novelSusiti Chapter 57 The Rebellion of the Lü Clan
Chapter 57 The Rebellion of the Lü Clan
Emperor Hui, Liu Ying, was the eldest son of Emperor Gao, Liu Bang, and his mother was Empress Lü. He was only five years old when Liu Bang was enfeoffed as the King of Han.
Upon his ascension to the throne, he bestowed upon the common people a first-rank noble title. Those who served as Zhonglang or Langzhong for six years were promoted to a third-rank noble title, and those who served for four years were promoted to a second-rank noble title.
Those who serve as Outer Gentlemen for six years shall be promoted to the second rank of nobility. Those who serve as Middle Gentlemen for less than one year shall be promoted to the first rank of nobility. Those who serve as Outer Gentlemen for less than two years shall be rewarded with ten thousand coins.
The Imperial Food Officer among the eunuchs enjoyed the same treatment as the Gentleman of the Palace. Attendants, shield bearers, halberd bearers, warriors, and grooms received the same treatment as the Outer Gentlemen of the Palace.
The title of Fifth-Rank Official for the Crown Prince's Imperial Charioteer was granted, and those who served as Attendants to the Crown Prince for five years were granted the Second-Rank title. Those who organized funerals were rewarded: officials with a salary of 2,000 shi (a unit of grain measure) were given 20,000 coins, officials with a salary of 600 shi or above were given 10,000 coins, and officials with a salary of 500 shi or below, including Assistant Clerks, were given 5,000 coins.
Those who reclaim land and build tombs are rewarded with forty catties of money by the general, twenty catties of money by officials with a rank of two thousand shi, six catties of money by officials with a rank of six hundred shi or above, and two catties of money by officials with a rank of five hundred shi or below.
Land taxes were reduced, and the system of one-fifteenth tax was restored. Officials with the rank of Grand Master of the Fifth Rank or above, and those who served the emperor and were known for their service, were granted leniency and exempted from shackles for crimes that should have been punished.
Those above the rank of Shangzao, as well as the grandsons and great-grandsons of the inner and outer branches, who committed crimes and should be sentenced to hard labor or pounding labor, would have their sentences reduced to ghost firewood or white cane punishment.
People aged seventy or older, or under ten, who commit crimes and are subject to punishment, are all exempted from corporal punishment.
He also said, "Officials are meant to govern the people. If they can fulfill their governing responsibilities well, the people will trust them. Therefore, giving them generous salaries is for the benefit of the people."
Officials with a salary of 600 shi or above who live with their parents, wives, and children, as well as former officials who once wore the seals of generals and captains leading soldiers or those who wore the seals of officials with a salary of 2,000 shi, are only required to provide military taxes to their families; other taxes are not required.
Upon hearing that King Zhang Wuji of Liang was coming to pay homage to him, he immediately said that King Zhang Wuji needed to attend to the affairs of Liang and was too busy with government affairs to come to pay homage. He should instead focus on handling state affairs in his fiefdom.
Upon hearing the imperial edict, Zhang Wuji obediently stayed in the Liang Kingdom. Subsequently, Emperor Hui ordered the establishment of ancestral temples for Emperor Gaozu in all prefectures and vassal states.
In the twelfth month of winter in the first year of Emperor Xiaohui's reign, Prince Zhao, Liu Ruyi, passed away. In the first month of spring, the construction of Chang'an City began.
That year, Empress Lü issued an edict to marry a member of the imperial clan to Prince Liang, Zhang Wuji. The following year, she gave birth to a son, Zhang Keran.
Empress Lü bestowed upon him countless amounts of gold and silk.
In the second year of Emperor Hui's reign, there was a drought in the summer. Marquis Liu Zhong of Heyang passed away. On the day of Xinwei in the seventh month of autumn, Chancellor Xiao He passed away.
In the spring of the third year, 146,000 men and women from within a 600-li radius of Chang'an were conscripted to build the city. In the fifth month of summer, Yao, the ruler of Minyue, was established as the King of Donghai.
In June, 20,000 convicts and slaves from the princes and marquises were conscripted to build the city of Chang'an.
In the seventh month of autumn, a fire broke out in the capital's stables. Zhao Tuo, King of Nanyue, submitted to the Han Dynasty and offered tribute.
……
……
……
Emperor Hui Liu Ying's benevolence and lenient governance were like a gentle spring rain, warm yet powerless.
He reduced taxes, treated officials well, and showed compassion to the elderly and weak, attempting to nurture this nascent empire with benevolence.
However, true power was not in his hands. Empress Lü ruled from behind the curtain; the very hands that had once assisted Emperor Gaozu in establishing the empire now held the reins of the Han dynasty's state apparatus.
Liang King Zhang Wuji was fully aware of the situation in Chang'an. Emperor Hui's edict that "there is no need for an audience" seemed considerate, but in reality, it was Empress Lü's expedient measure to prevent this young prince, who held military power and had a reputation for loyalty in the army, from getting close to the center of power.
Zhang Wuji inherited his father Zhang Wu's imposing physique and fierce spirit, but he also learned patience and the ability to assess situations from the fate of his grandfather Zhang Bi.
He stayed peacefully in Liangyi, where he strengthened military preparedness, reduced taxes and corvée labor, and managed the Liang Kingdom as if it were an impregnable fortress. He respectfully accepted all the rewards and marriage edicts from Chang'an without ever uttering a word of complaint.
When the heir apparent Zhang Keran was born, Empress Lü bestowed generous gifts upon him, further enhancing her favor.
In his letter of thanks to Chang'an, Zhang Wuji was extremely respectful and grateful, and generously donated a large amount of Liang's local specialties to Chang'an.
In secret, he entrusted all the affairs of Liang State to the old ministers left by his father, and devoted most of his energy to teaching his young son. While passing on the family's martial arts and military strategies, he also repeatedly told stories from his ancestor Zhang Zhao to his grandfather Zhang Wu.
As time passed, Emperor Hui died young amidst the turmoil of repression and benevolent governance. Empress Lü ruled as regent, the young emperor was left without a throne, and the Lü clan gradually rose to power.
Lü Tai, Lü Chan, Lü Lu, and others were all granted titles of king and general. The Liu family princes and meritorious officials were silenced, and the Han Dynasty was on the eve of a storm.
In 180 BC, Empress Lü fell seriously ill. The atmosphere in Chang'an was extremely tense.
Empress Lü made urgent arrangements at her sickbed: she appointed Prince Zhao, Lü Lu, as Supreme General, to command the Northern Army (the main force of the capital's imperial guards); and Prince Lü, Lü Chan, to command the Southern Army (the palace guards).
He then warned the Lü clan: "Emperor Gaozu made a pact with his ministers: 'Anyone who is not of the Liu clan and becomes king will be attacked by the whole world.' Now that I have enfeoffed a member of the Lü clan as king, many ministers are dissatisfied. When I die, the emperor will be young, and the ministers may rebel. You must guard the palace with your troops and be careful not to attend the funeral, lest you be controlled by others! Be especially wary of the Zhang clan of Liangyi."
"This powerful clan has been swaying the winds of change since the time of Emperor Wenzhao. While I am alive, I can still keep them in check to some extent. But once I pass away, the Zhang family will be like tigers returning to the mountains!"
The news spread like wildfire through the night to the Kingdom of Liang.
That night, in a secret chamber of the Liang Prince's mansion, candlelight flickered. Zhang Wuji, now past thirty and increasingly composed and resolute, dismissed his attendants, leaving only his son, Zhang Keran.
"A dramatic upheaval is imminent in Chang'an. If the Empress Dowager passes away, veteran officials like Grand Commandant Zhou Bo and Chancellor Chen Ping will certainly not sit idly by and watch the dynasty change hands. A great fire is inevitable."
Zhang Keran's eyes burned with determination: "Father, what should we do? The Lü family and my Zhang family are related by marriage, and the Empress Dowager has shown favor to the Liang Kingdom for many years..."
"Just an empty title," Zhang Wuji sneered. "The Empress Dowager is more wary of me than of the Liu princes. All she wants is for my Zhang family to refrain from rebellion. Yet, the words of Emperor Gaozu bestowing upon my Zhang family the sword, 'sharing the fate of the nation,' still echo in my ears. The Lü family has acted perversely and lost the hearts of the people; how can we rely on them?"
"For the sake of the Zhang family, the Lü family must be eliminated!"
"Does Father intend to aid Zhou Bo and Chen Ping?"
"No rush," Zhang Wuji shook his head. "The Empress Dowager is still alive. Whoever makes the first move will be considered a traitor. What Liang Kingdom must do is 'prepare for unforeseen circumstances.'" He emphasized Liangyi. "From this moment on, under the pretext of autumn military exercises, gather all the soldiers in the country and inspect the armories and provisions. Open the treasuries and generously reward the soldiers. Send trusted assassins with large sums of money to infiltrate Chang'an. They need not contact anyone, but only do two things: First, find out the background of the generals of the Northern and Southern armies and the whereabouts of their families; second, secretly set up several safe houses in Chang'an to stockpile provisions and weapons. Remember, this matter is top secret; it must not be told even to your closest relatives."
Zhang Keran was deeply shaken and bowed deeply: "Your subject understands. Father intends to remain an outsider, holding your hand, and wait for the right moment to act."
"Indeed." Zhang Wuji looked out at the dark night sky. "A storm begins with a ripple. Whether the Zhang family can re-enter the central government depends not on speculation now, but on whether we can seize the key move at that time and determine the fate of the world."
In July, Empress Lü died.
His will appointed Lü Chan as prime minister and Lü Lu's daughter as empress, making the Lü clan extremely powerful. However, the seeds of fear had already begun to grow wildly in the hearts of the Liu clan members and meritorious officials.
King Liu Xiang of Qi (Liu Bang's eldest grandson) was the first to launch an attack, raising an army in the east and issuing a proclamation denouncing the Lü clan.
Chang'an was shaken.
Lü Chan and Lü Lu wanted to send General Guan Ying to lead an army to quell the rebellion.
When Guan Ying's army reached Xingyang, he halted his advance and secretly communicated with the King of Qi and other feudal lords, observing the changes in Chang'an.
Inside Chang'an, Grand Commandant Zhou Bo, though nominally the highest military officer, was forbidden from entering the military camp. Chancellor Chen Ping was also effectively sidelined.
In the midst of the stalemate, a key figure emerged: Li Ji.
Li Ji was on good terms with Lü Lu. Zhou Bo and Chen Ping plotted to kidnap Li Ji's father, Li Shang, forcing Li Ji to go and persuade Lü Lu.
Li Ji said to Lü Lu, "Emperor Gaozu and Empress Lü jointly established the empire. The nine kings appointed by the Liu family and the three kings appointed by the Lü family were all decided by the ministers and announced to the feudal lords, who agreed that it was appropriate. Now that the Empress Dowager has passed away and the Emperor is young, you, sir, are wearing the seal of the King of Zhao. Instead of rushing to your fiefdom to guard it, you have become a general, leading troops here, which arouses suspicion from the ministers and feudal lords. Why don't you return the seal and entrust the troops to the Grand Commandant? Ask the King of Liang to return the seal of the Chancellor, make an alliance with the ministers, and then go to your fiefdom. The Qi troops will surely withdraw, the ministers will be safe, and you can then rule a thousand miles away with peace of mind. This is a benefit for ten thousand generations."
Lu Lu hesitated, but trusted Li Ji and often went hunting with him, visiting his aunt Lu Xu (Empress Lü's sister and wife of Fan Kuai).
Lü Xu was furious: "If a general abandons his army, the Lü family will have nowhere to go!" She then took out all her pearls, jade, and precious artifacts and scattered them down in the hall, saying: "Do not let others guard them!"
News from Chang'an was continuously transmitted back to Liang through clandestine channels.
Zhang Wuji knew that the moment of the decisive battle was fast approaching. He summoned Zhang Keran to his side and solemnly took out the Crimson Cloud Sword, which had been sealed in a brocade box for a long time.
"This sword was bestowed upon your grandfather by the High Emperor. It is named 'Crimson Sky,' the sword used to slay the white serpent. Now I entrust it to you."
Zhang Wuji's eyes shone brightly. "I will immediately lead three thousand elite troops from Liang, under the pretext of 'entering the capital to protect the late emperor's temple,' to march on Chang'an and assist the Grand Commandant and Prime Minister in eliminating the traitor Lü. If the Lü clan wins, I will be a traitor; if the meritorious officials win, my Zhang family can return to the court!"
"Father, let me go!" Zhang Keran said urgently.
"No, you will remain in Liang." Zhang Wuji pressed down on his son's shoulder. "If anything happens to me, you will be the King of Liang. Remember, if the Chang'an affair succeeds, the new emperor will be either the King of Dai (Liu Heng) or the King of Huainan (Liu Chang). Whoever becomes emperor, you may take this Chixiao Sword and enter Chang'an with a small entourage. The sword is proof of the Zhang family's loyalty to the country and also a stepping stone for our family's advancement. How you use it is up to your ability."
On the day of Gengshen in the eighth month, Marquis Pingyang Cao Zhu (son of Cao Can) urgently met with Lü Chan to discuss matters. He learned that Lü Chan had entered Weiyang Palace and was preparing to rebel. He quickly informed Chen Ping and Zhou Bo.
Zhou Bo wanted to join the Northern Army, but was not allowed to.
At a critical moment, Ji Tong (son of Ji Xin), the Marquis of Xiangping who was in charge of the imperial tally, forged an imperial edict, helping Zhou Bo to enter the Northern Army with the false imperial command.
At the same time, Li Ji and Liu Jie, the Imperial Envoy, once again persuaded Lü Lu: "The Emperor has appointed the Grand Commandant to guard the Northern Army and wants you to return to your country. You should quickly return your seal of office and resign, otherwise, disaster will ensue." Lü Lu was muddleheaded and actually relinquished his seal to the Imperial Envoy and handed over the troops to the Grand Commandant.
Zhou Bo rushed into the Northern Army's camp and issued orders: "Those who support the Lü clan should bare their right sides, and those who support the Liu clan should bare their left sides!"
Everyone in the army wore their left sleeves. The Northern Army was thus brought under Zhou Bo's control.
The Southern Army was still in Lü Chan's hands. Lü Chan was unaware that Lü Lu had lost the Northern Army. He led his officials to try to enter Weiyang Palace to cause trouble, but they could not enter the palace and wandered back and forth.
Cao Zhu urgently reported to Zhou Bo. Zhou Bo was still worried about the southern army and feared that victory was not assured, so he dared not openly mention the execution of Lü Chan.
Just at this critical moment, a messenger on horseback suddenly arrived from outside the palace: "Reporting to the Grand Commandant! Prince Liang, Zhang Wuji, has led three thousand elite cavalry to Ba Shang. He sent a messenger saying that upon hearing of the unrest in Chang'an, he has come to protect the Gao Temple and await the Grand Commandant's orders!"
This news came like a thunderbolt.
Upon hearing this, Lü Chan's face turned ashen. All he had to rely on was the Southern Army and the palace. Now, there were Qi troops outside, Zhou Bo controlling the Northern Army inside, and the Liang army, known for its fighting prowess, had also arrived outside the city! The Southern Army soldiers also felt fear upon hearing this.
Zhou Bo and Chen Ping exchanged a glance and burst into laughter: "Perfect timing!" Zhou Bo immediately gave the order: "Order the Liang King's troops to strictly guard all areas of Ba Shang, and not to move without orders! Zhu Xu Marquis Liu Zhang!"
"Your humble servant is here!" The young Liu Zhang (brother of King Liu Xiang of Qi, who was a hostage in Chang'an) stepped forward with a heartfelt declaration.
"I hereby give you a thousand Northern Army soldiers. Go quickly and kill Lü Chan! This will be the greatest achievement in quelling the rebellion!"
Liu Zhang accepted the order and led his troops to attack Weiyang Palace.
Lu Chan was defeated and fled, but was chased down and beheaded in the latrine of the physician's office.
Subsequently, Zhou Bo dispatched his soldiers to capture all the men and women of the Lü clan, regardless of age, and behead them all.
Lü Lu was flogged to death, Lü Xu was beaten to death with clubs, and Fan Kuai's son, Fan Kang, was also executed. A bloody purge was swift and thorough.
With the dust settled in Chang'an, the ministers discussed establishing a new emperor.
After weighing the options, Liu Heng, the King of Dai, who was far away in the Dai region and was known for his benevolence and filial piety, was welcomed to the throne and became Emperor Wen of Han.
In 179 BC, Emperor Wen ascended the throne and bestowed great rewards upon his meritorious officials. Zhou Bo, Chen Ping, and Guan Ying were among those who made the greatest contributions.
During the commendation ceremony, Chen Ping stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, although Liang Wuji did not personally go to Chang'an to kill the rebels, he led his troops to Ba Shang, intimidating Lü Chan and the Southern Army, causing their morale to collapse and making them dare not resist. Only then could Zhu Xuhou succeed in one strike. Although his contribution is hidden, it is crucial. Moreover, the previous Liang King made a mistake, and he died a loyal and brave man in the rescue at Baideng. The Zhang family has been loyal to the royal family since the time of Emperor Gaozu. I beseech Your Majesty to consider their merits and their family's loyal and brave tradition, and to reward them to set an example for the world."
Zhou Bo also seconded the motion.
Emperor Wen pondered.
He was well aware of the threat posed by the Zhang family, but with the political situation now relatively stable, it was necessary to appease the people. The Zhang family had long held prestige in Guanzhong and Hanzhong and had indeed rendered meritorious service.
Most importantly, he was confident that he could manage the Zhang family well and use them for his own purposes!
"Granted," Emperor Wen said. "Prince Zhang Wuji of Liang has rendered meritorious service to the country in quelling the rebellion, and shall be granted an additional fief of three thousand households. His son, Zhang Keran, shall be appointed as the Palace Attendant and allowed to enter the palace guard."
This is both a sign of favor and an indication of taking hostages.
However, in the early years of Emperor Wen's reign, when meritorious officials were everywhere, it was already an extremely illustrious starting point for a prince's son to be directly appointed as the Palace Attendant (one of the Nine Ministers, in charge of the palace gates and palaces, and in fact the chief of the emperor's personal guards).
At the tender age of fifteen, Zhang Keran, by imperial decree, entered Chang'an to pay homage to the emperor with only ten attendants and carrying the Chixiao Sword.
In the front hall of Weiyang Palace, a young man stood tall and straight, his face remarkably similar to his father's. He bowed respectfully and recounted his father's intention to "strictly guard the vassal state and await the king's rule," without mentioning any merits.
Emperor Wen was moved by the emperor's proper and respectful manner, recalling the story of his father, Liu Bang, at Baideng. He offered gentle words of encouragement.
Subsequently, Emperor Wen issued a meaningful edict: Zhang Keran, being a descendant of loyal and virtuous officials and a promising young man, was granted the special privilege of "participating in the emperor's carriage," meaning he could accompany the emperor in his carriages when entering and leaving the palace.
Being a member of the imperial entourage signifies the utmost intimacy and trust. Through this role, Zhang Keran quickly became familiar with the workings of the palace and the structure of the court.
He was taciturn, observant, steady in his actions, and highly skilled in martial arts (which he inherited from his family). He quickly mastered the duties of guarding the palace, and within a few months, he had organized the officials and guards under the command of the Physician into an orderly and disciplined system. The guards were strict but not arrogant, and even the notoriously strict Minister of Justice Zhang Shizhi was impressed by him.
More importantly, he used this special position to naturally come into contact with Grand Commandant Zhou Bo, Chancellor Chen Ping, General Guan Ying and other important figures, as well as key ministers around the new emperor such as Song Chang and Bo Zhao.
He kept his father's teachings in mind, never forming cliques, and always serving others with the respect due to a junior or subordinate. He was diligent in his work and always spoke the truth. Gradually, the reputation of "Little Prince Liang" as calm and capable spread quietly in Chang'an.
Once, when Emperor Wen was traveling, the horse in his carriage sprang into the air. In a flash, Zhang Keran reined in the horse and protected the emperor. His own arm was cut raw and bleeding from the reins, but he remained calm. Emperor Wen personally applied medicine to his arm and exclaimed, "Truly a descendant of loyalty and bravery, he has inherited the virtues of his ancestors."
Once again, remnants of the old Lü faction plotted rebellion, but Zhang Keran detected it beforehand and captured them in one fell swoop, averting a major disaster. Emperor Wen's trust in him grew daily.
In May of 177 BC, the Xiongnu invaded the border.
In July, Emperor Wen proposed sending generals to counterattack. At that time, Zhou Bo had gradually been alienated by Emperor Wen, and Chen Ping was old and ill.
Zhang Keran calmly analyzed the border situation in front of the palace, and his words hit the nail on the head. He proposed the strategy of "relocating people to populate the border and both garrisoning and defending it," which was in line with Emperor Wen's wishes. The court officials were amazed by this young man's insight into important military and national affairs.
Afterwards, Emperor Wen summoned Zhang Keran privately and asked, "Your talents and strategies seem to extend beyond mere palace guard duties. Would you be willing to share my burdens regarding border affairs?"
Zhang Keran prostrated himself: "Your Majesty, I am young and inexperienced, and know only to be loyal to the king. I would gladly die for Your Majesty's cause. However, I believe that in the newly established state, we should employ experienced and seasoned generals, such as Marquis Chai Wu of Jipu and General Ling Mian, whose prestige is awe-inspiring in the northern frontier. I am willing to serve as their deputy, to learn military affairs, and perhaps one day I can guard a region for Your Majesty."
He was not arrogant about his talents, nor did he seek credit for his achievements. He was willing to serve as a deputy, which pleased Emperor Wen greatly. Soon after, an imperial edict appointed Zhang Keran as the concurrent Protector of the Northern Army, assisting the Grand Commandant in managing the defenses of the capital and the Three Auxiliary Regions.
The Northern Army was the very force that Zhou Bo seized from Lü Lu and used to quell the Lü clan. From then on, members of the Zhang family officially took control of a portion of the core elite troops of the Han Empire.