Chapter 989

Xue Lingjun said: "Li Tianheng outwardly claimed these generals intended harm to the Dakang envoy, but according to what I know, the truth is these generals intended to rebel, planning to capture him on Li Tianheng's Shoucheng and force him to agree to return to Dakang."

Hu Xiaotian's heart jumped, but he didn't know why Xue Lingjun was so well-informed about the inner situation.

Xue Lingjun said: "Li Tianheng suddenly launched an operation and arrested all those generals who intended to return to Dakang; his intention goes without saying." She sighed: "I came this time to remind you to prepare early."

Hu Xiaotian nodded; if everything Xue Lingjun said is true, then Li Tianheng has undoubtedly decided to completely sever ties with Dakang, making my coming here to be enfeoffed as king of Dakang nothing but a joke? He whispered: "Thank you for the reminder, elder sister."

Xue Lingjun sighed: "I originally had no interest in politics; this time I came to Xichuan hoping to travel around, but as soon as I arrived I encountered this matter—it seems nowhere in the world is peaceful."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Elder sister, how did you suddenly become so sentimental?"

Xue Lingjun said: "Just that the changes in Xizhou have affected my mood."

Hu Xiaotian said: "Elder sister, anyway I have nothing to do today; how about accompanying you for a stroll in the city to relax?"

Hearing this, Xue Lingjun's brows relaxed and she smiled, nodding: "Good, I originally planned to go to Xishan to offer incense; having you accompany me would be perfect."

Xue Lingjun had come today on horseback; the few warriors accompanying her were exactly those from the Hall of Hundred Flavors that day. Hu Xiaotian greeted Guo Zhenhai; this person is the deputy commander of the Golden Scale Guard, presumably his martial skill is not inferior to that of the Stone River.

Xue Lingjun said to Guo Zhenhai and the others: "You may go back first; with Sir Hu accompanying me, there will be no problem."

Guo Zhenhai obviously hesitated upon hearing this; Xue Lingjun coldly said: "How? Do you dare not obey my words?"

Guo Zhenhai helplessly cupped his hands toward Hu Xiaotian: "Sir Hu, please take care of the Eldest Princess."

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Don't worry, I will surely escort the Eldest Princess back safely." He swung onto his horse; Xue Lingjun had already spurred her horse ahead, Hu Xiaotian urged Little Gray, Little Gray flung its four hooves, and in a moment they were riding side by side. He turned to look at Guo Zhenhai and the others—indeed they remained where they were, not following.

Hu Xiaotian said: "I guarantee they'll definitely follow."

Xue Lingjun smiled faintly: "No, they all know my temper; if they don't listen to me, they'll end up badly!" Passing the archway ahead, she slowed her horse. She glanced at Hu Xiaotian and said: "Guo Zhenhai said your martial skill has surpassed his; you should protect me, right?"

Hu Xiaotian laughed: "Since elder sister trusts me so much, I will certainly do my utmost, guaranteeing elder sister returns safe and sound."

Hearing this, Xue Lingjun couldn't help laughing: "You brat, your mouth is begging for a beating—what does 'safe and sound' even mean?"

Hu Xiaotian was about to explain when a troop of ironclad cavalry came toward them from ahead. Although their identities were royal kin in their own countries, this was Xichuan, not their sphere of influence. Hu Xiaotian and Xue Lingjun moved to the roadside.

Hu Xiaotian saw clearly that the leader was Li Honghan. Li Honghan had a grim face, and because the roadsides were packed with onlookers, he didn't notice Hu Xiaotian and Xue Lingjun in the crowd.

Among the ironclad cavalry, five prisoners were locked in a prison wagon. These five were all former subordinates of Li Tianheng, now captured for alleged rebellion; their hairpins had been removed, their hair disheveled, their faces covered in blood and grime.

As the prison wagon passed through the crowd, one suddenly shouted loudly: "Li Tianheng, you treacherous minister and villain, holding troops to declare independence, betraying the sovereign, feigning benevolence and righteousness—you are a traitor to Dakang, a sinner for all ages..."

Before he finished speaking, an ironclad warrior leapt onto the prison wagon and punched him so hard that blood sprayed from his mouth and nose, knocking out several teeth. Li Honghan, marching at the front of the troop, furrowed his brow and whispered: "Stuff their mouths shut; don't let them spout nonsense."

The townsfolk along the road merely watched, none daring to speak, until the convoy escorting the prison wagon had departed; only then did they dare whisper among themselves.

Hu Xiaotian and Xue Lingjun returned to the main road; Xue Lingjun said: "Looks like another storm of blood and wind."

Hu Xiaotian's mood grew considerably heavier; the situation was more severe than he had anticipated. He wondered what Li Tianheng would do—would he entertain thoughts of harming him? That edict, still unread, had become a hot potato; if it were announced publicly at Li Tianheng's birthday banquet, would Li Tianheng regard it as an insult to him?

Li Tianheng placed the proclamation of expedition that Zhang Ziqian had written overnight in front of Prince Long Yefang.

Long Yefang looked apprehensively at the proclamation: "General Li Jiangjun, what is this?"

Li Tianheng smiled: "Your Highness, please look."

Long Yefang took up the proclamation and slowly unfolded it, only to see the following written: "It is heard that a wise ruler plans for danger to forestall change; a loyal minister considers difficulties to establish authority. Hence, extraordinary persons bring about extraordinary deeds; extraordinary deeds lead to extraordinary merit."

"What is extraordinary is certainly not what ordinary people would plan. Previously, Dakang declined, treacherous ministers held power, monopolizing court authority, rewards and punishments at their whim; the people were coerced, none daring to speak frankly; occupying the Three Dukes' posts, they acted like tyrants, defrauding the state and harming the people, spreading poison to humans and spirits! Adding their meticulous cruelty, they set up interlocking checks and preventives; nets filled the moats, pits and obstacles blocked the roads; raising a hand would snag a net, moving a foot would trigger a trap—thus Yan and Yue provinces had listless folk, the imperial capital resounded with sighs of resentment."

"Long Yefang is the legitimate line of Dakang, inheriting the late emperor's accomplishments and receiving the dynasty's deep grace. As Song Weizi's sorrow had cause, and Yuan Jianshan's tears were not in vain; thus, indignant at the turmoil, he aspires to secure the state. Because the world is disappointed, he follows the inner urging of the universe. He therefore raises the great banner to eliminate demons and monsters."

"To the south it connects with the Hundred Yue, to the north it reaches the Three Rivers; iron cavalry gather in herds, wooden axles link together. The red millet of Hailing fills the granaries without end; the yellow banners of Jiangpu—how far is the achievement of restoration? When the classics resound, the north wind rises; when sword energy surges, the southern dipper levels. A low moan makes mountains crumble; a stern shout changes the colors of wind and cloud. With this we crush the enemy—what foe cannot be shattered? With this we seek merit—what merit cannot be achieved? You may dwell in Han lands or ally with Zhou kin; you may bear heavy trust in speech or receive the emperor's charge in the Xuanshi. Though the words are still in your ears, loyalty is not forgotten. A handful of earth not yet dry, a six-foot orphan—what can he rely on? If we can turn calamity into blessing, send off the past and dwell in the present, together we shall establish the merit of loyal kings, not neglect the sovereign's command; all titles and rewards shall point to the same mountains and rivers. If you cling to a ruined city, waver at crossroads, sit ignorant of the omens, you will surely invite punishment from later generations. Look at today's territory—whose domain is it really! Transfer the proclamation to prefectures and counties, so that all may hear..."

Long Yefang finished reading, his soul startled and scattered, his voice trembling: "You... you are trying to force this king to rebel?"

Li Tianheng gave a dark chuckle: "Your Highness, your words are mistaken. Your Highness possesses a benevolent heart, loves the people as your own, deeply cherished by the people of Xizhou; supporting Your Highness as the new emperor of Dakang is what the people of Xizhou and indeed all Dakang desire. Dakang's court is in disorder, corrupt officials run rampant; as a descendant of the Long clan and the legitimate line of Dakang, you ought now to rise up, stem the tide, revive Dakang's ancestral altars, save the myriad people from water and fire, and achieve an unparalleled feat for the ages."

Long Yefang shook his head firmly: "But... but my father the emperor is still alive—how can one state have two rulers?" Although he is naturally weak-willed, he is not foolish; he has long seen through Li Tianheng's true intent: Li Tianheng wishes to prop him up as a puppet emperor, thereby justifiably carving out an independent domain and becoming the true hegemon.

Li Tianheng said: "Your Majesty is old and muddled, employing treacherous ministers, imposing excessive levies and harsh taxes, harming the people—thus Dakang has fallen into its present plight, heaven angry, people resentful, disasters unceasing; if this continues, Dakang will surely perish. As a grandson of Dakang, if Your Highness does not step forward to bear the state's burden, the altars are in peril, Dakang is in peril."

Long Yefang shook his head firmly: "How could I become a person disloyal and unfilial! You need say no more—I will never do this under any circumstances!"

Li Tianheng said: "Your Highness, could you really bear to watch Dakang thus perish without lifting a finger?"

Long Yefang said: "Even if I agree to your demands, Dakang will still perish."

Li Tianheng said: "Your Highness, in the prime of your youth, could you truly resign yourself to spending your life like this?" His face revealed a cold killing intent; he needed no pretense, openly beginning to threaten.

Long Yefang was shaken by Li Tianheng's icy killing intent, shuddering, and for a moment dared not meet his gaze.

Li Tianheng said: "Your Highness, please consider well; this is not urgent. Tomorrow is my fifty Shoucheng; before noon tomorrow, I hope Your Highness will give me a clear answer."

Long Yefang's face full of anguish: "General Li Jiangjun, my father has already regained power; you have always looked forward to this day—why not bring the Xizhou troops back to Dakang? Such an unparalleled achievement would surely go down in history, and my father would certainly reward you handsomely; I can help petition the father to have him enfeoff you as king..."

Li Tianheng chuckled.

Long Yefang was interrupted by his laughter, looking at him with utter dread. He knew his life lay entirely in this man's hands; as long as Li Tianheng was displeased, he could at any moment seize his life. During the time he was under house arrest in Xizhou, Long Yefang had often thought of death, yet he lacked the courage to kill himself, and he also understood that Li Tianheng spared his life in order to wait for a day when he could prop up a puppet; now Li Tianheng can wait no longer.

Li Tianheng said: "My loyalty is to Dakang, not the emperor; as a subject of Dakang, how could I stand by and watch the altars perish through neglect, the people suffering in water and fire while I turn a blind eye? Your Highness, the tide cannot be defied; those who discern the times are outstanding!" His gaze swept over the proclamation of expedition before Long Yefang: "My patience is limited; I hope Your Highness will consider this soon and give me a clear answer promptly."

Please vote for the Guaranteed Monthly Ticket! (To be continued... ^_^)