Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 515 He Will Ascend to the Throne

Chang'an Palace, Zichen Hall.

Inside the palace, singing girls plucked the konghou (a type of harp), while male attendants lightly struck bells and drums, their sounds melodious and enchanting—this was the music of song and dance.

Where there is music, how can there be no singing girls? The dancers' long sleeves fluttered, their graceful arms swayed their waists, their movements both flirtatious and elegant, their dance exquisite and perfectly in sync with the music.

Wine was poured into a large cauldron, and servants served it to the guests; beef was cooked on a table, and the butcher chopped it for the meal. Dishes were presented on the table, and the emperor and his ministers drank together, enjoying the courtly etiquette. The sound of bells and the feasting of cauldrons—this was the imperial banquet.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty, on unifying China!"

"I rely on your utmost efforts!"

The ministers raised their cups in celebration to Zhang Yu, who returned the toast. The emperor and his ministers drank together, laughing and talking happily—this was the joy of being emperor and his ministers.

Looking at the dancers gracefully dancing in the hall, Zhang Yu put down his wine cup and said, "Yuan Chang, compared with the dance of Chen, our country is slightly inferior."

"Oh!"

Zhong Yao asked curiously, "Where is the musician?"

Zhang Yu pointed to the assembled generals and officers and laughed, “All the eight-row dancers will be betrothed to meritorious officials as concubines.”

“During times of war, rituals and music are abandoned, so court music is hard to find. It is a pity that Your Majesty has bestowed them all upon me!” Zhong Yao said.

“Singing and dancing are external things; how can they compare to the human heart?” Zhang Yu said with a smile, “Besides, the officers and soldiers have followed me for many years and made outstanding contributions. They should share the joy of singing and dancing with me.”

"Your Majesty has treated us with great kindness, how dare we not give our lives!" Zhong Yao praised, "Although the Southern bandits have the Yangtze River as a natural barrier, it cannot stop Your Majesty from unifying the world."

While on the imperial journey, Zhang Yu and Zhong Yao disagreed on political matters, but it wasn't a major conflict. Especially since the primary concern wasn't internal strife, but rather the unification of the empire. The secondary conflict was the internal issue, requiring the resolution of internal policy problems.

Taking advantage of a brief pause in the music, Guo Tu rose to offer a toast and said, "The Han dynasty lost its virtuous rule, the world was in turmoil, Dong Zhuo usurped the throne, and the Guandong region was in chaos. To bring peace to the people, Your Majesty raised an army in Daishuo and fought for more than ten years, eliminating the heroes of all directions, destroying Gongsun in the north, conquering Xi'an and Longyou, pacifying Qi and Yuan in the east, and capturing Chen and Yuan in the south. Your military achievements are magnificent and your prestige is awe-inspiring."

"Your Majesty has driven out the barbarian invaders, established virtuous governance, and unified China, thus continuing the virtuous rule of the Zhou Dynasty. Therefore, in my opinion, Your Majesty should emulate the deeds of Emperor Gaozu, continue the legitimate lineage of China, ascend to the throne, and bring peace and prosperity to the world!"

Although Guo Tu's expression was not loud, everyone was immediately drawn to him and looked at Zhang Yu on the imperial couch. The atmosphere was very quiet!
Zhang Yu was moved, and deliberately coughed, saying, "I am a former official of the Han Dynasty, and the Emperor is still in the country today. My virtue is shallow, how dare I presume to occupy such a high position!"

"Your Majesty!"

Jia Xu said, "The emperor has already abdicated in Chen, so how can there be any restoration? Your Majesty should accept the mandate of heaven and follow the example of Emperor Gaozu in ascending the throne. What is wrong with that? This is the same principle that led to the fall of Yao and Shun!"

Zhang Yu's expression turned slightly serious as he said, "The Emperor is still alive, and the southern bandits have not yet been eliminated. Gentlemen, please refrain from further discussion!"

Zhang Yu had long harbored the ambition to become emperor, but was hindered by circumstances. Now, after the conquest of Chen, Zhang Yu's prestige has soared, and his ministers all wish to urge him to assume the throne.

However, Zhang Yu could not openly declare himself emperor, simply because Liu Xie was in his hands. As a former Han official, how could he disregard the proper relationship between ruler and subject?

Without a legitimate process, Zhang Yu's hasty declaration of his intention to ascend the throne will inevitably draw criticism from those who are loyal to the Han dynasty.

Therefore, if Zhang Yu wanted to become emperor, he had to first ask Liu Xie to restore the throne. Then, Liu Xie declined the throne and submitted a memorial to Zhang Yu, requesting that Zhang Yu succeed him. After this was repeated three times, Liu Xie made it clear to the people that he had no intention of restoring the throne, which made it seem as if Zhang Yu was "reluctantly" ascending the throne.

As for destiny, auspicious omens, and prophecies, these are merely procedural matters and not difficult at all.

With Zhang Yu's highly suggestive words, everyone's minds started to stir, and they began to think about how to profit from it and thus obtain a higher rank in the new dynasty.

"Your Majesty!"

At the height of the banquet, Zhao Zi stepped into the hall and whispered in Zhang Yu's ear.

"What's the matter?"

Zhao Zi said in a low voice, "According to reports from spies in Yizhou, Sun Ce was assassinated and his second brother Sun Quan succeeded him to the throne. Sun Quan refused to form an alliance with Cao Cao and Liu Bei, and told his subordinates that the world is in chaos and that no one but Your Majesty can bring peace to the world. Therefore, he has already sent an envoy to pay homage to Your Majesty."

"Oh?"

Zhang Yu looked slightly startled and subconsciously glanced at Guo Jia. He hadn't expected that even Sun Ce himself would be killed by an assassin; Guo Jia's prediction on this matter was indeed accurate.

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and asked, "If I remember correctly, most of the prefectures in Bashu are staffed by members of the Sun family. Is there any unrest in the prefecture at present?"

No specific information available at this time!

Zhao Zi said, "Should we send Guo Huaiguang from Hanzhong to dispatch scouts to investigate the situation in Bashu?"

"Can!"

Zhang Yu instructed, "If there is any news from Bashu, report it to me immediately."

"As ordered!"

Zhao Zi slowly retreated.

"Your Majesty, is there some urgent military news?" Zhong Yao asked promptly.

Zhang Yu remained expressionless and said, "There has been a change in Bashu. Sun Ce was assassinated, and Sun Quan has succeeded to the throne. Cao Cao and Liu Bei sent envoys to Bashu, but the Sun family refused the alliance. The envoys will likely arrive in Chang'an soon." "Alas!"

Zhong Yao's face lit up with joy, and he said, "If I remember correctly, Sun Quan has not yet commanded any troops and is still very young. He has no authority now and hastily ascended the throne. The people of Ba and Shu are restless. If the Sun brothers split up, wouldn't Ba and Shu turn against you and surrender to Your Majesty!"

Zhang Yu said, "The situation in Bashu is hard to predict. Let's observe for now. But no matter what, Sun Ce is ambitious, and his sudden attack is a great advantage for our army."

Sun Ce's military strategy needs no further explanation; he inherited the style of his father, Sun Jian. The reason the Tang army was able to defeat Sun Ce in Hanzhong was due to the advantage of relieving the siege and Zhang Lu's firm defense of Nanzheng. However, if the situation were reversed, with the Tang army marching south to Bashu and Sun Ce leading the counter-offensive, victory for the Tang army would be far from assured!

Therefore, the assassination of Sun Ce and the replacement of him with Sun Quan, who was good at using people but not good at commanding troops, had both advantages and disadvantages for the Tang army.

Zhong Yao nodded and smiled, "It seems that Your Majesty's unification of the world is not far off!"

Zhang Yu had no intention of discussing business at the banquet. He chatted briefly with Zhong Yao before continuing to talk and laugh with the other generals.

As dusk fell, the banquet ended, and everyone, slightly tipsy, returned home, their enjoyment exhausted.

Guided by his attendants, Zhang Yu went to Changxin Palace to retire for the night, where Wang Ji, dressed in full regalia, came out to greet him.

"Your Majesty!"

Zhang Yu, holding Wang Ji's soft hand, smiled and asked, "Has Madam received any music?"

Wang Ji smiled and said, "Many years have passed, yet Your Majesty still remembers your promise, which is beyond my expectations."

As he spoke, Wang Ji rolled his eyes at Zhang Yu and said, "The two bridges are beautiful, Your Majesty is fortunate to have two beauties. Now that Your Majesty is going to Changxin, are you willing to give up the two bridges?"

Zhang Yu comforted her, saying, "My lady has shared joys and sorrows with me, which is incomparable to any other concubine. Why should you care about others?"

As the number of concubines in the palace increased, Zhang Yu spent less time favoring Wang Ji than before. However, Zhang Yu still missed Wang Ji, after all, his wife, who had shared his hardships, was incomparable to any other woman, and besides, the political resources Wang Ji provided him were very helpful in the early stages of his official career.

Upon entering the hall, Zhang Yu looked around but couldn't find his two sons. He asked, "Where are my two sons?"

"It's my mother's birthday, so I've sent my two sons back to the manor to visit you both!" Wang Ji said as she helped Zhang Yu change his clothes.

Zhang Yu asked, "How is your learning, my two sons?"

"My knowledge has increased, and my teacher has given me much praise!"

"How is Luo'er's riding skill?"

“Your Majesty has made considerable progress. Perhaps you could take some time to examine it!” Wang Ji said.

After being reprimanded by Zhang Yu, Wang Ji dared not make decisions on his own regarding raising his child anymore!

"Together with the lady!"

When the elderly couple met, they chatted on and on, mostly asking about family matters, whether it was about their children or the elderly.

After chatting for a while, Wang Ji leaned closer, wrapped his arms around Zhang Yu's chest and waist, and whispered, "It's been a long time. Does Your Majesty miss me while you're away on campaign?"

How could I not want to?

Smelling the alluring fragrance, Zhang Yu turned and embraced Wang Ji's voluptuous waist, his desire rising. He teased, "Did you miss me, Madam?"

"How could I not want to!"

Wang Ji said softly, "When Your Majesty charged into battle to capture Yuan Shu, I learned that Your Majesty had been wounded by an arrow, and I was very worried. Fortunately, Your Majesty is unharmed!"

"Didn't we tell people not to spread this?" Zhang Yu frowned slightly.

“The king’s affairs are my affairs, how can I not interfere?” Wang Ji said, raising his head.

"I was just afraid you'd worry!"

Although Zhang Yu disliked the news being leaked, he didn't say much because of Wang Ji's concern.

"I've heard that Your Majesty is about to declare yourself emperor?"

"Ok!"

Zhang Yu's large hand moved up and down, responding softly.

Then, Zhang Yu blew on the hot air and said, "I am the emperor, and my lady will be the mother of the nation."

"Na Luo~"

"Woo!"

Before Wang Ji could finish speaking, Zhang Yu cut him off, preventing him from saying anything more.

(End of this chapter)