Chapter 127, Chapter Twenty: War and Peace
For decades, the north has suffered from drought and little rain, often experiencing three-year droughts with no harvest, eventually leading to cannibalism.
However, this year is quite unusual. Since the beginning of summer, there has been a lot of rain, which makes farmers overjoyed, but it also makes young noblemen and ladies unhappy and spoils their leisure time.
Sima Ye did not return to Baima Temple, but instead stayed at Jingu Garden.
Ironically, Jingu Garden was originally a villa bestowed upon Liu Jun by Sima Ye, and after Liu Jun ascended the throne, he again granted it as the Prince of Chenliu's residence. Although it was never extensively renovated and Jingu Garden suffered greatly from war, its foundation remained intact, and it was not much different from Liu Jun's original residence.
After bathing and burning incense, Sima Ye spent his days in quiet contemplation, chanting Buddhist scriptures and practicing calligraphy. One evening, Lu Jing, who was supposed to be in Jiangnan, unexpectedly knocked on his door to request an audience.
"I haven't yet congratulated the general on his military achievements in Jiangnan. He is expected to be ennobled and appointed as a general soon." Sima Ye was very polite, as they were acquaintances of thirty years.
Lu Jing respectfully replied, "His Majesty is concerned about instability in the court and has ordered me to return to the capital to assist the Third Prince."
Sima Ye seemed to sense something, but still went around in circles, "Speaking of His Majesty's closeness and trust, among all the civil and military officials, who can compare with you, General?"
"His Majesty has an important matter to entrust to you."
Sima Ye was not surprised. Instead, he laughed and said, "As a deposed emperor, I am nothing more than a commoner. I am afraid I am not up to the task and would fail the emperor's mandate."
Lu Jing presented a secret letter with both hands. Sima Ye hesitated for a moment, then glanced at it briefly and sighed, "This matter is of great importance, and I can only do my best."
"In addition, these are oranges produced in Kuaiji, quite different from the previous tributes." Lu Jing took out a small basket of golden oranges. "His Majesty repeatedly urged Your Highness not to be stingy and to enjoy them as soon as possible. The peel is fragrant and has a calming effect. You can place them by your bedside or on your desk, so that Your Highness may sleep well every day."
Sima Ye personally descended the steps, took the basket, gently stroked the golden tangerines, and said softly, "It's admirable that he still cares about such a small matter amidst the clash of swords... I understand."
Although Liu Qin has recently been overseeing state affairs like a crown prince, fulfilling his long-cherished wish, he is now overwhelmed with problems and walking on thin ice when it comes to actually doing things.
After all, Liu Yong was the eldest son of the legitimate wife, and his maternal uncle's family, Zhang, was no different from the King of Liangzhou. Many officials, whether instructed by someone or out of fear of the Empress, were outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant. Not to mention important military and national affairs, even small matters such as caring for the elderly and children were difficult to handle.
After much deliberation, he decided to first complete the task that Liu Jun had specifically instructed him to do, to find out the culprit as soon as possible and bring him to justice, which might alleviate the Empress's resentment.
Unexpectedly, even this matter faced numerous obstacles. Liu Qin was not one to accept defeat passively, and he immediately began to gather his followers to oppose him.
Thus, the struggle between the Crown Prince and the Third Prince was laid bare in the open, and even ministers who were loyal to the Crown Prince and Lady Zhang asked for leave or even resigned from their posts.
Another day passed, and Liu Qin looked at the court, which was much emptier than usual, and said calmly, "Now that everyone has arrived, let's begin the meeting."
Unexpectedly, the eunuch whispered, "The Prince of Chenliu is coming to court; his carriages and horses are already at the palace gate."
After abdicating, the deposed Emperor Sima Ye secluded himself to practice Zen meditation. However, after accompanying the emperor to Yizhou, he changed his ways, not only residing in the Golden Valley Garden but also personally attending court assemblies. It should be noted that although the two kings and three ministers of the past failed, their status remained unshaken, and they could enjoy their wealth and luxury without needing to put too much effort into these formalities.
Liu Qin was both surprised and delighted, but remained calm on the surface. "The Prince of Chenliu has a special status. I will go to welcome him in person."
Thus, the courtiers witnessed a strange sight: the abdicated Emperor Jin attended an ordinary court assembly. Although he only sat for a formality and did not attend again, many people speculated about the emperor's intentions, considering that Sima Ye and the emperor had been on good terms since childhood.
Liu Qin was no ordinary playboy after all. In just five or six days, he had stabilized the situation and investigated the assassination of Liu Yong. He was just waiting for the emperor's triumphant return to report.
The political climate in the imperial court was turbulent, and finally, someone couldn't sit still any longer.
"Your Highness," Sima Ye was studying Buddhist doctrines that evening when Bi Gong announced with a troubled expression, "a female guest has come to visit incognito."
Sima Ye frowned. "I won't see you."
Bi Gong presented a letter with both hands. Sima Ye glanced at it and his expression changed. "Please invite her to the front hall."
As soon as the distinguished guest stepped into the garden, Sima Ye was already waiting for him at the foot of the steps.
"Chenliu Wang Ye pays his respects to Your Highness."
The visitor was none other than Liu Jun's wife, Empress Zhang. She gave a slight bow in return for Sima Ye's greeting, but then looked up at the plaque above the hall, lost in thought: "Lekang Hall".
She chuckled softly, "That is precisely His Majesty's hope for you."
Sima Ye smiled and said, "Your Highness may not know this, but this name was bestowed by the former king, and it comes from the words of the Grand Master Qu Yuan: 'The five tones are in full swing, and the ruler is happy and at peace.'"
"Your Majesty has always admired Wei Wen's poetry," Empress Zhang stepped into the hall. "These two words remind me of the poem: 'Touching the heart and moving the ear, stirring the soul.' 'Let's drink osmanthus wine, and savor carp and bream.' 'Let's make a date with our beloved for a joyful and peaceful time.'"
"Time flies by in the blink of an eye. Why torment myself and make my heart grieved? Since life is so short, why dwell on the past?" Sima Ye watched as his servants served tea to Empress Zhang. "Your Majesty has already resolved to severely punish the culprits and seek justice for the Crown Prince. Why press on so relentlessly and make things irreversible?"
Empress Zhang came today to find out Liu Jun's intentions and to see the joke of this deposed emperor who had made them live like widows for more than ten years. However, she did not expect him to be so carefree and leisurely. She couldn't help but feel bitter and said sarcastically, "Your Highness is not as good as him. You can treat the hatred of the destruction of the country as a trivial matter and be with the enemy who destroyed the country as a couple."
"At least I preserved a throne, preserved most of my Sima clan in the north, and preserved the friendship I shared with him for half my life," Sima Ye said calmly.
Empress Zhang thought of her heartbroken and bedridden son and said with grief and indignation, "Yes, you love the emperor but not the country. I have already given up the emperor, so why does Heaven still want to take away my son's country?"
Sima Ye countered, "What are Your Highness's plans? Your Highness currently has three strategies. First, incite the Zhang family of Liangzhou to rise in rebellion and place the Crown Prince or his son on the throne..."
Empress Zhang was speechless for a moment after her deepest ambitions were so easily revealed. Sima Ye continued, "Just today, I received a report from the court that His Majesty's army is pressing in, and Jiankang is now an isolated city. Sima Yan is putting up a last-ditch resistance and ultimately has no choice but to surrender. With only Liangzhou and the Zhang family's army, how can they possibly contend with the entire nation, how can they possibly stand against the Emperor? Moreover, Liu Jun has been in the army since he was six years old and has rarely suffered defeats... Does Your Highness have any certainty of victory?"
"Secondly, he is outwardly compliant but inwardly defiant, forms cliques for personal gain, and plots to usurp the throne..." Sima Ye smiled slightly, "These are all things Liu Jun is used to doing. With his prestige and popular support already crippled, can the Crown Prince possibly surpass him?"
"I understand, you're talking about the three strategies, the best, the middle, and the worst," Empress Zhang murmured. "The best strategy is for me to accept my fate?"
Sima Ye gently comforted her, "Thirdly, we can win by feigning remorse. When Liu Jun is most remorseful and heartbroken for the Crown Prince, we can secure a fertile land as his fiefdom and then choose a noblewoman from his maternal family to marry the next Crown Prince. Your Highness is the Empress, and every prince must respect you as his mother. The Crown Prince will gain favor and a royal title, and Lady Zhang can maintain her wealth and status for another generation..."
Empress Zhang smiled bitterly, "What have I gained in this life?"
“I used to think so too. Even if I don’t compare myself to the refugees, I’m not doing too badly compared to the deposed emperors of past dynasties.” Sima Ye said meaningfully, “Your Majesty often compares yourself to Wei Wu and Wei Wen, Lady Ding to Cao Ang, Empress Zhen to Wei Ming, and some people even compare Your Majesty to Emperor Wu of Han. What happened to Chen Ajiao, Empress Wei Si, and Lady Gouyi? Your Highness is well-versed in poetry and history, so you must know.”
Empress Zhang slowly exhaled a breath of stale air and said softly with a smile, "Your Highness has indeed become a lay Buddhist, and your insight is far greater than before. I have taken your words to heart, and I hope you will speak well of me to His Majesty in the future."
Sima Ye nodded slightly, "I am but a humble person with little influence, and I need Your Highness's guidance."
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