Chapter 92: Buddha-Bone Throughout
Although he already knew that Zhao Cun was about to rebel, Han Min was still startled when he saw the scene inside Yong’an City with his own eyes.
He hid behind the door of Jianguo Temple, carefully pushing it open just a crack, and peered outside through the gap.
The clouds hung low and heavy, as if pressing down on people’s heads.
From the nearby Xuanwu Avenue came the rhythmic sounds of horse hooves and footsteps—Duke of Xin leading the remaining half of the Xuanyu Army into the city.
Although the military tally (command seal) was with Fu Xun, the Xuanyu Army had been personally trained and led by Li Shu, so he was naturally highly respected within the army.
Ever since he had been effectively confined by the emperor, many had quietly grown dissatisfied.
Now that the Duke of Xin finally made a move, declaring rebellion, only his trusted aides followed without hesitation. The rest of the army hesitated for ten days, but eventually, swept up by the duke’s “plea” and the momentum of soldiers’ loyalties, they raised their banners and entered Yong’an City.
Yong’an City’s defenses were deliberately left lax, allowing them to enter without a single drop of bloodshed.
Zhao Cun was hiding in an inn, waiting until someone came in to inform him of the situation outside.
“Congratulations, Your Highness! The Duke of Xin has already led troops into Yong’an City. The city gates are now being sealed.”
Zhao Cun exhaled for the first time in a long while, resting his hands on the table. “Good, very good,” he repeated.
Zhao Yin and Ji Heng were also in the room, bowing their heads in submission, while Ji Heng could not hide the joy on his face.
“Congratulations, Your Highness!”
Zhao Cun smiled. “It’s too early for that. No need to rush.” He then instructed the man, “Go, have our men come out. Enter the palace city and seize Zichen Hall first.”
The man obeyed, and Zhao Cun nodded in satisfaction, turning to see Zhao Yin and Ji Heng still kneeling, quickly helping Ji Heng up.
“Thanks to you this time,” he said.
Ji Heng replied, “It’s all thanks to your wisdom, Your Highness. I only acted as the intermediary.”
Zhao Cun prided himself on being shrewd. He knew very well that such a thing could not succeed so easily, especially against Qi, a rival state.
At first, when Zhao Yin and Young Master Yun from Songzhu Pavilion tried to persuade him, he had been tempted but dared not act rashly.
It was only when Ji Heng came to him, claiming he could help connect him with the Duke of Xin—who held military power and commanded the loyal Xuanyu Army—that Zhao Cun dared move.
Ji Heng also told him about Fu Xun’s ascension. At the time, Ji Heng was not in the palace, and much of what he said was likely exaggeration or conjecture while drinking with friends. But Zhao Cun believed him because he thought Ji Heng was Duke of Xin’s nephew.
Ji Heng said that during the standoff between Fu Xun and the Duke of Gong, Fu Quan, Fu Xun was not in the upper hand. He was even blocked outside the city gate and had been struck by an arrow. The situation was about to erupt into open conflict, until Duke of Xin presented the late emperor’s decree, temporarily quelling the dispute.
Later, Fu Xun ascended the throne, but the Duke of Gong still coveted the crown. On the day of the late emperor’s funeral, the Duke of Gong tried to force his way into the palace. Only Duke of Xin’s troops intervened to finally restore order.
Ji Heng’s account was essentially accurate, though lacking many details he didn’t know.
Zhao Cun believed all this, thinking that as long as he had military power and Duke of Xin on his side, everything would go smoothly.
Of course, he kept a measure of caution. To the Duke of Xin, he said: “We are both sons of Dezong. The late emperor was so foolish, yet he could be emperor. Why shouldn’t you, Li Shu?”
He didn’t say he himself wanted the throne; he only urged Li Shu to take it, promising Song would secretly support him.
Li Shu naturally would not want to serve a foreign king, but Zhao Cun figured he would accept the throne for himself.
Zhao Cun thought that once Li Shu controlled Yong’an, he could reap the benefits like a fisherman at the shore. Just like now—once Li Shu entered the city, Zhao Cun could move into the palace city.
Li Shu would ascend, gain legitimacy, and once everything was in order, Zhao Cun could act. He thought everything through perfectly.
Inside Jianguo Temple, Han Min stood behind the door, watching a line of soldiers rush through the streets.
From here, the East Gate was directly ahead. His uncle was quick; the gates were already being sealed.
As long as the gates were under their control, Zhao Cun could not cause much trouble.
At this time, the people sent by the Empress Dowager had also arrived, along with the monks from the temple.
Han Min closed the door and said, “Bring the panicked civilians inside. If chaos breaks out, let the abbot lead them in chanting. Secure all the temple entrances—Song’s people respect the Buddha; they won’t disturb the temple rashly.”
He considered and told the monks, “To be safe, take up your weapons and guard the doors.”
There were martial monks in Jianguo Temple. Han Min had stayed here for over ten days and knew the masters well, so this arrangement made sense.
Everyone responded and went to their tasks.
Han Min then noticed another group following him.
“And you are?” he asked.
The leader bowed. “Young Master Han, we were sent by the Empress Dowager to protect you.”
“I don’t need protection. I’m staying in the temple. Go help the masters instead.”
“We dare not,” they replied.
“What about the Empress Dowager’s side? Anyone following?”
“Rest assured, Young Master Han.”
“Then go to the east courtyard…”
“Your Highness, Han’s estate is also guarded.”
Unable to refuse, Han Min silently allowed them to follow.
Jianguo Temple had a scripture repository, a nine-story tower.
Han Min climbed to the top floor to survey the surroundings.
It was evening. Clouds blocked the sun; there was no light. Ordinary citizens dared not light lamps, and the entire city looked gray and murky.
Looking north, the palace city lights began flickering along the palace paths—Zhao Cun’s men were entering.
Han Min pulled out a pre-prepared bamboo whistle and a note, summoning Turnip Head to send a message to Fu Xun. Zhao Cun would not stay long in the palace city.
There were almost no palace staff left; they had likely hidden since morning.
Zhao Cun entered the palace city with his original Song emissaries and spies who had been embedded in Yong’an for an unknown period, walking boldly.
Li Shu was already in Zichen Hall.
Seeing him, Zhao Cun hurried forward. “Duke of Xin, this time we owe you greatly.”
Ji Heng followed, smiling, “Uncle.”
Li Shu, armored and serious, glanced once at him before looking to the people behind Zhao Cun.
“What does Your Highness mean by this?”
Zhao Cun said, “I just worry that the Duke of Xin, newly enthroned, will be overwhelmed. There are many people here; let’s discuss inside.”
So they all entered Zichen Hall.
The hall, normally used for court sessions, rarely opened at night. Now, it was brightly lit, the lights reflecting on the terrazzo floor.
Seeing the dragon throne atop the nine-tiered jade steps, Zhao Cun said, “Please, Duke of Xin, have a seat.”
Li Shu did not refuse and sat on the throne. The nine-tier steps were high, allowing a commanding view of the entire palace. If the doors were open, one could see the stone steps outside.
He hesitated, not placing his hands on the armrests, keeping them on his legs instead.
As soon as he sat, Zhao Yin said, “In my view, Yong’an is already under the duke’s control. The most important next step is to pacify the people. Long ago, Han Gaozu gained the hearts of the people with three simple laws. Now that events have suddenly changed, the citizens may react slowly. It’s better to seize this moment to reassure them.”
Actually, he was speaking to Zhao Cun, warning him not to act rashly.
Li Shu nodded. Zhao Cun had no choice but to say, “Of course, I will also restrain my subordinates.”
He added, “There is another urgent matter. Fu Xun is at Tiger Fang Mountain; he will return to Yong’an as soon as he receives news. What is your plan, Duke of Xin?”
Li Shu said, “I will block all information and set up ambushes along the return route.”
Zhao Cun smirked inwardly. Good; ambushes meant Li Shu would have to divide his forces, which worked in Zhao Cun’s favor.
Everyone harbored their own thoughts. Ji Heng suddenly asked, “What if someone escapes to warn others?”
Li Shu, already losing patience, replied calmly, “Impossible. The city gates are already sealed.”
Ji Heng wanted to speak further, but Li Shu’s sharp glance silenced him.
“Who doesn’t know that Han Min snuck into Yong’an on a snowy night? For Fu Xun, he wouldn’t even fear the Duke of Gong. By now, he must be planning to escape and warn others. I say, seize him immediately, or we won’t be able to prevent him from alerting the enemy.”
Li Shu and Zhao Yin’s faces darkened. Who would think to drag Han Min into this?
Li Shu snapped, “Do you think we’re ignorant? You’re only bringing him up because of a personal grudge.”
He calmed himself, not wanting his protection of Han Min to raise Zhao Cun’s suspicion. “I’ll increase security around Jianguo Temple. Satisfied?”
Ji Heng had nothing to argue further. Zhao Cun raised an eyebrow, unreadable.
Tonight, Yong’an was dark but not peaceful.
Late at night, Ji Heng cautiously avoided his uncle and went to Zhao Cun, followed by a group of Song people.
Inside Jianguo Temple, only the main hall remained lit.
Citizens too afraid to return home stayed here, sitting along corridors or kneeling in the hall, joining the elderly abbot in chanting.
Han Min held Pei’er, sitting in a temporary room.
Pei’er was initially scared. Han Min comforted him, and soon he clutched Han Min’s clothing and fell asleep.
Han Min could not sleep by himself and waited for dawn.
Soon, a few people hurried in to fetch him.
Han Min gently freed his clothing from Pei’er’s grip. “What’s the matter?”
“Ji Heng has brought people. To avoid a direct confrontation, the Empress Dowager wants you to hide for now.” He held a blue monk robe. “Please change into this, blend with the monks, and tell them you left the city earlier.”
“Okay.” Han Min handed Pei’er to them to take to his aunt.
Alone, he changed into the robe, hiding his hair under the monk’s small blue cap. He had worn this outfit once before; it had been popular in Yong’an for a time.
Disguised as a young monk, he went to the main hall, squeezed beside the abbot, and picked up the wooden fish to quietly tap.
Ji Heng soon arrived, banging the temple gates. The monks had no choice but to open them.
Song’s people, respectful of Buddhism, hesitated to enter. Only Ji Heng stepped boldly across the threshold.
He and Han Min had a longstanding grudge; it was unsurprising he came to cause trouble.
However, Han Min guessed his uncle did not know about this. The abbot held his hand, urging him to remain calm.
“Where is Young Master Han?” a martial monk asked, following previous instructions.
“He left the city in the evening. The temple is handling rituals, this benefactor…”
Ji Heng drew a long knife from a companion’s belt, awkwardly placing the blade at the monk’s neck.
“Where is Han Min? The gates have been sealed since morning. He can’t leave.”
The abbot held Han Min’s hand tightly.
The temple was silent. Wind rustled flags and incense.
The sharp blade cut the monk’s neck; blood trickled slowly. Civilians, just calmed, whispered in shock.
Han Min pulled his hand free, stood upright, holding the wooden fish, and walked out of the hall.
Ji Heng dropped the knife, looking up at him.
Han Min’s features were naturally striking. He wore coarse monk robes, not official crimson, yet carried an extraordinary aura. Handsome, ethereal, he looked like a disciple of a Buddha undergoing mortal trials.
Buddha-bone throughout, yet with a human heart.
The cold night wind blew his robes. The temple’s small tabby cat poked its head from his shoulder, timidly meowing.
“Meow.”
Author’s note:
A young monk cultivating with hair intact—swoon!
