Late Han Zhao Tang

Chapter 543 The Empress Dowager Must Not Interfere in Politics (13)

In April, with the arrival of both Tang and Shu armies at the front lines, the battle lines underwent significant changes.

On the Jinniu Road, Guo Huai led the vanguard. When the army reached Jiameng, the Shu army followed Fa Zheng's strategy, and Xu Kun led his troops to abandon Jiameng and retreat to Jiange to hold the position. This freed up hundreds of miles of mountain roads, which not only further extended the Tang army's supply lines but also allowed them to deploy troops along the treacherous paths of Jiange, thus strengthening the Jinniu Road defenses.

Seeing that the Shu army withdrew without a fight, Guo Huai became very suspicious. He then stationed himself at Jiameng and did not advance further, in order to prevent the Shu people from setting up an ambush in the Shu roads. When Xu Huang led a large army to arrive, he went ahead to scout the terrain of Jiange Pass. He found that Jiange was as treacherous as rumored, and could not be breached by human strength. This greatly worried Xu Huang.

After careful consideration, Xu Huang temporarily ordered Guo Huai to set up camp at a strategic location, while he and the other troops were stationed at Jiameng Pass, intending to discuss military strategies with everyone.

When Xu Huang suffered a setback at Jiange, Man Chong, who was advancing with him, was blocked in the north at Hanchang, and they pondered a strategy to defeat the enemy.

While the Shu and Tang armies were temporarily locked in a stalemate at the Jinniu and Micang passes, Cao Cao and Liu Bei, in order to contain the Tang army, both mobilized their troops for a northern expedition.

For example, Liu Bei dispatched 30,000 troops to cross the river and besiege Jiangling, intending to seize Nan Commandery and control the Yangtze River.

Cao Cao had grand ambitions. He adopted the advice of Zhou Yu and Liu Ye and decided to first seize Jingzhou, annex Liu Bei, explore Bashu, and reach the far reaches of the Yangtze River.

To contain Zhang Liao, Cao Cao ordered Yuan Xi and Yuan Shang to lead their former troops north across the Huai River to harass the coastal areas of Xuzhou. He also left Xiahou Dun to guard Shouchun to prevent Zhang Liao from taking advantage of Yangzhou's vulnerability to cross the Huai River south.

With troops already engaged in battles in the Central Plains, Cao Cao gathered 60,000 troops from the Jiangdong region and sailed westward towards Jingzhou. At that time, Zhou Yu was appointed as the governor of Jiangxia, and Cao Ren and Zhou Yu were appointed as the vanguard commanders, leading 10,000 men to attack Xiakou.

Upon seeing Cao Cao's army arrive, Huang Zu went out of the city to fight. His navy was defeated by Zhou Yu, and he led his defeated troops to retreat to Xiakou. He then ordered his men to urgently seek help from Hao Zhao.

Hao Zhao saw that Cao Cao's army was heading towards Jingzhou and feared that it would join forces with Liu Bei. He ordered scouts to send urgent messages from 800 li away to Chang'an.

Following this, Hao Zhao, based on the military situation, first ordered Li Tong to go south to aid Huang Zu. He then summoned Wang Wei, Huang Zhong, Han Xi, and others to garrison troops in Dangyang, awaiting further orders from Zhang Yu.

When Hao Zhao expedited the delivery of the military orders to Chang'an, it only took a few days, but it was already May.

The second day of the fifth lunar month, Chang'an.

"Urgent report from Jingzhou!"

Upon receiving the urgent order, the Privy Council dispatched an official to deliver it directly to the palace. Because it carried an urgent report, it was even allowed to ride its horse within the palace grounds, and other officials would give way to it upon seeing it.

While the urgent report was being delivered, Zhang Yu was in the palace listening to Wang Ji complaining about Sun Ren.

"Having entered the palace as a concubine, she should know the proper order of rank. However, Consort Sun is ignorant of etiquette, arranging sword-wielding maids in the palace. When I ordered her to remove them, she dared to talk back to me," Wang Ji complained. "If she is not punished, wouldn't Consort Sun become arrogant and greatly diminish the prestige of our new dynasty!"

After Sun Ren was brought into the palace as a bride, she clashed with Wang Ji. Wang Ji felt that Sun Ren's dowry of maids was too many, which did not conform to palace rules, and intended to reduce it. Sun Ren was dissatisfied with Wang Ji's request, so she ordered her maids to line up with swords, scaring away the maids who were running away.

Wang Ji personally led her entourage there, believing that her status as Empress would intimidate Sun Ren. Unexpectedly, Sun Ren ignored Wang Ji and still ordered his maids to stand on both sides of the palace path with swords and knives. Even Wang Ji, who prided herself on her courage, was terrified, fearing that Sun Ren would draw his sword in anger.

However, Wang Ji feared that Sun Ren would ridicule him, so he hesitated for a while before ordering someone to summon Sun Ren to come out of the hall to greet him. Sun Ren, carrying a bow and wearing armor, came out, paid his respects to Wang Ji, and invited him into the hall to discuss matters. Seeing the rows of sword-wielding maids on both sides, Wang Ji hesitated for a long time before finally finding an excuse to leave.

After leaving, Wang Ji felt increasingly ashamed and angry, so he went to Zhang Yu, hoping to get Zhang Yu's support.

“Sun Ren is young and ignorant, and is deeply spoiled by his father and brothers. His act of arranging sword-wielding maids is both reckless and ignorant, and also shows his concern for his own safety. But in any case, defying the Empress and arranging sword-wielding maids is a taboo in the palace.” Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and then asked, “I wonder how Shu Lan intends to punish him?”

Wang Ji said, "Remove her from the position of concubine and demote her to the rank of talented woman. Also, order Sun Ren to dismiss the sword-wielding maids and forbid her from carrying swords in the palace."

He then explained further: “Now that Tang and Shu are at war, it is inappropriate for the enemy’s daughter to be a concubine. In addition, there are as many as a hundred maids, and there may be assassins hiding among them. In the past, Sun Ce was assassinated by assassins. Now the crown prince is young, and Your Majesty must be prepared.”

Seeing that Wang Ji's advice was reasonable, Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Although the Sun family is stubborn, if we break through the dangerous passes of the northern route, all the prefectures will send proclamations to surrender. At that time, the people of Shu will be restless, and the Sun family will surely surrender sooner or later. Sun Ren is the eldest daughter of the Sun family and is deeply favored by Sun Jian and Sun Ce. If the Sun family and their old subordinates surrender, we can use Sun Ren to appease them. Therefore, it is not advisable to be harsh now."

"Therefore, the position of concubine can be temporarily retained, but the sword-wielding maid cannot be kept. The sword must be removed and the maid executed to appease the hearts of everyone in the palace. What does the Empress think?"

"As Your Majesty wishes!"

Seeing that Zhang Yu was in a good mood, Wang Ji tentatively asked, "Wei'er was enfeoffed in a barren land, I wonder what Your Majesty's opinion is like?"

Before he could finish speaking, Zhang Yu's expression turned serious, and he said, "In the past, the Zhou dynasty enfeoffed feudal lords to protect the Central Plains. Now I will follow the old system!"

"Since it is a national system, how can it be changed arbitrarily?"

"The women of the inner palace must not interfere in politics, and the Empress need not say more!"

Seeing Zhang Yu's face fall and her warning against interfering in politics, Wang Ji said with dissatisfaction, "If that's the case, why did Your Majesty consult me ​​on important matters when you first started your dynasty?"

"Times have changed. In the past, the world was at peace; now, the world is governed!"

When Zhang Yu led his expeditions across the land, granting Wang Ji power was a last resort. Now that China is at peace and order is being established from top to bottom, Zhang Yu must emphasize order and ensure that power is distributed fairly.

The frequent interference in politics by the empress dowager during the Han Dynasty was due to systemic reasons. According to the Han system, the emperor was required to visit the empress dowager every five days to report on state affairs. Therefore, the empress dowager exerted pressure on the emperor to gain political advantage.

When Emperor Wu of Han first ascended the throne, he implemented the Jianyuan Reforms. However, these reforms clashed with the interests and ideals of Empress Dowager Dou, leading her to order the abolition of the reforms and force the Grand Secretary Zhao Wan and the Palace Attendant Wang Zang to commit suicide. The psychological trauma inflicted by Empress Dowager Dou ultimately led Emperor Wu to the controversial decision to divorce his mother and keep his son in his later years. To prevent the interference of the empress dowager in politics during the Tang Dynasty, Zhang Yu had to abolish such practices institutionally. By forbidding Wang Ji from interfering in politics, Zhang Yu was upholding the system he had created.

Of course, completely eliminating interference in politics by the empress's family is almost impossible, as the presence of maternal relatives is inevitable. However, abolishing such interference through institutional reforms can deprive the empress's family of the legal basis for such interference.

Seeing Zhang Yu's firm attitude, Wang Ji softened his tone and said, "Now that Your Majesty has established a great enterprise, how can you not leave wealth and honor to your sons?"

“To be a king of a corner, to establish merit and achieve great things, is to leave wealth and honor to one’s descendants,” Zhang Yu said. “When my sons are enfeoffed in other places, I will make my own arrangements.”

While the couple were talking, an urgent report was finally delivered to the palace.

Zhang Hang stepped into the hall and said, "Your Majesty, the Privy Council has an urgent military report."

"Bashu?"

"Jingzhou Military Affairs!"

Zhang Yu's expression turned slightly serious as he looked at Wang Ji and said, "The affairs of the inner palace are to be managed by the Empress. As for important military matters, I dare not fail to inquire about them."

"Your Majesty, please slow down!"

After bidding farewell to Wang Ji, Zhang Yu hurried to the Zichen Hall to meet Xun You and Jia Xu.

A short while later, when Zhang Yu arrived in the hall, Xun You and Jia Xu rose and bowed.

"No gift!"

Zhang Yu asked, "What urgent military situation is there in Jingzhou?"

Xun You handed over the military report and said, "According to the Jiangxia military report, Cao Cao led his ships westward out of Jingzhou. Huang Zu led his navy to meet him in battle, but was defeated by Zhou Yu and retreated to defend Xiakou City."

"Liu Bei has deployed all his troops to besiege Jiangling, and now Cao Cao has led a large army to Jingzhou. With the combined forces of Cao and Liu, Hao Zhao is unlikely to be able to resist them. The situation in Jingzhou has changed drastically, and Your Majesty should respond accordingly!"

Zhang Yu reviewed the military intelligence, his brows furrowing slightly. He said, "I thought Cao Cao would march north to the Central Plains, but unexpectedly, in order to rescue Bashu, he is now joining Liu Bei in attacking Jingzhou."

In the original plan, Liu Bei would attack Jingzhou while Cao Cao would conquer the Central Plains, so Zhang Liao was to be stationed in Yuzhou, and Hao Zhao would succeed Xu Huang in guarding Jingzhou. However, now that Cao Cao and Liu Bei are both attacking Jingzhou, Zhang Yu's original plan has fallen through.

"What are your thoughts, gentlemen?" Zhang Yu asked.

"Your Majesty, the most important towns in Jingzhou are Jiangling and Xiangyang. Jiangling controls the Yangtze River, and with Jiangling, we can make a move to conquer the southern Chu. Now, the rebels want to use the Yangtze River to block the forces in the Central Plains. If the two sides join forces, they will surely target Jiangling."

Xun You said, "In my opinion, Your Majesty should send troops south to aid Jingzhou, and must not allow Liu Bei to seize Jiangling. Perhaps Zhang Liao could be dispatched to lead troops to support Jingzhou."

"Zhang Liao should not act rashly for now!"

Zhang Yu pondered for a moment and said, "Zhang Liao is stationed in Yuzhou, overseeing the military affairs of three provinces, which serves to deter Huainan. Now that Cao Cao has left Jingzhou, we can order Zhang Liao to cross the Huai River to plot against Huainan. We should also select another general to aid Jingzhou and work with Hao Zhao to relieve the siege of Jiangling."

"I wonder what generals Your Majesty has in mind?" Xun You asked.

"What about the Libei Academy?"

Jia Xu said, "Among the great generals of China, Li, Zhang, Xu, and Man are the most important. Now, three of them have other military affairs, and only General Li remains in the capital."

"Li Song?"

Zhang Yu paced back and forth, saying, "I fear that Li Song's wisdom and strategy are shallow, and he is no match for Cao Cao and Liu Bei."

“The people of Jingzhou are a complex bunch, and those with shallow reputations are not enough to win their hearts. If Li Beiyuan cannot march south, I fear Your Majesty will have to lead the expedition in person. But Your Majesty needs to stay in Chang'an to coordinate the military affairs of Jing and Yi,” Xun You said.

"Your Majesty," Jia Xu advised, "General Li may not be as skilled in warfare as Cao Cao, but he is adept at accepting good advice. Moreover, Lü Bu was his former colleague, and there has been no evidence of conflict between them. Therefore, when Li Song leads the expedition, he can resolve the conflicts among the generals and even persuade Lü Bu to join the campaign. "Many generals have surrendered in Jingzhou, and only those with illustrious reputations and the ability to command respect can be competent for this task!"

Of the four generals, Li Song's military prowess was inferior to Zhang Liao and Xu Huang, and his military strategy was inferior to Man Chong's. His defeat to Zhang He was due to his greed for merit and recklessness. However, Li Song was not without merit. Since his defeat by Zhang He, he had been good at accepting the opinions of his subordinates and dared not act arbitrarily. In addition, Li Song was friendly and had always been able to unite his generals.

Now that Cao Cao and Liu Bei have joined forces to seize Jingzhou, Zhang Yu dares not hope that Li Song can defeat them, but he does believe that if military strategy is applied properly, it is not impossible to repel them. Therefore, Zhang Yu can only hope that Li Song can replicate his victory over Yuan Shao in the past.

After some consideration, Zhang Yu decided to find someone to assist Li Song. He looked at Jia Xu and asked, "If Li Song is sent on the expedition, I will not feel at ease. I wonder if Wenhe can serve as the commander-in-chief and advise the army on military matters?"

"Since Your Majesty trusts me, how dare I disobey!" Jia Xu replied, accepting the order.

Zhang Yu said with satisfaction, "Now I summon Li Song to the palace and will entrust him with important secrets."

"As ordered!"

(End of this chapter)