Chapter 39 | The Chessboard of Western Liang

The Yixing Prince's residence was located near the northern gate of Jiangling City. It was a modest three-courtyard compound, adorned with ancient pines and cypresses, exuding an air of classical elegance.

Xiao Huan secretly brought Li Jing to the Yixing Prince's residence in a carriage. After dismissing his attendants, he took Li Jing's hand and gestured for him to dispense with formalities. Li Jing, however, still bowed and said, "Your humble servant, Li Jing of Sanyuan, pays his respects to His Highness, the Prince of Yixing."

Xiao Huan returned the gesture and said, "I already know your name, Li Jing, from Sanyuan, nephew of General Han Qinhu, the Governor of Luzhou. I've summoned you today to discuss matters of great importance."

Li Jing had come to see him for two reasons: to inquire about Meiniang and to check on A'yue. Among the young talents Li Jing had met, Xiao Huan, Yang Guang, and Nie Yunfeng each had their distinct traits: Xiao Huan was cultured and gentle on the outside but resolute within; Yang Guang was cunning, domineering, and decisive; Nie Yunfeng was sharp, cold, and ruthless. Yet, all three shared a common trait—they acted with purpose, never wasting effort, and their intelligence far surpassed ordinary people.

Seeing Li Jing silent, Xiao Huan said, "My second sister's marriage to the Sui dynasty was a trade made by my father to ensure our survival. I can tell that my sister loved you. If it were up to me, I would never have allowed her to marry the ambitious and treacherous Yang Guang."

These words struck a chord with Li Jing. Combined with Xiao Huan's care for A'yue, his fondness for the prince grew. He replied, "Royal marriages are arranged by fate. I heard from Uncle Zhang that Qingni and A'yue are staying at the Yixing Prince's residence?"

Xiao Huan fell silent for a moment before saying, "After my sister's marriage, Qingni became deeply depressed. Two months ago, she fell ill and passed away here... I've arranged a proper burial. Please rest assured, Brother Li."

Seeing the prince's evasive gaze, Li Jing understood the truth: Qingni had grown up with Meiniang and knew too much. As Meiniang was the "ill-omened princess," the Emperor of Liang would never allow Qingni to reveal these "secrets." She had likely been poisoned!

Filled with grief and anger, Li Jing said, "Your Highness, there's no need to hide the truth from me. Qingni didn't go to Chang'an because she knew too much, didn't she? That's why she was secretly poisoned, wasn't she?"

Xiao Huan sighed. "Brother Li, don't think that way. It was her fate."

Li Jing, worried about A'yue's safety, asked, "Has A'yue also been..."

Xiao Huan clapped his hands, and A'yue entered. She had grown taller in the past few months, her cheeks rosy and her eyes sparkling. Seeing Li Jing, she ran over, took his hand, and said, "Brother, I've missed you so much. Sister Meiniang has gone far away, but sadly, Sister Qingni fell ill and passed away. How is Uncle Xie? Can you teach me to write again? I've already learned 1,800 characters."

Li Jing knelt and held her hand. "A'yue, you're so clever. Uncle Xie is doing well. I'm just passing through Jiangling this time, but I'll teach you to write again in the future."

Though Xiao Huan cared for A'yue, he had pressing matters and soon had a servant take her away.

Watching A'yue glance back repeatedly as she left, Li Jing felt a mix of emotions. If he were back in his hometown in Sanyuan, spending his days with the clever and adorable A'yue, reading and writing together, how delightful that would be...

Xiao Huan's voice interrupted his thoughts. "You needn't worry about Qingni. There was nothing I could do. A'yue has nowhere else to go, so she'll stay with me for now. That Xiao Moho and Yang Guang are both despicable. They only spared A'yue after obtaining the ship manual. Whether it's Sui or Chen, both want to swallow Jiangling. My father is weak and ill, and the crown prince is timid and incompetent, completely unaware of the impending disaster. In all of Liang, only my fifth uncle, Master Puzhao, and Wen Sanqi see the situation clearly. They advocate strengthening our military, reclaiming lost territory, and resisting the powerful Sui to secure a chance of survival."

As Li Jing listened, he thought to himself: What does this have to do with me? I'm a subject of Sui. How can I get close to a prince of a small vassal state? Besides, I have no soldiers or resources. Even if you try to win me over, what good would it do?

Xiao Huan continued, "Though you're a commoner, Brother Li, you're a young talent with extraordinary insight. Last time in court, you solved my father's dilemma with a single remark. I deeply admire you! If you had proposed marriage to my sister then, perhaps my father would have agreed. Once the engagement was set, even if the Prince of Jin came to propose, it would have been too late. Qingni might not have died. So, in matters of great importance, opportunities are fleeting."

Li Jing's mind was in turmoil. He didn't realize that such arguments were tailored to manipulate his emotions, often lacking objectivity. Though Emperor Xiao Kui was a weak ruler, he wouldn't casually marry his daughter to an unknown boy.

Seeing that Li Jing was listening, Xiao Huan pressed on. "The so-called Sui dynasty is nothing more than Yang Jian's usurpation. Its foundation is unstable, with the Turks to the north and Chen to the south. Even the governors and prefects under Sui control are watching and waiting. True, Liang is weak now, but our state has existed for eighty years. Our past rulers were diligent and loved the people. The current weakness is only due to Chen's occupation. The people's hearts have not turned against us. If we seize the moment and raise the banner of rebellion, the masses will surely respond. Then, we can reclaim the south and expand northward."

Seeing the fire of hope in Xiao Huan's eyes, Li Jing was momentarily shaken. However, with his limited experience, he couldn't see how this small state could contend with Sui and Chen. Xiao Huan, growing more excited, took Li Jing's hand and said, "Master Puzhao has observed you closely. Though young, you are destined to be a great leader! If you help me, I will treat you as a brother, sharing both hardships and fortunes. What do you say?"

Li Jing felt the third prince was getting carried away. Even if Liang could miraculously survive, Xiao Huan was only the third prince, not the crown prince. How could he entertain such ambitions? While it was good for a young man to have aspirations, unrealistic delusions were madness. However, after months of trials, Li Jing had grown more composed. He asked, "I am alone and powerless. How does Your Highness expect me to help?"

Xiao Huan gripped his hand, the fire in his eyes burning brighter. "I know your uncle, General Han Qinhu, is a tiger of our time, commanding heavy troops that deter the four northern provinces. If we can secure General Han's covert support, Liang's revival is within reach!"

Li Jing had to be honest. "Your Highness, my uncle is loyal to Sui. Even if I tried to persuade him, it would be futile."

Xiao Huan shook his head. "Not necessarily. A great man acts according to the times. Currently, General Han is loyal to Yang Jian, but by hiding Yang Jian's illegitimate son, he has committed a grave offense. Yang Jian will inevitably punish him sooner or later. As for you, your relationship with my sister is already known to Yang Guang, which is why he rushed the marriage. Even if you had the talents of Zhang Liang or Chen Ping, you would never rise in Sui."

Li Jing was startled. This seemingly gentle third prince was indeed extraordinary.

Xiao Huan released his hand and said, "Of course, convincing General Han to rebel would be extremely difficult. But if the situation changes, he might raise the banner of righteousness. I may not be talented, but I've studied history. There's no such thing as righteous kingship—only victors and vanquished. The winners write history; the losers vanish like dust."

Li Jing asked, "What situation does Your Highness foresee? Please explain."

Xiao Huan said, "The situation can be divided into the present and the future. Currently, Liang is weak, caught between Sui and Chen, barely surviving. After the marriage alliance with Sui, Sui plans to use Liang's control of the Yangtze to conquer Chen. This is the obvious situation. But beneath the surface, there are undercurrents—hidden forces that can overturn boats and surge for miles. First, Chen's political situation is chaotic. Chen Shubao is indulgent and neglects governance, leaving the people miserable and yearning for a wise ruler. However, southerners despise northern rule. At this stalemate between Sui and Chen, Liang's revival is within reach—this is the opportunity of the times. Second, Liang controls the strategic throat of the Yangtze. Victory in naval battles requires the strongest fleet. Cao Cao's defeat at Red Cliffs was due to his ignorance of naval warfare. Now, only the Wen family's skilled craftsmen can build massive warships, and they hold the key to the Yangtze—this is the advantage of terrain. Third, Liang's former officials are spread across the provinces of Jiang and Ling. The gentry thrived during Liang's prosperity. Now, with heavy taxes on agriculture and commerce, if Liang raises an army to reclaim lost territory, they will surely respond, easily gathering hundreds of thousands of troops—this is the harmony of the people. Fourth, north of Jiankang, General Han Qinhu of Luzhou and General He Ruobi of Wuzhou command the elite troops of eight provinces. If they rise in righteous rebellion, the balance of power will shift—this is the internal support. Fifth, though Liang is small, it has amassed considerable wealth, especially in silk. We can send envoys with gold and silk to the Turkic Khaganate, requesting their attack on Sui. With Sui distracted, Generals Han and He Ruobi, along with Liang's navy, can pacify the south—this is external aid. With these five elements, success is assured!"

Though Xiao Huan spoke eloquently, Li Jing had doubts. "Your Highness's foresight is beyond my reach. The first three points make sense, and the fifth is feasible. But the fourth is extremely difficult. Not only is my uncle loyal to Sui, but General He Ruobi is also arrogant and dismissive of other military leaders. How could he abandon Sui to aid weak Liang?"

Xiao Huan smiled. "Brother Li, you are indeed sharp! True, General He Ruobi considers himself a peerless strategist, second only to ancient generals like Han Xin and Bai Qi. However, he only seeks fame and has no ambition to become emperor. Such a man can be swayed with promises of high office. To be honest, my fifth uncle and I have already sent envoys to meet General He Ruobi in Yangzhou. Though he publicly rebuked them, he privately agreed that if we conquer the south, he wants a position above Xiao Moho."

Li Jing knew his uncle well. Even if he died in battle or was punished for the incident with Yuan Tiangang, he would never betray Yang Jian. As for whether He Ruobi would switch sides, Li Jing couldn't say.

Seeing Li Jing's hesitation, Xiao Huan continued, "The two generals won't act first, of course. But as Liang's revival progresses, they will first observe, then decide. Initially, all we need is their promise to remain neutral."

At that moment, someone knocked on the door. Xiao Huan stepped out, spoke briefly with the person, and returned. "Come, take my carriage to my fifth uncle's residence."

---

The fifth uncle Xiao Huan referred to was Xiao Yan, the fifth son of Emperor Xuan of Liang, Xiao Cha, and the younger brother of the current Emperor Xiao Kui. Xiao Yan was a skilled warrior, titled the Prince of Anping.

The Prince of Anping's residence was in the west of Jiangling City. Though called a prince's residence, it was even smaller than Xiao Huan's, with only two unarmored guards at the gate. Xiao Huan led Li Jing directly into the courtyard, through a corridor, to an unremarkable stone building overgrown with weeds.

Prince Anping, Xiao Yan, was in his mid-thirties, dressed in plain clothes, with streaks of gray in his hair. He was thin and stern, his gaze cold and piercing. Xiao Huan entered without formalities and said casually, "This is the Brother Li Jing I've often mentioned to you, Fifth Uncle."

Xiao Yan grunted, his sharp eyes scanning Li Jing.

Li Jing quickly bowed. "Your humble servant, Li Jing, pays his respects to the Prince of Anping."

Xiao Yan accepted the greeting, said "Sit," and returned to a low couch. The stone room was sparsely furnished, with no windows, and even during the day, candles were lit, giving it a heavy, gloomy atmosphere.

Xiao Huan said, "I've explained everything to Brother Li. Please advise, Fifth Uncle."

Xiao Yan's voice was hoarse. "Huan'er, you are indeed a jewel of the Xiao family! I've told your father repeatedly that Liang's future lies in its youth, but he dismisses it, engrossed in writing books. Young Brother Li, at your age, I was already on the battlefield. I would never underestimate you due to your youth. Master Puzhao and Uncle Zhang both hold you in high regard. You escorted a child thousands of miles to Sichuan, facing countless dangers with composure. Even seasoned generals might not have done better. I know about your relationship with Meiniang, and I deeply regret it. I've summoned you today not to persuade you to aid Liang, but to befriend you."

Xiao Yan spoke slowly, his tone devoid of emotion, but his words were comforting. Li Jing thanked him. "Thank you for your understanding, Your Highness. I am young and ignorant, surviving only by luck and the help of noble patrons."

Xiao Yan said, "Your uncle, General Han, is a tiger of our time. When you return to Luzhou, please convey my and Huan'er's sincerity. I've observed Yang Jian—he is suspicious and distrustful of his subordinates. By hiding his illegitimate son, General Han has committed a grave offense. Punishment is inevitable. I hope General Han prepares early. As for you, without rank or position, and with your connection to Meiniang, you have no future in Sui. Why not serve in Liang? Master Puzhao has said your martial skills and intelligence are extraordinary. If you're willing, I guarantee you'll be promoted to general within five years, leading your own army. Who knows? You might even rise to become a minister or general."

The offer was undeniably tempting. In Sui's bureaucratic system, young men from influential families or high-ranking officials were often recommended for minor positions before climbing the ranks. Even the son of the prime minister, Gao Jiong, had only risen to the position of a low-ranking official after repeated promotions. For Li Jing to lead an army at seventeen would be an unprecedented opportunity.

However, this wasn't a decision he could make alone. He replied, "Your Highness's favor is deeply appreciated. But I am young and ignorant, and dare not entertain such ambitions."

Xiao Yan, thinking Li Jing was concerned about his age, stood and said, "Heroes emerge young. Huo Qubing joined the army at fifteen and led troops to awe the northern deserts at seventeen. Huan'er is only fifteen, and my brother has already appointed him as the Governor of Jingzhou. Soon, the imperial decree will arrive. Alas, my son Xuan is already eighteen but frail and sickly. Otherwise, he would also be a warrior..."

Just then, urgent knocking interrupted him. Xiao Yan's expression darkened. "Who dares to be so bold? Huan'er, go see."

Xiao Huan left and soon returned with a pale young nobleman, who knelt before Xiao Yan and said, "Congratulations, Father! I... I have a son today..."

Xiao Yan's stern face flushed with excitement. He grabbed a golden spear from a weapon rack and began to twirl it with great force. Though Li Jing had seen many skilled fighters, Xiao Yan's movements and strength, while not top-tier, would make him a formidable general on the battlefield. The golden spearhead danced in the air, its movements causing the candlelight to flicker, leaving Xiao Huan and the young nobleman in awe.

After finishing, Xiao Yan exhaled deeply and laughed. "Our Liang dynasty has a new heir! This is a joyous occasion!"

The young nobleman remained kneeling. "Father's might is unmatched. I only regret my weak constitution..."

Xiao Yan said, "That's not your fault. Go bring my grandson here. I want to see him."

The young nobleman left. Xiao Yan turned to Li Jing. "This is my son, Xiao Xuan... Alas, he's been frail since childhood. Now that he has a son, I will train the boy rigorously, hoping he can revive Liang in the future!"

Soon, a nursemaid brought in a baby. Xiao Yan examined the child, his eyebrows rising in delight. Li Jing saw that the baby had wide, dark eyes and a broad face, unafraid of strangers. Xiao Yan was overjoyed. "This is a true son of the Xiao family! Xuan'er, have you named him?"

Xiao Xuan coughed and bowed. "I dare not name him, Father. Please bestow a name."

Xiao Yan pondered for a long time before saying, "Our Xiao family's recent generations have used names related to jade: Xiao Cong, Xiao Huan, Xiao Jing, Xiao Yu... These names are elegant but too soft for times of war..."

Xiao Huan said, "Just now, watching Fifth Uncle wield the spear, it was like lightning and golden radiance, exuding royal majesty. If Fifth Uncle hopes his grandson will revive Liang, perhaps abandon jade for metal."

Xiao Yan stroked his beard thoughtfully. "Since we seek strength, let us abandon jade for metal. The Shuowen states, 'The luster of metal is xian (铣).' Let the child be named Xiao Xian (萧铣)."

Xiao Xuan kowtowed in gratitude.

Having named his grandson, Xiao Yan turned to his son. "Summon Liu Sidao who entered our residence last month."

The name stirred a flicker of recognition in Li Jing. Moments later, Xiao Xuan returned with a man who knelt before the prince. In the candlelight, Li Jing recognized him instantly—Liu Ji, the former magistrate of Zongyang County.

"From this day," Xiao Yan declared, "Liu Sidao shall serve as Military Advisor to the Prince of Anping. He will assist in forming our new army, liaise with southern allies, and act as Emissary to Prince Yixing. But his foremost duty"—here Xiao Yan's voice softened—"is to nurture my grandson. Train him as scholar and strategist, so he may one day restore Liang's glory."

Liu Ji bowed deeply. When his gaze met Li Jing's, a shadow of unease passed between them—a silent acknowledgment of tangled fates yet to unfold.