Chapter 2

Parsed with an automated reader. The content accuracy is not guranteed.

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Audience with the Emperor in Chang’an

Peace prevailed after the victorious battle. Although more time was available for leisure, there was still a pile of work to do. The prisoners-of-war and the newly conquered territory along with the conquered people all required further arrangements. Huo Linfeng was immersed in work in his military tent. There were more than a hundred Göktürks weapons laid out on the ground, consisting of short daggers, copperhead arrows, and more. No matter which weapon he laid his eyes upon, he liked it. He was almost like a young girl picking flowers.

The literary official in charge of record-keeping came in, first bowing with his hands cupped before saying: “General, the horse spurs have been recorded and accounted for. Please look it over.”

Huo Linfeng took the account over. The Göktürks’ skills in mounted archery were incomparable. After every victorious battle against them, more and more horse spurs would be obtained. “Where’s Mohelu’s horse-bit?” That Göktürk general’s mount had been a carefully bred horse from the grasslands and was wearing a bone horse bit. Huo Linfeng almost drooled thinking about it.

In the end, there were so many items that they even had bracelets. Huo Linfeng was never one who obeyed rules, so he arranged the soldiers by military rank and let them choose an item of their liking in that order one by one. When the sky darkened, the bonfires were lit and a fat sheep was roasted. The aroma of food and wine drifted into the cold desert wind.

After a brutal battle, those who survived have gained great merits, their ancestral graves enshrouded in green smoke [1].

“Stop chirping like birds, louder!” The singing increased in volume after Huo Linfeng’s complaint. He took out a dagger with specks of blood from an unknown origin, slicing a piece of lamb. He ate and drank while listening to the resounding music.

He had an eagle bone flute in his hands, the tune he played was filled with melancholy and desolation. Would there be someday in the future that he would grow older to be thirty, maybe even fifty, and if he’s lucky, seventy or eighty? In this life, he was destined to live and die on the battlefield. But, of course, if the four corners of the world were peaceful, then this would just be his foolish thinking.

His eyes burned. His mood waned and his thoughts wandered back to his future partner whose name he doesn’t even know. A person who would listen to him talk his heart out, who would also play a melody for him on the flute when he dies on the battlefield. Someone who would find his soul, restore his bones, and if the other was willing, they would talk about their next life together.

After thinking to this point, he bowed his head, embarrassed. He showed a bashful smile, feeling a little shameful.

They celebrated until midnight. Everyone left the tent in groups of twos and threes with their arms around each other’s shoulders. They were all thoroughly intoxicated, so they just flopped on the ground and slept. Everyone thought that after a night of heavy drinking and singing, the general would also need more time to rest, but who would have expected that the bugle-horn would sound before the roosters could crow the next day?

Huo Linfeng wore a set of simple armor, his head clear and in high spirits. He started assigning jobs and tasks. The people who were to patrol the city, the ones relaying messages, and the ones who were staying behind were all arranged properly and orderly. Military drills started at the break of dawn. He walked along the rows of soldiers with his arms crossed, shouting orders while also adding sandbags here and there. He had countless ways to punish people up his sleeves, which even consisted of pouring sand down their throats.

This was life without wars to fight. Day after day, there would be a different kind of peace and stability.

After leaving home this time around, he hasn’t returned for half a month. On this particular day, Huo Linfeng was training the soldiers in the afternoon when he saw someone riding a horse coming from afar. “Young Master!” It turned out to be Du Zheng.

Du Zheng was familiar with this area, as he always came to bring fresh clothes and food. Huo Linfeng leaped down from the platform: “Dimwit, why did you come empty-handed?”

“Young Master, this time is to call you back home!” Du Zheng was quite excited, gesticulating, “An important official came from Chang’an! Their belt was inlaid with countless precious jewels, and their boots had soles about this thick.”

Huo Linfeng: “Stop getting sidetracked.”

Du Zheng quickly came back to the main business with an embarrassed laugh: “They said, ‘The imperial edict has arrived.’ The Marquis told me to call for your quick return.”

Imperial edict? Thinking about it, the news of victory had already been sent after the war. Perhaps this was the imperial edict bestowing rewards for the merits they’ve gained. Huo Linfeng dared not delay and immediately got on his horse to return to the city. Once they left the barracks, he couldn’t help but show off on this bumpy horse ride: “Dimwit, do you like my horse-bit?”

Du Zheng nodded his head like garlic being pounded, but in his heart, he felt a pang of envy; this young master treats his horse better than him.

They spurred their horses to their utmost speed. The officers of the Marquis Manor within the city all made way for them, lest the fierce horses startle the common people. With no hindrances, Huo Linfeng arrived at the manor and dismounted. He fixed his jade hair crown and smoothed out his clothes. He strode into the residence, but not before stuffing his sword in his little servant’s arms.

Passing through the courtyard, the official bearing the imperial edict could be seen in the main hall.

In front of the official, Huo Zhao was kneeling with Madame Bai and Huo Jinghai behind him. Huo Linfeng speedily knelt properly and bowed his head. He saw the tip of the official’s shoes. Those soles were truly thick.

“Regarding the battle at the border, you have done a meritorious deed within the chaos and disorder,” the imperial edict bearing official began reading, “The Marquis of Dingbei and his family are the true pillars of the imperial court. Commander Huo Jinghai led the campaign in Hexi and accrued great merits. He would be bestowed with the title of Great General and the power to command the three armies [2] of the Northwest. In addition, gold, pearls, jades, and battle robes would be rewarded.”

This was all within expectation, so Huo Linfeng remained calm. In his eyes, the gold and jewels could not compare to the treasures he reaped from the battlefield. As for a title and military power, even at his young age, he knew that it all depended on the Son of Heaven’s decisions, so he should not act too arrogantly.

The official continued: “Vice Commander Huo Linfeng, who beheaded Mohelu, is incomparably valiant, making the barbarians tremble in fear under his prestige. Henceforth, we especially summon him and the Maquis of Dingbei, Huo Zhao, to have an audience with the Emperor in Chang’an and have the rewards personally bestowed.”

Huo Linfeng was shocked. He had killed more barbarians than just Mohelu and this “making barbarians tremble in fear” wasn’t anything new. So why was it that this time……

“End of decree— [3]” With that, the official closed the edict, “Marquis of Dingbei, receive the edict.”

Everyone knelt respectfully as Huo Zhao received the imperial edict. The scroll was made of cool jade and smooth brocade, yet it felt scalding hot and thorny. Huo Linfeng glanced at his father out of the corners of his eyes, then stole a glimpse at his elder brother. Both looked extremely grave.

Even the wolf and the tiger of the house weren’t able to conceal their displeasure, let alone the delicate womenfolk.

He supported Madame Bai as she rose: “Mother, it’ll be fine.” He patted her hand in comfort.

Madame Bai didn’t want to let go, but she said: “Go discuss with your father and elder brother, don’t worry about Mother.”

Huo Linfeng: “It’s not urgent, we’ll talk it over tonight.” The commander-in-chief didn’t need to go to Chang’an, yet he, the vice commander, was mentioned instead, seeming a little improper.

“Mother, I haven’t been home for half a month, have I gotten thinner?” He coaxed Madame Bai, “Big Brother was rewarded with jewels, would you ask him to share some with me?”

Madame Bai silently looked at him. That sorrowful look was the same look she always gave him when he went to battle. He didn’t leave until the crescent moon hung high in the sky. He ate a meal with Madame Bai before helping her remove her hair accessories. After combing her hair, he brought her some calming soup.

His little servant came to call him into the study.

Huo Zhao and Huo Jinghai were playing chess, sitting on opposite sides of the chessboard. Huo Linfeng sat properly next to Huo Jinghai and quietly watched the game. Suddenly, Huo Jinghai turned his head and asked, “You’re going to Chang’an, are you excited?”

He said it as if he was going there to sightsee. Huo Linfeng joked: “Commander Huo, how come they didn’t ask for you instead?”

Huo Jinghai dropped a sentence: “Pretending to be an innocent child, how annoying.”

Everything had been going well, but the Huo Marquis Manor was doing a little too well. As a pillar for the imperial court, they must be of perfect thickness — not too thin but not too thick that it feels like a threat. With Huo Zhao as the Marquis of Dingbei and Huo Jinghai controlling the garrisons at the border, they were already rather powerful. Adding a Huo Linfeng in the mix, this pillar of support consisting of the Huo Clan could exceed even the Heavens.

The three of them all knew this.

It was inevitable for people to be cautious of famous generals, let alone them who had deep foundations in the Northern Garrison. “Fate … cannot be avoided,” Huo Zhao let out a deep sigh. As long as they were innocent, they had nothing to fear. Although it was all expected, it still felt extremely disheartening.

The game of chess came to a close. Seeing that his father and brother were no longer interested, Huo Linfeng picked up the chess pieces and used them as little soldiers to arrange battle formations. “Brother, take a look at my Jiaolong [4] Formation,” he proudly said, “Isn’t it impenetrable?”

Huo Jinghai was not in the mood to respond and said instead: “You must be careful. If you were to be caught for an offense, the punishment wouldn’t merely be sixty strikes.” When he finished talking, his steadfast face seemed to soften, giving off a ripple of pride, “However, there is no need to be overly compliant. When receiving a reward, have a clear conscience accepting it. If you’re punished, even if unjustly, you must take it proudly. You must uphold the Huo Clan’s prestige.”

Huo Linfeng nodded and said lightly: “Brother, being too obedient for me is even harder than ascending to heaven. Angering the Emperor is more likely. If that happens, what would you do?”

Huo Jinghai replied: “Remove my battle robes, return the Tiger Seal, and exchange my authority of the border’s garrison for my little brother’s safe return. The Emperor would probably let it slide.” He patted the back of Huo Linfeng’s hand, lowering his voice, “But if you cause such a great disaster that Father and I are powerless to help, then we can only rely on the will of the Heavens.”

He had asked the question to jest, yet his brother had answered so sincerely. Huo Linfeng said obediently: “Brother, rest assured. Right and wrong, I know the difference between the two. I definitely won’t put you and Father in a difficult situation.”

After a few rounds of chess and talking, it was already late into the night, yet the three did not rest. The wax on the candle slowly dripped down. Since the imperial edict was already delivered, they would have to move out tomorrow morning. Their return date is still unknown, so the trio of father and sons did not know when they’ll be able to sit together like this again.

The crescent moon fell and the lamp lights dimmed. The birds woke and flew to their branches.

The fifth watch [5] was approaching. The horses and carts escorted by soldiers were waiting. The common people who rose early all crowd about to watch the fun, chattering excitedly to one another. “Our Marquis is going on a journey!” A person spoke and another replied, “That’s the Little Marquis’s horse. Little Marquis is also going, oh, it can’t be that he’s getting married, can it?”

Everyone roared with laughter, and at this moment, Huo Zhao stepped out of the manor with Huo Linfeng in tow.

Seeing this, they became deferential in a matter of seconds. “They’ve come out, let’s move aside for them and not disturb the esteemed Marquis!” Everyone worked together. They helped the old man selling cakes move his cart out of the way and cleared out the fallen leaves on the ground.

Huo Jinghai supported Madame Bai as they watched from the steps. After everyone got on their horses, Huo Zhao gave an order to set out.

Huo Linfeng rode with his back straight. This time, he was going somewhere distant and couldn’t help but look back slowly. The common people were delighted, shouting “Little Marquis!” joyfully. The old vendor held a warm cake wrapped in cloth but could not catch up, so he gave it to Du Zheng who was slower.

This was the first time he had ever left Saibei and went beyond the mountain pass in the twenty-three years he’s been alive. Now, he has finally gotten a taste of the feeling of leaving one’s hometown and family.

Once he left the mountain pass, he discarded his complicated thoughts and dreams and started to focus on what was ahead.

With the Emperor’s edict with them, they must not delay. Fortunately, the Marquis of Dingbei’s troops were quick on their feet. Riding quickly unobstructed, Huo Linfeng watched the scenery as they slipped by.

After traveling for more than half a month, they arrived at the city of Chang’an. At a posthouse, a wave of servants and Imperial Guards waited for them. This was a show of extravagance and favor bestowed by the Emperor, so they could only receive it with gratitude.

At dusk, the courtyard was filled with the glow of the sunset, illuminating a brilliant red. Huo Linfeng came out, thinking that he might as well admire this dazzling moment.

“Young Master!” He had long gotten used to sudden disturbances. Du Zheng came running, “Young Master, the food is ready. Eat it when it’s still hot.” Huo Linfeng ignored him and felt a little dejected. His servant tried to make him feel better, “Young Master, Chang’an is truly prosperous. Their streets are longer and even their sun seems to burn redder [6] than anywhere else.”

Huo Lingfeng replied: “If it’s so good here, then go find yourself another family to live with.”

Du Zheng lowered his voice, afraid that the Imperial Guards would hear: “That won’t do. Young Master, you saved me from the hands of the barbarians when you were fifteen. I’m willing to do anything for you, even if I have to be a cow or a horse. Before we left, I made a promise to Madame that I would take good care of you.”

Huo Linfeng scratched his ears. He was taken aback by these words and felt moved. Fortunately, the sun had disappeared to be replaced by the moon. He turned around and said, “Go eat, we have to turn in early tonight.”

Unexpectedly, he had a difficult time falling asleep when he turned in early. He tossed and turned, thinking about this and that, and by the time the morning arrived, he barely got any shut-eye.

The official uniforms were prepared. Huo Zhao was a first-rank official, so he wore an overcoat made of exquisite silk sewn with a qilin [7]. The lower-ranked officials all treated him with respect. Huo Linfeng was a fourth-rank official, so he dressed accordingly. Swords were not allowed, so instead, he hung a white jade pendant on his side.

When they left the posthouse, the soldiers cleared the way, making the procession seem majestic. Both sides of the road were empty, but the common people all opened their windows wanting to catch a glimpse of the elegant Marquis of Dingbei.

As they drew closer to the imperial palace, the crowd grew larger as more soldiers joined. Huo Linfeng did not have the heart to pay any attention and followed silently behind. All these carved jade walls and paintings of flying birds could not compare to the freshly bloomed magnolia tree back at home.

The main hall was right up ahead. The civil and military officials were inside with the Son of Heaven sitting on the seat high above.

As he walked up the steps, Huo Linfeng peered at the qilin embroidered on the tail of Huo Zhao’s robes. Qilin, they were a symbol of peace and prosperity. His family who ensured peace and prosperity was now entering the palace gates not knowing if they were going to receive comfort or lose their freedom.

Hundreds of officials lined up in the hall, each with their distinct uniforms, seeming to have the grandeur of thousands. Huo Zhao walked with his head held high in front and Huo Linfeng walked tall and straight behind. Their footsteps were synchronized, appearing as if they were one. They only stopped when they’ve reached the front. Within the crowd of many, the pair of father and son stood out like two lonely pines.

Huo Zhao bowed his head and kowtowed, his voice ringing out clearly: “Marquis of Dingbei, Huo Zhao, paying his respects to the Emperor.”

“Subject Huo Linfeng.” Huo Linfeng lifted his robes and knelt, cupping his hands.

He said calmly, “ —Long live the Emperor.”

Previous | Table of Contents | Next

Notes

Click on the bolded words to locate it in the chapter.

Like this:Like Loading...