“Your Majesty, the north has just been pacified, and the people urgently need to recuperate. The court’s new policies have just been implemented. Forgive me for speaking frankly, but this is not a good time to mobilize troops. The southwestern issue can be set aside for a while until the court recovers its strength before discussing it further.”
Emperor Changtai let out a cold snort, his expression dark, clearly not listening.
Fu Shen was unprepared for the current situation. He knew the emperor had sent envoys to the southwest, but he didn’t know that Duan Guihong had angered the emperor to this extent. Upon entering, he was greeted by the emperor’s immediate accusation: “The Prince of Xiping will surely rebel soon. Fu Qing, I want to entrust you with the banner of troops to suppress the rebellion.”
After inquiry, Fu Shen learned the details. The fifth and sixth months were when tributary states would pay their respects. In recent years, the court had been too busy with wars to manage these matters. This year, with order restored, several foreign envoys had come during the New Year, and some tributes had arrived in the capital. This should have been a cause for celebration, but Emperor Changtai, preoccupied with the southwest, had examined the gift list submitted by the Ministry of Rites.
To his surprise, the three tributary states bordering the southwest – Annan, Chenla, and Champa – seemed to have conspired to not come and not send tributes!
Emperor Changtai was furious and ordered officials from the Ministry of Rites to investigate. Before the special envoy could depart, representatives from the three countries arrived late with their national letters.
The letters were written in grand, elaborate language, but the central message was clear: the three countries wanted to sever their vassal relationship with the Great Zhou, to stand as equals, and would no longer pay tribute.
These three “knives” struck precisely at Emperor Changtai’s pain point. Already displeased with the Prince of Xiping, he now suspected Duan Guihong’s involvement in this sudden move.
Fu Shen glanced at the four characters “Kuang Mountain Academy” and immediately understood. He discreetly tucked the card into his sleeve and nodded: “I see. Please tell your master that I gratefully accept the invitation.”
