however, wanted to stay out of it. Liu Kunsheng, of humble origins, and Han Tong, a royal descendant, were no exceptions. Non-royal nobles could choose sides in chaos, but Han clan members faced excessive suspicion. Though the Champion Marquis trusted Han Tong, he dared not take on a high profile, firmly pressing the Grand Marshal’s seal into Liu Kunsheng’s hands, refusing to accept it.

One thing surprised Han Tong. He had thought Fang Daye was loyal to the Northern Protection General, but the old general didn’t speak for him, instead agreeing with Chai Zhi’s plan.

Chai Zhi took a step forward. “You are a veteran of the Chu army, but you also committed crimes. Will you follow the Northern Army to achieve military merits, or will you remain loyal to your master like you did for the Heir of Qi?”

Chai Zhi and the others had long intended to kill the Northern Protection General’s envoy, but Fang Daye’s reputation stayed their hand.

“I served the Heir of Qi under the court’s appointment and naturally had to be loyal. The Northern Protection General gave me an adjunct title without court recognition; he is not my ‘master.’ I am loyal to Great Chu, to the Chu soldiers resisting the Xiongnu in Shattered Iron City, awaiting reinforcements.”

“Mobilize the entire army, march immediately to Divine Hero Pass and Shattered Iron City!” Chai Zhi ordered, then told Fang Daye, “Write to the Northern Protection General, telling him reinforcements are on the way, not to worry.”

“Alright.”

“Say nothing more.”

“I have nothing more to say once reinforcements are sent.” Fang Daye cooperated fully.

Chai Zhi then approached the two “seal pushers,” glancing around. Han Tong stepped back, having suffered at Divine Hero Pass, his last bit of courage spent. He preferred ridicule over responsibility. “Commandant Liu holding the seal is the Champion Marquis’s arrangement. I would rather die than take it.”

Chai Zhi was satisfied with Liu Kunsheng, not wanting to replace him. “Commandant Liu, give the order.”

Liu Kunsheng sighed. “Since everyone has decided, I have nothing to say. Who will draft the order? I’ll stamp it.”

Several clerks came forward, spreading paper and grinding ink. Chai Zhi dictated, another wrote, and Liu Kunsheng held the Grand Marshal’s seal, looking helpless. He inadvertently met Fang Daye’s gaze and quickly looked away.

Fang Daye’s face remained expressionless.

On the third day after the Northern Army’s departure, Han Ruzi led all remaining soldiers from Divine Hero Pass to Shattered Iron City. Meanwhile, Prince Donghai was restless with news from the Capital, Chai Yue stood on the ruins of Flowing Sand City, anxiously watching the Xiongnu camp, growing increasingly uneasy.

In a vast camp across the river, Jin Chuiduo stepped through the snow into a tent. The guards at the entrance respected her, not stopping her.

The tent was carpeted with felt, with dozens of bronze braziers warming it like spring. A fat old man reclined on a bed, surrounded by concubines. Opposite him, over thirty Xiongnu leaders and noblemen sat or stood, chatting and laughing with the Chanyu.

The conversation stopped as Jin Chuiduo entered. The leaders and noblemen turned to look. The Chanyu smiled. “Welcome, my daughter. Are you comfortable? Do you need anything?”

The Chanyu spoke in Xiongnu, which Jin Chuiduo barely understood. She replied in Chinese, “I am well, but I have one question: The Chanyu wants to negotiate with the Chu Army, but why are the troops frequently moving?”

Her words were translated for the Chanyu, who nodded and quickly answered. Jin Chuiduo looked to the translator.

The Xiongnu translator said, “The Chanyu says the Chu are cunning, and the Xiongnu should learn from them. Negotiations will proceed, but we must also prepare for battle. The Xiongnu have no way out; we must seize grazing land from the Chu before the snow deepens.”

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