Chapter 310: Green Grass Overgrows the Ancestral Temple

"I cannot die yet!"

In the morning hours, in the Zhuolong Garden of the Northern Palace in Luoyang, the Son of Heaven, already emaciated beyond measure, sat upon the Grand Commandant's chair with its arranged prayer mat. He craned his neck, watching all the way as the blurred figures of his two sons, escorted by palace maids and inner attendants, turned and disappeared around the corner of the palace wall. Only then did he straighten slightly and turn his head to speak with the most trusted inner attendants at his side.

Beside him, the garden, a withered expanse of yellow, was already beginning to turn green again under the spring sunlight.

"Your Majesty is shielded by the August Heaven and Sovereign Earth — why speak of life and death?" Zhang Rang bent his waist especially low.

"I know the state of my own body clearly." The Son of Heaven shook his head blankly. "Why else would I say such words? It is only that the current situation is truly perilous, and in my heart I grow more and more unable to let go of these two sons... especially the younger one. Without me, how exactly is he to be kept safe?"

"Your Majesty, do not worry." Zhang Rang continued, bowing as he spoke. "Everyone within and without the palace knows that the two Imperial Princes are mutually loving and fraternal..."

"I am naturally comforted by that." The Son of Heaven cut him off, his emotions growing increasingly unguarded. "But the court situation is treacherous — how could it be up to them?"

"In truth..." Zhang Rang raised his head slightly and spoke earnestly. "The Grand General and the Empress do not necessarily harbor true malice toward the Marquis of Dong. All their various actions, including those from back when the Marquis of Dong was first born, were merely to secure the Imperial Eldest Prince's position on the throne. If he could be enfeoffed as a Prince early, establishing his formal status, the two of them would naturally not act rashly."

"Do you think I do not understand this reasoning?" The Son of Heaven also grew uncharacteristically earnest. "But Attendant Zhang, when it comes to the authority of the realm, even the Grand General and the Empress cannot act freely, can they? The Grand General and the Empress have indeed repeatedly promised me that they would protect my two sons, but once I die, won't the sycophants who follow in their wake take matters into their own hands? How did Wang Fu kill the Prince of Bohai back then? And besides, even setting this matter aside, the moment I die, will the Partisans spare you? Amidst the chaos and collapse, who can guarantee that my two children will be unharmed? Especially my younger son! That is why I gave Jian Shuo military authority — to have him protect my younger son on my behalf!"

At his side, Jian Shuo immediately prostrated himself on the ground and kowtowed upon hearing this. Zhang Rang also lowered his head helplessly.

The Son of Heaven had spoken at length and was momentarily gasping for breath, but he still forced himself to continue: "However, what worries me now is no longer the conflict between the Partisans and you. The Partisans may regard you as mortal enemies, but with Attendant Zhang and the rest of you in the Northern Palace, and Jian Shuo commanding troops in the Western Garden, there may be alarm but no real danger — because I do not believe they would dare to use blades against the Northern Palace. But there is someone..."

"Is Your Majesty speaking of the General of the Guard?" Zhao Zhong, who had remained silent all this while, suddenly raised his head, his eyes red-rimmed and brimming with tears.

"It is precisely this man." The Son of Heaven sighed softly. "And not only this man — all those outside the capital who hold military power must be watched carefully. It is just that the General of the Guard, Gongsun Xun, leads fifty thousand troops in Guanzhong, and is on good terms with the Grand General. Moreover, because of the matter of Liu Shi, because of the matters of Guo Dian, Sima Zhi, and Fu Nanrong, this man has always harbored resentment toward me in his heart... that is why he is the one who requires the most caution. Think about it — he killed Zhao Yan, a two-thousand-bushel official, as easily as killing a dog. Is that not proof that in his heart he has long regarded me as nothing, that he is simply waiting for me to die? Attendant Zhang, Attendant Zhao — that earlier rumor of blood flowing between the two palaces, it seems now, was not dispelled by the military review!"

"If that is so, what are your servants to do?" Zhang Rang and the others, upon hearing this, momentarily had tears streaming down their faces, and could not help but kneel and ask. "If it truly comes to that, the deaths of your servants ten thousand times over would not be worth a single laugh, but we fear only for the young age of the Marquis of Dong..."

"I do not know either." The Son of Heaven slowly shook his head again. "Before, I only thought that no matter how resentful these men were, they would not dare to offend the two palaces. But these past days, the more I think about it, the more I feel that their resentment has long since surged to the heavens, and with great armies in their hands, they have grown even more utterly unrestrained... Therefore, before taking proper precautions, I absolutely cannot die!"

"Could we issue an edict to loyal and righteous men within the army, strip him of his military authority, and kill him suddenly in his camp?" Zhao Zhong raised his head tentatively and asked.

"If the General of the Guard came to the Northern Palace, you might still have a choice between two outcomes, guessing coins to save your lives." The Son of Heaven glanced at this 'Mother Zhao' of his, shaking his head with increasing disappointment. "But if the Liangzhou rebels arrived here, I fear you would all end up like Wang Fu, and the House of Han would likewise cease to exist..."

"Then...?"

"I am waiting for Gongsun Xun to request on his own to return to Youzhou to suppress the rebellion." The Son of Heaven spoke slowly. "The moment news of the Youzhou rebellion came out, I swiftly dispatched men to send word to Guanzhong... In truth, the chaos there is not severe — it is merely that the Wuhuan and Xianbei have joined forces to rebel and cut off the Liaoxi passage. But Gongsun Xun's native home is there; he will certainly be unable to bear it, and so he will inevitably leave. At that time, let Huangfu Song command the troops to handle Guanzhong affairs, and Gongsun Xun to handle Youzhou affairs — only then can the realm be stabilized."

Having spoken to this point, the Son of Heaven felt unbearably thirsty. Someone beside him naturally offered warm water; he drank several mouthfuls before continuing: "However, after Gongsun Xun returns to Youzhou, I must place a few more locks upon him, trapping him in Youzhou. Then I will help Jian Shuo gain as much control over the Western Garden Army as possible. It would be best to wait until the Northern Army returns from suppressing the rebellion, then personally oversee a purge and replacement, allowing you to seize control of part of the Northern Army. Only then, only then can I be at ease. It is just, just... that I truly may not be able to hold on until that day!"

Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, Jian Shuo, and the others had listened with extreme attentiveness to the earlier part, and in their hearts they were all thoroughly convinced. But when they heard the end, they could not help but share the Son of Heaven's grief, finding it unbearable.

However, just as the Son of Heaven and the three eunuchs he trusted most in his life were lamenting the times and grieving over the situation, a sudden uninvited guest requested an audience... This man's status was special; even the Son of Heaven and the inner eunuchs had no choice but to temporarily set aside their sorrowful expressions and allow him entry.

"Your Majesty, great joy!"

It must be said, as the member of the imperial clan chosen by the Son of Heaven to be entrusted with the orphaned princes, the Minister of the Imperial Clan, Liu Yu, was already participating in the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat for the second time and should have long since possessed a certain bearing. Yet when he saw the Son of Heaven from afar, he still could not help but lose some of his composure, and after performing the ritual greeting, he hastily offered his congratulations.

"What matter is such great joy?" The Son of Heaven had just moments ago been lamenting the torment he had endured during this period, and looking out, he saw peril everywhere — how could he imagine any great joy? He was inevitably bewildered for a moment.

"The General of the Guard has sent several consecutive memorials from Guanzhong." Liu Yu, unable to contain his excitement, stepped forward and explained in detail. "One was delivered to the Grand General's residence yesterday; one was delivered to the Imperial Secretariat last night after the gates were sealed. Both state that he has broken the rebels before him, killing Wang Guo, Li Xiangru, and Huang Yan, taking over ten thousand heads, capturing thirty thousand, and seizing countless warhorses and supplies. The rebels have only Han Sui and Ma Teng remaining, leading fewer than ten thousand remnant soldiers in fleeing back to Liangzhou... And according to the messenger who delivered the memorial, this is only counting the battle of that day — of the rebel troops and laborers left at Chencang, half also surrendered directly... Your Majesty, no matter what, after this battle, the lands west of the passes can be free of worry for several years!"

The Son of Heaven was at first dazed and lost, but once he came to his senses, he was both shocked and delighted. Yet after the shock and delight came a sudden, horrified alarm.

"When did this happen?" Zhao Zhong at his side stepped forward, his lips trembling, and asked. As the Grand Prolonger of Autumn and Supervisor of the Yellow Gates, even though He Jin had driven him out of the Imperial Secretariat, he naturally still had the standing to inquire about military and political affairs.

"The tenth day of the first month." Liu Yu put away his smile and answered frankly. "According to the military reports, on the third day of the first month, the General of the Guard suddenly merged the three armies. On the sixth and seventh days, he crossed the Qian River and established camp, setting up his camp over ten li from the fifty thousand elite rebel troops. On the tenth day of the first month, the General of the Guard suddenly ordered the entire army to attack, forming battle lines stretching fifteen li, and in a single day completely routed the rebel army. That evening, he executed one in ten, putting three thousand rebels to the sword by military law. The Wei River ran red with it, and all the rest submitted."

Zhao Zhong opened his mouth to speak, but faltered and made no sound.

"This is naturally rare and excellent news." At that moment, the Son of Heaven also managed with difficulty to collect himself, and then smiled as best he could and asked, "Does the General of the Guard have anything else to say?"

Liu Yu immediately composed his expression, and only after bowing deeply did he answer with a solemn face: "Your Majesty, the General of the Guard also submitted a separate, dedicated memorial, requesting leave on the grounds that Youzhou is in turmoil and his native home has come under attack... According to what he says in this memorial, on the eleventh day of the first month, he should already have entrusted the staff of authority and military command to the General of the Left, Huangfu Song, and led his household troops on fast horses back to Youzhou. Counting the days, by now he may well be somewhere in Hedong, or Henei, or perhaps Shangdang... Your servant truly does not know which route the General of the Guard took."

"As expected." The Son of Heaven gave a dry laugh, but then suddenly grew impatient. "Guanzhong is temporarily at peace, yet Youzhou is again in turmoil — it is precisely fitting for a renowned general like the General of the Guard to return, pacify, and suppress the rebellion... Summon the Grand General, the General of Agile Cavalry, the General of Chariots and Cavalry, the Three Excellencies and Nine Ministers, all the Ministers, and the Regular Attendants to the Hall of Excellent Virtue for a council."

Liu Yu bowed and hurriedly withdrew, leaving the Son of Heaven once more unable to restrain himself. He drank several mouthfuls of warm water that Zhang Rang beside him held up, then sat in silence for a long while under the late morning sun. Only when he truly could endure no longer did he allow the inner attendants to support him to the latrine. Upon returning, he personally, despite his sickly frame, boarded a hand-drawn palanquin and set out from the Western Garden of the Northern Palace, slowly making his way toward the Hall of Excellent Virtue in the Southern Palace.

Inside the Hall of Excellent Virtue, from the Grand General on down, the court's heavy ministers were all present. However, those who truly had any weight in speaking were merely those few individuals.

For instance, as everyone knew, the Three Excellencies at this time were all puppets, while the Nine Ministers, by contrast, concealed dragons and crouching tigers — men like Yuan Kui, Yang Biao, and Liu Yu were all actually among the ranks of the Nine Ministers. As for the three generals: the Grand General monopolized court governance, his foundation deep and his partisans numerous; the General of Chariots and Cavalry, He Miao, simply ignored all matters and lived only his own small life; and the General of Agile Cavalry, Dong Zhong, was a complete joke.

This was not a formal grand court assembly, so after the attendees removed their swords and shoes, they were naturally somewhat casual... But within that casualness, political exchanges and communications were already completed.

Of course, to call it an exchange was somewhat misleading — there was not much to exchange. It mainly consisted of everyone listening to the Grand General alone.

After all, at this time, the Yuan clan had a close relationship with Grand General He Jin, and before Yang Ci died, He Jin had even formally become Yang Ci's disciple and received classical learning from him. In other words, the Yuan-Yang-He tripartite alliance had already effectively come into being. And the General of the Guard, who was to be discussed today, should also be counted as a member of the Grand General's faction... At this very moment, Grand General He truly looked out upon a world without rivals. Why else, did anyone truly think that the earlier arm-wrestling match between the Son of Heaven and the Grand General, which the Son of Heaven lost, was fake?

And everyone listened clearly — the Grand General's meaning was very plain. Gongsun Xun should originally have been made Governor of Jizhou, but when the Liangzhou rebels entered Sili, he did not begrudge the hardship and entered Guanzhong to suppress the rebellion. Now, after this victory, he is again toiling on a northward return because of the Youzhou affair... Therefore, no matter what, there absolutely must be sufficient political compensation.

It was just that, with Gongsun Xun still needing to handle the Youzhou matter, even if they wanted to compensate him directly, there was no good post available. As a man of Youzhou, they could not very well make him Governor of Youzhou, could they? They had no choice but to temporarily confer upon him the Tally and Staff of Authority retroactively, allowing him to first handle the Youzhou military affairs, and to richly reward and enfeoff his former subordinates and meritorious officers.

Once the Youzhou affair was settled, they would discuss other matters.

These words... although everyone was unclear whether He Jin intended to slaughter Dong Zhong and bring Gongsun Xun into Luoyang as General of Agile Cavalry to participate in governance, and also did not know that Gongsun Xun himself was still hoping to quickly suppress the rebellion and then continue on as Governor of Jizhou, they nonetheless grasped the general idea.

In any case, with the General of the Guard's heaven-storming military achievements here, and his political stance secure, then no matter where the affairs of the realm went in the future, there would be no avoiding this famous Youzhou blade, whose keen edge was the foremost under heaven. And among the many useless men in this Hall of Excellent Virtue today, sooner or later, one would be replaced by Gongsun Xun.

It was just that no one knew exactly who the unlucky one would be.

Just as everyone's brows were alight with joy over the great victory in Guanzhong and they were buzzing with discussion, suddenly, a familiar voice came from behind the hall.

"I have made my decision!" The Son of Heaven, supported by several Junior Attendants of the Yellow Gates, forced himself to walk briskly up to the imperial throne, startling the ministers below the hall, who had just moments ago been so casual, into hurriedly prostrating themselves in salute. "The General of the Guard's great achievement cannot go unrewarded, but the Youzhou affair is also fundamental to the dynasty... If the Liaoxi passage is cut off, Youzhou will be split in two, and over time, chaos will inevitably arise. If Youzhou is in chaos, Jizhou will surely be in chaos; if both Youzhou and Jizhou are in chaos, then Luoyang will also be hard-pressed to remain secure... It is my will to immediately dispatch an envoy to catch up with the General of the Guard, to re-grant him the Staff of Authority with heavy honors, and to have him command the military affairs of all the commanderies within the borders of Youzhou, with the sole task of quelling this rebellion... What does the Grand General think?"

He Jin looked at this brother-in-law of his, who was forcing his spirits to launch a sudden ambush, and was momentarily speechless. Based on instinct, and based on basic political norms, he ought by rights to contend for Gongsun Xun's political treatment. But the Son of Heaven had, from the very start, granted the authority to command all of Youzhou — what more could he do?

"Uh... your servant believes we must guard against Zhang Yan of the Purple Mountain bandits and the Wuhuan of Shanggu stirring up trouble and harassing the General of the Guard's rear." Only after a long while did He Jin think of an argument he himself did not believe. "It would be well to also place the affairs of Changshan and Zhongshan under the General of the Guard, allowing him to deploy the troops there as a precaution."

"That is acceptable. In truth, after the Liaoxi affair is concluded, I had originally intended to have the General of the Guard take up the post of Governor of Jizhou to sweep through the Taihang Mountains. However, since he now holds the Staff of Authority, he already possesses the effect of dictatorial military command — why use provincial and commandery boundaries to divide his authority?" The Son of Heaven did not even blink.

"Then..." He Jin racked his brains and could only recall one more matter. "The Commandant of Qinghe, Shen Pei; the Commandant of Zhongshan, Dong Zhao; and the Commandant of Bohai, Gongsun Zan — all have reputations for talent and have served in their posts for many years. It would be well to make some transfers, whether for the Taihang Mountains affair or for the Youzhou affair..."

"The Commandant of Qinghe, Shen Pei, can be promoted to Chancellor of Zhao. The Commandant of Zhongshan can be promoted to Commandant of Changshan — this will make it convenient to keep watch on the Taihang Mountains. As for the Commandant of Bohai..." The Son of Heaven hesitated for a moment. "The Qingzhou and Xuzhou Yellow Turbans are wreaking havoc in the Taishan region and repeatedly show signs of moving north. Bohai is the strategic junction between Qingzhou and Youzhou; he has great use there. And although Gongsun Zan is the General of the Guard's clan elder brother, his qualifications and experience are still not suitable for the post of Grand Administrator of a large commandery like Bohai."

He Jin found himself increasingly with nothing to say.

"The General of the Guard is to have exclusive command over the military affairs of all commanderies within the borders of Youzhou. By rights, he should be allowed to act as Governor of Youzhou, but since he is himself a man of Youzhou, the laws cannot be set aside. Therefore, we must also dispatch a heavy minister to handle Youzhou affairs, to oversee logistics on his behalf." Seeing that He Jin had shut his mouth, the Son of Heaven also breathed a sigh of relief, but then hurriedly threw out the major personnel appointment he had just been pondering. "Where is the Minister of the Imperial Clan?"

Liu Yu stepped forward in bewilderment.

"You shall go and take up the post of Governor of Youzhou. Cooperate well with the General of the Guard in quelling the rebellion, and return to Luoyang after the chaos is settled." The Son of Heaven revealed his hidden dagger.

He Jin, standing to the side, instinctively wanted to speak, but found himself with nothing to say — truly nothing to say.

First, Liu Boan was a heavy minister of the imperial clan, the very man the Son of Heaven had chosen from the imperial clan to be entrusted with the orphaned princes. The arrangements for such a man were not something even He Jin could easily interfere with.

Second, from the perspective of political interests, if Liu Yu remained here, he would inevitably participate in the affairs of the Imperial Secretariat, dividing power with him, the Grand General. At this critical juncture, sending him to Youzhou to help Gongsun Xun stabilize the political situation seemed, whether for public or private reasons, a good thing.

Finally, considering the matter on its own terms, Gongsun Xun's prestige was growing daily, and in this campaign to quell the rebellion, he would be wielding the Staff of Authority in his old home of Youzhou. It truly did require a genuine heavy minister to provide necessary oversight... This was an entirely open and aboveboard matter. And Liu Boan, whose temperament was universally acknowledged as excellent, who had personal ties with Gongsun Xun, and who had previously served as Inspector of Youzhou, was indeed an ideal candidate for Governor of Youzhou.

In the end, whether the Son of Heaven, the Grand General, or the many so-called central elites gathered in the Hall of Jiade at that moment — not a single one believed that holding office in such a place would have any long-term consequences. Hadn't Huang Wan done perfectly well as Governor of Yuzhou? Hadn't Liu Yan done perfectly well as Governor of Yizhou? Would serving two years as a provincial governor really make someone rebel? This wasn't the feudal enfeoffment of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods!

In truth, even the Son of Heaven, in this attempt to restrain Gongsun Xun, did not expect the measure to remain effective for very long… In his view, it would suffice to lock that terrifyingly sharp blade, Gongsun Xun, away in Youzhou so he could not help his own brother-in-law meddle in the chaos of Luoyang.

"I must trouble the Minister of the Imperial Clan!" Seeing that Liu Yu seemed somewhat hesitant, the Son of Heaven could not help but urge him on. "Once you arrive there, you must cooperate fully with the General of the Guards and swiftly exterminate the rebellion. After the rebellion is quelled, the General of the Guards may still have to deal with the Mount Taihang bandit affairs, but you, Minister of the Imperial Clan, must hurry back to Luoyang to support the court administration."

"Your subject accepts the decree." Liu Yu, too, immediately grasped the logic within, and his hesitation vanished in an instant. After all, it would likely be only a year or half a year of pacifying rebellion — at worst, he would miss the new emperor's enthronement. But being away at that time might not necessarily be worse than being at the center.

"Where is the Minister Steward?" Seeing the first lock fall into place, the Son of Heaven finally breathed a sigh of relief and continued asking from the throne on his own.

Minister Steward Zhao Bao immediately stepped forward.

"Minister Zhao." The Son of Heaven looked at this man and spoke earnestly. "All under Heaven know your loyalty and filial piety. Today, I too shall borrow your loyalty and filial piety to stabilize the regions… With Liaoxi cut off and blocked, the several commanderies of Liaodong have all lost communication. You once served as Grand Administrator of Liaoxi and have long understood the border situation. Today, I appoint you General of the Right, bearing a tally to cross the sea and take command of Liaodong, concurrently serving as Grand Administrator of Liaodong, and overseeing the military affairs of the outer Liaodong, Xuantu, Lelang, and Liaodong Dependent State commanderies beyond the frontier. Together with the General of the Guards and the Governor of Youzhou, you shall jointly suppress the rebellion."

Zhao Bao hesitated for a moment, but still bowed and declined: "According to the state's calculations, whether to reassure the people's hearts or to unite forces to quell the Wuhuan and Xianbei uprisings, Liaodong indeed requires a regional commander… However, the General of the Guards, Gongsun Xun, and your subject are directly related by marriage. For father-in-law and son-in-law both to hold regional commands might invite idle gossip and slander."

"The state has already reached this point — why quibble over such trivial matters?" the Son of Heaven said earnestly. "Were it not for the Three Mutual Laws explicitly forbidding it, I might well have appointed the General of the Guards as Governor of Youzhou… Minister Zhao, look for yourself — among all the important ministers of the court, is there a single person who could take your place in the Liaodong affair?"

Zhao Bao turned to look at the various great ministers in the hall, and found himself with no words to reply… Even Lu Zhi, standing silent in a corner, was at most suited to serve as a general within the frontier. For matters beyond the frontier, it seemed that truly only he alone possessed the experience, the standing, and the authority.

In fact, even Grand General He Jin at this moment felt that the Son of Heaven had placed sufficient trust in Gongsun Xun — actually handing one half of Youzhou, split in two by the rebel army, to Gongsun Xun, and the other half to his father-in-law.

And thinking further on it, He Jin even felt somewhat ashamed… His own imperial brother-in-law, the Son of Heaven, was nearing death, yet still could consider the state's grand design, while he himself kept dwelling on selfish motives.

Looking solely at the Youzhou matter, who would dare say that the appointments of Gongsun Xun, Zhao Bao, and Liu Yu were poorly made?

And indeed, after a moment's thought, Zhao Bao no longer hesitated and immediately prostrated himself to accept the order: "Your subject would not refuse even ten thousand deaths. So long as your subject remains one day in Liaodong, Liaodong shall for that day remain the domain of the Han!"

"That is well, then!" A rare smile appeared on the Son of Heaven's gaunt, emaciated face. In his view, Zhao Bao was one of the few figures in court who could truly keep Gongsun Xun in check. "Let us continue discussing the rewards for the Guanzhong campaign… The various colonels and captains of the Northern Army shall return to Luoyang for their rewards. As for the remaining troops, the General of the Left, Huangfu Qing, bearing a tally, shall lead the troops and temporarily garrison Guanzhong. Does anyone have any objection?"

Within the Hall of Jiade, there was a rare unanimity of opinion.

"Let the Former General, Dong Qing, enter Luoyang and replace Minister Zhao as Minister Steward — how would that be?" the Son of Heaven continued to inquire.

At this, quite a few people in the hall did show some hesitation, but the majority expressed approval, and the Son of Heaven grew increasingly delighted.

Zhang Rang, standing inside the hall doors, observed this situation and did not linger any longer. He simply withdrew from the Hall of Jiade on his own, seized the opportunity to return to his residence in the Northern Palace, and then had someone summon his adopted son — none other than Zhang Zhi, the Prefect of the Imperial Physicians, who had married He Jin's other younger sister.

"The Son of Heaven has already bound the tiger to the mountain," Zhang Rang said to his son, his expression indifferent, speaking only a single sentence. "And the Grand General's power in Luoyang truly cannot be easily shaken… From this day forward, whenever the Son of Heaven wishes to drink water again, just give him honey water instead!"

Zhang Zhi understood the implication, kowtowed, and withdrew.

—————I am the dividing line that likes to drink honey water—————

"In the sixth year of Zhongping, first month, tenth day: General of the Guards Gongsun Xun crushed the Liangzhou rebel army at the Wei River; fifteenth day: Colonel of the Central Army Yuan Benchu recruited troops and returned to Luoyang; sixteenth day: Minister of the Imperial Clan Liu Yu was dispatched as Governor of Youzhou, and Minister Steward Zhao Bao was appointed General of the Right, concurrently serving as Grand Administrator of Liaodong; seventeenth day: envoys were sent to Guanzhong, placing the troops under General of the Left Huangfu Song, and appointing Former General Dong Zhuo as Minister Steward; eighteenth day: envoys were sent to Youzhou, retroactively conferring a tally of command upon the General of the Guards to oversee Youzhou military affairs. On the same day, Commandant of Qinghe Shen Pei was transferred to be Chancellor of Zhao, and Commandant of Zhao State Dong Zhao was transferred to be Commandant of Changshan…" — Records of the Three Capital Regions, by Zhao Qi

PS: The cover image is for a Qidian event; please pay it no mind.

(End of Chapter)