Farmers of Shu Han

Chapter 1483 On the verge of breaking out

In December of the fourteenth year of Yanxi, it was the coldest time of the year.

Xiling, the Governor's Office.

"Sun Jun!"

This roar sounded just like a wounded wild beast howling in Zhuge Ke's study.

The guards standing outside exchanged bewildered glances.

They had followed the general for many years, and during the great victory at Dongxing, they saw him calm and composed, and when he was demoted to Xiling, they saw him silent and forbearing. But they had never seen him lose his temper and become so furious.

"You scoundrel! You beast!"

Zhuge Ke overturned the table in front of him, then suddenly drew his sword and slashed at it fiercely.

Wood chips flew everywhere.

The clanging sound was like the clash of metal weapons.

He slashed more than ten times before he could catch his breath, leaning on his knife, his chest heaving violently.

"Our conflict in the imperial court is a contest over strategies for governing the country! I admit defeat, I yield, and I'm sent to govern the frontier—isn't that enough?!"

He whirled around, his eyes bloodshot, raised his sword and pointed it towards Jianye, roaring:
"You brought me down, stripped me of my prime ministership, and stripped me of my military power—I accept it! The victor is king, the loser is villain—that has always been the way of things! But you…you actually laid a hand on Consort Zhang?!"

The voice suddenly rose in pitch, a furious roar:
"She merely sent someone to inquire after my uncle... Since when have the laws of our Great Wu become so strict that even in-laws are not allowed to inquire?!"

No one answered.

No one answered Zhuge Ke's question, and he seemed to have no need for anyone to respond.

The pent-up anger that had been building up in his chest for months, the grievance he had swallowed in the name of "the bigger picture," was now completely ignited by Zhang Fei's death, transforming into a raging inferno:

"I originally thought... I originally thought that although you, Sun Jun, are petty and easily pleased, you are ultimately a minister who assists the emperor and is related to the imperial clan."

He gave a bitter laugh, a laugh filled with self-mockery and indignation:

"The new emperor of Great Wu is young, and Great Wu is threatened by the puppet state of Wei, and even more so by the powerful state of Han... I think that even if I have personal grudges, I should prioritize the affairs of the state."

“If I take a step back and you take a step forward, this matter should be put to rest.”

“But now it seems…” He angrily threw the sword to the ground:
"What exactly do you intend to do? Is it... to take someone's life?"

The study was deathly silent.

The death of Consort Zhang served as a warning.

It made Zhuge Ke suddenly realize that if Sun Jun dared to force even the late emperor's daughter-in-law, a woman who was no longer a threat, to her death.

What would he think of his former enemy, who once held immense power in the court and still commands the military in Xiling?
Not to mention, it was because her niece sent someone to inquire about her that she was killed.

Thinking back to these past few days, there have been quite a few unfamiliar faces around the mansion.

Zhuge Ke felt a chill run from the soles of his feet straight to the top of his head.

Close your eyes and take a deep breath.

When he opened his eyes again, the anger in them had transformed into the resolute determination of a cornered beast on the verge of death.

"Fine! Fine! If you're ruthless, don't blame me for being unjust!"

He slowly walked back to the messy desk, picked up the scroll of secret reports, tore it to pieces, and threw it into the charcoal brazier.

Flames erupted with a "boom," completely engulfing the words that read the tragic news.

The firelight danced in Zhuge Ke's eyes, and he could be heard muttering to himself, as if making a decision:
"Since you want me to die... how can I sit and wait to die?"

"Somebody come!"

The guard entered in response: "General?"

Zhuge Ke's voice was deep yet clear:
"Immediately send a fast horse to Gong'an to deliver a message to my brother Zhuge Rong, instructing him to send all his troops to me."

"Order all camps in Xiling to enter a state of combat readiness immediately. Without my personal order, not a single soldier shall move."

"Tomorrow at 9:00 AM, summon all officers of the rank of military commander and above to the government office for a military meeting. They may wear ordinary clothes; there is no need for them to wear armor."

In his early years, Zhuge Ke was ennobled for his meritorious service in pacifying the Shanyue tribes.

At the same time, they also incorporated the young and strong men of the Yue tribes, thus forming their own retinue.

Therefore, after Zhuge Jin's death, Zhuge Ke's younger brother, Zhuge Rong, inherited Zhuge Jin's title of Marquis of Wanling and his troops, and served as the Inspector of Gong'an, stationed in Gong'an.

Last year, during the Qiao County Incident, Zhuge Rong mishandled the situation in Shouchun.

Fortunately, he had his elder brother, the Prime Minister Zhuge Ke, who allowed him to slink back to Gong'an and continue serving as the Gong'an Inspector.

After hearing Zhuge Ke's instructions, everyone went down to relay the orders.

One of the veteran guards who had followed Zhuge Ke for many years hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and lowered his voice, saying:
"General, the Second Young Master and the Third Young Master are both in Jianye, should we..."

The meaning was clear even before the words were fully spoken.

Zhuge Ke's body stiffened slightly.

He slowly turned around, looking in the direction of Jianye, his voice low:
"It's alright, I will write a letter and go to Jianye."

His gaze fell on the battered and bruised table. He paused for a moment, then ordered, "Have someone bring a new one."

The servants quickly came over and cleaned the study.

Zhuge Ke dismissed everyone, took out a scroll of official documents from the Ministry of Personnel from a camphor wood cabinet in the inner room, sat down behind the desk, and began to grind ink.

After grinding the ink, Zhuge Ke picked up his brush, held the tip of the brush on the silk, concentrated for a moment, and then began to write.

The handwriting is neat and respectful, each stroke penetrating the silk, yet without the slightest carelessness.

Your subject, Ke, bows deeply and respectfully reports to Your Majesty:

"Since the late Emperor selected me and entrusted me with important responsibilities, I have been constantly worried and fearful that I might fail in my duty. Last year, I was sent to guard Xiling, hoping to do my utmost to strengthen the border defenses and repay Your Majesty's special favor."

"However, as I grow older, I am plagued by old ailments. In recent years, Jiangling has been damp and cold, and my rheumatism has recurred frequently. I cannot lift my arm or walk. The doctor said that this is a serious illness and that I must rest and recuperate."

As he wrote this, his brush paused slightly, the stroke suddenly becoming weak and unsteady, leaving a flawed mark on the silk, like a silent sigh.

He steadied himself and continued writing:
“Xiling is a crucial stronghold for river defense. I am already ill and unable to continue, and I fear that this will hinder important military and national affairs. I humbly beg Your Majesty to have mercy and allow me to resign from my post as Commander-in-Chief and return to the capital to recuperate.”

"If I am spared, I would like to spend the rest of my life serving Your Majesty. Even if it means doing chores like sweeping and cleaning, it would be my honor."

"Tears stream down my face as I write this, and I am at a loss for words. Your subject, Ke, is filled with trepidation and humility. I bow my head and pay my respects twice."

He stamped his seal heavily at the end.

He gently blew the ink dry before slowly rolling up the silk scroll and tying it securely with a yellow silk ribbon.

“First level,” he muttered to himself, placing the memorial on the left side of the table.

Then, he took a plain piece of silk and picked up his brush to write again.

This time the handwriting is slightly more casual, with a touch more fluidity reminiscent of running script:

To my elder brother Chengsi (Teng Yin's courtesy name): It has been many years since we last met, and I miss you dearly.

"I have been guarding the western frontier and originally intended to make some achievements, but alas, I am frail and weak and fear I will fail the court. I hereby submit a memorial requesting to retire and return to Jianye to recuperate."

"Brother, you hold a high reputation in the court. If the opportunity arises, I hope you will intercede on my behalf before His Majesty and ask for consideration for this old minister's declining health. Your brother, Ke, bows again."

He did not affix his seal to the letter; he simply folded it and placed it in an ordinary wooden box.

"The second layer." Placed on the table.

Finally, he took the smallest notepad, pondered for a long time, and then wrote down what seemed like ordinary, everyday words:
"To my sons Song and Jian: Your father is in Xiling and all is well. I am only concerned about your studies. Jianye is cold in winter, please wear more clothes and eat more."

"In the old family garden, there are several wintersweet trees, planted by your grandfather. If they bloom this year, they can be transplanted into pots and placed indoors, but not allowed to freeze."

"Your father's return is uncertain. You should all study diligently and not concern yourselves with worldly affairs. Your father."

He folded the note into a square shape and put it into a finely crafted small rosewood box.

This small wooden box was a gift from Consort Zhang to her eldest son, Zhuge Chuo, as a coming-of-age present.

Zhuge Chuo was poisoned by Zhuge Ke after being involved in the factional strife in Nanlu. This item was then kept in Zhuge Ke's cabinet.

"The third layer." Placed on the right side of the table.

Three documents, lined up in a row.

Zhuge Ke sat there, looking at the three documents on the table, his gaze sweeping over them for a long time.

His expression shifted uncertainly.

Finally, he spoke up and said, "Someone, go and summon Zhuge Fu."

A moment later, a guard entered.

It was the old guard who had reminded him earlier.

Zhuge Ke pointed to the three items on the table and said, "You will set off tomorrow to Jianye to deliver the memorial to the emperor."

"Here."

“Listen,” Zhuge Ke said in a low voice, “I have three things to do on this trip: First, I will submit the memorial to the Imperial Secretariat and wait for approval according to the rules. There is no need to say more.”

“Second,” he pushed the wooden box over, “find an opportunity to visit the residence of Grand Master of Ceremonies Teng Yin privately and deliver this letter to him personally.”

"If he asks me, just say, 'The general is seriously ill and wants to return home to recuperate,' and say nothing else."

“Three,” he said, picking up the small wooden box:
“Go to the residence of the two young masters, give this box to the second young master (Zhuge Song), and say... ‘This is my elder sister’s keepsake. Keep it safe and do not show it to anyone.’”

Zhuge Fu accepted the documents with both hands and wrote them down one by one.

“After you entered Jianye,” Zhuge Ke stared at him:
“Pay attention to three things: whether the city gate guards are checking you more strictly than usual; whether the people from the Office of the Director of the Imperial Secretariat are following you; and whether Teng Yin sees you immediately after receiving the letter, or makes excuses to avoid seeing you.”

"I've got it."

"Go. Tomorrow morning, set off by official boat, travel by waterway, and do not conceal your whereabouts along the way; do so openly and honestly."

"promise."

After Zhuge Fu left, the study returned to silence.

Zhuge Ke sat back down at his desk and muttered to himself:

“Sun Jun, Sun Jun… let me see whether you want me to return home due to illness, or whether you want me to stay and fight to the death.”

“Teng Chengsi, Teng Chengsi… let me see how much friendship we have left after so many years together.”
-
In the fifteenth year of Yanxi, the second year of Jianxing of Wu, on the first day of the first month, in Jianye...

Before the dawn of the new year had completely dispelled the darkness, the faint sound of burning bamboo could be heard in Jianye City.

Inside and outside the palace, the spicy aroma of pepper and cypress wine mingled with the refreshing scent of the Five Spicy Dishes in the cold wind. Today should have been an auspicious day for bidding farewell to the old and establishing the new, a day for the emperor and his ministers to celebrate together.

But inside the side hall of Zhaoyang Palace, all was quiet.

Princess Quan wore an embroidered robe for the New Year's Day court assembly, a golden crown with swaying hair ornaments, and her makeup was exquisite and flawless.

She leaned back on the velvet-covered couch, toying with a jade-handled whisk in her hand, a hint of impatience on her face.

Her gaze kept glancing towards the door, as if she were waiting for someone to arrive.

Suddenly, the palace door was pushed open, and Sun Jun stepped in, shrouded in a chill.

In his hand, he tightly gripped a scroll of secret reports sealed with sealing wax; the wax seal had been crushed.

Seeing Sun Jun's appearance, Princess Quan felt a chill and realized that something might really have happened, so she immediately straightened her posture.

"Aunt, urgent news from Xiling."

Princess Quan raised her eyes, flicked her whisk, and all the palace maids standing there bowed their heads and withdrew, the palace doors closing again.

"An urgent report arrived from Xiling on the auspicious day of New Year's Day?"

How short-sighted was Zhuge Ke to cause trouble at this time?
Sure enough, Sun Jun presented the secret report with both hands: "Zhuge Ke... has made his move."

Princess Quan immediately began to prepare a secret report.

When she saw the words "four military commanders were killed in public, and all his trusted men were replaced" and "a secret order was given to Zhuge Rong to send all the troops of the Public Security Department westward," her fingers holding the silk scroll suddenly tightened.

Inside the hall, the atmosphere froze instantly.

Outside the palace, the faint sounds of the palace music rehearsing "The Deer's Cry" could be heard, the melodious sounds of string and wind instruments filling the air.

"What a Zhuge Yuanxun..." Princess Quan said through gritted teeth, her eyes flashing coldly. "Choosing to make a move on the eve of New Year's Day, who are they trying to annoy!"

"Did he calculate correctly? With the backlog of official documents due to the recent court visits, the transmission of information will inevitably be a bit slower?"

Sun Jun paced a few steps in front of the bed, then stopped and said:
“I originally wanted to observe for a while longer, but his actions... are clearly aimed at purging Xiling and gathering troops! Aunt, we can’t wait any longer!”

Zhuge Ke's memorial requesting resignation only arrived at the Secretariat yesterday, and he is still considering it.

Should we take advantage of the situation and summon him back to the capital, or should we leave him in Xiling for the time being to observe his future actions?
Princess Quan meant that "it is better to proceed slowly," since Zhuge Ke still had a strong foundation in the army and it was not advisable to make any major moves.

But today's secret report has made all hesitation a joke.

"He only submitted his resignation yesterday, his words were earnest, and he was frail with illness. Today he kills people to establish his authority and mobilizes troops..."

"Zhuge Yuanxun, Zhuge Yuanxun, you really put on a very well-acted show."

"A play?" Sun Jun's reaction was even more intense than Princess Quan's. "He's rebelling!"

"Rebel?" Princess Quan sneered, glancing at her nephew, the Prime Minister:
“If he really wanted to rebel, he wouldn’t have submitted the memorial. He’s testing our bottom line.”

She got up, walked to the window, and pushed open a slit.

A cold wind rushed in, causing the curtains inside the palace to flutter wildly, and also carrying the faint sounds of a distant palace banquet.

"Look, today is the New Year's Day court ceremony, and all the officials are going to offer their New Year's greetings to His Majesty in the front hall."

"If news of the Xiling Mutiny were to spread at this moment..."

She turned around, a cold glint in her eyes:
"How will you, as Prime Minister, explain this to the court and the people?"

Sun Jun's face turned ashen:

"Therefore, we must act swiftly and decisively! Before he has fully taken control of Xiling, we must summon him back to the capital!"

“If he obeys the imperial edict, he will be walking into a trap; if he defies the edict—” he gritted his teeth, “then it will be a heinous crime of treason, and I can rightfully mobilize troops to annihilate him!”

Princess Quan remained silent for a moment, then walked back to her bedside and took a draft of the imperial edict that had already been prepared from the table.

She personally wrote it after receiving Zhuge Ke's resignation yesterday, just in case.

I never expected it would actually come in handy...

"I have prepared the imperial edict."

She handed the imperial edict to Sun Jun, "appointing him as Grand Tutor and concurrently Minister of the Imperial Secretariat, bestowing upon him a gold seal and purple ribbon, and granting him permission to 'participate in important matters and assist the young emperor.'"

"I will also bestow upon him a residence in Changganli, Jianye, a million coins, and a thousand bolts of silk, and order him to 'return to the capital immediately to recuperate, and I will personally inquire about his plans.'"

Sun Jun quickly glanced at the list, his brow furrowed: "Is such a generous reward... too much?"

“What we need is a generous reward,” Princess Quan immediately interjected, “Only a generous reward can demonstrate the court’s favor and silence the criticism of the people.”

“If he accepts the imperial edict, it means he is admitting that he is still a ‘loyal subject’; if he does not accept it, it means he is being disrespectful.”

She paused, then lowered her voice even further: "Besides, that house in Changganli is right next to Zhuquehang, with access to all sides, which makes it convenient... for guarding."

Sun Jun suddenly realized, a ruthless glint flashing in his eyes: "My aunt has thought things through thoroughly."

“And,” Princess Quan added:

"The imperial edict should specifically mention that Wen Qing's younger brother Rong is loyal and diligent in serving the king and can temporarily take over as the commander of Xiling to reassure the army."

"Let Zhuge Rong temporarily oversee Xiling?" Sun Jun was taken aback. "Isn't that...?"

"Isn't that what it is? Zhuge Rong lost his army and territory in Qiao County last year. If it weren't for Zhuge Ke's protection, he should have been punished long ago."

"Letting him temporarily assume the position of Commander-in-Chief will, firstly, reassure Zhuge Ke, and secondly..."

Princess Quan chuckled, "Isn't it just right to have a mediocre talent like him guarding Xiling?"

Sun Jun took a deep breath: "I will go and affix the seal now, and issue the edict today!"

"slow."

Princess Quan called out to him:

"The imperial edict will be sent openly through the Secretariat, but you must send another envoy with your Prime Minister's warrant to secretly go to Jiangling to see Zhu Ji."

"Zhu Ji?"

“Tell him,” Princess Quan said, enunciating each word clearly, “that if there is any unusual activity in Xiling, the Jiangling troops can make a decision on the spot without waiting for the Jianye edict.”

Two years ago, Zhu Ran, the Left Grand Marshal, passed away. His son, Zhu Ji, succeeded him, serving as General Who Pacifies Wei and Governor of Lexiang.

Zhu Ji had a poor relationship with the brothers Zhuge Ke and Zhuge Rong, and yet he was stationed in Jiangling, which implied that he intended to restrain Zhuge Ke.

When Sun Jun heard Princess Quan mention Zhu Ji, he said, "Is the princess worried about..."

"I'm worried that Zhuge Ke might resort to desperate measures."

Princess Quan looked towards Xiling, her eyes filled with coldness:

“Now that he has begun to purge Xiling, he will not give up easily. This edict... may not be able to summon him back.”

Outside the hall, the distant sounds of bells and drums from the New Year's Day celebrations drifted over, solemn and lingering.

Sun Jun gasped:
"No wonder……"

Princess Quan suddenly looked at him: "No wonder what?"

“The messenger sent by Zhuge Ke met with Teng Yin in private yesterday and also delivered a letter to his son.”

"Teng Yin?! Zhuge Ke is very likely to be colluding with his old subordinates."

Princess Quan stared at Sun Jun, "This only further proves that Zhuge Ke will not surrender easily."

Teng Yin and Zhuge Ke were both among the "Four Friends" of Crown Prince Sun Deng in their early years.

Later, he married a woman from Zhuge Ke's clan, thus forming a marriage alliance with the Zhuge family.

Princess Quan pondered for a moment: "Instruct the Imperial Academy to keep a close eye on Teng Yin, and also not to overlook Lü Ju."

"If they dare to make any unusual moves..."

She didn't finish speaking, but the murderous intent in her eyes said it all.

General Wei Teng Yin was related to Zhuge Ke by marriage, while General of the Cavalry Lü Ju was related to Teng Yin by marriage.

Among the regents, without Princess Quan's protection, even though Sun Jun is a member of the imperial clan, it would be impossible for him to hold power.

"And then there's the former Crown Prince Sun He, we can't wait any longer!" Princess Quan gritted her teeth. "I hope the last thing I hear about him is his death!"

Sun Jun nodded emphatically and bowed as he withdrew.

The palace doors closed, shutting out the hustle and bustle of the New Year.

Princess Quan stood alone in the hall, muttering to herself:

"Zhuge Yuanxun... if you dare to really overturn the chessboard..."

"Then don't blame me for exterminating them all."

Outside the window, Jianye City welcomed the new year.