The Child Emperor-Chapter 349: Who Surrounds Whom?

The Great Chanyu came personally to supervise the battle and summoned the Chu envoys to his tent, wanting to see their reactions after the city fell.

The various groups of envoys met for the first time in the Xiongnu camp. With no mind for pleasantries, each looked dejected and dispirited as they awaited the final outcome. Many harbored thoughts of certain death, though they felt the time had not yet come.

Shortly after dawn, three Xiongnu messengers arrived in succession, reporting news to the Great Chanyu with tense expressions.

The interpreter brought by the Great Chu envoys had been confined elsewhere under guard, and the Xiongnu interpreter now refused to translate a single word, his expression growing increasingly nervous.

The Great Chanyu was no longer so composed either. He ordered the Chu envoys to be driven away and summoned the important commanders for council.

About two hours later, the Great Chanyu summoned Qiao Wanfu and proposed that the Xiongnu could temporarily halt their attack on the city, on the condition that the Emperor must come immediately to see the Great Chanyu.

Qiao Wanfu was bewildered and at a loss, not knowing how to respond. After leaving the tent, he consulted with his colleagues, who were even more astonished. Soon they discovered that the Xiongnu were actually withdrawing their troops, leaving them even more confused. Only Qu Zixi, when no one was watching, whispered quietly to Qiao Wanfu: “The Emperor can come here.”

Having heard of Qu Zixi’s reputation, Qiao Wanfu accepted his suggestion. When summoned again by the Great Chanyu, he agreed to go persuade the Emperor to come to the Xiongnu camp, though he did not understand the reason and could only speak vaguely.

Qu Zixi understood some Xiongnu language. He never spoke it, but he could comprehend it. The three Xiongnu who had reported to the Great Chanyu earlier had all brought the same message. The Great Chanyu initially did not believe it, but as more and more reports came in with increasing clarity, he could not help but doubt.

Deng Cui’s eastern campaign – Qu Zixi had not yet fully grasped the important implications of this news, but seeing the Xiongnu reaction, he understood it was extremely significant, both for Great Chu and for the Emperor.

Therefore, just before the Emperor entered the tent, he quietly revealed this information.

Han Ruzi immediately felt at ease. Deng Cui was a somewhat eccentric general who was difficult to completely trust, but he had succeeded after all. Not only had he broken through the Xiongnu encirclement to reach Mayi City, but he had also acted in concert with the Emperor’s own plans, leading troops on an eastern campaign to seize the Great Wall passes and trap the Xiongnu inside the passes.

The steppes were the source of Xiongnu strength. Without them, the Xiongnu would quickly wither. After entering the passes, they relied mainly on plunder to sustain their entire army, but every Xiongnu knew in their hearts that plunder would eventually end – they still had to return to the steppes to draw sustenance.

For the Xiongnu, the ideal situation was to be able to freely enter and exit the Great Wall, neither distancing themselves from their base nor giving up the prosperity of Chu territory, while receiving the protection of the walls when necessary.

The mere rumor that their path home was blocked was enough to throw the Xiongnu into complete disarray.

When the Great Chu Emperor arrived, no Xiongnu nobles came out to greet him. Instead, a group of soldiers blocked the Chu envoys and the Emperor’s guards, allowing only him to enter alone.

Inside the tent was much hotter than outside. Dozens of Xiongnu nobles crowded within, some sitting, some standing, carrying swords and bows, staring at the Great Chu Emperor with contemptuous and fierce gazes.

The Emperor was too young, too frail, like a lamb that had wandered into a tiger’s den by mistake. The only reason he had not been devoured immediately was that there was too little meat on him to be worth the predators’ attention.

This was the atmosphere the Xiongnu wanted to create, but Han Ruzi saw another truth: the Great Chanyu had sealed off the news. The vast majority of Xiongnu outside the tent still did not know what was happening beyond the passes. The nobles inside the tent knew, so they put on this display – but it was actually a show of false bravado masking inner fear.

The Great Chanyu had left the Chu envoys outside the tent to let their bewilderment and terror infect the Emperor. He had not expected that one of them could actually understand Xiongnu language.

Like many of his ministers, Han Ruzi had originally harbored thoughts of certain death, but now he was filled with confidence of victory. His steps were light, his expression calm, and he paid no attention to the sharp gazes from left and right as he walked straight to the Great Chanyu.

The Great Chanyu half-reclined on a comfortable couch. Last year during the negotiations at Shattered Iron City, he had still been a humble and wise old man. Today, however, he was an arrogant and domineering foreign monarch, lofty and aloof, ready at any moment to unleash his thunderous wrath.

When it came to putting up a show of bravado, the Great Chanyu was indeed better at it than ordinary Xiongnu nobles, but that was all. His performance only made Han Ruzi more convinced that the news from beyond the frontier had dealt a heavy blow to the Xiongnu.

The Xiongnu nobles roared in unison, signaling for the Emperor to kneel before the Great Chanyu.

Even without Qu Zixi’s reminder, Han Ruzi would not have knelt. He looked directly into the Great Chanyu’s eyes and said, “Great Chanyu, I trust you have been well.”

Probably not trusting the Jin siblings, the Great Chanyu had another interpreter by his side, who whispered quietly in his ear.

The Great Chanyu’s cold face slowly softened, revealing a faint, almost imperceptible smile. He sat up slightly, raised his hand, commanded the nobles to be silent, then muttered a few words. The interpreter listened carefully, then straightened his back and arrogantly addressed the guests: “The Great Chanyu of the Xiongnu respectfully asks the Emperor of Chu: The Xiongnu have witnessed the tenacity of Chu’s army, and Chu’s army has experienced the might of the Xiongnu. Do you need another battle?”

Han Ruzi said calmly, “Another battle? The fighting has never ended. The brave soldiers of Great Chu stand ready in formation, waiting in the city for the Xiongnu.”

The interpreter seemed to have two faces – humble and deferential when facing the Great Chanyu, but immediately becoming arrogant and insolent when turning to the Emperor. “The Great Chanyu of the Xiongnu respectfully informs the Emperor of Chu: Jincheng City will surely fall. The Xiongnu are giving you a chance to cling to life. If you do not cherish it, tonight will be the time of annihilation for all Chu people in the city.”

Han Ruzi frowned slightly and asked, “Cling to life? The Great Chanyu couldn’t have thought of that phrase himself, could he?”

The interpreter’s face reddened slightly. “That is exactly what the Great Chanyu means.”

Han Ruzi shook his head. “No, the Great Chanyu means more than that. He is afraid, because those clinging to life are not the Chu people, but the Xiongnu. Tell him that when the Xiongnu withdrew from Jincheng City, We already knew everything. Who does he think arranged this entire plan? You can also tell him that at this moment, the Great Chu general beyond the frontier is Wei Su, the one who took away the Right Wise King’s concubine. His real name is Deng Cui, General of Chariots and Cavalry of Great Chu, who went beyond the frontier to lead troops on Our imperial decree. We are grateful for the Right Wise King’s gracious hospitality.”

The interpreter’s face turned red and pale alternately, no longer able to maintain his arrogant demeanor as he hurriedly translated to the Great Chanyu.

A Xiongnu man sitting to the side suddenly leaped up, roared, drew his sword and charged toward the Emperor, but was grabbed by others and continued shouting loudly.

Han Ruzi kept his gaze straight ahead, knowing this must be the Right Wise King who had besieged Jincheng City for many days.

The Great Chanyu coughed and said a few words. The interpreter did not translate to the Emperor. The Right Worthy King sheathed his sword and sat down with a flushed face, while the other nobles also showed expressions of shame.

The Great Chanyu turned toward the Emperor, stared at him for a while, then smiled again. This time the smile was more blatant, seemingly carrying more goodwill. Then he spoke at length.

“So it really was the Emperor’s arrangement. But does the Emperor know that the Xiongnu have besieged the city for many days without attacking precisely to lure the Chu army beyond the frontier into a trap? Their every step leads toward death. Before long, your General of Chariots and Cavalry’s head will be delivered here.”

Han Ruzi did not know that the main force of the Xiongnu army was currently locked in bitter battle with Chu forces in southern Yan, nor did he know whether Deng Cui’s eastern campaign was proceeding smoothly. Yet his face showed an expression of complete confidence as he smiled and said, “Does the Great Chanyu know that a million Chu troops have already surrounded the Xiongnu? From the moment you entered the pass, you have already fallen into a trap.”

After hearing the translation, the Great Chanyu burst into laughter.

The interpreter regained his arrogant demeanor. “The Great Chanyu of the Xiongnu respectfully informs the Emperor of Chu: To see that a besieged ruler can still speak such wild words – the Emperor’s courage is indeed considerable. Since we both believe the other has fallen into a trap, let us wait and see. The Emperor need not return either – stay here and quietly await the good news.”

Han Ruzi had no other choice.

The Emperor was arranged to stay in a tent near the Great Chanyu. All the Chu envoys were taken elsewhere and were not allowed to see the Emperor again. Only four guards were permitted to remain by the Emperor’s side.

It was already dark, and the Xiongnu brought wine and meat. Han Ruzi had no appetite at all, but to avoid being looked down upon by the Xiongnu, he ate everything clean.

Three guards stood watch outside, while Meng E alone served the Emperor. As before, though it was called serving, she rarely did the work of a servant, mostly standing to the side, listening intently to sounds from outside.

Han Ruzi took off his boots, planning to sleep in his clothes. With no outsiders present, he asked, “When will it take effect?”

“It should be tomorrow night,” Meng E said.

Han Ruzi sat on the edge of the bed thinking for a while. “Besides Deng Cui’s eastern campaign, there must be more happening. The Great Chanyu is waiting for news – I really wish I could know what it is.”

“I’ll go find out.”

“No, I was just speaking casually. If you take risks for this, I won’t be able to think aloud in front of you anymore.”

Meng E stopped in her tracks, made a sound of acknowledgment, and continued listening to the sounds outside. After a while she said, “If you need me to respond, just let me know.”

Han Ruzi smiled and nodded. Meng E wanted to learn the art of rulership, but what she lacked most were those basic social skills.

“Perhaps the Xiongnu really have set an ambush. It remains to be seen whether Deng Cui can…” Han Ruzi felt restless and anxious.

This was destined to be a sleepless night. Though no one disturbed him and there was no worry of the city being breached, Han Ruzi could not sleep. It was not until the latter half of the night that he dozed off fitfully, with dream after dream in which people kept running in to report news, always being interrupted at crucial moments, never able to speak the exact details…

Dawn broke, and the guards outside brought cold water. Han Ruzi had just washed his face when the Great Chanyu’s interpreter arrived, with a hint of smugness, saying, “The Xiongnu Great Chanyu respectfully invites the Emperor of Chu for a discussion.”

Han Ruzi’s heart skipped a beat, but his face remained impassive. “Wait a moment, allow Us to change clothes.”

There were far fewer Xiongnu nobles in the great tent than yesterday. The Right Wise King was still there, glaring angrily at the Emperor as soon as he saw him.

Seven generals from Great Chu knelt in the tent, their armor broken and torn, having clearly been through bitter fighting.

The Great Chanyu nodded lazily, and the interpreter immediately said, “The Emperor recognizes these men, doesn’t he? Do you still think it’s the Chu army surrounding the Xiongnu?”

The seven generals turned around, bowing their heads to the Emperor with shame written across their faces, prostrating themselves on the ground, not daring to look up.

Han Ruzi indeed recognized them. Most were Northern Army commanders, and one was Feng Shili, who had led troops to harass the Xiongnu forces several times.

Feng Shili had tried to make a feint and retreat, but failed to succeed. The Xiongnu, while besieging the city, still managed to deploy large numbers of troops to surround the Chu army. After a day and night of bitter fighting, they annihilated some and captured others.

But Han Ruzi felt greatly relieved. As long as Deng Cui and Chai Yue were safe on both sides, that was the best news.

“To keep the Xiongnu at Jincheng, you generals have worked hard. We will remember your contributions.”

The seven generals raised their heads with bewildered expressions, then quickly touched their heads to the ground again. Feng Shili said, “Your subjects did our utmost…”

The interpreter’s expression changed slightly as he translated to the Great Chanyu, whose face immediately darkened.

Han Ruzi could not guess at the changes in the external situation, while the Great Chanyu could not fathom the Emperor’s true thoughts.

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