Chapter 18: Chancellor Liu Shang’s Perilous Predicament

Chapter 18: Chancellor Liu Shang's Perilous Predicament

The late morning sun spilled its light upon the Imperial Audience Hall of the Qi Kingdom. Within, the civil and military ministers, as well as members of the royal family, had gathered in their respective positions, awaiting the imperial address.

Upon the dragon throne sat Emperor Qi Longtian, his expression radiant with satisfaction. His eyes gleamed as he looked down upon the general who had returned victorious.

"General Yao Lijun…"

The emperor's voice carried with it a note of pride.

"You have brought great honor to the Qi Kingdom. Yesterday's duel was a true testament to victorious strategy."

"Your Majesty is most gracious."

General Yao promptly knelt and bowed in gratitude. Yet in his eyes lingered a trace of unease.

For this victory… had not been entirely his own. It had been born of Prince Qi Dongyang's cunning, not of martial skill alone. Why then did the emperor offer him such praise?

"To defeat the enemy without shedding blood,"

the emperor continued,

"is the highest form of strategy. Even the fiercest warrior of Chu was left broken in body and spirit."

With a hearty laugh, the emperor's mood suffused the hall with warmth and jubilation—at least among those aligned with his favor.

But not all were pleased.

"Your Majesty! I must voice my objection!"

From the ranks stepped Chancellor Liu Shang, kneeling and speaking with resolute tone.

"Such a victory cannot be deemed honorable!"

His words struck the hall like a sudden chill, silencing the celebratory air.

"A triumph gained by disgracing the enemy is not a true triumph—it is a petty scheme. Though Qi may have won, whispers shall accuse us of resorting to vile tactics."

"Indeed, I concur."

This time it was Prince Qi Feilan, the emperor's second son, who stepped forward.

"Qi's victories should arise from valor and the dignity of its warriors, not from ploys that bring shame to our adversaries."

He cast a pointed glance toward Qi Dongyang, who stood silently, unperturbed.

"Such schemes tarnish the kingdom's honor."

The tension within the hall thickened.

Qi Dongyang stood still, his expression composed, as if untouched by the accusations.

But before the emperor could respond, another voice rose—calm, resonant, and dignified.

"I must disagree."

All eyes turned toward Crown Prince Qi Feihong, a man known for his quiet temperament and measured words. That he spoke now was no small matter.

"A true victory is one that defeats the enemy not only in strength, but in spirit."

His voice rang with quiet conviction.

"Victory lies not solely in bloodshed, but in wisdom and strategy. General Yao's prowess is beyond dispute—but warfare demands more than skill alone. Qi broke no rules in this contest, yet achieved a result that ensures Chu shall not challenge us again for thirty years. Is this not the best possible outcome?"

Chancellor Liu Shang's brow furrowed.

"But the method—"

"What method? Is there proof that the Qi Kingdom orchestrated it? Or would you prefer our kingdom had lost instead?"

The crown prince's tone grew sharper. His eyes, keen and unwavering, fixed upon Liu Shang.

"You are a minister of Qi, yet you decry its victory. Tell me, is that fitting conduct?"

"I-I meant no such thing, Your Highness…"

Liu Shang stammered, visibly pale.

"Then remember this,"

the crown prince said coldly,

"Qi requires victory—not empty honor."

The emperor laughed heartily and nodded in approval.

"You are indeed our son!"

He then turned to Liu Shang and said,

"This is not the first time you've questioned Qi's judgment. So I ask you plainly—do you wish to see the Qi Kingdom fall?"

"Heaven forbid, Your Majesty! I dare not!"

Liu Shang quickly bowed low, his face drained of all color.

"You too, Feizhen."

"I… No, Your Majesty! I would never!"

Prince Feizhen also lowered his head swiftly, mirroring the chancellor's remorseful posture.

As the emperor rebuked the chancellor and the second prince, he simultaneously praised General Yao, reinstating him as commander of the southern border army, and bestowed lavish rewards upon Qi Dongyang.

Behind the silken veil of the imperial dais, the empress watched the Ninth Prince with eyes full of admiration.

"You are indeed a master of subtlety…"

She did not speak aloud, but in her heart, she acknowledged that this Ninth Prince was no longer ordinary. Whether in civil matters, martial skill, or cunning strategy—he had grown formidable. In her heart, she awaited the night he would again come to her chambers.

As for the Grand Empress Dowager, patron of the crown prince, she merely sipped her tea silently, observing with calm detachment.

For within this majestic hall, true battles were not fought with blades—but with words and wit.

A hush settled across the hall as Chief Eunuch Li Gonggong stepped forward in urgent haste, dropping to his knees.

"Your Majesty! Princess Chu Xiuying, along with the Chu delegation, requests audience. She brings a new proposal to the Qi court."

The emperor arched an eyebrow slightly, then said plainly:

"Let them enter."

Moments later, Princess Chu Xiuying swept into the hall, clad in deep crimson silk embroidered with soaring phoenixes. Her face was as beautiful as ever—but her presence exuded pressure and pride. She bowed with grace, then lifted her head and spoke clearly:

"Emperor of Qi, I, Chu Xiuying, come bearing a new proposal."

Her voice echoed across the great chamber.

"We challenge the Qi Kingdom to a duel of calculations—instead of further martial or scholarly contests. If you believe in your kingdom's wisdom, then accept our challenge."

Whispers erupted across the hall. A test of calculation? This was no ordinary contest of battle or literature. Why had Chu suggested such a peculiar form of competition?

"The terms remain unchanged…"

she continued.

"…If you win, Chu shall honor the prior agreement. But if you lose…"

Her voice turned cold.

"…Qi must surrender its border territories to us."

"Absurd!"

cried one minister, outraged. Qi had already triumphed—why wager again?

Before the emperor could reply, another voice rang out:

"The Qi Kingdom has already won."

All turned toward the speaker—Prince Qi Dongyang, or Li Feitian.

He stood at ease, his smile faint, yet his eyes gleamed with razor-sharp intent.

"The Kingdom of Chu was thoroughly defeated. What right do you have to change the terms now?"

"But—"

"But what?"

Dongyang chuckled softly.

"Or are you now saying the original wager was invalid?"

"You—!"

Chu Xiuying clenched her teeth. She knew how deeply the Chu Kingdom's honor had been tarnished. She had to reverse the tide somehow.

Dongyang raised a hand.

"Princess, I suggest you abide by your original promise."

"What promise?"

"Why, the one in which you wagered… to become my concubine should Chu lose."

At that, Xiuying's face paled—from crimson anger to ashen dread.

"I never agreed to that!"

she declared firmly.

"Oh?"

Dongyang tilted his head.

"So the princess does not keep her word?"

"I—"

"Or were your words mere air, never meant to be honored? A shame indeed. A kingdom that claims greatness yet forsakes basic integrity—how can that be called noble?"

Xiuying clenched her fists so tightly her nails bit into her palms. Her shame was unbearable, but Dongyang pressed on.

"The Chu Kingdom is one without virtue…"

he said calmly.

"…like a tiger seeking lambs to devour, like a trickster always scheming. Even your so-called revered preceptor, hailed as a sage, fell victim to his own greed and perished consumed by guilt."

The entire hall fell silent, chilled.

Xiuying trembled.

"Prince Qi—do not speak such nonsense!"

"Nonsense?"

Dongyang arched a brow.

"Shall I speak truths even more plainly, then?"

She bit her lip, knowing that continued protest would only further disgrace Chu.

She could only swallow her fury and glare at Dongyang with hatred.

"If you refuse this challenge, the Chu Kingdom shall send troops to your border at once!"

The resolute voice of Princess Chu Xiuying resounded throughout the grand hall, her words unwavering and forceful. Her eyes, fierce and unyielding, bore no trace of retreat.

The ministers exchanged uneasy glances. A heavy silence descended, for all knew—this was no idle threat. War between the two kingdoms now loomed on the edge of inevitability.

"Your Majesty!"

The deep voice of General Yao Lijun rang out. Stepping forth from the ranks of the military ministers, he dropped to one knee, fists clenched in reverent salute.

"If the Chu Kingdom dares to send its forces, I volunteer to lead our troops into battle without fear or hesitation!"

His towering frame radiated authority. Though a veteran of countless campaigns, his eyes remained sharp—undaunted by even the strongest of foes.

Yet before the emperor could speak, another voice hastily rang out.

"Your Majesty!…"

The shrill tone of Chancellor Liu Shang pierced the hall as he rushed forward and bowed deeply.

"The Chu Kingdom commands more troops than we do. If we engage in war now, the people of Qi will surely suffer!"

He folded his hands with reverence as other ministers nodded in cautious agreement.

"I humbly propose we concede a few small border towns in exchange for peace. Should we insist on war, Qi may face even greater losses."

"Nonsense!"

Emperor Qi Longtian's voice thundered with fury, his once-calm countenance darkening.

"Chancellor Liu! You speak as though I should cast aside the honor of the Qi Kingdom for the sake of convenience!"

He stared coldly down at the chancellor.

"Have you grown so fearful of war that you would forget the dignity of the royal house?"

Liu Shang turned pale. He bowed low and said nothing more.

In that moment, a calm but cutting voice echoed through the hall.

"In that case…"

Qi Dongyang stepped forward with a faint smile, his eyes gleaming with shrewd light.

"…if the Princess of Chu insists upon a wager, let us accept her challenge."

His words brimmed with confidence, enough to make Princess Chu Xiuying furrow her brows.

"You believe Qi can win such a match?"

Dongyang chuckled.

"Victory or defeat—I care not."

He spoke with serene composure.

"Only, I propose that Chancellor Liu Shang himself be the one to represent Qi in this contest."

"What?!"

Liu Shang's head snapped upward, his eyes wide with alarm.

Emperor Qi Longtian narrowed his gaze with interest.

"And why do you propose this?"

he asked.

Dongyang offered a thin smile before speaking slowly:

"The chancellor himself suggested we surrender our cities…"

His voice was calm, but each word cut like a blade.

"…If he truly believes surrender is the wiser course, then let him bear the weight of this wager."

He turned toward Liu Shang.

"Let us see if he can shoulder this 'honor.' Should he win—so be it. But if he fails…"

Dongyang's smile grew cold.

"…Qi shall not only lose territory. Chancellor Liu Shang shall lose all he possesses—his rank, his wealth, the legacy of House Liu… and even his life."

"Your Majesty!"

Liu Shang fell to his knees, his face ashen.

"I cannot accept such a wager! I beg Your Majesty to reconsider!"

The emperor looked down at him, his eyes calm and unreadable. After a long moment, he spoke slowly:

"Chancellor, you are a pillar of the Qi Kingdom. As Grand Minister, you are tasked with safeguarding its interests. You possess wisdom and stature—and claim to protect the people from the ravages of war. But have you forgotten? You serve the royal court of Qi. Our honor cannot be sold—nor bartered."

He paused before his final command:

"I now charge you to accept Chu's challenge—and return with victory."

It was the first time Emperor Qi Longtian had openly rebuked Liu Shang with such severity. His tone carried the weight of imperial finality. The command was not to be disobeyed.

And so, the next round of the contest was set—scheduled to begin in seven days' time.

To be continued...