The Child Emperor-Chapter 195: Where is the Imperial Edict?

CH 195: Where is the Imperial Edict?

Shattered Iron City to rest for a few days. During this period, he witnessed the Xiongnu dismantling their camps and migrating north. After arranging the city’s defenses, he received news that Divine Hero Pass had been recaptured.

Then he set out. Once on the move, Han Ruzi had to press on without stopping, his mind constantly on the cCapital. The primary reason for negotiating with the Xiongnu was to stabilize the border quickly so he could return to the Capital without worry.

Han Ruzi traveled lightly, with fewer than a hundred guards, calculating his timing to catch up with Right General Feng Shili’s supply convoy. This slow-moving convoy had set out earlier, providing rations for the Northern Protection General.

During these few days, Divine Hero Pass was in turmoil, yet Han Ruzi was unaware of this. The continuous stream of documents he received did not mention these events. He was focused on stabilizing the Chu army and planned to return to the Capital once the situation at Divine Hero Pass was resolved.

Encountering Chief Censor of the Left Xiao Sheng was purely coincidental.

At the north gate, Han Ruzi met Cai Xinghai, who had come to welcome him. Cai Xinghai held an insignificant supervisory military post and was not required to meet the imperial envoy. Sensing something amiss, he intended to ride out alone to deliver a message to the Northern Protection General. Unexpectedly, as he left the city gate, he saw a group of horsemen approaching rapidly.

“Heavens be praised!” Cai Xinghai exclaimed in excitement. The Northern Protection General had arrived a night earlier than expected, just in time.

Under the city gate, Cai Xinghai briefly explained the arrival of the imperial envoy, omitting the grand scheme he had planned with Chai Yue and others, only mentioning that the envoy might dismiss all officers appointed by the Northern Protection General, especially Chai Yue.

Exhausted, Han Ruzi was taken aback that the recently recaptured Divine Hero Pass might fall into other hands again. “Who is the envoy?”

Cai Xinghai shook his head, flustered and hurried, having left without asking many details.

Han Ruzi did not immediately go to the office, instructing Cai Xinghai to find some low-ranking military officers and ordering his attendant Ni Qiu to gather the city’s troops.

The officers indeed had more information. Xiao Sheng had just arrived and stormed the office, with over three hundred soldiers guarding it. What happened inside was still unknown.

Han Ruzi remembered this minister, one of the Five Trusted Officials appointed by the Graceful Emperor, from the Hall of Diligent Administration. Xiao Sheng’s political stance was unpredictable, seeming like a supporter of Grand Tutor Cui but not always speaking for the Cui clan. To Han Ruzi, this important official was inscrutable.

Zhang Youcai went to notify the office, while Han Ruzi led his troops. Zhang Youcai did not return for a long time, and Han Ruzi’s group was blocked near the office by a group of travel-worn soldiers who retained an evident arrogance, only slightly subdued in the presence of the Northern Protection General.

Han Ruzi did not force his way through, waiting on horseback for a while before asking the blocking officer, “You are not palace guards, are you?”

The guards were divided into several camps, with more colorful uniforms than ordinary soldiers. These men wore standard armor.

The officer hesitated briefly before replying, “We are the soldiers from the Ministry of War, with some of us from the Grand General’s Office.”

Han Ruzi nodded, understanding.

Zhang Youcai hurried out, followed by a soldier.

“The Chief Censor of the Left summons the Northern Protection General alone; others are to return to their units,” the soldier announced loudly.

The word “summons” angered Han Ruzi’s guards, who glared fiercely, some gripping their weapons. Xiao Sheng’s soldiers, though outnumbered, also stood ready, their tension palpable.

Han Ruzi dismounted, signaling his men to remain calm, and told Cai Xinghai and Chao Hua, “Wait here. I will see Censor Xiao.”

Both objected, especially Cai Xinghai, who, disregarding protocol and secrecy, pulled the Northern Protection General aside and whispered, “General Chai, Captain Liu, and I have persuaded many officers. We intended to support your re-ascension as Emperor once you arrived at Divine Hero Pass, but…”

Han Ruzi was startled, “You are bold indeed.”

“It’s due to the Champion Marquis’s relentless pressure,” Cai Xinghai whispered, summarizing two letters from the Ministry of War and the Champion Marquis.

Han Ruzi now understood and found it somewhat amusing. He had initially encouraged Chai Yue to seize control of the Northern Army, and it seemed General Chai took it to heart, and even went further.

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Han Ruzi glanced back, noticing the increasing tension among Xiao Sheng’s soldiers gathering together. He told Cai Xinghai, “Given the situation, I must meet Envoy Xiao.”

“Don’t walk into a trap. We could charge in with the troops.”

“No need. I have my ways. Envoy Xiao is a civil official, not a military man. Don’t scare him.” Han Ruzi smiled slightly, calling Chao Hua over and whispering, “If I am not out by the first watch, charge in.”

It was already dark, and the first watch was about two quarters away. Chao Hua acknowledged his orders, and Cai Xinghai felt somewhat reassured.

Han Ruzi glanced at Meng E, who was mingled with the guards, nodded to her, and walked into the office alone. Zhang Youcai, Cai Xinghai, and others were all stopped.

Lanterns were already lit inside. Han Ruzi had stayed here for a few days and felt familiar. He paid no attention to the guards standing on either side, striding forward. The guards’ eyes flickered, avoiding his gaze.

In the main hall, the generals were still kneeling. Xiao Sheng sat behind the desk, without guards beside him.

Han Ruzi stood without kneeling or bowing, merely nodding, “Envoy Xiao, you’ve had a hard journey.”

Xiao Sheng’s expression became more serious, responding indifferently, “Not too bad. Although tiring, it was smooth. I have come here…”

Han Ruzi did not intend to probe further, stepping forward and asking, “Did Envoy Xiao bring an imperial edict?”

Xiao Sheng was taken aback, “Imperial edict? What imperial edict?”

“The Xiongnu army have invaded, and the Chu border forces have been sending military reports to the Capital almost daily. All soldiers are eagerly awaiting an imperial edict. Since you have personally come, surely you brought an imperial edict?”

Xiao Sheng’s expression changed slightly, “I was commissioned by the Grand General’s Office and the Ministry of War… Northern Protection General, please first speak about the Xiongnu.”

Han Ruzi guessed correctly. Left Chief Censor Xiao did not have an imperial edict, so he could only bring soldiers from the Ministry of War instead of palace guards. He likely didn’t even have a Ministry of War order bearing the imperial seal.

Han Ruzi walked to the desk, and the kneeling generals made way. They suddenly realized: without an imperial edict, how could there be an imperial envoy?

Chai Yue and the others were not foolish, but with guilty consciences, they were intimidated by Xiao Sheng’s title of imperial envoy and did not think of the edict. Han Ruzi, constantly thinking about the happenings in the Capital, immediately wondered if there was an imperial edict.

He reached the desk and smiled, “Please read the imperial edict, Envoy Xiao. We have been eagerly waiting.”

Xiao Sheng straightened, facing the former puppet emperor. He could not remain calm. This was a battle, and he had to overpower the deposed emperor. His advantages were age, status, and experience.

“I have no imperial edict. I am here on behalf of the Ministry of War…”

Han Ruzi’s smile faded, “Envoy Xiao, surely you jest. Throughout history, generals in the field only follow imperial orders. If the Ministry of War has any orders, they must bear the imperial seal. I’ve never heard of the Ministry directly interfering in border military affairs.”

“The situation is special. The Grand General’s Office and the Ministry of War…”

Han Ruzi interrupted again, “I do not doubt the Grand General’s Office and Ministry of War’s good intentions. However, officials in the Capital should focus on proper court procedures and obtain an imperial edict as required, and everything will proceed as they should. Border matters should be handled by the border soldiers.”

Xiao Sheng was speechless. Han Ruzi turned to the surprised generals and said, “Regardless, Envoy Xiao has come a long way. Although he didn’t bring an imperial edict, it shows the imperial court’s care for the border soldiers. All of you kneeling here does nothing to alleviate his fatigue. Prepare a banquet to welcome him!”

The generals stood up, unclear why they had knelt. The Left Chief Censor only dealt with civil officials, and did not affect them. Chai Yue and Liu Kunsheng exchanged glances, feeling ashamed but more confident in the Northern Protection General.

Seeing the situation slipping away, Xiao Sheng stood and shouted, “The Northern Army’s Marshal’s seal is here. Northern Army soldiers…”

Han Ruzi quickly turned, smiling, “The Northern Army soldiers are deeply grateful.” He spoke while leaping onto the desk, grabbing the seal, and jumping back.

Xiao Sheng reached out to snatch it but was too late. In his memory, the deposed emperor was quiet and compliant, never arguing. A year later, he had become articulate and unruly, grabbing the seal like a young rogue.

Han Ruzi tossed the Marshal’s seal to Liu Kunsheng, “Captain Liu, hold it tight. Don’t lose it again. We might not always have Envoy Xiao.”

Liu Kunsheng held the seal tightly, “Even if I lose my life, I won’t lose the seal.”

“Wait, Liu Kunsheng is not qualified to continue managing the Northern Army,” Xiao Sheng angrily circled the desk, trying to retrieve the seal.

Han Ruzi blocked him, “Envoy Xiao is correct. Captain Liu is guilty of dereliction. Not just him, General Han Tong fled in fear, General Feng Shili was captured by the Xiongnu, and Provost Marshal Chai Zhi caused trouble amongst the troops… Many Northern Army officers are guilty. We will thoroughly investigate after returning to the Capital. But not now. With external enemies and internal rebels, it’s time for the officers to redeem themselves. Rest assured, Envoy Xiao, the officers are here, the Northern Army stands, and we will ensure peace before returning to the Capital to face judgment.”

Not only Xiao Sheng, but all the generals were also shocked. Chai Yue and others respected the Northern Protection General mainly for his status as the deposed emperor and partly for his decisive leadership. This was the first time they heard him speak so confidently.

Han Ruzi was surprised himself. He had thought about these words long ago to explain his actions after returning to the Capital. Saying them now felt good.

In official confrontations, status and momentum mattered. Han Ruzi boosted his momentum and that of the generals. Liu Kunsheng carefully placed the seal in his chest, signaling several officers to surround Xiao Sheng, guiding him out, “Envoy Xiao, you delivered the Marshal’s seal, saving my life. Come, taste the army’s strong wine, and let’s drink till we drop.”

Chai Yue looked at the Northern Protection General, who slightly shook his head. As the officers moved away, Han Ruzi whispered, “The time is not yet right.”

Xiao Sheng struggled to break free, turning to the deposed emperor, suddenly laughing, “Fine, let’s taste the army’s strong wine!”

He had not conceded. He was just merely changing tactics.