The Child Emperor - Chapter 136: The Chai Family’s Scheme

The Grand General’s tent was lavishly adorned, resembling a miniature palace. Though it was merely temporary lodging, it was equipped with everything one could need – from tables and chairs to screens, calligraphy, and paintings. Not a single item was makeshift; even a single long table required four people to carry it onto the carriage.

Han Xing, with a benevolent smile, gestured to Han Ruzi. Perhaps tired from the day’s activities, he leaned slightly, emitting heavy breaths. “Weary Marquis, have you adjusted to life in the military?”

Han Ruzi bowed respectfully, not as respect to a general, but to his elder from the imperial family. “It’s tolerable. I’ve learned quite a bit.”

“Heh, youth is a blessing. When I was your age, I participated in campaigns against the barbarians. Under General Deng Liao’s command, it was truly exhausting. Riding for a day and night without rest was common. No matter how much provisions we carried, we never retreated until we caught up to the Xiongnu cavalry.”

Deng Liao, a renowned general during the reign of the Martial Emperor, was known far and wide. Han Ruzi remarked, “General Deng’s victories were countless, bringing great honor to the great Chu empire. The younger generations can only envy you for having fought under his command.”

“Yes, it was perilous following him into battle, but promotions came swiftly. I was ennobled for my military exploits before I turned twenty… Ha! Here I am boasting of such matters in front of you, Weary Marquis. Come, let me introduce you. This is the youngest son of Marquis Hengyang, recently arrived from the capital, named Chai… Chai…”

“I am Chai Yue,” the man said, nodding politely to Han Ruzi.

“Young Master Chai, your journey must have been arduous. Any news from the Capital?”

“All is calm,” Chai replied.

They exchanged pleasantries politely, their conversation dwindling.

Han Xing gestured again, signaling Han Ruzi to come closer. In the Hall of Diligent Administration, he was a Trusted Official without much of a presence. He seldom engaged in disputes with others and was sparing with his words. Here, he commanded three hundred thousand troops. Despite his gentle demeanor, there was an undeniable authority about him.

Still reclined in his chair, Han Xing’s smile seemed strained, as if he had suddenly forgotten what he wanted to say. After a moment, he spoke again. “We just received word, the Xiongnu have retreated. This time it’s for real, they’ve withdrawn back hundreds of miles, burning anything they could not take with them. Of course, they’ll return. War is peculiar like that—if you are too formidable, they enemy runs; if you take risks, the losses would be too great to bear.”

Han Xing sighed heavily, breathing becoming labored as if he were snoring lightly. “Anyway, there won’t be any major battles this year. With three hundred thousand soldiers, plus the able-bodied men and servants, there are about five to six hundred thousand people here. It’s not feasible to stay in such desolate lands, but we can’t just leave. We’ll distribute them to defend various northern forts. The Xiongnu won’t disappear entirely; there will always be some reckless souls looking to raid.”

Prince Donghai’s assumption was accurate. Han Ruzi and Chai Yue merely nodded. This was a matter of military strategy; making suggestions was beyond them.

“Young Master Chai has a plan… or perhaps you’d like to explain it,” Han Xing said, too exhausted to say much more.

Chai Yue bowed, then turned to Han Ruzi. “The Chu army has exerted itself in battle without victory, without capturing any enemies, which damages our prestige. Therefore, I propose a plan: lure the Xiongnu into an ambush to dampen their spirits.”

“Isn’t that the same strategy the general has been employing?” Han Ruzi had been involved in at least three ambushes, each ending without success. The best attempt had supposedly placed the Xiongnu army within three miles of the ambush site, only for them to escape somehow.

Chai Yue smiled faintly. “A similar plan, but not quite the same. That will confuse the Xiongnu.”

“I would like to hear the details,” Han Ruzi said.

Chai Yue spoke earnestly, “The main Xiongnu forces have retreated far and won’t return before next spring. However, several minor Xiongnu kings have not left with the Eastern Chanyu. They number probably around ten thousand men, scattered everywhere, tasked with raiding the border towns.”

“Hmm.” So far, Han Ruzi hadn’t anything substantive; everything said was within what Prince Donghai had told him to expect.

“My plan is to select a border city to attract the Xiongnu raid. Once they gather, not necessarily all of them, just over five thousand, our army will annihilate them in one fell swoop. This battle will let the army not only accomplish merit but also boost morale and intimidate the enemy. If we can force the Eastern Xiongnu to submit and pay tribute, it would be an immense achievement.”

Han Xing waved his hand with a smile. “The Eastern Xiongnu will not surrender. It’s said that the Eastern Chanyu is elderly, and the ones in power are his sons, each eager to distinguish themselves to vie for the Chanyu position. If they lose this year, they will surely come back next year for revenge.”

“That’s even more desirable,” Chai Yue bowed.

Han Ruzi remained silent because he knew being called to hear a supposed secret plan wouldn’t bode well for him.

The tent fell silent for a moment, the atmosphere slightly awkward. Chai Yue asked, “How does Weary Marquis feel about this plan?”

“It’s excellent,” Han Ruzi smiled. “Young Master Chai is indeed clever. I couldn’t have thought of such a plan myself.”

Chai Yue forced a smile. “There’s one difficulty with this plan.”

“Hmm.” Han Ruzi still didn’t show much interest.

“The choice of the border city as bait is straightforward. However, finding the right defenders poses a challenge. If the garrison is too strong, the Xiongnu won’t attack. If it’s too weak, they’ll continue their scattered poise, not gathering in one place. We need them to believe the city is worth attacking and can be captured.”

“No wonder I couldn’t come up with a good idea. Making such a plan is quite challenging,” Han Ruzi refused to go along with Chai Yue’s chain of thought.

Chai Yue glanced at Han, saying, “I believe Weary Marquis is the most suitable candidate for defending the city.”

“You must be mistaken. I do not know how to lead troops into battle, and the Xiongnu have no reason to specifically attack me. Asking me to defend a border city is like feeding a lamb to a tiger.”

“No, no, Weary Marquis, please let me explain…”

Han Xing straightened up and interjected, “I also find it unsuitable. It’s too risky. The Weary Marquis has a special status, and if anything untoward happens, I won’t be able to explain to the court. Young Master Chai, you’d better find someone else. If not, let it be. After all, the Xiongnu will surely come back to fight next year.”

Chai Yue reluctantly acknowledged this and stepped back, silent.

Han Xing smiled, “Weary Marquis, don’t be too concerned. I didn’t call you here just for this matter. The army will begin to withdraw in batches to Mayi City the day after tomorrow. I intend for Weary Marquis to lead an army as practice. What do you think?”

“The Grand General is too kind. I will follow the order.”

“As long as the Weary Marquis has no objections. Ah, there’s a bunch of noble scions here. They’re all passionate and eloquent when they write letters, but when it comes to the frontier, they’re all delicate and spoiled, unable to endure the wind or sun. I dare not even try them out. Only you, Weary Marquis, are an exception. Oh, and Young Master Chai is not bad either.”

Han Ruzi bid farewell and left, while Chai Yue stood silently on the side.

The tents in the noble camp were all competing in extravagance. Some even looked more magnificent than the Grand General’s residence. Although only two attendants were allowed per person by regulation, many exceeded the limit. Several miles outside the main camp, there were many scattered campsites housing even more servants, ready to serve at a moment’s notice.

Han Ruzi’s tent was like that of an ordinary soldier’s, slightly better furnished, and with fewer occupants. At a glance, it seemed like an annex to the adjacent large tent.

Prince Donghai stood in front of the large tent’s entrance and asked loudly, “How is it? Can we stay in Mayi City?”

It was already dark, and other campsites were quiet, but the noble camp resounded with laughter and chatter, with faint laughter of women heard in the distance.

Han Ruzi entered his tent, and Prince Donghai followed.

Candles were already lit inside. Han Ruzi sat on the bed, while Prince Donghai brought over a small folding stool and sat opposite him.

“Did you guess it or did you already know?” Han Ruzi asked.

“What are you talking about? You’re being vague.”

“The Grand General wants me to lead troops. You knew about it already, right?”

Prince Donghai chuckled, “Honestly, I guessed this one. You hold the title of Northern Protection General and… Weary Marquis. It wouldn’t be right to not let you lead an army. Even if you can’t be entrusted with an army during an offensive, it’s worth giving you a try during a withdrawal. Did Han Xing mention which army you’re to be assigned?”

Han Ruzi shook his head. “Guess again. I find your guesses quite accurate.”

Prince Donghai chuckled again, looking a bit embarrassed. “If nothing unexpected happens, it would definitely include the noble camp. Han Xing has always been dissatisfied with us, but he doesn’t dare to interfere too much. He’s been wanting to hand us over to someone else for a long time. You are the most suitable: few acquaintances, high status, rarely smiling or joking, just like an actual general.”

Han Ruzi snorted. Prince Donghai had previously said he willingly stayed by Weary Marquis’s side, but he actually had no other choice. If Han Ruzi had been a bit more naive, he might have been moved by Prince Donghai.

“I can help you. I know almost all of these nobles. If you want to deal with someone, I can immediately provide leverage to make them obedient without a single complaint.”

“I don’t want to deal with anyone. I saw Chai Yue at the Grand General’s place; he was advising the General,” Han Ruzi explained Chai Yue’s plan briefly.

Prince Donghai shook his head halfway through. As Han Ruzi finished, he interjected, “This is clearly a trap, using the Xiongnu to kill you. I’ve heard that the Chai family hates you to the core. It’s said that Marquis Hengyang personally promised that any descendant of his who successfully kills you will inherit the marquisate.”

Han Ruzi had heard similar rumors and frowned. “But several people went with Chai Yun to the Marquis Guiyi’s mansion. Why would they hate me so much?”

“Because you protected the Marquis Guiyi’s children and let them go. In the eyes of the Chai family, Jin Chuiduo was your clandestine lover and the two of you conspired to kill Chai Yun.”

Zhang Youcai couldn’t help but speak up, “Master didn’t even know who she was before. He had never even heard of her name.”

Prince Donghai didn’t turn around but continued speaking to Han Ruzi, “I believe you, but the Chai family doesn’t.”

“Anyway, I refused, and the Grand General didn’t force me. If the Chai family wants revenge, they can come anytime.”

As long as he didn’t have to defend a lone isolated city, Prince Donghai was satisfied. He stood up and said, “Don’t think too much. We can’t do anything right now. Let’s enjoy the winter in Mayi City.”

Han Ruzi wasn’t in the mood for fun. He had a thousand-strong army but didn’t know how to use them, making him feel quite frustrated.

Prince Donghai didn’t return to his tent but went to drink with his friends.

Han Ruzi stayed in his tent, reading. He planned to wait until the noise outside died down a bit before going to sleep. He pondered whether, after he received his official appointment, he should teach these noble scions a lesson.

Someone coughed outside. “Has the Weary Marquis retired for the night?”

Zhang Youcai walked out in surprise, then quickly returned, whispering, ” Young Master Chai Yue, requests an audience with the master.”

Chai Yue had not given up yet.

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