Chapter 193: Unpredictable Future

Yet when the news of Wei Qing's retirement spread, the whole of Great Han, whether high officials or peddlers and foot soldiers, were shocked.

Wei Qing, ah, today's Prince Wei, a relative of the imperial house, is also a national hero who earned magnificent military merit for the strength of Great Han.

Such a figure whose name will hang in history now has influence not in the slightest less than Emperor Wu of Han.

Even among the common folk, many have built Five Gods Temples for him to show reverence, yet who would have thought he would just resign?

Moreover, it's not only Wei Qing who resigned; the Marquis Bowang Zhang Qian, equally famed for exploring the Western Regions, also retired and returned home!

And, Your Majesty, he also approved it!

The heavens of Great Han are about to change again!

On Chang'an's market, the usual bustling din of trade has been replaced by people's discussion of Wei Qing and Zhang Qian's resignations.

A cloth-selling old man stopped his work, sighed heavily, and said to the customer beside him: 'Wei Qing, Chancellor, that's the hero who earned magnificent military merit for Great Han. When the Fierce Slave invaded, if he hadn't led the troops out to defend home and country, how could we enjoy these peaceful days? Now that he's leaving, it's truly a pity.'

The customer also nodded repeatedly, with a look of regret:

'Yes, and there's Sir Zhang Qian, who on his mission to the Western Regions brought us so many novelties, spreading Great Han's fame abroad. If these two gentlemen leave, what will the court do?'

Meanwhile, in other places, many vigorous youths gathered together, faces full of indignation.

One young man waved his fist and said: 'Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian look like no good at first glance! Surely they're behind the scenes pulling strings, forcing Chancellor Wei Qing and Sir Zhang Qian to resign. We can't just stand by; we must seek an explanation for these two gentlemen!'

The crowd responded in unison, shouting to go to the government office to petition and protest the actions of the faction of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian.

And in remote counties, the people spontaneously organized to pray for blessings for Wei Qing and Zhang Qian.

They set up offerings on the open field, lit incense, bowed sincerely, and murmured: 'Chancellor Wei Qing, Sir Zhang Qian, thank you for all you've done for us common folk; may your future days be peaceful and smooth.'

An old woman with tears in her eyes said: 'These two gentlemen have the common folk in their hearts, yet now they must leave the court—Heaven really is blind!'

As public discontent spread, some places even saw small-scale protest marches. The people carried signs reading 'Return our Wei Qing, return our Zhang Qian' and 'Punish the treacherous, restore clarity to the court,' and took to the streets.

Their voices rose together like a surging tide, expressing open opposition to the faction of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian, while conveying deep reluctance and gratitude toward Wei Qing and Zhang Qian.

And these popular reactions, like sparks, gradually spread across the land of Great Han, producing an influence on the court situation that cannot be ignored.

At this time, Tian Qiuqiu's body had slightly recovered; handling simple affairs in his residence, a servant hurriedly came to report:

'Sir, I've heard that Chancellor Wei Qing and Sir Zhang Qian have already tendered their resignations to Your Majesty, and Your Majesty has already agreed.'

Tian Qiuqiu's brush in hand suddenly paused, ink spreading on the bamboo slips; he slowly lifted his head, his eyes full of shock and worry.

'Is this true?'

He muttered to himself, his voice tinged with disbelief.

He rose and paced back and forth in his study, brows furrowed, silently pondering:

Wei Qing, as an elder statesman of three dynasties, holding heavy command, enjoys extremely high prestige in the court; over the years he has resisted foreign foes and secured the frontiers for Great Han, his achievements unmatched;

Zhang Qian, who opened up the Western Regions and opened the Silk Road, brought endless trade and cultural exchange to Great Han, of extraordinary significance to state development. These two are pillars of the state; now they both have resigned, the court situation may well undergo sudden change.

'Chen Wenjin, Li Xiangtian, what a clever move.'

Tian Qiuqiu gave a cold snort, a flash of anger in his eyes.

He clearly knew in his heart that behind this must be the faction of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian at work.

Since they came to power, they have formed cliques for personal gain, excluded dissenters, and now they have driven away two mainstay ministers; likely no one on the court can check them anymore.

If this continues, the realm and altars of Great Han may fall into crisis.

After a moment's thought, Tian Qiuqiu stopped his steps, a flash of resolve in his eyes:

'No, I cannot stand by idly. Though my office is low, as a subject of Great Han I ought to share the court's worries.'

He decided to go to the palace at once, meet Liu Ju, and earnestly ask Your Majesty to reconsider this matter, while also reminding Your Majesty to be wary of the faction of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian expanding their power, lest the court fall into chaos and Great Han into predicament.

In the Imperial Prison, dark and damp, a foul stench pervaded.

Huo Guang, covered in wounds, weakly leaned against the cold wall, the iron chains clanking with a dull sound.

Then the jailer approached the cell door and whispered: 'Lord Huo, I've heard that Chancellor Wei Qing and Sir Zhang Qian have resigned, and Your Majesty has already agreed.'

Huo Guang's formerly dull eyes instantly widened, his face full of shock and disbelief.

He struggled to rise, but due to the severe pain of his wounds he fell back seated, letting out a muffled groan.

'What did you say? Chancellor Wei Qing and Sir Zhang Qian…… have resigned?'

Huo Guang's voice was hoarse and trembling, filled with astonishment.

He leaned against the wall, gazing emptily at the dark corner of the Imperial Prison, his heart a tangle of feelings.

Wei Qing, that is the court's stabilizing mainstay; over the years he has campaigned south and north, earning meritorious service for Great Han's realm; his steady demeanor and outstanding military talent have always been greatly respected by Huo Guang.

Zhang Qian, who opened the Western Regions trade route, spread Great Han's fame in all directions; his adventurous spirit and far-sighted vision also earned Huo Guang's admiration. Now, these two pillars of the state have departed one after another.

'Chen Wenjin, Li Xiangtian, you have such ruthless hearts!'

Huo Guang gritted his teeth and hissed a curse, his eyes flashing with anger. He well knew that behind this must be those two villainous small men stirring up trouble, driving away Wei Qing and Zhang Qian; who on the court could check them? The court of Great Han may fall into deeper darkness.

Huo Guang felt helpless and anguished; though deep in the Imperial Prison, his heart still clung to the court. Though he was innocent, he suffered this great calamity, and now hearing that the two senior ministers have resigned, he wishes he could rush out to uphold the court, yet he is bound by shackles, unable to move.

'Your Majesty, why are you so muddled, listening to villainous words, letting the loyal suffer false accusations, and plunging the court into such peril……'

Huo Guang muttered to himself, his voice full of worry for the court situation, and also lamenting his own powerlessness.

And such a situation, likewise occurring in various places of Great Han, with even more people blaming the faction of Chen Wenjin and Li Xiangtian for forming cliques for personal gain, driving away Wei Qing and Zhang Qian.

As for the Son of Heaven Liu Ju, at most he would say a few things about being deceived by treacherous ministers, etc.

After all, Liu Ju's original achievements and influence from his accession lie there; even if the true Emperor Wu of Han were to return now, he would still fall far short!