Chapter 27: The Legion of Kings

Juyi County, Central Military Camp—Zhang Guangfu did not linger long in Ruyang, soon returning here. Before the council began in the grand tent, Zhang Guangfu led all the civil and military officials in kneeling toward the west, offering obeisance and congratulating Her Majesty and His Majesty on their countless victories.

"Gentlemen, the campaign to suppress the rebellion has ended in a resounding victory. All present are meritorious officials. The clerks and recorders of each military division have chronicled the entire course of this operation. Minister Cen and I have, based on these records, drawn up a draft of who is to be credited or censured," Zhang Guangfu said, shifting uncomfortably on his seat and waving his hand for Cen Changqian to read out the roll of merits.

"First merit is awarded to General Quan Ce of the Eastern Capital's Qianniu Guard, with two distinctions: first, for annihilating Li Gui's detachment; second, for leading the assault and breaching Ruyang City."

"Second merit goes to General Qu Chongyu of the Left Martial Guard, credited with three feats..."

"Yet, there were shortcomings in this campaign, two major ones: first, the loss of the granaries along the canal, costing us half our provisions; second, the forced march across the frozen road, which led to the annihilation of three thousand militiamen. There are six minor failures: first, during the assault on Pingyu County, the rearguard was poorly coordinated and failed to provide support..."

Cen Changqian read slowly and languidly, his manner serene. By the time he finished, Zhang Guangfu had shifted in his seat dozens of times before quickly interjecting, "Gentlemen, are there any objections?"

Quan Ce bowed humbly, declining the honor. "I am young and inexperienced. Any credit I have earned is but a matter of luck, entirely due to the assistance of my fellow generals. I do not dare accept the first merit." He spoke sincerely. Participating in the suppression of the rebellion was a matter of necessity for him—if he were to claim the highest honor, he would undoubtedly become a thorn in the eyes of the Li clan.

"General Quan is too modest. In my view, the first merit is rightfully yours. You destroyed Li Gui’s detachment—a fact I was unaware of—but I personally witnessed you lead the charge and seize the city. The Qianniu Guard fought with unmatched valor, holding the gates alone. Even if General Quan does not care for personal glory, he must consider the reputation of the Qianniu Guard. Moreover, this battle has made them famous throughout the realm. If the report does not reflect the truth, whomever the credit falls to will only invite ridicule," Zhao Liu was the first to object, criticizing Quan Ce and dousing the ambitions of any others who might have been tempted.

At these words, the other generals were left speechless. A certain Zhonglang General muttered, "But General Quan shot his own comrade—how is that to be reckoned?"

Quan Ce immediately seized upon the key point. "Indeed, indeed. The other day, while inspecting the troops with the Prime Minister, my crossbow was not properly maintained. I accidentally discharged it, causing a comrade’s death. I should be held accountable."

"Enough, enough! Let us not dwell on trifles," Zhang Guangfu rapped his fingers impatiently on the desk. "Since the generals have no further objections, so let it be. After we return to the capital, I shall submit this to the court. Now, I have more urgent military matters to assign."

"Your orders, Prime Minister," the generals rose in unison.

Zhang Guangfu motioned for them to be seated, then addressed the governors of each prefecture. "Gentlemen, I have seized ample evidence of traitorous communication from the rebels. In the spirit of eradicating evil to its roots, while the army is still here, we must strike swiftly and cut down the remnants of rebellion."

"We await your command," the governors replied without protest.

A faint smile appeared on Zhang Guangfu’s face. "In my view, the rebel remnants are concentrated in three areas. First, the families of the rebel officials and officers—they must be thoroughly investigated, and their entire clans implicated. Second, officials and gentry who conspired with the traitors—all must be arrested and interrogated harshly. Third, the rebellious populace—anyone with connections to the rebels, not a single one must be spared."

"Prime Minister, reconsider. The prefectures of Henan have just emerged from chaos. This is a time for restoration and healing, not for further bloodshed," Di Renjie immediately objected. This time he was not alone; the other governors lent their support. Population and tax revenue were, after all, the measures of their success.

"Enough! My duty compels me to root out rebellion and make an example for all to see. I will not tolerate the embers of revolt reigniting, even if it means devastation throughout Henan," Zhang Guangfu declared, intent on maximizing the scale of this suppression to secure his own achievements. "You, the people’s officials, need not worry. Butcher or fiend, I alone will bear the infamy. You need not say more."

The generals cared little for such concerns, rolling up their sleeves with excitement. With the main rebel force gone, all that remained were small fry—no danger, only more merit to be won. There were exceptions, however, such as Quan Ce. "Prime Minister, my Qianniu Guard has lost nearly half its strength. We can no longer serve. I ask your understanding."

"Of course, of course. The Qianniu Guard has rendered distinguished service—they deserve rest," Zhang Guangfu replied without pressing further. "Now, generals, hear my assignments..."

When the council concluded, the assembly dispersed. Quan Ce sought out Di Renjie. The man was neither fat nor tall, short and thin with fair skin and a short beard under his chin. At this moment, his face was marked by deep worry and a trace of anger. "Governor Di, I have a request."

"No need for formalities, General Quan. Speak plainly. I am rather busy," Di Renjie paused and gave a courteous bow.

Quan Ce explained concisely, "My men have fought two battles, losing forty-two brothers. I wish to collect their remains and have them cremated, to return their ashes to the Eastern Capital. I ask that you assign some laborers to assist me."

Di Renjie was taken aback, sizing him up from head to toe. "General, you are truly considerate. No wonder the Qianniu Guard fights so fiercely. I will make arrangements shortly."

"Thank you, Governor," Quan Ce bowed deeply in gratitude.

That evening, Shazha Fu and Shazha Shu came to Quan Ce’s tent. Shazha Fu carried a food box, saying it was to bring dinner for the eldest son.

After Shazha Shu explained the events surrounding their entry into Prince Yue’s residence, Quan Ce could only sigh helplessly. Li Zhen's refusal to surrender those fatal letters ultimately stemmed from his inability to let go—still hoping his son-in-law could use them to rally the Li clan, but entrusting them to the wrong person. This stubbornness would only bring disaster to countless others.

"That villain truly deserves death," Shazha Shu spat. He had witnessed Li Zhen’s trust in Pei Shoude, watched as Pei played the dutiful son-in-law, then turned traitor at the first opportunity—utterly despicable.

"Sir, aside from the young child, Prince Yue also sent eight guards—the Eight Stallions—to accompany him. How should we settle them?" Shazha Fu opened the food box, revealing Li Zhen’s young son, sleeping soundly inside.

Quan Ce pondered for a moment. "This child should not be brought to the Eastern Capital. Take him to the outskirts and find a good family to foster him. As for the guards, if they wish to protect the child in secret, let them; if they choose to disperse, so be it—leave it to them."

"Understood," the two replied. Shazha Shu added quietly, "Sir, you are merciful. If fate favors them, they will surely serve you one day."

Quan Ce waved it off with a weary smile, rubbing his brow, feeling utterly drained.

Early the next morning, the laborers Di Renjie had arranged had arrived. After receiving permission from Zhang Guangfu, Quan Ce led his troops out from the central camp, heading to Guochang Town, the site of the Qianniu Guard’s first battle, to gather the remains of the sixteen fallen guards who had found their rest there.

Before they even reached Guochang’s market, the stench of blood assailed them. Startled, Quan Ce spurred his horse and entered the town at speed.

"What… what has happened here?" he stammered, his whole body chilled. Last time, the town had been bustling if not crowded; now, blood ran like rivers, corpses strewn everywhere. He saw the old man who had once driven him off with a cane—his white-haired head now rolled on the ground, body indistinguishable among the countless headless torsos and bodiless heads.

"Lai Chong, take the laborers and search for our brothers’ remains."

"Lu Jiong, go quickly to the main road and find the government troops. Ask them—why, why was this town slaughtered?"

Quan Ce’s teeth ground together audibly.

Lu Jiong soon returned, bringing with him a junior officer. "General, we are troops from Hedong Prefecture. We came here to question the people, but they were defiant and uncooperative. They even slandered the court, gathered in protest, and showed clear signs of rebellion. So we exterminated the town."

Defiant? Slandering the court?

Scenes flashed before Quan Ce’s eyes.

The old man had swung his cane, shouting, "You so-called government troops are worse than mountain bandits!"

He had replied, full of righteous indignation, "We are soldiers of the Great Tang, a kingly army!"

In that instant, shame and self-reproach overwhelmed him.