Chapter 438: Pacification of the Heaven-Ordained Rebellion

Once again it was the Lantern Festival, and once again Chang'an's lanterns burned bright as day.

As the beginning of the year, the Lantern Festival held extraordinary significance for the Great Tang, whether for nobles or common folk.

This year's Lantern Festival, citing "frugality in managing the household, sympathy for the common people, and giving the people rest," Brother Ji cancelled the lantern fair.

As for the banquet held at Xingqing Palace after nightfall, Brother Ji did not attend either, but fully entrusted Gao Lishi to handle it on his behalf.

The more Brother Ji felt the passage of life slipping away, the more weary he grew of his "fine sons." He knew very well in his heart that no matter how unwilling he was, the throne would eventually be passed to one of his heirs.

Those damn freeloaders — a lifetime of his hard work, all to benefit them.

Whenever he thought of this, Brother Ji felt an endless sourness in his heart.

If he attended the banquet and saw those fine sons' dutiful exteriors, he could not help but speculate whether their hearts were filled with secret glee.

The mere thought that this situation would surely arise left Brother Ji utterly disinterested in the so-called family banquet.

At this very moment, in the great hall of Xingqing Palace specially used for banquets, the various princes were silently eating their dishes and enjoying the song and dance of the Pear Garden performers, not a single person speaking.

The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Suddenly, Gao Lishi noticed something was not quite right — at this year's banquet, why were some seats empty?

He asked Prince Ying, Li Jing, who was seated nearest to him, "Was Prince Rong implicated in Li Heng's affair back then?"

Prince Rong, Li Wan, was Li Heng's full-blooded younger brother. After Li Heng's rebellion, he had fallen out of Brother Ji's favor. Many princes were sent out to nearby prefectures and counties, but he was not, and still resided within the Ten Princes' Residence.

A prince like this, whose current treatment was little different from wild grass — Brother Ji could not even be bothered to have him watched, focusing his attention mainly on Prince Di, Li Yan, Prince Ying, Li Jing, Prince Yong, Li Lin, and other princes who had been granted official posts.

These several had already established their offices and yamen in the areas surrounding Chang'an, and were under Brother Ji's close surveillance.

Ever since Li Heng's rebellion, the princes had been divided into ranks and tiers. The "outer appointment faction" did not live in the Ten Princes' Residence; they established offices and yamen in the prefectures and counties around Chang'an, had some trusted aides and political influence of their own, and lived quite comfortably.

The "Ten Princes' Residence faction," on the other hand, was virtually imprisoned, living worse than ordinary officials.

Sure enough, Prince Ying, Li Jing, said respectfully to Gao Lishi, "To reply to General Gao, Prince Rong was not implicated in Li Heng's affair. His princely title remains."

He was subtly pointing out that Prince Di, Li Yan, had already been demoted to commoner status, and at this point no longer had the right to attend the banquet here.

"Then that is strange. Why did Prince Rong not come today?"

Gao Lishi asked with a puzzled expression.

Li Jing bowed to him and then said with an equally bewildered look, "Prince Rong lives in the Ten Princes' Residence. I too do not know how he has been faring lately."

In fact, many people were now certain that the next emperor could not possibly be Crown Prince Li Chang, but would surely emerge from among the princes of the "outer appointment faction."

This made the princes temporarily residing in the Ten Princes' Residence virtually abandoned pieces.

Even Gao Lishi did not know what these princes, who barely had a few servants by their sides, were busy with all day long.

But no matter what, one thing was certain: these princes within the Ten Princes' Residence could not stir up any waves.

"In that case, why did Zhu Guanghui, Commissioner of the Ten Princes' Residence, not report it?"

Gao Lishi demanded with a slight frown.

Li Jing put on a helpless expression that said "how the hell should I know" and did not pick up the thread.

"Eh? Prince Yi, Li Yu, didn't come either!"

Gao Lishi discovered that another adult prince had not come — likewise one who had not been granted an outer appointment and lived in the Ten Princes' Residence.

But thinking that Brother Ji had not come either, Gao Lishi was immediately relieved.

If even Brother Ji, their father, did not attend the banquet, what meaning was there for those disfavored princes, virtually prisoners, to come to such an occasion and bring humiliation upon themselves?

If they wanted to cry poverty and plead injustice, they had to perform before the Son of Heaven!

It seemed he should suggest letting the remaining princes also be given outer appointments around Chang'an, allowing them to establish offices and yamen. Favoring some while neglecting others would sooner or later breed resentment.

The earlier batch of princes given outer appointments had not caused any trouble, which showed that this strategy of "limited outer appointments" was appropriate.

Gao Lishi pondered inwardly whether he should make the suggestion to Brother Ji — those "Ten Princes' Residence faction" princes did look rather pitiful.

Oh right, Crown Prince Li Chang should also be allowed to return to Chang'an.

Gao Lishi thought through many things in his mind, but on the surface only nodded without betraying a thing.

After the tedious and boring banquet ended, Gao Lishi sat in a carriage heading toward Huaqing Palace. As the carriage jolted along, he suddenly felt that something might not be quite right.

"Turn around, go to the Ten Princes' Residence!"

Gao Lishi ordered the carriage driver.

Something was suspicious; it was necessary to go over and take a look. Even if just to console Li Wan and the others, it would be worthwhile.

Arriving at the Ten Princes' Residence on the east side of the imperial city, Gao Lishi headed straight for the gatehouse.

Encountering the eunuch on duty, Gao Lishi demanded without preamble, "Where is Zhu Guanghui? Have him come see me!"

Zhu Guanghui was a eunuch from the same cohort as Gao Lishi who had served by Brother Ji's side, but had long remained frustrated and unfulfilled. Only through strict seniority had he finally obtained the post of "Commissioner of the Ten Princes' Residence," and among their cohort of eunuchs, he had fared the worst.

Or rather, if people had not continuously died of old age and illness, Zhu Guanghui would not even have gotten the post of Commissioner of the Ten Princes' Residence.

Therefore Gao Lishi did not show him much respect either, always calling him by name directly.

"Eunuch Zhu has been ill for a long time. The affairs of the Ten Princes' Residence have all been managed by this slave."

That eunuch replied in a trembling voice.

In truth, Zhu Guanghui had found an excuse saying he had business to attend to back home. The duties at the Ten Princes' Residence could not be left unattended, so before leaving he gave this eunuch a large sum of money, asking him to "cover the shift" and provide cover.

"Ill?"

Gao Lishi looked puzzled, gazing at this eunuch whose name he could not even recall, and his eyes suddenly turned sharp.

"General Gao! Spare my life! Zhu Guanghui gave this slave a large sum of money to help him cover his absence. He said he went back to his hometown to handle some affairs and would return in a while!

General Gao, spare my life!"

This eunuch suddenly dropped to his knees, kowtowing like pounding garlic.

Hearing these words, Gao Lishi's expression changed drastically! He was so furious that his breathing turned rapid and his head spun!

"Go, check who is not in the Ten Princes' Residence!"

Gao Lishi nearly shrieked the command, close to flying into a rage.

He summoned the guards of the Ten Princes' Residence and searched every courtyard within it, door by door.

After a head count, they discovered that Prince Rong Li Wan, Prince Yan Li Bin, Prince Ji Li Huan, and Prince Yi Li Ci were all impersonated by household slaves living in seclusion—the men themselves were not in the Ten Princes' Residence! Nor was it known how long they had been gone!

Their children and princess consorts were all still in the Ten Princes' Residence!

When questioned, everyone gave the same story: the princes were fond of play and had slipped out of the city to hunt, and would return in a couple of days.

These consorts and imperial grandsons also did not know their specific whereabouts!

Gao Lishi's heart sank as he silently cursed the situation, his face dark as the bottom of a pot. Without a word, he boarded the carriage directly.

……

On that same Lantern Night, the city of Youzhou had no lantern festival—instead, it was filled with a murderous chill.

Inside the main hall of the Youzhou Military Commissioner's yamen, generals gathered in force, each one clad in armor with sword at hip, their faces faintly betraying excitement.

They had assembled here for one great matter: rebellion.

Or one could call it "purging the sovereign's flanks."

"Your Highness, please say a few words to the generals."

Huangfu Weiming, in full military attire, clasped his fists and bowed to Prince Rong Li Wan, who sat in the seat of honor, his manner respectful.

The latter suppressed the excitement in his heart and looked around at everyone, finding that Prince Yan Li Bin, Prince Ji Li Huan, Prince Yi Li Ci, and the others were all quietly encouraging him.

He cleared his throat and said:

"The Sage is benighted, employing treacherous ministers, unable to distinguish right from wrong. The court and the realm are steeped in foul miasma, as though holding a sword by the blade, heaven and earth reversed! The people suffer unspeakably!

Men of conscience and righteous resolve have pleaded with the Sage, even throwing themselves into the fire without hesitation. Yet their ends were all the same—families destroyed, lives lost—while the Great Tang has never shown the slightest sign of recovery!

If this continues, the state will cease to be a state!

For the Great Tang's century-old foundation, to carry forward the legacy of Emperor Taizong, to restore a clear and just world to the people of the Great Tang, and to establish discipline and bring relief to all under heaven—

I have resolved to purge the sovereign's flanks and eradicate the petty men around the Sage! Let the Great Tang return to its proper course and scale the heights once more!

I shall assume the office of Grand Marshal of All Military Forces Under Heaven and take command here in Youzhou City.

General Huangfu shall serve as Vice Marshal of All Military Forces Under Heaven, overseeing the deployment of all troops."

At this point, Li Wan suddenly faltered, as though he had not memorized the lines he was supposed to have memorized. The fervent atmosphere instantly stalled.

Seeing him so inept, Huangfu Weiming hastily picked up where he left off, drew the sword at his waist, pointed it at the ceiling, and shouted: "Honor the Emperor, Punish the Treacherous! Three Lives to Repay the Nation!"

"Honor the Emperor, Punish the Treacherous! Three Lives to Repay the Nation!"

"Honor the Emperor, Punish the Treacherous! Three Lives to Repay the Nation!"

"Honor the Emperor, Punish the Treacherous! Three Lives to Repay the Nation!"

All the generals in the hall shouted in unison!

There was no need for any "consensus" here—Hebei's internal consensus had long been reached! They intended to march on Chang'an and go to Xingqing Palace to demand justice from the Sage.

If the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army could mutiny to demand justice, then so could they! And with far greater justification!

"Your Highness, the Uighurs are willing to send troops to help Your Highness ascend the throne!"

The Uighur envoy, who had been all but invisible in the yamen hall, suddenly stepped forward, placed his right hand over his chest, and bowed.

His words were exceedingly blunt!

"I thank the Uighurs for upholding justice."

Li Wan nodded slightly, his expression composed.

"Your Highness, leave the matter of punishing the treacherous to General Huangfu.

This old servant will first escort Your Highness back to the temporary palace to rest."

Having received Huangfu Weiming's cue, the eunuch Zhu Guanghui said quietly to Li Wan.

"General Huangfu, the heavy burden of purging the Great Tang of treacherous ministers is entrusted to you!"

Li Wan stepped forward and clasped Huangfu Weiming's hands tightly as he spoke.

"Rest assured, Your Highness! We carry righteousness in our hearts on this campaign—success is certain!

The Sage is benighted and relies on treacherous ministers. His side is filled with useless men like Zheng Shuqing. Those of any use are no more than a handful—Cui Qianyou, Fang Chongyong, and a few others.

This humble minister has already circulated calls to arms far and wide, and I believe respondents across the realm will gather like clouds. Please await news here in Youzhou City, Your Highness. This minister will certainly not fail his mission!"

Huangfu Weiming dropped to one knee, clasped his fists in both hands, and made his request, his entire body trembling with excitement.

"Good! Good!"

Li Wan too was swept up by the atmosphere.

Ever since his elder brother Li Heng was executed for rebellion, he had lived in constant dread, fearing that one day he too would be done away with by Brother Ji.

So when the disguised Wei Jian sought him out, Li Wan agreed without a second thought.

Living like a dog anyway, he might as well risk everything for one throw!

What he had not expected was that Wei Jian had also sought out Prince Yan Li Bin, Prince Ji Li Huan, and Prince Yi Li Ci to come to Youzhou together!

Presumably as "stand-ins."

One had to admit, this group in Hebei was meticulous in their planning and aimed very high indeed!

But regardless of everything, he had finally turned his fortunes around. As for what the future held, only heaven knew!

Under the cover of Zhu Guanghui, the Commissioner of the Ten Princes' Residence, all preparations had proceeded smoothly—from leaving Chang'an, to taking a canal boat to Hebei, then riding swiftly into Youzhou.

So smoothly it was almost unbelievable!

In his heart, Li Wan sneered at the arrogant and foolish Brother Ji! He held him in utter contempt!

That Son of Heaven fancied everything was within his grasp, little knowing that aside from Gao Lishi, everyone was unconsciously seeking a way out, looking for a means to remain standing after Brother Ji's demise.

And this foolish Son of Heaven actually believed that his trusted confidants, after sitting on the cold bench for decades, remained loyal to him!

How laughable! And how tragic!

As far as Li Wan knew, Huangfu Weiming had bought off Zhu Guanghui with almost no effort at all!

Your Highness, walk slowly!

Huangfu Weiming watched Li Wan leave the government hall, then he looked around at the crowd and loudly shouted:

Everyone, joining the dragon is today! Ennobling wives and heirs, rebuilding the family gate, is also today!

Youzhou and the Pinglu Army, 200,000 strong, will split their forces into two routes and march straight on Chang'an!

After capturing Luoyang and breaking Chang'an, riches and honor will be within easy reach!

Depart! Purge the sovereign's side!

At this moment, Huangfu Weiming's heart was filled with heroic ambition!

Kill! Kill! Kill!

Kill! Kill! Kill!

Kill! Kill! Kill!

The generals were roused, shouting loudly! They followed Huangfu Weiming out of the Youzhou military governor's office, and everywhere were Youzhou brave troops holding torches, already fully equipped and ready to depart.

Actually, the time of launching the purge of the sovereign's side was a year earlier than planned. Some deployments were not in place.

But the opportunity for the Uyghurs to rebel does not come every year.

As the saying goes, opportunity lost never returns; the Uyghur rebellion not only gave our side an additional 100,000 Uyghur cavalry, but also removed a strong reinforcement from the court!

Missing this wave, perhaps even ten more years of plotting might not achieve the same effect.

Such a good opportunity— not revealing our hand is unacceptable!

Huangfu Weiming looked at the moon that should have been bright and full above, now veiled by a thin red mist.

He could not help but let out a long sigh.

Once the bow is drawn, there is no turning back; now the plan is to go down this road to the dark end. Who let the current sage already be over sixty years old?

Even if Younger Brother Ji could be ten years younger, Huangfu Weiming would still not choose this path.

Anyway, if a true man cannot enjoy the five cauldrons of food, then he might as well be boiled in five cauldrons!

What is there to fear!

From Lingzhou to Yunzhong City, there are two routes.

The first route is to first reach Yulin, where the Zhenwu Army is stationed, then follow the Zi River into Yunzhou, then pass the Jingbian Army garrison, pass Wuzhou City, and arrive at the western side of Yunzhong City.

The second route is to first reach Shuozhou, join forces with the Datong Army, then together march north into Yunzhou, and arrive at the southern side of Yunzhong City.

Fang Chongyong originally intended to take the first route, for it was quicker and nearer. But the generals earnestly advised him, saying Tian Chengsi was unreliable; if he ordered the Datong Army to cut off the retreat of the Yinqiang Xiaojie Army, the consequences would be unimaginable.

It would be better to first join forces with the Datong Army, control its troops, and prevent Tian Chengsi from making any mischief.

This time, the opinions of his subordinates were completely unanimous and very firm; Fang Chongyong could not act unilaterally, so he had to first cross the frozen Yellow River at Hegu, then go all the way to Mayi.

Fang Chongyong was astonished to discover that Tian Chengsi actually did not obey his orders and did not go to rescue Yunzhong City!

Seeing Tian Chengsi, equally astonished, walking toward him, Fang Chongyong drew his side sword, pointed at him and shouted: "Tian Chengsi! What crime is it to delay military opportunity? Don't you have any sense in your heart?"

(End of chapter)