Chapter Twelve: The World Is Vast, but Imperial Power Is Supreme

Dou Yuan, the commander of the northern expedition, held absolute control over the three armies. Such a figure was naturally a linchpin of utmost importance. Yet, fate had it that this crucial person belonged to the Empress’s faction. Just last night, the Empress had even sent an assassin to eliminate Gao Changsheng. And today, Gao Changsheng had to feign ignorance of all that had transpired and seek to curry favor with the Empress. The world was ever unpredictable, and the human heart unfathomable.

“But how did Miaofa know that Dou Yuan was aligned with the Empress’s camp?” It was only after some time that Gao Changsheng suddenly realized. Dou Yuan was a first-rank military marquis of the current dynasty, his connections intricate and convoluted, twisted enough to ultimately link back to the Crown Prince. Even most court officials believed Dou Yuan belonged to the Crown Prince’s faction. Yet this Taoist, Miaofa, neither doubted Dou Yuan’s ties to the Crown Prince nor wavered in his certainty that Dou Yuan was loyal to the Empress’s side. Could it be that this fellow truly possessed the art of divination?

“Miaofa is hiding quite a few secrets. I must find a chance to interrogate him thoroughly,” Gao Changsheng muttered uneasily. His strategist was a riddle; as his lord, he knew nothing about him, which left Gao Changsheng feeling deeply insecure. Unless this barrier was broken down, no matter how carefree Gao Changsheng was, he dared not entrust Miaofa with significant responsibility. It was a matter of human nature, not temperament.

“Your Highness, I shall first report to His Majesty,” Zhang Yao said as they quietly arrived at the Imperial Secretariat, the usual place where Emperor Shenwu conducted affairs of state and occasionally summoned ministers to discuss matters of national importance. Gao Changsheng recalled that even at the age of twenty, he had never been granted entry into the Secretariat, while the Crown Prince and two royal princes came and went as often as if returning home. The difference between imperial sons was more pronounced than that between man and dog.

“Your Majesty!” Zhang Yao entered the room and saw two men seated at either side of Emperor Shenwu. One was Chancellor Zhao Zhong, the other Ningguo Duke, the emperor’s younger brother and Dou Yuan’s brother-in-law.

“Today’s report from the northern frontier indicates that the Northern Qi’s offensive has paused,” Zhao Zhong began. “The reason being their heavy losses in successive sieges. However, Northern Qi has only withdrawn its main force about two hundred li, clearly preparing to regroup and launch another assault.”

“Northern Qi is truly relentless!” Emperor Shenwu’s face darkened.

“Indeed, Your Majesty,” Zhao Zhong continued calmly. “Northern Qi’s deployment of one hundred thousand troops was aimed at exploiting the absence of Duke Liangguo in the north, hoping to break through the defenses in one stroke and threaten the heartland of our great Yong. Yet, their constant sieges have cost them at least fifteen thousand soldiers—a significant blow to their strength. Moreover, their rapid advance has strained their supply lines, meaning any renewed attack is unlikely before ten days from now.”

“As long as we send reinforcements to the northern border, the situation can be stabilized,” Zhao Zhong assured.

As chancellor, Zhao Zhong was no fool. His words were not mere consolation but hard truth. Although the case involving Duke Liangguo had caused upheaval and left the northern frontier without a commander, the fighting strength there was not materially diminished. What it lacked was a leader capable of inspiring both the troops and intimidating the enemy. Once Dou Yuan arrived with the army, his prowess would stabilize the front within a month at the least, half a year at most. Gao Changsheng was but a mere placeholder in comparison.

“If the Chancellor’s assessment is accurate, this battle is not dire. Then what of the Sixth Prince’s resolve to die on the battlefield?” Ningguo Duke suddenly interjected, his words sharp as a blade in the Secretariat. Gao Changsheng’s expression shifted instantly.

“You old fool have quite a knack for throwing accusations around!” Gao Changsheng silently gritted his teeth and made a mental note of Ningguo Duke’s name.

“Heh! Duke Ningguo, you jest,” Zhao Zhong responded with a smile. “War always brings casualties. The Sixth Prince was born and raised within the Golden City, never having witnessed the battlefield firsthand. It is only natural he feels some anxiety. Besides, how can soldiers fight to victory without the resolve to die on the field? I believe the Sixth Prince’s intentions are good, though perhaps his actions a bit rash.”

It was surprising that Chancellor Zhao Zhong spoke up on Gao Changsheng’s behalf—what game was being played here?

“Zhao Zhong,” Gao Changsheng considered quietly, “he has a son and a daughter. The son serves as a fifth-rank palace guard; the daughter is still young and unmarried. Their family has no known ties to the Crown Prince or the royal princes. Could Zhao Zhong be loyal to the Emperor himself?”

Although all officials in the realm were supposed to be subjects of Emperor Shenwu, where there were men, there were conflicts of interest. When it came to succession disputes, factional strife was inevitable. And as sovereign, Emperor Shenwu tacitly accepted this unwritten rule but ensured the majority of power remained firmly in his hands. Zhao Zhong was one such trusted figure.

“Oh?” Ningguo Duke said with a tremor in his voice, “The Chancellor favors the Sixth Prince so much? Perhaps I have been mistaken. I did not mean to sow discord between Your Majesty and the Sixth Prince. Please forgive me.”

This sudden admission further confirmed to Gao Changsheng that Zhao Zhong was indeed the Emperor’s man. Thus, Zhao Zhong’s words reflected the Emperor’s own thoughts. If Emperor Shenwu approved of Gao Changsheng, then no other opinions mattered.

“Rise,” the Emperor said with a light laugh. “Am I the kind to harbor suspicions? Duke Ningguo worries too much.”

Yet beneath the laughter, a trace of displeasure lingered. In truth, Ningguo Duke’s inability to speak tactfully was to blame. Were it not for his ineptitude and lack of threat to the Emperor’s authority, his brash tongue would have long sent him to the grave.

“Zhang Yao, has the Sixth Prince arrived? Bring him in,” Emperor Shenwu commanded, unwilling to waste more words on Ningguo Duke.

As Gao Changsheng entered the Secretariat, he bowed to the Emperor. After receiving permission to rise, he then bowed to Duke Ningguo and Chancellor Zhao Zhong, showing respect to his elders. Courtesy was never excessive.

“The Sixth Prince has grown wiser after recent hardships. Well done!” Emperor Shenwu’s face brightened, an expression Gao Changsheng had never seen in his twenty years. Clearly, his recent deeds had earned the Emperor’s favor.

“Old Sixth, this is your first time joining the army. You know little of military affairs. Spend more time moving between the Six Departments and the camps,” the Emperor admonished sternly in front of Duke Ningguo and the Chancellor, “lest you go to battle and neither general nor soldier recognize each other. Your lofty boasts in the Golden City will turn to empty talk.”

Though a father’s scolding was natural, Gao Changsheng had never witnessed such a scene before. This was truly rare.

“Your Majesty’s teachings are accepted,” Gao Changsheng replied, “but I fear I may disappoint Your Majesty.”