In the Emperor Taizong's court.
War messenger yelling, "Report!" Stands till in front of the Emperor and proceeds reading the rest of the report. "The neighbouring country of Shenzhou has attacked for several continuous days at the borders close to Juyong Pass, villagers have been evacuated. Their attempts were evaded but the army has met with several casualties and the armoury is depleting. Immediate back up is required. Signed General Xu Guoqiang."
Courtiers start whispering amongst themselves "General is working tirelessly for our nation." "More reinforcements and rations should be send." "Shenzhou is becoming reckless." "The political relation between Shenzhou and Tianxia were of equals during Emperor Zhou." "Borders are now comprised."
To break the whispering spineless courtiers gossip General Wang addresses the court, "We have no more soldiers to send as reinforcement. It will be difficult to manage other regions if we were to deploy army from their assigned areas. Those posts will be vulnerable to bandits and rebellions."
The situation at hand was indeed turbulent. After becoming Emperor, Taizong ended the peace between two empires by attacking one of the counties of Shenzhou. During Emperor Zhou's reign Tianxia and Shenzhou had the most devastating battles of all times. Neither forfeiting, neither winning. Massive loss of life made the strong ambitious Emperors of two empires realise the need to end this power struggle and call a truce, for mutual benefits. It was maintained for five years until broken by Emperor Taizong who attacked Gu county, which lies on the north eastern tip of the Shenzhou Empire. To make matters worse, two years of drought in the region of Lin'an prefecture has lead to peasant uprise and rebellion revolts making the condition of the capital vulnerable.
Emperor Taizong speaks, "Send the necessary armoury and couple of mercenary to assist. Tell commander Chen to accompany the reinforcements with his soldiers. No more than 20,000 should be enough."
Ex military general and present military advisor Qin speaks, "20,000! The opposing army has a strength of 100,000, our army has the strength of 50,000 men! Majesty it is not adequate please reconsider."
Emperor Taizong in a convincing manner, "With general's ability it is achievable. After all he is one who always accomplishes against all adversaries."
A fact, every soul in the known land was aware of, that the general could turn the tide. His speciality was to make the most of the handful number of soldiers against humongous opposing army. Taizong attempted to diminish the general's influence in every possible scenarios, he purposely dispersed only a small fraction of the army against huge enemy army in battle. As he waited patiently to here the news of general's end, only to hear the praises of his victory. He was a threat to the Emperor Taizong's reign. For the General is a royal blood himself, the dethrone crown prince.
As long as he exists and his younger brother Zhou Delun who is restrained in the palace quarters, Taizong's throne is not stable. Previous Emperor's retainers are still active and strong, not a strand of hair on these descendants can be touched.
...
General Xu Guoqiang was a firecre, brave and resourceful militant. Tan complexion, unshaved stubble beard, rugged look, and deep stern eyes; eyes that can burrow a hole into one's soul. A demeanour so earth shattering that any one in his presence could feel frightened. He never minced his words, neither coated it with sugar, straight and to the point just like his weapon, yanyuedao (glaive). Unlike most strong warriors who are heavy, big stature and bulky; Guoqiang was comparatively slender yet muscular and tall. He was the crown prince of the previous ruler Emperor Zhou. He accompanied his father to expeditions and learnt on the field. He was trained by military general Qin himself. As he honed his skills in combat and strategies, emperor agreed to send his son on his first expedition without the emperor accompanying him. He was fifteen at the time. Guoqiang gained his father's approval as a militant.
Only to receive news of his father's death when he was at the borders of Tianxia. He regrouped his soldiers, burned down the side ridges of the dense forest, to cut off the enemy from entering the conquered territories. The forest fire continued burning for days before it finally died out. That kept the enemy at bay and made them retreat. He rushed at the Guan Yin monastery to retrieve his younger brother Delun who was send to learn the scriptures as part of the royal prince education. He was unaware about the situation and Guoqiang did not know the words to disclose to his brother about their father's death. Their mother was long gone and now the young princes have also lost their father. As they marched up to the capital Dongling, the atmosphere was heavy. The capital had a three-level structure, that is the palace, the inner city and the outer city. The outer city of the capital did not have the usual rush of traders and goods wagons, the inner city looked deserted as if lost its lustre. The streets were barren with few pedestrians in mourning clothes. As they entered the palace, they saw many unfamiliar faces. The entire workforce within the palace was rearranged. This indicates that someone worked quick and effectively; the attack was done by an insider, pre-planned.
The brothers held hands as they arrived at their ancestral hall, to face their father's coffin. Guoqiang had his gaze fixed at the casket, he did not even try to bat his eyes or look away. Blankly looking at the coffin in which his father lay. Delun bursted in tears, wallowing at the sight of their father. Guoqiang had the grasp of the situation, he was well informed by his father's retainers. He did not look in the direction of his hated uncle, self-proclaimed Emperor. The intensity of loathe towards his uncle increased when he did not waste time trying to retrieve the crown prince seal from Guoqiang and held a session of court on the very same day.
Emperor Taizong seated on the throne with fake remorse addressed the court "The decision to take the throne was sudden, such tragedy had fallen on my empire." The 'My' before the empire ticked Guoqiang, it was a tell tale of his uncle's longest desire of acquiring the throne. Guoqiang tightened his jaw muscles bearing with his uncle.
Emperor Taizong continuous, "My young nephew. You were out of the capital, no where near. As for the youngest prince was also beyond reach. At the time of such crisis to save the throne I did the needful. You do not need to resume duty as crown prince immediately, you can take your days for mourning. Your good uncle will handle politics for you." Silence fell in the throne room all the ministers that would have taken the side of the crown prince were no where to be seen. The room was filled with ministers and courtiers, that were once removed from court due to their incompetence. Them reappearing, indicates that the previous courtiers were either killed or are in the hiding. The only familiar face in the room, was standing next to the Emperor's throne with a flying whisk in hand, the Chief Eunuch Dai.
Chief Eunuch was loyal to the Emperor, but Chief Eunuch Dai was also well placed, he knew the inside and out of the palace, he was his majesty's eyes, ears and speech. Taizong did not see him as a threat. To Taizong, Eunuch Dai would be very resourceful. Seeing that one familiar face, future seemed hopefully. The eunuch made eye contact with Guoqiang, he blinked once and stared at him without blinking at a pause of ten counts, as Guoqiang counted ten with his fingers behind his back. At the eleventh count the eunuch blinked three times. That was all Guoqiang needed at the time, so without a fight he retreated to Bei Feng Valley which is where every retainer of Emperor Zhou was present, excluding the Chief Eunuch Dai. Military General Qin was about to kowtow towards Guoqiang, declaring him Emperor, but he was stopped mid way by Guoqiang.
"There is no need for two emperors in the land of Tianxia," Guoqiang spoke solemnly. Everyone present, were baffled. Here were the strongest, most influential personnels and the Iron Wall army; who would loyally retrieve the throne for the Crown Prince yet he does not want to recognise his duty? Before anyone could question him, Guoqiang emphasised "I do not wish to create chaos among the subjects, they will be tormented to chose sides and this battle will be beneficial for us but many will loose life and work, many folks will be detained they will loose their house, their livelihood, that is not the ideal situation." He sits down on a chair before speaking further "We must create more intricate connections, deeper. Imbibe the court, now that it has been reshuffled. Most of you'll, were never part of the court or any ministries. We can start over building a new empire."
The entire time Guoqiang spoke he spoke with conviction, his brain was racing like a wild horse riding the northern wind. "Infiltrate the palace with our people. I do not wish to assassin him…."
A long pause, before he continued.
"I would rather see him realise what a 'bad fit he is' for the throne, make him see his own 'incompetence,' feel the guilt, the shame and let it eat him alive all while seeing what a good rule looks like. But for now I would really like my brother to be safe and the people of Tianxia to be safe. The army to have rest; and everyone here to lay low for the time being." His response to the situation was dignified and royal, a splitting image of Emperor Zhou. Everyone present saw how he had matured yet there was a certain eerie feeling to his change.
After the completion of the mourning period the court was actively in session. The deposed princes arrived at the court. Taizong addresses the court, "My nephew is young, he has never handled court before. Therefore I take up his role of governing the people in his stead." It was rather easy for Taizong to kill Guoqiang but he did not. The Zhou emperor and his sons were people favourite. They enjoyed much devotion of their subjects. So if Taizong were to harm the princes the entire empire will be leapt in fires. The subjects have already began to form unorganised groups to revolt. That very morning a watch tower of the Bianjing Palace was set on fire by the people of the capital city. If the crown prince assures the subjects, it will most definitely smooth out Taizong's abrupt and brutal start.
General Qin spoke, "What are you implying? Guoqiang has activity participated in the court before. He was educated to do so as the crown prince, he accompanied me and his father in battle as our vanguard. As crown prince why is he not declared emperor? Or if you think he is not ready to take up the throne you can become his regent. This is the best option for the entire situation. Or is it that the lustre of the throne stumbled your royal self?
"Impudence! How dare you talk like that in front of the emperor," screamed Prime Minister Xu.
It was a valid point made by general Qin but it was of no use. Taizong sneered before Prime minister Xu spoke again. "The emperor Taizong was made emperor by the mandate of the heaven…"
"Prime minister Xu, a monarch needs no justification. Your actions show desperation unfit for a royal member." interrupted by Guoqiang, as he exchanged a side eye with the his royal uncle.
This remark pierced Taizong. Prime minister making the mandate of the heaven statement was something that Guoqiang could not hear. It had a meaning that should not be used lightly. To change the succession of throne by the Emperor; it is to be sealed by two seals. One of the emperor and another of the crown prince himself. Only then the document is valid. This procedure is followed when the emperor wishes to change the crown price among his sons and need to have the approval of the crown prince, this is also to make sure no treacherous plot is carried out, for the succession of throne.
Their desperation to prove Taizong's legitimacy to the throne was hilarious to Guoqiang; who has now started to show signs of Machiavellianism. Guoqiang played along their antics, he very well knew if he was to fight for the throne now it will put the Kingdom of Tianxia in the state of anarchy, breeding ground for foreign powers to take control of their boundaries, and infected by bandits. The safety of his people and his young brother would be comprised. To keep the matters in control Guoqiang gave his crown prince seal in custody of his uncle until he is eligible. Taizong made desperate attempts to make sure that he was away from the palace and the capital so that Guoqiang does not grow in power. Mountain Clan bandits who aided in coup in dethroning Emperor Zhou, started creating havoc in the connecting trading routes of Quanzhou. Guoqiang was send to neutralise bandits, while his younger brother Delun was kept in the palace. Despite the amenities and service, anyone on the inside could see that Delun was imprisoned to keep his brother's actions in check and to appease the subjects.
Guoqiang was actively send to take charge of matters outside the capital such as bandits, famine relief, and peasant rebellious. This went on for two months, when Guoqiang arrived in the court, after distributing supplies to the famine struck areas. Yet another duty was kept in front of him. Finally in full court Guoqiang challenges emperor Taizong by addressing "What is the great emperor Taizong afraid of? His young nephew is no longer in power, still he thinks of me as a threat? Uncle I had heald such high regards of you."
"Insolent, how can you address the emperor like that." Yelled Chief Eunuch Dai.
"To revive my royal uncle....His Majesty Emperor Taizong. I will completely give away my right. You are in possession of my crown prince seal. Since the seal failed to come back to me, new terms can be formed."
This intrigued the Emperor what could be more important than gaining his status as the crown prince and retrieve his throne. The great emperor was at the edge of his throne intrigued by the offer. Guoqiang spoke " My right to throne, my right as the crown prince can be revoked. I do not wish to be one..." interrupted by prime minister Xu, "You're crown prince seal is already taken away, as long as you have the royal blood you are a threat to the safety of this court, it's people and the nation itself. I suggest you to renounce your Royal status and live a life of a commoner." Ah yes, this was Prime minister Xu's tactics to ensure any possibility of Guoqiang rising to be cut off. By him not having the royal status and fall to the ranks of the commoner, it was easier to have him assassinated, and call it a tragic event. Despite that Guoqiang agreed, he didn't hold much regard to their schemes, a calm ocean holds the deadliest currents.
Military general Qin stepped in, "I shall adopted Zhou Guoqiang as my son." This proved to be a burden. General Qin's hold was strong in the court and military. The power to disperse the army was still in Qin's hands as he was in the posseion of the tiger tally. Tiger tally is two halves of one whole object shaped of a tiger. One with the emperor and another with the general. To disperse the army one must be in the position of it, General Qin's army was the strongest and had the highest number of people. He also had loyalty of his soldiers so he could easily cause an uprise. Emperor Taizong could not command the soldiers at his will, this made him handicap. Prime minister Xu who is one of the main retainers of emperor Taizong and also the tactician behind orchestrating the assissianation of Emperor Zhou panicked. This will place the power right in Guoqiang's hands. Prime minister Xu's twisted mind proposed to adopt Guoqiang as his son. That way it will be reassuring to the court. Guoqiang agreed to this exchange provided, his younger brother retains his status as prince and lives in the palace and is taken care as a prince. Guoqiang promised to renounce rights to throne and his royal status. This looked like a deal not benefitting Guoqiang, taking few steps back in a charades to look weak after all warfare is all deception.
Guoqiang entered the court as advisor and was very vocal about his opinions. He did not step back putting forth his opinion over others. Emperor Taizong saw this as a burden that the policy and the court orders were heavily opposed by Guoqiang and he had started to gain traction from people. To keep him away from court emperor would send him to territory expansion. As emperor Taizong, since his coronation lead into battle failing and losing territories. Guoqiang was send to regain these regions. While prime minister Xu began soiling Guoqiang reputation and painting him as an obstacle, due to whom policy for people welfare was never passed or reforms or medical and rations did not make their way to the needful, as Guoqiang opposed. This started to create a hated imagery of the once talented crown prince. Guoqiang paid no mind these rumours, he build his way from the bottom, he won battles despite the poor treatment. He was able to bring in control the lost territories, safeguard the trading region from bandits, and provide care to the war struck and famine struck villages. While all of these deeds did not make noise in the capital, the outside regions had nothing but praise for the Guoqiang.
Military General Qin declared his retirement in court, this made the Emperor Taizong content. But instead General Qin handed the tiger seal to Guoqiang and named him General. The majority of the court agreed due to his achievements and once again Guoqiang became a powerful threat to Emperor's throne. Guoqiang spend his life in the battle field away from the capital with only his troops, tribals and villagers on the way. He would send letters to his brother in palace. Prime minsters attempt at ruining Guoqiang reputation backfired when he was started to be called the 'Disgrace of Xu family.' His relation was already stranded in Xu family. The rumours about him only spun aimlessly and became more vivid; creating deeper fear in the folks of the capital.