The Child Emperor-Chapter 279: Outside Luoyang City

Fan Zhuangshan had anticipated this moment. He handed over his weapons, removed his armor, and followed the guards into the tent. Kneeling on the ground, he said, “This guilty subject Fan Zhuangshan pays respects to Your Majesty.”

Fan Zhuangshan was extremely tall – even when he bent down to enter the tent and knelt, he wasn’t much shorter than those standing. With his broad shoulders and muscular build, coupled with his thick beard that made his head appear almost twice its size, even his most peaceful gaze resembled an angry glare.

The four guards in the tent nervously gripped their sword hilts, knees slightly bent, ready for battle. They couldn’t shake the feeling that they were too few in number – there should have been at least ten men protecting the Emperor.

Cui Teng looked astonished and whispered to Prince Donghai, “He didn’t look nearly this tall from a distance.”

Prince Donghai remained silent. He still couldn’t accept his current position, viewing any talented person Han Ruzi found as his own loss.

“Fan Zhuangshan, man of strength and valor, promoted through merit to Vanguard General of the Tiger Guard. Are you from Luoyang?” Han Ruzi secretly marveled at the man’s imposing stature.

“This guilty subject is from Nanyang, not too far from Luoyang,” Fan Zhuangshan replied, puzzled by the Emperor’s unexpectedly calm tone.

“Have you been stationed in Luoyang before?”

“Yes, this guilty subject once served as the Garrison Commander of Luoyang’s gates.” Fan Zhuangshan grew increasingly confused by the Emperor’s intentions and couldn’t help but look up.

The four guards simultaneously crouched slightly, gripping their sword hilts tighter, while Cui Teng and Prince Donghai both leaned backward.

Han Ruzi was startled by those fierce eyes, his legs momentarily weakening, but he stood firm. Without changing expression or moving, he asked calmly, “Why do you refer to yourself as a ‘guilty subject’?”

Fan Zhuangshan lowered his head, “This guilty subject once charged at Your Majesty outside the northern gate of the Capital. I am awaiting punishment, hence I call myself a ‘guilty subject’.”

Fan Zhuangshan had left a deep impression on Han Ruzi during the Battle of the North Gate, where he had charged alone with an axe. The Emperor had specifically transferred him to his side before the expedition but hadn’t had the chance to meet him until now.

“You didn’t flee with Shang-guan Sheng, and have already been pardoned. What guilt remains?”

Though reluctant, Prince Donghai felt compelled to support the Emperor’s words: “Tens of thousands charged at His Majesty during the North Gate Battle, and all were pardoned. What ‘awaiting punishment’ are you talking about? You have nothing to fear.”

Fan Zhuangshan’s face reddened slightly as he bowed his head in silence.

“Rise,” Han Ruzi commanded.

Fan Zhuangshan obeyed immediately, nearly touching the tent’s ceiling as he stood. Everyone had to look up at him. Han Ruzi stepped back two paces and said formally, “Fan Zhuangshan, We appoint you as Vanguard Captain of the Central Army. In half an hour, lead one thousand troops to break through the enemy lines and advance to the walls of Luoyang. Announce Our decree to the garrison within: All troops in Luoyang, regardless of age or strength, must exit the city to engage the rebel army. Those who delay will be punished, those who disobey will be executed.”

Fan Zhuangshan hadn’t expected to be entrusted with such an important task. He knelt again and said, “I accept the imperial command.”

Han Ruzi softened his tone slightly, “You still have your armor and weapons?”

Fan Zhuangshan’s face reddened again, “Yes, I’ll put them on right away.”

“May you exert your best efforts. After entering the city, We shall personally pour wine for you.”

Fan Zhuangshan knocked his head on the ground repeatedly before leaving the tent, his strides even longer than usual.

The four guards sighed in relief.

Cui Teng chuckled, “Shang-guan Sheng must be regretting this deeply. He went to great lengths to find such a giant of a man, only to lose him to Your Majesty. What should I do? Leave the Imperial Guard camp to me – Your Majesty doesn’t need to pour wine for me, just let me drink my fill.”

“You and Prince Donghai will remain by my side.” Han Ruzi would not entrust such an important task to Cui Teng.

As night began to fall, smoke rose from cooking fires throughout the rebel army camps. The Chu army camps also had smoke rising, but they only lit fires without cooking, as the troops had already eaten their dry rations.

Han Ruzi divided his three thousand troops into three units. Fan Zhuangshan led one thousand as the vanguard, while two other generals each commanded one unit. Han Ruzi had wanted to command one himself, but everyone opposed this – unlike the Battle of the North Gate, the situation wasn’t dire enough to require the Emperor to personally take the field.

Fan Zhuangshan led his troops forward, still carrying his signature long axe. His mount was noticeably larger than ordinary horses. Unlike the type of general who commanded from the rear, he always fought at the front of his troops. This time, he was especially determined to redeem himself in front of the Emperor.

The second unit of a thousand troops set out next, with orders to charge directly at the rebel guard camps.

Then came Chai Yue’s five thousand troops. While they appeared to be engaging the rebel guards as well, their real mission was to break through the enemy camp and rush to Ao Granary overnight. If all went well, they would arrive before midnight. If Ao Granary still held out, that would be ideal. If it had fallen, Chai Yue was to pressure Shang-guan Sheng, at least preventing him from destroying too many supplies.

Finally came Han Ruzi’s third unit of a thousand troops, though it actually numbered only around eight hundred. They would charge onto the battlefield once the enemy was in chaos, creating even more confusion.

One hundred men remained with the Emperor. Chai Yue had repeatedly urged the Emperor to be cautious – if the troops inside Luoyang refused to deploy, the Emperor should immediately retreat and regroup with Cui Hong’s forces to the rear.

Han Ruzi agreed, though he felt it likely wouldn’t be necessary.

Though numerous, the rebel forces were disorganized. The few rebel guards were spread thin controlling the various camps, with no one commanding the overall situation. They paid no attention to the approaching Chu reinforcements, eating their meals as usual. When Han Ruzi observed from high ground, he could barely spot any scouts.

Another key factor in this battle was whether the garrison troops inside Luoyang would follow orders to fight. According to Chai Yue, there were at least three thousand soldiers in the city. If they all deployed, it would greatly increase the Chu army’s chances of victory.

By the time the rebels responded to Fan Zhuangshan’s vanguard charge, they were already halfway there. This was the last scene Han Ruzi could make out before complete darkness fell. After that, he could only see the indistinguishable torches of friend and foe, and hear the waves of shouting.

Having guarded Luoyang for many years, Fan Zhuangshan knew the paths well. He was the perfect choice to break through enemy lines toward the city gates.

The second thousand-man unit and Chai Yue’s main force departed. Their attack route was simpler – the rebel guard camps were right beside the road, so they just needed to charge straight through along the main road.

Though Han Ruzi couldn’t see Fan Zhuangshan’s vanguard engaging the rebels, he could hear it.

The shouting grew louder. Though the rebels lacked proper tactics, they weren’t a mob that would scatter at first contact – they dared to stand against the imperial troops.

Estimating that Chai Yue’s main force should have broken through the rebel guard camps by now, Han Ruzi deployed his final thousand-man unit. After that, he could only wait and observe, hoping for cooperation from Luoyang’s garrison.

Around him remained only thirty guards, seventy soldiers, and three others – Prince Donghai, Cui Teng, and Qu Zixi.

The sounds of fighting seemed to draw closer. Prince Donghai’s face changed color as he whispered, “Luoyang still hasn’t responded after all this time. Your Majesty must be careful.” freeweɓnøvel~com

Han Ruzi grunted in acknowledgment, then turned to ask Qu Zixi, “Mr. Qu, you’ve been to Luoyang – are you familiar with the Governor?”

Luoyang was the administrative center of Henan Commandery, and its highest official was Governor Han Chou, also a member of the imperial clan. Han Ruzi didn’t know much about him.

Qu Zixi remained composed. He didn’t understand or participate in military matters, and carefully gripped his reins, seeming uncomfortable on horseback. Hearing the Emperor’s question, he replied, “Governor Han Chou is descended from the former Prince of Henan, making him Your Majesty’s uncle. During the Peaceful Emperor’s time, the princes’ powers were reduced. The Prince of Henan believed that since Henan was in the central region, it was inappropriate to maintain a princedom there. He voluntarily gave up his title. The Peaceful Emperor was greatly pleased and changed his title to Prince of Huainan, while appointing his second son as Governor of Henan and allowing the position to be inherited.”

Han Ruzi had seen this recorded in the imperial histories but hadn’t paid much attention to it. If Qu Zixi hadn’t mentioned it, he wouldn’t have remembered.

“So that’s how it was. Didn’t Han Chou achieve some merit during the Prince of Qi’s rebellion?”

“Yes, as Governor of Henan, he cooperated with Grand Tutor Cui to defeat Qi’s rebel army. Your Majesty then granted Han Chou the title of Marquis of Luoyang – he was just one step away from becoming Prince of Henan.”

At that time, all rewards were decided by the Empress Dowager. Han Ruzi didn’t remember this incident, but he sensed deeper meaning in Qu Zixi’s words. However, with battles raging ahead, he didn’t pursue further details and simply made a mental note of it.

“Since Han Chou was willing to send troops to help suppress the Qi rebellion before, he’ll probably send forces from the city to attack the rebels from both sides.”

Qu Zixi neither confirmed nor denied this. Prince Donghai remained silent as well. Only Cui Teng, unaware of the deeper implications, spoke up: “That’s not necessarily true. I’ve heard the Governor of Henan is greedy and profit-driven – the wealthiest man in the empire. Back then, they had to pay him quite a bit to side with the court. As for the title of Marquis of Luoyang, he doesn’t care about it. The Graceful Emperor made a rule that their family can never be granted a princely title again.”

The shouting from the distant battlefield continued, making it impossible to tell who was winning. Just as Han Ruzi was about to ask more questions, a sentinel’s voice suddenly rang out nearby: “Who goes there? State your name!”

Thirty guards immediately surrounded the emperor.

After a moment, an excited voice came from the wasteland by the road: “The dog emperor is here! Come quickly! Kill the dog emperor, and the Great Chu empire will be…”

Weapons clashed as the sentinels engaged the intruders.

Prince Donghai immediately said, “Your Majesty, let’s go!” His right hand raised the horsewhip, ready to follow the emperor’s lead without falling a step behind.

Cui Teng also grew anxious, “Brother-in-law, you run first, I’ll cover the rear.”

But Han Ruzi didn’t move. After listening for a moment, he ordered, “Wang He, take nine men to provide support.”

Wang He, a guard captain, responded “Yes, Your Majesty” and dismounted. With a wave of his hand, he led nine subordinates toward the fighting. After about ten paces, they all drew their swords.

Prince Donghai was shocked, “Y-Your Majesty, why bother with these rebels?”

“Those aren’t rebels, just some desperate bandits. Don’t worry, the guards can handle them,” Han Ruzi said calmly, gazing toward the battlefield in the darkness.

“Are you certain, Your Majesty?” Prince Donghai remained concerned.

“We can’t see the rebel army, so they can’t see us either. How could they send troops here? These must be scattered bandits who stumbled here by accident.”

“But that person recognized you as the emperor,” Prince Donghai said, his voice rising.

“That was just a trick to call for his companions.” Han Ruzi had over a dozen banners behind him, but with no torches lit nearby, they would be impossible to make out in the darkness, let alone read their contents.

Prince Donghai was dumbfounded and slowly lowered his horsewhip. He had always thought Han Ruzi was brave, but before, Han Ruzi had been a puppet and deposed emperor whose life was in others’ hands, forcing him to take risks. Now that he was the true emperor, his courage remained just as great, which he found hard to believe.

Soon, all ten guards returned without a single casualty. Wang He reported, “Seven bandits, all killed.”

Han Ruzi nodded without comment and continued watching the battlefield.

The shouting was diminishing, replaced mostly by the sound of hoofbeats. The ground seemed to tremble slightly.

A cavalry soldier galloped over, shouting excitedly, “The rebels are retreating! The rebels are retreating!”

When the rider drew near, Han Ruzi asked, “Did forces come out from the city?”

The blood-stained rider hesitated slightly, “I don’t think so. I didn’t see any.”

Qu Zixi spoke up, “Your Majesty should prepare to take control of Luoyang city.”

Han Ruzi had been thinking the same thing. Even as emperor, power wouldn’t automatically fall into his hands – he needed to “take control” of the Great Chu empire, starting with Luoyang.

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