Chapter 1: Escape
Ye Qingchen noticed that his nephew had little fondness for the current emperor, so he spoke earnestly, "Qingchen, since you call me uncle, we are family. I do not wish to speak falsehoods to you. I am unclear why His Majesty insisted on sending you to Li Country as a hostage ten years ago, but this time His Majesty has summoned you back to the country, surely for the examination of the princes to be held at the Yulin Military Academy in March next year"
In addition, the remaining regions of Xishu and Donghuang were originally vassal kingdoms of the Great Yan, dependent on the Great Yan as minor lords. However, due to years of continuous warfare by the Great Yan, the country has suffered significant losses, and with three major adversaries surrounding it, the control over these two regions has weakened, leading to a subtle inclination towards independence from the Great Yan.
The knights, clad in bright yellow armor and wielding four-foot-long sabers at their waists, rode on tall and majestic warhorses, their gaze fixed straight ahead, exuding an air of chilling ferocity. At the front of the formation were two large bright yellow banners fluttering in the wind, prominently displaying the character "燕" which clearly revealed their identity
The establishment of the four major governorates by the Great Yan effectively transferred two-thirds of the national military forces to the governorates. Thus, the great governors became veritable regional lords, wielding power that was at least equal to, if not greater than, that of the current commanders of the military headquarters. Do you think this would not attract a few of the Emperor's brothers to Ji Qingchen?" Ji Qingchen scoffed, "At this critical juncture, when Father Emperor summons me back to the country, it is far more than just a simple desire for me to compete for the position of great governor! He is forcing me to contend for the position of crown prince alongside my brothers!"
In a critical moment, the renowned general of Dayan, Bai Jin, conspired with Prime Minister Pei Wenju to devise a strategy. They sought peace with the Li Kingdom and the southern frontier, agreeing to pay annual tribute, provide a hostage prince, and marry a princess. This plan alleviated the dire situation of Dayan being surrounded by enemies on all sides. Subsequently, the Yan army united and repelled the large forces of the Northern Rong, resolving the crisis of national extinction
The sight of this wide and sturdy cart belonging to the accompanying cavalry only deepens the sense of confusion.
Seeing Ji Qingchen looking a bit bewildered, Ye Qingchen continued, "This year's New Year court meeting, His Majesty has already decreed the establishment of four major governor's offices at the key border towns of the Yan Kingdom. The Grand Governor of each office will oversee the military forces, armaments, city defenses, garrison troops, and grain supplies of several states, and will be responsible for state affairs. However, regarding the selection of the Grand Governors for these four offices, His Majesty is evidently very cautious. He seems reluctant to appoint external officials to this important position, not wanting to repeat the embarrassing situation from four hundred years ago during the reign of the tragic Emperor when the capital was in crisis and the loyal forces could not arrive in time. Therefore, he plans to select four capable royal family members from among the princes and the sons of the imperial clan. This is why it has been decided to hold a skill assessment for the princes in August, aiming to identify several capable royal family members to assume the position of Grand Governor in the four major governor's offices."
They are the elite cavalry of the Great Yan Feather Forest Army
This carriage is exclusively for royal use and cannot be used by ordinary people
With a slight sigh, he realized that his thoughts were somewhat chaotic, so he stopped his random musings, lowered the curtain of the carriage, and said to Ye Qingchen, who was sitting beside him, "Qingchen was sent to Li Country as a hostage at the age of seven. It has been ten years since then. I thought I would grow old and die in Li Country, but unexpectedly, I have the chance to return home. This time, I must thank my uncle for his full efforts in mediating this matter."
In those years, Emperor Yan Shang staged the Fire Signal to Fool the Lords in order to elicit a smile from the beautiful Bao Si, deceiving the loyalist army of the world. This led to the loyalist army's absence when the Qiang tribe descended and breached the Northern Capital. Had it not been for the then Crown Prince Pingdi's vigorous resistance during this national crisis, and his personal journey to Western Shu to seek reinforcements, the siege of the Northern Capital might not have been lifted, and the Great Yan could have been annihilated by the Qiang tribe long ago. Learning from this lesson of national destruction, when Pingdi moved the capital to Junlin, he placed great emphasis on the central government's control over the stationed troops in various regions. Over time, this emphasis became an ancient teaching that all successive emperors of the Great Yan had to adhere to.
When thinking of the Ninth Prince of Dayan, who has been a hostage for ten years, people cannot help but sigh. They have also heard some rumors from within the palace, saying that the prince has deep feelings for Princess Anle, and that she has long harbored affection for this hostage prince. If the old emperor of the Li Kingdom were still alive, given his temperament, he would certainly not obstruct their union. However, the old emperor has passed away, and the new ruler has just ascended the throne. The imperial position is still unstable and requires the support of the Empress Dowager, who happens to dislike this hostage prince from Yan. If the old emperor were still alive, he would certainly not obstruct their union. But now that the old emperor has passed away, and the new ruler has just ascended the throne, the imperial position is still unstable and requires the support of the Empress Dowager, who happens to dislike this hostage prince from Yan. It is likely that the life of this hostage prince is quite difficult at present.
Seeing the cavalry hastily departing the city to the south, everyone felt a sense of unease. The Ninth Prince of Dayan was seated in the carriage of the Dayan envoy, and with such urgency in leaving the city, once they reached the official road, the cavalry began to gallop southward. With such a hurried pace, could it be that he intended to follow the envoy of Yan and escape back to Yan?
Ji Qingchen's eyes suddenly flashed with a piercing gaze, and she said with unwavering determination, "Uncle! I would rather die and become an inscription on a monument than live forgotten."
Having spoken, he slowly closed his eyes, as if falling into deep contemplation
Ye Qingchen knew what his nephew was thinking. He wanted to offer some words of advice, but he did not know what to say, so he could only remain silent.
At this moment, the Kingdom of Li and the Southern Barbarians seized the opportunity to attack the Great Yan. Under the leadership of the military god Li Qingyi from the Kingdom of Li and the tribal chief of the Baiyan from the South, an army of 600,000 launched a joint assault on Yan. Coupled with the formidable military might of the Northern Rong, the morale of the Yan army plummeted, leading to a rout that extended for a thousand miles, resulting in the loss of territory, the annihilation of hundreds of thousands of troops, and the nation facing imminent peril
"Why is there no question mark?" Ji Qingchen suddenly said with a stern expression, "If I had stayed in Li Country, perhaps I could have lived out my days in peace. But now that is no longer possible. As soon as I set foot on Yan Country's land, I will be the prince of Yan. Regardless of which of my brothers ascends to the throne, does my uncle think I still have a chance to survive? Or perhaps I do, but it would only be a matter of lingering on, merely surviving my remaining days in fear and trepidation. If I had stayed in Li Country, perhaps I could have lived out my days in peace. But now that is no longer possible. As soon as I set foot on Yan Country's land, I will be the prince of Yan. Regardless of which of my brothers ascends to the throne, does my uncle think I still have a chance to survive? Or perhaps I do, but it would only be a matter of lingering on, merely surviving my remaining days in fear and trepidation. When I was a hostage in Li Country, I always thought about when I could return home and compete with my royal brothers for the position of heir. Now that I am to return home, if I still do not have such a decision, would it not be a waste of this life?"
This battle severely weakened the Great Yan, forcing it to abandon the Yanmen Pass defense line and to consolidate its forces along the Yunzhou front.
Ji Qingchen gazed as the capital of the Li Kingdom gradually disappeared from his sight, his heart filled with myriad emotions. He had been a hostage in the Li Kingdom for ten years, and only today was he able to return home. At this moment, he felt a faint sense of sadness within him
The Emperor has actually decreed the establishment of a Governor's Office? Does he not realize that this could easily lead to the local military strongholds gaining excessive power, resulting in a situation where the capital's military forces become weak and difficult to control? Furthermore, if members of the royal family are appointed to this important position, as long as they hold power, with the ambitious nature of my brothers, how could they possibly let go of such an opportunity to strengthen their own power? When the struggle for the heir's position reaches a boiling point, the harm it could inflict on the Great Yan would likely be far more terrifying than any conspiracy from external officials. " Ji Qingchen was somewhat taken aback. Furthermore, if members of the royal family are appointed to this important position, as long as they hold power, with the ambitious nature of my brothers, how could they possibly let go of such an opportunity to strengthen their own power? When the struggle for the heir's position reaches a boiling point, the harm it could inflict on the Great Yan would likely be far more terrifying than any conspiracy from external officials. " Ji Qingchen was somewhat taken aback
However, Qingchen, His Majesty has been waging wars across the realm for several decades, and his health is now deteriorating. Moreover, the ministers in the court have repeatedly submitted petitions suggesting the establishment of a successor, yet His Majesty has not agreed, likely intending to observe the princes during this examination at the Eight Kings' training grounds. Therefore, at this critical moment, the princes of Junlin City will not miss such an excellent opportunity to showcase themselves. We may encounter some setbacks on our way back home, so you must be mentally prepared
If we do not proceed in this manner, what else can we do? Your Majesty's health is deteriorating, and it is no longer possible to continue waging war. The current situation of the Great Yan is still beset by enemies on all sides. To change the present circumstances, we must prioritize defense. However, without military campaigns, the position of the Grand Commander of the Army has lost its significance. We can only establish a Governor's Office to oversee the military affairs of the nearby provinces, which will enable us to better defend against the surrounding nations. It would be preferable for you princes or the royal family’s younger generation to serve as Grand Governors rather than entrusting this to external officials. In the event of any unforeseen circumstances in the future, at least we would not face a situation like during the reign of the Young Emperor, where the loyal forces were delayed, leading to the downfall of the Ji family’s eight hundred years of rule in the Great Yan. Alas! Qingchen! Your Majesty has no choice but to act this way!" Ye Qingchen sighed as he spoke.
Beside him stood a middle-aged scholar dressed in red robes and wearing a tall crown, named Ye Qingchen, who was the envoy sent on this mission to leave the country, holding the official title of Deputy Minister of the Honglu Temple of Dayan.
Ye Qingchen noticed that His Highness the Ninth seemed to have a faint attachment to the capital city, and a look of concern appeared between his brows
In that year, Ji Qingchen was sent to the Li Kingdom, becoming a hostage living under the roof of others
However, Ji Qingchen, upon hearing Ye Qingchen's response, expressed not a trace of gratitude in her words; instead, there was a hint of indignation in her tone. "Ten years ago, my father, disregarding the opposition of the ministers, issued an edict to send Qingchen to the Li Kingdom as a hostage. Now, he again disregards the ministers' opposition to summon Qingchen back to the country. What exactly is his intention in doing this?"
"Otherwise, why would His Majesty summon you back to the country at this time? Qingchen, what your uncle wants to tell you is that this is His Majesty's sincere concern for you. Your uncle hopes that you will not disappoint his expectations. Do you know that at last month's court meeting, when His Majesty proposed that you return to the country, he was immediately met with opposition from the majority of the ministers? They do not want you to return because they are already supporting several princes. If you return to participate in the military examinations, there will be one more contender for the positions of the four great governors, which increases the pressure on the other princes. Therefore, your return to the country this time is both a blessing and a curse, and I hope you can be mentally prepared for it," Ye Qingchen said earnestly.
Ye Qingchen instinctively glanced around before cautiously asking, "Does Qingchen not have this intention?"
In the early days of August, outside the capital city of the imperial capital, on the official road leading to Yanzhou, a cavalry escort of over one hundred men was swiftly galloping southward towards Ningwuguan, guarding a finely crafted carriage drawn by two horses.
The Great Yan Feathered Forest Cavalry is a general of the Great Han before the Emperor of Great Yan, selected from among the thirty thousand elite troops of Great Yan. In Great Yan, apart from the Emperor, they do not bow to nobles or participate in the affairs of princes. To this day, there has been no record of them serving any minister. Their appearance beside a mere envoy has led to much speculation. Could it be that the envoy's identity within this delegation is unusual, or perhaps their mission abroad is not merely to attend the state funeral and the coronation ceremony of the new monarch?
"So, Father Emperor wants Qingchen to return to the country just to have her participate in the royal examination in March next year? To compete for the position of Grand Commander?" Ji Qingchen asked calmly.
Just thinking about the more complex and perilous struggle for positions he will face upon returning to his homeland, and confronting his brothers who are already blinded by their eagerness for the crown prince title, Ji Qingchen felt a bit restless. The information he had received from Ye Qingchen was still insufficient for him to clarify his thoughts and devise a strategy for navigating the current delicate court relations upon his return to Junlin.
Thus, the astute individuals quickly deduced that the occupants of this carriage were not merely the envoys of the Great Yan.
At this time, the cavalry, under the protection of the Imperial Guard, had already set foot on the official road and quickened their march. In no time, they disappeared outside the capital.
Ten years ago, the Northern Rong could no longer endure the harsh winter cold and hunger, and suddenly launched a large-scale invasion to the south, attacking the Yanmen Pass, the northeastern gateway of the Great Yan. They engaged in fierce battles with the stationed troops of the Great Yan at Yanmen Pass for three days, resulting in the death of the Great Yan's military supervisor from the Northern Liao campaign, Prince Ji Chengqian of the Great Yan, and the annihilation of one hundred thousand elite troops.
Upon hearing this, Ye Qingchen suddenly trembled with emotion, his expression becoming very serious. He said earnestly, "I did not expect that even after leaving the country as a hostage, you not only did not neglect your studies, but also possess such ambition and determination. Good! Since you have the intention to prepare for the future, your uncle will not oppose you. Your uncle has only one thing to say: as long as I still draw breath, I will wholeheartedly support you."
However, recently no one has heard of any noble individuals from Yan arriving in the capital. Who in the capital would use a carriage that only the royal family of Yan is permitted to ride? ... Could it be ... . ... Suddenly, everyone thought of one person: the Ninth Prince of Yan, Ji Qingchen, who has been a hostage in a foreign land for ten years.
In the first year of the Great Li Dynasty, during the White Dew season, a dense frost mist enveloped the surroundings, and the weather suddenly turned cold
It was merely a simple diplomatic mission, yet the attendants beside the envoy of Dayan were actually the Dayan Feather Forest Cavalry, which left people somewhat perplexed
Ji Qingchen understood that her return to Yan this time was due to the fact that the Great Yan had made this request in light of the recent ascension of the new monarch of Li Nation and the subsequent political upheaval, which had left the national governance unstable. Although the strength of Li Nation had declined and Yan Nation had canceled the annual tribute, friction between the two countries continued to persist. If such a request had been made during normal times, Li Nation might not have agreed.
Ten years have passed, and time has changed many things. The upper echelons of the country, under the subtle influence of Emperor Lixun, are intoxicated by the fragrance of victory, indulging in extravagance and debauchery. The common people suffer immensely, and the contradictions have become increasingly sharp, while the national strength has diminished. Meanwhile, the rulers of Dayan have endured hardships and remained resolute, working diligently and united. After ten years, they have finally abolished the annual tribute that was originally established and reclaimed the hostages sent to various countries. The common people suffer immensely, and the contradictions have become increasingly sharp, while the national strength has diminished. Meanwhile, the rulers of Dayan have endured hardships and remained resolute, working diligently and united. After ten years, they have finally abolished the annual tribute that was originally established and reclaimed the hostages sent to various countries.
In this context of internal strife and external threats, the Feathered Guards of the Great Yan Kingdom appeared outside the capital of the Li Kingdom, and there was only one explanation: they were the attendants of the envoys sent by the Great Yan to express condolences for the national mourning and to congratulate the new monarch on his ascension to the throne
At that time, the world was divided into six parts. The powerful Li Kingdom in the north, entering the Central Plains as a nomadic people, established the semi-agricultural and semi-pastoral Da Li Dynasty with formidable military strength, which has lasted for over 350 years since its founding. It is currently the greatest threat to the Da Yan Dynasty. Meanwhile, in the south of Da Yan, the eight southern tribes finally ended their fragmented governance and mutual slaughter in the face of the formidable military power of the Baiyan tribe, establishing the Southern Alliance and casting greedy eyes on the Da Yan's Yi Prefecture and Luzhou. At the same time, in the northeast, the Rongdi, which rose forty years ago under the leadership of Khan Ashina, has been continuously encroaching on surrounding tribes, growing stronger, and has invaded the Shang, Yun, and Xing prefectures of Da Yan multiple times, resulting in a standoff between the north and south over the years.
Uncle said—"Ji Qingchen was taken aback, as if she understood something, wanting to speak but hesitating. After a long while, she finally sighed softly, 'Uncle, even if you don't say it, Qingchen understands. Born into a royal family, this life of mine has long ceased to be my own. In this world, the victors live while the vanquished perish; in the face of the outcomes of worldly affairs, life and death are merely inevitable consequences. Haha! The phrase 'to hold the world in one's hands' indeed possesses immense allure. For the sake of these four words, countless individuals have exhausted their efforts, even sacrificing their dreams and dignity, and forfeiting their lives. Yet, are there not still those who continuously pursue it? In this world, the victors live while the vanquished perish; in the face of the outcomes of worldly affairs, life and death are merely inevitable consequences. Haha! The phrase 'to hold the world in one's hands' indeed possesses immense allure. For the sake of these four words, countless individuals have exhausted their efforts, even sacrificing their dreams and dignity, and forfeiting their lives. Yet, are there not still those who continuously pursue it? Even I, Qingchen, can only come to terms with it, but I cannot escape the conventions of society!"
The craftsmanship of this carriage is not only exquisite, but the canopy at the top is a bright yellow. The Great Yan has been established for eight hundred years, adhering strictly to ancestral teachings and rituals, and bright yellow is reserved for the royal family. How could it appear on a carriage used by an envoy? What is truly alarming are the black patterns and the inscription "Temple Craftsman" on the carriage. Those who are unaware may not perceive the uniqueness of this grand vehicle, but those in the know understand that this is a mark of the Great Yan royal workshop
Thank you, Uncle! Ji Qingchen felt a slight touch of emotion due to her uncle's candidness.
The horse-drawn carriage set forth on the official road, and the capital city gradually faded from view in the distance. At this moment, Ji Qingchen gently lifted the curtain of the carriage, quietly gazing in the direction of the capital, lost in thought. He wore a white linen robe, with ordinary shoes on his feet. His long hair was neatly tied back in a bundle, and he wore no crown or headpiece. There was not a single piece of jade ornament on him. His stature was neither tall nor short, neither fat nor thin, and his complexion was somewhat pale. He had no beard beneath his chin, and his face bore no blemishes. Clad in simple elegance, he exuded a sense of calm and balance, clearly lacking any striking features, yet he was unforgettable at first glance.
Your Highness's return to the country this time is not due to my efforts, but rather the imperial decree issued personally by Your Majesty. Had it not been for Your Majesty's decision at the Tai Chi Hall assembly, disregarding the objections of the ministers, to write this state letter to the new ruler of the departing nation, I would likely not have had the opportunity to serve as an envoy to that nation, and Your Highness's return to Yan would not have been as smooth as it is now. The Deputy Minister of the Honglu Temple, Ye Qingchen, who was sent by Dayan to the departing nation, stated earnestly.
At that moment of silence between the two, a series of faint tremors suddenly emanated from the ground, accompanied by the sound of galloping hooves approaching from a distance.
"Did I not tell you, Uncle, that you can just call me Qingchen in private?" Ji Qingchen glanced at her uncle and said with dissatisfaction
However, Qingchen, if you wish to contend for the position of heir, you must think carefully. The several princes in the court have been managing their affairs in Junlin for decades, and their factions are spread throughout the court, various provinces, and military garrisons. You have only just returned to Yan and wish to compete with them for the position of heir; it is likely that a tragic outcome will ensue
Ye Qingchen was momentarily taken aback, his heart warmed, and he nodded in agreement