Chapter Thirteen: Governing the Northern Frontier

Before even half a month had passed, a swift horse thundered through the streets of Luoyang, its rider shouting, “Urgent news from the frontier!” The pedestrians scattered, hastily making way.

“What?! You say the Wuhuan are showing signs of invading Youzhou?” Liu Hong shouted, utterly losing his composure. He was well aware of the ferocity of those tribes—if the frontier fell, the Han would be in grave danger.

“Yes, Your Majesty, this is an emergency report from the border,” the messenger declared.

“Let Father know. Summon all civil and military officials to court for deliberation.”

“At once.” Zhang Rang turned to leave.

“Wait.” Liu Hong suddenly recalled something. “Father, summon my son to the court as well.”

“At once.”

Receiving the summons from the eunuch, Liu Yao hurried straight to the palace. Arriving at the great hall, he found all the officials already assembled, waiting only for him. Under their curious and peculiar gazes, Liu Yao quietly took his seat.

Now that Liu Yao had arrived, Liu Hong spoke: “Gentlemen, urgent news has come from the border. The Wuhuan are poised to invade, and the frontier has petitioned for reinforcements. Which among you is willing to go to Youzhou to quell the unrest?”

A heavy silence settled over the court; no one wished to be the first to volunteer.

“Useless lot!” Liu Hong cursed furiously. “You’re always boasting of your loyalty and patriotism, but now that trouble is at hand, you all cower like turtles in their shells! What use have I for such a pack of rice-eaters?”

The assembled officials hung their heads, not daring to meet his eyes. Sensing the moment was right, Liu Yao stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I am willing to go to Youzhou and quell the rebellion, to do my part for the Han.”

All were astonished, raising their heads to look at this crown prince, whose reputation had always been so unremarkable.

“Good! Excellent! As expected of my own blood, you have inherited my courage! Permission granted,” Liu Hong declared, satisfaction written all over his face.

“No, this cannot be, Your Majesty!” A figure stepped forward—it was Yuan Feng, father of Yuan Shao and Yuan Shu, currently serving as Minister Steward. Liu Yao looked at the old schemer with barely concealed disdain.

“And why not?” Liu Hong retorted coldly.

“Your Highness, the Crown Prince is of such precious worth—how could he be sent to such a dangerous place?” Yuan Feng protested.

“That is no concern of yours, Lord Yuan. I aspire to be a man like Huo Qubing, defending the Han,” Liu Yao replied icily.

“But Your Highness, you are still so young. How can you shoulder such heavy responsibility?” Yuan Feng persisted, still trying to block Liu Yao.

“Enough! Insolence!” Liu Hong slammed his hand upon the table. “In ancient times, Gan Luo became Chancellor at twelve. My son is also twelve—why should he not bear this burden? Do you imply my son is inferior to others, Yuan Feng?”

“Never, Your Majesty! I meant no such thing!” Yuan Feng broke out in a cold sweat, immediately falling to his knees to beg for mercy.

“Hmph, I thought not,” Liu Hong snorted, though inwardly he was delighted to see Yuan Feng humbled.

“Your Majesty, this humble servant has a petition,” said Cai Yong, stepping forward. Liu Hong, knowing he would speak in favor of Liu Yao, nodded his assent.

“Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is endowed with extraordinary talent—his martial skills and strategic acumen are both supreme. He is fully capable of this task,” Cai Yong praised.

“Very well,” Liu Hong nodded with satisfaction. He looked around the hall. “If there are no further objections?” Seeing none, he smiled. “Very good. Since no one objects, my son, hear your orders.”

“I am here, Father.”

“I now appoint you as Governor of Youzhou, granting you full authority over all affairs there. I bestow upon you the Red Cloud Sword, the blade with which our exalted ancestor slew the serpent, and grant you the authority to act first and report later. You will depart in three days. May you swiftly defeat the Wuhuan and bring glory to the Han!” Liu Hong proclaimed.

“I accept the decree,” Liu Yao replied.

All present were stunned by the Emperor’s command. The post of Governor of Youzhou was no small matter, and the Red Cloud Sword was a symbol of the Han’s founding ancestor. But none dared to tug the tiger’s whiskers any further.

“If there is nothing else, court is dismissed. Hmph, a herd of useless fools.” Liu Hong swept his sleeves and departed, leaving the ministers exchanging bitter smiles before dispersing.

Liu Yao watched all this, finding it somewhat amusing. He hadn’t expected his father’s performance to be so convincing. Then again, the Emperor had deceived the realm for over a decade; his acting skills were not to be underestimated.

At the residence of Cai Yong:

“Zhang Fang, leave a few trusted men to watch over the Firecloud Trading House here in Luoyang. Shift the focus of our operations to Youzhou, and have our accumulated supplies quietly sent there. That will be our new stronghold.”

“At once.”

“Shi A, I appoint you as commander of my personal guard. Ensure my safety. Inform your teacher Wang Yue to expand the Shadow Group. I want our eyes and ears in every province.”

“At once.”

“Huang Zhong, Taishi Ci, I temporarily assign you both the rank of colonel. You will each command part of my three-thousand-strong repeating crossbow battalion.”

“At once.”

“Tian Feng, you will serve as my staff advisor for now.”

“At once.”

“Go and make your preparations.”

“Yes, sir.” With that, each set about their tasks.

Afterward, Liu Yao walked out of the study and encountered Cai Yong and Cai Yan approaching.

“Brother Yao, can you not go to Youzhou?” Cai Yan pleaded softly.

“Yan’er, don’t be willful,” Cai Yong rebuked.

“I... Waaaah!” Cai Yan burst into tears, covering her face and fleeing.

“Yan’er!” Liu Yao called after her, but she was already gone, leaving him with a pang of reluctance and an unwillingness to part from her.

He forced himself to suppress these feelings—there was weightier business at hand than romance. Gritting his teeth, Liu Yao made up his mind. He turned to Cai Yong, bowing deeply. “Teacher, when next I return to Luoyang, it will be to formally propose marriage to Yan’er, promising to make her my principal wife. I beseech you for your blessing.”

Cai Yong teased, “Yao’er, you come to propose without even bringing a betrothal gift?”

“Then, Teacher, does that mean you agree?” Liu Yao’s face lit up with joy.

“With your status, it is Yan’er who is marrying up,” Cai Yong replied with satisfaction.

“Not at all! Yan’er is learned and virtuous, skilled in music and the arts. If anyone is marrying up, it’s me!” Liu Yao was so happy he could barely close his mouth, hardly remembering how he made his way back to his room.

For the next two days, every time Cai Yan saw Liu Yao, she blushed fiercely and hurried away, evidently aware of his intentions. This sight filled Liu Yao with delight.

Two days passed quickly.

Liu Yao took only his trusted subordinates—Zhang Fang, Tian Feng, Huang Zhong, Taishi Ci, and three thousand elite soldiers. Thanks to Liu Hong’s support, these three thousand men were officially listed as Imperial Guards, equipped with the finest armor and weapons, each bearing a repeating crossbow. Such a force could easily defeat not only bandits, but even a fully armed force of ten thousand.

Liu Yao divided the three thousand into three parts: Huang Zhong and Taishi Ci each led 1,400 men, while Shi A commanded the remaining 200 as personal guards to protect Liu Yao.

The journey from Luoyang to Youzhou was long, passing through all of Jizhou, and with the transport of supplies, would take more than a month. Therefore, Liu Yao decided to set out first with Shi A, Taishi Ci, Huang Zhong, and Tian Feng, while Zhang Fang would bring the rest in due course.

Liu Yao’s purpose in setting out ahead was to visit Guangping, where a great talent awaited him. With Tian Feng’s assistance, he was certain to win this man to his cause.