Chapter 5: Sophora Fragrans (5)

“You are now guarding the borders to defend the country. Does your mother and wife still reside in Chang’an? The Crown Prince is kind-hearted and often sends people to check on them and take care of them. But since people eat various grains, it’s inevitable they may fall ill. If they contract serious diseases because of your stubbornness and die unfortunately, I doubt that’s what General Li wants, right?”
Xue Bo gave a faint, cold smile and spoke in a low, steady voice.
How could Li Kuo know he was so shameless as to say such outrageous things? He was already trembling with anger, his fists clenched tight. He had long known the Crown Prince wouldn’t give up easily. Now, as the governor of Shule, he commanded a fairly capable army. Though not large in number, it was still better than nothing. After the cases of Huangfu Weiming and Wang Zhongsì, the Crown Prince’s influence in the military had been almost completely cut off by the emperor. As the heir to the throne, he had now been reduced to having no loyal military allies—perhaps that was why he was so eager to bring Li Kuo under his control.
But he shouldn’t have used Li Kuo’s family as bait! Although Li Kuo was easy to talk to, he still had his limits—his family! Why should Li Heng be able to make him kneel and serve him wholeheartedly just because he was the Crown Prince of the Tang Dynasty?
“General Li is a smart man; he must be able to see through the pros and cons. Prime Minister Yang Guozhong has been quite active lately. With your great contributions to this recent victory in Hezhong, the Crown Prince certainly doesn’t want your achievements erased with just one word from Prime Minister Yang. All you need to do is give an order, and I’m sure you won’t disappoint him.”
Xue Bo didn’t give Li Kuo a chance to think and continued, “A wise bird chooses its tree to perch on. As subjects, how can we be greater than even heaven? Finding a good patron will greatly benefit your future promotions. I needn’t explain further, right?”
“I already know all this,” Li Kuo said with a cold laugh. “Do I still have a choice now?”
After a brief pause, the young man added, “I didn’t expect the imperial envoy to not only carry out the emperor’s orders but also act as the Crown Prince’s messenger. On this return to the capital, Lord Xue should demand two salaries from the court—only then can he justify his efforts!”
Having achieved his goal, Xue Bo paid no attention to Li Kuo’s sarcasm. He simply said, “General Li, there’s no need for you to worry about that. As one who receives the emperor’s salary, one must share his concerns. I’m just doing what’s right. I also hope General Li will keep his promise and serve the Crown Prince wholeheartedly. As for official positions and rewards, the Crown Prince will surely do his best to secure them for you.”
“Then please thank the Crown Prince for me, Lord Xue.”

Li Kuo clasped his fists and said coldly, “General Li, there’s no need for formalities. From now on, we shall serve under the same ruler. If there’s anything you need assistance with, please don’t hesitate to ask.” Xue Bo stepped forward with a smile and said, “Since I’ve delivered what I needed to say, I won’t trouble you any longer. I’ll head back to Chang’an to report to His Majesty.” Li Kuo snorted coldly, “Shouldn’t you report to the Crown Prince instead?” Xue Bo was momentarily stunned before smiling and saying, “General Li, don’t worry. I’ll convey your words word for word to the Crown Prince. Goodbye!” With that, Xue Bo clasped his fists and left without hesitation. “Li Heng, one day I’ll make you pay double for what you did to me today!” Li Kuo swore silently as he swung his fist fiercely. … Last night, the autumn wind blew into the Han Pass, while the clouds over the border and the moon illuminated the western mountains. It urged the brave generals to chase after the arrogant invaders, ensuring not a single horse returned from the battlefield. In the late autumn of the ninth year of the Tianbao era, a large cavalry unit marched along the dirt roads compacted with yellow earth. The leader of this unit was Gao Xianzhi, the Grand Protector of Anxi. (Note 1) After the great victory at Hezhong, Gao Xianzhi personally led five hundred light cavalry to escort King Teli of the Shi State and Khan Yibaka of the Huang tribe back to Chang’an to meet with the emperor. The army moved swiftly, crossing the Wei River in less than two months and reaching the capital region. Just fifty li from Chang’an, Gao Xianzhi ordered to slow down the pace of the march. At a plain thirty li away from Chang’an, he ordered the entire army to camp and wait for an imperial decree from the emperor. After about two hours, the messenger carrying the decree arrived. The emperor seemed very pleased with Gao Xianzhi’s cautious and respectful attitude, and the decree was filled with praise. Of course, the soldiers were not interested in such formal words; they were only eager for the imperial order to enter the capital. Finally, when the patience of the Anxi soldiers reached its limit, the messenger uttered the highly favorable decree: “Gao Xianzhi, the Grand Protector of Anxi, has led five hundred light cavalry to bring the enemy leaders back to the capital, enhancing the glory of our Great Tang Dynasty. I am greatly relieved. To recognize his loyalty and righteousness, he is hereby allowed to bring all his troops into the capital.”

Once the imperial edict was announced, Gao Xianzhi immediately knelt on the ground, pressing his head against it and shouting “Long live the emperor” three times. Although the soldiers did not fully understand the emperor’s orders, seeing their commander bow down, they followed suit and knelt as well. After all, even the heavens are supreme, and having knelt as subjects for so many years, they certainly did not mind this time. Weren’t knees meant for kneeling? Moreover, they were kneeling before the emperor of the Tang Dynasty—kneeling was only natural and justified.

It was no wonder Gao Xianzhi was so excited. Normally, when a border general returned to the capital after a great victory, he would be ordered to bring only a limited number of personal guards, and more would be dismissed as they approached the capital. Those who could actually enter the capital with their commander would number no more than a hundred.

This was, of course, done for the safety of the capital and the emperor, which made sense. For someone like Gao Xianzhi to be allowed to bring all his guards into the city was truly the highest honor.

Gao Xianzhi first presented a generous gift to the messenger who delivered the edict, expressing his deepest gratitude, as if the edict had been drafted by that messenger. The eunuch, who had never delivered such an edict before and had never seen such a grand occasion, was immediately flattered by Gao Xianzhi’s praise and was easily deceived before returning to the palace to report.

After organizing his troops, Gao Xianzhi ordered them to march toward Chang’an. The soldiers from Anxi, having understood the emperor’s orders, were filled with pride. They stood straight, held their heads high, spurred their horses, and raised clouds of dust.

“The emperor is aware of the great pressure on the Anxi border, so he has specially sent brave soldiers there. As for the date of deployment, the emperor has set no limit. However, he hopes the war begins as soon as possible. Once Xiu Xun Prefecture is recovered, he will confer upon you the title of Prince of Xiping!”

Gao Xianzhi’s ears echoed with the words of the imperial envoy Xue Bo. Now that Hezhong was under control, would he, Gao Xianzhi, finally be made a prince?……

Note 1: Ji Qiu: In ancient language, Meng, Zhong, and Ji refer to the first, second, and third, respectively; sometimes Bo, Zhong, and Shu are also used. Thus, Ji means third, and Ji Qiu refers to the third month of autumn, generally corresponding to the tenth month of the lunar calendar.