C185. The Battle of Loyalty.
The Governor of Jingzhou had once wavered between Yuanli and Prince Chen, ultimately choosing to side with Prince Chen due to geographical proximity. However, harboring a grudge against Prince Chen, he sought to curry favor by killing Yuan Li's envoys, Xiang Hongyun and Wang Qianzhi, even extending his murderous intent to Wang Qianzhi's entire family.
Had Xiang Hongyun and Wang Qianzhi not been quick-witted and perceptive, they would have met their demise.
Yuan Li, well aware of this incident, had no time to spare for a confrontation with Jiang Biao, but that did not mean he would easily let Jiang Biao off the hook.
His subordinates were still owed their retribution.
Yuan Li ordered the fleet to dock, but neither he nor the Emperor disembarked. Instead, they dispatched a large contingent of soldiers to escort Xiang Hongyun to meet with Jiang Biao.
The governor of an entire province had lowered himself to such an extent, only to be greeted by a mere counselor rather than the Duke of Wen and the Emperor himself. Witnessing this from his ship, Yuan Li could clearly see the humiliation on Jiang Biao's face.
Clearly, Jiang Biao was tempted to storm off, but in an effort to avoid offending him, he forced down his embarrassment and spoke to Xiang Hongyun with utmost courtesy and deference.
The shore's Xiang Hongyun looked at Jiang Biao in this manner, and indeed felt some subtle amusement.
He knew in his heart that the lord was behaving this way to support him, even if Xiang Hongyun didn't mind these things, there was a warmth in his heart.
But while the lord was willing to stand up for him to vent his anger, Xiang Hongyun couldn't be so willful. He knew that they were currently in a critical time, and the lord's grand plan could not afford any problems.
Although a Governor of Jingzhou couldn't shake the lord, he was still a Governor of a province. Small-minded people are hard to guard against; they absolutely couldn't completely tear their faces apart at this moment and make a scene with Jiang Biao.
Therefore, Xiang Hongyun was also polite, at least Jiang Biao didn't lose face completely.
After Xiang Hongyun returned, the fleet departed in a grand manner.
In early June, Yuan Li finally returned to Youzhou.
They disembarked from the ship and switched to horse-drawn carriages. The emperor curiously peeked out and exclaimed in amazement from time to time, innocently saying to Guo Mao, "Although Youzhou may not have the prosperity of Yangzhou, it's still very good. I see that the common people are well-fed and clothed, which doesn't match the miserable conditions described in books. It shows that rumors can't be trusted. Those who claim that the people are suffering may not be telling the truth. Minister Guo, those starving and dying everywhere that you mentioned, isn't necessarily true, right?"
Guo Mao's smile faded, "Your Majesty, you are mistaken. I am a native of Youzhou and can guarantee with my life that the people of Youzhou truly suffered in the past. They can eat their fill and have full fields of crops now, all thanks to Your Excellency's efforts. But Your Excellency is just one person, and there are thirteen provinces in the world. Besides Youzhou, there are countless people living without enough food and warm clothing. The hungry eat mud, grass, and even resort to cannibalism."
The emperor exclaimed in disgust and curiosity, "How can they eat mud?"
Guo Mao dismissed the topic in a few words.
Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were resting in the carriage. As they approached Jixian, the convoy suddenly stopped.
Yuan Li opened his eyes, lifted the carriage curtain, and was about to ask what was happening when he heard a familiar and resolute voice filled with heartfelt pain.
"Minister Zhang Liangdong pays respects to the Emperor, begging the Emperor to rescind the abdication! The Great Zhou has been ruled by the Qin clan for three hundred years. How can it be handed over to others! Minister begs the Emperor to revoke the decree!"
Zhang Liangdong exerted all his strength, his voice trembling, expressing the unwavering loyalty and patriotism of an old minister.
Yuan Li heard it clearly.
Maintaining his posture of lifting the curtain, his eyes lowered, his expression unchanged.
Zhang Liangdong shouted once again, "Minister Zhang Liangdong pays respects to the Emperor, begging the Emperor..."
A guard quickly approached and whispered, "Your Majesty, it's Zhang Liangdong and his disciples kneeling in front, blocking the road. We tried to persuade them, but Zhang insisted on kneeling until he sees the Emperor."
Yuan Li smiled wryly, without showing his emotions. "He's still blocking the road."
A cold light flashed in Chu Hechao's eyes, "Did Zhang Liangdong come from Bingzhou?"
"Yes," the guard replied, "As soon as he heard that the Emperor was coming to Youzhou, he rushed from Bingzhou."
Yuan Li composed himself, "Since he wants to see the Emperor, go and ask if the Emperor is willing to see him. If not, considering Zhang's age, prolonged kneeling could harm his health. Just lift him up forcefully."
The guard respectfully acknowledged and left.
After he left, Yuan Li let down the curtain.
Chu Hechao embraced him from behind, soothingly patting his arm, "Zhang Liangdong has always been foolishly loyal. Given his loyalty to Northern Zhou, it's not surprising for him to act this way."
"I know," Yuan Li leaned against him, his face calm, "I foresaw this day ever since I decided to proclaim myself emperor."
The fact that his master, Ouyang Ting, could support him was a pleasant surprise, while it was expected that Zhang Liangdong would oppose him. However, Yuan Li had not anticipated that Zhang Liangdong would come out so quickly and use the misunderstandable method of kneeling on the ground to block the road, hoping to persuade the Emperor to change his mind.
He was consuming the grain from Yuan Li's territory, receiving the salary given by Yuan Li, and nominally held a position under Yuan Li.
But this official, under the broad daylight, chose to betray Yuan Li.
Yuan Li felt neither anger nor resentment. If he had any emotion at all, it was only disappointment.
If this matter were to spread, with Zhang Liangdong's reputation, it would likely cause a stir.
Yuan Li closed his eyes and leaned against Chu Hechao's neck, thinking that Zhang Liangdong was no longer suitable to be the Governor of Bingzhou...
On the other side, the Emperor was shielded behind Yuan Li's carriage and did not hear Zhang Liangdong's shouts. When asked if he wanted to see Zhang Liangdong, he didn't even remember who Zhang Liangdong was, and lackadaisically shook his head, "I do not wish to see him."
The guard relayed this message to Zhang Liangdong as it was.
Zhang Liangdong was extremely disappointed and tentatively asked, "Is it truly that the Emperor does not wish to see me?"
The guard immediately coldly responded, "Are you suggesting that someone else is blocking the Emperor from seeing you? Old Zhang, the Emperor has travelled a long way and is extremely fatigued, eager to rest in Jixian. Please hurry up and rise, and do not block the way any longer."
Even though Zhang Liangdong was unwilling, he was helped up by his disciples.
The convoy successfully returned to Jixian.
As Yuan Li disembarked from the carriage, he saw his subordinates lined up in formation, their faces flushed with excitement and a hint of fervor, saluting him and the Emperor earnestly.
Upon seeing so many people, the Emperor felt a sense of unease and quickly made an excuse to rest, following the attendants.
Once Yuan Li and Chu Hechao were alone, the excited subordinates finally calmed down and all apologized to Yuan Li together.
Liu Jixin felt deeply guilty and fearful, "It's all because of our negligence that allowed Zhang Liangdong to block the Emperor's path. My lord, we are willing to accept punishment."
"It was just to prevent you all from blocking, that's why he didn't say anything," Yuan Li stopped them from bowing, soothingly saying, "As long as he wants to do something, there's nothing you can do to stop him."
Before they could exchange a few words, a servant came to report that Zhang Liangdong was seeking an audience with Yuan Li.
Yuan Li paused.
The expressions of the people in the room varied, but it was evident that they did not welcome Zhang Liangdong.
Jian Shaoning appeared particularly troubled, with a deeply furrowed brow, clearly not wanting Zhang Liangdong to say anything inexplicable in front of Yuan Li.
Zhang Liangdong did not want Yuan Li to proclaim himself Emperor, but everyone here, including himself, wanted Yuan Li to declare himself Emperor as soon as possible.
If Northern Zhou could indeed be replaced by Yuan Li, Jian Shaoning might even be so overjoyed that he would drink all night to comfort the spirits of his ancestors!
Seeing the expressions of the people, Yuan Li rubbed his forehead and then spoke, "Let him in."
Zhang Liangdong walked in with a complex expression, respectfully saluted Yuan Li, and spoke politely, deliberately keeping his distance, "Minister Zhang Liangdong pays his respects to Lord Yuan."
Yuan Li paused, gave a faint smile, and asked slowly, "Why has Governor Zhang come to see me?"
This was the first time Yuan Li had spoken to Zhang Liangdong in this manner. Zhang Liangdong truly felt uncomfortable, hardening his heart as he said, "I wish to see the Emperor. Please grant me permission, my lord."
Yuan Li raised an eyebrow, "Are you suggesting that I am preventing you from seeing the Emperor?"
After a moment of silence, Zhang Liangdong continued, "My Lord, rumors about you and the Emperor have been escalating recently. May I ask if you are aware?"
Yuan Li picked up a teacup and took a sip, remaining silent, which was essentially an acknowledgment.
Zhang Liangdong was thoroughly disappointed.
He had always believed that Yuan Li was one of the few loyal ministers today, capable of assisting the Emperor in pacifying the nation. But reality had completely deviated from his expectations - how could Yuan Li betray the Emperor?
How could he?!
This was the realm of Northern Zhou, and Zhang Liangdong's ancestors had been Northern Zhou people for generations. The rule of the Qin family in North Zhou had deeply ingrained itself in his heart, and anyone attempting to seize power was seen as a traitor by Zhang Liangdong!
He had once held high hopes for Yuan Li, but now he felt utterly let down.
When the situation first began to surface, Zhang Liangdong couldn't believe it.
He had hoped that Yuan Li would become the Lord Secretary, allowing him to balance the power of Chu Hechao and Prince Chen, to use for the Emperor, to clear obstacles and stabilize Northern Zhou.
But what now?
The Emperor was rumored to have voluntarily suggested abdicating, but Zhang Liangdong suspected that it was Yuan Li who coerced the Emperor to speak in such a manner, to openly and rightfully secure the position of Emperor.
Initially, he had held a glimmer of hope for Yuan Li, but between their exchange, Zhang Liangdong had lost all hope. He even began to suspect that Yuan Li was preventing him from seeing the Emperor because the Emperor was already imprisoned.
Perhaps the Emperor was now enduring a turbulent and perilous existence...
Zhang Liangdong did not want to think of Yuan Li in this way, but as Yuan Li's status and power grew, becoming more mysterious and unpredictable, Zhang Liangdong was beginning to doubt if Yuan Li was still the same patriotic figure as before.
Looking into Yuan Li's eyes, Zhang Liangdong even felt a trace of wariness that had never surfaced before and spoke sternly once again, "Please allow this old minister to go and see the Emperor."
Jian Shaoning had a good relationship with Zhang Liangdong, he was anxiously sweating and could not help but loudly interject, "Lord Zhang, I see that you are tired. You should hurry back and rest!"
Zhang Liangdong was so angered by these words that his hands trembled. He turned around and pointed at Jian Shaoning's nose, cursing, "I think you should be the one to roll back and rest! It is only natural for a subject to pay respects to the Emperor when he arrives in Youzhou. The Emperor is the Emperor, and subjects are subjects! For three hundred years, the Qin family ruled over Northern Zhou. Have you forgotten the teachings of your ancestors?"
This was clearly a veiled insult!
Guo Mao couldn't contain his anger, "You--!"
Yuan Li raised his hand to interrupt Guo Mao and looked calmly at Zhang Liangdong. Suddenly, he chuckled, "You were called so many times by Lord Shaoning as 'uncle', but it seems all in vain. Lord Zhang, your dedication to the Emperor and the country is truly admirable, but baseless speculations are rather displeasing. While Lord Shaoning may not forget the teachings of his ancestors, it seems you have forgotten about Lord Shaoning's father."
Yuan Li stood up and walked step by step towards Zhang Liangdong.
Since the age of twenty-three, he had been taller than Zhan Shaoning, with a tall and erect figure. As he approached, his robe swayed lightly, his imposing manner escalating, sending shivers down the spine.
A bead of cold sweat appeared on Zhang Liangdong's forehead, but he steadied his mind.
"Do you not remember the death of Lord Shaoning's father, Jian Qibo? His entire family perished, with only him escaping at the cost of his own life. Do you not know the reason behind this?" Yuan Li fixed his gaze on Zhang Liangdong's eyes, anger and disappointment igniting within him. "He regarded you as an elder, Zhang Liangdong. When you criticize and insult others in this manner, have you considered his feelings?"
Zhang Liangdong's breath seemed to catch in his throat. He hastily turned to look at Jian Shaoning, whose eyes were red as he turned his face away, holding back tears.
Feeling ashamed, Zhang Liangdong turned back.
Yuan Li continued his inquiry, "You must have been greatly disappointed by the actions of the late Emperor, causing you to despair after being dismissed for pleading for Jian Qibo. You secluded yourself at home, refusing to do anything for Northern Zhou. Yet now, you wish to blame and condemn others for being disloyal to the Emperor? You only know how to strengthen the Emperor's power with your life but have not used your abilities to truly serve the people and the nation. Have all the books you've read, the words you've learned, and the decades of experience in office only taught you the principle of loyalty to the Emperor?"
In an instant, Zhang Liangdong's face flushed red. "My Lord!"
Yuan Li walked past him and went to stand beside Jian Shaoning, patting Jian Shaoning's shoulder soothingly. "Zhang Liangdong, let me ask you, did you see those homeless and starving people along your journey to and from Youzhou?"
Zhang Liangdong couldn't help but recall the scenes of misery he had witnessed during his escape.
Living comfortably in Bingzhou for these few years had nearly made him forget about the hardships of the common people outside. But as he earnestly reflected, those scenes became vivid once again.
He took a deep breath and said, "I remember, my Lord."
Such a miserable scene, no matter how much talent one possesses, no amount of poetry or prose could adequately capture even a fraction of its horror.
"Throughout the thirteen provinces, such people are everywhere. If the previous emperor were still alive, could you still proclaim your loyalty to the emperor in front of these people?" Yuan Li turned back to Zhang Liangdong, his first time so bluntly expressing his dislike for the previous emperor.
With a sneer, he said, "Disappointed, you bury your head and hide, but you don't allow others to be disloyal to the emperor. If those people are the Bai Mi Bandits, people who are about to starve to death and don't want to be loyal to the emperor, would you still force them to be loyal to the emperor, to be loyal to the point of starvation, to let them wander displaced and suffer the pain of a chaotic world?"
Yuan Li's eyes were blazing, like sharp arrows piercing Zhang Liangdong's body, making Zhang Liangdong's face pale and his steps falter.
"Zhang Liangdong, you are too arrogant. I tell you, the emperor you are loyal to is only the emperor you want to be loyal to, not the emperor that the people of the world, this vast Central Plains, truly want to be loyal to."