MFMH C78

Chapter 78 – Summons

The days Shen Yanbei spent serving as a Compiler at the Hanlin Academy were relatively leisurely. Taking advantage of his duties, he read through many histories of Great Qi, gaining a deeper understanding of the nation.

The founding date of Great Qi startled him—it had been established only a few decades prior! The former dynasty’s emperor had been dim-witted, indulgent, and extravagant, leaving the people starving, freezing corpses littering the roads. The resentment of the people flared, and men of ambition rose in rebellion. Zhao Yu’s grandfather was one of the most resourceful among them. When he ascended as emperor, he fulfilled his promises: focusing on recovery, vigorously promoting agriculture, ensuring the people had clothes and food, and securing peace within the realm.

The second emperor, Zhao Yu’s father, Emperor Xuanwen, reigned only a few short years. Though lacking the grand vision of his father, he strove to continue the founding emperor’s policies, gradually strengthening Qi’s foundations, before the throne passed to the current Emperor Jianyuan—Zhao Yu.

In Shen Yanbei’s eyes, Zhao Yu was a man of immense ambition. This could be seen from his recruitment of talent, promotion of commerce and agriculture, and broadening of the imperial examinations. And more strikingly, Zhao Yu’s decision to make Gu Changfeng, a shuang’er, the heir of the Duke of Zhen’s household had drawn many stares. Though objections arose in court, the late Grand General’s prestige still lingered, and the ministers were well aware of Gu Changfeng’s character.

Originally, the title of Duke of Zhen was first rank, but not hereditary in perpetuity. Upon the father’s death, it would normally pass to the son, reduced by one rank. Thus, Gu Changfeng, already of age, should have inherited directly as a marquis, not been made the heir of a dukedom. But the emperor defied convention, bestowing upon him the title of heir. The emperor’s will was unfathomable; though dissent lingered in the ministers’ hearts, none dared remonstrate.

To Shen Yanbei, Zhao Yu’s act was simply leveraging the late Grand General’s lingering prestige. As a founding hero, the Grand General had been valiant beyond compare, charging into battle with the founding emperor, securing countless victories for Great Qi. Later, he gave up his household to guard the frontier. His loyalty and patriotism shone resplendent. In the end, he even pursued the enemy deep into hostile lands, where his old illness returned and claimed him. The Grand General was the model for all soldiers. By honoring his son, Zhao Yu was sending a message to the hundreds of thousands of border troops—that he still remembered the Grand General’s glorious feats and respected all he had done for Qi. The Grand General lived on in his heart, thus he made his son the heir.

All under heaven belonged to the emperor. To Zhao Yu, a title was a trifling matter. If with a title he could win the soldiers’ hearts, was it not worth the cost?

This was Shen Yanbei’s speculation, but Zhao Yu’s actions confirmed it.

Zhao Yu summoned Gu Changfeng.

The scar-faced general clad in armor whom Shen Yanbei had seen at the Taihe Hall ceremony was named Tai Qigang, once a subordinate of the Grand General. After the Grand General’s death, he temporarily assumed his duties. Called back to the capital, he happened to attend the proclamation of the exam results.

When Gu Changfeng entered the imperial study, Tai Qigang’s eyes reddened instantly.

“Your servant Tai Qigang pays respects to the Heir!” His voice was hoarse, fists clasped.

As the Grand General’s trusted lieutenant, Tai Qigang revered him deeply. The general’s death had left him grieving for long. By the time news reached him on the frontier, Gu Changfeng had already been declared dead, a cenotaph raised. Though heartbroken, he could only accept it. Later, when the second son was born—a boy—he thought at least the Grand General’s line endured.

Only recently, summoned back to court, did he learn that Gu Changfeng still lived! He had wanted to see him, but his status was sensitive, and until the emperor spoke, he dared not move privately. When the emperor declared Gu Changfeng heir, Tai Qigang was shocked but overjoyed. Shocked at the emperor’s boldness, glad that the general’s son could succeed him.

Now, seeing Gu Changfeng’s steady, resolute bearing so like his father’s, he was overcome.

Gu Changfeng, startled, replied: “Chongxiao greets the Grand General!”

“No need for excessive ceremony, sit,” Zhao Yu said mildly, rubbing his brow.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.” Gu Changfeng bowed and sat.

“General Tai, repeat the situation.” Zhao Yu’s tone was grave.

“Yes!” Tai Qigang turned to Gu Changfeng. “The tribes of the northern barbarians are shifting. They may raise arms against us.”

“Barbarians” was not a single nation, but Qi’s name for the many tribes of the steppe.

They lived by herding horses and sheep, following the grasslands. Fierce and warlike, even women and shuang’er fought. Born in the saddle, their cavalry was fearsome. Each autumn after harvest, they raided the borders, plundering and killing indiscriminately, not sparing even infants. In the final years of the previous dynasty, when the realm was in chaos, they invaded, seizing several prefectures. Later, Zhao Yu’s grandfather drove them out with 150,000 troops against 80,000 riders.

But like weeds, the barbarians always returned. Once recovered, they would invade again, a constant threat. Zhao Yu could not tolerate it.

Last winter, several tribes clashed. In the freezing snows, soldiers could not march. The strongest tribe, Ulat, sent envoys, proposing peace through marriage, offering their princess. Thus arose factions for war and for peace. But now the Ulat king was dead!

His nephew Wuso, furious at his conciliatory policies, allied with discontented clans and assassinated him. Proclaiming himself king, he swiftly married the princess of the second-largest tribe, Rongguetu, and began annexing smaller clans. His rising prestige positioned him as the steppe’s new leader.

His ambition was vast. If he unified the tribes, Qi would face a grave threat.

Forewarned, Zhao Yu recalled Tai Qigang to discuss countermeasures.

Qi had rested and rebuilt, but troops were few. To fight, more soldiers must be raised. But it was spring—peasants sowed their fields. Drafting them would ruin harvests. If delayed until autumn, the barbarians would already be strong. By then, Qi’s recruits would be untrained, and the enemy cavalry could sweep south.

“What say you, Heir?” Zhao Yu asked gravely.

Gu Changfeng started. “I believe we must raise troops.”

Zhao Yu listened impassively.

“Our law requires all men of seventeen to serve. Drafts demand one son from each household. But given the urgency, could we summon volunteers instead? Offer rewards for enlistment…” He recalled Shen Yanbei’s words—that sometimes a new perspective solved problems. Like pickled vegetables: sold fresh, they fetched little, but packaged differently, they became popular.

Tai Qigang’s eyes lit. Zhao Yu nodded. “Feasible.” Every family had more than one son. With rich rewards, surplus labor would surely enlist. Yet the incentives must be carefully set.

Gu Changfeng exhaled in relief—only for Zhao Yu’s next words to strike him dumb.

“Would the Heir lead the new troops to the frontier for training?” Zhao Yu’s gaze was calm.

“I…” Gu Changfeng faltered, then slowly knelt. “I obey.”

Zhao Yu inclined his head. “Recruitment will take time. Prepare yourself.”

“Yes. I take my leave.” Gu Changfeng turned, his steps heavy as he left the study.

Shen Yanbei had once comforted him, saying if he felt guilty toward his father, he should complete his unfinished work. He had thought of destroying the barbarians someday to honor his father’s spirit—but never thought the day would come so soon.

“Heir!”

As he left in a daze, a rough voice called out.

“General.” Gu Changfeng looked up to see Tai Qigang hurrying over.

Waving his hand, the weathered face broke into a smile. “Don’t jest with me. There is only one Grand General—your father. Call me Uncle Gang.”

Gu Changfeng smiled faintly. Tai Qigang patted his shoulder. “Heir, heed my words. The Grand General hated the barbarians most. He swore they would never set foot in Qi again. You, as his son, must not forget his will, nor the emperor’s trust.”

Gu Changfeng’s gaze flickered. “I understand.”

“The emperor commands me to the frontier to monitor them. We await you there.”

Gu Changfeng’s expression grew solemn. “Very well. Safe journey, Uncle Gang.”

Tai Qigang clasped fists and hurried off.

Glancing at the sky, Gu Changfeng realized Shen Yanbei would soon finish his duties. Without thinking, he strode to the Hanlin Academy.

As Shen Yanbei stepped out, he saw Gu Changfeng standing tall beneath a cypress tree, lips pressed thin, his hard face expressionless, eyes fixed in thought.

“Hm!” Ouyang Yue, beside him, glanced at Gu Changfeng oddly. At the Qionglin Banquet, he had seen Shen Yanbei kissing and touching this man, but the dim light had obscured it. Now, up close, the man’s build was plain to see—one punch could floor him.

“Changfeng!” Shen Yanbei was overjoyed—his wife had come to fetch him! He hurried over. “Why are you here?”

“Wanted to see you,” Gu Changfeng said lowly. Shen Yanbei arched a brow, then turned to Ouyang Yue: “I’ll be going.”

Ouyang Yue chuckled awkwardly, watching them walk side by side, close and warm. Truly, this Zhuangyuan’s tastes were extraordinary.

Sensing his gloom, Shen Yanbei stopped him. “Upset?”

Gu Changfeng shook his head, but meeting his caring gaze, he muttered, “The emperor wants me to lead recruits to the frontier…”

Shen Yanbei paused, then, understanding the full story, frowned before smiling. “That is good. You must go sooner or later. Better to march with new soldiers than ride with guards as a duke’s heir. This way, you’ll bond with them.”

Gu Changfeng stayed silent. Shen Yanbei took his hand gently. “Afraid I’ll worry?”

Gu Changfeng looked at him, and softly murmured, “Mm.” More than leaving, he feared making him worry.

“I will worry, yes. But I’d worry more if you bore regrets.” Shen Yanbei smiled faintly. “In armor, astride your steed, you’ll be magnificent.” To him, Gu Changfeng was a true man, and men should shoulder duty. He would not stop him.

Gu Changfeng was moved, his face easing.

Though Shen Yanbei’s words were lofty, in the days that followed he poured all his energy into devising ways to reduce casualties in battle, testing and recording them for Gu Changfeng. Before Gu Changfeng could read them, Zhou Yu came with news—they had found proof that the child was not the Grand General’s son!