The grand army passed through Zhengyang Gate and waited silently in front of Wumen Gate for the imperial summons.
The three-sided city terraces, each thirty zhang high, were connected. Above them rose the East and West Yan Wing Towers and corner pavilions. The main hall with its multi-layered yellow-tiled roof and white marble balustrades housed a row of armored and sword-bearing Golden Feather Guards, creating an atmosphere of solemn majesty.
Before these towering terraces and halls, even the plaza below, capable of holding nearly ten thousand people, seemed cramped.
Atop her horse, Fan Changyu gazed up at the palace buildings, looming like enormous beasts. She wondered if those who dwelled on those high platforms for too long might lose sight of the common people’s suffering, viewing their lives as insignificant as ants.
How else could one explain why the emperor on his dragon throne, while she was at the frontlines slaying enemies, was only concerned about her interfering with his marriage arrangements and decided to eliminate her?
Two years ago, during the drought and flood disasters, to promote the Li family and suppress Wei Yan, he had acted just like Qi Min. They colluded with the Li family to allow corrupt officials under Wei Yan to embezzle layer upon layer of disaster relief funds and grain. Only after enough people had died did they turn to punish Wei Yan.
The common people suffered unbearably, cursing the corrupt officials and hoping their “Heaven” would open its eyes. Little did they know that their “Heaven” had been watching all along, merely as a cold observer.
The emperor was obsessed with power games, while those seated in the high halls of state were concerned not with the people’s hardships, but with how to overthrow political rivals and perpetuate their family’s prosperity.
Fan Changyu suddenly found the yellow glazed tiles on the flying eaves painfully glaring. She lowered her eyes and clenched her fists.
Once inside Wumen Gate, civil officials could no longer ride in sedan chairs, and military officers could not ride horses. As they waited, palace attendants came to lead away their war horses.
Tang Peiyi noticed Fan Changyu’s unusual expression and thought she might be nervous about her first audience with the emperor. He glanced back at the majestic palace and said, “An ancient poem says, ‘In heaven stands the White Jade Capital, with twelve towers and five cities.’ I imagine the White Jade Capital in that poem couldn’t be much grander than this. Countless scholars and warriors spend their entire lives without qualifying to even glimpse inside. Commander Fan, at such a young age, you’re already granted an imperial audience in the Hall of Supreme Harmony. Truly, the young are to be feared. We’ve been summoned to the capital for rewards and honors, so you needn’t worry. Just accept your appointment when we enter the hall.”
Fan Changyu didn’t explain anything, merely cupping her hands and saying, “Thank you for your guidance, General.”
Tang Peiyi patted her shoulder and said no more.
After about a quarter of an hour, the summons finally penetrated through several palace gates, reaching Wumen Gate.
“Summon Cloud and Plume General Tang Peiyi and his officers for an imperial audience—”
The eunuch’s voice outside the Hall of Supreme Harmony was high-pitched and drawn out.
“Summon Cloud and Plume General Tang Peiyi and his officers for an imperial audience—”
The Golden Feather Guards standing with swords at the foot of the white marble steps had deep, rough voices.
“Summon Cloud and Plume General Tang Peiyi and his officers for an imperial audience—”
The final call echoing outside the Yan Wing Towers resounded between the thirty-zhang-high city terraces on both sides, creating countless reverberations, majestic and awe-inspiring.
Even the generals who had just come from the blood-soaked battlefields of the Northwest couldn’t help but feel their hearts tremble, truly understanding what it meant to “pay respects to the Son of Heaven.”
The east side gate slowly opened. Led by Tang Peiyi, the military officers lined up neatly behind him. They entered Wumen Gate, crossed the Golden Water Bridge, traversed Taihemen Gate, and finally reached the Hall of Supreme Harmony where civil and military officials held court.
As far as the eye could see, there were vermilion walls and yellow-tiled roofs. Even the ground was paved with white marble, truly deserving of the name “Heavenly White Jade Capital.”
Among the accompanying officers, many were facing the emperor for the first time. They were so overwhelmed by the majestic halls that they dared not even breathe loudly.
Fan Changyu followed behind Tang Peiyi, walking alongside He Jingyuan’s eldest son. With her mind weighed down by too many heavy matters, she showed little interest in the magnificent gold-inlaid and jade-carved halls.
Even on the white marble steps before the Hall of Supreme Harmony stood rows of Golden Feather Guards, each towering in stature. However, their eyes held more arrogance than the bloodthirst honed on battlefields.
Entering the great hall, Fan Changyu didn’t need to look around to sense the golden splendor. Civil and military officials were lined up on both sides of the hall, making way for them to approach.
However, the positions at the head of both civil and military officials were empty. Xie Zheng had specially requested to return to the capital a few days later, while Wei Yan had claimed illness and hadn’t attended court for many days. Fan Changyu guessed those might be the positions of Wei Yan and Xie Zheng.
Tang Peiyi led the group of military officers in clasping their fists and kneeling on one knee: “Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!”
Fan Changyu also bowed. She had originally planned to reveal her identity as a descendant of the Meng family in the Hall of Supreme Harmony, forcing the emperor to investigate Wei Yan. But too many things have happened since then. The Li family and Wei Yan seemed to still have cards up their sleeves, and Xie Zheng was plotting something, making her decide to hold back for now.
From atop the enormous gilded dragon throne carved in relief came the emperor’s pleased voice: “Rise—”
Fan Changyu stood just behind Tang Peiyi. As she raised her head, she immediately saw the Son of Heaven seated on the dragon throne, clad in bright yellow dragon robes.
He looked much younger than Fan Changyu had imagined an emperor would be. Wearing the imperial crown with dangling jade beads, he smiled in a way that made him seem unexpectedly approachable, almost like a young man rather than the supreme ruler of an empire.
Qi Sheng naturally saw Fan Changyu as well. When his gaze swept over her, even though he was still smiling, it made her feel as uncomfortable as when she had encountered the eunuch delivering the imperial edict outside Chongzhou City.
Qi Sheng pointed at them and said to the assembled court officials with a smile, “My loyal ministers, behold the pillars of our Great Yin Dynasty!”
The civil and military officials on both sides of the great hall exchanged glances, and a very low murmur of discussion arose. However, no one echoed the emperor’s words. The civil officials managed to maintain their composure, but many of the military officers couldn’t hide their dissatisfaction, only refraining from openly contradicting the emperor because they were in the Hall of Supreme Harmony.
The main issue was that the title of “pillar of the state” was far too grand a compliment.
Such praise might be fitting for the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers, but among those who had come with Tang Peiyi for this audience, the lowest-ranking was Fan Changyu, a fifth-rank Valiant Rider Commander.
Among officials in the capital, only those of fifth rank or above in important positions could attend court audiences, though they lacked the right to remonstrate. For local officials, one had to be of the fourth rank or higher to be granted an imperial audience.
Qi Sheng’s words had, in effect, pitted the meritorious military officers against the entire court.
Even Fan Changyu, new to officialdom, sensed something was amiss. When Tang Peiyi heard the emperor’s praise, cold sweat had already begun to fall from his temples. He hastily cupped his fists and said, “We humble servants dare not accept such praise. Serving Your Majesty loyally is the duty of all subjects. Moreover, in this campaign to suppress the rebellion, the truly meritorious were Lord He and the Marquis of Wu’an.”
He Jingyuan had devoted his entire life to service and had already passed away, while Xie Zheng’s illustrious military achievements were beyond dispute for any court official.
By bringing up these two, Tang Peiyi made the emperor’s praise more fitting and deserved.
Qi Sheng’s smile didn’t diminish, as if his previous overwrought praise hadn’t been intentional: “Lord He and the Marquis of Wu’an are indeed pillars of the Great Yin Dynasty. With winter approaching in the northern territories, the Marquis of Wu’an has memorialized his intention to return to Jinzhou to inspect the military defenses before coming back to the capital. With the Marquis of Wu’an, I and all my loyal ministers can rest easy!”
At these words, all the officials voiced their agreement.
Qi Sheng smiled again and said, “When Lord Xie returns to the capital, I shall bestow upon him the Nine Bestowments.”
As soon as these words were spoken, the officials looked at each other, none daring to speak. The entire court fell into a deathly silence.
Fan Changyu stood with her head bowed in the hall, wondering if the Nine Bestowments were some kind of taboo, otherwise why would the court officials be so tight-lipped?
Fortunately, Qi Sheng quickly changed the subject himself: “Lord He’s death in battle at Lucheng pains me greatly. I have been unable to eat for days. Today, I posthumously confer upon him the title of Duke of Jing, with the honor of ancestral worship in the Imperial Ancestral Temple. Is his son He Xiuyun present?”
He Xiuyun, who had been standing next to Fan Changyu, immediately stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your humble servant is here.”
He Jingyuan had been a renowned scholar-general in life, and his eldest son had inherited his scholarly nature. Though skilled in martial arts, he was more proficient in Confucian studies. During He Jingyuan’s time in Chongzhou, He Xiuyun managed all affairs in Jizhou, with Zheng Wenchang staying behind as his deputy.
Qi Sheng said, “You have passed both the imperial examinations and have gained years of experience in Jizhou under your father. Henceforth, you shall take the position of Governor of Jizhou.”
He Xiuyun thanked the emperor for his grace: “This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for this great honor. I shall not dare to disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations.”
Qi Sheng bid him return to his place. When his gaze turned to Tang Peiyi, whether because he had heard something from the eunuch who had gone to Chongzhou to deliver the edict or for some other reason, though he was still smiling, there seemed to be a hint of malice: “General Tang showed great foresight and judicious use of personnel in suppressing the rebellion. I hereby appoint you as the Great General Who Pacifies the West, with a reward of a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of fine silk.”
After Tang Peiyi stepped forward to express his gratitude, Qi Sheng’s gaze fell on Fan Changyu.
He said, “I have long heard that a female general has emerged from among the common people of our Great Yin Dynasty. Step forward and let me see you.”
Fan Changyu stepped forward and cupped her fists: “Your humble servant Fan Changyu pays respects to Your Majesty.”
Qi Sheng said, “Raise your head.”
These words caused no small stir among the court officials. Fan Changyu was a military officer with battle merits, yet Qi Sheng’s frivolous words seemed more like selecting consorts in the harem.
Fan Changyu’s brows furrowed unconsciously as she raised her head, her gaze resolute. Her face showed none of the shyness of a young girl, only the spirit of a battle-hardened warrior.
Qi Sheng’s lips curved into a smile as he praised, “What a golden peony of the battlefield!”
At these words, the expressions of the court officials became even more interesting. Even Tang Peiyi felt anxious for Fan Changyu.
For the emperor to praise her appearance rather than her achievements was strange no matter how one looked at it. Fan Changyu also felt that something was off.
Especially since she knew that the emperor on the dragon throne had already harbored thoughts of killing her before. Now, being stared at by his ambiguous smile made her feel as if she had thorns on her back.
Sure enough, the next moment, Qi Sheng asked, “Does my loyal subject have a marriage partner?”
Fan Changyu felt a chill run through her entire body. Her hands, still clasped in a salute, tightened involuntarily. A sense of anger at being insulted and despised rose in her heart. She pressed her lips tightly together and answered in a clear, ringing voice: “In response to Your Majesty, this humble servant is already married.”
Although Xie Zheng had used a false name when he married into her family, there was indeed a true marriage certificate recorded in the official documents. Her words could not be considered deceiving the emperor.
Qi Sheng seemed rather disappointed and continued to ask, “Where is your husband now?”
Fan Changyu replied neither humbly nor arrogantly: “At the beginning of the year when troops were being conscripted, my husband went to Chongzhou. Worried for him, I accidentally joined the army while searching for him. The battle to suppress the rebellion was fierce, and my husband’s fate remains unknown to this day.”
During wartime, it was not uncommon for soldiers to go missing. Some deserted, some were trampled into unrecognizable pulp by thousands of horses and men, and others died in the wilderness by accident. There were countless such cases.
There was indeed a “true name” roster of soldiers in the army, but now no one by that name could be found in the ranks. What Fan Changyu said was, in essence, the “truth.”
Given what she had said, her journey of a thousand li to find her husband would be seen as an act of deep love and loyalty by anyone. Her husband was a soldier missing in action from the Battle of Chongzhou, making her practically a widow of a war hero. If Qi Sheng were to continue with his frivolous remarks, it would undoubtedly be seen as coveting a subject’s wife – the behavior of a degenerate ruler.
Qi Sheng had long been clear about Fan Changyu’s relationship with Xie Zheng. His confrontation in the Hall of Supreme Harmony was merely an attempt to vent his anger over Xie Zheng cutting off the eunuch’s ear that day. Now that Fan Changyu had rebuffed him neither humbly nor arrogantly, causing him to lose face in front of his officials, he was on the verge of flying into a rage from embarrassment.
Struggling to maintain the smile on his face, he said: “In my seventeen years on the throne, this is the first time I’ve seen a talented woman general. Lord Fan, you beheaded the King of Changxin in the Battle of Chongzhou and single-handedly held Lucheng until reinforcements arrived. Your contributions are undeniable. I hereby appoint you as Cloud and Plume General, and confer upon you the title of Second-Rank Commandery Princess.”
Cloud and Plume General was a third-rank military position with real power, while Commandery Princess was an honorary title.
Fan Changyu was likely the first and only person in the history of the Great Yin Dynasty to earn the title of Commandery Princess. Even the wives of prime ministers received their titles through their husbands.
Fan Changyu bowed her head in gratitude: “This humble servant thanks Your Majesty for this great honor.”
After the rewards came the punishments.
As Fan Changyu returned to her place, she heard the emperor ask, seemingly somewhat wearily: “Do any of my loyal subjects have matters to report?”
An elderly man with graying hair and beard, standing at the forefront of the civil officials’ ranks, stepped forward with his jade tablet and said: “This old servant has a matter to report.”
Qi Sheng said: “What does the Grand Tutor wish to report?”
Hearing the words “Grand Tutor,” Fan Changyu guessed that the old man must be Grand Tutor Li.
Thinking of the things the Li family had done in collusion with Qi Min, she raised her eyes to observe the old man who had stepped forward diagonally in front of her. She couldn’t see his face clearly, but the figure beneath the crimson official robe embroidered with cranes looked extremely thin, like a gnarled old pine tree.
It was deeply ironic to Fang Changyu that those who treated the lives of common folk and soldiers as mere trifles could put on such a façade of loyalty and dedication to the people.
Ahead, Grand Tutor Li’s voice rang out with fervent indignation. “Lu City was nearly lost, resulting in the tragic deaths of countless soldiers. He, He Jingyuan, sacrificed himself, all because Wei Yan colluded with the rebels. I implore Your Majesty to hold Wei Yan accountable and seek justice for the thousands of fallen soldiers and Duke Jing!”
With that, he knelt in his robe.
Seeing this, members of the Li faction stepped forward, and a large number of civil officials quickly followed suit, kneeling en masse. Some minor officials, who had initially hesitated to take sides, looked around and, fearing ostracism in the court, reluctantly held out their tablets and joined the chorus, crying out, “We implore Your Majesty to hold Wei Yan accountable and seek justice for the thousands of fallen soldiers and Duke Jing!”