Chapter 50 The Mediocre Aristocratic Scions of the Fiery Han

Deep within Zhang Shao's mansion, the charcoal fire in the warm pavilion crackled, yet it failed to dispel the heavy atmosphere weighing on everyone's brows. Unlike the cozy warmth of the Prince of Beidi's residence, the air here was as taut as a drawn bowstring, permeated by an uneasy premonition of an impending storm.

Guan Yi, broad-shouldered and powerfully built, bore facial features that faintly carried the majestic aura of his grandfather, Guan Yu. He was the first to break the silence, speaking in a deep, resonant voice: "His Highness the Prince of Qin has returned with the swiftness of thunder and lightning. The palace guards were replaced without a whisper, and Xiang Yi was stripped of his military command as effortlessly as brushing away dust. Such methods—how could they ever be achieved by an ordinary military commander?"

"And it is not merely his methods," Zhang Zun said, a hint of admiration coloring his tone. "The soldiers of the Tiance Army are all battle-hardened veterans, meticulously selected by the Prince of Qin from an army of one hundred thousand. Their military bearing is magnificent, and their discipline is ironclad, far surpassing the former Feathered Forest Guard. His Highness's prestige within the army has likely reached its absolute zenith." Having followed Liu Chen on campaign and witnessed his formidable capabilities first-hand, Zhang Zun held him in deep reverence.

As the host, the son of Zhang Fei, and the senior-most figure present, Zhang Shao stroked his short beard with a complex expression in his eyes. He sighed, "The Prince of Qin has been resolute since his youth, resembling his father yet even fiercer. Previously at court, he often clashed with the likes of Huang Hao, unlike the Crown Prince—well, unlike the forbearance shown by the Eastern Palace. Now he returns bearing the monumental merit of conquering a state, and his sharp edge is even more brilliant, fully exposed." He caught himself just in time regarding the comparison to the Crown Prince, but everyone present understood his exact meaning.

"Hmph, I have long despised that eunuch Huang Hao. His Highness did well to put him to death," Mi Wei said, his eyes flashing like lightning. He had just received word that he was about to take command of the palace imperial guards.

"Indeed, the Prince of Qin executed him splendidly! What a pity, however, that we cannot lend him our allegiance," remarked Huang Ming.

Huang Ming was a descendant of Huang Xu, the early-deceased son of Huang Zhong. Because Huang Xu died young, Huang Zhong had selected a successor from his clan to carry on Huang Xu's lineage. Unfortunately, Huang Zhong fell in battle during the expedition against Wu, leaving Huang Ming without Huang Zhong's personal guidance. Consequently, he possessed a title of nobility in name only, holding no real influence or high status at court.

Such a situation was entirely commonplace in the prosperous Han dynasty. With the loss of Jingzhou and the passing of the older generation, very few members of the founding faction and the Jingzhou faction remained active in the imperial court, save for the descendants of Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. Everyone else either held empty titles or insignificant minor posts.

If nothing unexpected occurred, as time marched on, these people would inevitably vanish into the long river of history without even leaving their names behind.

"Brother Huang, do not be impatient. I foresee that a major transformation is about to unfold in these very days," Wang Xun said slowly. As the son of Wang Ping—who was renowned for his caution and steadfastness and had thoroughly mastered Zhuge Liang's military treatises—Wang Xun had inherited that very temperament.

Jian Shu, the grandson of Jian You, possessed a family heritage that leaned more toward diplomatic strategy and statecraft. He mused, "Brother Wang is entirely correct. After returning to Chengdu, His Highness commanded Deng Chong and Zhuge Chong to successively take charge of the city's defenses and the palace gates, and then appointed Elder General Mi to lead the Feathered Forest Guard and control the inner palace. This precisely reveals His Highness's stance."

"His Highness intends to employ us!" Sun Yue, the grandson of Sun Qian, said with delight.

Zhao Tong, who had remained silent throughout, spoke up: "Our fathers all shed their blood alongside the First Emperor and the Prime Minister to establish this Latter Han. Our primary concern must be the stability of the state and the safety of His Majesty. Whether it be the Prince of Qin or the Eastern Palace, whosoever is capable of safeguarding the foundations of the Han and carrying on the legacy of our forebears—that is whom we ought to support."

Sun Yue added, "Yet, from the present outlook, His Highness the Prince of Qin possesses grand ambitions and brilliant military achievements, making him far more capable of overawing enemies both within and without. The Eastern Palace... alas." His trailing sentence expressed profound disappointment in the Crown Prince's abilities.

Zhang Shao lightly tapped his fingers against the table. After a long period of contemplation, he finally spoke: "That the Prince of Qin controls the main army has become an accomplished fact. His Majesty has uttered not a single word, and his attitude remains inscrutable. Tonight's banquet will be an opportunity to probe the imperial will, and perhaps it will allow us to make our decision."

He swept his gaze across the gathering, his tone turning serious: "Our lineages are inextricably bound to the state. On the eve of such a monumental upheaval, a single misstep will plunge us into irrevocable ruin. Our primary course of action at present is to be extremely circumspect in our words and deeds, to restrain our clansmen and retainers, and to refrain from any rash movements. Secondly, we must closely monitor the developments within the palace. Once tonight has passed and the situation clarifies, we shall then make our final determination."

Guan Yi nodded heavily. "Uncle Zhang's words are entirely wise. We are all ministers of Han, and our ultimate loyalty is to the realm of Han. No matter what the ultimate situation may prove to be, whoever is capable of pacifying the state and strengthening the country shall be the master to whom we pledge our allegiance. As for personal likes and dislikes, we must set them aside for now."

The others nodded in agreement.

In truth, everyone knew full well that personal likes and dislikes had little to do with it; the only one capable of pacifying the prosperous Han was the Prince of Qin, Liu Chen. Had it not been for him, Chengdu would likely have fallen to Deng Ai, and they themselves, if spared death, would have been reduced to captives.

Over at the Prince of Qin's mansion, Liu Chen had just finished bathing when a personal guard reported that Xi Zheng was seeking an audience.

Liu Chen felt a slight flicker of surprise, then ordered him to be brought in. Although Xi Zheng did not hold a high official rank, he was renowned for his profound erudition and upright character. Furthermore, having served in the palace for a long time, he possessed a meticulous understanding of court politics and personnel, making him a trusted confidant of Liu Chan.

"Your subject Xi Zheng pays his respects to His Highness the Prince of Qin," Xi Zheng saluted with meticulous precision.

"Secretary of the Secretariat, dispense with the formalities. To seek me out at an hour like this, you must have urgent business. Sit," Liu Chen said, raising a hand in gesture. His tone was even, yet it carried an inherent, unquestionable authority.

After expressing his thanks for the seat, Xi Zheng did not indulge in preliminary pleasantries, cutting straight to the point: "His Highness has just returned to Chengdu and used thunderous methods to stabilize the situation, a feat for which this subject holds the utmost admiration. However, Chengdu is vastly different from the military camps; it is a labyrinth of complexities. If Your Highness wishes to accomplish great things, military power alone is not enough; you will also require the support of the court ministers. This subject has heard that Your Highness has commanded Mi Wei to take charge of the palace imperial guards. Could it be that you intend to employ the nobility of the court?"

The court nobility Xi Zheng referred to were precisely figures like Zhang Shao and his associates.

Liu Chen nodded slightly, making no attempt to conceal his intentions. "Indeed. They are all the descendants of renowned ministers, sharing a destiny with the state. At a time when men are sorely needed, I wish to observe their talents, and perhaps I may enlist them as my arms and wings. You have long served within the palace and are well-acquainted with the ministers; what are your views on this group?"

His gaze burned brightly, filled with anticipation for Xi Zheng's assessment. In his mind, even if these descendants of meritorious officials fell short of their fathers and grandfathers in capability, they ought to possess some measure of family heritage and patriotic spirit, forming a foundational force he could utilize.

Upon hearing this, Xi Zheng pondered for a moment. There was no trace of flattery on his face; instead, it revealed a flicker of undisguised regret and candor. Knowing Liu Chen's temperament—that he detested empty prevarication—Xi Zheng resolved to speak his mind without reservation.

"Since Your Highness inquires, this subject dares not hold anything back. If we are to speak of my assessment..." Xi Zheng gently shook his head, his tone heavy. "Pardon my bluntness, Your Highness: Zhang Shao, Guan Yi, Mi Wei, Wang Xun, Jian Shu, Zhao Tong, Huang Ming, Sun Yue, and others—though they inherit the lingering glory of their forebears and enjoy high titles and generous stipends, the vast majority possess only mediocre talents. I fear they can no longer match the valor of their ancestors, and they are entirely lacking in the grand strategic vision required to govern a state."

Liu Chen's brows furrowed in an almost imperceptible frown. "Oh? Elaborate."

"Zhang Shao, as the descendant of General Zhang, holds high seniority, yet his temperament is somewhat irresolute. He may suffice for maintaining the status quo, but he is utterly incapable of blazing new trails. Over the years, he has made no prominent achievements at court, distinguishing himself solely through caution and prudence."

"Guan Yi possesses the bearing of General Guan, but lacks his strategic genius and daring. He may have a degree of martial prowess, but it amounts to little more than the reckless bravery of a common soldier; he is unequal to great responsibilities."

"Mi Wei has an excess of stern uprightness and a deficiency in strategic planning, coupled with advanced age. He might do for palace guard duties, but consulting on military and state affairs is not his forte."

"Wang Xun indeed possesses a measure of his father General Wang Ping's steadfastness, but it goes no further than 'holding the line.' Furthermore, he lacks seasoned experience and has never demonstrated any brilliant, unconventional strategies."

"As for Jian Shu, the rhetorical brilliance and diplomatic mastery possessed by his ancestor, Master Jian You, are nowhere to be seen in him. He may possess a degree of petty cleverness, but he cannot shoulder heavy responsibilities."

"General Zhao Tong is upright in character and loyal to the state, but... he is all the more mediocre, falling far short of his forebears by a factor of ten thousand."

"As for Huang Ming, Sun Yue, and the rest, they merely hold empty titles and designations with virtually no real talent. They are as good as invisible at court."

He enumerated each one like a clerk checking off inventory, and then summarized: "All of these men were born in times of chaos and grew up amidst wealth and luxury. The arduous pioneering, the bloody battlefields, and the grand strategizing of their fathers were things they never had the opportunity to learn seriously. Consequently, whether they are content to enjoy their present honors or wish to advance with no door open to them, they have long since lost their sharp edge and cutting spirit, let alone any genuine tempering through hardship. If we are to speak of their value..."

Xi Zheng paused for a moment, shook his head, and looked at Liu Chen, his tone turning utterly definitive: "The only thing worthy of mention, and perhaps the only thing that can be guaranteed, is their loyalty to the House of Han."

"They are deeply aware that their own destinies are bound to the fortunes of the state—when the state prospers, they share the glory; when the state falls, they share the ruin. If Your Highness wishes to employ them, you may bestow upon them idle offices and nominal positions to demonstrate imperial grace and unite the hearts of the people. But if you harbor hopes that they, like the talented officers in Your Highness's army, can charge into battle, devise brilliant strategies, and set the universe right, you will be bitterly disappointed. They are no longer the sturdy pillars of the state; they are merely the decorative trimmings of former glories."

His words, calm yet brutally honest, thoroughly shattered the last lingering illusions Liu Chen had harbored regarding this batch of "aristocratic second-generation heirs."