Han Ruzi had ntally prepared himself but was still startled by Wang Jianhuo’s appearance.
Ugly Wang was very tall, with broad shoulders and long arms. He almost had no neck, his large head sitting directly on his shoulders. His face was particularly horrifying: one half was normal, neither ugly nor handso, sothing people wouldn’t pay much attention to. The other half, however, had a large growth hanging down to his shoulder, making that side of his face appear as though it were lting.
Han Ruzi had seen many fierce-looking people, but Wang Jianhuo before him was so ugly that he looked inhuman, like a monster that had leapt from the pages of a poorly illustrated book.
Wang Jianhuo was accustod to such looks and cupped his hands in a salute, repeating his question, “Your Majesty has three major difficulties in mind. Does Your Majesty have solutions?”
Liu Jie and the officials from the Ministry of Rites who had followed him in kept coughing, signaling Wang to kneel, but Wang stood even straighter.
Han Ruzi regained his composure and did not force Wang Jianhuo to kneel. He said, “Then please guess what the three difficulties in Our mind are.”
“The first,” Wang Jianhuo began, “is that although Your Majesty is the Son of Heaven, the imperial seal is missing. If it falls into the hands of traitors, it could cause significant trouble.”
“Mm.” Han Ruzi was not surprised. The disappearance of the imperial seal was widely known; even commoners could guess this was a “difficulty.”
“The second difficulty is the widespread presence of refugees. Spring is ending, and if people are not persuaded to return to their farmlands, the autumn harvest will be insufficient, and the number of refugees will multiply, becoming a major problem.”
This second “difficulty” was also easy to guess, and Han Ruzi nodded.
“The third difficulty is the Xiongnu in the north, who are watching like tigers and could invade at any ti.”
After retaking the throne, Han Ruzi quickly sent Marquis Zhang Yin to Shattered Iron City. Wang Jianhuo had thus guessed correctly that the Emperor was concerned about the northern frontier.
Han Ruzi had more than just these three difficulties in mind, but Wang Jianhuo had indeed identified the three biggest ones.
Ugly Wang had co to plead for the Tan family but hadn’t ntioned them at all. Han Ruzi didn’t bring them up either and followed the conversation, asking, “For these three difficulties, do you have solutions?”
Wang Jianhuo was not shy. He nodded and spread his arms wide, like a giant ape making a threatening gesture. The guards in the tent all reached for their sword hilts.
“It’s not difficult,” Wang Jianhuo said, slowly lowering his arms. He used the gesture rely to emphasize his point and show a bit of confidence.
Han Ruzi remained silent. He was used to the various tricks of fate seers and the arrogance of scholars; Wang Jianhuo’s display did not impress him.
“For the first difficulty, if the rumors are true, the imperial seal is in the hands of soone in the pugilist world and is in Luoyang City. A lion, no matter how fierce, can’t catch birds in the sky. A hawk, no matter how sharp, can’t catch mice underground. Your Majesty, though you command the realm, there are still things beyond your reach. I am but a humble man, yet among the ‘ground rats,’ I am the best. With just one word from Your Majesty, I can deliver the imperial seal into your hands within three days.”
His words were more arrogant than humble. Everyone in the tent now focused less on his ugliness and more on his audacity, thinking he was risking his life with such boldness.
Han Ruzi did not get angry. He knew that an outburst would play into the hands of these bold n. He picked up a teacup, took a small sip, and acted as if he didn’t care about the imperial seal. “Continue,” he said.
“For the second difficulty, the refugees are everywhere, and the grain in the official warehouses is far from sufficient for relief. I have many friends who are willing to open their private granaries to supplent the governnt’s needs.”
Han Ruzi sneered inwardly. If he had to rely on pugilist heroes to open private granaries, then his position as Emperor would be no different from being a puppet.
“Go on,” Han Ruzi said, still holding back his emotions.
“For the third difficulty, the Xiongnu are eyeing the north. The solution is simpler. Your Majesty needs only to dispatch an army of 100,000. I can recomnd ten generals who will guarantee victory in every battle. We can take advantage of the Xiongnu’s hesitation and drive them back a thousand miles, ensuring they dare not look toward our borders for three to five years.”
A commoner recomnding generals for the empire’s army was not only arrogant but also openly mocking the court for not recognizing or using capable people.
Chai Yue, who had introduced Wang Jianhuo, had been standing at the door, head lowered in silence. He occasionally glanced at Wang Jianhuo, looking very shocked.
”Heh,” Han Ruzi couldn’t help but let out a cold scoff.
Wang Jianhuo cupped his hands again and said, “If Your Majesty does not believe , would you be willing to make a bet with a commoner like ?”
“How will we bet? What are the stakes?”
“Let’s bet on who can find the imperial seal within three days. If Your Majesty finds it first, or if no one finds it, I lose. I am willing to wager my life, three mansions, and thirty-one family mbers. Whether they are to be killed or exiled is up to Your Majesty.”
“And if you win?”
Wang Jianhuo suddenly knelt down and respectfully kowtowed. “If I am fortunate enough to win, I have only one request: I hope Your Majesty will give the Tan family a way out.”
Finally, they reached the heart of the matter. Han Ruzi said coldly, “The Tan family has already been granted clency. However, they are relatives of Prince Donghai and naturally must follow him to his fiefdom. Great Chu does not kill innocent people. If the Tan family can behave themselves, no one will harm them.”
This statent was both true and false. The more extensive the Tan family’s connections, the more Han Ruzi wanted to eliminate them entirely. Even Wang Jianhuo had been marked for elimination; all that was missing was an official charge.
Han Ruzi believed that these pugilists would not endure for long and would soon break the law again.
Wang Jianhuo kowtowed once more before standing up and saying, “In that case, please forgive my rudeness. I take my leave and await Your Majesty’s command.”
As Liu Jie and the officials from the Ministry of Rites escorted Ugly Wang out, they were all furious, constantly scolding and berating him. The man who had been so obedient before entering the tent had transford in the presence of the Emperor. Had they known this would happen, they would never have allowed him to et the Emperor.
Chai Yue was even more ashad. Having introduced Ugly Wang to the Emperor, he felt responsible. As soon as Wang Jianhuo left, Chai Yue took a few steps forward, knelt, and apologized, “I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness. Wang Jianhuo—”
“He’s not usually like this,” Han Ruzi continued for Chai Yue, then signaled for him to rise.
Chai Yue stood up, looking even more astonished. “Your Majesty has inquired about Ugly Wang’s character?”
Han Ruzi shook his head. Apart from Chai Yue, those around him did not know much about Ugly Wang of Luoyang. “I am rely speculating. Wang Jianhuo has an unusual appearance. He is neither as wealthy as the Tan family nor as noble as Marquis Junyang, yet he has the loyalty of many. He must not rely on arrogance. His behavior here was rely a provocation.”
Chai Yue was stunned for a mont. “Your Majesty’s wisdom is beyond reach. Ugly Wang’s provocation will ultimately be futile.”
Han Ruzi smiled. Even Chai Yue knew how to flatter now, which was not surprising. To stand out, Chai Yue had navigated the circles of the powerful for years and was adept at such matters. Han Ruzi felt a bit sad; at this rate, only Yang Feng might still dare to speak the truth to his face.
“Futile? Didn’t you hear him bet with ?”
Chai Yue was taken aback again. “But Your Majesty… did not accept.”
“The sovereign and a commoner cannot bet directly.” Han Ruzi had already given Wang Jianhuo a lot of face by granting him an audience. Accepting the bet on the spot would only enhance Ugly Wang’s reputation.
“Within three days, the imperial seal must be found.” Han Ruzi waved Chai Yue away.
Chai Yue left in a daze. Previously, his loyalty to the Emperor stemd from the Emperor being the only one who appreciated him. It was more like a gamble—if he won, his future would be limitless. Although Chai Yue was sowhat proud of his talents, the Emperor’s “bet” with Ugly Wang left him utterly confused and led to genuine admiration.
Han Ruzi summoned several more people in succession, especially the Ministry of Punishnt officer Zhang Jing, to arrange the search for the imperial seal. “The seal must be in Luoyang. No need to investigate further. You have two days. By noon the day after tomorrow, present the seal to . If you succeed, you will be promoted and titled, becoming the top law enforcent official in Great Chu. If you fail, you will no longer be worthy of the na ‘Guanghua Tiger’ and should return to farming.”
The pugilist world valued honor, while the court had titles. Zhang Jing kowtowed repeatedly. As he left the tent, he was both excited and nervous. Being the “top law enforcent official of Great Chu” ant a lot, possibly more than the benefits he had gained from participating in the throne struggle.
There was still so ti before noon when Han Ruzi summoned the officials from Henan prefecture, who had been waiting for a long ti, to discuss opening private granaries in Luoyang. Han Chou and the others imdiately agreed, saying it was not a problem, as if they had already discussed it in advance. There was no redundant chatter.
Han Ruzi grew uneasy. The local officials’ swift promises seed unreliable, but he couldn’t get angry just because they agreed too quickly. He had them set a deadline and guarantee that all the displaced people would receive aid.
After lunch, Han Ruzi called in Liu Zeqin, the Vice Minister of Revenue, to hear his opinion. Liu’s response was vague; his only suggestion was to observe. He believed that under the Emperor’s direct supervision, Henan prefecture would dare not shirk their duties and might even complete the task satisfactorily. But…
Han Ruzi dismissed Liu Zeqin. Even though he was the Emperor, he couldn’t ensure his orders would be fully executed.
He then summoned Qu Zixi and ten advisors. Scholars, although sowhat stubborn, were at least willing to speak the truth.
“The officials in Luoyang have beco accustod to luxury and arrogance. The Peaceful Emperor allowed the position of Henan Prefect to be hereditary to appease the Prince of Henan who had relinquished his princely title, and to stabilize the eastern region by using the imperial clan. This, however, has led to today’s issues. If Your Majesty wishes to eliminate the corrupt practices in Luoyang, heavy asures are needed.”
Qu Zixi was honest and didn’t speak on behalf of the officials. He saw the situation clearly, but his suggestions were too radical. Among Han Ruzi’s many urgent problems, Luoyang wasn’t a priority. He wanted to quickly retrieve the imperial seal and settle the displaced people. If heavy asures were to be taken in Luoyang, it would delay him not by three or five days, but at least three to five months.
Must he endure for now? Han Ruzi was unwilling.
Ni Qiu, who had been out gathering information on the musician, returned and finally had the chance to report during the Emperor’s evening al.
“Zhang Zhuhe is indeed a famous musician in Luoyang. His family has lived here for generations, and he used to travel the pugilist world performing. He returned ho three years ago and hasn’t left since. He now works in the Marquis Heyang’s residence, teaching many renowned students. It’s said his music can cure illnesses.”
“Is he really that amazing?” Zhang Youcai was skeptical.
“That’s what everyone says. I asked four different musicians from various shops, and they all praised Zhang Zhuhe. Unfortunately, he rarely plays for others outside the Marquis’s residence now.”
After a busy day, Han Ruzi’s interest in the music had waned significantly. He acknowledged the report with a hum and asked no further questions.
Ni Qiu, excited from his trip, asked, “I heard that Your Majesty plans to bet with Ugly Wang of Luoyang, is that true?”
Han Ruzi raised an eyebrow. As he suspected, Wang Jianhuo also believed there was a “bet” between them. “I didn’t accept. What are people saying?”
“They said you didn’t accept,” Ni Qiu was disappointed. “I even bet ten taels of silver on you. I’ll have to get it back tomorrow.”
“You bet ten taels on ?”
“Yes, everyone is betting on who will win between you and Ugly Wang. Honestly, more people in Luoyang are betting on him. I bet on Your Majesty to win big, and they all laughed at .”
Han Ruzi snorted. Even though he knew it was still Ugly Wang’s provocation, he felt angered. “Even if the imperial seal is with Ugly Wang right now, I will retrieve it my own way within three days.”
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