The Three Kingdoms: Zhaolie, the strategist, and the rise of the Han Dynasty

Chapter 376 The heroes of the world are as numerous as carp crossing a river!

At the city gate of Yingchuan County, the autumn wind swept withered leaves across the bluestone official road.

Liu Li reined in his horse and stopped. Behind him, three thousand elite soldiers stood at attention, their iron armor gleaming coldly.

He looked up at the city gate, but although the banners on the city tower were still there, the figure of Prefect Nie Liang was nowhere to be seen.

Only a few county officials stood on the city wall, looking on with fear and trepidation.

"...How strange."

Liu Li frowned slightly, turned his head to Zhuge Ke, the cavalry captain beside him, and said:

"I had already sent scouts ahead of time."

"Since Nie Liang knew that I was coming in person, why didn't he come out to greet me?"

Zhuge Ke squinted and looked closely, then said in a low voice:

"Your Majesty, there may be some changes within the organization."

Just as they were wondering, the city gate suddenly opened, and a group of people and horses rushed out.

The leader, dressed in a crimson official robe with a bronze seal hanging at his waist, was none other than Wang Ling's assistant, the governor of Yuzhou.

Upon seeing Liu Liyi's entourage, the man quickly dismounted, stepped forward, and bowed deeply.
"Your humble servant, Zhou Xuan, Prefect of Yuzhou, pays his respects to Your Highness, Prince Liang!"

Liu Li also dismounted and raised his hand to help her up:

"Prefect Zhou, there's no need for such formalities."

He glanced behind Zhou Xuan but still couldn't see Nie Liang, so he asked.

Where is the Prefect of Yingchuan?

Zhou Xuan gave a wry smile, cupped his hands, and replied:

"Your Majesty, Nie Liang has been dismissed from his post by Magistrate Wang and is now being held in the state prison awaiting trial."

Liu Li raised an eyebrow, inwardly alarmed:

"Wow, Wang Ling moved so fast!"

It turns out that Wang Ling investigated the case immediately when the "Pingyi Army" rebellion broke out.

Following the clues further, after uncovering the truth, he immediately dismissed Nie Liang, the governor of Yingchuan County.

Wang Ling came from the Wang clan of Taiyuan, a prominent family of his time.

He was the nephew of Wang Yun, one of the Three Dukes of the previous dynasty.

He was extremely capable, and his contemporaries praised him as "skilled in both literature and martial arts, unparalleled in the present day."

He started as a county magistrate, and due to his outstanding political achievements, he was appointed to a critical post and promoted to governor of Yuzhou.

Responsible for restoring people's livelihood and production in Henan.

This assistant magistrate, Zhou Xuan, was also sent by Wang Ling to handle the aftermath.

Seeing Liu Li hesitate, Zhou Xuan explained:

“At the beginning of the ‘Pingyi Army’ uprising, Magistrate Wang noticed something unusual about the corvée labor in Yingchuan and immediately sent people to investigate.”

"It was discovered that Nie Liang not only failed to reduce corvée labor as ordered by the imperial court, but also secretly increased it, leading to widespread public resentment."

"The magistrate was furious and immediately dismissed him from his post."

"He also sent his subordinates to appease the people and restore order to the bureaucracy."

Upon hearing this, Liu Li felt both moved and conflicted.

He thought he would be the first prince to arrive and quell the rebellion, but little did he know that Wang Ling had already taken the initiative.

One can only marvel at how worthy they are of being officials selected by the imperial court in Luoyang.

His abilities and political acumen are truly exceptional.

There are still many capable people in the imperial court.

Liu Li nodded slightly and praised:
"Lord Wang is decisive and efficient; he is truly a pillar of the nation."

He paused, then smiled at Zhou Xuan and said:
"As the Prince of Henan, I dared not be negligent upon hearing of the unrest in Yingchuan, and thus led my troops here to pacify the region."

"Since Prefect Zhou is here, why don't we join forces to pacify Yingchuan?"

Zhou Xuan cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Majesty is benevolent; how could this humble official dare disobey?"

After entering the city, Liu Li and Zhou Xuan reviewed the case files together.

Only then did I realize that Nie Liang's evil was far beyond my imagination.

"The imperial court issued a decree to reduce corvée labor by 30%, but Nie Liang instead increased it by 20%."

Zhou Xuan pointed to the account books and said angrily:

“What’s even more hateful is that he ordered the counties to levy exorbitant taxes under the guise of ‘assistance money’.”

"If the people are even slightly slow, they are whipped and imprisoned, causing widespread suffering!"

Liu Li flipped through the complaint and saw that it was filled with tearful accusations.

An old man was beaten to death because he couldn't pay his taxes.

A woman committed suicide by jumping into a well because her husband was forcibly conscripted.

Even more tragically, young children starved to death by the roadside, their bodies left unburied…

He grew angrier the more he read, slammed the book shut, and said in a deep voice:

"Nie Liang deserves to die!"

Zhou Xuan sighed:

"Lord Wang has already submitted a memorial to the court, requesting Your Majesty to make a decision."

Liu Li nodded, then stood up:
"Let's go and take a look around the city."

On the streets of Yingchuan, the people were emaciated and pale.

Upon seeing the soldiers pass by, they all hid, their eyes filled with fear.

Seeing this, Liu Li couldn't bear it and immediately gave the order:

"Open the granaries and distribute grain for relief!"

Zhou Xuan was startled:
"Your Majesty, this matter must be reported to the prefectural government first..."

Liu Li raised his hand to stop him:
"The people are starving and their bodies are scattered everywhere; how can we wait for official documents any longer?"

"If I am guilty, I will bear all the blame!"

Seeing that King Liang insisted, Zhou Xuan had no choice but to comply.

That night, the county granary was opened wide, and grain was distributed to various counties.

Upon hearing the news, starving people flocked to the scene, kneeling and kowtowing, weeping uncontrollably.

Liu Li stood on the high platform and said in a loud voice:

"Elders of Yingchuan! The imperial court has already issued an edict to reduce corvée labor."

"However, Nie Liang deceived his superiors and exploited you, causing a popular uprising. This is the fault of the imperial court!"

The people, having just received benefits from the government, held Liu Li and his entourage in high regard, and thus knelt down and shouted:
"King Liang is benevolent! King Liang is benevolent!"

Liu Li solemnly raised his hand and said:
"Gentlemen, do not thank me, but thank His Majesty!"

"Our great Han Dynasty governs the world with benevolence and filial piety. We will never wrong an innocent person, nor will we let a wicked person go unpunished!"

"Please trust the court, trust His Majesty!"

The people were deeply moved upon hearing this, and they all prostrated themselves in reverence.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Prince of Liang!"

Three days later, the people of Yingchuan gradually calmed down.

Before leaving, Liu Li said to Zhou Xuan:

"Although Nie Liang has been imprisoned, the administration of Yingchuan still needs to be rectified."

"Now that Prefect Zhou has taken over the duties of Governor Wang, it is hoped that he will thoroughly investigate the remaining corrupt officials to prevent any further popular uprisings."

Zhou Xuan solemnly cupped his hands in greeting:

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly live up to your expectations."

Liu Li nodded, then whispered:
"Furthermore, I will personally submit a memorial to Your Majesty, requesting that Yingchuan be exempted from this year's corvée labor, in order to reassure the people."

Zhou Xuan bowed deeply:
"Your Majesty is benevolent, and the people of Yingchuan will surely be grateful for your kindness."

Just before Liu Li arrived in Yingchuan, the imperial court also took action.

At that time, it was early winter.

The urgent report, delivered by express courier, finally reached the imperial city of Luoyang.

In the cabinet office, Prime Minister Lee Ik slammed his fist on the table and smashed the teacup in his hand.

"It's reversed! It's all reversed!"

This prime minister, known for his iron fist, had his hair and beard standing on end, and his eyes gleamed with a chilling light.

He turned to his trusted advisor Pang Tong and said sternly:

"Shiyuan, you must set off for Henan immediately and investigate this matter thoroughly for me!"

"If any official commits illegal acts, regardless of who is involved, the facts shall be reported to the authorities!"

Three days later, Pang Tong, dressed in blue, arrived in Yingchuan with only two attendants in a small entourage.

He traveled incognito and found the fields barren, the villages desolate, and the people pale and sickly.

In a dilapidated teahouse, several elderly men tearfully recounted their story to him:
“That Prefect Nie is even more ruthless than a bandit. Not only did he forcibly conscript men, but he also… he even kidnapped the Zhao family’s daughter to be his concubine.”

"Old Zhao went to demand an explanation, but was beaten to death..."

Pang Tong's expression changed upon hearing this, and he secretly inquired several more times.

An investigation revealed that Nie Liang, the prefect of Yingchuan, and Zhou Huai, the assistant prefect of Runan, not only exceeded the quota for conscripting laborers, but also took the opportunity to seize farmland and abduct women.

It resulted in the deaths of more than ten people.

He wrote furiously through the night, recording in detail what he had seen and heard, and sent it back to Luoyang as soon as possible.

By the time the investigation results were released and sent back to Luoyang, it was already early December.

Inside the cabinet council chamber, charcoal fires blazed brightly. After reading the report, Li Yi's face was so gloomy it seemed to drip water.

He slammed the memorial onto the table and said to Pang Tong, who was standing to the side:
"What a fine governor of Yu Province, Wang Ling! With such lawlessness under his rule, what kind of governor is he!"

"Immediately issue an order for him to come to Luoyang to see me!"

When the governor's office of Yuzhou received the imperial edict from the cabinet, Wang Ling was reviewing Nie Liang's case file.

After reading the official document, he sighed deeply.
"Sure enough, it's here."

So he immediately ordered his men to prepare horses, and without even changing his official robes, he hurriedly set off with only two close relatives.

Before leaving, he entrusted his assistant Zhou Xuan to go to Yingchuan to pacify the people there.

He then went to Luoyang to explain the reason to the imperial court.

In the depths of winter, the wind is biting cold.

Wang Ling and his group traveled day and night, covering a journey that should have taken three days in just one day and one night.

When they arrived in Luoyang, it was already past midnight the next day, and the city gates were already closed.

Wang Ling rested briefly for two hours at the post station outside the city, and entered the city to await an audience just as dawn broke.

Outside the cabinet office, Wang Ling straightened his clothes and waited for his summons.

Suddenly, he heard a eunuch's shrill voice announcing a summons. He took a deep breath and entered steadily.

As soon as he stepped into the hall, a scroll of bamboo slips flew towards him and hit him hard in the face.

"Wang Yanyun! Take a look at yourself, are your men officials or bandits!"

Li Yi was furious and slammed his fist on the table.

"You forcibly abduct women and drive civilians to their deaths—is this the Yu Province you govern?"

Bamboo slips were scattered on the ground. Wang Ling bent down and picked them up one by one, his expression as respectful as ever.

He held the bamboo slip in both hands, bowed, and said:

"Your Excellency, please calm your anger. I know I was wrong."

"Calm down?"

Li Yi sneered, "The peasant uprising in Henan has shaken the court and the public. How can you expect me to quell this anger?"

"I ask you, are you aware of the fact that Nie Liang, the governor of Yingchuan, has been oppressing the people?"

Wang Ling's forehead was beaded with sweat, yet he maintained his bowing posture:
"Your humble servant, your humble servant..."

"enough!"

Li Yi turned away with a flick of his sleeve, "Go back and properly rectify the administration!"

"If such a thing happens again, don't blame me for being ruthless!"

Wang Ling bowed deeply:
"Your humble servant will keep in mind the Prime Minister's teachings."

I slowly left the duty room, and only after turning into the corridor did my tense back relax slightly.

He wiped the cold sweat from his forehead, a complex look flashing in his eyes.

After leaving the cabinet office, Wang Ling did not immediately return home, but instead went to Pang Tong's villa.

Upon hearing of the governor's arrival, Pang Tong personally went out to greet him.

The two took their seats as host and guest, and a waiter served them hot tea.

"Mr. Fengchu".

Wang Ling held the teacup but did not drink it, and pondered for a moment before speaking.

"Ling has come for no other reason than to ask one question—"

"When you submitted your memorial, did you inquire whether I had already taken action against Nie Liang?"

Pang Tong was taken aback upon hearing this, "This..."

Wang Ling smiled wryly:
"Ling Fei is saying that you shouldn't have reported the matter of Henan."

"Your honest and straightforward advice is a blessing to the court."

"only……"

He took out an official document from his sleeve, which read, “Three days before your report arrived in Luoyang, I had already investigated Nie Liang’s evil deeds.”

"He has been dismissed and investigated; this is a copy of the approval document."

"Wang only wants to ask you to investigate thoroughly before submitting the report next time."

"I didn't dare to explain in front of the Prime Minister just now."

Wang Ling was quite experienced in officialdom; he didn't explain himself just now, preferring to be scolded harshly.

This way, the prime minister's authority was maintained, and the truth was explained to Pang Tong.

Pang Tong took it and examined it closely, his expression gradually changing.

The official document was written in bold strokes, and the date was indeed half a month ago.

He rose and bowed deeply:
"This was indeed an oversight on the part of the leadership!"

"The fact that the matter was not verified before the report was hastily submitted, causing the magistrate to be humiliated, is the fault of the commander."

Wang Ling's reaction speed was indeed beyond Pang Tong's expectations.

With the main campaign against Wu imminent, it was a turbulent time, and Pang Tong was eager to return and report.

Wang Ling quickly helped Pang Tong up:
"...Sir, you flatter me."

"The Prime Minister was in a fit of anger just now, and Ling Ruo's attempt to defend herself only made her seem like she was shirking her responsibility."

He sighed, "But if you investigate a case again next time, I hope you will verify the facts from multiple sources."

Pang Tong nodded repeatedly:

"What you say is absolutely right, Your Excellency."

"This time, the overall planning was inadequate, and I have wronged Your Excellency."

As he spoke, he solemnly bowed and apologized.

Wang Ling stepped aside to avoid it.

"Sir, there's no need for that."

"It's getting late, and I need to rush back to Yuzhou to handle the follow-up matters. I'll take my leave now."

Pang Tong personally escorted Wang Ling to the gate, and seeing him mount his horse, he couldn't help but give him further instructions:

"Your Excellency has been traveling for many days; please take care of yourself."

Wang Ling bowed from his horse:
"Thank you for your concern, sir."

"The court is going through a turbulent time; let us both take care of ourselves."

Having said that, he whipped his horse and quickly disappeared around the corner of Luoyang's streets and alleys.

Meanwhile, Liu Bei, who was in Weiyang Palace, also received a personal letter from King Liu Li of Liang.

In the letter, Liu Li explained to Liu Bei the specific situation that had occurred in Henan.

He then apologized to Liu Bei for his overstepping of authority.

The book states briefly:

Your subject, Li, bows deeply and respectfully reports to Your Majesty the Emperor:

"Your subject is incompetent and has overstepped his bounds."

"To mobilize the Liang Kingdom's troops without imperial orders is a grave crime. I humbly beg Your Majesty to punish me."

"However, due to the urgency of the situation, we have no choice but to act first and report later. I hope Your Majesty will consider this matter."

"The day before yesterday, refugees from Yingchuan and Runan counties in Yuzhou rebelled."

"They killed local officials and seized cities, their power spreading like wildfire."

"Your subject fears that the chaos will spread and endanger the state."

"Therefore, without waiting for an imperial edict, he led three thousand light cavalry to quell the rebellion."

"Thanks to the Emperor's might and virtue, the rioters scattered at the mere sound of his voice."

"The ringleader has been executed, and the accomplices have all been pardoned. Henan is temporarily at peace."

"Upon arriving in Yingchuan, your son discovered the cause of the popular uprising: it was due to Prefect Nie Liang deceiving Your Majesty and secretly disobeying imperial edicts."

"Not only did they not reduce corvée labor, but they also increased taxes, causing people to become displaced and take desperate measures."

"Your subject originally intended to capture Nie Liang quickly and thoroughly investigate his crimes."

"However, Wang Ling, the governor of Yuzhou, was keenly aware of the situation and took the initiative to dismiss him from his post and imprison him to await trial."

“Your Majesty’s actions are swift and decisive, and I deeply admire your abilities.”

"However, the people of Yingchuan have long suffered from oppressive government, and famine is rampant on the roads."

"Your subject saw women and children crying from hunger, and the old and weak filling the ravines, and could not bear to sit idly by."

"Therefore, he boldly opened the county granary to provide relief to the disaster victims."

"According to regulations, this matter should first be reported to the prefecture, but I fear that delay may lead to unforeseen changes, so I have opened the granaries first to demonstrate the Emperor's benevolence."

"If there is a deficit, I am willing to make up for it with my annual salary, and I would never dare to burden the national treasury."

"Your subject has traveled extensively throughout Yingchuan and witnessed the people's suffering, especially this year."

“If we impose corvée labor again, new problems may arise.”

"I humbly beg Your Majesty to temporarily exempt Yingchuan from this year's taxes and corvée labor, so that the people may have a chance to catch their breath."

"Then the people will be grateful, and the nation will be forever secure."

"Your subject is aware of the crime of acting arbitrarily and dares not defend himself."

"I only wish that Your Majesty would take good care of your health and not worry about your son's excessive labor."

"If you are pardoned, I will certainly submit to your punishment."

"Even if severely punished, there will be no resentment."

"I am filled with fear and trepidation as I write this memorial, and I bow twice with tears in my eyes."

“In the eleventh month of winter in the sixth year of Zhangwu, Liang Wang Chenli respectfully presented this.”

After reading Liu Li's handwritten letter, Liu Bei's eyes showed a look of satisfaction.

He couldn't help but sigh as he stroked the table:

"Li'er truly is my good son!"

"Putting the people first in everything is the only way to ensure the well-being of the nation."

Just as I was feeling sentimental, the Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat came to report:
"Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li requests an audience."

"Xuan."

Liu Bei placed the letter from the King of Liang on the table and straightened his clothes.

Li Yi, dressed in a purple robe and jade belt, walked steadily into the hall.

After bowing, he solemnly said:
"...Your Majesty, I have important matters to report."

"The excessive corvée labor in Henan Province triggered a popular uprising, with rioters..."

"I already know."

Liu Bei interrupted with a laugh and handed over the letter from the King of Liang.

"My dear minister, look, Li'er has already taken care of everything."

Li Yi took the book and read it carefully, his brows gradually furrowing.

After a long pause, he said:

"His Highness Prince Liang acted swiftly and decisively, which indeed... indeed relieved the court's urgent crisis." He then changed the subject, "However, the princes have mobilized troops across borders without imperial orders and have interfered in the affairs of other prefectures. This is probably against the rules."

"Moreover, if this precedent is set, everyone will follow suit, and what will become of the court's authority?"

"Prime Minister Li is mistaken."

Liu Bei stroked his beard and laughed.

"I remember you often said, 'It doesn't matter if it's a white cat or a black cat, as long as it can catch mice, it's a good cat.'"

"Now that the Prince of Liang has swiftly quelled the rebellion of the 'Pingyi Bandits' and comforted the disaster victims of Yingchuan, how much trouble has he saved the court?"

"If we wait for Luoyang to send people to deal with it, it will take half a month, and who knows how many more people will die."

Results should be more important than form.

"What benefits the country is right."

"Anything that is harmful to the country is evil."

"If we blindly stick to the old ways, countless families in the world will be destroyed and broken apart."

This……

Li Yi was unusually rendered speechless by Liu Bei's retort.

There are many things that are inconvenient to say openly.

He took a deep breath and said in a low voice:
"Your Majesty is holy."

"only……"

He lowered his voice, "As a feudal lord, the King of Liang should act with discretion."

"While it is reasonable to act expediently in times of emergency, the rules must not be disregarded."

"Rules, rules! I remember when I first met Ziyu, what I admired most about you was your imaginative and ingenious strategies."

"Imagination that is not bound by convention."

"But look at you now, always talking about rules and laws."

"What? Has being an official for so long erased all your free-spirited and unrestrained nature?"

Li Yi solemnly cupped his hands in greeting and replied:
"It is not that this old minister is cowardly."

"But when I was assisting Your Majesty, the world was in chaos, with warlords vying for power and various lords rising up."

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures."

"Now that the Han dynasty has been restored for three times, the emperor is the emperor and the minister is the minister."

"As a politician, rules outweigh emotions."

"We can no longer live like chivalrous knights-errant, indulging in righteous indignation and revenge."

Liu Bei laughed heartily upon hearing this:

"Prime Minister Li is overthinking it! All my sons should serve the country; why should we distinguish between them?"

Suddenly remembering something, he turned to the eunuch beside him and instructed:

"Draft edict: King Liu Li of Liang made a timely decision to quell the peasant uprising and pacify the disaster victims, which is of great merit to the country."

"He was bestowed with one hundred catties of gold and one thousand bolts of brocade."

"His overstepping of authority will be pardoned and no further investigation will be pursued."

Li Yi hesitated, then finally sighed inwardly.

But then Liu Bei said:

"Draft another edict for Liu Yong, the King of Lu: Henan is in great turmoil, and the neighboring State of Lu is sitting idly by. Your fief shall be reduced by three hundred households immediately!"

"As a form of punishment!"

The Vice Minister of the Imperial Secretariat received the order and withdrew to draft the imperial edict.

Liu Bei sat down to continue reviewing memorials, only to find Li Yi still standing in the hall.

So he asked aloud:
"Does Minister Li have anything else to say?"

"...No, it is Your Majesty who has any other instructions?"

Liu Bei was taken aback, and suddenly felt that these words were somewhat inexplicable, so he shook his head.

"No, the rebellion in Henan was small-scale; it was just a minor ailment."

"Now that the matter has been settled, I do not wish to add any more work for you, my dear minister."

"...Hehe, after all, there are many things to do before the campaign against Wu."

"Not to mention you, even I am busy every day until late at night without rest."

Li Yi frowned, hesitated for a moment, and finally withdrew from the Xuan Shi Hall.

This time, however, he did not leave the palace as usual.

Instead, he paused for a moment under the corridor, gazing at the icicles hanging from the eaves, his eyes filled with uncertain emotions.

Finally, he turned and walked towards the East Palace, his black boots crunching on the snow.

Laughter echoed from the rear garden of the Eastern Palace.

Passing through the moon gate, one sees Crown Prince Liu Shan, dressed in a fox fur coat, playing football with He Yan and Qin Lang.

He Yan and Qin Lang were both powerful figures in the capital and classmates of Liu Shan at the Imperial Academy.

They have a good relationship in private and often hang out together.

The colorful ball arced through the air, and Liu Shan raised his foot to catch it, but missed.

He stumbled a few steps and almost fell, which made the two of them cover their mouths and laugh.

"Your Highness, be careful!"

He Yan, with his sharp eyes, spotted Li Yi's figure first and immediately suppressed his smile.

He quickly pulled Qin Lang along and bowed in greeting:
"Greetings, Your Excellency!"

Liu Shan turned around and saw that it was Li Yi. He quickly straightened his clothes, cupped his hands, and bowed.
"May the Prime Minister be well."

Li Yi's gaze swept over He Yan and Qin Lang like a knife, and he simply waved his hand lightly.

The two understood each other, and He Yan whispered:

"I am resigning."

After saying that, she pulled Qin Lang away hastily.

"Hey! Don't go!"

Liu Shan shouted at their retreating figures.
"The game is still undecided!"

Before he could finish speaking, Li Yi's brows furrowed even more, so he quickly fell silent and asked cautiously:
"What are your orders, Prime Minister?"

Li Yi lifted the hem of his purple robe and sat on a stone stool under the plum tree.

The snow on the stone pier hadn't been swept away, and the chill seeped through his brocade robe and into his bones, yet he seemed oblivious, only saying in a deep voice:

"Has Your Highness heard of the peasant uprising in Henan?"

Liu Shan blinked:

"I have heard a little about it."

"Now that you know this, why not devise a solution?"

Li Yi's voice suddenly rose, startling several sparrows on the eaves.

Liu Shan was taken aback by this sudden question and asked in confusion:
"Shouldn't this matter be coordinated by the cabinet and then handed over to the local governors for handling?"

"Moreover, the rebellion in Henan is small in scale and poses no threat to the country. Why would the Chancellor...?"

"Confused!"

Li Yi slammed his hand on the table and stood up, shaking the snow off the stone stool.

"As the Crown Prince, even in the smallest matters, you should show His Majesty your concern for the people!"

"We should volunteer to participate in the suppression of the rebellion and disaster relief efforts!"

"And you!"

"Turning a deaf ear and ignoring everything, are the people of Henan not your subjects?!"

Overwhelmed by this imposing aura, Liu Shan lowered his head and stammered:

"Your subject knows he was wrong..."

"Are you aware of your mistake?"

Li Yi gave a cold laugh, and criticized him wearily:
“You always say you know you’re wrong, but have you ever truly learned your lesson?”

"Now your younger brother, Prince Liu Li of Liang, has already quelled the rebellion and even went to Yingchuan to comfort the local people."

"His Majesty is greatly pleased with this!"

"So much so that not only was an edict issued praising the King of Liang, but also criticizing the inactive King of Lu."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan looked up, a hint of joy in his eyes, and said:
"Third brother, quickly quell the rebellion and save the people from suffering. Isn't that a good thing?"

"I believe this is something to celebrate, not something to worry about."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi felt a tightness in his chest.

He sighed inwardly at the prince's pure and kind nature, which would be considered a virtue in an ordinary family.

But in this imperial family...

He suppressed his anger and said in a deep voice:

"Go to His Majesty immediately and request permission to travel to Henan to inspect the counties and appease the local people."

"This……"

Liu Shan looked troubled. "The rebellion in Henan was not a big deal to begin with. Isn't Your Excellency making a mountain out of a molehill?"

"shut up!"

Li Yi interrupted sharply, "Even if it's a minor ailment, you should go in person!"

"The crown prince should share weal and woe with the people!"

"Our great Han Dynasty was founded on benevolence and filial piety, and Your Majesty loves the people like your own children."

"If you do not go, how will you inherit the throne in the future?"

The Crown Prince lacks political acumen and initiative, unlike Liu Li, the Prince of Liang, who is decisive and capable.

Li Yi stayed in the palace earlier to see if Liu Bei had any other plans for Liu Shan.

In fact, Liu Bei could have easily arranged for the crown prince to tour the counties in Henan to appease the people and demonstrate the imperial family's favor towards the locals.

But whether Liu Bei forgot or did it intentionally, he did so after making arrangements for the Prince of Lu and the Prince of Liang.

There is no mention of Liu Shan.

This made Li Yi, who had an extremely keen political sense, feel uneasy, so he immediately went to the Eastern Palace to find Liu Shan.

Li Yi's words made Liu Shan blush with embarrassment.

The garden fell silent for a moment, with only the sound of snow falling from plum branches to the ground.

After a long silence, Liu Shan finally spoke in a low voice:
"Your Excellency is right... I will go and see the Emperor now."

“…Good, that’s right.”

Li Yi's expression softened slightly, and he took out a scroll of bamboo slips from his sleeve.

"This is the details of the counties and prefectures in Henan and the corresponding countermeasures. You must memorize it."

"When meeting the emperor, one should volunteer and speak earnestly."

Liu Shan received it with both hands, feeling as if it weighed a thousand pounds.

Upon closer inspection, one can see that the text is densely filled with details about the population, land area, and taxes of each prefecture.

It even marked the neighborhoods that might be affected by the disaster.

He looked up at Li Yi and saw that the strict teacher's temples had turned a few strands white.

Beneath the stern look in his eyes, however, lay a trace of worry that he could not fathom.

"Father..."

Liu Shan suddenly asked, "Have I... disappointed you?"

Li Yi's body trembled slightly, and after a moment of silence, he said:
"The Crown Prince's benevolence is a blessing to the nation. But... alas!"

He looked up at the sky beyond the palace walls and thought, "In this world, sometimes kindness becomes a burden."

A gust of cold wind swept by, and the fragrance of plum blossoms mixed with the snow rushed towards us.

Li Yi straightened his clothes and said, "This old minister takes his leave."

"Your Highness, please remember that His Majesty will be reviewing memorials in the Qingliang Hall at Shenshi (3-5 PM). Do not miss this opportunity."

As I turned to leave, I couldn't help but look back and say a few more words of advice.

"...By the way, your father likes to eat stewed mutton."

"When you go to see him, remember to bring a pot."

"Your father has been working very hard these days on the campaign against Wu. How can you, as his son, not even know his preferences?"

After saying that, he turned and left without looking back.

Liu Shan watched Li Yi's departing figure, as slender as a lone bamboo or a towering pine, his hand gripping the bamboo slips tightly.

He Yan and Qin Lang peered out from a distance, but dared not approach.

He suddenly felt that the snow in the Eastern Palace seemed colder than in previous years.

When Li Yi returned to the Prime Minister's residence, dusk had already enveloped Luoyang.

The snow in front of the Prime Minister's residence had been swept clean, and the guards on both sides greeted him in unison as he returned.

As soon as I stepped into the courtyard, the steward came forward to greet me:
"Your Excellency, General Gao, the Prefect of Shanyang, has been waiting for an hour."

"Oh?"

Li Yi raised an eyebrow slightly. "Why didn't you report this sooner?"

The steward explained in a low voice:
General Gao said that the Prime Minister was busy with many affairs of state and dared not urge him, so he waited quietly in the side hall.

Li Yi nodded, straightened his clothes, and strode towards the side hall.

Upon entering, one sees a person sitting upright like a pine tree.

In the candlelight, there was not a trace of anxiety on that sharply defined face.

Upon hearing the door open, Gao Shun immediately stood up, clasped his hands in a respectful greeting:

"This humble general pays his respects to Your Excellency."

"It is my fault for keeping General Gao waiting for so long."

Li Yi offered a helping hand and carefully examined the general, who was known for his integrity.

Gao Shun was dressed in a plain cotton robe, and the sword at his waist was an old item bestowed by the late emperor (Liu Xie), with its scabbard polished to a shine.

I couldn't help but sigh inwardly—

Among all the military generals in the court, he was the only one who did not indulge in extravagance.

The two took their seats as host and guest, and a waiter served them hot tea.

Gao Shun went straight to the point, asking directly:

"I wonder what Your Excellency's instructions are in summoning me here?"

Li Yi sipped his fragrant tea and said slowly:

"General, you must have heard of the imperial court's intention to attack Wu?"

Gao Shun nodded and said:
"Shanyang County has conscripted 3,500 laborers in accordance with the documents from the Ministry of War of the Cabinet."

"Ten thousand bushels of grain and fodder have been prepared."

"...Hehe, it's not about that."

Li Yi put down his teacup. "I invited the general here today to discuss the selection of the commander-in-chief of the Henan army."

He got up, took a map from the desk, and spread it out on the table.

"For this campaign against Wu, the imperial court mobilized five armies, totaling 200,000 men."

As he spoke, he pointed to the mark on the map.

"Hebei Army, Henan Army, Qingxu Army, Jingzhou Army, Huainan Army."

The candlelight flickered, and the vermilion-marked arrows on the map resembled five red dragons, pointing straight to Jiangdong.

Gao Shun followed Li Yi's finger with his eyes, listening intently.

"I have already decided that Zhang Junyi will be the commander-in-chief of the Hebei Army."

"The head coach of Qingxu is Zang Xuangao."

"As for Jiangnan, they are Huang Hansheng from Jingzhou and Chen Yuanlong from Huainan."

Li Yi's finger stopped at the Henan location.

"Only the commander of the Henan army remains undecided by His Majesty and the cabinet."

A glint flashed in Gao Shun's eyes, as if he had already understood the unspoken meaning in Li Yi's words.

"Does the Prime Minister mean that he intends for me to shoulder this important responsibility?"

Li Yi gazed into Gao Shun's clear, bright eyes and said in a deep voice:
"The war against Wu was mainly fought with the armies of Jingzhou and Huainan, with Huainan being the most important."

"The other three routes are mostly for support."

He sighed, "With the strength of our great Han Dynasty, conquering Wu should not have been difficult."

"Of course..."

He changed the subject and lowered his voice.

"The Southern Army and the Northern Army have a long-standing grudge, and this time the Hebei Army specially dispatched Zhang He for this reason."

Upon hearing this, Gao Shun suddenly understood.

Zhang He was originally a subordinate of Yuan Shao and enjoyed high prestige among the generals in Hebei.

He himself was born in Bingzhou and had spent many years in Henan, so he had no close relationships with generals from the north or south.

The Prime Minister is looking for someone who is impartial and unbiased!

Thinking of this, Gao Shun rose from his seat and knelt down, his voice trembling slightly:
"This humble general is honored by the Prime Minister's favor and would never dare to fail to serve him faithfully!"

Li Yi personally helped him up.

"...General, please rise."

"I have long heard that the general is strict in his military discipline. This time, in the campaign against Wu, I only seek a peaceful outcome."

Just then, the cook brought over the food table, and Li Yi said with a smile:

"It is dinnertime, General, why don't you join me for a meal?"

Gao Shun, however, said he dared not overstep his bounds.

So the two sat down to eat.

There were only four dishes and a soup on the table, but they were all exquisitely prepared.

Li Yi raised his chopsticks in a gesture of greeting:

"Does the general have any questions regarding military deployment?"

Gao Shun pondered for a moment:

"The Henan army was mainly composed of infantry."

"This humble general intends to divide the troops into two routes:"

"Leaving Runan, we proceeded eastward along the Huai River."

"They marched south from Chenjun, forming a strategic defensive position."

"..."

Li Yi listened and nodded.

Gao Shun was extremely familiar with the geography and military strength of Henan.

What's even more commendable is that they don't seek personal credit or act rashly, and always prioritize supporting the main force.

After a lengthy explanation, Li Yi said with satisfaction:
"With the general's strategic acumen, I have nothing to worry about."

After the meal, the waiter cleared away the leftovers.

Li Yi personally poured tea for Gao Shun:

"The only priority in this campaign against Wu is to maintain stability."

"A skilled warrior does not achieve great feats; if he can take Jiangdong without shedding blood, that is a great achievement."

Gao Shun held the cup with both hands and solemnly said:
"This humble general will keep in mind the Prime Minister's teachings."

"We must restrain our troops and not compete with our allies for credit."

The sound of the watchman's drum came from outside the window; it was already three-quarters past 7 PM.

Gao Shun got up to take his leave.

Li Yi escorted him to the steps, then suddenly said:
"After you return, General, you might as well go to Shouchun and pay a visit to Chen Yuanlong."

"The Huainan Army and the Henan Army should be like left and right hands."

Gao Shun bowed deeply and said:
"You will finally understand."

Watching Gao Shun's tall figure disappear into the night, Li Yi breathed a sigh of relief.

The crescent moon, like a hook, shines on the snow piled up on the steps, casting a cool, clear light.

He murmured to himself:
"I only hope that this campaign against Wu will not encounter any unexpected complications."

(End of this chapter)