Chapter 82: Dou Rong

When the Son of Heaven went out, the procession of chariots and carriages was called the "Imperial Cortege," with distinctions between the Grand Procession, the Ceremonial Procession, and the Minor Procession.

Today, Wang Mang was touring Hongmen and used the mid-tier Ceremonial Procession.

Besides the Emperor's own Gold-Root Chariot, there were thirty-six accompanying carriages to left and right. The Master of Fates of the Five Majesties and Marquis of Tongmu, Chen Chong, together with the General of the Five Majesties' Central City and Marquis of Shuofu, Cui Fa, rode as escorts in front. The carriage grooms drove the horses, a Palace Attendant rode as co-charioteer, ornate flags were raised, and jade simurgh bells chimed.

Behind the Ceremonial Procession came golden gongs and yellow battle-axes, drum chariots of the Yellow Gate, all blowing and beating their music.

The vanguard was also vast in scale: a column of several hundred men, with courtiers of the Grand Master rank bearing nine-tasseled cloud-banners and phoenix halberds. The Grand Minister of Works, Wang Yi, rode at the very front, flanked by elite riders carrying hide-pennant simurgh flags.

Once the Son of Heaven's Ceremonial Procession arrived, the Grand Preceptor Wang Kuang and the General of Renewal Lian Dan, who had been stationed at Hongmen drilling troops, came to kowtow and pay their respects. They then escorted the Son of Heaven up the high platform to observe the grand spectacle of the northern expedition army.

Before the high platform were tens of thousands of crack troops whom the Grand Preceptor Wang Kuang had spent great effort training, drawn mainly from the sons of good families of the six commanderies. Charioteers, cavalry, and infantry were all fully arrayed, banners fluttering in the wind.

Behind the high platform were the supplementary troops commanded by the General of Renewal Lian Dan: a hundred thousand of the Boar-Rush Braves from across the realm, whose sole purpose was to swell the numbers and boost the spectacle, serving as auxiliaries in wartime.

The Grand Minister of Works Wang Yi, by imperial command, went to inspect the supplementary troops' camp. When they saw him ride into the encampment with his personal retinue, several Assistant Generals, Deputy Generals, and a Colonel came forward to greet him.

After Wang Yi had given them a few official instructions, he dismissed the Assistant Generals and Deputy Generals to make their own preparations, but detained the square-jawed Colonel.

"This humble officer greets the Grand Minister of Works…" The Colonel came forward and bowed again, his courtesy most thorough, but Wang Yi raised him up with a smile. "There are no outsiders here — why stand on ceremony? The Duke of Zhou is excellent in every way, only he is far too punctilious."

"Duke of Zhou" was this man's courtesy name. His given name was Dou Rong, and he was the elder brother of Wang Yi's junior wife.

But Dou Rong had not risen through nepotism. In that campaign over a decade ago, Dou Rong had served as Major, pursued Zhai Yi, and earned merit. After the war, he was enfeoffed as "Viscount of Jianwu" for his military achievements, placing him among the ranks of meritorious officials and granting him access to the imperial in-laws.

Regrettably, as Wang Yi was sidelined, Dou Rong, as his old subordinate, had been unable to advance further in his career, only recently being appointed Colonel.

Wang Yi sighed with emotion. "A mere Colonel is far too low for the Duke of Zhou, but today presents a fine opportunity. I told you to drill the Boar-Rush Braves in your regiment well — how has the training gone?"

Dou Rong replied confidently, "I dare not boast of anything else, but among the hundred thousand Boar-Rush Braves, the regiment I command should be the best."

While other divisions gave the supplementary troops only one-third rations, Dou Rong let his men eat half, in exchange for the slave-soldiers learning the gongs, drums, banners, and advance-and-retreat drills every few days. The training was barely passable and certainly no match for the regular army, but placed within the General of Renewal Lian Dan's supplementary forces, it was picking the tallest among dwarves — after all, their allied units were the sort to collapse at a puff of wind.

"Good." Wang Yi was very satisfied. "Presently, when His Majesty ascends the platform to observe the three armies' martial bearing, I shall deliberately point to your regiment and declare it the finest of the rear army. That way, you will have the chance to ascend the platform and meet His Majesty face to face, so that he remembers you. When you return from this campaign, you may well be promoted and enfeoffed."

Dou Rong hurriedly said, "I dare not hope for high office or noble rank. I only wish that the Grand Minister of Works would allow me to take five thousand Boar-Rush Braves and garrison Hexi."

The moment he heard Dou Rong harp on this old tune again, Wang Yi's displeasure was immediate. He set his face sternly. "Duke of Zhou, oh Duke of Zhou, why are you so fixated on Hexi?"

Dou Rong replied, "My family has deep roots in Hexi. My great-grandfather once served as Governor of Zhangye; my granduncle served as Colonel for Protecting the Qiang; my cousin Dou You is now Grand Governor of Zhangye…"

It was rather absurd: although both his great-grandfather and his cousin had held office in Zhangye, they were no longer the same place.

This was simply because Wang Mang, for some unfathomable reason, had insisted on renaming Wuwei to Zhangye. But the four commanderies of Hexi already included a Zhangye Commandery, so Wang Mang then renamed that Zhangye to "Sheping." Thus, the place where Dou You now served was, in fact, Wuwei.

This was Dou Rong's reasoning: he believed his family had lived in Hexi for generations and knew the local customs. Now that the court was deploying troops against the Xiongnu, he was unfamiliar with other regions, but going to Hexi would be like a fish entering water. Moreover, the Juyan Fortress was the front line directly facing the Xiongnu's Right Division.

"You lack ambition!"

Wang Yi was wholeheartedly looking out for his beloved concubine's elder brother. "Setting aside the fact that this northern expedition, nominally to strike the Xiongnu, is actually meant to pacify the border commanderies, root out rebels, and strengthen frontier defenses so that the lands north of Chang'an are free from worry. Hexi itself is remote, barren, and plagued by windblown sand. If you go there for half a year, and then an imperial edict orders you to remain and take up a local post, wouldn't you be unable to return? Your younger sister would likely weep before me all day long again."

"Precisely because I would not have to return!"

Dou Rong thought this to himself. He was a clever man, and he too could see that the realm's situation was growing more and more ominous. Chong'er had found safety abroad, while Shensheng had perished by staying within — it was better to watch for the right moment and leave.

Dou Rong's outward demeanor was humble, but he also liked to befriend local heroes and was famed as a knight-errant. He had many connections in Hexi, making it an excellent choice.

But he knew all too well Wang Yi's loyalty to the court. Recalling how the Grand Minister of Works' aide Fan Sheng had risked death to remonstrate, only to be kicked away by Wang Yi, Dou Rong dared not reveal his true thoughts. He could only steel himself and agree, resolving to put on a good show shortly.

When Dou Rong returned to the ranks, he found that the Colonel Liangqiu Ci's division, positioned to his right, had also finished assembling.

And stationed at the very front of the formation was a very young Major. Dou Rong had heard his name before: Diwu Lun, from Liewu, renowned for his filial piety and righteousness.

The eight hundred Boar-Rush Braves under Diwu Lun's command all sat quietly on the ground, their order no less than that of Dou Rong's own men. And on their foreheads, every single one wore a strip of yellow cloth!

…

The Emperor Wang Mang, surrounded by the assembled high ministers, had already ascended the Cloud Platform watchtower. He beheld the front array, where the crack armored troops, chariots, and cavalry under Grand Marshal Dong Zhong stretched out in ranks, banners fluttering. Standing beneath the sun, their armor glittered like fish scales, and their shouts shook the four wilds. At a glance, they indeed appeared most formidable.

Wang Mang was dressed today in black-and-yellow ceremonial robes. Seated behind a mica screen, he did not speak, but merely cast a glance. The Marquis of Tongmu, Chen Chong, immediately pointed to the great army and addressed the "Shanyu of the Compliant Slaves," Xubu Dang, who was observing the ceremony at one side.

"Shanyu, is the Xin army mighty or not?"

Xubu Dang's wife was the daughter of Wang Zhaojun, the Ninghu Yanzhi, and because he was friendly toward the Central Kingdom and often served as an envoy, he had learned some Chinese. He immediately replied, "This petty king has never seen such a mighty army."

Chen Chong laughed. "With such a host to fight, who could withstand it! With such a host to attack a kingdom, what kingdom could fail to fall? Shanyu, His Majesty now aids you with the strength of the entire realm — are you moved in your heart?"

I dare not be moved, I dare not be moved. Ever since Xubu Dang had come to Chang'an and been forcibly crowned by Wang Mang, he had long since lost control of his own fate and had given up all thought of returning to the Xiongnu. He could only submit to being a puppet.

Today's ceremony had also arranged quite a few theatrical flourishes. For instance, before the army's front ranks, a hundred Tiger Guards galloped forth. At their head was a great armored high chariot, driven by a giant who controlled the horses. Clad in the armor of Meng Ben, when he reached the front of the high platform, he let out a single shout, and his voice alone nearly drowned out the clamor of the thousands upon thousands of soldiers.

Wang Yi introduced him: "Your Majesty, this is Ju Wuba from Donglai."

Behind the mica screen, Wang Mang nodded, his voice still as hoarse as ever. "When Han Bo, the Regional Chief of Suye, presented Ju Wuba, his intentions were malicious. He wished to use him to draw a comparison to the twelve giants who appeared at Lintao in the Qin dynasty — and Qin fell. Such words were improper and should be punished. But Ju Wuba himself volunteering for the army is a good thing. Have him come up presently; I wish to see this Hegemon Talisman sent down by the Empress Dowager Wenmu up close."

Wang Yi acknowledged the order, then seized the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, behind the high platform are the Boar-Rush Braves under the General of Renewal. Might we not take a look at them as well?"

Wang Mang did not immediately agree. He only glanced at the water clock held by the Master of Fates beside him. When the appointed hour had arrived, Wang Mang turned around with great solemnity. His throne, it turned out, was fitted with small wheels. The surrounding attendants, each bearing their ceremonial implements, also turned in unison with him, perfectly synchronized.

As the flags on the high platform waved, Dou Rong, who had long since received Wang Yi's instructions, immediately ordered his soldiers to rise and spread out into formation, drilling advance and retreat. Ordinarily, the rear army was not permitted to move, but who was he? He was Wang Yi's elder brother-in-law.

At that moment, a gong sounded beside them. In Liangqiu Ci's division, the yellow-clothed soldiers of one company in the front row, who had been sitting quietly on the ground, now abruptly rose and stood ramrod straight. This was because Diwu Lun had promised them that if they performed well today, they would get extra rations when they returned, and perhaps even some fatty meat.

The two formations were adjacent, one still, one moving. Although Dou Rong had trained his soldiers strenuously these past two months, their basic quality was what it was, and they still appeared somewhat disordered. Diwu Lun's eight hundred men, by contrast, played to their strengths and avoided their weaknesses: by remaining motionless, they appeared especially orderly.

And what gave them an even greater advantage were the eye-catching yellow cloths wrapped around their heads.

The high platform where the Emperor sat was far away, and the Boar-Rush Braves stood densely packed. At a single glance, one could find no focal point at all; looking a moment longer made the eyes blur. Compared to Dou Rong's division, which was straining to show off, Diwu Lun's troops could be spotted in a single glance.

Very soon, the Son of Heaven's crane-like voice sounded again: "Who is the one with his men wearing yellow cloths on their brows?"

Riders shuttled back and forth between the rear army and the high platform, relaying the information to the Emperor: "It is the Colonel Liangqiu Ci. The one in the front row is the Major Diwu Lun."

"Who is Diwu Lun? The name seems familiar."

Wang Mang looked to those beside him. The ever-astute Chen Chong said nothing this time. It was the Marquis of Shuofu, Cui Fa, who reported: "He is a disciple of Yang Xiong. He submitted a letter to atone for his master's crime and volunteered to enlist, wishing to fight the Xiongnu with all his might."

"So it is him."

Only then did Wang Mang recall. He sent someone to listen: what were Diwu Lun's men shouting?

After all, the voices of eight hundred men were easily swallowed up among the thousands and tens of thousands.

The rider quickly made the round trip and reported: "What they are shouting is…"

"Long live His Majesty! Long live, long live, for ten thousand years!"

…

When the Palace Attendant bearing a tally arrived at the rear army, Dou Rong still thought Wang Yi had already submitted his name and that he was about to be summoned. He immediately straightened his robes and cap. Wang Yi had warned him: when he ascended the high platform, he must on no account say that his courtesy name was "the Duke of Zhou," lest it stir old memories in the Emperor and provoke displeasure.

When the Palace Attendant drew near, Dou Rong put on a face full of smiles and was about to step forward to greet him, but to his surprise, the attendant turned aside into the neighboring camp of Liangqiu Ci.

Then he took Liangqiu Ci, along with that young Major, Diwu Lun, and headed for the high platform.

Dou Rong was dumbstruck for a moment, a little embarrassed. So his two months of painstakingly drilling the troops counted for less than Diwu Lun simply standing still with a yellow turban tied across his forehead — how glaring!

The Majors under him were burning with indignation, feeling Diwu Lun had curried favor by trickery. But after a moment's thought, Dou Rong let out a hearty laugh and quickly took it in stride, turning displeasure to delight.

"Catching the Emperor's eye is no good thing. On the contrary, it's the obscure and unknown who survive easily. I never wanted high office to begin with — let others steal this spotlight!"

Dou Rong could afford such thoughts because no blade hung over his head forcing his hand. Diwu Lun was different. He had no solid patron at court, yet he had already provoked those in power. If the Master of Fates of the Five Majesties, Chen Chong, wished it, crushing him would be all too easy.

So he could not keep a low profile; only by thrashing with all his might could he find safety. After turning it over, the only way was to draw Wang Mang's attention so that Chen Chong would find it awkward to strike him down directly.

Besides him and Liangqiu Ci, Ju Wuba was also summoned. Ju Wuba swept a glance at the small figure behind him. Though his own face was fierce and menacing, he was no villain; he even gestured humbly, letting the other two go first.

Liangqiu Ci repeatedly protested he dared not. As Ju Wuba mounted the platform, he murmured to Diwu Lun, "That giant is the auspicious omen of this campaign — we must on no account vie with him." Having ridden Diwu Lun's performance to an imperial summons, Liangqiu Ci was already thoroughly satisfied.

When they followed behind Ju Wuba — whose tread made the ladder creak and groan — and reached the top, the first to approach was a group of Gentlemen of the Guard, led by the General of the Gentlemen of the Five Majesties, Liu Die. Liu Die was Liu Xin's son and had met Diwu Lun before; he smiled at him, then followed routine procedure and had them all searched.

Only then did he lead them forward. Diwu Lun glanced left and right: several hundred imperial attendants, all bearing arms; the Gate Guards with their halberds arrayed along the sides of the platform; the assembled officials ranked in order — the security was extremely tight.

After they passed through layer upon layer of guard posts, they drew near the Emperor's throne atop the high platform. Here Diwu Lun spotted his old enemy, the Marquis of Tongmu, Chen Chong, though he did not see Liu Xin.

Further ahead was the imperial throne of the Son of Heaven, screened on left and right by mica panels. Flanking it stood two tall, lean Masters of Fates in five-colored robes, holding ritual vessels in their hands.

At this moment, Diwu Lun halted, his pupils widening, for the object in the left Master of Fates' hands struck him as deeply familiar.

It was a metal tube, some fifty or sixty centimeters long, cast of red copper and inlaid with five-colored medicinal stones, brilliantly mottled.

As Emperor Wang Mang's wheeled, movable throne slowly turned toward them, the Master of Fates turned with it.

The sinuous, curving handle was held in the ritual officer's grasp; the straight barrel he raised level. Its dark, hollow muzzle was aimed straight at Diwu Lun!

…

PS: Just a show of might, that's all.

(Chapter 3 at 18:00.)