Chapter 114: The Chamber of Proclamation

The fifth year of the Yuanguang era was a time of unprecedented prosperity for the Han Empire. Chang'an, the heart of the nation, stood as the most flourishing city in the world. If one were to identify the wealthiest period of the entire Han Dynasty, it was undoubtedly the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, before he launched his relentless campaigns against the Xiongnu. However, by the twilight of his reign, years of warfare had left the empire exhausted and its people impoverished. This was especially true after General Ershi, Li Guangli, suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Xiongnu and surrendered; the national strength of the Han had plummeted to an all-time low. It was then that Liu Che was forced to issue the "Edict of Self-Reproach," halting external campaigns to focus on restoring agriculture and the economy.

The peak of Emperor Wu’s life occurred following the Great Decisive Battle of Mobei. At that time, the Xiongnu were forced to migrate north of the desert, leaving no royal court in the southern regions. With the elite core of the Xiongnu army destroyed, the Han Dynasty’s prestige spread far and wide, subduing the four corners of the earth and becoming a premier global power. Yet, no one could have predicted that decades later, when the Xiongnu once again harassed the borders, the Han would find itself devoid of capable generals. After Zhao Polu perished in the hands of the Xiongnu, and Li Ling and Li Guangli successively surrendered, victories against the nomads became rare. The Xiongnu, once driven to desperation and homelessness by the combined efforts of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing under Liu Che’s command, had once again become a scourge upon the borders. But by then, the once-mighty Han no longer had the strength to engage them.

Liu Che had poured the entirety of his life’s energy into these efforts. While he had achieved great early victories and the prowess of Wei Qing and Huo Qubing was unmatched, his failure to permanently resolve the Xiongnu threat—resulting in the eventual decline of his nation—was a profound tragedy.

It was clear that defeating the Xiongnu—let alone consistently vanquishing them or crushing them entirely—was no simple task.

If Qin Cheng had only aspired to be another Wei Qing or Huo Qubing, his path might not have been so difficult. Yet, whenever he considered that the blood and lives he and his men would sacrifice in the coming years would not secure lasting peace for the borders or prosperity for the empire, he felt a deep, gnawing sense of guilt.

He felt a profound remorse for the soldiers who sacrificed themselves to protect their homes and ensure the eternal peace of the Han.

Qin Cheng was currently nothing more than a humble Cavalry Commandant in a frontier garrison. His power was limited, but he refused to be satisfied with mediocrity. He revered those soldiers who, to protect their kin and homeland, gave their lives without hesitation. Especially after fighting alongside them in blood-drenched battles and witnessing their righteous, fearless deaths, he felt a duty to safeguard the peace they had purchased with their lives.

Since the success of a single general is built upon the bones of ten thousand, let the surviving generals strive to offer those millions of fallen comrades peace in the afterlife!

To achieve this, Qin Cheng had to climb to a position of sufficient power. Only from a great height could he fulfill this ambition.

Today, his first audience with Liu Che would be the beginning of it all.

"Your subject, Qin Cheng, pays respects to Your Majesty!" Qin Cheng stood behind and to the side of Liu Che, offering a military salute.

Liu Che turned, looking at Qin Cheng with a majestic smile. Though he was only in his twenties, his expression carried an imposing weight. He studied Qin Cheng and said, "Ancient tradition dictates that military officers offer a salute to the Emperor, while civil officials must prostrate themselves. Yet, in these times, few still remember the way of the warrior. Wei Qing has long spoken of the Cavalry Commandant’s youth and extraordinary talent. Seeing you today, I know he did not deceive me. General Qin, you have rendered great service to the Han and have not disappointed my expectations for the Shanggu garrison. I am very pleased!"

"It is entirely due to Your Majesty’s boundless grace, General Li’s skillful command, and the devotion of every soldier that we achieved this victory over the Xiongnu. I dare not claim credit for myself," Qin Cheng replied.

Liu Che looked at him with amusement. "Then tell me, how exactly is my grace boundless? How did General Li and the soldiers come to be so devoted, and why do you claim no credit? If you cannot explain this, I shall have you flogged immediately!"

Qin Cheng remained composed. "Your Majesty reigns over the world and commands the hearts of the people; it is only because of Your Majesty that the Han is strong—this is the first reason. Secondly, Your Majesty granted permission to reorganize the cavalry of the Shanggu garrison and bestowed upon us superior equipment, allowing our men to vastly outmatch the Xiongnu in arms. Thirdly, General Li led with discipline, ensuring that orders were followed and the troops were united, moving with perfect coordination. Only such a formidable force could have achieved this victory. Furthermore, the Xiongnu have harassed our borders for sixty or seventy years; every soldier hates them to the bone. Once the command was given, they longed to tear the enemy apart. Thus, the troops fought with all their might. I am merely a soldier in the ranks, supported by Your Majesty's grace, the soldiers' courage, and General Li’s training. How could we not win? While I have made a small contribution, it is no different from that of any other soldier, and thus I dare not claim undeserved merit."

Liu Che burst into hearty laughter, pointing at Qin Cheng and saying to Wei Qing, "You left out one of your Cavalry Commandant’s talents! I fear this skill of flattery is unparalleled in the entire army!"

Wei Qing felt a flush of embarrassment. "I am guilty, Your Majesty."

Liu Che turned and walked into the Xuan Room, with Wei Qing and Qin Cheng following behind. As he walked, Liu Che commanded, "Qin Cheng, tell me in detail how this battle unfolded. Speak only the truth, and do not omit a single detail!"

"As you command!" Qin Cheng replied. He gathered his thoughts and began to recount the events of the battle exactly as they occurred.

Liu Che sat upon the dragon throne, while Wei Qing and Qin Cheng stood to his left and right. Once seated, Liu Che said to Wei Qing, "Wei Qing, listen carefully. Learn from him and see how a battle is truly fought!"

Qin Cheng spoke for an entire hour. He adhered to the Emperor’s request, omitting nothing—from the moment the intelligence arrived to how he plotted with Li Guang, every maneuver of the army, and even the psychological state of the soldiers.

Throughout the account, Liu Che and Wei Qing listened with intense focus. Other than the occasional exclamation of approval, Liu Che did not interrupt. When Qin Cheng described their movement into the vast desert, Liu Che’s expression grew grave, his brows furrowing in deep contemplation. Qin Cheng glanced at Wei Qing and saw that his expression mirrored the Emperor’s.

By the time Qin Cheng finished his account, it was already time for the midday meal. Ignoring the attendants’ requests, Liu Che summarized, "This battle was indeed perilous. The victory of the Shanggu cavalry over the Xiongnu was hard-won. The strategic brilliance displayed by you and Li Guang has reached a remarkable height. To have such generals in the Han, I am truly gratified."

He then turned to Wei Qing and asked, "Wei Qing, tell me, what was the true foundation of the Shanggu garrison’s victory?"