SFS Chapter 1318 A New Order for Honoring the Dead
Chapter 1318 A New Order for Honoring the Dead
After the banquet ended, only Ma Chao and Zhou Yu remained, talking late into the night by candlelight. The flickering candlelight illuminated their slightly tipsy faces, and the brotherhood they had shared after years apart was strengthened by the wine, and they were deeply engrossed in their conversation.
Ma Chao picked up the remaining wine, tapped the table lightly with his fingertips, and laughed, "Brother, what you said today almost made me lose face. Just now you conquered Hebei under the pretext of restoring order, and you turn around and ask me to become emperor. Isn't this giving the world something to talk about?"
Zhou Yu, however, put away his smile and said seriously, "Brother, you only know one side of the story. There was another matter I didn't elaborate on at the banquet earlier. In Yu Province, Cao Cao and Liu Bei are currently locked in a fierce battle, seemingly evenly matched, but in reality, they are already at their limit. Cao Ang is your brother-in-law, and he has been quite ostracized under Cao Cao over the years. Cao Cao has probably long seen that he is loyal to you, brother. If you send a single army to Yu Province, Cao Ang will surely switch sides immediately and submit to Xiliang. Cao Cao and Liu Bei have been fighting for so many years, and their army is already exhausted and their generals are few. With Cao Ang as an inside man, he can't cause any trouble at all."
He paused, stood up and walked to the map, his finger tracing over Jingzhou: "The rest is Liu Bei of Jingzhou. Although he has occupied Jingzhou, he is already besieged on three sides. The Xiliang army is eyeing him from the west and north, and Jiangdong is guarding the east. I heard that he seized Jiaozhou in the south in the past two years, but Nanhai County is still under the control of Jiangdong. If we really make a move, he will be unable to attend to both ends, and it will only be a matter of time before he takes over Jingzhou."
"As for that wild and untamed land of Jiaozhou, brother, you need not worry at all." Zhou Yu's fingertip moved south. "What Liu Bei can rely on is only the Nanzhong region south of Shu Commandery. It is a vast and sparsely populated area, full of deep mountains and forests. It will be troublesome to clear it out, but brother, do not forget that you have the Qiang people to assist you in the northwest, and the brave warriors of the Yue tribes in the southeast to serve you. In addition, there is Zhang Yan's Black Mountain Army, all of whom are brave warriors skilled in mountain warfare. Mountain warfare is no problem for you at all. With this in mind, what else do you have to worry about?"
Ma Chao laughed loudly and pointed at Zhou Yu, saying, "My dear brother, you are in Jiangdong, but your heart is with the whole world. You have already planned out my affairs clearly."
Zhou Yu smiled and cupped his hands in greeting, his tone half-joking and half-serious: "I've been so worried that my hair is almost turning white in order for my elder brother to ascend to the throne as soon as possible."
Ma Chao burst into laughter again, waving his hand and saying, "That was still a bit too hasty."
Zhou Yu leaned forward, his eyes shining like a tempered blade, meeting the other's gaze without flinching: "Brother, do you really think it's urgent?"
He tapped his fingertip heavily on the table, his voice filled with an undeniable earnestness: "Leaving aside the fact that we just took over the tough nut of Hebei, just consider your achievements over the years—back then, you led your iron cavalry to sweep across the grasslands, driving the Hu people to the northern desert, ensuring that no more Hu horses would cross the vast grasslands to the south. That land is now grazing our cattle and sheep, so it doesn't count as your territory."
"And then there's that plateau in the Northwest, a place the Han Dynasty couldn't even establish a foothold in for four hundred years. You led your brothers to carve out a path through the ice, carving out a peaceful territory. Now even the tribes there recognize your banner. Is this just an ordinary achievement?"
He became more and more impassioned as he spoke, grabbing a map from the table and spreading it out, his finger tracing the direction of the Western Regions: "Look here again! The envoys sent by the various kingdoms of the Western Regions a few days ago, with camel caravans and tribute, treated you like they were seeing the Heavenly Khan, not daring to raise their heads. Why are they so submissive? It's because they fear your military might and respect that you can safeguard their peace!"
“None of these count,” Zhou Yu suddenly looked up, his eyes gleaming. “Take all that for example. You’ve endured for so many years. You clearly had the confidence to become emperor long ago—back then, with just the three regions of Yong, Liang, and Sili, plus my Jiangdong support, who could say no? But you insisted on waiting until you destroyed Hebei and had the four prefectures and four provinces in your hands before you were willing to listen to a word of advice.”
He leaned forward, almost touching the other's sleeve: "Now that the territory is stable and the people are loyal, the brothers have followed you for so many years, hoping that you will be officially recognized. My advice is on behalf of the brothers, on behalf of the herdsmen on the grasslands, and on behalf of the envoys from the Western Regions—what is the rush to declare yourself emperor at this time?"
The last sentence was almost spoken through gritted teeth, with a desperate, reckless intensity: "If you push it away again, you'll truly chill people's hearts!"
Hearing Zhou Yu's words, Ma Chao laughed loudly, "Good, good, I'll listen to you, my brother." He tapped his fingertips lightly on the table, his gaze sweeping over the Yu and Jing provinces on the map, his tone becoming more serious, "Once we have completely pacified the territory and driven Liu Bei to the southern lands, the overall situation will be settled. I will not refuse, and I will definitely become emperor to bring peace to the world."
Upon hearing this, Zhou Yu quickly stepped forward, smiling and cupping his hands in greeting: "Brother, are you sure about this? We brothers have been looking forward to this day for the past few days. If we wait any longer, we'll all be getting impatient."
The two exchanged a glance and burst into loud laughter, their laughter seemingly bolstering their confidence after a night of scheming. Outside, the sky was bright, and the morning light streamed through the window into the tent, casting a warm glow on their robes. They were unaware that they had been talking all night.
Ma Chao stopped laughing and said seriously, "Enough of these distant matters. Gongjin, go and wash up first. Today I intend to personally pay tribute to the fallen soldiers, firstly to comfort their spirits, and secondly to put the people at ease."
Zhou Yu immediately replied, "Very well, very well. This matter concerns the morale of the army and the people. Brother, you have thought it through. I will go and make preparations now, and then I will go with you." After saying this, he turned around, his steps were swift and decisive.
In the center of Zhuque Avenue in Ye City, a huge stone tablet has quietly been erected. The stone is dark blue-black and polished to a smooth, mirror-like finish. The front is densely engraved with the "List of Names of Soldiers Who Died in the Battle of Xiliang," while the back is engraved with the "List of Names of Soldiers from Jizhou." The calligraphy is vigorous, and each name seems to have been soaked in hot blood.
In recent days, the Xiliang army has implemented a policy of pacifying the people, opening granaries to distribute food and treating the wounded and sick, and the fear in the hearts of the people has gradually dissipated. Now, upon hearing that a memorial service is to be held for the fallen soldiers, they all gathered around from a distance, standing on tiptoe to watch. Although there was some discussion among the crowd, there was no disturbance, only a solemn silence.
The three captured soldiers, Zhang He, Xun Chen, and Chen Lin, were also led to the side to observe the ceremony. The Xiliang army did not mistreat them; they were neither subjected to torture nor forced to kneel. Instead, simple seats were set up for them. The three sat upright on the seats, gazing at the stone tablet and then at the orderly crowd in the distance. They were all moved; this magnanimity far exceeded their expectations.
When the appointed time arrived, Ma Chao, dressed in a plain brocade robe, led the civil and military officials of Xiliang to the altar. The soldiers were clad in gleaming armor, and the strategists were dressed in neat attire. Under the watchful eyes of the people, they ascended the steps of the altar, each one spirited and steady in their steps.
Ma Chao reached the top of the altar and saw Zhou Yu about to stop behind him. He reached out and grabbed Zhou Yu's wrist, and they stood side by side. The sunlight shone on the two of them, making their figures appear exceptionally tall and straight.
Ma Chao raised his hand and placed it on the stone tablet. His gaze swept over the soldiers and civilians below the platform, and his voice was as loud as a bell: "The Yuan family usurped the Han throne and acted against the natural order. They are an outrage against both gods and men! I, Ma Chao, have raised an army to punish them, not for my own selfish reasons, but to restore order and allow the people of the world to live in peace and prosperity!"
He paused, his tone filled with sorrow: "In recent years, war has raged, causing people to be displaced, starving, and suffering immensely. Now that Xiliang has taken control of Hebei, every policy they have implemented prioritizes the well-being of the people, ensuring they have clothes to wear, food to eat, and access to education, so they will no longer suffer from oppressive rule!"
The people below the stage were deeply moved. Those who had been exploited to the point of desperation by the Yuan family couldn't help but tear up when they thought of the grain they had received and the peace they had witnessed in the past few days. An old man shouted tremblingly, "Well said! Your Majesty speaks well!"
"Long live the King!" Shouts rose and fell, flooding the streets like a tide, carrying long-suppressed anticipation.
Ma Chao raised his hand to signal for silence, then turned his gaze to the stone tablet: "This tablet is erected today to commemorate this battle, and even more so to remember those who lost their lives." He traced the names on the tablet with his fingertips. "Some may ask, why are the names of the Yuan family soldiers also engraved here?"
"Because no matter what decisions the higher-ups made, these lower-ranking soldiers fulfilled their duty to defend their land." His voice grew deeper and deeper. "They fought to protect their homeland and died for the land beneath their feet. This spirit deserves to be remembered."
“Look at every name on the monument,” Ma Chao said, his gaze sweeping across the audience with compassion and respect. “They were all vibrant lives, all had parents, wives, and children, and all longed for peace. Their sacrifices have ultimately brought us today’s tranquility. This peace was hard-won and should be remembered forever.”
Beneath the altar, all was silent. The common people gazed at the stone tablet, remembering their loved ones who had perished in the war, tears welling in their eyes; the soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, a heavy sense of responsibility rising in their chests; Zhang He, Xun Chen, and Chen Lin watched Ma Chao's retreating figure, their expressions complex, remaining silent for a long time.
Ma Chao stood atop the high platform, his voice carrying an awe-inspiring righteousness that pierced the hearts of all: "Some fear me, Ma Chao, saying I am like a tiger or a wolf. But tell me, who is it that fears me?" His gaze swept across the crowd below, "They are all those parasites who wield power and exploit the people! Have you ever seen a commoner, toiling in the fields, who truly fears me, Ma Chao, from the bottom of their heart?"
A cheer erupted from the audience, with several elderly farmers clenching their fists and shouting, "That's right! General Ma treats us common people like family!"
"I'm making this clear today—" Ma Chao's voice suddenly rose, each word ringing out, "The stability of the world depends on the inheritance of aristocratic families, and I, Ma Chao, do not oppose the prosperity of these families. But the aristocratic families I want are those that can open their granaries and distribute grain during times of famine to save the people from suffering; those that can help the court educate their neighbors and establish schools; those that have the word 'protecting the people' engraved in their very bones!"
He abruptly changed the subject, his tone sharp and resolute: "Instead of those who abuse their power to slaughter the people like cattle and sheep, sucking their blood to fatten themselves up! Whether they are old-established families in Hebei or rising powers in Xiliang, whoever dares to do such heinous things, just report it!"
"I, Ma Chao, hereby swear that anyone who harms the people, no matter how deep their roots or how great their power, I will destroy their entire organization! I will show no leniency!"
"Bravo!" The crowd below erupted in cheers. Some were moved to tears, while others raised their arms and shouted "Long live General Ma!" The waves of cheers grew louder and louder, and even the soldiers standing at a distance couldn't help but applaud. The sunlight shone on Ma Chao's tall figure, as if gilding him with a layer of gold, representing the most steadfast hope in the eyes of the people.
The wind swept across Zhuque Street, swirling up a few fallen leaves, but it could not dispel the solemnity of this moment. This stone tablet not only bears a name, but also a sense of reverence for life and an expectation for peace.