Chapter 102: Hidden Secrets

Wang Zhongsi was raised in the imperial court from a young age, a playmate to the Crown Prince, regarded by the Emperor as a nephew. Before he was even forty, he held the position of military governor of the Four Garrisons.

His status made Li Linfu wary, his achievements made Li Linfu wary, and his youth made Li Linfu even more wary.

Everyone knew that Li Linfu sought to block the path of frontier generals to high office, and in reality, the one he aimed to cut off was Wang Zhongsi.

Given the Emperor’s deep trust, there was no chance otherwise. Even Huangfu Weiming, Wei Zhuang, and the Crown Princess Wei were ruthlessly dealt with under Li Linfu’s accusations, yet none of it shook Wang Zhongsi.

But who could have guessed that this trust would be broken by Wang Zhongsi himself, leading not only to his dismissal but also to mortal danger.

“That was the first time I saw the Emperor. He sat on a Hu chair, eyes vacant, seeming to look right through you yet also into the distance. When the eunuchs called me forward, I could only utter flattery. He showed no reaction until I mentioned Shibao City. At once, his gaze fixed upon me—a majesty I will never forget,” said Geshu Han.

Li Guangbi believed that Geshu Han had never before spoken of this audience. Some burdens weigh on the heart like mountains. Now, the other seemed like an old man rambling over memories. He listened quietly, no matter how startling the words.

“Shibao City? What is it? It does not hold back Tang troops, but the Emperor’s resolve! Your Grace, you were beside him then; you must know. He understood, but would not act. He wanted a surprise attack like Prince Xin’an’s, but the Tubo people stood united, never giving Tang another chance.”

“The Emperor’s wrath left a million corpses.”

“Huangfu Weiming couldn’t take it, Dong Yanguang couldn’t take it, and if I fail, what will the court do?” Geshu Han laughed, but pain flickered in his eyes. “They will send countless soldiers—led by generals even more incompetent than I—ten thousand dead, a hundred thousand dead. The Tang will remove this thorn, this thorn stuck in the Emperor’s heart!”

He laughed and slammed his fist onto the table, shattering the exquisite vessels with a heavy clatter. To Li Guangbi’s ears, it sounded like a wolf’s howl.

“Your Grace, he has no courage! No courage!” Geshu Han repeated several times before calming. “Knowing the Emperor’s will is unstoppable, knowing Huangfu Weiming and Dong Yanguang are inept, knowing that fools like me only waste soldiers’ lives, yet he did not stand up and bear it all. Is that what you call the spirit of the ancients?”

“Tens of thousands of soldiers! If he had been there, even saving a thousand lives would have meant a thousand complete families in Longyou. That, damn it, is the spirit of the ancients!”

***

Ministers do not speak of their sovereign’s faults. Right and wrong fade with the passing of those involved. Li Guangbi listened silently to the outburst, feeling the deep sorrow. After all, the two garrisons were close, and many sons of Hexi had fought in those battles. The sight of white banners as far as the eye could see was a memory none could forget.

“An old man fears nothing more than his children’s rebellion and endless strife. He can tolerate others cutting the Crown Prince’s wings but would never harm the Prince himself. For years, the Crown Prince’s benevolence and filial piety have been known by court and Emperor alike. This was done to protect the Prince.”

Geshu Han sighed. “Prince Shou’s path was ended once his mother entered the palace. Among the others, none compares to the Crown Prince.”

Li Guangbi listened in shock, even tempted to flee. When frontier generals meddle in such matters, Huangfu Weiming’s fate awaits. Legend had it Wang Zhongsi offended powerful figures for the same reason—how could his slight frame bear it?

Yet Geshu Han continued without care: “Do you know? That day, the Emperor was as heartbroken as I am today. What matters more than Crown Prince or Chancellor? Your Grace, being military governor of the Four Garrisons is no small trust. In the Emperor’s heart, you have already surpassed his own kin.”

“What pains the Emperor is his rebellion.”

Li Guangbi understood: even the Emperor perhaps never fully grasped his feelings for Wang Zhongsi. It was not simply familial affection but something beyond—a confidant like Gao Lishi. Yet the other refused his orders, feigning obedience while secretly defying him. This was a path to death.

Remember, this was a fierce Emperor who once slew three of his own children in a single day. Perhaps nothing enraged him more than disloyalty.

Still, he ultimately spared Wang Zhongsi—not from Geshu Han’s pleading but from a heart of mercy. As Geshu Han said:

The Emperor is old.

“Guangbi,” Geshu Han grasped his arm earnestly. “I tell you this to make you understand: do not commit acts of rebellion. This time, the Emperor’s resolve is firm. The five-pronged assault will be led by us of the Hexi and Longyou Garrisons. If we produce no worthy achievements, both you and I will become pawns of that Chancellor.”

“Rest assured, Lord, I am no Your Grace, but I will follow orders.”

“Why modesty? Your Grace once said, ‘The one to replace him will surely be you.’ That day is now. Taking Jiuxu is no great feat for Hexi troops. The hard part is the Tubo counterattack.”

Li Guangbi’s heart stirred. “You intend to...”

***

Geshu Han nodded. “Today’s matters will hardly escape Tubo spies. How will they interpret my actions? The Hexi army must be firmly rooted in Hehuang. Even if they come with their entire nation, if the battle turns against us, you will be my scapegoat. Guangbi, do not blame me.”

Having lived so long, Li Guangbi had never heard such blunt threats, especially from a former comrade. He believed this was no idle threat. Even if the Hexi troops were exhausted, the goal must be achieved.

Just like at Shibao City.

“Only hope that when Lord Geshu is ennobled a king, he will not forget the sons of Hexi.”

At this point, did he have any other choice?

“Ennobled king?” Geshu Han laughed heartily. “That day in audience, the Emperor showed me a decree written in the fifth year of the Tianbao era. Do you know who it was meant for?”

The first royal title in this dynasty came in the ninth year of Tianbao, and before that, the most likely candidate was none other than Wang Zhongsi. The fifth year of Tianbao was when the Emperor consulted him about Shibao City’s strategy. Geshu Han’s meaning was clear: had Wang Zhongsi agreed and succeeded, he would have been the first frontier general to be ennobled.

“I am a fool who builds my rise on the bones of my soldiers. Abusi has already rebelled. If anyone in Hexi is dissatisfied, they may rebel too. Geshu Han fears no one.”

As his laughter echoed, Li Guangbi stepped out of the tent. Regardless of the truth behind these words, the battle was inevitable. Li Sheng’s large army had already set out, destined for Jiuxu, signaling the start of this great war.

One after another, the Hexi troops marched forward, their voices raised in spirited song as they advanced toward the distant battlefield.

“The Northern Dipper shines high, Geshu carries his blade by night, still watching the herds, daring not to cross into Lintao.”