Chapter 29 - 23 Sadness
Zhao Changyu could not find rest either. After pondering for a long while, he struggled to rise despite his illness. "With King Hejian’s demise, Chang’an has lost control, and Luoyang’s western shield has fallen. I’m afraid the Qiang and Hu will take advantage and move south. By then, Luoyang will be in grave danger."
Zhao Changyu decided to propose a formal letter, suggesting that Prince East Sea deploy troops to Jingzhao County to defend against the southward advance of the Qiang and Hu.
Ji Yuan supported him as he sat by the desk, pondering, "But allowing Prince East Sea to station troops in Jingzhao means handing over all of Great Jin’s lifeline to him, doesn’t it?"
"Between two harms, choose the lesser. The immediate concern is to guard against foreign enemies. Internal strife..." Zhao Changyu paused, then continued, "Let’s wait and hope that His Majesty understands and bears with it for now."
Fu Zhi returned to the Fu Family, and after sending Fu Tinghan to rest, he also turned into the study and called for his strategists.
"King Hejian is dead."
The adviser quickly said, "We were about to inform my lord. The news just came today. It’s said he encountered bandits on the road. His Majesty and Prince East Sea are furious, and have ordered the annihilation of the bandits, determined to avenge King Hejian and his family."
Fu Zhi sneered, "Was it really bandits?"
The adviser paused and then whispered, "Privately, some say it was Prince East Sea who gave the order, and Liang Minister under Prince Nanyang executed it."
Prince Nanyang is Prince East Sea’s brother and has always obeyed him.