Shu Jian did not believe in the correspondence between Heaven and humanity, but it seemed everyone else did. Since ancient times, every dynasty had specialized celestial officials who used various mysterious celestial signs and prophecies to judge fortune and misfortune, predict disasters and blessings. The Great Wei also specially established the Bureau of Astronomy, housing many astronomers within.

Since the Emperor was the Son of Heaven, it seemed natural that he should receive revelations from the Mandate of Heaven.

He had already felt the enormous pressure from that celestial mandate above his head. Now, even his Third Imperial Uncle’s reassurance could not completely ease his heart. But he was unwilling to show his weakness.

Shu Shenhui approached and reached out to touch his forehead, testing his fever. Shu Jian immediately turned over and sat up, wanting to get out of bed. “I’m fine now! I can review memorials myself. Third Imperial Uncle, you have many affairs – you don’t need to stay here with me…”

Shu Shenhui gently placed both hands on his shoulders, stopping him, then ordered a palace maid to dress him, and finally summoned an official.

This was a young man with unusually bright, piercing, and intelligent eyes. Shu Jian recognized from his official robes that he came from the Bureau of Astronomy.

The young official stepped forward to pay respects, introducing himself as Lu Tianyuan, an Attendant under the Grand Astrologer.

Shu Jian was somewhat puzzled and looked toward Shu Shenhui.

In his youth, Shu Shenhui had once read an article by Lu’s father, who had served as an imperial astronomer, proving that astronomical phenomena and earthquakes, like wind and weather patterns, arose from nature and were not, as commonly believed, signs of the Mandate of Heaven. He had wanted to meet the author, only to learn he had already died, which he deeply regretted. However, he later learned that Lu Tianyuan had inherited his father’s learning and surpassed him, so he promoted him to the Bureau of Astronomy. Unlike other officials in the Bureau who needed to provide explanations for various abnormal celestial phenomena, he specialized purely in observing and recording celestial phenomena – a pure astronomer.

Lu Tianyuan explained to Shu Jian that the planet Mars, because of its blood-red color and unpredictable movement, had been recorded many times in ancient texts as stopping among the three stars of the constellation Antares. The three stars of Antares were interpreted as related to earthly emperors, so whenever Mars guarded Antares appeared, it was considered an ominous sign for the Son of Heaven. But in his view, this was not so. Although historical records showed Emperor Qin Shi Huang had “Mars guarding Antares in the thirty-sixth year,” which was subsequently fulfilled, this was mostly a coincidence, with later generations adding interpretations. Mars guarding Antares, like the recent comet and other abnormal celestial phenomena, were all natural occurrences, insufficient to govern human fortune and misfortune.

“Your Majesty, this humble subject has studied all the stellar records that can be found from ancient times to the present. Since age seven, I have continuously observed celestial phenomena and calculated without rest. In my view, Mars guarding Antares is simply the movement of three celestial bodies forming a line within the ecliptic zone. Its sudden appearance and inevitable disappearance – what has a beginning must have an end. Whether lasting years or days, it has no relation to human fortune and misfortune, and will eventually move away. After some years, it will appear again, repeating thus, endless and eternal.”

“Heaven and earth are mysteriously infinite; what humans know is infinitesimal. But I believe all things have order, and stellar movements are no exception – they can even be calculated. However, the profound mysteries and endless transformations within, even devoting my entire life, would hardly allow me to comprehend the basics. Nevertheless, with the Regent Prince’s permission, this humble subject dares to speak before death today. According to my calculations, the sun and moon’s movement will produce a solar eclipse next year. I am now calculating day and night, striving to determine the precise date and time.”

After Lu Tianyuan finished his report, he bowed to the young Emperor and Regent Prince and withdrew.

Shu Shenhui looked at the dazed Shu Jian: “Since solar eclipses can be predicted, what is there to fear from comets hanging in the sky or Mars guarding Antares? Since ancient times, historians have recorded celestial changes and extended them to become disasters – what is their purpose? Nothing more than to admonish rulers that those in high positions must be conscious of their actions, maintain reverent hearts, restrain themselves, and cultivate virtue to benefit all people.”

“Your Majesty, the length of a ruler’s reign depends on virtue and ability – what does it have to do with astronomical calculations?”

The boulder that had pressed on Shu Jian’s heart for many days finally disappeared as Shu Shenhui’s words fell.

Being intelligent, how could he not understand his Third Imperial Uncle’s intention? He hesitated: “Third Imperial Uncle, you said earlier that the most important thing is how to respond. How should I respond?”

Shu Shenhui said: “How does Your Majesty wish to respond?”

Shu Jian met his watching gaze. Under that encouraging and testing look, he organized his thoughts and quickly said: “Issue an edict of self-blame, sacrifice to Heaven and Earth, reduce corvée labor, and also—”

He paused.

“The inner treasury will provide funds. In my name, post announcements throughout the city – all elderly people over sixty, regardless of gender, may receive one dou of rice and one bolt of cloth. Those over seventy will additionally receive one string of cash, to express my comfort to respected elders and New Year greetings.”

After hearing him finish, Shu Shenhui seemed somewhat surprised, showing slight amazement, looked him over, then smiled and nodded: “Excellent! Your Majesty’s consideration is even more thorough than this subject’s! Your Majesty may proceed according to your intention. Additionally, this subject has good news to present to Your Majesty.”

Shu Jian was puzzled and heard him say: “When this subject went to repair the sacrificial hall at Emperor Gaozu’s mausoleum a few days ago, workers unearthed a piece of turtle shell from beneath the damaged altar. It naturally bore ancient seal script that initially no one could recognize. When learned scholars were summoned, they discovered it bore the eight characters ‘Great Enterprise of Heaven and Earth, Sun Rises and War Ceases.’ This is an extremely auspicious sign. This subject congratulates Your Majesty.”

Shu Jian was initially stunned. Seeing him smile while watching, he suddenly understood and had a great realization. He never expected that the matter of Emperor Gaozu’s damaged temple, which had been extremely unfavorable to him, could be turned around this way. His face flushed red.

He quickly stood up and stammered: “Third Imperial Uncle… thank you…”

Shu Shenhui put away his smile and said seriously, “What does this have to do with this subject? This is Emperor Gaozu manifesting his spirit, a heaven-sent auspicious sign. Your Majesty is only beginning to rule the realm – there will be countless trials from Heaven in the future. You must always be vigorous and not disappoint your ancestors.”

Shu Jian took a deep breath, his eyes shining: “I remember!”

The next day, civil and military officials discovered that the young Emperor, who had been silent and withdrawn due to the recent celestial anomalies, suddenly became energetic and accomplished a series of tasks without stopping. He first issued an edict of self-blame, reflecting on his various failures in virtue since ascending the throne. Then, for the celestial phenomena and earthquake that had caused great panic, he held solemn and grand ceremonies, sacrificing to Heaven and Earth – sacrificing to Heaven at the southern suburbs and to Earth at the northern suburbs. Next, he issued an edict reducing civilian corvée labor and posted announcements throughout Chang’an. At Nan’an Gate beside the palace bell tower, he distributed New Year gifts to all elderly people over sixty in the city. Imperial Guard General Liu Xiang personally arranged affairs and maintained order for three consecutive days. People throughout the city spread the news to each other. Early that morning, the square outside Nan’an Gate was crowded with people. Countless Chang’an residents joyfully came to support their family elders in receiving the gifts. The young Emperor even personally appeared on the city tower, causing masses of people to gratefully prostrate in worship. Not only that, but news of repairing Emperor Gaozu’s temple and unearthing auspicious signs also spread throughout the city.

“Great Enterprise of Heaven and Earth, Sun Rises and War Ceases” – combined, wasn’t this exactly the personal name “Jian” of the current young Emperor? It turned out that the earthquake that damaged the temple had another deep meaning in the mysterious workings of fate.

At this point, who would mention those previous unfavorable rumors about the young Emperor? In just a few days, the situation completely reversed. Not only did public opinion dramatically change, but in the court, regardless of what ministers truly thought, they all followed the trend and submitted congratulatory memorials.

At the end of the second year of Tianhe, in an atmosphere of peace and harmony, Lan Rong’s plan to use celestial coincidences to spread rumors and achieve his goals was forced to halt.

After the young Emperor’s return from his trip, not only the Virtuous Prince but also Lan Rong keenly perceived that his imperial nephew’s understanding of the throne had undergone a fundamental change.

This realization filled him with wild joy.

What he feared most was his nephew remaining ignorant and not taking the throne seriously.

Previously he had remained inactive because he didn’t want to be counterproductive. He had been waiting for his nephew to understand the value of the throne. Only when his nephew developed his desire for power would he have room to maneuver.

Now this day had finally come, and the situation had reached a point where he could no longer remain dormant and inactive. Over these years, forces around him had gradually gathered, including many from prestigious families and high gates – ministers, even Shu Shenhui, could not easily manipulate. Like him, they firmly believed this overwhelmingly powerful Regent Prince would eventually clash with the young Emperor. All for future greater wealth and status, they chose to stand with him.

He had tested his methods, using the Xu Fan son-in-law affair to prod his nephew. Private discussions like those of Xu Fan’s son-in-law were not isolated cases. Especially after his nephew secretly fled the palace, ordinary officials’ contempt and dissatisfaction with him had reached unprecedented levels. For such matters, with careful attention, finding grounds for accusation was not difficult.

Although the outcome of that affair was not entirely satisfactory, Lan Rong was not anxious. Rome wasn’t built in a day – his nephew’s trust in Shu Shenhui was long-standing, and he hadn’t expected to succeed immediately. But as long as he persisted, again and again, before the throne, any human relationships and emotions could not withstand the test.

He believed even less that Regent Prince Shu Shenhui would truly be as he appeared – pure-hearted with few desires, content to remain subordinate. Even if he had been so when he was Lord Anle, power was like poison – once handled and having tasted the pleasure of life-and-death authority over ten thousand people, being human, it was impossible to let go. So when celestial anomalies appeared, followed by earthquakes causing popular panic, he decisively struck again, using heaven-sent coincidence to secretly promote the spread of rumors targeting the young Emperor.

He hoped that under panic, his nephew would suspect the greatest minister in the court, then he would take the stage, using celestial signs to make his nephew understand that now not only the court but also common people knew only the Regent Prince and not the Emperor. If no response was made, the Mars guarding Antares disaster might truly be fulfilled – the Son of Heaven would at minimum lose his position, at worst his life. Additionally, he planned to spread prophecies hinting that the Regent Prince was the true Son of Heaven, completing the performance. He didn’t believe the young Emperor would remain completely unmoved.

He hadn’t expected that before he could take the next step, the young Emperor would receive expert guidance and immediately reverse the situation. Not only that, but they even fabricated the so-called manifestation of Emperor Gaozu’s spirit, forcibly turning what had been extremely unfavorable into good fortune.

Who the expert behind this was, Lan Rong naturally knew.

This enormous upheaval that could have shaken the court thus lightly passed, and the military campaign that had been temporarily halted was restarted. Lan Rong had always feared this military campaign. At this point, he finally began to feel anxious. He knew he had to step forward.

In the winter of the second year of Tianhe, on the twenty-third day of the twelfth month, as commoner households busily swept dust and sacrificed to the Kitchen God, and the rear palace prepared to welcome the New Year, Empress Dowager Lan fell ill with depression, missing her family. Lan Rong, as her brother, was permitted to enter the palace with his wife to visit.

The Son of Heaven governed the realm through benevolence and filial piety. With the Empress Dowager unwell, the young Emperor naturally visited her morning and evening. Meeting Lan Rong, after the conversation, Lan Rong escorted the young Emperor and followed him to the imperial study.

Shu Jian found his willful and ignorant mother quite tiresome, but his feelings toward his uncle were different.

Lan Rong never made mistakes in his work and was extremely low-key. In Emperor Ming’s final two years, to elevate the temporarily promoted Crown Prince Shu Jian, he had promoted Lan Rong’s father to Minister over the Masses. After his father’s death, in these few years, he had never actively requested any official ranks or rewards from the young Emperor, enjoying an excellent reputation among officials. The only issue was the previous matter of establishing an Empress, which had displeased Shu Jian and caused him to transfer his anger.

Shu Jian didn’t believe he had any thought of strengthening family ties by having his daughter become Empress, but he knew when to advance and retreat. Once understanding his lack of interest, he immediately abandoned the idea. No one was perfect – as long as major principles were uncompromised, Shu Jian didn’t wish to investigate deeply.

Since his Third Imperial Uncle had begun returning governmental affairs to him, Shu Jian had his considerations. He intended to elevate Lan Rong, considering appointing him as Military Supply Coordinator to work with Chen Heng in Bingzhou, providing military supplies and logistics for the three hundred thousand troops at Yanmen. Thus, when the war was won and merits were assessed afterward, he could advance further through military achievement. Later, he could have him take over his father’s position as Minister of Works, formally entering the ranks of the Three Excellencies. Presumably, then, no one would object, and his Third Imperial Uncle would also agree.

After dismissing attendants, Shu Jian said, “I was just thinking of meeting with Uncle, having something to discuss.” He explained his idea. “With Uncle’s abilities, this Military Supply Coordinator position should be manageable. If Uncle is also interested, I’ll speak with the Regent Prince, and the appointment can be issued soon.”

Shu Jian expected him to express gratitude and accept this opportunity he was privately offering, but unexpectedly Lan Rong knelt and declined: “This subject is infinitely grateful, but this Military Supply Coordinator position – this subject dares not and does not wish to accept.”

Shu Jian was naturally surprised and asked why. Lan Rong said, “This subject risks death to remonstrate. This subject believes this battle cannot yet be fought.”

Shu Jian frowned: “What do you mean, Uncle? Do you not trust General Jiang Zuwang’s abilities?”

“Forgive this subject’s boldness. In this subject’s view, this battle is a national war, different from the previous Eight Tribes campaign. The Di nation claims a million iron cavalry – even if that’s exaggerated, their actual combat strength is extremely terrifying. Once fully committed, victory or defeat is truly uncertain. This battle could be said to concern national fortune. Fighting so rashly, this subject worries that if unsuccessful, our Great Wei would not only fail to recover the northern gateway but would be severely damaged, thereafter falling into passivity and everywhere constrained. Then not only would national prestige be completely lost, but even today’s northern frontier would be difficult to keep peaceful.”

Such views were not unheard of by Shu Jian. Fear of the Di’s iron cavalry seemed deeply rooted in people’s hearts. Whenever war was involved, there were always opposing voices in the court. There were always people with such considerations and worries. Only this time, with the Regent Prince leading, those opposing voices were suppressed before taking shape.

Shu Jian was displeased: “Uncle, you’re also overthinking! Third Imperial Uncle assesses situations and has prepared for years. Moreover, the Jiang family guards Yanmen – he won’t fight battles without confidence! Your ministers need only follow orders from the rear and do your respective duties well!”

He waved his hand. “Enough. If you’re unwilling to serve, I won’t force you. You may go!”

Not only did Lan Rong not leave, but he crawled forward on his knees: “This subject has displeased Your Majesty – this subject’s fault. This subject retracts his previous words. But even if this battle truly succeeds as the Regent Prince wishes, achieving its goal and recovering Youyan, this subject dares to ask Your Majesty – who will be the greatest beneficiary?”

Shu Jian was startled, staring at his uncle, frowning again: “What do you mean by this?”

Lan Rong kowtowed: “Your Majesty, this great war will initially commit three hundred thousand troops from our Great Wei. The treasury expenditure calculated by the Ministry of Revenue is shocking to behold. This uses silver and grain accumulated since the late Emperor’s reign. Investing such enormous costs could be called the entire nation’s strength. If victorious, the greatest merit will not belong to Your Majesty but to the Regent Prince!”

Before Shu Jian could speak, Lan Rong continued: “Not to mention, the great authority of the state lies in military force! What the Jiang family means to the Regent Prince needs no further explanation from this subject. Using his regency advantages, he has won all hearts over the years, from the court to the commoners. Through marriage alliances, he has legitimately controlled our Great Wei’s armies. Once he conquers Youyan this time, his achievements will rival Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Wu. Your Majesty!”

“Then he truly can do whatever he pleases – where in the realm will Your Majesty have a place to stand!”

“Outrageous!” Shu Jian erupted in fury.

“I’ve always respected you, treated you as an elder, yet you dare slander the Regent Prince so openly, sowing discord! Say one more word and I’ll kill you!”

Lan Rong didn’t retreat an inch: “Even if Your Majesty truly kills this subject now, what must be said, this subject will say! Before Your Majesty, this subject cannot have the slightest concealment. This subject indeed harbors dissatisfaction toward the Regent Prince. Previously, intimidated by his authority, I’ve been enduring. But the reason for this is that this subject’s complete loyalty lies with Your Majesty! This subject begs Your Majesty to carefully consider whether what this subject just said has any merit!”

Shu Jian glared at Lan Rong kneeling before him, slowly clenching his fists. After a moment, suppressing his inner turmoil, he said hatefully: “Lan Rong, I warn you one more time – if you spread more slander, I absolutely won’t spare you! Do you take me for a three-year-old child? How the Regent Prince treats me, no one knows better than I! If you think these few words can make me believe you, you’re delusional! If the Regent Prince truly wanted to replace me, why go through such elaborate schemes?”

“Your Majesty!” Tears burst from Lan Rong’s eyes.

“Your Majesty is pure-hearted – how can you know human hearts are unfathomable? Even if he truly had no designs on the throne in earlier years, having held regency for years with great power in hand, who would be unconscious and willing to let go? He has always valued reputation – if the timing isn’t ripe and he lacks proper justification, he naturally won’t act rashly. The current Northern Campaign is his perfect opportunity. Once he achieves unparalleled merit with the Jiang family’s backing, he won’t need to do anything himself – his supporters will see Your Majesty as a thorn in their eyes. Public opinion may not be a blade, but it’s sufficient to kill. From court to commoners, how terrifying it can be – Your Majesty should understand. Then, if Your Majesty doesn’t abdicate to the worthy, without him lifting a finger, others will drag Your Majesty down and tear you apart to elevate him!”

“Silence! Shut your mouth!” Shu Jian’s face was ashen as he roared.

“Your Majesty, in all matters, one must leave escape routes, cannot stake everything on others! The imperial family is cruel – even fathers and sons, brothers, throughout history have killed each other for that throne. How can Your Majesty not know? How can he exist transcendently?”

“Your Majesty! When the ruler is young and the ministers are strong! At the New Year court session, does Your Majesty think those foreign nations come for Your Majesty? They all come for the Regent Prince, submitting to his authority! Not to mention this recent celestial anomaly – from court to commoners, who doesn’t harbor hopes for his ascension when directing blame at Your Majesty! Everything he’s done for Your Majesty is merely to gain Your Majesty’s trust so you’ll let him freely conduct the Northern Campaign and build merit!”

Shu Jian trembled with rage.

“If the northern gateway must be recovered, it’s not now, and certainly not through his hands! If recovered now, court and realm will only credit him – how will Your Majesty position yourself? The Eight Tribes war was won, the Di nation’s throne changed, presumably, they dared not act rashly temporarily. Why not let Your Majesty accumulate more strength, wait until power is completely in hand, then strike – it wouldn’t be too late—”

Shu Jian suddenly rushed to the sword stand, drew a treasured sword, rushed back, pointing the sword at the still-speaking Lan Rong, and said hoarsely: “Try saying one more word!”

Lan Rong straightened his chest proudly: “Honest words are harsh to the ear, especially when what this subject opposes is that deeply deceptive, calculating person! If Your Majesty truly hates me, just kill me. I am Your Majesty’s uncle, willing to protect my lord with blood, dying without resentment!”

“Your Majesty, do you know how court flatterers compare him, calling him virtuous like Yi Yin?”

Shu Jian’s eyes were bloodshot. Gritting his teeth, he thrust the sword into Lan Rong’s chest.

A stream of blood immediately gushed along the sword wound.

Lan Rong showed pain but still struggled to say: “Yi Yin served as regent, wholeheartedly assisting, and gained the name of great sage with universal support. Then, using young lord Da Jia’s supposed unworthiness as an excuse, he exiled Da Jia to Tong Palace… They all say years later he welcomed the reformed Da Jia back and returned power…”

He laughed coldly: “Just later dynasties’ historians whitewashing for orthodoxy… The true Bamboo Annals records… the real facts… Yi Yin established himself as ruler, imprisoned Da Jia for seven years. Da Jia secretly escaped Tong Palace, killed Yi Yin, and regained his throne…”

Lan Rong couldn’t support himself and collapsed at Shu Jian’s feet.

A cold wind entered the imperial study through some unknown crack or corner.

Shu Jian held the drawn sword dripping blood, standing for a long time.

“Get out of my sight.”

His icy gaze fixed on Lan Rong prostrate in the pool of blood at his feet, speaking word by word.

Author’s Note:

Records show that by the Tang Dynasty, astronomers could predict solar eclipses.