Chapter 16: Starkly Different Attitudes

After the envoy from Jingnan departed, the city of Jinyang welcomed another new envoy, this one coming from the west.

Compared to Gao Conghui's envoy, Liu Zhiyuan clearly placed greater importance on the envoy from the west, treating him with far more warmth, and ordered him to be led into the inner hall of the prince's residence for conversation.

The envoy was a young man, powerfully built like a bear, and one could tell at a glance that he was a warrior of the army. He came from Jingzhou in Guanzhong, and was a subordinate of Shi Kuangyi, the Military Governor of Zhangyi Army.

"Your subordinate Shi Cheng pays respects to the Prince of Beiping!" Facing Liu Zhiyuan's scrutiny, the man performed a solemn, formal bow with utmost propriety.

Seeing his grave demeanor, Liu Zhiyuan immediately felt favorable toward him, and asked in a gentle tone: "No need for such formality. What business has Lord Jimei sent you here for?"

Shi Kuangyi, courtesy name Jimei, was a native of Daijun, born into a military family. His father was Shi Jiantang, hailed as the second mightiest warrior of the "Five Dynasties," who had fought two hundred rounds against Wang Yanzhang. Though Shi Kuangyi may not have fully inherited his father's formidable martial prowess, he was nonetheless a man of commanding talent—versed in the art of war, knowledgeable in strategy, and possessed of moral integrity.

Several years older than Liu Zhiyuan, he had served under both the Tang and Jin dynasties, and last year had been transferred from Beizhou to govern Jingyuan, becoming the Military Governor of Zhangyi Army. In that border region, he had pacified the people and managed the barbarian tribes, rendering great service to the state.

This time, he had taken the initiative to send a man to Taiyuan with a clear purpose: to forge ties with Liu Zhiyuan and jointly resist the Khitan.

The envoy Shi Cheng seemed a forthright man by nature. Facing Liu Zhiyuan's questioning, he spoke no roundabout words, stating his purpose directly: "The barbarian cavalry ride south, usurping the Two Capitals. Our Military Governor refuses to bow to the barbarians. He wished to lead his troops eastward to face the foe, but the four prefectures of Jingyuan are poor in soldiers and people, and our strength is truly insufficient. He is willing to honor the Prince of Beiping as his lord, to drive out the Khitan and restore the Han realm!"

The envoy gazed boldly at Liu Zhiyuan, his expression solemn, his tone sincere—far more honest than Gao Conghui's people.

Hearing this, Liu Zhiyuan felt a slight joy within, yet showed nothing on his face, and spoke with somewhat perfunctory words: "Brother Jimei dwells in a remote border land, yet still keeps the state in his heart—truly admirable. But how could I, of little virtue and ability, deserve such regard from Brother Jimei? If Brother Jimei has the heart to strike the foe, I shall surely lend my full support!"

Hearing such an answer, Shi Cheng raised his chin, his tone turning urgent: "Though I am but a simple soldier, I am no dullard. Forgive my impertinence, but my Military Governor has offered his heart in full, with no regret even unto death—can the Prince of Beiping send me back with such empty evasions?"

Such a naked challenge was indeed rude, yet Liu Zhiyuan was not angered by it. He laughed heartily a few times: "This is indeed my fault!"

Once Shi Cheng's expression softened, Liu Zhiyuan rose, paced a few turns about the hall, then looked at the man and spoke slowly: "The Khitan invaded, drove straight in, seized the Two Capitals, and swept all before them. The Khitan lord summoned all the garrisons, and military governors from every quarter slunk in to pay homage. Only Lord Shi Jimei held fast to his city, refusing the summons. Such a heroic act—I heard of it even here in Jinyang, and my heart was filled with admiration."

"Now Brother Jimei sends an envoy to bare his heart to me—how could I spurn his sincerity and chill the heart of a man of resolve!" As he spoke, Liu Zhiyuan himself grew somewhat moved, a glisten of moisture appearing in his stirring eyes. He raised his hand and pointed at Shi Cheng: "Return and tell Brother Jimei—protecting the Han realm is my aspiration as well. I shall not fail him!"

"The Prince of Beiping is a man of great righteousness!" Hearing Liu Zhiyuan's words, Shi Cheng bowed his head to the ground.

Personally helping the man up, Liu Zhiyuan asked with a smile: "Your name is Shi Cheng—are you a nephew of Brother Jimei? What post do you hold?"

"Your subordinate is the adopted son of the Military Governor, currently serving as a yabing officer of the garrison!"

"Brother Jimei has good eyes—a man of talent indeed!" Liu Zhiyuan tossed off a casual compliment, then turned to Liu Chengxun, who was waiting at the side, and instructed: "Dalang, have someone escort General Shi to rest and see to his comfort. Tonight, I shall personally host a banquet to wash the dust from his journey!"

"Yes!"

"Oh, there is one more matter I must report to Your Highness!" Just as he was taking his leave, Shi Cheng suddenly turned back and clasped his hands in salute.

"Speak freely!"

Shi Cheng sighed and answered: "He Chongjian, the Military Governor of Xiongwu Army, beheaded the Khitan envoy and surrendered the three prefectures of Qin, Cheng, and Jie to Shu. The Shu sovereign has already sent troops to assist He Chongjian in attacking Guanzhong. When I came east, the Shu army and He's forces were jointly attacking Fengzhou—and given Fengzhou's strength, I fear it cannot hold out..."

Hearing this news, Liu Zhiyuan's old brows furrowed. Even from imagination alone, he could guess at the chaotic situation in Guanzhong at present. After thinking for a while, he let out a heavy sigh: "The barbarians trample the land, the Central Plains have no master, and so the regional garrisons turn outward. Here in Hedong, I have accomplished nothing—truly shameful. This fine land and rivers are due for a proper setting in order!"

After Shi Cheng was led away, Liu Zhiyuan's expression returned to calm, and he breathed out a turbid breath: "What a simple young man!"

Though Liu Zhiyuan had called him "Brother Jimei" repeatedly before the envoy, in truth the two had no real friendship—they had merely met once or twice years ago. He had put on such warmth only because he too needed a lord of sufficient ability, prestige, and seniority like Shi Kuangyi to "endorse" him.

"Father, even Lord Shi has come to pledge his loyalty!" Liu Chengxun, returning, walked to Liu Zhiyuan's side and said with a delighted expression.

Glancing at his eldest son, Liu Zhiyuan asked: "Why do you think Shi Kuangyi sent a man to submit?"

"Naturally because Father's virtue is lofty and profound!" Almost without thinking, the words tumbled from Liu Chengxun's mouth before passing through his mind.

Liu Zhiyuan smiled, gazing at his eldest son who stood respectfully before him, and could not help but feel a pang of melancholy. Had it been his second son, he would likely have answered coldly: Because Hedong has strong soldiers and stout horses!

Liu Chengxun could not guess his old father's thoughts. He stepped forward to help him sit, and asked: "Both sent envoys to urge you to take the throne—why did Father treat the envoy from Jingnan and the envoy from Jingyuan so differently?"

Facing his eldest son's confusion, Liu Zhiyuan gave a cold laugh: "Shi Kuangyi is a pillar of the state. I need such old ministers to support me and gather the people's hearts. Gao Conghui is a scoundrel, timid as a mouse, of no use to me. If I advance into the Central Plains one day, I must be wary of him—why should I give him a kind face?"

After hearing his old father's explanation, Liu Chengxun looked half-understanding. He hesitated a moment, then asked in a low voice: "May I ask, Father, on what day do you intend to proclaim yourself emperor?"

Glancing at Liu Chengxun, Liu Zhiyuan said: "Why do you ask?"

"These past few days, many people have been asking me indirectly. Everyone is eagerly anticipating it—I hardly know how to answer them."

"Heh heh, it seems they truly cannot hold back any longer..."

Nightfall shrouded the city, the dusk heavy and deep, as if the darkness had soothed away the restless agitation of Jinyang during the day. On the eastern wall of the western city, Liu Chengyou interlaced his fingers, elbows propped on the crenellations, staring at the Fen River flowing south beyond the city walls.

The evening breeze blew gently, stirring a few loose strands of Liu Chengyou's hair. His chin resting lightly on his knuckles, the youth was deep in thought. In this short period of time, he had far too many things to consider.

"Army Commander!" Liu Chengyou naturally had not come here without reason. After a wait, heavy footsteps sounded, and Zhang Yanwei passed the guards to walk to his side and salute.

Without moving at all, Liu Chengyou remained leaning against the wall battlement as he spoke: "Is everything arranged?"

"Yes! I have agreed with Yang Bin, Shi Hongzhao, and the others—tomorrow we shall all petition together!" Zhang Yanwei replied.

"Mm!" Liu Chengyou finally nodded slightly, then instructed in a low voice: "Remember, keep the soldiers in check. Don't let any trouble break out. If anything goes wrong, I'll hold you accountable!"

"Rest assured! The brothers petitioning were all personally selected by Commander Ma!" Zhang Yanwei guaranteed with confidence.

"Go then!"

"Yes!"

He lingered on the city wall a while longer, then Liu Chengyou straightened his spine, turned to look west, gazing at the Taiyuan Palace shrouded in the hazy night in the distance, before finally summoning his guards and returning to his residence.

Barring any mishap, within a few days Liu Zhiyuan would be moving into that place.

In fact, the date had essentially been set—the coming Xinwei day (the fifteenth) of this month was an auspicious one. But before that day arrived, some necessary formalities still had to be observed.