The Child Emperor-Chapter 336: Negotiations and Attack

Han Ruzi had guessed correctly. The next day at noon, a group of Xiongnu arrived at the city gates. Their escorts loudly announced that an envoy from the Great Chanyu had come and demanded an immediate audience with the Emperor of Chu.

This was extremely discourteous behavior – there had been no prior notification, let alone any consultation. In contrast, when Great Chu had sent peace negotiation envoys, they had first sent word to notify the Xiongnu so they could prepare.

The Xiongnu envoys were somewhat more polite, however. One of them called out in the Central Plains language to those on the city walls, claiming to be an acquaintance of the Emperor.

One of the envoys was Jin Chunzhong.

In Pengcheng, the Emperor had appointed Ministry of Revenue Vice Minister Liu Zeqin as an envoy to travel north with the Xiongnu to meet the Great Chanyu and continue peace talks as a delaying tactic. This stratagem had proven ineffective – after going full circle, Jin Chunzhong had returned to the Emperor’s side.

The Xiongnu delegation of over ten men entered the city while their escorting soldiers returned to camp. After running some distance, they suddenly turned back and shot several arrows at the city walls from afar.

The guards were not provoked, especially since the envoys were nowhere near them.

The Emperor formally received the Xiongnu envoys at Prince Dai’s mansion. Civil and military officials lined both sides with grand ceremonial guards filling almost the entire courtyard, forcing the Xiongnu envoys to walk through a narrow passage into the main hall.

This was not Han Ruzi’s arrangement. The Ministry of Rites had long-established procedures for receiving hostile foreign envoys, which could be implemented without even consulting the Emperor.

Though there were twelve envoys total, only two came forward to meet the Emperor: Jin Chunzhong and a Xiongnu nobleman. The latter was the chief envoy, while Jin Chunzhong served as deputy envoy and interpreter.

The Xiongnu envoys refused to kowtow, only willing to bow. Jin Chunzhong, bound by his orders and unable to disobey, could only bend his waist lower when bowing.

After rising, the Xiongnu envoy spoke at length. Most people could not understand him, but they could see his arrogance, as if the Xiongnu had already occupied all of Great Chu save for the small city of Jincheng.

Jin Chunzhong began interpreting: “The Great Chanyu of the Xiongnu, revered by sun and moon and protected by heaven and earth, respectfully informs the Emperor of Chu that he is aware of Your Majesty’s desire for peace talks. However, the Chu armies have been rebellious and discourteous, showing no respect for heaven and earth…”

The Xiongnu blamed the war’s origins on the Chu armies, then claimed to have occupied half of Chu territory, defeated countless armies, and declared that Chu had no more troops to deploy.

The ministers listened with fury, but since the Emperor did not speak, they could not voice their opinions and could only glare angrily.

Han Ruzi sat listening intently, carefully pondering why the Great Chanyu had truly sent envoys to Jincheng.

After receiving permission, an official from the Ministry of Rites spoke on behalf of the Emperor, refuting the Xiongnu’s various claims and declaring that Great Chu would never surrender nor perish.

The negotiations were no different from a shouting match across empty space. Both sides spoke past each other – rhetoric, tone, and expressions were the weapons used for combat, while what was actually said mattered little.

After half an hour, the ritual-like negotiations ended. The menacing Xiongnu envoys were escorted from the mansion and provided lodging, with further discussions scheduled for the next day.

Not long after, Xiongnu deputy envoy Jin Chunzhong requested a private audience with the Emperor, which was granted. This time there were no posturing ministers or ceremonial guards, though the Emperor was still surrounded by over ten bodyguards and eunuchs.

Jin Chunzhong knelt and kowtowed, finally able to speak his own mind: “Vice-Minister Liu has been detained by the Great Chanyu. I have come from beyond the frontier and personally witnessed Chu armies from various regions gathering toward Mayi City. However, the generals have different ideas and are arguing over whether to enter the pass to rescue Your Majesty or hold fast to the frontier forts.”

“What news is there from Shattered Iron City?” Han Ruzi asked, hoping to gain more information about the outside world from Jin Chunzhong.

“When I was beyond the frontier, I heard that the Chu army from Shattered Iron City was rushing toward Mayi City. However, I don’t think that will change anything. From what I know, the main Xiongnu forces are waiting for this Chu army, considering them the most important enemy and deliberately luring them to enter the pass for a rescue.”

“Has the Great Chanyu not led troops toward Qi?” Han Ruzi was somewhat surprised.

Jin Chunzhong shook his head. “The Great Chanyu did indeed send an army toward Qi, but he himself remained in Yan territory and has already broken through the Great Wall passes in Yan, allowing him to advance and retreat at will.”

The Great Chanyu was still quite cautious, unwilling to penetrate deep into Chu territory.

If the Chu army at Mayi City was defeated, the Chu forces in Qi would stand alone, and Great Chu would truly face its doom. Han Ruzi did not reveal his inner worries and said, “In that case case, why does the Great Chanyu still seek peace talks?”

“The Great Chanyu met with Great Chu’s envoys and felt that it would be better for Great Chu to remain under the Emperor’s control. If someone else took over, Great Chu would be unable to recover its strength for quite some time, and thus would be unable to join forces with the Xiongnu against the powerful enemies in the west.”

Han Ruzi laughed and said, “Jin Chunzhong, do you believe that?”

Jin Chunzhong knew that with his status, it was impossible for him to speak privately with the Emperor, so he no longer concealed anything and said sincerely, “Of course I don’t believe it, but this is an opportunity. The Great Chanyu hopes to negotiate personally with Your Majesty. Your Majesty may choose the location, as long as it is between Jincheng City and Yan territory. The Great Chanyu may have ulterior motives, but Your Majesty could also take the opportunity to catch your breath, send people to Mayi City to take command of the Chu army, and even have the chance to personally venture beyond the passes for an inspection tour.”

Jin Chunzhong remained loyal to Great Chu, or at least appeared to be so. He was suggesting that the Emperor use the peace talks to escape Jincheng City. Seeing that the Emperor was still hesitating, he threw caution to the wind and said, “My sister holds considerable status before the Great Chanyu. She is willing to help Your Majesty escape this predicament, saying this is the Jin family’s way of repaying Your Majesty’s great kindness and virtue.”

Han Ruzi felt that Jin Chuiduo would not say something like “great kindness and virtue,” and Jin Chunzhong had clearly added his own interpretation. After thinking for a moment, he asked, “The Great Chanyu wants to negotiate with Us personally?”

“Yes, just like the negotiations at Shattered Iron City before. Whether talks proceed or not, this is an opportunity for Your Majesty to leave Jincheng.”

The negotiation location would be chosen by the Emperor. Although limited to between Jincheng and Yan territory, the Emperor could at least safely leave Jincheng.

“What other demands does the Great Chanyu have?”

“None, just these. He said that true negotiations must be conducted by true sovereigns. No matter how eloquent subordinates may be, they cannot express a sovereign’s intentions.”

Han Ruzi thought seriously for a moment. “For these negotiations, Great Chu and the Xiongnu should temporarily cease hostilities, shouldn’t they?”

“Of course. The Great Chanyu said that as long as Your Majesty agrees, both sides will simultaneously issue edicts commanding their respective armies to remain in place. The Xiongnu currently hold the advantage, so a temporary ceasefire would benefit Great Chu, wouldn’t it?”

Han Ruzi nodded. Of course there would be some benefit, especially for the besieged Jincheng, which needed time most of all.

“We will consider it.” Han Ruzi was in no hurry to give an answer.

Jin Chunzhong, however, was somewhat anxious. “Under the Great Chanyu’s orders, we can only stay in Jincheng for one night. If there is no progress in negotiations before dark tomorrow, the Right Wise King will be ordered to attack the city.”

“The Right Wise King is that Xiongnu great king?”

“Yes, he calls himself ‘Great King’ to assert superiority over the other kings. This man is cruel and warlike, always claiming he wants to be the first to enter the Capital and trample the imperial palace. He has long wanted to break through Jincheng so he can lead his troops westward.”

“Is the Great Chanyu’s health still good?” Han Ruzi had heard that the Xiongnu great king wanted to return to the Great Chanyu’s side to compete for power.

Jin Chunzhong was startled. “I met him once. The Great Chanyu appeared quite robust.”

“We will give you an answer tomorrow.” Han Ruzi still showed no urgency.

Jin Chunzhong kowtowed, rose to prepare his departure, and said finally, “Your Majesty’s wisdom and martial prowess, your foresight and insight are beyond what your ministers can compare to. Please consider this carefully, Your Majesty. Once the Right Wise King is ordered to attack the city, he will show no mercy. Oh, I brought back a Chu person from the Right Wise King. Would Your Majesty like to see him?”

Han Ruzi’s heart jumped in alarm, thinking that Deng Cui’s identity had been exposed and his head had been sent back. He immediately realized that Jin Chunzhong’s expression was natural, indicating that he had brought back a living person.

Han Ruzi nodded.

That Chu person had remained at the Xiongnu lodgings as an attendant. Summoned to appear before the throne, Han Ruzi looked from afar and felt this person seemed familiar, though he was not as tall as Deng Cui. He wore Xiongnu soldier’s clothing with his hat pulled low, and thick whiskers covered most of his face, making his features unclear.

Cui Teng, standing beside the Emperor, suddenly pointed at the approaching figure and cried out in surprise.

Jin Chunzhong had not followed. The “Xiongnu” threw himself on the ground as soon as he entered the room and began crying loudly.

It turned out to be Prince Donghai.

The guards and eunuchs also recognized him. Surprised as they were, they did not relax their vigilance, instead all staring at Prince Donghai with suspicion about his departure and return.

Cui Teng finally understood that he had been deceived. Prince Donghai had wanted to escape for his own sake and was never scouting a path for the Emperor. Now he could not help but fly into a rage. “Well! You dare to come back? Why are you dressed in this gross Xiongnu fashion? Have you betrayed us?”

After hearing about Hua Bin’s various encounters, Han Ruzi was not surprised that Prince Donghai longed to return home, but he was puzzled that the Xiongnu would actually let Prince Donghai go.

Prince Donghai ignored Cui Teng and cried for a while longer, then threw off his hat, tore off his false beard, removed his leather armor, leaving only his undergarments, and knelt down again. “Your Majesty, I almost couldn’t make it back.”

Again it was Cui Teng who spoke: “No one expected you to come back anyway. How did the Xiongnu treat you? Did they serve you fine wine and meat?”

Prince Donghai pointed to heaven and swore an oath, “I absolutely did not intend to surrender to the Xiongnu. If there is even half a false word, may heaven strike me with lightning. My original intention was to scout a path for Your Majesty, and at worst I could go fetch reinforcements along the way. Who would have thought… I know that leaving without permission was the crime of deceiving the sovereign. Your Majesty may punish me however you wish – even if you cut off my head, I have no complaints. I only ask that Your Majesty listen to a few words: be extremely careful, as Hua Bin and the others have secretly returned to Jincheng, intending to assassinate Your Majesty!”

Prince Donghai still did not know that Hua Bin had long since been won over by the Emperor.

Han Ruzi believed that Prince Donghai would not surrender, but he did not believe his “original intention.” “You don’t need to worry about Hua Bin and the others. Why did the Xiongnu let you return?”

The Emperor finally spoke, and Prince Donghai breathed a sigh of relief. But the Emperor seemed unmoved by the assassination matter, which left him feeling uncertain again. Wiping away his tears, he said: “The Xiongnu king flew into a rage, saying that all Chu people were… He wanted to kill me, but just then the Great Chanyu’s envoy arrived, so I shouted loudly that he could kill me, just don’t send me back to the city, because Your Majesty would surely be angry upon seeing me – Your Majesty, I said this deliberately for the Xiongnu king to hear, to make him think that my appearance would enrage Your Majesty, and that Your Majesty in anger would kill all the envoys. Actually I knew that Your Majesty…”

“The Right Wise King was already angry the night before last, so why was he furious again today? Because of the Great Chanyu’s envoy?” Han Ruzi interrupted Prince Donghai.

Prince Donghai shook his head. “Because of Deng Cui.”

“What happened to General Deng?” This was what Han Ruzi was most concerned about.

Prince Donghai became anxious and instead could not speak. He swallowed twice, then finally said: “Deng Cui escaped from the Xiongnu camp.”

Han Ruzi let out a long breath. Although this was only a small victory, and whether Deng Cui could bring back the main army was still unknown, Han Ruzi had been worried for so long that he could finally set his mind at ease.

“That’s not all.” There was a hint of resentment in Prince Donghai’s voice – it was because of Deng Cui that he had fallen into a desperate situation and nearly died under Xiongnu blades. “He also abducted one of the Xiongnu king’s concubines.”

From the Emperor to the eunuchs, everyone who heard this was stunned speechless.

“So the Xiongnu king was extremely furious. He sent people to pursue Deng Cui and swore that he would breach Jincheng and kill the Emperor. Your Majesty, Deng Cui has brought great trouble upon Jincheng!”

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