Chapter Thirteen: A Song of Urgency

  I suppressed the fear in my heart and lowered my head, yes, it was fear, that Li Ze was actually Li Tianxiang, whom I met on my way to Jianye. Oh God, I actually told the King of Yong about my plan to unify the world, and even mentioned the internal troubles of Yong. Could it be that the King of Yong really listened to my suggestion and decided to conquer Shu first and then Southern Chu? No, it can't be, the King of Yong is a brilliant strategist, he must have had this idea himself.

  At this time, King Yong came forward to greet him and met with Zhao Ke in a polite manner. King Yong said warmly: "General Deqin has been killing and fighting all the way, and it's hard on the road. He broke Ba County and fell into Luo City, just these two battles can be seen as General Deqin's style."

  Zhao Ke's face slightly flushed, and he said: "With such praise from the King of Yong, I am ashamed to accept it. Today, our two armies have joined forces, and Shu is left with only the isolated city of Chengdu. I wonder what Your Highness plans to do."

  King Yong said, "Chengdu can be easily broken now, but this city is the capital of Shu State, with thousands of scholars and civilians, and it's extremely prosperous. If our two armies break into the city, we will inevitably harm the people. I have drafted a letter to persuade them to surrender, what do you think, Your Majesty?"

  Zhao Ke said calmly: "Surrender is possible, but should the King of Shu surrender to Da Yong or to me, Nan Chu?"

  King Yong said with a straight face and an air of confidence: "Southern Chu is a vassal state of Great Yong, so the King of Shu should naturally surrender to Great Yong."

  Zhao Ke had long been prepared in his heart, and calmly said: "Since that's the case, please have the King of Yong send an envoy to persuade Shu to surrender. If the King of Shu refuses to surrender, how about you and I lead our armies in a massive assault on the city tomorrow?"

  King Yong smiled and said: "It should be so. Gong Jian, Mr. Gong is an envoy under my account. I have asked him to go on a mission. What does King Deqin think?"

  Zhao Ke couldn't help but glance at me, and seeing that I didn't react, he said: "Mr. Gou Jian has followed the Duke of Yong for many years, and it's said that back then he often acted as an envoy to various vassal states on behalf of the Duke. He should definitely be able to persuade the King of Shu to surrender. I'll just quietly wait for good news, but since military affairs are busy, I'll take my leave first and await further updates."

  King Yong of Li saw that Zhao Ke agreed with his decision, so he asked Zhao to leave a trusted general or staff officer behind to facilitate communication and consultation on military matters between the two sides. After some thought, Zhao felt it was necessary, but looking at the people around him, although they were all trusted, they could only pass on messages, if they wanted to discuss military affairs with King Yong and fight for the interests of South Chu, there were only two people, Rong Yuan and Jiang Zhe. Rong Yuan was someone Zhao Ke couldn't be away from for a moment, so he said calmly: "Tomorrow's battle is not yet certain, this Jiang Canzhuang is my arm assistant, let him stay behind, if there are any changes, you can discuss with him."

  The King of Yong finally looked at me, seemingly noticing me for the first time. I felt a chill run down my spine. That idiot Zhao Jie was so easily deceived by the King of Yong. I didn't believe he wanted to discuss military matters with me; it's more likely that his goal was to keep me here. As I watched Zhao Jie leave, the King of Yong invited me to follow him into the command tent to chat while waiting for the envoy to return. I nervously followed the King of Yong in, and my guard Chen Jin had already been blocked outside the tent. The King of Yong sat on the commander's chair, seeing that I was uneasy, smiled and said: "General Jiang, why are you so formal? We're old acquaintances, let's not be too polite."

  I silently cursed for half a day before saying: "Your humble servant has committed many wrongdoings, I didn't know that the King of Yong was traveling incognito, please forgive me."

  Li Zai saw me sit down, then said: "What words can forgive the crime? At that time, I was disguised as a king entering Shu to inspect the military situation and people's feelings in Shu. On my way back, I fortunately met you, sir. Listening to your words is better than reading books for ten years. If I, Li Zai, can unify the world, it will be thanks to your contribution, Jiang Gongzi."

  I almost fainted, if I were the one who achieved great merit in the grand temple, wouldn't it be a crime against my southern Chu's rivers and mountains? If this gets out, won't it cost me my life? I hastily explained: "Your Highness, the King of Yong, has a treasure trove of wisdom in your heart, and my humble opinions must have already been in your mind. Your Highness is giving me such great credit, but I dare not accept it."

  King Yong smiled faintly and didn't continue toying with me, instead directly saying: "Of course I've heard your plan, and also heard that you want to go to South Chu to serve as an official. Originally, I wanted to take the strong thief's approach and bring you back to Da Yong, but unfortunately someone discovered my whereabouts and wanted to assassinate me. At that time, there were not many attendants by my side, and I was afraid of being unable to protect your safety, so I had to let you go. Now that you've become a subject of South Chu, it's truly making Li Zuo clench his fist in regret."

  As soon as I heard, I thought to myself that with his identity, even if it was leaked to Shu and Southern Chu, eight out of ten people wouldn't dare kill him. So the person who wants to kill him is naturally only one. Thinking about Li Zhi's talent and status, yet because he's a second son, he can't inherit the throne, and has to suffer from his brother's jealousy and assassination attempts, it's not worth sympathizing with. However, I'll just feel sorry for him, you don't need to. If I had been taken away by you that day, nine out of ten chances I would have suffered a tragic death. Thinking this in my heart, but saying out loud: "This is also the reason why your humble servant can't serve Your Highness, it must be fate."

  Li Zai looked at me with a smile in his eyes and said, "Back then, you and I had a chance encounter. Today, we meet again. Jiang Gongzi has already become the trusted military strategist of De Qin Wang. He must have come up with many good ideas for De Qin Wang. De Qin Wang and his other staff generals are all relatively orthodox military strategists. The two battles of attacking Ba Jun and Luo Cheng almost used the tactics of luring and ambushing, which must be Jiang Gongzi's clever plan."

  I feel a bit stiff, and bitterly smiled: "The little minister doesn't understand military affairs at all, I just stated a principle, it was all thanks to the wise and decisive King De who devised the plan that we achieved a great victory."

  Li Zai solemnly said: "The Art of War by Sun Tzu says, 'Those who win the war before it begins are those who have made many calculations. Those who lose the war before it begins are those who have made few calculations. Many calculations lead to victory, while few calculations lead to defeat. What about those who make no calculations at all? I observe that victory and defeat are already apparent. Master Long is skilled in making calculations, and he is a rare talent. Li Zai meeting Master Long is like King Wen of Zhou meeting Jiang Shang, or Emperor Gaozu of Han meeting Zhang Liang. Although Duke Wen of Chu has both literary and military talents, unfortunately, he lacks the demeanor of an emperor. Master Long is merely a scholar and a poet in southern Chu. If he were to join our great Yong, he would certainly be a brilliant talent."

  I thought to myself that it would be too arrogant to recruit foreign officials in the same way, so I asked back: "I heard that Shi Tuo and Shi Ziyou are the chief strategists of the Yong Wang's government office. Every time the Yong Wang goes out, all the governance affairs under his jurisdiction are handled by him alone. Presumably, Mr. Shi is the left auxiliary in the heart of the prince."

  Li Zuo seemed somewhat puzzled as to why I asked this, but still replied: "Zi You is skilled in government affairs. With Zi You sitting in the rear to take charge of military and political affairs, Li Zuo can use his troops like a god."

  "I said solemnly: 'If Shi Zi Yu was also a minister of another country, his lord had not treated him lightly, and he surrendered with just one word, then would Your Highness still use him heavily?'"

  Li Zai was taken aback and sighed: "If that's the case, how dare I deeply trust Zi You."

  "So, Your Highness understands the difficulties of your humble servant?"

  Li Zai sighed and said, "Nanchu is not a paulownia tree, why can it attract a phoenix? Nanchu treats you as an ordinary person, but I treat you as a national scholar. Is it still unwilling to join my great Yong?"

  I stared blankly at Li Ze, and actually I was really a little regretful. If Li Ze had really taken me away by force back then, I might have been very unhappy, even resentful. But perhaps now I wouldn't need to worry about Nan Chu. However, since I've already become an official of Nan Chu, and these years have seen my smooth promotion, and I've learned so many things in the Hanlin Academy, Nan Chu has not treated me poorly. No matter what, I couldn't just defect to Da Yong and watch as they destroy Nan Chu. Thinking this, I said gloomily: "Although Nan Chu treats people like ordinary folk, I shouldn't betray them; as long as I am a minister of Chu, I will serve Nan Chu."

  Li Zai sighed softly and said: "If Nan Chu were destroyed by our Great Yong, what would you do?"

  I thought for a moment and said, "I admit that I don't have the talent to paint masterpieces or create beautiful brocades. If the Southern Chu is destroyed and if the great Yu doesn't blame me, this humble official will wander the world and perish with the grass and trees."

  Li Zai said calmly, "You participated in the military affairs during the Southern Chu's invasion of Shu. Your ability has attracted attention. Although Zhao Ke may not be able to fully utilize your talent now, I'm sure he will eventually use you as an advisor. By then, even if you want to leave, Emperor Da Yong won't let go of a talented person like you."

  "I thought for a moment and said, 'If I, a humble minister, promise to return to Southern Chu and never again plot against Great Yong, would Your Highness be willing to spare my life?'"

  Li Zai slightly furrowed his brow and asked after a moment, "Do you still have any plans in Shu that haven't been implemented? Do you think you've already repaid the kindness of the King of Southern Chu?"

  I gazed at Li Zhi with admiration, the King of Yong was truly exceptionally intelligent, and from my one sentence, he could see through all these things. I also didn't hide it from him, saying: "I'm devising a plan for Prince De, if it succeeds, it can guarantee several years of peace in Southern Chu."

  Li Zai's eyes suddenly flashed with a hint of light, and he said: "If I'm not mistaken, it's related to the King of Shu. If the King of Shu surrenders to me, Da Yong, he will be the greatest threat to Southern Chu."

  I didn't hide it either, and said: "That's right, if the King of Shu surrenders, I have a way to make the King of Shu die, at least Da Yong won't get any benefits."

  Li Zai's face showed a deep thought, and he said: "If the King of Shu refuses to surrender, our two armies will attack Chengdu, kill the King of Shu or the King of Shu will commit suicide, it is all possible. But if the King of Shu surrenders, do you really have a way to make the King of Shu die in the Da Ying army?"

  I know he didn't believe it, but he said emphatically, "That's exactly right."

  Li Zhe stood up, walked a few steps in the tent, and said: "Alright, if you can really do that, and after returning to Southern Chu, you will not make plans for Southern Chu again. As long as I, Da Yong, conquer Chu, you are not in Jianye, I promise to let you live out your days in peace."

  I was overjoyed, this is a life-saving edict! I hastily went forward to thank him, and Li Zuo said with deep meaning: "What if the King of Shu arrives safely at Dayong?"

  "I said without hesitation: 'If so, I am willing to serve Your Highness'."

  Li Zai burst out laughing and said, "Alright, alright, it's settled then." As he stretched out his right palm, I felt a warmth in my heart and also extended my right palm. The two of us clasped hands to seal the promise. To make sure, I added, "If your humble servant emerges victorious and returns to Southern Chu, if Your Highness has any doubts or difficulties unrelated to Southern Chu, I can offer some advice."

  Li Zai was stunned again, he had originally thought that if he really had the ability to kill the King of Shu on his own, then he would have to let him go in the future. But whether or not to use the power of South Chu to trap him first, he didn't expect Li to make such a proposal, and couldn't help but be amazed. After a long silence, he said: "Alright, let's see if the King of Shu will surrender first." He then returned to his command post and sat down.

  I also don't know what else to say, so I just sat there waiting for the result of Guo Jian's errand.

  Waiting until the sun sets in the west, Zou Jian returned and reported to Li Ze that the King of Shu would surrender at noon tomorrow. Both Li Ze and I were overjoyed, as the gamble involving my fate was about to begin. After discussing with Li Ze the details of how the two armies would coordinate their actions tomorrow, I had to return to the Nan Chu military camp. The Duke of Yong personally escorted me out of the camp, treating me with great favor.

  The next day, the King of Shu wore plain white clothes and brought along civil and military officials, as well as princes, to surrender to Emperor Da of Yan 10 miles outside the city. After the surrender, our two armies entered the city separately from the west and east gates. The two armies had already reached a tacit understanding, and there were basically no disputes, except at the Ministry of Revenue, where Gong Yu and Cui Lian, an aide to Emperor Da of Yan, met and both tried to seize the documents and books of the ministry, resulting in a standoff. After a long argument, Emperor Da of Yan and Prince De personally mediated and decided to divide the spoils equally. Although it was a pity, it was still better than not getting anything. Zhao Ju secretly asked me, now that the King of Shu has surrendered, how can our plan to sow discord proceed? Moreover, the King of Shu's surrender to Emperor Da of Yan is also very unfavorable to Southern Chu's rule over Western Shu. I had long been prepared for this and told Zhao Ju that as long as a banquet was held before the King of Shu departed for the capital of Yan, and I was allowed to attend, everything would be fine.

  After a complex negotiation and division of spoils, King De of Shu decided to set off back to his country. King Yong of Han followed etiquette and suggested hosting a farewell banquet for King De, which was a matter of course. King De naturally had to attend the banquet, and King Wu also attended to bid farewell. In the magnificent palace of King Wu, the generals and strategists of Han and Chu sat on both sides, drinking and having fun. King Wu sat below King Yong, and under the hall were seated the officials who followed King Wu in surrendering. Their faces didn't look very good, especially King Wu's. It was said that he was less than 50 years old, but his appearance was haggard, with white hair and beard, making him look like a 70-year-old. After three rounds of wine, Zhao Ju proposed, according to my plan, that it would be boring without music and dance, so why not let the captured female musicians from Shu perform? The generals of Han and Chu thought that Chu was indeed weak, but there was no reason to stop it, so they allowed the female musicians from Shu to come and entertain. The zither music from Shu was like a raging storm, and the dance from Shu was elegant and beautiful. Those who were about to leave Shu naturally held back their tears, while the generals of Han and Chu applauded and cheered.

  I saw that the time had come, and I gave Zhao Ke a wink. Zhao Ke understood, stood up and said: "Today we have seen the delightful music and dance of Shu, which is very moving. In my southern Chu, where literature and elegance are valued, how could we not have songs and dances to entertain our guests? Unfortunately, in the army there are no female musicians, so I will have to play the zither myself to delight our host. Jiang Zhe, a scholar from my southern Chu, is a talented young man who has written new lyrics especially for today's gathering, please everyone, take a look."

  King Yong of Li's heart moved, these days he had sent heavy troops to protect King Shu, but hadn't seen even half a killer from Southern Chu. Today, King Shu was about to head to Da Yong, and he had already guessed that I would make some move, but I just wanted to sing a new poem on the spot. If he refused Zhao Ke's personal performance on the guqin, then the ruler and ministers of Southern Chu would inevitably be angry at Da Yong for being impolite. Therefore, although Li Zai clearly knew it was unwise, he still had no choice but to agree.

  I stood up, bowed to the crowd, Zhao Ke sat down, gently stroked the strings of the zither, and the sound of the zither was melodious and clear. It was exactly the melody of "Po Zhen Zi". I sang loudly: "For sixty years, our country has been at home, three thousand miles of mountains and rivers. The phoenix pavilion and dragon tower are connected to the Milky Way, the jade tree and qiong branch are like smoke and mist. How often have we known the sound of war drums? Suddenly becoming a minister and prisoner, my waist is sinking, my hair is disheveled. It's most urgent on the day I left the temple, the teaching department still played the song of farewell. Tears fell in front of the palace maidens.

  The song ended, the hall was silent, Li Zuo felt a chill in his heart, knowing that I had made my move. He looked at King Shu, whose normally expressionless face now showed a look of extreme sorrow, while the Shu officials below were either crying or glaring angrily. After a long time, King Shu Mengyu stood up and said: "The little king is tired from drinking, please allow me to return to the palace for a short rest."

  King Yong of Li's face was bitter, wanting to stop him, but he couldn't help but sigh: "The king temporarily goes to the back palace to rest, please don't worry too much, Your Majesty will not treat the king poorly."

  Meng Yun didn't respond, he just looked around the hall at everyone, and when his gaze fell on me, I felt the despair and resentment in his eyes. What good feelings could there be towards someone who shattered your beautiful dream? Then the King of Shu left his seat, and all the officials of Shu knelt down to see him off. Li Zhi looked at me with a bitter smile, both admiring and annoyed, raised his cup from afar, and drank it in one gulp.

  After a while, several eunuchs came crying to the front of the palace and knelt down saying: "The Lord has drunk poison and died."

  Li Zai burst out laughing: "Good, good, Jiang Zhuangyuan is indeed formidable. One 'Breaking the Array' melody sent a king to his death." He said calmly: "I will be returning to my country soon, military affairs are busy, I bid you farewell." Having said that, he turned and left.

  Zhao Ke and Rong Yuan were both drenched in sweat, they were happy that the King of Shu had finally taken his own life, but also worried about offending Da Yong too much. As for me, I couldn't help but laugh and cry at the same time, although forcing the King of Shu to death was excessive, he should have some shame. Li Zhi's parting words seemed to express his resentment and dissatisfaction towards me, but from another perspective, I can now live a peaceful life in South Chu. However, this one sentence has made my name known throughout the world, how can I possibly remain anonymous in the future? This Li Zhi, he still remembers to counterattack even in such a situation, it's truly terrifying.

  Li Zai sat on his horse, having finally settled the military and political affairs in Shu. He was about to return to Da Yong. Although the King of Shu had taken his own life, the Queen and Crown Prince were still alive, which would be enough for a sacrificial ceremony at the Temple of Heaven. The Southern Chu army had already retreated two days ago. According to the alliance agreement between the two countries, Dongchuan belonged to Da Yong, while Xishu belonged to Southern Chu. In reality, however, Jiameng Pass was under the control of Da Yong, and Luocheng was controlled by Southern Chu, with Shuzhong being a buffer zone between the two countries. His strategy had been achieved, but Southern Chu had also gained an advantage that was not small. Li Zai smiled wryly to himself, now he truly regretted not taking the risk of abducting Jiang Zhe in the first place.

  His staff member Tan said in front of him: "Why didn't Your Highness stop the King of Shu from taking his own life that day, and let Nan Chu get away with it?"

  Li Zai glanced at him, knowing that his staff and subordinate generals all had doubts about this. He said calmly: "It's too late, if the King of Shu didn't take his own life in such a situation, I'm afraid the people of Shu would all despise him. Even if he lived, he would be a walking corpse."

  Under Li Zhi's command, the fierce general Fan Qun angrily said: "It must be Zhao Ke's trickery to let that champion write a poem mocking King Shu." Everyone else echoed in agreement, but some staff also said that Jiang Zhe's poem was truly a masterpiece.

  Li Zai smiled silently, thinking to himself: "How do you know that Jiang Zhe is the mastermind behind this? He's done a great job of hiding his tracks, at least no one suspects it was his idea. This Jiang Zhe is indeed worth my attention." Looking up at the sky, he urged on his horse, saying: "Let's hurry along, let them have their moment of triumph for now."

  Attachment:

  On February 16 of the 20th year of Xian De (962), Meng Zhiyou, the King of Shu, surrendered in plain clothes, and Shu was destroyed.

  On the second day of the third month in the twentieth year of Xian De, Prince Yong Yi gave a farewell banquet for his brother-in-law, King De's son Wang Jue. King Shu Meng Yun attended and there was no lack of music and dance from Shu during the feast. The king personally played the zither and ordered Zhe to sing new lyrics. Zhe sang "Po Zhen Zi". When King Shu heard this, he became ashamed and retreated, then drank poison and died at the age of 47. People at that time called Jiang Zhe's act "Du Chang Ci" or "Jue Ming Ci".

  The Book of Southern Chu · Biography of Jiang Suiyun