9. The Dispute Among the Frontier Generals

Imperial Palace, Hall of Heavenly Harmony

The Hall of Heavenly Harmony was the place where successive emperors of the Radiant Sun Kingdom held court and reviewed memorials. It was divided into two sections: the main hall, used for court sessions and discussions of state affairs with ministers, and the side hall, where the emperor read memorials and took his rest. As expected, the decor was sumptuous and imposing—rosewood doors and windows, grand bookcases lined with literary masterpieces and treatises on governance. It was clear that Xuanyuan Ren was a cultivated and refined emperor.

At this moment, Xuanyuan Ren sat upon his golden dragon throne, perusing reports from across the land. Many envied the emperor’s position, yearning to wear the crown, but few considered the immense burdens and the countless compromises required. Before the emperor, everyone harbored misgivings; none could meet him with perfect sincerity. Such is the sorrow of one who holds the power of life and death.

As for Xuanyuan Ren himself, he did not wish for all to fear him. But, born into imperial lineage, his fate was sealed; he had no choice. No matter how much he longed to treat others with honesty, it was impossible—not because he was attached to his throne, but because he bore responsibility for millions of his subjects.

While reviewing memorials, Xuanyuan Ren recalled the girl who had mistaken him for a young eunuch, and could not suppress a knowing smile. Eunuch Rong, standing nearby, watched him in puzzlement, wondering to himself, “What has happened to His Majesty these past few days? Ever since his last incognito excursion, his smiles have changed—what could have pleased him so?” Eunuch Rong had watched Xuanyuan Ren grow up, and was one of the few whom the emperor truly trusted.

Just as Eunuch Rong was about to inquire, a young eunuch entered, bowing deeply and announcing with utmost respect, “Your Majesty, Lord Li Zhongcheng and Prince Rui request an audience!” Their duty was to deliver messages, but at times, they also acted as informants for various ministers to earn a little extra.

Clad in his imperial robes, Xuanyuan Ren’s handsome bearing grew ever more imposing, exuding a natural authority without anger. Combined with his innate scholarly grace, he was the very image of a perfect ruler. Setting aside the memorial in his hand, he glanced at the young eunuch and said with a gentle smile, “Let them enter.” Perhaps he was accustomed to masking his emotions—whether pleased or displeased, he maintained his smile, never allowing others to glimpse his true feelings. This, too, was an essential lesson for any emperor.

With Eunuch Rong at his side, Xuanyuan Ren left the side hall and took his seat on the dragon throne in the main hall, awaiting the audience with the two influential ministers. These two wielded considerable power at court. Currently, the court was divided into two factions: the Cheng Faction, supporting Li Zhongcheng and advocating for the common people, and the Rui Faction, led by Prince Rui, which focused on foreign relations and national prestige. Though rivals, both philosophies were indispensable to the realm, and it fell to Xuanyuan Ren to balance them wisely—allowing neither side to dominate. Such political acumen, or one might call it statecraft, was essential for any emperor.

Two middle-aged men, both much older than Xuanyuan Ren, entered and knelt in formal salute: “Your ministers pay respects to Your Majesty—may you live ten thousand years!” For two men approaching fifty to kneel before a youth just past his twenties might seem inconceivable today, but in the age of feudalism, it was the norm; to do otherwise would be considered treasonous.

With composure and a gentle smile, Xuanyuan Ren said, “Uncle, Father-in-law, there’s no need for such formality. Please, rise.” When they stood, he regarded them and asked, “Uncle, Father-in-law, what brings you here together? Has some grave matter arisen?” Prince Rui was Xuanyuan Ren’s uncle, Xuanyuan Rui’an; Li Zhongcheng was Shu Consort’s father, Li Jinzhou. Though both were his elders, the monarch stood above all, and they owed him their allegiance.

Li Jinzhou, attired in a dark robe embroidered with a soaring crane and a rank belt at his waist, his hair gathered in a simple knot, glanced at Xuanyuan Rui’an before bowing respectfully and saying, “Your Majesty, I have come to ask if you have decided on the general to command the troops at the Xueyang border. This concerns the realm’s frontier security; I hope Your Majesty will decide swiftly.” In truth, he wished to see if the emperor had chosen the general he had recommended.

Xuanyuan Rui’an had come for the same reason. Dressed in black robes adorned with a three-clawed golden python, he bore a hint of arrogance. He too bowed and said, “Your Majesty, I am of one mind with Lord Li. This is a matter of utmost importance; Your Majesty must make a prompt decision.” Unfortunately, each had recommended a different candidate at court, and both choices had their merits and flaws, leaving Xuanyuan Ren in a quandary.

He had pondered all day and ultimately decided on a trusted confidant—one who possessed the virtues of both nominees, yet lacked their faults. Still, he hesitated to tell them, fearing they might unite against him; yet as emperor, he knew he must show resolve. So, Xuanyuan Ren looked at the two senior officials and said, “Uncle, Father-in-law, you need not trouble yourselves further. I have already issued an edict appointing General Huaqing to lead three thousand elite troops to guard the border!” Xuanyuan Ren’s smile was inscrutable, masking his true intentions—a habit cultivated since ascending the throne at thirteen.

The two officials were somewhat disgruntled upon hearing this, but consoled themselves with the fact that neither had lost to the other. In unison, they declared, “Your Majesty is wise!” After some polite conversation, they took their leave. Xuanyuan Ren smiled faintly.

Ladies and gentlemen, young and old, and those neither young nor old—hurry, shower me with gold medals, red packets, and gifts! Do not hold back; let the tempest come with all its might!