The Child Emperor

Han Ruzi entered Luoyang City for the second time and received a grand welcome: the city gates were wide open, the prefect of Henan came out ten miles to personally lead his horse, officials of all ranks led numerous citizens to kneel along the road, and the cheers of “Long live” never ceased until they reached the Marquis of Luoyang’s residence.

The streets were spotlessly clean, freshly watered to the right degree—dust-free but not muddy. Every three or four miles, there was a newly erected colorful pavilion filled with an abundance of wine and fruit delicacies, musicians playing celestial music, and beauties offering fruit platters, all hoping for a glance from the emperor.

For Han Ruzi, this was all a new spectacle.

He did not stop anywhere, allowing the prefect to lead his horse into the city while he observed carefully, noticing that most of the people welcoming him were not ordinary citizens but likely local merchants and their servants.

At the Marquis of Luoyang’s residence, Prefect Han Chou was preparing to host a grand banquet. This time, he was well-prepared and intended to astonish the emperor. He had no intention of mentioning the death of his nephew, General Huang.

Han Ruzi did not directly refuse but summoned the ceremonial guards and soldiers. Once they entered, the hall immediately became solemn, with all the tables and chairs removed, leaving only one chair for the emperor.

Eunuchs, advisors, and accompanying officials lined up on both sides. Although smaller in scale, it was considered a formal court assembly. At this moment, Han Ruzi appreciated the Ministry of Rites’ “customs.”

Next, Han Ruzi summoned the officials of Luoyang.

From this point on, he intended to act according to his own ideas.

Han Chou appeared somewhat embarrassed, kneeling on the ground, watching as his meticulously arranged banquet was replaced by a solemn court assembly before it could even be fully presented. When the Luoyang officials filed in, Han Chou changed his demeanor, prostrating himself with his forehead touching the ground and his hips raised high, as if pleading guilty. The officials were all shocked, kneeling behind the Henan Prefect in the same posture and silence.

The hall was dead silent.

After a while, Han Ruzi ordered everyone to rise and said, “Our visit to Luoyang is first to pacify the rebels and second to observe the people’s conditions. Prefect of Henan, We ask you, how many refugees are there in Henan? When did you open the granaries? How much grain was distributed? How much grain remains?”

Han Chou was dumbfounded. He knew exactly how much gold and jewels were in his residence, but outside of it, he knew nothing.

“Uh… well… Your Majesty, this official is ashamed to say that while I may not have greatly benefited the local area, I have at least been honest and just…” Han Chou rambled, suddenly thinking of an excuse, “To be the prefect of Henan is like being a parent to the people, managing the big picture. For disaster relief, this official is responsible for oversight, but the specific numbers should be handled by the Vice-Prefect.”

Han Chou felt slightly relieved, though his face was already drenched in sweat.

Han Ruzi admired his imperial uncle’s ability to shirk responsibility. “Vice-Prefect, step forward and speak.”

“This humble official personally visited the granaries to oversee the distribution of grain. The people cheered and praised Your Majesty’s benevolence…” With Han Chou’s lead, the Vice-Prefect knew what to say, delivering a lengthy speech without regard to who was emperor at the time of the grain distribution. Finally, he said, “The specific details of the population and grain in the county should be known by the Department of Revenue. This humble official dares not mislead Your Majesty.”

When it came to the Department of Revenue officer, the official was of a lower rank, barely qualified to meet the emperor. Hearing that he had to report the situation, he was terrified, trembling for a long time without daring to shirk responsibility, eventually giving a series of numbers that sounded good, suggesting there were no more refugees in Henan and no disasters requiring relief.

Han Ruzi was not satisfied. “Outside Luoyang and Ao Granary, bandits roam. Although some are from other counties, many are from this county. How can you say there are no refugees?”

“They, they are bandits, not refugees. The matter should be handled by the Department of War…” The Department of Revenue officer began sweating, disregarding collegiality and passing the responsibility.

The Department of War officer glared angrily at his colleague and hurriedly said, “Only those who establish strongholds and establish names for themselves are bandits, Your Majesty. Those who gather to fight and scatter after are refugees, even if they have committed crimes such as grain theft or robbery. They are wanted by the government, so they do not dare collect grain from distribution efforts.”

“The Department of Revenue did not put them on the wanted list. I am only responsible for distributing grain according to the household registry, and I have done so adequately,” the official retorted.

The two officials argued heatedly, their faces flushed red.

Liu Jie, Director of Palace Attendants, had met with the Emperor inside the city. Receiving a hint, he stepped forward and shouted, “In the presence of the Emperor, you must not be so insolent!”

The two officials immediately realized their mistake and fell to the ground, kowtowing continuously.

Han Ruzi waved his hand. “Henan Prefecture shall immediately open the granaries again. Refugees returning home will be allowed to re-register, and any crimes they committed, except for murder and rebellion, will be pardoned. The government shall not only distribute grain but also provide seeds and loan oxen for plowing. We must encourage the people to return to their fields and ensure that there is a harvest this autumn.” ʀᴇᴀᴅ ʟᴀᴛᴇsᴛ ᴄʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀs ᴀᴛ ɴovelfire.net

With this decision, the banquet was inevitably canceled.

Han Ruzi did not want to stay in the marquis’s residence. He had already arranged for Chai Yue to set up a tent for him in the military camp within the city. After giving his orders, he moved directly to the camp.

Within an hour, the news spread, causing a commotion throughout Luoyang. Everyone understood that this Emperor was not to be underestimated. Some were excited by the news, while others were troubled.

In the military tent, Han Ruzi summoned Hua Bin, the former Marquis Junyang.

Hua Bin had not managed to escape the Capital but was granted clemency. Restoring his title as marquis was out of the question; instead, he was considered a retainer of the Tan family as a commoner.

The two had spoken once before, back when Han Ruzi was a captive and Hua Bin held the power of life and death. This time, their roles were completely reversed.

Hua Bin knelt silently on the ground.

The tent was simply furnished, and Han Ruzi stood at the table, observing the man who was once renowned in the pugilist world as the “Handsome Marquis”. He couldn’t help but marvel at the power of reputation. “Rise,” he said.

Hua Bin stood up but remained silent, not offering any words of gratitude.

Four guards were present in the tent, and General Chai Yue was also there. He shook his head at the Emperor, indicating that he had not managed to learn anything from Hua Bin.

Han Ruzi began to understand why the Empress Dowager kept so many interrogators. Confronted with a guilty man, he found himself at a loss for words.

Among the accompanying officials were several interrogators, but none were trusted by Han Ruzi.

“There were rumors that you proclaimed yourself king of Cloud Dream Marsh,” Han Ruzi said.

Hua Bin smiled and shook his head. “Does Your Majesty believe that?”

“People in the pugilist world love grand titles. Even if they called you the Jade Emperor descended to earth, it wouldn’t be unbelievable.”

Hua Bin let out a dry laugh. “Your Majesty is quite knowledgeable about the pugilist world. But this time, the claim of kingship is pure rumor. The imperial court rules the land, and I thought that being crowned Marquis by the court would make me a top figure in the pugilist world.”

“Was that not the case?”

“Sigh, I used to think so too. But after traveling through the pugilist world, I realized it wasn’t true at all. Backed by the court, I was the ‘Handsome Marquis.’ Without the court, I was just a stray dog, eating scraps wherever I went. People did receive me, but only to use me to enhance their own reputation. When it came to important matters, few were willing to help.”

“You have had quite a few extraordinary people under your command.”

Hua Bin smiled bitterly. “It was just a facade. Those extraordinary people were only using me. Like them, I had to follow orders.”

Hua Bin was also evading responsibility, though his method was more subtle than the officials in Luoyang.

“Whose orders were you following?”

Hua Bin fell silent.

“Was it the Divine General Luan Banxiong or the Holy Strategist? Cloud Dream Marsh has seven camps and eighteen strongholds. Which side were you on?” Han Ruzi had inquired beforehand and had some understanding of Cloud Dream Marsh.

Hua Bin looked slightly surprised. After a moment, he answered, “The Holy Strategist.”

“Tell me about this person.”

“Um… there’s not much to say. The Holy Strategist is just the Holy Strategist. If you want to know about his age, he’s over fifty, with white hair and beard, and has an otherworldly demeanor. Aside from that, there’s nothing more. I don’t know his background, and as far as I know, no one does.”

“But you were willing to work for him?”

“Many people worked for the Holy Strategist. Some owed him a debt of gratitude, while others were persuaded by him, like me.”

“How did he persuade you?”

Hua Bin thought for a moment. “In retrospect, his words weren’t particularly special. At the time, I was just confused and believed him.”

“No matter, tell me.”

“I would only dare to speak with Your Majesty’s pardon.”

“You are pardoned.”

“The Holy Strategist said that after all these years of turmoil, Great Chu appears intact on the surface, but in reality, its body and head are severed, connected only by a thin layer of flesh. Thus, the head moves while the body remains still. Regardless of what happens in the palace or who becomes the emperor, the court remains unaffected.”

Han Ruzi and Chai Yue exchanged glances, unable to refute these words. Hua Bin, having been a court official, deeply understood this sentiment and continued, “The Holy Strategist deduced that Great Chu’s weakness was apparent, presenting a prime opportunity for grand achievement. First, Great Chu needs a ‘head replacement,’ then the head and body can be reconnected, potentially reviving the empire.”

The person who revives Great Chu would naturally become the most powerful minister, possibly even replacing the emperor. This was what convinced Hua Bin.

Han Ruzi didn’t confront Hua Bin for his unstated ambition. He was now certain that the Holy Strategist was also a fate seer, perhaps the Chunyu Xiao that Yang Feng had been searching for years. “The Holy Strategist hasn’t been with Cloud Dream Marsh for long, has he?”

“More than half a year, slightly later than me.”

Han Ruzi stared at Hua Bin. “The Holy Strategist is in Luoyang City.”

Hua Bin’s eyes widened slightly. “In my current state, the Holy Strategist won’t use me anymore. You might as well ask the Tan family; they are genuine pugilists.”

This reminder from Hua Bin was unnecessary. Han Ruzi waved his hand, and Chai Yue called in the guards to take Hua Bin away.

Prince Donghai entered just in time, watching Hua Bin leave. “The old fellow didn’t say anything, right? Use some torture, draw some blood, and he will confess everything.”

“What did the Tan family say?” Han Ruzi asked.

Prince Donghai wouldn’t suggest using torture on the Tan family. He quickly replied, “I questioned each person directly and indirectly. I can guarantee that the Tan family knows nothing about the Holy Strategist. Their dealings with the Cloud Dream Marsh bandits were purely for business convenience. Luan Banxiong is a significant figure; his father was a notorious thief, and he inherited his father’s business, expanding it further. It’s said that his subordinates are trained by government soldiers, which is why the Black-turban Army is so formidable.”

“Government soldiers training bandits?” The more Han Ruzi learned about the Chu empire, the more complicated it seemed.

“I didn’t ask for details, but it should be soldiers who committed serious crimes and became bandits. In any case, the Tan family doesn’t know the Holy Strategist or where he is hiding.”

Chai Yue, standing beside them, hesitated to speak. Han Ruzi asked, “General Chai, what are your thoughts?”

Prince Donghai glared at Chai Yue, silently warning him not to speak ill of the Tan family.

Chai Yue pretended not to see and said, “There is something I’ve been meaning to tell Your Majesty. Someone asked me to plead for the Tan family.”

Han Ruzi and Prince Donghai were both surprised.

Prince Donghai was shocked that he did not know this, while Han Ruzi didn’t expect the first person to plead for the Tan family would be Chai Yue. He quickly realized that the person who entrusted Chai Yue to plead knew the emperor very well.

Fearing a misunderstanding, Chai Yue hurriedly added, “This person knows Luoyang very well and might be able to help find the Holy Strategist.”

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