Chapter 19: The Warrior

On the bingyin day (the tenth) of the second month in the fourth year of Kaiyun, the great "thousand-man petition" drama before the Prince of Beiping's residence was destined to be recorded in the annals of history. The main backstage workers of this grand performance could basically be confirmed as: chief director Liu Zhiyuan, executive directors Liu Chengyou, Yang Bin, Shi Hongzhao, Guo Wei, and others.

And the performers: leading actors Liu Zhiyuan, Zhang Yanwei, and others, supported by Hedong's civil and military officials along with over a thousand Jinyang officers, soldiers, and commoners...

Perhaps after the polishing of the historians' subtle brushwork, this story would evolve into a legend passed down for a hundred generations, just like the drama of "donning the yellow robe," enduring through the ages without fading.

However, this grand performance did not conclude with a "perfect" ending. Liu Zhiyuan, the Prince of Beiping, still preserved his final few shreds of reserve.

And among the petitioning soldiers, civilians, and officials, there were truly few who harbored the resolve of "remonstrating unto death." After Liu Zhiyuan gave an answer that was not quite an answer, they gradually dispersed. Had they not left, the city's Patrol Inspector troops would have come to suppress them.

Though the petition activity had temporarily come to an end, its influence continued to ferment, and this time it spread faster and wider—not just within Jinyang city, but throughout the entire Taiyuan Prefecture.

And this time, even the most ordinary commoner in Jinyang city felt it in their heart. From this Jinyang city, another Son of Heaven was likely to emerge!

Later in the day, Liu Chengyou summoned Zhang Yanwei to a wine shop in Jinyang's Eastern Market, laid out a simple banquet, and considered it a reward for his vigorous performance.

"Have the petitioning soldiers all left the city?" After a few bites of food and sips of wine, without any idle pleasantries, Liu Chengyou asked directly.

"As you arranged, all have been sent out of the city back to camp, none lingering." Zhang Yanwei replied.

"Distribute the reward money then!"

Zhang Yanwei said somewhat insincerely: "We brothers entered the city to urge your ascension out of genuine conviction, not for rewards."

"The rewards that are due will certainly not be shorted to the soldiers—I—" Mid-sentence, Liu Chengyou stopped, suddenly turning his head to gaze fixedly at him.

Made uneasy by Liu Chengyou's sudden look, his heart nervous yet uncertain of the reason. Only when he noticed the hint of suspicion in Liu Chengyou's eyes did he realize, and hastily explained: "The rewards were all personally distributed by Ma Quanyi, please rest assured!"

Hearing this, Liu Chengyou's gaze withdrew its sharp light, his expression returning to calm. He raised a finger, pointing at the blood-crusted wound on Zhang Yanwei's forehead: "You have put yourself out this time; all your toils are remembered in my heart!"

Secretly pleased, Zhang Yanwei smiled modestly, his beard trembling slightly: "All this is this humble officer's duty!"

Zhang Yanwei had already recounted the day's details to Liu Chengyou. Coming back to himself, Liu Chengyou found himself somewhat interested in that small disturbance at the city gate: "That squad leader?"

Hearing Liu Chengyou bring up the matter, Zhang Yanwei was instantly full of resentment, cursing under his breath: "Mentioning that wretch makes this humble officer furious. A mere city gate squad leader, so blind to reason, daring to bar this humble officer and others at the gate. And Liu Xin too—can't even handle such a small matter properly!"

No sooner had his complaints ended than Zhang Yanwei suddenly realized that Liu Xin was Liu Chengyou's paternal uncle, and nimbly changed his tune: "This humble officer is not speaking ill of Chief Commander Liu behind his back..."

But Liu Chengyou waved his hand. In truth, he did not think highly of that uncle of his either—lacking virtue and talent was one thing, but the man was also greedy and cruel. More importantly, Liu Xin supported his elder brother Liu Chengxun.

"A mere squad leader, yet able to be so loyal to his post, neither servile nor overbearing even before you. This is rare among the various Hedong armies." Liu Chengyou's focus remained on that squad leader, sighing leisurely, his tone carrying some approval.

"Thinking on it carefully, indeed so!" Hearing Liu Chengyou's words, Zhang Yanwei again tactfully changed his tune to agree. Looking at Liu Chengyou's calm countenance, he smiled ingratiatingly: "You, are you feeling a desire to cherish talent again? Shall this humble officer investigate? After today's affair, that squad leader's situation likely won't be too good!"

"Looking into it a bit would do no harm!" Liu Chengyou said lightly.

Liu Chengyou appeared indifferent, as if it hardly mattered, but Zhang Yanwei silently took it to heart. He thought to himself, a mere squad leader—he'd just find an opportunity to transfer him under his own command.

After a few drinks of aged wine and a few bites of dishes, a hint of hesitation appeared on Zhang Yanwei's broad face. He glanced around, then couldn't help but lower his voice and ask: "Army Master, this time we gathered so many people, weeping tears of support—why does the Prince still not consent, and still wish to delay?"

"Father has his own thoughts, his own reasons. You all just need to do your own jobs well!" Liu Chengyou replied. After a moment's thought, he added softly: "The ancient kings receiving the mandate had the tradition of three refusals and three acceptances."

Zhang Yanwei seemed to understand now, gently shaking his head and sighing: "So there's such complexity in this. The Prince commands strong troops and fierce generals—he could simply ascend the throne directly. Why bother with that useless stale ritual of the literati, adding needless trouble?"

Hearing his words, Liu Chengyou frowned, glancing at him sidelong: "Do you read books?"

Liu Chengyou's indifferent gaze had always been intimidating. Zhang Yanwei was startled by the question, then answered nervously: "This humble officer is a rough man; I do not read."

"When you have time, read more books!" Liu Chengyou withdrew his gaze and said.

"Ah?" Zhang Yanwei was even more bewildered, looking at Liu Chengyou, and asked somewhat honestly: "Read what books?"

"The Analects, perhaps!" Seeing this simple-minded military man, Liu Chengyou found it hard to get angry: "I brought those literati into the military camps to 'tell stories'—not just for the soldiers to hear. You commanders must listen too, and listen seriously!"

"Yes." Zhang Yanwei could only nod in assent.

"Enough of this. Come, eat and drink your fill—don't waste it!" Seeing this, Liu Chengyou proactively changed the subject, beckoning Zhang Yanwei to finish off the food and wine on the table. Whether his frugal and thrifty image was put on or not, at least for now, Liu Chengyou played the part well.

"By the way, Father may have some reprimands for you later!" Having given Zhang Yanwei this final warning, Liu Chengyou let him leave.

After he withdrew, Liu Chengyou sighed deeply. Recalling Zhang Yanwei's responses just now—a pure warrior's mentality—Liu Chengyou believed those were his most genuine reactions. But precisely because of that, changing the army was a heavy task with a long road ahead...

Wiping the grease from his lips, discarding the handkerchief, Liu Chengyou rose to return to the Prince's residence. Back there, he still needed to discuss the next steps with Liu Zhiyuan. At this moment, was his old father pleased, or worried?

The next day, the Prince of Beiping's residence issued a proclamation to the soldiers and civilians of Jinyang, giving a reply to yesterday's petition. However, the reply still inevitably disappointed. It made no mention of assuming the imperial title; instead, it announced a decision—to lead elite troops east through Jingxing Pass to rescue the family of the deposed Jin emperor Shi Chonggui, who had been taken north by the Khitan.

This decision seemed to demonstrate Liu Zhiyuan's resolve—though the Great Jin dynasty had fallen, he would still be a "loyal minister"!