The Child Emperor

The city’s citizens had been waiting in the streets for nearly a day. Once their anger was unleashed, it was uncontrollable. Initially, they were wary, but as more people gathered and pushed forward, the front ranks were forced into the tower, clashing with the guards.

The guards injured a few people, but the overwhelming crowd toppled the guards on the stairs, forcing their way upward step by step.

Fang Daye, the instigator, extricated himself before the situation spiraled out of control. He approached the Northern Protection General, saying, “Let’s go up from another entrance.”

The tower had two doors: one at ground level and another leading directly to the city wall.

Cui Teng, leading over a hundred miscellaneous troops under the pretext of “protecting the General of the Left,” also appeared on the city wall, vigorously waving to Han Ruzi.

Han Ruzi immediately led his men into an eastern alley, occasionally waving back to Cui Teng. They soon found a staircase leading to the top of the city wall, where a dozen soldiers stood guard, anxiously watching the gate. When Cui Teng and his men rushed down, the guards didn’t dare to stop or question them.

Han Tong was dragged down by a few people, his face pale and body trembling, “Rebellion, this is a rebellion…”

Cui Teng tossed the seal over, grinning triumphantly, “Done. It was that simple.”

Han Ruzi caught the seal and found the chief clerk among the crowd, “Now we can open the gate, right?”

As Han Ruzi was about to issue an official order, Fang Daye interjected, “Do not open the gate yet.”

“General Fang, what do you suggest?” Han Ruzi held great respect for the old general.

“The civilians are in chaos. Opening the gate now will only spread chaos into the interior of the city. The Northern Protection General should first gather the city’s soldiers, then order the civilians to obtain exit documents from the office and release them in batches.”

Lacking experience, Han Ruzi immediately saw the wisdom in Fang Daye’s advice. He led his men to the office, leaving some soldiers to announce the order at the gate shortly.

The office was deserted, even the cleaning staff were taken away by Cui Teng. Many of the belongings had been looted, with scattered scrolls, fabrics, and other items left behind. The looters fled when they saw the soldiers returning.

The chief clerk, seeing the mess, lamented, “How will I explain this to General Wu?” Realizing he couldn’t clean up alone, he decided to stay close to the Northern Protection General, hoping to pass the responsibility up the chain.

Han Ruzi ordered the carts moved aside, the office doors opened wide, and soldiers lined the streets to maintain order. Only ten guards remained inside, while Han Tong was placed under watch in the rear yard.

Han Ruzi sat behind the desk, holding the seal, while Cui Teng managed the ink and the chief clerk handled the paperwork. They brought in a large number of forms that needed names, reasons, dates, and accompanying items. With the proper documents, people could pass through the gates unimpeded.

The first exit document was for Fang Daye, the reason stated as “returning home,” and the accompanying item “a horse.” Han Ruzi stamped it, and Fang Daye carefully stored the document, bowed, and left the office.

The chief clerk couldn’t help but comment, “Who is this old man? Such disrespect in a government office?”

Han Ruzi, though unable to retain Fang Daye, held him in high esteem, “In peaceful times, he’s just an old man. In troubled times, he’s a valuable asset.”

There were too many orders for Han Ruzi to issue. Allowing civilians to leave was just a small part of it. He also needed to mobilize soldiers from outside the pass, call for reinforcements from distant counties, dispatch scouts to Shattered Iron City, and check the internal defenses and supplies.

The chief clerk was overwhelmed but fortunately, several military officers and officials arrived in time. Divine Hero Pass had been leaderless, and they had been searching for someone with authority. With the chief clerk unable to take responsibility and the General of the Left refusing to meet subordinates, they immediately obeyed the Northern Protection General once they saw him with the command seal.

As more people arrived, the mood shifted. The civilians redirected from the gate were initially aggressive, but seeing the soldiers, they calmed down. By the time they entered the orderly office, their anger had dissipated. Some even hesitated to enter, but a few brave ones did and received their documents. As they exited with their papers, the crowd’s anger turned to compliance, and they formed orderly lines. The soldiers arriving also restored order.

As the tasks piled up, Han Ruzi became more focused. He paced the main hall, issuing orders to the military officers, overseeing the chief clerk’s paperwork, and occasionally questioning the incoming civilians.

Divine Hero Pass finally found its leader. The officials, observing for a while, began advising Han Ruzi, answering his questions promptly. As dusk fell, calm returned to the pass.

The main hall saw countless documents and orders signed. A box of ink was used up, and Cui Teng’s clothes were covered in it. His job was simple—follow Han Ruzi around with the ink box—but he was more excited than the general, nodding, gritting his teeth, and glaring as if he wanted to speak but refrained.

As things settled, Han Ruzi noticed Cui Teng, lightly tapping his head, “I forgot to arrange for you to leave.”

“Brother-in-law, no, Northern Protection General, let me stay. Delivering a message is a task anyone can do.”

“No, this message is for Chancellor Cui. It would be best if Prince Donghai delivers it. Since he can’t, it must be you.” Han Ruzi had the chief clerk issue the document and handed it to Cui Teng, “Take ten soldiers, but Du Chuanyun will stay. I have another task for him.”

Cui Teng took the document, patted his chest, “I’m off then. Don’t worry, brother-in-law. I’ll make sure you get an official position, even if it means threatening my father.”

Cui Teng hurried out, calling for horses, preparing to depart that night.

Du Chuanyun, eager for action, asked, “Weary Marquis, what do you need me to do?”

“I want you to return to the Capital immediately.”

“For what purpose?”

Han Ruzi initially drafted a letter but decided against it, saying, “Go back to my manor, see my wife, and then come back quickly.”

“That’s it? No letter? No message?”

Han Ruzi shook his head, “No need, but hurry. You might encounter obstacles…”

“Heh, understood. I don’t need an exit document. I’ll just leave.” Du Chuanyun turned to go, then returned, “On second thought, an exit document will make things easier.”

Han Ruzi smiled, instructing the chief clerk to prepare one. Watching Du Chuanyun leave, his unease grew.

Wu Xiu’s sudden return to the Capital, the Champion Marquis sending Han Tong to guard the pass, and no news from his wife for nearly half a month were ominous signs of unknown events in the Capital.

With the enemy at the gate, Han Ruzi couldn’t abandon his post. He could only send Du Chuanyun to gather information.

As night deepened, the gates closed as per regulations. The civilians, no longer panicked, returned home with their documents, trusting the young general who seemed dependable.

The office gradually quieted. Soldiers returned to their posts, and the conscripted household retainers and servants resumed their roles, cleaning, cooking, and retrieving scattered belongings. The chief clerk wept over the losses but clung closer to the Northern Protection General.

Han Ruzi also needed the chief clerk. With few followers left, he relied on Meng E for personal protection but he needed more support.

After completing most tasks, Han Ruzi went to visit General Han Tong in the back courtyard.

After Cui Teng’s example, Han Ruzi didn’t want to give up on anyone. The chief clerk and officials could only stabilize the pass, but a noble with a position could influence a broader region and its soldiers.

Over a hundred Northern Army soldiers guarded the back courtyard. Seeing Han Ruzi approach, they respectfully saluted, not attempting to rescue their general.

In a small room, Han Tong still trembled, untouched food on the table.

Han Ruzi entered alone, his confidence in Han Tong dwindling, “Divine Hero Pass is secure, and I haven’t left. You can relax.”

Han Tong looked up, his eyes filled with fear and confusion.

Han Ruzi took out the seal, “This is just a symbol. Real power must be earned. But with this, it’s easier.”

Power lies between ten paces and a thousand li, Han Ruzi felt his power had reached ten li.

Han Tong clearly didn’t understand, his confusion deepening. After a long pause, he said, “I shouldn’t have accepted the Champion Marquis’s invitation. Staying quietly in the Capital would have been better. Ordinary people with ambition can succeed, even become chancellors. But imperial clan members only face one end—death. Why am I so unlucky? I don’t want to join your struggles or fight the Xiongnu. This is all a mistake, a nightmare…”

Han Tong began hitting his head.

Han Ruzi realized this man wasn’t worth recruiting. He also felt slightly disdainful towards the Champion Marquis. Despite his higher status, larger army, and greater knowledge, Han Ruzi didn’t see him as the primary threat.

Han Ruzi left without further questions. He ordered for a horse and set off to catch up with Fang Daye. No matter what, he had to retain the old general recommended by Yang Feng.

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