Jinting Han people

Within a few days, word spread that the Crown Prince had ordered Liu Xian to lead the Eastern Palace's guards. While a typical guard commander would command between one thousand and two thousand guards, Liu Xian commanded three thousand, ranking above the others and arguably the Eastern Palace's top military officer. With the Crown Prince now in power, the status of Eastern Palace officials had risen, and Liu Xian's popularity had also soared, making him quite the sought-after figure.

The staff at the Bandit-Suppressing General's mansion were delighted. They had expected to follow Liu Xian in idleness for a while, but unexpectedly, after just two or three months, they too were rising to prominence. When Jiang Tong brought the list of guards, Huan Yi was beaming from ear to ear and immediately dragged Liu Xian to the Eastern Palace for a headcount. After completing the handover formalities and returning, the mansion was overflowing with people. Xi Jian beamed as he told Liu Xian that the pile of names was three feet high.

But when he took it and took a look, he found that most of the people in the list were strangers to Liu Xian. It was obvious that they were basically mercenary people. He was too lazy to make friends with them, so he handed the matter over to Fu Chang.

He was the son of Fu Zhi, the Duke of Lingzhou County, and his brother was the son-in-law of a wealthy family. Everyone looked up to him, and with his eloquence and easygoing nature, he handled the situation well, satisfying everyone regardless of their status. After interacting with these guests, Fu Chang would select those he considered outstanding and introduce them to Liu Xian. These individuals proved to be truly worthy, saving Liu Xian considerable time. Therefore, Liu Xian was very pleased with Fu Chang.

Xi Jian, Ruan Fang, and others were tasked with organizing the troops. They quickly devised a plan: training and teaching military skills within the army, followed by hunting and archery outside the city walls, hoping to capitalize on this opportunity to achieve some success. Liu Xian was also appreciative of their enthusiasm, but, mindful of the tension in Luoyang, large-scale military training might inflame the situation. He suggested first gathering the most loyal, brave, and virtuous men in the army and focusing on training a single school, or a thousand men, to gain experience, then proceed with the original plan once the situation stabilized.

Liu Xian wanted to take charge of this matter personally, but some social interactions were simply unavoidable. For example, on this day, Zu Ti invited Liu Xian to visit his Baoyue Terrace, but this time it was not Zu Ti who made the decision, but Sima Jue, the King of Qi.

Sima Jue specially sent an ox cart to pick up Liu Xian. Liu Xian had no way to refuse, so he had to wear a turban and Confucian clothes and take the ox cart to Baoyuetai.

Unlike the last gathering of friends, this time Liu Xian didn't know most of the people present except Zu Ti. Zu Ti sat next to him, and sitting opposite him were three scholars wearing Confucian robes, tall hats and wide belts.

One of them was about the same age as himself; another was older, probably the same age as Lu Ji, with a handsome and amiable appearance and extraordinary bearing; the third was a little older, but had a gloomier face and a more sinister temperament, and it was obvious that he was preoccupied.

Sima Jue was delighted to see Liu Xian arrive. He ordered tea to be made, then shook Liu Xian's hand and introduced him to everyone, "This is the prince of Anle, the great-grandson of Liu Xuande, and the bandit-suppressing general. This is Liu Xian, Liu Huaichong."

Then he introduced the oldest one to Liu Xian first, sorting them by age, saying, "This is Lu Shiying, the chief clerk in my palace, Lu Shiying, the handsome Lu of Chenliu."

After Lu Xiu finished his greeting, he pointed to a tall figure beside him and said, "This is the tiger of the Dong family. He is also a military officer in my palace. He is Dong Ai, the first one to come from Jiyin."

Finally, he introduced someone of Liu Xian's age, saying, "This young man from the Ge family is the chief official in my palace, Ge Yu, also known as Ge Gongming, from the State of Qi."

Sima Jue said happily: "Liu Dangkou is a famous general in the Western Expedition. It is a great pleasure for us to meet him today." Then Zu Ti took out the crane cup of wine and asked everyone to drink together.

While drinking, Zu Ti quietly told Liu Xian, "You're not familiar with these people, but they're quite famous for their family backgrounds. I can tell you that Lu Xiu's grandfather was Lu Cui; Dong Ai is a descendant of Dong Zhao; and Ge Yi comes from a humble family, but he's meticulous and ambitious, and shouldn't be underestimated."

Liu Xian's expression paled slightly upon hearing this. A well-versed historian, he was of course familiar with the names of Lu Cui and Dong Zhao: Lu Cui was the villain who, under Cao Cao's orders, framed and accused Kong Rong; Dong Zhao was even more famous, having aided Cao Cao in plotting to overthrow the Han Dynasty and murdered Xun Yu, a notorious traitor to the Han Dynasty. After the Sima family replaced the Wei Dynasty, both families fell into decline, much like Xi Jian, whose great-grandfather was Xi Lu, the Imperial Censor who had personally deposed Empress Fu.

Although he knew one couldn't judge a child by his ancestors—after all, Liu Xian had seen plenty of dandies from the aristocracy and talented individuals from humble backgrounds—he still felt a bit skeptical. King Sima Jue of Qi was considered one of the most powerful princes in the court. What could have been his motive for keeping such a group of people as his confidants?

However, it was difficult to say these words out loud, so he could only keep them in his heart and chat with the King of Qi.

The King of Qi asked him what book he was reading recently. Liu Xian replied, "I recently saw a book called 'Laozi Huahu Jing' in the South Market. It's quite interesting."

Sima Jue smiled and replied, "I know this book. It seems a Taoist priest named Wang Fu debated seven times with a monk from the White Horse Temple, losing each time. So he wrote this book. The content seems to be that Laozi rode on the sun's essence in India and entered the womb of Princess Suddhodana, Jingmiao, and was reborn. After his birth, he named himself Sakyamuni and later established the theory of Nirvana."

He asked Liu Xian, "Huai Chong, you are well-read. Do you think this is true or false?"

Liu Xian smiled and said, "I remember this saying came from Mou Rong's 'Mou Zi Lihuo Lun' from the Later Han Dynasty. At that time, Buddhism was just beginning to spread, and many people believed that Buddhism and Taoism were similar. They believed that it was Laozi who left the country, passed through the Western Regions, and went to India to teach Buddhism. Yu Huangong's 'Wei Lue Xirong Zhuan' also carried on this idea. However, Buddhism and Taoism are very different. Buddhism emphasizes reincarnation and nirvana, and seeking the Buddha's heart within, while Taoism is about transcending the material world and following the changes of nature."

"Although the ultimate goal is the same, both require reaching the highest state of emptiness and selflessness, it should be the heart-to-heart connection between saints. Talk of reincarnation is a bit nonsense."

"Wang Fu wrote this because he was blinded by his momentary desire to win. He couldn't forget the grudges and face the facts. He used this method to deceive himself and others. Isn't it ridiculous?"

"Yes!" The King of Qi agreed and said with emotion, "In fact, the most difficult thing in life is to avoid being deceived. This kind of discussion of the Tao is easy to say, but when brothers and relatives are deceived by emotions, there is no way to solve it."

"Oh? Is there something sad happening at home, His Royal Highness?"

"It's hard to explain in a few words!" Having said that, Sima Jue still talked to Liu Xian about his family affairs.

It turns out that this also involves the secret of Sima's usurpation of the throne.

The Queen Mother of Qi, the mother of the Prince of Qi, was born into the Pingyang Jia family. She was the eldest daughter of Jia Chong and the half-sister of the Queen.

However, compared to the Empress' immense power, the Dowager Consort of Qi did not enjoy her father's affection. This was because her mother, Li Wan, was the daughter of Li Feng, the Minister of State for the Wei Dynasty. After the Gaopingling Incident, Li Feng, discontented with the Sima clan's seizure of power, conspired with Xiahou Xuan to murder Sima Shi, the Emperor Jing of Jin. However, the plot was exposed, and the entire family was murdered. Jia Chong decisively divorced Li Wan, exiling her to the bitter cold of Lelang, before marrying his current wife, Guo Huai, the Marquis of Guangcheng, who came from the Taiyuan Guo clan.

During the reign of Emperor Wu of Jin, Sima Yan issued a general amnesty. He noticed that Jia Chong had repeatedly expressed longing for his first wife, Li Wan, so he took Li Wan back and appointed two wives to Jia Chong's left and right, hoping to maintain family harmony. Guo Huai, a jealous person, naturally refused to allow this, and Jia Chong, also having some reservations, ultimately had Li Wan placed in Yongnianli, never to see her again.

The Queen Mother of Qi was devastated by this incident. She kowtowed to her father and stepmother until her head bled, begging to see her biological mother, but was denied. She was subsequently ostracized by her stepmother, Guo Huai, and her sisters. When her biological mother died, her sister married the current emperor, and her husband lost his bid for the throne, she died of depression at the age of thirty.

By the time Sima Jiong inherited the throne of Qi, his parents were both deceased. The Empress still resented him and instigated Sima Rui, Sima You's eldest illegitimate son, to bully him, leading to a fight between the brothers for the throne. It can be said that Sima Jiong's family had never been harmonious since he was a child. Sima Jiong told Liu Xian, "My father and mother are both dead. My uncle (Sima Yan) oppresses me, my aunt (Jia Nanfeng) hates me, and my brother (Sima Rui) also dislikes me. Although I have fine clothes and delicious food, when I think about it, my life is worthless. How sad it is!"

Liu Xian also sighed after hearing this. He thought he had an unfortunate childhood, but he didn't expect that compared with Sima Jue, he was nothing. At least he still had the love and help of his uncles and teachers.

He consoled the King of Qi, saying, "Your Highness, why do you have to say that? You are dedicated to striving for progress, generous and charitable, diligent in your studies, and arguably the most renowned member of the royal family. It is truly a great deed that you have lived up to the reputation of the previous king!"

Sima Jue wiped his tears and glanced at Lu Xiu who was standing beside him. Lu Xiu immediately understood and stepped forward and said:
"Envoy Liu, if it were just these, it wouldn't be a big deal. But the most frustrating thing is the Crown Prince's vigilance!"

Liu Xian was shocked, thinking, "So they're waiting for me here!" He couldn't say anything, so he could only calm down and wait for the next step.

Lu Xiu was a little annoyed when Liu Xian didn't respond, but she continued, "Prince Chengdu is kind, benevolent, and amiable, a first-rate figure like the Duke of Anle. He might have been able to pacify the region in peacetime, but in these times of war, I'm afraid he's not up to the task. The Prince of Qi commands the Left Army General and the Auxiliary Army Captain in the palace, and his troops, trained in martial arts and cultivating virtue, are considered the best among the thirty-six armies. In comparison, wouldn't His Highness the Prince of Qi be a more suitable choice?"

"The Crown Prince would rather let His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi spread rumors privately than use him. Isn't this jealousy? You know, Emperors Wen and Ming of Wei were wary of members of the royal family. They had the Prince of Chenliu but failed to use him, which led to their loss of the empire. The Crown Prince is repeating the same mistake!"

Hearing this, Liu Xian had to express his opinion. He interrupted Lu Xiu and said, "I am just a minister. I am afraid these matters are not something you and I can get involved in."

Sima Jue had already put on a genial demeanor. Upon hearing this, he looked at Liu Xian and said with a smile, "Huai Chong is truly too modest. Everyone knows by now that you are the Crown Prince's confidant."

"Since you are my confidant, I cannot speak ill of you, my Lord."

"Eh~ How can this be called discussing right and wrong?" Sima Jue took a sip of wine and said slowly, "Huai Chong needs to understand that the Crown Prince will become the Emperor in the future. What is the Emperor? The Emperor is a solitary person. And you and I are both his subjects."

"Although I am nominally the King of Qi, I am actually here to make friends. In this world, more friends mean more paths, and I can better serve the Crown Prince, right?"

"You are Shi Zhi's good friend. I know his vision and I believe in Huai Chong's abilities. If we can advance and retreat together in the future, and become a great monarch and minister together with the Crown Prince, wouldn't that be wonderful?"

Sima Jue's words were so high-sounding, but Liu Xian felt a chill in his heart. His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi was actually trying to convince him to betray the Crown Prince and join him.

Although he had long suspected that someone in the royal family had ulterior motives, he had never expected that the first person to jump out would be the King of Qi! However, in order to maintain the unity of the royal family, Liu Xian still did not say much. He just said perfunctorily, "If it is beneficial to you, I dare not refuse." He neither explicitly joined nor explicitly refused.

Hearing this answer, Sima Jue's expression remained calm, as if he had expected it. Then he said something meaningful:

"Huai Chong, I admire you and understand you, because I have heard your story. You and I are the same person. But one day you will understand that we are not born to be good people."

The conversation was over, and Zu Ti then accompanied Liu Xian away in an ox cart.

Zu Ti and Liu Xian were the only two people in the carriage. Zu Ti patted his sword and said, "I knew you wouldn't agree, but I've been asked to do so, so I have to go through the motions."

Liu Xian said, "I know, but... His Royal Highness the Prince of Qi's rebellious intentions are too obvious."

Zu Ti laughed and said, "That's quite normal. How many of the kings don't have rebellious intentions? If he didn't have such ambitions, I wouldn't be here working for him."

He then added, "I think it won't be long before Yue Shi invites you on behalf of the King of Zhao. A few days after that, the King of Huainan will also invite you. And then, who knows which of you will be invited? You are indeed the most sought-after military officer in the Eastern Palace. You are very popular, my friend!"

Liu Xian smiled bitterly and said, "The world is truly not at peace!"

"Isn't this a perfectly normal outcome?" Zu Ti said absentmindedly, leaning against the carriage window. "I just wish the world would be in chaos sooner rather than later. Isn't it frustrating to have to put on a show with these hypocrites every day? Only when the world is in chaos, and most of these Sima people are dead, will we have a chance to rise to prominence!"

"You are so direct!" Although Liu Xian thought the same as Zu Ti, he never said these words out loud.

"Haha, I'm reminding you, Huai Chong." Zu Ti retracted his gaze, looked at Liu Xian with a sharp gaze, and said solemnly:

"You and I both know that you have your dreams, and I have mine. Although we've gotten along very well in the past, one day, many people will die. The Crown Prince is destined to die, the Queen is destined to die, as are many other princes and ministers, including you and me."

"Last time, when you were banished to Guanxi, you told me that if we met on the battlefield, you would retreat three steps. I just wanted to tell you that if you can't realize your ambition, then dying at the hands of a friend and witnessing his success is also a good ending."

"If you and I meet with swords, do not hold back."

After sending Liu Xian home, Zu Ti leaned out and waved to him, then smiled and closed the carriage curtain. As the sun set, Liu Xian stared at his back for a long time, finally letting out a sigh. (End of this chapter)