The Bad Guys: Everyone, let’s revive the Tang Dynasty together!

Chapter 458 The Overbearing Heavenly Way: Which is Superior? (Part 1)

In early March, the air in Yangzhou was already filled with a faint, warm, humid mist. As dusk settled, the bustling streets gradually quieted down, except for the "Tang Emperor's Temporary Residence," the former palace of Emperor Yang of Sui in the north of the city, which remained brightly lit, exuding a tension that seemed out of place in this early spring in Jiangnan.

Deep within the palace grounds, on the old plaque of a side hall built by the water, the characters are somewhat faded. Far from the hustle and bustle, outside the window are a few sparse bamboo stalks and a pond of spring water, a place of serene tranquility.

The candlelight inside the hall was dim, casting a yellowish glow that distorted Li Xingyun's shadow on the window screen. The flickering candlelight made Li Xingyun's face appear even paler. He sat behind his desk, clutching a copy of the proclamation, almost soaked with sweat, his gaze fixed intently on a few lines of text.

"The Lu family's Linxuan was a trap set by the traitor Yuan, a poisonous scheme to lure me into Bianliang, a poisonous bait to frame me..."

Li Xingyun gritted his teeth, his eyes flashing with cold light. The day he rescued Zhang Zifan, the look of panic and helplessness in his junior sister's eyes when she suddenly fell into the hands of Ye Bushou had appeared repeatedly in his nightmares. He had already suspected something, but now that Xiao Yan had confirmed it with an official proclamation, his last shred of hope for Yuan Tiangang was completely shattered, and his worry for his junior sister's safety deepened.

“Yuan Tiangang…you are truly cunning.” His throat bobbed, but his gaze involuntarily shifted downwards, landing on the four words “I deeply pity him” in the proclamation. A glint flashed in his eyes, but then he shook his head in self-deprecation.

The palace door was silently pushed open a crack, letting in a night breeze carrying moisture and a few early-withered bamboo leaves. Zhang Zifan and Ma Xisheng entered one after the other. Zhang Zifan's steps were light, his brows furrowed, his gaze immediately falling on the manifesto in Li Xingyun's hand and his pale face. Ma Xisheng's usual carefree expression was completely gone, replaced by a heavy worry between his brows. He gently closed the palace door behind him after entering.

"Brother Li," Zhang Zifan said in a low voice as he walked to the desk, his gaze sweeping over the manifesto, "Have you finished reading it?"

Li Xingyun suddenly raised his head, his eyes surging with lingering pain and a ruthless determination born of being driven to the brink. He didn't speak, but slammed the paper in his hand heavily onto the table, the dull thud particularly jarring in the silent hall.

Those few lines of text about Lu Linxuan were clearly visible on the edge of his palm.

Zhang Zifan's gaze swept quickly over those lines of text, and his heart sank. However, he forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions and said quickly, "Brother Li, the part of the proclamation concerning the Bad Commander and Miss Lu can probably be confirmed as true. We are indeed in the game, and we are pawns. It is not hard to guess that the Bad Commander used Miss Lu as a pawn to distract you and force you into his trap. However, anger is useless at this moment; it will only play into his hands."

He stepped forward, pressing his finger firmly on the unfolded manifesto. His fingertip landed on the passage that read "I deeply pity him." "Look here," he said.

Li Xingyun's gaze unconsciously followed the movement of his fingertips.

“My younger brother… is like a puppet, unable to control his own destiny. I pity him greatly… I treat him with utmost sincerity and forgive his past transgressions.”

"Compassion?" Before Zhang Zifan could speak, Li Xingyun mocked himself, his eyes showing no trace of relief at being pardoned. "Brother Zhang, how much do you think this word 'loyal heart' is worth? Does this list of those who 'pardon their past transgressions' include letting me, this 'puppet of the emperor,' retire to the mountains and live a carefree life?"

“I’m afraid that’s impossible.” Zhang Zifan was silent for a while, then shook his head. “No matter how broad-minded Xiao Yan is, I’m afraid he can’t tolerate a potential threat with the bloodline of Emperor Taizong who once ascended the throne roaming freely. House arrest in Bianliang, like a prisoner, is probably the best outcome… Brother Li, after you enter this situation, a life of leisure is probably just a pipe dream.”

Li Xingyun mocked himself, Zhang Zifan's words were just another confirmation of his thoughts.

Ma Xisheng, who had been listening in silence, couldn't help but speak up: "What Brother Zifan said is probably all very possible. Brother Li, your wedding with Sister Shangrao is just a few days away. King Wu and Xu Wen are pressing you hard. Don't you have a decision to make? And Chu... can't wait any longer. The Liang navy is preparing for war in Kuizhou, Father's illness is getting worse, and my elder brother is being held captive in Bianliang by Xiao Yan. Given this situation, we have to fight for our own survival."

Li Xingyun lifted his gaze from the proclamation, swept it over Zhang Zifan's stern face, and then landed on Ma Xisheng's eyes, which were filled with anxiety and pleading. A suffocating silence fell over the hall, broken only by the rustling of the wind through the bamboo grove outside the window.

Zhang Zifan took a deep breath, knowing the time was right. He pointed his finger at the proclamation again, but only to the blank space next to the discussion of the general situation of the world at the end of the proclamation. He said in a deep voice, "Even in a desperate situation, there is still a glimmer of hope. Brother Li, please see, although Xiao Yan's proclamation is ruthless, it also points out a path for us. Use their strength against them and regain the initiative."

He quickened his pace: "Firstly, His Majesty should immediately issue an imperial edict, bestowing upon the Prince of Chu the titles of Grand Tutor and Deputy Marshal of the Armed Forces of the Realm. This is a prestigious but empty title, intended to reassure the Kingdom of Chu. However, the most important thing—"

He glanced back at Ma Xisheng and said, “Immediately appoint Xisheng as the Crown Prince of Chu, with the title of Grand Master of the Three Departments, and Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Jiangnan. This is the core of real power, entrusting Xisheng with the actual command of the Jiangnan armies, the power to allocate provisions and supplies, and the power to appoint and dismiss personnel. A decree should be issued to the whole country to establish his title and status, to reassure the people of Chu, and to lay the legal foundation for Brother Xisheng to integrate the armies and confront Xiao Yan.”

Upon hearing this, Ma Xisheng was not overjoyed. He simply said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I, Ma Xisheng, am indeed incompetent and do not have the absolute certainty to command the armies of Jiangnan as if they were my own limbs. However, before the rise and fall of Chu and before Brother Li's trust, I will certainly lead the charge. The entire army and the entire grain of Chu are willing to serve Your Majesty, even unto death."

Li Xingyun didn't react to their forms of address; he simply sighed, got up, and helped Ma Xisheng to his feet.

Zhang Zifan continued, "Secondly, we must raise high the banner of 'Restore the Tang Dynasty' to unite our fighting spirit. His Majesty should immediately inspect the river defense camps and key supply depots, inspiring the soldiers with the Longquan sword and the bloodline of Emperor Taizong. An edict should be issued ordering Wu, Yue, and Min to quickly dispatch elite troops and supplies to assemble and jointly defend against the traitors. No matter what, we must ignite their fighting spirit."

"Thirdly, under the guise of 'rectifying military discipline and unifying commands,' we should consolidate power as much as possible. Your Majesty can issue a strict decree: In this time of national crisis, all armies in Jiangnan, whether from Wu, Chu, Yue, or Min, or from the various units of the Bad People, must absolutely obey Your Majesty's orders and military commands. Anyone who outwardly complies but inwardly disobeys, refuses to obey orders, or delays military operations, regardless of their background or affiliation, will be executed without pardon by Xi Sheng according to military law. In this way, we can gradually bring Yuan Tiangang's tentacles in Jiangnan into Your Majesty's control."

Li Xingyun listened and immediately understood Zhang Zifan's intentions. He wanted to utilize Yuan Tiangang's remaining forces while firmly grasping real military power, leadership, and popular support, thus accumulating resources for any potential upheaval.

Just then, a gentle knock sounded on the palace door, the rhythm slow and even. Shi Yao, dressed in a simple, dark-colored dress, appeared silently in the doorway, her face expressionless.

She simply bowed and said, “Your Majesty, Prime Minister Xu, Prime Minister Du, Minister Pan, and others have been waiting in the side hall for a long time to discuss the army’s departure and… Your Majesty’s wedding ceremony.” She deliberately paused slightly on the word “wedding,” her gaze seemingly casually sweeping over the proclamation on Li Xingyun’s desk.

The air inside the hall seemed to freeze for a moment.

Li Xingyun stared intently at Shi Yao for a long time. Ma Xisheng remained silent, and Zhang Zifan was also silent, but he kept gesturing to Li Xingyun with his eyes. Finally, Li Xingyun took a deep breath and suddenly stood up from behind the desk.

His gaze swept over Zhang Zifan and Ma Xisheng, finally settling on Shi Yao. His voice was resolute, yet surprisingly calm.

"Issue the imperial decree: In accordance with the memorial submitted by Vice Minister Zhang, the title of Prince of Chu and Ma Xisheng shall be conferred. Ma Xisheng shall be promoted to Crown Prince of Chu, Grand Master of the Three Departments, and Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Jiangnan, overseeing all military affairs in Jiangnan, preparing the army, and launching an expedition at an imminent date."

"I hereby proclaim to the soldiers and civilians of Jiangnan: The traitor Li Zuo, a member of the imperial clan, has destroyed our ancestral temples and conspired with the traitor Li Siyuan of Jin to assassinate the Prince of Jin. This is an outrage against both gods and men. I, holding the Longquan sword of Emperor Taizong, will inspect the Jiangnan defense camp tomorrow, vow to launch a campaign against Liang, and unite with Northern Jin to protect the land of our Great Tang."

Shi Yao looked respectful, seemingly unaware that he had just narrowly escaped death. He simply bowed and said, “Your Majesty’s considerations are thorough. Strengthening Chu, uniting hearts, and reorganizing the army are indeed the most urgent tasks. Your Majesty’s personal inspection tour is timely. We, the Bad People, will certainly obey Your Majesty’s orders and ensure that the subjects of our Great Tang are not misled by the traitor Xiao.”

Li Xingyun ignored her and simply turned his back to her.

"Let Xu Wen and the others come in for a meeting."

------

Taiyuan, a side hall of Jinyang Palace.

Li Cunxu stood alone in front of the huge window, his back to the flickering candlelight inside the hall, gazing at the night view of the city.

Outside the window, the city of Taiyuan lay shrouded in the deep darkness of night, a few sparse lights flickering in the distance, mirroring his turbulent thoughts. He had already read the manifesto lying on his desk countless times, but what occupied his mind now were words not found in the text, yet even more stirring than the manifesto itself: "To subdue all sides, to punish the disobedient, what need is there for an imperial title?" "Heaven sees as my people see, Heaven hears as my people hear..." "Where the people's hearts stand, we dare to call for a new heaven and earth..."

Li Cunxu remained silent for a long time, but his deep voice finally broke the silence of the hall. He seemed to be reading aloud, or perhaps pondering: "End a century of chaos, end the war forever... break the shackles of powerful clans, establish a ladder for the poor... abolish the tyranny of the military governors, and return military power to the central government..."

He turned around abruptly, his eyes gleaming.

He looked at Guo Chongtao, who was standing to the side, and said in a complicated and unreadable tone: "Minister Guo... you really have great ambition. This man's vision and perspective are indeed beyond the reach of ordinary people. No wonder he was able to bring half of the world under his control in three years. 'The will of the people is the will of Heaven'... this is the true meaning of governing the country and ensuring its peace. I... should take this as a deep lesson."

Guo Chongtao bowed down: "Your Highness was able to gain insights from the rebel's proclamation. If the late King knew this in the afterlife, he would surely be pleased."

Li Cunxu remained silent for a moment, then walked to the table and picked up the copy of the proclamation. "However, I still do not understand..."

Li Cunxu's voice suddenly rose, "Since Xiao Yan has already denounced Zhu Wen's usurpation, claiming to be the direct descendant of Emperor Zhaozong, holding a large army, and having a powerful presence in the Central Plains, why not raise a call to restore the Tang Dynasty in a legitimate and justifiable way? Instead, he clings to these false titles of 'Prince of Qin of Great Liang' and 'General of Heavenly Strategy'? Isn't that the greatest farce in the world!"

He quickened his pace: "If the name is not correct, the words will not be proper; if the words are not proper, things will not be accomplished. This is an eternal truth. Aren't you afraid that such self-contradictory actions will alienate your subordinates and make you a laughingstock for still following the false Liang dynasty? With Xiao Yan's wisdom, how could he not see this?"

His gaze swept across the hall, and when it inadvertently fell upon the old minister Zhang Chengye, who sat to the side, his face as pale as paper and his spirit listless, he paused for a moment, a barely perceptible scrutiny flashing in his eyes. This eunuch, renowned for his loyalty to the Tang Dynasty and having served three reigns, had become like this after hearing the contents of the proclamation.

Guo Chongtao observed all of this. He took a deep breath, stepped forward, and, meeting Li Cunxu's questioning gaze, said:

"Your Majesty's question is insightful; this is precisely where Xiao Yan's pragmatism lies. His decision not to restore the monarchy is not out of a lack of desire, but rather a strategic retreat—a brilliant plan to kill three birds with one stone. Its profound meaning lies in three aspects:"

"Firstly, acknowledging the legitimacy of the Zhu Liang regime would give us the moral high ground to restore order." Guo Chongtao's eyes gleamed. "Your Majesty, you are wise. Although Zhu Wen usurped the throne, he received the abdication from the last emperor of Tang with the formalities announced to the world, complete with documents and seals. While the last emperor was indeed a fraud, the fact remains that the world at the time recognized him. The 'Liang' regime he established was a legitimate government that legally succeeded the 'Tang.' If Xiao Yan rashly restores the Li Tang dynasty, it would be tantamount to completely denying the legitimacy of the Zhu Liang regime. Then, what about those former Li Tang officials who 'submitted to Zhu Wen' in their early years? And what about those former Zhu Wen officials who served the Prince of Qin as Liang subjects?"

He paused, then continued, "And now, Xiao Yan, under the title of 'Prince of Qin of Great Liang,' has issued a proclamation denouncing Zhu Wen's crime of usurpation, declaring that he has endured humiliation and hardship to avenge his father and sovereign, and vowing to cleanse the court, reform corrupt practices, and rebuild the empire. This is tantamount to acknowledging the historical legitimacy of the Zhu Liang regime as the central government, while positioning himself as a 'restorer of order' within that regime. His actions possess the inherent legitimacy of 'purging house'."

This was tantamount to telling the Liang-affiliated regional military governors who had not yet submitted to the regime, such as the former troops of Xuanwu, the military officers of Hezhong, and even the old Liang forces who still harbored ambitions of separatism: 'Your official positions, powers, and businesses, as long as you are loyal to me, will still be part of this legitimate political system, recognized and protected by me.' This was a crucial stabilizing force, a top-notch strategy to appease the people and secure the core of the regime. A restoration would be tantamount to overturning the table; the proclamation's argument to 'abolish the military governors' had already made the Liang military governors extremely uneasy. If a restoration were to occur again, completely negating the Zhu-Liang legal system, wouldn't that force them to fight desperately? On the other hand, if a policy of compromise and appeasement were used to establish a new dynasty, how would Xiao Yan then weaken the regional military governors and abolish the military governorships in the future? Such a path to chaos was not Xiao Yan's way.”

Secondly, the masterpiece has been completed, and practicality is paramount.

Guo Chongtao's tone carried a hint of admiration: "'Prince of Qin of Great Liang' has long been deeply ingrained in people's hearts through his conquest of Shu and Qi, his control of the central government of Bianliang, his reform of the Imperial Guard, and his implementation of new policies. It has become the most direct, undisputed, and deeply rooted symbol of his identity and power. The old Liang civil officials in the central government of Bianliang, the fierce generals from Hebei, the newly surrendered soldiers from Shu, and even the common people of the world, when they mention Xiao Yan, the first thing that comes to mind is 'Prince of Qin, General of Heavenly Strategy'."

These two titles, internally, unite the people; externally, they clearly signify his sphere of influence and supreme authority. These are established titles, their power immense. Abruptly abandoning the titles of 'King of Qin' and 'Heavenly Strategy' and reverting to acting as 'Emperor of the Great Tang' would inevitably lead to confusion among his subordinates, inconsistent commands, and sowing discord and distrust between the old and new leaders. On the eve of the North-South War, this would be a path to chaos. In comparison, the title of Emperor, given the absolute power he already wields, is merely an empty title, far less practical than the established authority of these titles.

"Thirdly, avoid empty fame, implement practical policies, and break with the old and establish the new."

"Xiao Yan's ambition is not merely to make minor repairs, but to reform the deep-seated problems that have plagued the dynasty for three hundred years and reshape the world. Breaking the monopoly of schools, abolishing the regional military governorships, and equalizing land distribution to bring peace to the people... Even today, such measures would face resistance as overwhelming as a landslide or a tsunami. If he were to restore the throne and declare himself emperor, he would be the 'Emperor of the Tang Dynasty,' and every move he made would have to consider his ministers and meritorious officials, with the slightest misstep leading to compromises. However, acting as the 'Prince of Qin of Liang,' he could transcend the status quo. With the new dynasty not yet established and the situation still uncertain, he held absolute power. As the 'Prince of Qin of Liang,' he could oversee both military and political power, and thus implement new policies with far fewer legal and moral constraints. Whether the title is 'Liang,' 'Tang,' or something else, it is far less important to his grand ambition of opening a 'new chapter for all ages' than the practicality of the 'title' and the swiftness of implementing new policies. This is true pragmatism and the true spirit of a great ruler."

Guo Chongtao summarized, his tone heavy with extreme apprehension: "Therefore, Xiao Yan's refusal to declare himself emperor was not due to inability, but rather to use the name 'Liang' to carry out the actual reform of the empire; to leverage the established authority and prestige to stabilize his own position and appease the hearts of the people of old Liang; to avoid the burden of the empty title of emperor, and to carry out the actual destruction of the old and establishment of the new. He proceeded step by step with shrewdness and profound wisdom. He was only in his early twenties, so it is no wonder that he became the greatest variable in this chaotic world..."

This insightful and incisive analysis struck a chord with everyone in the hall.

Jing Xinmo stood with his hands at his sides, his face obscured by shadows. Zhang Chengye, seated to the side, paled further upon hearing this, his withered body trembling uncontrollably, tears silently welling and rolling down his cloudy old eyes. He gripped the armrest tightly, his knuckles clicking softly as if to keep from collapsing.

Li Cunxu, who had been lost in thought, felt a sense of mutual respect among heroes. Upon hearing this commotion, his gaze finally turned sharp as he focused on the old minister who was on the verge of a mental breakdown.

He considered his words carefully before speaking slowly: "Supervisor Zhang, you... have always considered it your duty to be loyal to the Tang Dynasty and to restore the ancestral temples. Now, Crown Prince Zhaozong has personally declared that the Tang Dynasty has come to an end and wants to start a new chapter for all ages... Where is your lifelong devotion and loyalty now? Can your heart... be at peace?"

When Zhang Chengye heard the announcement that "the Tang dynasty has come to an end," he was struck as if by a heavy blow. At that moment, he struggled to his feet and walked shakily into the main hall. However, he did not look at Li Cunxu, but instead faced south towards Chang'an and Luoyang. He slowly removed the Jinxian crown, symbolizing the third-rank military supervisor of the Imperial Household Department of the Tang Dynasty, and placed it on the floor tiles. His white head drooped deeply, and large, turbid tears fell onto the floor.

"This old minister... Zhang Chengye, the military supervisor of Hedong..." Zhang Chengye's voice was hoarse, "I have been entrusted by Emperor Zhaozong with the great favor of supervising the army in Hedong and protecting the ancestral temples... For thirty years, I have been filled with worry and anxiety, never daring to forget. Now... now I hear His Highness the Crown Prince himself... say that the Tang dynasty has come to an end..."

He suddenly looked up, his bloodshot eyes filled with endless struggle and pain, and he cried out in a hoarse voice, "This old minister is incompetent and has failed the late emperor—"

After saying this, he spat out a mouthful of blood onto the hall, and his body swayed precariously.

Li Cunxu's expression changed, and he quickly descended the steps to help Zhang Chengye. Zhang Chengye abruptly pushed away the attendant who was supporting him, staggered to his feet, and with his last strength straightened his hunched back. A bitter smile tugged from his blood-stained lips, but his gaze remained fixed on Li Cunxu's face, each word as sharp as iron:
"Indeed. Throughout my life, this old minister has been deeply trusted by the late King, entrusted with the administration of finances and civil affairs in Hedong. Assisting Your Highness is my duty. The Tang Dynasty is in decline, and the Mandate of Heaven may lie with the Crown Prince… However, the foundation of the Jin Dynasty also belongs to the Tang imperial family, a empire built by the late King with his own sword and spear. It is the foundation that Your Highness… inherits. I, Zhang Chengye, was born as the Military Supervisor of Hedong of the Tang Dynasty, and in death… I will remain the Chief Secretary under the Prince of Jin. My body and heart are loyal to my duty, with no other intentions. If Your Majesty wishes to contend for this empire, this old minister… is willing to serve you like a dog or a horse until my last breath. If the Mandate of Heaven ultimately returns to Bianliang…"

He gasped for breath, finally gritting his teeth and saying, "This old minister... only seeks death to repay the late king's favor, and will never be a traitor."

Having said this, he looked away from everyone, slowly bent down, picked up the official hat from the ground, hugged it tightly to his chest, and staggered back to his seat. He closed his eyes and remained silent, like a stone statue that had withered away in an instant. Blood continued to seep from the corner of his mouth, dripping onto the front of his dark purple official robe, a shocking sight.

The hall was deathly silent. Guo Chongtao stood solemnly. Jingxinmo lowered his head even further.

Li Cunxu looked at the Tang crown tightly held in Zhang Chengye's arms and the blood on his robe. His sharp eyes softened into a deep sigh: "Lord Zhang's loyalty and righteousness are moving heaven and earth. I... understand."

He stopped asking questions and gazed at the deep night of Jinyang outside the hall for a long time. Guo Chongtao also bowed helplessly and said calmly, "In the face of this great change, our Jin Kingdom can take advantage of the situation. Li Xingyun of Jiangnan has declared himself emperor, and the north and south are now in a coordinated effort. The previous strategy can be used, but it needs to be changed. We should order the Grand Commandant and Marquis Xue to support Yelü Lage on the grasslands at all costs to disrupt the overall situation and make Xiao Yan unable to look north. At the same time, we should quickly send a secret envoy to join forces with Jiangnan to raise the banner of respecting the Tang Dynasty and urge them to fight Xiao Yan to the death. Our Great Jin Kingdom will then strengthen its troops and wait on the sidelines until he is distracted and unable to do anything else. That will be the time for the iron cavalry of Hedong to enter the grasslands, leave Taihang, and descend into Hezhong."

"..."

Li Cunxu surveyed the hall, his gaze sweeping over Guo Chongtao, Zhang Chengye, and even Jing Xinmo and the other silent ministers, before finally settling back into the deep night outside the hall:

"Send orders to Li Cunren and Li Cunli. Regarding the matter in the northern desert, if necessary, we can show our strength and crush the Shuliduo tribe and the Yuanxingqin tribe of the Liang army. I will personally dispatch troops to support them. Jingxinmo, send more capable men to keep a close watch on the Liang army's movements in the Taihang Passes and Yizhou direction, twelve hours a day. Not a single word should be delayed. Jiangnan... let's see how Xiao Yan deals with that mess."

The imperial edict was issued to the three armies: spare no effort in organizing the troops, preparing weapons, and stockpiling provisions. Xiao Yan's road is still long, and it remains to be seen how far it will lead. Moreover, my road, Li Cunxu's, is not yet over!

(End of this chapter)