Chapter 9: Bestowing a Title Upon Zhao Yun

The Northern Expedition was now set in stone. Faced with the ministers’ request for imperial approval, the course was clear. If it were the former Emperor, all that was needed would be a decree to march north. But now, seated upon the dragon throne in the grand hall, it was Liu Tan who presided.

Liu Tan, at that moment, wished to imitate the ministers and deliver a lofty speech, yet as he gazed upon the gathered officials bowing to request his command, his heart was stirred by something deeper.

He felt a certain contempt for himself, silently blaming his habit of reading too many time-travel novels. He had always assumed that becoming emperor would mean a host of conspirators seeking to usurp or assassinate him. Yet, confronted now by the entirety of the Shu Han court and the realm, Liu Tan realized his fears were exaggerated.

Although later generations speculated about the loyalty of Shu Han’s ministers, including Zhuge Liang, pondering whether he might replace Liu Shan, it was plain to see: Zhuge Liang’s heart was wholly devoted to the Northern Expedition; there was never a second thought.

Historians have also claimed that if the Northern Expedition succeeded, Zhuge Liang would certainly dominate the court and supplant Liu Shan. But such claims were mere conjecture.

One must remember that Zhuge Liang in history truly served with unwavering diligence until death, and most of the Shu Han ministers were upright and loyal. Even though Liu Shan, in his later years, trusted flatterers, pursued pleasures, and acted foolishly, there were no traitorous ministers.

Reflecting on himself, Liu Tan recalled his attempt to outmaneuver the aging Zhao Yun by manipulating the Empress, only to end up at a disadvantage.

After a moment’s contemplation, Liu Tan made his decision.

He rose and declared, “Ministers, hear my decree!”

The ministers looked up, awaiting his words.

Liu Tan announced, “I appoint Zhuge Liang as Grand Commander of the Northern Expedition, concurrently as Chancellor, Governor of Yi Province, and Marquis of Wuxiang. The day for the campaign against Wei shall be chosen soon!”

After the ministers received the command and rose, Liu Tan continued, “My lords, the late Emperor’s purpose in ascending the throne was to restore the Han dynasty. Yet the world has not acknowledged our legitimacy, branding us as Shu Han. Now, as our father leads his sword toward the Central Plains, it fulfills the late Emperor’s last wish and my own long-held desire.”

He paused, emphasizing his next words, “Therefore, I decree that all within the court, including myself, the ministers, and the people, must fully support the Chancellor and the Northern Expedition!”

He then waved his hand, “Wang Li, I command you to fetch my imperial sword, inspect the treasury’s gold and silver, and report back. I and the ministers shall await your return.”

Wang Li was taken aback, but quickly complied and departed.

Not only Wang Li, but the entire court was surprised.

Liu Tan then sternly declared, “By my imperial edict: All Shu generals shall be selected at Chancellor’s discretion. Those who remain shall join me in attending to agriculture and improving the people’s character, to fully serve the Chancellor’s campaign. From myself and all ministers, except for weddings, funerals, and holiday rituals, no meal shall exceed four dishes and one soup. Publish the declaration and mobilize the nation for the Northern Expedition!”

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang’s eyes shone brightly. He knelt and said, “Your Majesty is wise. I shall not fail your great trust. If I do not succeed in this expedition, I am willing to accept punishment!”

Liu Tan smiled, “Father, there is no need for such words. All know that the outcome of one campaign does not determine everything. I believe you will overcome all difficulties and conquer Cao Wei.”

“Your Majesty speaks truly!”

“Father, you must already have a clear plan for the deployment of the generals. Present it, and I shall announce it!” Liu Tan extended his hand.

“Your Majesty has foresight!” Zhuge Liang praised and took a silk scroll from his breast, stepping forward to present it.

Liu Tan stepped forward, unfolded the silk, and declared, “Generals, hear my command!”

“General Guan Xing, as Dragon Cavalry, is appointed Left Guardian!”

Guan Xing stepped into the hall and bowed to receive the decree. Liu Tan glanced at him and committed his appearance to memory, recalling that he was Guan Yu’s second son.

“General Zhang Bao, as Tiger Wing, is appointed Right Guardian!” Zhang Bao likewise stepped forward and bowed.

Liu Tan again memorized his features—this was Zhang Fei’s son, his own brother-in-law.

“Marquis of Duting, Wei Yan, is appointed General Who Guards the North. Marquis of Chencang, Ma Dai, is General Who Pacifies the North. Staff officer Ma Su is General Who Secures the Frontier.”

Liu Tan paused, pursing his lips, and gave Ma Su a particularly attentive look.

“Li Hui as General Who Pacifies Han, Liao Hua as Deputy of the Vanguard, Wang Ping as Assistant General, Yuan Lin as Vanguard General, Wu Yi as Left General, Gao Xiang as Right General, Deng Zhi as Inspector General, Ding Xian and Liu Min as Left and Right Guard Commanders, Du Yi as Staff Officer, Yan Yan as Acting Staff Officer, Fan Qi as Chief Clerk, Fan Jian as Military Secretary.”

After reading the appointments, Liu Tan closed the scroll and continued, “Generals, I hope you will follow the Chancellor and achieve unparalleled feats on my behalf!”

The generals bowed and declared, “We are willing to serve Your Majesty and achieve glory!”

Liu Tan nodded with a smile. At that moment, a man broke from the crowd, approached the steps, tilted his head, and questioned Zhuge Liang, “Chancellor, why have you not chosen me?”

Liu Tan looked over. This man was seven feet tall, though in his sixties, his hair and beard snow-white, yet his aura was undiminished. He realized this must be the famed general of the Three Kingdoms whom he admired—Zhao Zilong of Changshan.

Zhao Yun furrowed his brow and declared passionately, “Since I followed the late Emperor, I have led every battle from the front. Now the Northern Expedition is upon us, and if the Chancellor does not appoint me as vanguard, I will throw myself against this pillar and end my life.”

Zhuge Liang looked at Zhao Yun, then at Liu Tan, feeling helpless.

Not to use Zhao Yun, firstly, was due to his advanced age; secondly, the Emperor had asked for him. If Zhuge Liang refused, he would not be able to repay the Emperor’s support for the expedition.

“Sigh!” Zhuge Liang sighed, “Zilong, do not worry. It is not that I will not use you, it is just...”

He sighed again. The late Emperor, in his latter years, had indeed undervalued Zhao Yun, treating him merely as a bodyguard, and Zhuge Liang himself had followed suit. If not for the Emperor’s request, he would simply have used Zhao Yun, but now, with the Emperor’s intervention, he did not know how to explain.

He could only look to Liu Tan for help.

Liu Tan smiled—Zhao Yun’s temperament was indeed as stubborn as expected.

He said, “General Zhao, do not blame the Chancellor. It was my decision not to appoint you!”

Zhao Yun turned his gaze to Liu Tan, suppressing his anger, and knelt, “Your Majesty, I beg you, for the sake of our past relationship, allow me to join the Chancellor in the Northern Expedition and slay the enemy!”

The ministers whispered among themselves, shaking their heads. A thought crossed their minds: is this how long-held imperial favor turns to resentment?

Liu Tan looked around, then fixed his gaze on Zhuge Liang and said, “Father, esteemed ministers, a few days ago I suffered a blow to the head. While unconscious, I dreamed of my childhood, trapped in enemy territory.”

He choked up, “In my dream, I was surrounded by blades and blood splattered on my face. It was Uncle Zilong, who single-handedly saved me from peril, allowing me to sit here in peace today. Afterwards, he protected the late Emperor and rescued me again in Jiangdong. As he said, since Uncle Zilong followed the late Emperor, he has led every battle from the front. I believe Uncle Zilong’s achievements rival those of the late Emperor’s greatest generals!”

He finished and asked, “Father, esteemed ministers, am I not correct?”

“Your Majesty, I believe you are absolutely right. General Zhao’s achievements are magnificent, worthy of tiger generals!”

“Your Majesty speaks truly!”

For the military men, earning merit for the court was their lifelong ambition. To achieve merit and not receive reward—no one wished for such a fate. Zhao Yun’s predicament could well be their own future. Thus, many generals voiced their agreement.

Zhuge Liang glanced at Liu Tan, his mind recalling the scene at Baidi City, when Liu Bei, on his deathbed, fervently hoped Liu Shan would have his own ideas. Yet for years, the Emperor had shown no initiative in governance.

As a minister, Zhuge Liang felt both glad and worried.

He was glad because the Emperor’s lack of initiative allowed him full control of state affairs, ensuring smooth administration and the completion of the Northern Expedition.

But he also worried, for he did not wish to be a sycophant. An Emperor without initiative or achievement would, over time, be detrimental to him.

These days, the Emperor had repeatedly made requests. Stroking his beard, Zhuge Liang thought, “Let us see how His Majesty handles things next!”

He bowed and said, “Your Majesty speaks truly!”

Liu Tan nodded slightly. It seemed he had indeed been overthinking—his ministers, after all, were quite obedient.

“Zhao Yun, hear my decree!”

Zhao Yun was completely stunned. He could not understand why the Emperor was so different from days past.

“Zilong, His Majesty commands you to heed the decree!” Zhuge Liang reminded him.

“Oh!” Zhao Yun knelt again, “I receive the decree!”

Liu Tan declared, “I appoint Zhao Yun as Grand General, bestow upon him the title of Marquis of Shunping, Imperial Tutor, and grant him my martial skills. His eldest son is relieved of his position as Deputy Commander of the Imperial Guards and appointed Tiger Ben Colonel, permitted to follow the Chancellor in the Northern Expedition and achieve merit!”

Zhao Yun raised his head, bewildered. For a long moment he looked at Liu Tan, “Your Majesty...” Then at Zhuge Liang, nervously, “Chancellor, this—”

It was understandable; his ambition for merit had always been for such honors, and now, suddenly awarded, it felt unbelievable.

Zhuge Liang smiled, “Zilong, accept the decree and give thanks!” In truth, he valued Zhao Yun highly; compared to generals Guan and Zhang, Zhao Yun was even more respected.

With Zhuge Liang’s words, Zhao Yun finally believed it, and hurriedly bowed, “I thank Your Majesty for your boundless grace!”

Liu Tan nodded, “Uncle Zilong, please rise. I wish to learn martial arts from you—will you teach me?”

Zhao Yun bowed again, “Thank you, Your Majesty, for not abandoning me. I am willing!”

At that moment, the ministers all came forward to congratulate Zhao Yun.