For a moment he couldn’t decide, and could only ask Zhao Hanzhang, “Then what should I do? For me, for Jinyang, they are indeed meritorious officials. Wouldn’t killing meritorious officials violate propriety and music?”
Linghu Sheng was also a meritorious official. When you suspected he crossed your bottom line, didn’t you kill him without a second thought?
Zhao Hanzhang suppressed these words and said coldly, “If Yueshi can’t bring yourself to act, let me handle this matter.”
Liu Kun protested, “But you and I are both inspectors—how can you handle Jinyang’s affairs and make people convinced?”
Put bluntly, he still wanted to save people and didn’t want to hand judicial power to Zhao Hanzhang.
Zhao Hanzhang smiled slightly at him. “Yueshi, rest assured—our positions will soon differ.”
This “soon” was truly soon. That very afternoon, Wei Jie and Zhao Kuan entered the city under Zhao Family Army protection, bringing Liu Yi and an imperial edict.
The edict appointed Zhao Hanzhang as Grand Commander-in-Chief, commanding military affairs across the eight provinces of Qing, Xu, Yan, Yu, Jing, Si, Ji, and Bing, with an additional thirty thousand households in fief, and permission to carry the yellow battle-axe when going out.
Liu Kun: …
Zhao Hanzhang led Jinyang’s civil and military officials in receiving the edict. She extended her hand to take the scroll from Wei Jie, who was temporarily serving as messenger, then turned to look at the kneeling officials and generals, raising her hand with a smile. “Rise.”
Everyone except her had knelt to hear the edict.
Liu Kun rose from the ground, experiencing for the first time such a profound understanding of how his position as inspector differed from Zhao Hanzhang’s.
Zhao Hanzhang folded the edict and handed it to Fan Ying, then turned to Liu Kun. “I’m taking full responsibility for the human trafficking case.”
Now Zhao Hanzhang was unquestionably his superior.
Liu Kun lowered his head and responded, “Yes.”
Zhao Hanzhang turned and left.
This edict was one she’d specifically written back requesting from Ji Yuan after discovering Liu Kun wanted to recruit Shi Lei, asking him to issue it in the Emperor’s name.
Who wanted to be his equal, to be an inspector together?
She deliberately wanted to be above him—not just one level, but two, many levels higher. Even if he poached people from her side, they’d still have to serve her!
Zhao Hanzhang forcefully took over this case. She had none of Liu Kun’s many considerations or personal connections. She directly handed the matter to Zhao Kuan and Fan Ying, instructing them to investigate thoroughly.
“Everyone involved, regardless of status, shall be dealt with according to law without favoritism.”
Zhao Kuan hadn’t expected that upon arriving at Jinyang, he’d immediately receive such an assignment. His head still felt fuzzy as Fan Ying led him out for quite a distance before he reacted. “Wasn’t I here to prepare for an embassy to the Xiongnu? Why am I investigating this case?”
Fan Ying said, “Don’t you know—secure the home front before dealing with external threats? Because of this case, Inspector Liu and General Shi nearly came to blows. This must be thoroughly investigated. If mishandled, it could trigger military conflict. By entrusting you with this case, the Commander shows her confidence in you.”
“But I haven’t set foot on Jinyang soil for more than two hours. I’m completely in the dark—what can I investigate?”
Fan Ying replied, “That’s why the Commander has me assisting you.”
She continued, “Rest assured—I’ve followed this case from beginning to end. I’ve been settling the refugees here this whole time and have gathered considerable information. Whatever you want to know, just ask me.”
Zhao Kuan asked directly, “Between General Shi and Inspector Liu, whom does the Commander choose?”
Fan Ying first looked around furtively, then pulled Zhao Kuan to an open space, finally leaning close to his ear and whispering very quietly, “General Shi!”
Zhao Kuan understood, giving Fan Ying a knowing look, then followed her to the county office.
While Zhao Kuan and Fan Ying interrogated suspects seeking more information, the Tuoba Xianbei delegation also arrived.
Tuoba Yilu brought his two sons.
Zhao Hanzhang was meeting with Liu Yi when she heard the report. After pondering briefly, she said, “Please have Inspector Liu receive our distinguished guests first.”
Then she remained seated, continuing her conversation with Liu Yi.
Liu Yi asked, “The Tuoba Xianbei are honored guests—will General Zhao not see them first?”
Liu Yi said, “I’m not pressed for time—we can catch up later, General.”
Zhao Hanzhang shook her head with a smile. “The Tuoba are honored guests, but Prince of Beihai is also an honored guest. How can we neglect a guest who arrived first for one who came later?”
Liu Yi smiled bitterly. “What Prince of Beihai? I’m merely a prisoner now.”
Zhao Hanzhang was displeased. “When have I ever slighted Prince of Beihai to make you feel like a prisoner?”
Liu Yi quickly said, “No, you’ve always treated me with courtesy. It’s just that I am a captive—what else could I be if not a prisoner?”
Zhao Hanzhang sighed. “This is a matter of national allegiances. I cannot promise you anything, Your Highness. However, we became acquainted before the war began. I admire your character and integrity, so I’m willing to do what I can to provide you convenience.”
She continued, “The Xiongnu have now been driven to You Province. Your new emperor ascended the throne less than a year ago before dying. Clearly you can no longer remain in the Central Plains. I want to ask you—do you wish to remain in the Central Plains or return to your homeland?”
Liu Yi’s eyes reddened, somewhat aggrieved and somewhat angry. “My ancestors settled in Bing Province during Duke Cao’s time—it’s been a hundred years now. My father, grandfather, and great-grandfather were all born and raised in Bing Province. Where is my homeland?”
Zhao Hanzhang also shed tears, crying with him. “I too wish to keep you. You know that in my heart, whether Xiongnu, Jie, or Xianbei, as long as they obey Dajin’s laws, they’re no different from Han people—all are Chinese. But these past years, the two peoples have attacked each other repeatedly, forming deep blood feuds. I’m willing to lead Han officials in letting go of grievances—I just don’t know if you’re willing.”
Liu Yi’s lips trembled as he asked, “If members of my Liu clan are willing, General, how do you plan to handle us?”
“I’ll treat you like surrendered Han generals. I’ll grant you land and protect you as I protect Han people, but you must also pay taxes to me and defend our land and people.”
Liu Yi stared intently at Zhao Hanzhang. “Can General Zhao truly treat us the same as Han people?”
Zhao Hanzhang replied, “Every people has its own characteristics. Han people excel at farming; grassland peoples excel at animal husbandry. We can work together to find a suitable path of survival for the grassland people. I hope that one day, all people under heaven won’t worry about food and clothing—the elderly will have care, the young will have education.”
Liu Yi gripped Zhao Hanzhang’s hand forcefully, his nails nearly digging into her wrist. He stared intently into Zhao Hanzhang’s eyes. “I believe you, General. A gentleman’s word—if you break this vow?”
Zhao Hanzhang said solemnly, “Then let me die trampled by ten thousand horses, unable to rest even after death, with my descendants suffering this curse for generations!”
“Good!” Liu Yi said, “I know why you brought me here. I’m willing to serve as envoy to persuade Fourth Brother to surrender.”
Zhao Hanzhang asked, “What if Liu Cong isn’t willing to surrender?”
Liu Yi lowered his eyes. “Then I’ll bring away those who can be brought.”
“Excellent!” Zhao Hanzhang agreed immediately, gripping his hand in return. “I’ll await good news here!”
—