Chapter 10: Receiving the Imperial Sword

At this moment, Wang Li entered the grand hall, holding the Imperial Sword in his hands. The gathered ministers hastily moved to either side of the hall to make way. Reaching the steps before the throne, Wang Li stopped, knelt, and declared, "Your Majesty, the Imperial Sword is here!"

Liu Tan descended the steps and seized the sword. Drawing it from its sheath, the sound of steel echoed throughout the hall and the blade flashed with dazzling light. He then sheathed the sword once more, lifted his gaze, and declared in a stern voice, "This sword belonged to the late Emperor. It accompanied him across countless battlefields and is known as the Imperial Sword. Now I bestow it upon the Chancellor. Henceforth, if the Chancellor wields this sword, he may refuse any order unless I am present in person! Should the Chancellor use this sword as a token of exchange, even if I, the Emperor, am present, he may still refuse my command!"

Zhuge Liang's eyes widened in shock and he fell to his knees. Stunned, he exclaimed, "Your Majesty, this, this…" He knocked his head to the floor and said, "Your Majesty, I dare not accept!"

The other ministers were equally incredulous. It was well known that an imperial decree was the highest authority in the realm; defying it was like being crushed beneath a mountain, regardless of one's status as a noble or a powerful courtier, regardless of loyalty or treachery—it could destroy anyone.

Now, with the Emperor bestowing the Imperial Sword, it meant that throughout Shu, no one but the Emperor himself could restrain Zhuge Liang. Moreover, he was granted one opportunity to refuse even the Emperor's direct command. Since the unification under the Qin Dynasty and the four centuries of Han rule, no emperor had ever done such a thing. Even across the six hundred years of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, no ruler dared to act thus.

If the earlier ennoblement of Zhao Yun merely surprised the ministers, this act shook the entire court.

Minister Li Yan, Master of the Secretariat, spoke, "Your Majesty, I believe this is inappropriate. It is said that the ruler is the standard for his ministers; how can a minister refuse a summons?"

"Your Majesty, Minister Li speaks wisely. I second his opinion!"

Liu Tan recalled that man’s name: Fa Miao.

"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

In that moment, many courtiers pleaded with the Emperor, their determination clear—they demanded he rescind his decision. Even the generals who supported Zhuge Liang's northern expedition were among them.

Zhuge Liang himself said, "I too believe this is unwise. By the late Emperor's command, I serve Your Majesty. You are the ruler; if I accept this Imperial Sword, would it not upset the proper relationship between ruler and minister? I beseech Your Majesty to withdraw your decree!"

"Please, Your Majesty, withdraw your decree!" With Zhuge Liang leading the appeal, all ministers and generals prostrated themselves, pleading for the Emperor to reconsider.

Liu Tan burst into hearty laughter. "From ancient times, how many rulers have been plagued by suspicion of their ministers? Though the ministers had no intent of rebellion, suspicion drove them to it! Those capable of rising in revolt are, without exception, extraordinary men. If rulers could grant their ministers greater trust, would history be filled with so many traitors? I bestow the Imperial Sword upon the Chancellor so all present may understand: I too wish to march north, yet the tides of war shift in an instant—far beyond what I can perceive from my distant throne. The Art of War says, 'When the general is in the field, the sovereign's command may not be obeyed.' This sword assures all commanders: my decrees will not delay military affairs. Meanwhile, my ministers live in constant fear, dreading the day their achievements threaten the throne, and they suffer the ruler’s oppression."

Liu Tan swept his gaze across the hall. "Let me tell you: I do not fear being overshadowed by my ministers, nor do I believe any of you would exploit your achievements to overthrow me. My generals' only duty is to fight bravely and expand our territory. My ministers govern the lands our armies seize and earn their own merit. When civil and military talents are united, what great deed cannot be accomplished? When that day comes, those who have served shall be ennobled and honored, their wives and children granted privileges. Together, we shall look over all of China! Your names will surely be recorded in history, revered by future generations!"

"This…" The entire court was swept up in visions of glory. Though Shu Han was but one kingdom, it occupied a remote corner of the land; yet if one day it could rival the prestige of the Former Han, what majesty that would be...

"What is a ruler? What is a minister? I ask you, if Shu Han lost all of you, could it remain a kingdom? It could not! The Chancellor is a rare talent through the ages, leading our armies north and promising to restore Shu Han’s might. Should I not trust him at least once?"

With that, Liu Tan cast the Imperial Sword before him and asked, "Chancellor, do you dare accept the sword?"

"Ha ha ha!" Zhuge Liang suddenly laughed aloud. "I, Zhuge Kongming, was recognized by the late Emperor and found my life fulfilled. Who would have guessed Your Majesty would still trust your ministers so deeply? Your words move me profoundly. With such treatment, I cannot help but weep!"

He raised both hands. "I accept the sword!"

"Excellent!" Liu Tan placed the Imperial Sword in Zhuge Liang’s hands, saying, "May I work with the Chancellor to create a legacy and leave a tale of harmony between ruler and minister for the world!"

Zhuge Liang lifted the Imperial Sword high and bowed. "Your Majesty is a true sage king. In spirit, none can compare. Even Qin Shi Huang, Liu Bang of Han, and Emperor Wu pale beside you! I, Zhuge Liang, swear on behalf of my entire family, to serve Your Majesty with utmost loyalty, to strive for the restoration of the Han Dynasty, and if I break this oath, may I and my family suffer divine retribution!"

After Zhuge Liang, others immediately echoed, "Your Majesty is wise! We shall serve Your Majesty with all our strength!"

At last, a single voice rang out, as all ministers and generals cried in unison, "Your Majesty is wise! We shall serve Your Majesty with all our strength!"

Liu Tan was overjoyed. This pledge of loyalty, so full of fervor, was far more stirring than the mechanical shout of acclamation. He felt the change was well worth it, and considered himself far luckier than other time travelers.

Moreover, with Zhuge Liang’s vow today, no matter how high his achievements or how great his power, he could never replace Liu Tan in his lifetime. As for the others, Liu Tan was confident that none could rival Zhuge Liang’s influence; they were not worth worrying about! After all, as a man who traveled through time, if he could not contend with Zhuge Liang, and not even the others, he might as well die and let his second chance at life go to waste.

The chorus subsided. A minister stepped forward, "Your Majesty is wise! Your words today are like sweet dew, enlightening us all. Yet I have one question—may I ask Your Majesty for guidance?"

Liu Tan looked at him. This man was not among those Zhuge Liang had assigned, so he did not recognize him.

He asked, "What is your question, beloved minister?"

The man inquired, "Your Majesty's words and actions today differ greatly from before. I have always studied human nature; though it does not change easily, it rarely alters so quickly! I believe my question is shared by all present—may Your Majesty enlighten us?"

"Indeed! Your Majesty, we too are curious; please explain," said Zhuge Liang. His doubts surpassed all others, for he had witnessed three events that proved the Emperor had changed.

"Damn, it's really better to keep a low profile! They're already suspicious? Ancient people aren’t ignorant, after all!" Liu Tan’s eyes darted as he thought to himself, "But, even if they beat me to death, I’ll never believe they can guess I’ve traveled here from another world."