Chapter Thirty-Four: Crisis at the Frontier Town

Early the next morning, Eunuch Lin from the emperor’s side arrived to summon Zhongli Yu into the palace. His expression was grave. It seemed news of the Western Yuan Crown Prince’s assassination attempt in Eastern Ling had already reached Western Yuan, even faster than they had anticipated.

Zhan Yan rose, took a simple breakfast, and went to the study, where she read the secret letter. The situation was more severe than expected: the King of Western Yuan had ordered the Second Prince, Yang Qi, to mobilize three hundred thousand troops, stationed at the border between Eastern Ling and Western Yuan, ready to attack at a moment’s notice.

Last night, the frontier general sent an urgent message over eight hundred li. The emperor had likely received word then, which explained the early summons for Zhongli Yu.

When Zhongli Yu arrived at the imperial study, it was not yet time for the morning court, but several people were already there: Crown Prince Zhong Yifei, Second Prince Zhong Yilan, and Fifth Prince Zhong Yijin.

“Last night, the border sent an urgent message: the King of Western Yuan has already sent the Second Prince to lead troops at the border of Eastern Ling and Western Yuan. It seems war is inevitable,” the King of Eastern Ling spoke in a heavy tone—not out of fear for Western Yuan, but out of pain for his beloved land, soon to be ravaged by war.

“What are your plans, Your Majesty?” Zhongli Yu asked, his expression solemn.

“If war cannot be avoided, then we must prepare early and send reinforcements to the frontier,” the King of Eastern Ling replied helplessly.

“Have you thought of a suitable commander?”

“I’ve been pondering who should be sent to fight this battle, which is why I called you all here—to hear your opinions,” the king’s eyes swept over his sons and Zhongli Yu.

“Perhaps we should send the King of Zhen Nan. After all, ten years ago, he was a famed general, known as the God of War. Surely, his skills have not dulled,” Crown Prince Zhong Yifei suggested carefully.

The King of Eastern Ling fell silent, clearly considering the matter. Indeed, a decade ago, when the King of Zhen Nan was still young, he was called Eastern Ling’s foremost God of War. Yet, years of peace had caused people to nearly forget him.

“Let us send the King of Zhen Nan. It’s said he has continued to study military strategy throughout these years. Let us hope he does not disappoint me,” the king spoke resolutely.

The princes nodded; Zhongli Yu did not object. Thus, the decision was made.

“Later, at the morning court, let us consult the ministers for further suggestions,” the king glanced at the sky—morning court was near.

“You shall join us as well, Yu. I have indulged your idleness long enough, but now the situation has changed. Listen to the ministers’ opinions and see if Eastern Ling still has any talents to call upon,” the king looked at Zhongli Yu with affection. Only he knew how reluctant he was to use Zhongli Yu, for Yu was the Zhong family’s last hidden card.

“I understand what’s at stake. I will go,” Zhongli Yu nodded.

The princes exchanged puzzled glances. It struck them as odd: they were the king’s children, yet the king’s gaze seemed closest to Zhongli Yu.

When the King of Eastern Ling entered the Golden Hall, the ministers were already waiting. Clearly, news of the border’s crisis had reached them, for their faces were noticeably grave.

“Long live the Emperor!” After the king took his seat, all knelt in salute.

“Rise, my loyal ministers,” Zhongli Yu’s steady voice rang out. Once all were standing, he continued, “Last night, word arrived from the frontier: Yang Qi, Second Prince of Western Yuan, has brought three hundred thousand troops to the border. War is unavoidable. I am considering who should lead reinforcements to the frontier. What suggestions do you have?”

“Your Majesty, I volunteer to lead the troops!” A military officer stepped forward, loudly recommending himself.

“Your Majesty, I am willing as well!” Other officers followed, each eager to serve the country.

“Good, I am pleased to see such patriotism among you,” the king responded warmly.

“Your Majesty, I am ready to lead soldiers into battle, and will accept death without regret,” declared the King of Zhen Nan.

Everyone glanced at him, as if suddenly recalling that this middle-aged man at the heart of the hall was, sixteen years ago, Eastern Ling’s pride—the one who defeated Western Yuan, forced a peace treaty, and brought a decade of tranquility. Yet, those peaceful years had nearly erased his achievements from memory. Now, in this moment, the aura of the God of War returned to him, and he was revered once more.

“Your Majesty, the King of Zhen Nan is our God of War. Send him into battle, and he will surely be victorious,” the ministers agreed unanimously, their voices full of excitement.

“Very well, I hereby command the King of Zhen Nan to mobilize two hundred thousand troops and reinforce the frontier,” the king announced, gratified that all shared his view.

From there, the focus shifted to the matter of the Western Yuan Crown Prince. Some advocated imprisoning him in Eastern Ling to threaten the King of Western Yuan.

Others argued that the prince was no longer useful and should simply be killed for vengeance. Some, more discerning, believed his safety should be ensured, giving him the chance to halt the war.

“Duke of the State, you are too naïve. He is the Crown Prince of Western Yuan; their invasion was long planned. Do you truly expect him to stop this war?” Marquis of Loyal Valor could not help but speak, finding the suggestion laughable.

“You misunderstand, Marquis. The Crown Prince is deeply beloved by the people of Western Yuan and does not favor war. If he returns, perhaps there could be a turning point,” the Duke replied calmly, putting the greater good above personal feelings. The King of Eastern Ling nodded quietly in approval.

“If we let him return, what if it’s like releasing a tiger back to the mountains? What then?” some objected, unwilling to risk it.

The debate raged on, with no conclusion. Zhongli Yu listened in silence, not rushing to offer his opinion.

“What does Prince Chun think?” the King of Eastern Ling finally asked, unable to contain himself.

“Your Majesty, I agree with the Duke. I trust the Crown Prince’s character, but now is not the time for him to return. The King of Western Yuan will not accept him, and even if he hurried back, he could not stop the war. It is better to let him remain in the palace for now and decide later,” Zhongli Yu replied in a deep voice.

“Excellent. Let it be so—no further discussion is needed,” the king declared loudly.

No one dared to object, and so the morning court was dismissed.