White Horse, Silver Spear, Grand Commandant Gao

The 29th day of the 12th month of the second year of the Qingtai era (1199), the day of Ji Chou.

Gao Xingzhou and Fu Yanqing made it to the last court assembly of the year and were in their respective ranks.

The two men's victory added much luster to the upcoming New Year's Day, and the imperial court issued an edict:

"The Dangxiang Tuoba clan originally lived on the frontier. They were favored by the court, granted titles and lands, bestowed the imperial surname, and appointed to lead troops to quell rebellions. After Renfu's death, they falsely claimed to be their father's will, established themselves as acting governors, and defied orders. The late emperor, being benevolent, could not bear the suffering and instead took advantage of their situation. Their arrogance grew even stronger, and they occupied four prefectures, relying on the vast sea for protection. They became proud and conceived alliances with foreign tribes."

"Former military governors Zhang Xichong of Lingwu, Gao Xingzhou of Zhangwu, Fu Yanqing of Qingzhou, Zhe Congruan of Fuzhou, and Yang Hongxin, a righteous man from Linzhou, led the royal army on an expedition. They fought in Sanchuan, recovered Suiyin twice, and then conquered Tongwan. They drove the enemy out of the desert, beheaded and captured the chieftain. They were filled with righteous indignation and presented their achievements, and the guilty were brought to justice."

"Alas, the relationships between rulers and subjects, between those who follow the natural order and those who oppose it, between those who prosper and those who decline, between those who rise and fall, between those who perish and those who bring fortune and misfortune—the principles are clear. All the barbarian tribes and local garrisons should take the Dangxiang Li clan as a warning, carefully consider their conduct, and earnestly understand their true intentions."

Another decree issued that day promoted Liu Xu, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, to Left Vice Minister, and Lu Zhi, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, to Right Vice Minister, because Li Yu, the Left Vice Minister, had passed away.

However, the one who attracted the most attention from the court officials was the one who had not been seen in the court for a long time—the former military governor of Tongzhou, Feng Dao.

"Congratulations, Elder Feng! You are now paying your respects to the Three Excellencies!"

After the court session ended, the crowd that had congratulated Feng Dao gradually dispersed, and Gao Xingzhou slowly strolled forward.

"After a year and a half of being stationed outside the central government, how does it feel to return?"

"Not so good. You're still the same as before, just a simple-minded warrior."

Feng Dao lightly mocked Gao Xingzhou, saying, "Since the Sui and Tang dynasties, the Three Dukes were not specially appointed if they had no actual duties. Just as the Grand Commandant was originally the chief military officer of Qin, but now it has become an honorary title for regional military governors."

Gao Xingzhou frowned: "You mean to say that this time, entering the court will be an official post without any real power, merely a nominal title?"

Feng Dao nodded slightly: "Perhaps His Majesty has not yet made up his mind, or perhaps some people do not want me to be appointed prime minister again."

He sighed, "In terms of diligence alone, Your Majesty is no less diligent than the late Emperor. If the prime ministers and privy councilors could assist you wholeheartedly, there is still hope for the state of affairs. Unfortunately..."

Gao Xingzhou sensed the unspoken meaning in Feng Dao's words and pressed further, "What if the prime minister and the privy councilor are incompetent?"

Feng Dao calmly stated the current state of affairs in the court: "Whenever there is a major event in the court, when envoys from You and Bing arrive, the Privy Councilor Fang Gao and Academician Duanming sit around for a meeting, but most of them hang their heads and sleep in the crowd. Such is their avoidance of affairs. Therefore, power is handed over to the Deputy Privy Councilor Liu Yanlang."

"You'll know what kind of person Liu Yanlang is once you've had some dealings with him."

The official who had previously reported this had reminded him, and Feng Dao had also said the same thing. It seems that Liu Yanlang's reputation for corruption was already well-known. Gao Xingzhou could only smile bitterly.

"As for the Chancellor Lu Wenji and others, His Majesty once rebuked them in court: 'You former ministers of the previous dynasty, every time we meet, apart from serving the emperor, you have no plans for the country's future. You offer no words of advice, but sit idly by and watch my ignorance. What will become of the dynasty? You can speak freely about all matters of military and national affairs, whether they are advantageous or disadvantageous.'"

Gao Xingzhou had already noticed Li Congke's impatience and anxiety, and after hearing Feng Dao's words, he felt the same way. It seemed that the situation in the court was worrying.

"What did Lu Wenji and Yao Yi say?"

"They submitted a memorial to the throne."

Feng Dao chuckled: "The article is very long, so I won't read it to you. The gist is that during the five-day daily reunion, all the civil and military officials gathered from all sides to watch, pointing with ten hands, but dared not say anything. They hoped to restore the system of the Yan Ying Hall of the previous dynasty."

Gao Xingzhou, as expected, was not very knowledgeable about this kind of regulation: "What palace is Yanying Hall?"

"Yanying Hall is a side hall of the Daming Palace in Chang'an, located to the west of Zichen Hall and Xuanzheng Hall."

Feng Dao explained: "According to the old system, if the prime minister wanted to submit a memorial or the emperor wanted to consult on matters, they would submit it to the emperor the day before and meet in a side hall the next day. When the emperor and his ministers were discussing matters, only important officials were invited to stand on their left and right, with no guards around, so that they could speak freely."

"Regarding the matter of Shi Zaide, His Majesty has already issued an edict to state his position, and no one will be punished for speaking out."

Gao Xingzhou was utterly puzzled: "What exactly are you gentlemen so concerned about, clinging to such formalities?"

"They have no ideas, are unwilling to take responsibility, and are just looking for excuses."

For some reason, Feng Dao spoke freely to Gao Xingzhou, unlike a shrewd and calculating prime minister, but rather like a close friend.

"Your Majesty's reply was very pragmatic. The so-called 'respectfully observing the five days of daily life, following the example set by the late Emperor,' followed by summoning the four chief ministers alone after all the officials had retired, receiving them with a warm countenance, and inquiring about their principles and reasoning,' suggests that the intention behind this action was similar to that of the Yan Ying Emperor in the past."

"If the matter is of utmost importance and should be kept secret, depending on its urgency, there is no time limit of one day. You may wait at the palace gate on the same day and present a notice to the emperor. You should then dismiss all courtiers and remain in the side hall to await your insightful discussion and to soothe your unease. If I wish to see you, I will summon you at that time. As long as you can focus on the practical matters, why be bound by the name of Yan Ying?"

"and then?"

"That's all. No matter how dissatisfied His Majesty is, things will remain the same as before."

"this……"

Gao Xingzhou felt sorry for Li Congke. He truly wanted to emulate the late emperor and strive to fulfill his role as emperor, but the important officials around him...

"It's a pity that the foundation laid by the late emperor has crumbled and collapsed step by step. Even if I were summoned back, I would be powerless to stop it."

Feng Dao sighed deeply, and Gao Xingzhou remained silent, sharing the same sentiment. The meager achievement of suppressing the Dingnan Army was utterly insignificant compared to the overall decline of the dynasty.

"The New Year is just two days away."

Feng Dao rallied his spirits: "I hope the new year will bring a fresh start."

……

The first day of the first month of the third year of the Qingtai era, the year of Xinmao.

It happened to be the first Xin day of the month, which was the day for sacrifice.

In mid-December, the Grand Master of Ceremonies reported: "On the first day of the first month of next year, the offering of sacrifices to the Supreme God of Heaven will be held at the Round Mound. According to the rites, no court is held for major sacrifices; please cancel the court."

Li Congke replied in imperial edict: "Sacrificial rites are held before dawn, while ceremonial processions are held after sunrise. These matters do not interfere with each other, and the court should be received according to the usual practice."

As night deepened, the imperial city opened its gates.

With its winding canopy, guards, and a procession of over a thousand people, a magnificent chariot drawn by four horses emerged.

The jade carriage, made of blue, is a double-layered carriage with a blue dragon on the left, a white tiger on the right, golden phoenix wings, and a yellow canopy with a banner on the left. The golden phoenix is ​​in front of the carriage, twelve imperial carriages are on the crossbar, two bells are on the carriage, and a dust screen is set up in front. The carriage has a blue canopy and a yellow lining, a Boshan mirror, and the wheels are all decorated with red stripes and double teeth.

On the left is a flag with twelve tassels, each painted with a rising dragon, its length trailing on the ground; on the right is a long halberd, four feet long and three feet wide.

The four dragons are drawn by horses that are eight feet or taller. They wear a headdress made of gold, with five pheasant tails inserted, and the tassels and saddles are decorated with colorful patterns.

The emperor wore a large fur-lined robe, which was the highest-ranking dragon robe, and was worn when worshipping the gods of heaven and earth.

The crown is eight inches wide and one foot and six inches long, without tassels. The fur coat is made of black lambskin, with a black collar and a red skirt. A jade-hilted sword is carried at the waist, and a jade tablet is held in the hand, decorated with carvings of the four sacred mountains, symbolizing the stability of the four directions.

The imperial procession, in a grand and imposing manner, proceeded to the round mound in the southern suburbs, where the officials who were participating in the sacrifice had set off at midnight and were already waiting.

The altar is divided into four levels, with a height of 32 feet and 4 inches, and has twelve steps.

The top floor is five zhang wide, where the Supreme God of Heaven is worshipped, and Emperor Gaozu, the Great Sage Emperor Li Yuan, is also enshrined.

The second level is ten zhang wide, and it enshrines the five emperors of the east, west, south, north and center, as well as the sun and moon, with seven seats;

The three-tiered structure spans fifteen zhang in width, and contains fifty-five seats for officials below the five stars.

The lower level is twenty zhang wide, containing the Twenty-Eight Mansions and below, as well as one hundred and fifty-nine seats for the central officials;

One hundred and twelve seats were set up within the sacrificial wall beneath the altar.

Three hundred and sixty stars surround the altar outside the sacrificial wall, forming the image of the constellations of the heavens.

Afternoon on the day before the sacrifice, the Grand Astrologer and the Altar Gods set up the shrines according to their respective directions.

What a solemn and majestic altar!

The Mao Commentary on the Book of Poetry states: "When the primordial energy is vast and boundless, it is called the Vast Heaven; when viewed from afar, it is called the Azure Heaven."

For the sacrificial animals, the Supreme God and his consort used two blue calves; the Five Emperors and the Sun and Moon each used one calf of the corresponding color (blue, red, white, black, and yellow); and the officials below the rank of palace attendant added nine sheep and nine pigs.

God set out two large goblets, two small goblets, two sacrificial goblets, two elephant goblets, and two wine goblets, and six mountain-shaped wine vessels, with the rest reduced in rank.

Tai Zun Zhu Fan Qi, a thin wine with floating lees;

A sweet wine made by mixing the juice and dregs;

The sacrificial vessel was filled with a slightly clear, white wine;

The wine, clear and bright red, is poured into the elephant-shaped vessel;

The wine in the pot is full and clear, without any residue.

The mountain wine vessel is labeled with three types: specially brewed wine, aged wine, and clear wine.

This refers to the five types of Qi and three types of wine mentioned in the "Rites of Zhou".

The rooster crows for the first time, before dawn.

The chief priest of the suburban altars poured wine into the wine vessels, the chief priest presented jade coins, and the chief official of the imperial kitchen presented food.

The rooster crowed again, before dawn.

The Master of Ceremonies led the attendants to their positions first, then led the Imperial Censor, Doctors, Grand Sacrificers, and other officials and clerks to enter from the south of the altar at the East Gate, ascend the altar from the north to the west, and perform the sweeping ritual.

Rooster No. 3, a moment before dawn.

The attendants and the usher led the officials to their seats outside the gate, and the music master led the musicians and the two dance troupes, civil and military, into the gate in turn.

The attendant led Sikong Feng Dao in, who bowed twice, ascended the eastern steps, and began sweeping the altar.

There was still a quarter of an hour until dawn.

The emperor ascended the altar from the south steps and stood facing north.

The Grand Sacrificer presented the jade coins to the Attendant-in-Ordinary, who then presented them to the Emperor.

The emperor inserted a jade tablet into his waistband, received the jade coins, and knelt to offer sacrifices to the Supreme God of Heaven; he bowed again, then stood facing west, received the coins again, and knelt to offer sacrifices to the High Ancestor, Emperor Shenyao.

Seven attendants led the officials to kneel and offer sacrifices at the positions of the gods, and all the officials bowed twice.

According to custom, before dawn, fifteen quarters before the appointed time, the animal is slaughtered, its hair and blood are taken, and it is then cooked until thoroughly tender.

Offering sacrifices, presenting cooked food, serving delicacies, offering sacrifices, and laying out libations.

"On the first day of the first month of the year Bing Shen, your subject Li Congke dares to solemnly announce to the Supreme God of Heaven..."

The emperor knelt and read the prayer, reporting on the merits and demerits of the past year as the one who governs the people on behalf of Heaven, and praying for favorable weather, peace and prosperity in the new year.

Of all the important matters of state, sacrifice and war are the most important and sacred duties of the rulers of the empire.

After drinking the blessed wine and receiving the sacrificial meat, the emperor descended from the Altar of Heaven, went to the Altar of Firewood, and took his place at the sacrificial altar.

South of the altar of piled firewood, the sacrificial animals for the Heavenly Sacrifice were burned. The Grand Steward presented the sacrificial animal and the Grand Sacrificer presented the jade tablet and jade disc, both placed on the burning firewood. Six people on the east and six on the west sides lit the fire with torches, and the flames soared into the sky!

Through the blazing firelight and wisps of smoke, Li Congke's tall figure swayed slightly, appearing somewhat distorted and uncertain.

With the ceremony concluded, the emperor boarded his carriage and returned to the palace.

It was dawn breaking in the east, the first rays of sunlight appearing, the flames gradually dying down, and the smoke dissipating. I wonder if the Jade Emperor had received the prayers and entreaties from humankind.

Gao Xingzhou, an official from outside the capital, looked up at Feng Dao, who was still standing on the first floor, holding a broom.

The young Confucian scholar Liu Shouguang, who was known for his ruthlessness and cruelty as the Yan general who dared to speak frankly and offer advice, has now stood at the very top of the power pyramid.

What is he thinking at this moment?