Chapter 1335: You Must Not Die

Wende County was the seat of Xuanhua Prefecture. Though nestled among the Yan Mountains, the terrain was flat and open, with abundant water resources. It was not what one would call a prosperous or flourishing place, yet it remained a core town of the Yan Mountains region—and the logistical base for the northwestern defenses of the Yan Mountains.

In Wende County, where the four seasons were clearly demarcated, the seasonal transition was especially pronounced in late autumn and early winter—particularly striking to outsiders. It was this city's honor that, after more than a decade, the Emperor had once again graced it with his presence and taken up residence here. The last time had been during the Qianyou northern campaign; this time, it was likewise born of the Han–Liao war.

Before Emperor Liu's arrival, over forty thousand elite Han troops had already come west and were encamped outside the city, resting and awaiting orders. Though it was a prefectural seat, Wende City could hardly be called large; set against the encampments of tens of thousands of troops, it appeared all the more "frail and small." Fortunately, among the linked camps, the banners that fluttered were the black banners of the Great Han. After Emperor Liu arrived, bright yellow dragon banners were also raised, flaunting might and bristling with killing intent.

The Han troops stationed at Wende County were, after all, primarily the northern expedition veterans withdrawn from Liaodong. Originally, Emperor Liu had been reluctant to over-fatigue his soldiers, but once Tian Chongjin's plan was reported to him, he agreed with scarcely any hesitation.

Emperor Liu was no longer the deep, rational Liu Chengyou of old who could endure humiliation and swallow shame. Though he appeared calm and composed on the surface in actively responding to the Liao army's southward advance this time, inwardly he was filled with bitter hatred.

Added to that was the devastating news from Mobei, which made him even more furious and sensitive. Tian Chongjin's plan happened to fit Emperor Liu's state of mind perfectly. Since the Liao army dared to come, they should not expect to leave easily. Passive defense had never been Emperor Liu's style—taking the initiative, striking back in revenge, and striving for total annihilation was the way.

The first thing Emperor Liu did upon arriving at Wende was not to inspect the camps or inquire about battle preparations, but to go to the county office to visit Li Chuyun. Ever since he had led troops to escort Liu Tinghan back, Li Chuyun had fallen completely ill, and once stricken, he could not rise again. He had been arranged to recuperate in Wende County.

The finest physicians, the best medicines—every medical condition that could be provided had been provided, yet Li Chuyun's condition still showed no improvement.

"Physician Wang, tell me directly—what exactly is Li's condition?" Outside the sickroom, Emperor Liu pulled aside that well-groomed imperial physician and asked, deliberately lowering his voice: "How much longer can he hold on?"

The physician's surname was Wang. He was not yet forty, but his medical skill was excellent, and he was adept at researching and preparing medicinal diets. On the strength of this, he had formed a school of his own among the various specialties in the Imperial Medical Bureau. Had he not lacked administrative talent for medical governance, his rank and position could have risen further.

He was among the physicians accompanying the Emperor on this journey. With Li Chuyun gravely ill, Emperor Liu had specially dispatched this Physician Wang to stay long-term and treat him, as a mark of favor.

When Emperor Liu asked this, his gaze was very calm. Physician Wang hesitated for a moment, then decided to speak the truth: "Your Majesty, Governor Li's illness comes from accumulated exhaustion, and it has already reached the marrow. Your servant's medical skill is inadequate—I truly cannot reverse it. His condition is temporarily stabilized, but in my estimation, the Governor will be hard-pressed to survive this winter..."

Having said this, the physician lowered his head, preparing to receive the Emperor's rebuke. In the past, over the illnesses of the Empress Dowager and the Empress, Emperor Liu had issued harsh words and threats. And when he had received this commission, Emperor Liu had also emphasized that he must cure him—yet he could not.

Somewhat unexpectedly, Emperor Liu remained impassive, merely waving a hand at him: "You may go."

Li Chuyun, after all, could hardly be compared to the Empress Dowager or the Empress!

"Your servant withdraws!" The physician breathed a great sigh of relief and walked away slowly, accompanied by an assistant carrying a medicine chest.

Wende County had evidently offered up the finest room in the yamen for Li Chuyun to reside and recuperate in—clean and tidy, warm and comfortable, with pretty maidservants and diligent servants ready to attend at any moment.

Unfortunately, the smell of medicinal broth that perpetually hung in the air spoiled the harmony of the indoor environment. It had been over a year since Emperor Liu had last seen Li Chuyun, and he could not help but be startled.

His frame was emaciated, his complexion withered and sallow, his eyes listless and dull, as if shrouded in an aura of death. Though his body had been kept very clean, no one would willingly draw near.

Even Emperor Liu, whose heart was as still as water, could not help but feel ripples stir within him at the sight of Li Chuyun in such a state—especially recalling how this man, not long ago, had dragged his ailing body, sparing no hardship and fearing no danger, to lead troops north to rescue Liu Tinghan...

Li Chuyun had clearly not been mentally prepared for Emperor Liu's visit. Seeing the Emperor, he was stunned for a moment before reacting, some luster returning to his eyes as he struggled to rise.

"No need! Don't move—just lie still!" Knowing at a glance what he intended to do, Emperor Liu hastily raised his hand and instructed.

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Though his body was uncooperative, Li Chuyun maintained his courtesy in speech: "Your Majesty came in person, and I failed to welcome you from afar—I beg Your Majesty's forgiveness! To let Your Majesty see this wretched form of mine, defiling your imperial eyes, I hope for your magnanimity!"

"Say no more! Say no more!" Emperor Liu looked at Li Chuyun, seated on a folding chair by the bedside, his tone carrying emphasis: "I had no idea your illness had become this grave—otherwise I would have come long ago!"

"Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li Chuyun murmured, his breath uneven, his condition very poor.

"How goes the situation at Shanyang? Have the Liao troops withdrawn?" Before even a few words had been exchanged, Li Chuyun looked at Emperor Liu and asked.

"You have labored for the state enough—that is already more than sufficient! Rest easy and recover; matters of state and military have their own dedicated hands to manage them!" Emperor Liu said in a comforting tone.

Though Li Chuyun lay ill on his bed, his mind remained clear. He shook his head and replied: "Before Your Majesty relieved me of my post as Administration Commissioner, I was still the governor of the Shanyang circuit. Now the people of the prefectures and counties suffer at the hands of the barbarian horsemen, and the enemy has not withdrawn—how could I rest easy on a sickbed..."

Hearing these words from the heart, Emperor Liu's face finally showed a trace of genuine emotion. He sighed: "Taking the realm as one's own responsibility—that is precisely what describes you, Li!"

His gaze falling on Li Chuyun's frail, ailing countenance, Emperor Liu said: "Rest assured, Li—I have already mobilized the great army to encircle and destroy the Liao forces. Everything has been prepared. This western journey is precisely to oversee the campaign!"

"Then your servant will offer advance congratulations that our Han's mighty host returns in total victory, smashing the Liao army!" Li Chuyun seemed to be set at ease, revealing a pale smile, and said with melancholy: "It is a pity that I fear I will have no chance to serve Your Majesty again, to devote my remaining strength to the Great Han's rivers and mountains and the people of the realm!"

Hearing this, Emperor Liu was about to speak words of comfort, but Li Chuyun continued on his own: "Though I know nothing of medicine, I know my own pain well—the illness has entered the marrow; it cannot be cured!

To die on a sickbed may be a pity, but I have no regrets. Before my death, I have already contributed my share to the northern campaign—that is enough..."

Since Li Chuyun had spoken thus, Emperor Liu would not be insincere. He was silent for a moment, then said: "You must not die yet!"

"Birth, aging, illness, death—these are the natural order of things; I do not cling to life!" Li Chuyun seemed to have made his peace.

Emperor Liu's eyes widened, and he said sternly: "You must hold on for me! At least hold on until Li Jilong marries—I have my eye on him as this Imperial Son-in-law!"

"What!" Li Chuyun, who had been in a state of mortal decline, seemed injected with a stimulant at these words. He perked up instantly, gazing at Emperor Liu with both surprise and hope: "What did Your Majesty say?"

Emperor Liu resumed his calm demeanor and said: "Li Jilong performed well before the army in Liaodong and earned some battle merits. He is now at Laiyuan City in southern Liaodong, resisting the Goryeo army! Once the war is over and he returns to court, I shall arrange his wedding—he will marry my eldest daughter, Princess Liu Jia!"

Hearing Emperor Liu say this, Li Chuyun grew even more agitated. Tears welled in his aged eyes, and he choked out: "Thank you, Your Majesty! Thank you, Your Majesty!"

"So, before they are wed, you absolutely must not die!" Emperor Liu said forcefully.

"Yes!" Li Chuyun's voice seemed somewhat firmer, though it gave one the feeling of a dying man's last rally.

"I recall that Li Chuyun has three sons. With him this gravely ill, why is there no one at his bedside attending to his medicine?" Before leaving, Emperor Liu suddenly raised a matter, somewhat displeased.

"Lord Li's three sons: the eldest, Jilong, is in Liaodong; the third, Jixun, is still young; and the second, Jihe, holds a post in the capital!" Liu Xi, who was at Emperor Liu's side, said. He was quite familiar with the younger generations and family relations of the Great Han's nobles and ministers.

"Have Li Jihe come north to serve and fulfill his filial duty!" Emperor Liu gave the order directly, without any superfluous words.