Chapter 28, Chapter Twelve: The Overturning of Heaven and Earth
However, three days later, the three scouts sent out to investigate returned one after another.
Sima Ye represented the imperial clan, Xun Fan and Xun Zu represented the court, Liu Jun represented Liu Kun of Bingzhou, and Liu Dan represented Liu Qiao of Yuzhou. All of them sat solemnly in the hall.
“Wang Mi and Huyan Yan entered the Southern Palace through Xuanyang Gate. His Majesty originally intended to escape to Chang'an through Hualin Garden Gate, but was captured by the Hu people and is now imprisoned at Duan Gate. Liu Yao, the Prince of Shian…” The scout glanced cautiously at Sima Ye, “He has committed all sorts of evil deeds. He burned down all the palaces and government offices, dug up all the imperial tombs, and looted all the burial jewels… He also forced and humiliated the concubines and took Empress Yang, the wife of Emperor Hui, into his palace.”
Sima Ye's lips trembled. "What about the other members of the imperial clan and ministers? Is there any news?"
The scout's voice was barely audible: "Liu Yao is cruel and ruthless; he has killed many members of the imperial family, princes, and ministers..."
"For example?" Sima Ye's eyes widened, clearly sensing something ominous.
"Among those who perished this time were the Crown Prince, the Prince of Jingling, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel He Yu, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel Cao Fu, the Minister of Personnel Lüqiu Chong, Yuan Can, Wang Kun, the Governor of Henan Liu Mo, and others... The death toll is no less than ten thousand..." The scout steeled his heart, closed his eyes, and gritted his teeth, saying, "The Prince of Wu was also killed. Please, Your Highness, take heed of your grief!"
In Liu Jun's original imagination, Sima Ye should have cried out in pain, then fallen backward and fainted. Then, the imperial physicians would be summoned, and they would frantically pinch his philtrum until he finally awoke, weeping bitterly. Following this, he would have to fast and chant Buddhist scriptures for months, becoming emaciated and barely recognizable as a human being, only then could he be considered a truly filial and virtuous gentleman.
In order to demonstrate filial piety, the way the Holy Dynasty celebrated the death of a loved one was nothing more than this.
Perhaps Liu Jun, having experienced life and death, was cold-hearted by nature and always found it pretentious. However, he never expected that Sima Ye, at such a young age, would be so self-possessed. Upon hearing this terrible news, although his face turned pale and his eyes were red, he quickly began to wail.
But Liu Jun noticed that his eyes were clear, his fingers did not tremble at all, and his words when he cried were quite organized, showing his grief to the fullest extent.
Seeing him burst into tears, everyone naturally followed suit, and for a moment, the sound of sobbing and choking filled the hall, almost giving Liu Jun a headache. Finally, he couldn't help but ask, "Your Majesty is in distress. In your opinion, what should be done?"
Xun Fan had been planning this for the past few days, so when he heard Xun Fan ask the question, he replied, "The most urgent task is to send out proclamations to all directions to discuss important matters together."
They have contacted Liu Kun, the governor of Bingzhou, and Liu Qiao, the governor of Yuzhou, but due to the long distance, they have not yet received a reply.
"Where is Wang Jun, the governor of Youzhou?" Sima Ye asked abruptly.
The others were all taken aback, seemingly not expecting him to mention Wang Jun at this moment. Liu Dan flattered them with a smile, saying, "In terms of military prowess, few can rival the Youzhou cavalry."
“Even if the Xiongnu or Jiehu encountered the Xianbei cavalry of Youzhou, they would probably have no choice but to surrender.” Xun Fan nodded and smiled. “Your Highness is thoughtful and has the style of Emperor Wu.”
Compared to them, Liu Jun seemed somewhat distracted. Ever since Liu Kun borrowed troops from Wang Jun to defeat Liu Qiao, he seemed to have tasted the sweetness of the Xianbei soldiers, and even sent Liu Zun to the Tuoba Xianbei as a hostage. Now, whether it is the Murong tribe, the Tuoba tribe, or the Duan tribe, the Xianbei seem to be loyal to the Jin court. But seeing the Xiongnu and Jiehu growing stronger, are they really willing to be subservient to others?
Throughout history, no one has ever gone far or sat securely by relying on outsiders.
"Maotou," Wen Qiao had sat down beside him without him noticing, and said in a low voice, "Do you have any influence in Bingzhou now?"
Liu Jun smiled modestly, "I am but a young boy, how can I participate in important military and political affairs? The affairs of Bingzhou are to be decided by the court and the governor. I spend my days farming and studying, and only occasionally follow my father to the government office to do my bit."
Wen Qiao knew about Liu Kun's military farms in Bingzhou. When he heard Liu Kun mention farming and studying, and the military headquarters, he naturally knew that these were just humble words. He felt somewhat relieved and said, "Let's talk in private."
So, the two brothers left the others behind and quietly went to a secluded spot outside the tent. Wen Qiao carefully spoke, "The world cannot be without a ruler for a day. You and I both know that the King of Qin has a great chance of winning, so I will be frank. Uncle, would you be interested in the merit of supporting the new king?"
If Liu Kun had remained in Bingzhou, it would have been fine. But now that Liu Jun has made real contributions in Ningping City and Yuanguan, he naturally has more confidence than other regional officials.
Liu Jun was overjoyed, but remained outwardly calm. "The Xun brothers are his maternal uncles and also the Minister of Works of the Jin court. I'm afraid we can't overstep our bounds."
Wen Qiao chuckled, covering his mouth with his sleeve. "Brother-in-law, you may not know this, but His Highness the Prince of Qin is determined to return to Guanzhong. He has already recruited Guo Mo to govern Guanzhong for many years. However, the Xun brothers are from Hedong and naturally want to stay there. Moreover, as far as I know, some of Xun Zu's relatives are already preparing to cross the river south. Do you think they will sincerely follow His Highness? Do you believe that once they find the situation critical and there is no benefit to be gained from the court, they will immediately abandon His Highness. What will they care about loyalty to the emperor, serving the country, or the bond between uncle and nephew?"
“But what they are worried about is indeed true. Didn’t my brother-in-law ever think about moving the whole clan south?” Liu Jun asked rhetorically.
Wen Qiao sighed, "If one were not driven to desperation, who would willingly leave their homeland?"
Liu Jun nodded, “My lord has been in charge of Bingzhou for more than five years and has gained considerable experience. What you are doing now is nothing more than ‘sowing discord among the barbarians,’ ‘pacifying the Rong and Di tribes,’ and ‘establishing military farms to ensure the people’s safety.’ You have been less concerned about the affairs of the court. This time, by chance, I have met His Highness Prince Qin and will do my best to assist him. As for my lord’s sincere loyalty to the Great Jin, I will write a letter to explain the situation and he will not object.”
Wen Qiao's face lit up with joy, and he bowed, saying, "Please give me your advice, brother-in-law."
"In the Battle of Ningping, the imperial court's main force was almost completely wiped out. The most urgent task is not actually to support which member of the imperial family to ascend the throne, but how to survive the encirclement and suppression by the Xiongnu and Han states, and then enrich the country, strengthen the army, and recover the lost territories." Liu Jun frowned. "Do the Minister of Works and the others have a plan for this?"
"You gentlemen, it's fine for you to sit and discuss some profound and mysterious principles, but if you ask them to do even the slightest practical thing, you've lost your detached demeanor and fallen into a lowly position," Wen Qiao said sarcastically. "I also enjoy philosophical discussions in normal times, but at this critical juncture, you're still hesitating and making excuses, saying you don't care about worldly affairs. That would be a disservice to the country."
“Tai Zhen is absolutely right.” Sima Ye lifted the tent flap and stepped out. He was not yet old enough to tie his hair up, but his black hair already reached his knees. Given time, it would surely reach the ground.
The last person to exhibit this unusual phenomenon was his grandfather, Sima Yan, and before that, Cao Mao's uncle, Cao Rui.
Sima Ye said something that interrupted Liu Jun's reverie, "Your Highness?"
Liu Jun said awkwardly, "When I saw Your Highness just now, you had the air of Emperor Wu. I was momentarily lost in thought. Please forgive me, Your Highness."
Sima Ye listened to the flattery without being pleased or angry. He simply ran his fingers through a few strands of hair and said, "Your Highness flatters me. If I could resemble Liu Shan even a little, I could have kept the world at peace for decades."
Then, he looked at Liu Jun seriously and said, "I just advised the Minister of Works that the court intends to bestow upon him the title of Grand General of Yue Shi, Commander-in-Chief of the Military Affairs of Bingzhou, and grant him the title of Attendant Gentleman of the Palace and the authority to act on behalf of the emperor. What does the Crown Prince think?"
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