Chapter 39: The Imperial Court Session in Luoyang

The morning arrived, and as the world lay in profound silence, a sliver of light appeared on the eastern horizon, cautiously permeating the pale blue sky. A new day drifted in from the distance.

Within the Deyang Hall of the Imperial Palace, Emperor Ling of Han, Liu Hong, sat majestically upon his throne as always.

"My esteemed ministers, is there any urgent business to report?" Liu Hong asked in a resonant voice.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble servant has a matter to present," spoke General-in-Chief He Jin.

He Jin had no qualms about assisting Ding Yuan. Setting aside the fact that Ding Yuan had already sent someone to deliver a generous gift, Ding Yuan had always been his man, deeply branded with the mark of the General-in-Chief. If Ding Yuan were to advance further into the central government, it would only benefit He Jin, expanding his influence within the court.

Seeing that it was He Jin speaking, Emperor Ling rarely offered a smile. "Oh, and what does the General-in-Chief wish to report?"

He Jin stepped forward and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I have joyous news to convey."

Emperor Ling looked puzzled. "I wonder what joy the General-in-Chief brings?"

He Jin replied immediately, "Your Majesty, it is a great joy! I have received word that the Inspector of Bingzhou, Ding Yuan, led his army himself to relieve Yanmen. Braving the arrow-fire, he personally joined the fray, fighting for days until he decisively defeated the Xiongnu, annihilating more than half of the invading forces."

In this way, He Jin spared no effort to aid Ding Yuan, even fabricating a series of heroic deeds for him to explain the defeat of the Xiongnu.

Upon hearing this, the ministers in the hall rejoiced. After all, it had been over a month since the reports of the Xiongnu invasion, and they had been deeply anxious about the situation in Bingzhou. If Bingzhou were lost, their own security in Luoyang would be in jeopardy.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty! Your Majesty's virtue reaches the heavens. It must be through your divine protection that Inspector Ding was able to defeat the Xiongnu so swiftly. This victory is entirely due to Your Majesty's grace."

Indeed, there was a reason the Ten Eunuchs were so favored by Emperor Ling; Zhang Rang’s flattery immediately put the Emperor in high spirits.

Hearing this, the other officials secretly cursed Zhang Rang for his sycophancy, yet unwilling to be outdone, they all chimed in and echoed his words in unison.

Emperor Ling was even more delighted. "This victory by Ding Yuan is a great merit indeed. What rewards do you suggest for him?"

He Jin caught this cue and cast a subtle glance at one of his subordinates behind him.

The man, understanding the signal, stepped forward. "Reporting to Your Majesty, since Inspector Ding has achieved such a great feat, I believe he should be summoned to the capital to be at Your Majesty's beck and call."

Many officials from He Jin’s faction followed suit, voicing their support.

Though other officials were reluctant to see Ding Yuan enter the central government so easily—for as an Inspector with such merit, he would surely occupy a high position—they did not wish to offend the General-in-Chief. Furthermore, seeing the Emperor in such high spirits, they did not dare to dampen his mood.

Seeing no opposition, Emperor Ling exclaimed, "Excellent! A talent like Minister Ding belongs in the capital. What position do you think he should be granted?"

The ministers fell silent. It seemed inevitable that Ding Yuan would join the court, but they were wary of giving him too much power.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the position of Commander of the Capital Guard (Zhi Jinwu) is currently vacant. Perhaps Minister Ding could be appointed to that role," He Jin suggested, seeing that no one else would speak.

Emperor Ling was overjoyed. If Ding Yuan could crush the Xiongnu, he must be a man of great talent. If he were to command the capital guard and protect the city, the Emperor could sleep soundly.

Before the others could react, the Emperor declared, "The General-in-Chief is right. With Minister Ding’s talent, he is more than qualified to be the Commander of the Capital Guard. Let him be summoned to the capital to take up the post immediately."

The ministers had no choice but to accept the decision.

He Jin, seeing the Emperor’s resolve, breathed a sigh of relief. While not one of the Nine Ministers, the position of Commander of the Capital Guard carried the same rank of "Full Two Thousand Bushels." More importantly, it held real power over the imperial guards, making it a significant victory for his alliance with Ding Yuan.

Suddenly, Emperor Ling mused, "But if Minister Ding comes to the capital, who shall govern Bingzhou? The Xiongnu are barbarians, fickle and treacherous. Without a talent like Minister Ding, how can I be at ease?"

He Jin panicked, fearing the Emperor was having second thoughts.

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the victory at Yanmen was not solely due to Inspector Ding. The Assistant to the Inspector of Bingzhou, Li Yang, also played a crucial role. Without his diligent efforts in organizing supplies in Taiyuan Commandery, the army could not have triumphed so easily. Furthermore, he offered vital counsel, and his son, Li Xiang, though only twelve, fought with great bravery on the battlefield. If Inspector Ding takes the post of Commander, Li Yang could act in his stead, ensuring the stability of Bingzhou." It was Wang Yun who spoke; the Wang and Li families were in-laws, and it was only natural for him to advocate for Li Yang.

He Jin, eager to secure the deal for Ding Yuan, added, "Your Majesty, even from the capital, I have heard of Li Yang’s capabilities. Promoting him to Inspector of Bingzhou would be a well-deserved honor."

Emperor Ling was delighted. This was the perfect solution: he would gain a strong defender for Luoyang and a capable governor for the frontier.

"Draft the decree! Appoint Ding Yuan as the Commander of the Capital Guard, to take office upon arrival. Promote Li Yang to Inspector of Bingzhou to guard against further Xiongnu incursions."

Emperor Ling then turned to Wang Yun. "Minister Wang, while Ding Yuan and Li Yang have earned their merit, you are equally deserving. Without your strategy for local recruitment and your efforts in gathering supplies across four provinces, this victory would not have been possible."

Wang Yun bowed low. "Your Majesty is too kind. For the sake of the Han and for Your Majesty, this humble servant would go through fire and water without hesitation."

Pleased, the Emperor replied, "Your loyalty warms my heart. Such merit must be rewarded. From this day forth, you are promoted to the position of Minister of Works (Situ)."