Chapter 133: Rising Once More (Part One)

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In Gang City, Captain Luo An of the Dian Regiment had been waiting there for some time. As soon as the princess’s escort appeared at the front, he immediately rode forward to greet them. Luo An’s face beamed with a radiant smile. He first saluted Princess Wuyou in the carriage, then approached Zhang Chi’s horse and said, “Young master, you truly have lived up to everyone’s hopes, returning victorious from the campaign against the barbarians. Most joyous and congratulatory! You alone have resolved the crisis in Shu.”

“Pride invites loss, humility brings gain,” Zhang Chi quickly replied modestly, “How dare I claim such credit? This victory belongs to Shu, not to me alone.”

“You are too polite, young master.”

After some polite exchanges, Luo An prepared to escort Zhang Chi to the palace, saying that Prince Chengdu had been waiting for a long time.

Princess Wuyou had been conversing with Zhang Chi behind the carriage curtain, but upon seeing Luo An approach, she lowered the canopy. Through the light veil, her expression was indistinct, but her voice was calm as she said, “You have already been welcomed into the inner city, and with Lord Luo here to greet you, please proceed to the hall to see Father, the prince. I will find time to speak with you another day.”

Zhang Chi wasn’t sure what was proper to say in such a setting. After some thought, he simply said four words: “Princess, take care.”

Watching the princess’s escort disappear into the distance, Luo An smiled, mounted his horse, and accompanied Zhang Chi to the hall. He chuckled, “Young master, you may not know, but Princess Wuyou is the apple of Prince Chengdu’s eye. At first, she was reluctant to marry a poor scholar, but upon hearing of your great victory over the barbarians, her heart is filled with joy. She is eager to meet you in person, which is why I came out to welcome you myself. In my view, this marriage will surely be a cause for great happiness all around.”

To Zhang Chi, the princess’s reaction was typical of a young daughter—hero worship was inevitable. He smiled wryly and rode straight to the Prince’s residence with Luo An.

Prince Chengdu personally came down to greet Zhang Chi, grasping his wrist and leading him into the main hall to meet the officials one by one. The governors of Yizhou and Liangzhou were also among them.

Throughout history, all kinds of people have existed, including many sycophants. When in power, they flatter; when out of favor, they turn against you—an age-old pattern. Now that Zhang Chi had returned victorious, firmly in favor, flattery was abundant.

But while most officials were genuinely pleased at the end of the barbarian threat, one stood apart—the governor of Liangzhou. Though he hated Zhang Chi deeply, he forced a smile and offered lukewarm compliments, constrained by the political situation.

Zhang Chi had long suspected this man of treason, but lacking proof, he kept quiet, though inwardly despising the ugly faces of officialdom.

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Prince Chengdu held Zhang Chi’s hand and said, “Young master, your triumphant start could not have been achieved without the strong reinforcements from Jingzhou. General Huan Qian cut off the barbarians’ supply lines and contributed greatly. His cousin happens to be here in Shu as well; allow me to introduce him to you.”

Before the prince finished, a man stood from among the officials, wearing a forced smile and said, “No need for introductions. Prince Chengdu may not know, but Huan Heng and Young Master Zhang are old acquaintances.”

The term “old acquaintances” was loose—merely that they had met before.

When Zhang Chi first arrived after his time travel, he encountered two monks, Daoxuan and Daoyuan. The three joined Miss Wang’s caravan transporting horses, where Huan Heng was also present. It was because Huan Heng challenged Daoyuan with Buddhist doctrine that Zhang Chi had to silence him with a clever rebuttal at a banquet. Miss Wang praised Zhang Chi for his unmatched talent in poetry and wine. Huan Heng, petty and narrow-minded, never forgot these humiliations.

The Huan family had sent agents into Shu, a clear sign to those who understood the situation that they aimed to infiltrate and expand their influence here.

Yet Prince Chengdu seemed oblivious to these lurking dangers, smiling broadly, “Today, with reinforcements from Jingzhou and Young Master’s unmatched wisdom and courage, the defeat of the barbarians is a great cause for celebration. Why not add to the joy by arranging the marriage between Young Master Zhang and my daughter Wuyou? It would be a double blessing.”

Seeing Zhang Chi’s remarkable achievements and his impending marriage to the prince’s daughter, the officials eagerly agreed, “Prince Chengdu has truly recognized talent. Young Master Zhang is unparalleled in learning, and rare indeed is his combination of wisdom and courage. Princess Wuyou is both intelligent and captivating—a match made in heaven.”

The emperor need not hurry, but the eunuchs were already anxious. Zhang Chi shook his head, wanting to decline politely. He said, “Your Highness, although we have repelled the barbarian forces, the six northern commanderies remain under their control. I believe we should seize this opportunity of their defeat to reclaim those territories.”

The hall fell silent.

In truth, these officials, comfortably drawing their salaries, were reluctant to wage war. The outcome was uncertain, and who wouldn’t prefer a carefree life of leisure?

After a moment, one cautiously spoke, “Your Highness, though the barbarians are defeated, our forces in Shu have been weakened. Would it not be wise to rest and recuperate? Furthermore, war is a deadly business. In my humble opinion, it is better not to draw the sword again so soon.”

Once one spoke, the others echoed in agreement.

“Nonsense!” Zhang Chi stood and shouted.

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Zhang Chi remembered this man well. When he first came to see Prince Chengdu, it was just after the barbarians had seized the six commanderies. Zhang Chi had arrived from Badong, and the prince was debating with officials whether to fight or negotiate. This man had been a proponent of war then.

What left a deep impression was the man’s nasal voice: “Cowardly children! When the barbarians first came, you were ready to surrender out of fear for your lives. Now, with Young Master Zhang’s victorious return and the barbarian army of three hundred thousand utterly defeated, this is the perfect moment to reclaim the six commanderies. If not now, when? The splendid lands of Shu have been lost because of people like you!”

This was a heavy accusation. The officials hurried to bow to Prince Chengdu, especially the county governors. They feared damage to their troops, and in chaotic times, military power was everything. Without it, they had no voice. They quickly defended themselves: “Prince Chengdu, we truly sympathize with the soldiers who have just endured a great battle. An exhausted army is no good for distant campaigns. As the ancient strategist Kongming said, ‘A strong bow, when worn out, cannot even pierce white cloth.’”

Prince Chengdu began to waver.

“If all the county troops feel fatigued, then I will not rely on them,” Zhang Chi declared resolutely. “Those willing to follow me, I welcome. Those unwilling, I will release back to their home commanderies tomorrow. Even if all the county troops withdraw, I swear to reclaim the six commanderies for Shu!”

At this, the officials had no further words.

Prince Chengdu meaningfully grasped Zhang Chi’s hand, squeezing tightly. “There are many matters in Shu that I must rely on you for. As for the marriage...”

Zhang Chi quickly replied, “No rush, Your Highness. Let us first pacify the barbarians; we can discuss marriage afterward.”

In truth, Zhang Chi knew well that pacifying the barbarians might take years, if ever.