The Human Emperor c1-2382

by Huangfu Qi (皇甫奇)

  Every time this aura appeared on their commander's body, a few more corpses would find their way under the ground of the Andong Protectorate headquarters.

  "Don't forget your status! You and Ashina Sugan are just two insignificant officers! Officers like you can be found all over the plains. I can promote you, let you live, but I can also destroy you and let you die! Think carefully and then speak to me."

  All was quiet. Even Cui Qianyou and Tian Qianzhen had their heads lowered, not daring to breathe too loudly or even glance up.

  'The capital is far away and Commander is very close.' In the land of Youzhou, the commander's orders were far more effective than the Sage Emperor's. In that place, he possessed absolute authority.

  "Yes, Yaluoshan was wrong! I request Commander's forgiveness!"

  After a long time, the soldiers finally heard An Yaluoshan's voice ringing through the rain.

  He had lowered his head, draping his hair over his face.

  Cui Qianyou and the others gave a long sigh of relief. They had truly been afraid that his impulses would bring him into conflict with their commander. Fortunately, An Yaluoshan had finally come to his senses.

  "Hmph, I'll treat this incident as a momentary confusion and forgive you. But next time… you know what the result will be!" Zhang Shougui coldly said.

  With these words, he turned and strode away.

  The soldiers followed behind, not daring to be slow.

  The wind blew and the rain slapped against faces. No one could see that as Zhang Shougui was leaving and An Yaluoshan slowly raised his head, his hair draped down, his eyes were not the meekness and fear everyone would have expected. They were a bloody red, dripping with resentment.

  "One day, I'll make you pay the price!"

  This voice echoed through his heart, and then An Yaluoshan swayed, stood up, and began walking forward.

  ……

  Putting aside Zhang Shougui and the Youzhou soldiers, once the battle in the courtyard concluded, the news seemed to grow wings and fly to every corner of the capital, into the hands of the leaders of the various great clans.

  The sky was dark, but not because of any thick clouds. It was already night. Yet quite a few people in the capital did not feel the slightest bit drowsy.

  Ever since Wang Chong had issued his order, countless great clans had been keeping watch on him.

  "Just what is that fellow doing?"

  Yao Guangyi read a letter under the light of a lantern, his brow creasing.

  He and Wang Chong had exchanged blows in both the light and the shadows. Although he didn't want to, Yao Guangyi had to admit that this youngest son of the Wang Clan was gradually becoming a serious problem for him.

  But even someone as intelligent as Yao Guangyi could not understand why this Wang Clan brat had done such a thing.

  Several hours had passed since he had received the news, but even after all this time, Yao Guangyi had still not been able to understand Wang Chong's actions.

  In the past, Yao Guangyi had at least been able to see through Wang Chong's intentions and pin down his goal.

  But this time, he truly was perplexed.

  Had he really gathered so many forces to kill an insignificant and negligible Turkic Hu? How could that be possible?

  Yao Guangyi didn't even remember his name.

  If the Wang Clan thought he would believe that, then it was insulting his intelligence.

  "That shouldn't be!"

  Yao Guangyi's brows leapt up as vexation plagued his mind. This inability to understand his opponent was an excruciating feeling for him.

  And there was also a deep sense of defeat.

  "Father, Wang Chong's abilities are still far from reaching that level! Could this really be the doing of the figure standing at the upper echelons of the Wang Clan? But isn't this method too straightforward, too childish? Your son has thought about this over and over and still finds it unreasonable. I ask Father for instruction."

  Yao Guangyi took in a deep breath and then suddenly turned his head. Looking toward his father quietly seated in the room, he gave a deep bow.

  His father normally resided in the Four Quarters Embassy, and he had issued an order that it was forbidden to seek him out in the Four Quarters Embassy unless the Yao Clan had a very important matter to discuss.

  And as his father aged, he appeared less and less. Yao Guangyi, using their relationship as father and son, had been able to get a few meetings, but the other members of the Yao Clan…

  In the past, they were able to meet three or four times a year, but in the last few years, even one meeting was a rarity. Even for Yao Guangyi, the Yao Old Master had clearly indicated that he should visit the Four Quarters Embassy less in the future.

  Authority was something that became less effective the more it was used, and being used less made it all the more revered.

  More mysterious things inspired more respect.

  Yao Guangyi was well aware that this was the Old Master's guiding rule in life. However, this incident was very unique, so he had still come.

  The room was quiet.

  The Yao Old Master's hands rested on a five-foot-tall rattan cane, but his body was hidden in the shadows. The shadows cast by the flickering candle light shrouded his entire face, obscuring his true appearance.

  But the flickering candle light also seemed to twinkle on the cloth robe he was wearing.

  After some time, the Yao Old Master finally spoke, his voice steeped with some mysterious flavor. "Wang Bowu is not this sort of person."

  (TN: 'Bowu' is Wang Jiuling's courtesy name.)

  The person who understood one the most was always one's enemy.

  Although he had struggled against Wang Jiuling for several decades, Yao Chong had to admit that his neighbor was truly one who united action and knowledge, the inside and outside.

  Other people might be modest, humble, frugal, and restrained to build a reputation, but Wang Jiuling really was this sort of person.

  If not for his inflexible personality, then with Wang Jiuling's achievements in assisting the current Emperor, his status as Prime Minister, and his role in opening the Great Tang's golden age, the Wang Clan would have been rolling in wealth and honor. How could his Yao Clan have been able to suppress it?

  The Wang Clan and Wang Jiuling had placed these constraints on themselves.

  But even so, this reputation had led Wang Jiuling to be loved and admired by the world. Yao Chong wouldn't be able to learn to do this even if he wanted to.

  "I understand what you want to say. However, even if the Wang Clan wants to avoid suspicion by dirtying its name itself, it wouldn't use these methods. At the very least, Wang Bowu would not use them."

  The Yao Old Master gripped his cane and closed his eyes, seemingly deep in thought.

  "Although I don't know what's going on, there's probably an eighty or ninety percent chance that the child really was behind this incident and that it has nothing to do with Wang Bowu."

  A tinge of doubt could be heard in his voice.

  There truly weren't many matters that the Yao Old Master couldn't understand, but today's incident had left both him and Yao Guangyi puzzled.

  Although he couldn't understand the crux of incident, he could still conclude that it was completely Wang Chong's idea. But he did not understand why Wang Chong had done it.

  That Hu was just a Hu. There was nothing special about him. Wang Chong had probably never met him before. But then why did Wang Chong act so crazily?

  He didn't even mind offending Zhang Shougui!

  The Yao Old Master closed his eyes and fell into deep thought.

  "For the moment, our Yao Clan will not involve itself in this matter. We should first observe before making a decision on how to respond," the Yao Old Master finally said.

  "Yes, Father."

  A hint of astonishment flashed through Yao Guangyi's eyes, but he quickly lowered his head and respectfully agreed.

  "But Father, this is such an exc
ellent chance. Are we really not taking the opportunity to beat them down?"

  "Hmph, what you want to do is your own matter. However, don't use your authority in the Bureau of Military Personnel. If you really want to do something, you have to inform the Court of Judicial Review."

  "Yes!" Yao Guangyi elatedly said.

  "In addition…"

  The Yao Old Master seemed to think of something and added, "Investigate that Hu. In the future, he might be useful…"

  "Yes!"

  Though shocked, Yao Guangyi quickly replied in the affirmative.

  Chapter 459: Bitterness!

  Chapter 459: Bitterness!

  Translated by: Hypersheep325

  Edited by: Michyrr

  Similar events were taking place in various places across the capital. This operation was basically unprecedented in the Wang Clan's decades in the capital.

  "Hahaha, wonderful! The Wang Clan is seeking its own destruction!"

  A roar of wild and crazed laughter suddenly rose from the King Qi Residence. An energetic and black-bearded middle-aged man wearing a golden imperial dragon robe stood in his room. His arms were wide open, and he was so happy that his entire body was trembling and his face had scrunched up.

  On the side, the goateed elder bowed and respectfully advised, "Your Highness has attempted to get in touch with Zhang Shougui before, but Zhang Shougui never replied. All the letters were like stones cast into the sea. But this time, we have been presented with an exceedingly rare opportunity. Zhang Shougui would not go to provoke the Wang Clan, but the Wang Clan went to make trouble for him. The great clans of the capital all saw it. Zhang Shougui won't be able to endure this. Your Highness, this is another ally!"

  "Hahaha, you've always been a good talker. Bring me my seal! Immediately invite Zhang Shougui! In addition, immediately notify the Bureau of Military Personnel, the Court of Judicial Review, and the Imperial Army. That's right, call in the Imperial Clan Court1 as well. I want that brat from the Wang Clan sitting in prison as quickly as possible. I'd like to see if anyone comes to save him this time!"

  By the end, King Qi had a sinister look in his eyes.

  King Song had always been his greatest opponent in the Imperial Court. And the Wang Clan that assisted King Song was a thorn in his side that he wanted nothing more than to tear to pieces.

  Unfortunately, his plans to deal with King Song and the Wang Clan had all failed at the last step, and his plans aimed at the Wang Clan had all been broken by Wang Chong. King Qi already felt vicious thoughts building up in his mind.

  But in this case, King Qi's own status hindered him from recklessly dealing with Wang Chong. There were many eyes and ears in the capital, and not even an Imperial Prince could do as he pleased.

  "…But this time is different. You threw yourself into the net!"

  In the gloom, King Qi's eyes glimmered with cold and harsh light.

  This night was preordained to be a restless one. In the Yao Clan, the King Qi Residence, the palaces of all the nobles, and the mansions of the great clans, everyone was speculating as to the reasons behind the Wang Clan's perplexing operation.

  The majority of the factions that could stand steady for decades in the capital were ones that had experienced great storms, seen many schemes and conflicts.

  These people were extremely familiar with the political fights in the Imperial Court and the backstabbing among the great clans. It was incredibly rare for them to encounter something that they couldn't see through.

  But even though all the events of tonight were clearly displayed before them, not a single one dared to say that they understood what had happened this evening.

  Such a thing was unprecedented!

  ……

  "Grandfather!"

  In Four Quarters Embassy, Wang Chong shouted and kneeled before his grandfather. The atmosphere in the room was solemn. Wang Chong's grandfather, the one the world hailed as Duke Jiu, sat at the center. Wang Chong's big uncle, Wang Gen, stood on his right while the husband of Wang Chong's big aunt, Li Lin, stood on the left.

  For this meeting, even Duke Ye and Elder Zhao had been asked to stand guard outside. This room contained only people from the Wang Clan.

  Everyone was looking at Wang Chong.

  Today's incident had attracted endless speculation from outsiders. But only they knew clearly that this operation had nothing to do with them.

  Everything had been decided by Wang Chong, all the result of his proposition!

  But still, in the end, not even the people of the Wang Clan understood why Wang Chong had done it.

  "Chong-er, it's no problem for you to mobilize the guards of my residence. I can even help you take care of tonight's incident, including what happened in Drunken Sparrow restaurant. After all, we're all part of the same clan. But can you tell me why all of this happened?"

  Wang Gen's hands were tucked into his sleeves and his face was grave.

  "Indeed. Chong-er, there are no outsiders here. Can you tell us now why you did what you did?" Li Lin asked.

  Only he knew how much pressure he had endured tonight, how many favors he had owed. And the matter with the Imperial Army still wasn't settled.

  He could imagine all the problems he would have to confront in the future.

  But Li Lin did not care. Although he did not know the specific reason, he had absolute trust in Wang Chong, following his orders almost without thinking.

  However, Li Lin had not expected for this matter to involve a figure on the level of Andong Protector-General Zhang Shougui.

  Everyone was waiting for Wang Chong's explanation.

  Wang Chong's lips opened as he prepared to speak, when he suddenly heard an icy and emotionless voice at his ear.

  "Warning: User is about to reveal information that shouldn't be revealed. Revealed information will majorly alter the destiny and course of the world, resulting in attack and expulsion from the strength of the world. User's strength is insufficient to defend oneself and will instantly be killed!

  "In order to protect user, all user's attempts to leak heavenly secrets will be muted. After three attempts, all Destiny Energy will be deducted and user will die!"

  At that moment, all Wang Chong's words became nothing.

  I still can't say it? Wang Chong silently said to himself. Although he had expected this result, Wang Chong still felt a terrible bitterness in his heart.

  Today's incident was bound to seem like incomprehensible madness in the eyes of many, but… was he not even allowed to tell his closest relatives?

  At this moment, Wang Chong felt an indescribable loneliness.

  In the end, he had no companions on his path. And the mission he was burdened with was one that no one else could know.

  This feeling of loneliness was too excruciating to bear. At times, Wang Chong really did want to spill out the truth, especially after the operation had failed.

  But Wang Chong knew that it was impossible.

  Even if he said it, his grandfather, big uncle, and uncle-in-law probably wouldn't be able to hear it.

  After a long period of thought, Wang Chong raised his head and bitterly asked, "Grandfather, Big Uncle, Uncle-in-law, do you believe in me?"

  "Chong-er…"

  Wang Gen had just started to speak when a thin and withered hand stretched forward and interrupted him.

  "Child, speak. No matter what you say, Grandfather will believe in you."

  Wang Jiuling sat on raised platform, looking down on Wang Chong with a gaze that seemed to be capable of seeing through everything in the world.

  His eyes were benevolent and brimming with forgiveness. Even after all those incidents, Wang Chong did not see the tiniest bit of rebuke.

  In this hall, standing before Wang Chong was not the adored and respected Duke Jiu, nor was it that important minister favored by the Sage Emperor. It was just an ordinary grandfather, an ordinary old man.

  This was a grandfather speaking to his grandson!

  At this m
oment, Wang Chong suddenly wanted to cry. Although he had said nothing about An Yaluoshan, Wang Chong had this inexplicable feeling that his grandfather already understood.

  These thoughts only lasted in his mind for a second. It took only a few moments for Wang Chong to return to normal.

  "Granddfather, Big Uncle, Uncle-in-law, I can't tell you the specific reasons for today's incident!"

  Wang Chong kneeled on the ground and his eyes started to go red.

  "But there is one thing that you must believe me on no matter what. An Yaluoshan, that Hu, must die! Otherwise, he will deal a fatal blow to the empire!"

  Buzz!

  Wang Chong's words sent a shock through the other three in the room. Wang Gen and Li Lin glanced at each other and even Wang Chong's grandfather seemed surprised.

  "Chong-er, are you joking?" Wang Gen finally asked.

  He knew that Wang Chong had to have a reason for his actions, but Wang Gen had not expected Wang Chong to claim that it involved the fate of the empire.

  It wasn't that he didn't believe his nephew, but this seemed far too unbelievable. He had already gathered a large amount of information on that Hu and discovered that he was just an average Hu under Zhang Shougui's command.

  Many of this kind of Hu could be found in Zhang Shougui's Andong Protectorate headquarters.

  The true people that had drawn Wang Gen's notice were those Four An Brothers. However, the Four An Brothers was only a recent development. The ones with the truly special statuses and backgrounds were the other three brothers.

  As for An Yaluoshan, he was a complete no-name. It had been a complete coincidence for him to run into the other three and fill out their ranks.

  Moreover, the Hu were always friendly with each other. For them to drink too much and immediately take each other as sworn brothers was a very common thing, and it was really only in name.

  The Hu didn't have a custom of taking sworn brothers. It had originally been a Han custom. With the Hu, it became a sham, so the relationship of sworn brothers naturally lost much of its significance.

  "Chong-er, Youzhou is Zhang Shougui's territory. His methods are harsh and he's never been soft when dealing with the Hu. Thus, even though the Hu and Han intermingle, there's never been anyone acting out of line. There's no way a Hu serving under him could get anywhere."