darknovel Chapter 90: The Death of Zhang Liang
Chapter 90: The Death of Zhang Liang
In the sixth year of the Han Dynasty, the empire was initially stabilized.
Five years after the fall of Qin, the dust settled on the Chu-Han Contention.
The once war-torn land of Kyushu, like a weary giant beast, has finally sheathed its weapons and killing intent.
On the fertile land of Guanzhong, the walls of Chang'an stand majestically.
It inherited the grand scale of Xianyang during the Qin Dynasty, and on this basis, the foundation of the Han Dynasty was laid.
The newly built Weiyang Palace stands atop the high platform.
Its palaces stretch endlessly, with flying eaves and brackets piercing the sky, overlooking the capital of this newly established empire from a high vantage point.
Early summer, April.
The wind in Chang'an carried warmth, and the Wei River flowed swiftly, like a jade belt passing through the city.
On both sides of the palace road, newly planted green locust trees are lush and verdant, their canopies shading the imperial road leading to the Danbi steps.
Civil and military officials moved about among them, their robes fluttering and their jade pendants jingling.
Since Emperor Gaozu Liu Bang bestowed titles upon his meritorious officials in the front hall of Weiyang Palace in March, there has never been true peace in the court.
Cao Shen, Xiao He, and many other generals who followed Liu Bang in his campaigns in the south and north argued endlessly day and night.
They spoke passionately or blushed with embarrassment, vying to recount their arduous and meritorious deeds on the battlefield, while meticulously calculating the size of their fiefdoms and the rank of their titles.
Liu Bang remained silent, watching his old comrades argue, and sometimes even personally intervened, deliberately stirring up their resentment.
Liu Bang watched this scene with a smile.
It was as if this wasn't the power center of some great Han Empire, but rather a place of fierce competition in a street market. And he was still that lowly village head, leading his brothers in arguments and brawls.
The deeper the smile on Liu Bang's face, the colder the chill in his eyes became.
He remained calm and collected, but he memorized everyone's expressions.
Just as the pursuit of fame and fortune had engulfed the entire court, leading to increasingly heated arguments and even threatening a large-scale martial arts battle, the situation was becoming increasingly complex.
In Weiyang Palace, there was only one person.
After being granted the title of Marquis of Liu and enjoying the honor of having a fief of ten thousand households, he always remained indifferent to it.
At this time, Zhang Liang was nearly fifty-five years old.
After the officials had dispersed and the heavy palace doors closed behind him, Zhang Liang stepped forward alone.
"Haha... Zifang has made a fool of himself."
Liu Bang leaned against the couch, and even though he had become emperor, he still didn't act properly.
Zhang Liang remained silent, only performing a standard kowtow to the Emperor on the steps. Then, before the Emperor could speak, Zhang Liang said in a deep voice.
"Your subject Zhang Liang reports to Your Majesty."
"Alright, Zifang, there are no outsiders here, just say what you need to say."
Liu Bang waved his hand with a cheerful smile.
Seeing this, Zhang Liang took a deep breath and spoke loudly.
"I am originally from Han, and my family has served as ministers of Han for five generations. When Qin destroyed Han, I sought revenge for Han. I gave away all my wealth and resources to launch a decisive attack at Bolang, hoping to punish the tyrannical Qin. My only wish in this life is to avenge Han."
His voice carried a hint of reminiscence; though he was speaking of his national and personal grievances, he remained calm, as if recounting a distant story.
"When the world was in turmoil, I happened to meet Your Majesty and was able to follow you in your tent. I offered my humble advice, which Your Majesty fortunately accepted, helping the Han Dynasty to establish its rule over the world."
Zhang Liang paused slightly, his tone becoming increasingly serene and distant.
"Now that the world is at peace and the people can live in tranquility, my lifelong wish has been fulfilled."
At this point, he lowered his head slightly.
"Your Majesty, for your unparalleled achievements, has enfeoffed me as the Marquis of Liu, with a fief of ten thousand households, and bestowed upon me the title of Marquis. This honor and favor are the highest and far exceed my expectations."
"I have no merit in any field battle, and dare not remain in a high position for long, nor enjoy the emperor's favor."
"Furthermore, I have spent half my life in constant travel and suffer from many chronic illnesses. I have always been physically weak and unable to handle the heavy affairs of the court."
"I humbly request Your Majesty's permission to resign from all my titles, fiefs, and official positions, and to relinquish all my duties in the court."
As Zhang Liang recounted his story, the smile on Liu Bang's face gradually faded.
That battle-hardened face had completely lost its worldly charm, leaving only indifference.
He lowered his eyes slightly, his pupils like two ancient wells, fixed intently on Zhang Liang. There was no glare, no rebuke, just a quiet gaze.
But the more this happens, the more suffocating the air pressure becomes.
Zhang Liang remained silent, simply gazing at Liu Bang, allowing him to scrutinize him with composure.
"ha!"
After a long while, Liu Bang finally laughed.
"Could it be that Zifang thinks I'm giving you too little? In that case, I can add another two thousand households to your fiefdom."
He sat upright on the couch, leaning slightly forward, and offered words of comfort in a deep voice.
"Zifang (Zhang Liang) followed me in establishing the empire, devising ingenious strategies time and again, his achievements unparalleled. My empire owes half its glory to your wisdom; you should be enjoying wealth and honor, how can you resign your title and retire into seclusion!"
Upon hearing this, Zhang Liang slowly raised his head.
"Your Majesty, life in this world is as fleeting as a white horse galloping past a crack in the wall."
"In my youth, I sought revenge for Han, traveling the world to avenge it; in middle age, I followed Your Majesty, pacifying the four seas. For decades, I have devoted myself to this cause, exhausting my mind and spirit."
"Now that the country is settled and the Han dynasty has been established, Xiao He is in charge of internal affairs, Cao Shen is in charge of all matters, and the generals are guarding the four directions. The court is full of talented people, so there is no need for me to stay in the tent and occupy an official position."
"My wish in this life has been fulfilled, and I have no more attachments to this world."
"From this day forward, I wish to abandon worldly affairs and follow the immortal Chisongzi."
These last words, uttered by Zhang Liang, were as light as flowing clouds yet as heavy as a thousand pounds.
The hall fell silent for a moment.
Liu Bang stared at Zhang Liang for a long time, his gaze complex.
Seeing his resolute expression, with not a trace of hesitation in his eyes.
In the end, Liu Bang sighed and solemnly issued an edict.
"Your request is granted. Marquis Zhang Liang of Liu is permitted to resign his title and return to his residence, relinquishing all official duties, personal fiefdom, and other privileges. He is allowed to live a life of freedom and seclusion, free from the constraints of court etiquette."
"I hope you take care..."
After saying this, Liu Bang turned and left.
Upon receiving the imperial decree, Zhang Liang bowed again in gratitude. Throughout, he remained composed, detached, respectful, and open-minded...
It perfectly embodies the spirit and character of the reclusive strategists and ministers of the Qin and Han dynasties.
When Zhang Liang left the main hall, it was nearly noon.
The gilded bronze tiles of Weiyang Palace gleamed in the sunlight, and the palace walls stretched for ten miles, exuding majesty.
Zhang Liang did not linger for even a moment at this magnificent sight.
He slowly walked out of the palace gate, took off the Tonghou crown symbolizing the honor of a marquis of the Han Dynasty at home, and personally untied the ribbon adorned with beautiful jade, as if he had removed a shackle.
She changed from wearing a plain cloth robe to a crimson court dress.
The great strategist of the Han Dynasty, who once devised plans and won battles from afar, has now relinquished all his fame and fortune and washed away all worldly vanity.
He returned with no reward, alone, walking slowly.
We left this newly prosperous Han capital, which was about to become a hub for countless conflicts of fame and fortune.
Upon reaching the gate, Zhang Liang stood beneath the gates of Chang'an, taking one last look back at the majestic palace.
The Xianyang of Qin is now history, while the Chang'an of Han is flourishing.
He personally witnessed the fall of Qin and the destruction of Chu, the end of the chaotic era, and the rebirth of the Han Dynasty. Now that he has achieved his goal, he resolutely withdraws from the political arena.
The city was a place of royalty, wealth, and endless strife.
Outside the city lies the mountain wilderness, where one can live a carefree and long life.
Zhang Liang turned his back to the bustling city of Chang'an, to the vast fiefdoms, and to the achievements of his life.
In simple blue robes, they walked further and further away, stepping into the vast wilderness beyond the Great Wall.
It seems that from then on, the Han court lost a strategist named Marquis Liu, and the world gained a hermit named Zhang Zifang who practiced alchemy and immortality, and retreated to the mountains.
but!
How could anything in this world ever go so smoothly?!
He walked to a simple pavilion outside the city that he had to pass by, and saw a familiar figure blocking his way.
"Fengchang, are you waiting for Zhang Liang here?"
Zhang Liang stopped and sighed as he looked at the figure.
"Indeed, I have been waiting here for quite some time." Feng Zhixue slowly turned around, his expression indifferent.
"It seems that His Majesty still has no intention of letting me go."
Zhang Liang shook his head, a hint of sarcasm playing on his lips.
"Ha, the same old pose again."
Feng Zhixue stared coldly at Zhang Liang, his eyes sharp as knives. "It has always been so. As expected, what I hate most is your self-righteous attitude."
"You think it was His Majesty who told me your whereabouts?"
He took a step closer, his tone suddenly turning sharp.
"wrong!"
"You underestimate His Majesty, and you underestimate me too much."
"Yes, I am not as shrewd as you, Zhang Zifang, but even a fool has his ways."
"Ever since I learned that you intended to leave Chang'an, I have been here, waiting day and night for more than ten days."
"And indeed, I've found you here, Zhang Liang!"
As soon as he finished speaking, Feng Zhixue slowly drew the sword from his waist.
Looking at the sharp blade gleaming coldly in the sunlight, Zhang Liang, for the first time, did not refute it with wisdom and words as he usually did.
His expression became extremely complicated. As he gazed at the sword, he seemed to see a fleeting figure.
After a moment of contemplation, Zhang Liang finally asked the question that had lingered in his heart his entire life.
"Is Master Zou truly an immortal?"
His voice was soft, with a hint of barely perceptible confusion.
"Oh!"
Feng Zhixue sneered again, his laughter sounding particularly jarring in the empty pavilion.
"What's it to you?!"
The moment the words left his mouth, a sharp golden light flashed.
The sword light faded, but Feng Zhixue did not move.
Zhang Liang, one of the three heroes of the early Han Dynasty, swayed slightly and died on the spot.
The gentle breezes of the mountains beyond the Great Wall never brought the hermit in plain clothes who sought immortality.
The hustle and bustle of Chang'an, in the most cruel way, brought his life's achievements to an abrupt end.