In the late spring of the fourth year of Yongxi, on the cusp of summer, the Yongxi Emperor summoned the heir apparent of the King of the Clouds to the capital for ancestral rites. The King of the Clouds refused to comply and executed the envoy in his fiefdom. When the news reached the capital, the Emperor was furious. He stripped Xiao Lie of his princely title on charges of treason and ordered the military governors of Sichuan and Guizhou provinces to mobilize troops and advance into Yunnan in two separate forces to capture the rebel. In response, Xiao Lie issued a proclamation to the world under his own name from The Martial Pacification Army.
The proclamation stated that years ago, the late Tianxi Emperor, out of trust, had entrusted the Young Emperor to the care of two princes on his deathbed. These two princes should have faithfully upheld their duty to assist the Young Emperor. However, before three years had passed since the Young Emperor’s ascension, he met with an untimely demise—a matter shrouded in mystery and unanswered questions. Xiao Lie, remembering his late father’s instructions, had spent years guarding the borders and pacifying the people within his fiefdom, adhering strictly to the rules without overstepping even half a step. Yet, because of his loyalty to the Young Emperor, he had incurred the hostility of the two princes, leading to the accusations against him today. He had initially intended to endure humiliation and bear the burden, but those around him urged him that even for the sake of the wronged Young Emperor, he could not allow the wolves and tigers to run rampant. After much painful reflection, he had no choice but to act. His intentions were never treasonous—beyond self-preservation, it was to preserve the faint hope of one day restoring the Young Emperor’s rightful lineage. He hoped the people of the world would understand, stand with him, uphold justice, and eradicate the treacherous.
Xiao Lie’s proclamation was deeply moving in its sincerity and stirring in its fervor. Once issued, it spread far and wide, becoming the talk of the streets and the subject of every conversation.
By the end of May, the first major battle between the imperial forces and The Martial Pacification Army marked the beginning of the fraternal strife within the royal family. At the outset, the imperial forces launched a fierce encirclement with overwhelming momentum. Though Xiao Lie’s troops were outnumbered, his ranks were filled with capable commanders. Initially, the battles were evenly matched, but soon after, Xiao Lie’s forces suffered repeated setbacks, and the situation became precarious. The most critical turning point came in the winter of November that year, when The Martial Pacification Army engaged Liu Jiushao, then appointed as the General Who Pacifies the West and Suppresses Rebellion, at the border of Yunnan and Guizhou in Huian.
In the years since Prince Shun'an ascended the throne, as former military officials like Dong Chengmao had fallen into obscurity or disappeared, Liu Jiushao had risen to become the most trusted and formidable general under Prince Shun'an due to his outstanding achievements. Previously, Xiao Lie’s forces had advanced beyond Yunnan and captured several cities in Sichuan and Guizhou, but Liu Jiushao had driven them back relentlessly. This time, he led his troops all the way to Huian.
If Huian were to fall again, The Martial Pacification Army would lose its last stronghold outside Yunnan. This battle was a life-or-death struggle, and Xiao Lie took it extremely seriously, personally leading his heir apparent, Xiao Yintang, to the front lines to oversee the battle.
The Battle of Huian dragged on for half a month. Xiao Lie fought with all his might, and Liu Jiushao’s forces suffered heavy casualties as well. However, Liu was a disciplined commander, and his officers followed orders without question. Reinforcements soon arrived, and Xiao Lie found himself surrounded. At this critical moment, a surprise force, taking advantage of the terrain, struck from the flank with lightning speed, dividing Liu Jiushao’s army into three segments and swiftly cutting off their chain of command. Liu’s forces fell into chaos, and Xiao Lie immediately seized the opportunity to counterattack. In the end, he turned defeat into victory, capturing Liu Jiushao alive and taking countless prisoners.
The leader of this surprise force was Pei You'an. Previously, he had not participated in direct confrontations between The Martial Pacification Army and the imperial forces, instead remaining in Yunnan to oversee logistics and coordination. But in this moment of crisis, he not only rescued Xiao Lie from peril but also became the foremost hero in saving The Martial Pacification Army from certain doom.After Liu Jiushao was captured, Xiao Lie, admiring his talents, sent envoys to persuade him to surrender. Not only did Liu refuse, but he also loudly cursed Xiao Lie. Many of Xiao Lie's generals were outraged and demanded Liu's execution to boost morale and intimidate other imperial commanders still aiding the tyrannical regime. Only the Heir Apparent, Xiao Yintang, aware of his father's thirst for talent, proposed sparing Liu's life and spreading false news of his surrender. This would provoke the imperial court into punishing Liu's family, cutting off his retreat. Once his family was executed, offering him high rank and wealth would leave Liu no choice but to defect to Xiao Lie.
Xiao Lie hesitated and privately sought Pei You'an's counsel.
Pei You'an told him that Prince Shun'an had long been known as a virtuous ruler. His current support from many imperial officials stemmed from Xiao Lie's rebellion being framed as an act against the Young Emperor, seizing the moral high ground. To win hearts, Prince Shun'an had shown leniency to noble families and useful talents in the capital. For instance, the Zhou family—maternal relatives of Princess Zhou—were praised by Prince Shun'an after submitting a memorial condemning Xiao Lie's rebellion. Similarly, Pei Quan petitioned to have himself removed from the clan registry, while Pei Xiuzhi volunteered to suppress the rebellion, proving the Pei family's unwavering loyalty. Instead of punishing them, Prince Shun'an issued a long-pending decree allowing Pei Xiuzhi to inherit his father's title as Duke of Wei and lead troops against the rebels.
Pei You'an added that he had noticed Liu Jiushao early in the Martial Pacification Army's uprising and foresaw him becoming a formidable adversary. Having risen to prominence during Prince Shun'an's reign, Liu was fiercely loyal and unyielding. Xiao Yintang's plan might sever Liu's retreat but could backfire, driving him into irreconcilable opposition. His devoted subordinates would also continue resisting Xiao Lie, creating endless trouble. Instead, Pei You'an suggested Xiao Lie personally meet Liu, not to persuade surrender but to explain his plight and express respect for loyal Great Wei generals, then release him to await future developments.
Xiao Lie heeded Pei You'an's advice and courteously released Liu Jiushao. Liu returned alone to the capital to seek forgiveness from the Yongxi Emperor, who ordered him to redeem himself through merit. Ashamed to fight again after his defeat and Xiao Lie's generous treatment, Liu feigned illness, arousing the emperor's suspicion. Accused of colluding with rebels and demoralizing troops, Liu was imprisoned in the Dali Temple, and his entire family was executed.
Liu had risen from a mid-to-lower-ranking officer to general through merit. In recent years, his border defense efforts in the north had earned him deep loyalty from his troops. News of his imprisonment caused widespread discontent among his officers, weakening morale. Seizing this opportunity, Xiao Lie's forces swiftly captured Sichuan and Guizhou by year's end, securing their rear before marching toward the capital.Emperor Yongxi finally realized the gravity of the situation and released Liu Jiushao, who had been imprisoned for nearly half a year. Threatening the lives of Liu's family, he ordered Liu to lead troops to suppress the rebellion. By then, Liu's mother had already died of illness in prison. Xiao Lie spared no effort, exposing his previously hidden network in the capital to rescue Liu Jiushao's wife and children, bringing them before Liu on the battlefield. Overwhelmed with emotion, Liu Jiushao knelt before Xiao Lie, tears staining his battle robes, and pledged his allegiance, leading his troops to defect. From then on, the Martial Pacification Army advanced triumphantly. By early summer the following year, the capital was breached. Emperor Yongxi, fleeing toward Yangzhou, was pursued and surrounded by Xiao Yintang. Trapped in a detached palace in Yangzhou, he was forced by his nephew to set the palace ablaze and perish within.
This day marked nearly a full year since Xiao Lie had risen in rebellion.
In the capital, the streets were swept clean, and the city gates stood wide open. Nearly a thousand officials, nobles, and dignitaries—except for those loyalists of Prince Shun'an who had not yet fled—lined the roads outside the gates, prostrating themselves in reverence to welcome Xiao Lie into the city.
The next day, the court officials urged Xiao Lie to ascend the throne. He declined, stating that his rebellion had been a last resort and that he had no intention of claiming the throne. Moreover, with the Young Emperor's fate still unknown, the throne rightfully belonged to him until definitive news arrived.
Moved by his humility, the officials wept and pleaded. Led by Duke Jing Chen Tingjie, Minister of Personnel He Gongpu, Minister of Rites Zhang Shiyong, and Zhou Xing (father of Princess Zhou), the Nine Ministers presented a petition from the people, citing the Book of Rites: "When the great Way prevails, the world belongs to all." They argued that while the Young Emperor's whereabouts could be investigated over time, the nation could not remain without a ruler, nor the people without a sovereign. With tearful pleas, they urged Xiao Lie to ascend the throne and restore the Great Wei court. After repeated refusals, Xiao Lie finally relented, to the jubilation of the court and the capital's residents, who celebrated with lanterns and decorations regardless of wealth. Zhang Shiyong, Zhou Xing, and others worked tirelessly to prepare the coronation rituals, presenting the ceremonial protocols within days.
Among the three royal brothers, Xiao Lie had been the most capable and was favored by the late emperor in his youth. However, as the third son with an unremarkable mother, he had been sent to the frontier due to political considerations. After years of endurance, he finally ascended the throne in middle age—the same throne his father, two elder brothers, and nephew had once occupied. With countless tasks at hand—punishing traitors, stabilizing the people, and rewarding or punishing officials—he worked tirelessly for days, even sleeping in a temporary chamber behind the palace hall where he conducted affairs. When presented with the coronation protocols, he flipped through them absentmindedly before setting them aside, lost in thought.
Zhang Shiyong, observing his expression, assumed he found the chosen date too distant and quickly explained, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Astronomers have selected two auspicious dates this month—the 18th and the 26th—both aligned with the stars of fortune. The 26th seemed too late, so we chose the 18th for Your Majesty's coronation. Does this meet with Your Majesty's approval?"
Xiao Lie seemed distracted, as if pondering something. Zhang Shiyong and Zhou Xing waited with bated breath until he finally spoke: "Change it to the 26th."
Only after Xiao Lie's coronation would the subsequent ceremonies for the empress and the Crown Prince take place.Zhou Xing was taken aback and quickly advised, "Your Majesty, today is the ninth day of the month, and there are still nine days until the eighteenth. Though there is much to be done, we assure Your Majesty that by the eighteenth, all preparations will be complete. Your early ascension to the throne is our fervent hope and a blessing for all the people."
Xiao Lie replied, "Let us change it to the twenty-sixth. A few days' delay is of no consequence."
Though Zhang Shiyong and Zhou Xing were puzzled, they could see that the new emperor seemed in no hurry to hold the coronation ceremony. They had no choice but to assent and withdraw.
Once the others had left, Xiao Lie turned to a eunuch nearing fifty by his side and asked, "Has there been any correspondence from Pei You'an today? Did he mention when he would arrive in the capital?"
This eunuch, named Li Yuangui, had served Xiao Lie since his youth. There were matters even Princess Zhou might not know, but Li Yuangui was privy to them all.
Earlier, when Xiao Lie had postponed the coronation to the twenty-sixth, Zhang Shiyong and Zhou Xing were baffled, but Li Yuangui had guessed the reason.
Two months ago, as The Martial Pacification Army marched toward the capital, rumors from the southwestern region of Ü-Tsang grew rampant. It was said that the King of the Clouds had long been dissatisfied with the local lama's support for Emperor Yongxi. If the throne were seized, he would surely send Han officials to take over the region and reclaim the hereditary lands of the eight princes, causing unrest among them.
Ü-Tsang bordered Yunnan, and its people were deeply religious. Any uprising would have unpredictable consequences. Upon hearing the news, Xiao Lie immediately dispatched Pei You'an to Ü-Tsang to dispel the rumors. Now, over two months had passed. While the capital had undergone a complete transformation, Pei You'an had only sent word a fortnight ago, stating that the crisis had been resolved and he would soon return.
Li Yuangui surmised that the emperor had postponed the coronation to wait for Pei You'an's return.
Sure enough, as soon as the ministers left, the emperor inquired about this very matter.
Li Yuangui bowed and said, "Your Majesty, this servant has kept Your Majesty's instructions in mind. Any correspondence from Lord Pei is promptly presented. There was none yesterday, nor today..."
He glanced at the new emperor, noticing his furrowed brow, and quickly added, "Your Majesty need not worry. Perhaps there will be news tomorrow."
Xiao Lie remained silent, continuing to peruse the mountain of memorials before him. Knowing he had been at his desk for a long time, Li Yuangui quietly stepped out to summon refreshments. Just then, he saw Zhang Fengtong approaching, followed by two palace maids, carrying an exquisite food box herself.
Li Yuangui greeted her, "Young Lady Zhang, you've come?"
Zhang Fengtong had long since completed her mourning period. However, with the constant warfare throughout the previous year, though she often attended to Princess Zhou, her marriage to Xiao Yintang had naturally been delayed again. Yesterday, she had entered the palace with Princess Zhou, but Li Yuangui still addressed her as an unmarried maiden.
Nevertheless, her wedding with the Heir Apparent should be approaching.
Zhang Fengtong was exceedingly polite to Li Yuangui, smiling as she addressed him as "Eunuch Li." She then said, "The Princess knows His Majesty has been working tirelessly and personally prepared some pastries, asking me to deliver them. Is His Majesty inside?"
Li Yuangui asked her to wait momentarily while he hurried inside. Shortly after, he returned with a smile and said, "His Majesty invites you in."
Zhang Fengtong thanked Li Yuangui, who quickly replied, "You flatter me. It would shorten this old servant's lifespan."
Zhang Fengtong smiled and said, "Eunuch Li, you have served His Majesty diligently for decades, doing what we ought to have done. I am young, and it is nothing for you to accept my thanks."Li Yuangui smiled and urged her again before leading her inside, then stood by the door to await further summons.
Zhang Fengtong arranged the tea and pastries, then knelt and kowtowed to Xiao Lie, who was seated. "Fengtong pays her respects to Your Majesty. These pastries were personally made by the princess consort. She instructed me to convey that while the welfare of the people is important, Your Majesty must not overexert yourself. Fengtong dares to implore Your Majesty to rest, even if just for a moment. This is also the filial devotion of the Heir Apparent."
Xiao Lie had always held a favorable impression of Zhang Fengtong. Coupled with his pity for her misfortunes—she had yet to marry his son—he treated her like a daughter. With a gentle nod, he bade her rise, but she remained kneeling. Xiao Lie then asked, "Do you have something to say? If so, speak freely."
Zhang Fengtong kowtowed again. "Thank you, Your Majesty. Then Fengtong will dare to speak. Some time ago, when the Heir Apparent traveled to Quanzhou, he encountered danger and was trapped within the city. He was later rescued by a family named Zhen and thus managed to escape. Does Your Majesty recall this incident?"
Xiao Lie tapped his forehead. "Now that you mention it, I do remember. Yintang did mention it to me once before. What of it?"
"When Fengtong first learned of this, she resolved that one day, she must repay the Zhen family for saving the Heir Apparent. Before, it was inconvenient, but now things are different. I heard the Zhen family has a daughter, a few years younger than me, who remains unmarried. Fengtong has a proposal—to request the Zhen family’s daughter on behalf of the Heir Apparent and establish her as a secondary consort. This would serve as gratitude for the Zhen family’s aid to the Heir Apparent, and in the future, I would also gain a sister to share my burdens and serve the Heir Apparent together. Thus, I boldly come before Your Majesty today to seek your permission. If Fengtong has spoken out of turn, I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness."
Xiao Lie was taken aback and glanced at her. "Is this your own idea, or Yintang’s?"
Zhang Fengtong replied, "I dare not deceive Your Majesty. The Heir Apparent likely holds some fondness for the Zhen family’s daughter, but he only mentioned it once and never spoke of it again. This is my own wish. The Heir Apparent does not yet know of my visit today. I thought that if I could first obtain Your Majesty’s permission, it would not be too late to inform him afterward."
Xiao Lie hesitated before speaking slowly, "Fengtong, your grand wedding with Yintang—I intend to hold it soon. Your idea is commendable, and the Zhen family in Quanzhou would surely be willing. But tell me truthfully—do you truly wish for this? If it goes against your heart, there is no need. There are many other ways to repay the Zhen family."
Zhang Fengtong kowtowed respectfully once more. "It is my sincere wish. The thought of soon gaining a sister to help me manage affairs fills me with great anticipation."
Xiao Lie smiled and nodded. "Very well. Since that is the case, I grant my approval. For Yintang to have such a virtuous and magnanimous partner, who repays kindness without fail, is truly his good fortune."
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