15 The Confrontation

Ge Shutu had been in a good mood lately.

Thanks to the Han emperor’s warm hospitality, the Xiongnu delegation had been staying in Chang’an for nearly a month. The Central Plains were, after all, abundant and prosperous. Whether it was the splendid houses, the bustling streets, or the exquisite wines and delicacies, everything felt novel and delightful to them. The thought that such a mighty nation would ultimately bow and submit to them filled them with a sense of pride and arrogance.

During this time, the Empress Dowager had fulfilled her promise and allowed them an early audience with the princess. Ge Shutu was stunned by her beauty and no longer doubted the alliance through marriage.

Yet, his worries were far from over. Halfway through their journey, news arrived of a plague outbreak among the Xiongnu. Recently, reports said the epidemic was under control, and the shortage of grain was to be alleviated by purchasing supplies from the Han. Concerned for his people back home, Ge Shutu decided it was best to conclude matters quickly and return to Xiongnu with the princess.

Before he could make the request to the Han emperor, his sister Ashulan brought urgent news. “Brother, something’s wrong! Uncle Utumu sent word that the grain we bought from Han has been stolen!”

Ge Shutu exclaimed, “Stolen? By whom?!”

“I don’t know. It seems a band of border bandits, but their attire gives no clue as to their nationality. They are few in number but highly skilled. They ambushed the grain convoy, catching our men off guard, and made off with the supplies...”

Slamming his fist down in fury, Ge Shutu roared, “Bandits, daring to steal from the Xiongnu! Do they not fear our curved blades of the steppe?!”

Ashulan was also bewildered. The Xiongnu were strong now; no one imagined anyone would dare covet their grain. They blamed themselves for transporting the grain discreetly to avoid Han attention, sending only a small escort, which was mistaken for an ordinary caravan.

Both siblings were hot-tempered, cursing incessantly, until a bystander advised calmly, “Now is not the time for anger. The Xiongnu are in chaos without grain. Our own forces have just been severely weakened; many are still ill. How can we survive without food?”

Ashulan thought of their mother and younger sister and panicked. “Brother, what should we do?”

Ge Shutu’s expression shifted, and after a moment of contemplation, he seemed to make a decision. “At this point, there is only one way to resolve the crisis facing the Xiongnu.”

Aside from the welcome banquet held on the night of their arrival, the Han court had hosted several feasts for the Xiongnu during their stay in Chang’an. That afternoon, the emperor invited all envoys to Weiyang Palace to enjoy wine, music, garden strolls, and flower viewing.

The banquet took place on an open platform in the imperial garden’s rear courtyard. Few Han officials attended, mostly of lower rank. In comparison, the Xiongnu delegation was nearly complete, with Ge Shutu presiding at the head of the table. At this season, Weiyang Palace bloomed with flowers, embroidered carpets spread everywhere, and the sounds of strings and wind instruments never ceased. Birds sang and dancers swayed gracefully, accompanied by drifting petals and a warm breeze, creating a scene as picturesque as a painting, utterly delightful.

Emperor Liu Che was in high spirits. He chatted amiably with Ge Shutu about the latest fashions and delicacies popular in Chang’an, then about the Xiongnu grasslands and their prized steeds. The atmosphere was congenial, host and guest both enjoying themselves.

When the moment felt right, Ge Shutu rose and knelt, respectfully saying, “Your Majesty, I have a request and hope you will grant it.”

“Speak freely, envoy, no need for such formalities.”

“It is not a great matter. The Xiongnu suffered a plague some months ago, which caused significant losses to our cattle, sheep, and grain. Therefore, I boldly ask Your Majesty to convert the tribute originally intended for the Xiongnu into grain instead.”

Ge Shutu tried to keep his expression natural. With matters having reached this point, there was no other choice but to ask for Han assistance. The chanyu had instructed Utumu to send this message. Ashulan had suggested concealing the plague and requesting grain for other reasons, but Ge Shutu believed the Han would quickly discover the truth anyway. Concealment would only expose their intentions. So, he chose to be honest, yet understated, to imply the plague was not too severe.

Though the Han might see through it, they were weak and long fearful of the Xiongnu. A bit of intimidation should win their agreement...

Sure enough, the emperor pondered briefly before nodding, “Changing the tribute to grain is not impossible. Though our granaries are not overflowing, the Xiongnu are our brotherly nation. It is our duty to aid brothers in urgent need.”

How smoothly that went! Ge Shutu inwardly scoffed, outwardly smiling, “Then I thank Your Majesty on behalf of the Xiongnu!”

“Envoy, no need for thanks. Actually, I have a matter to ask of you as well.”

Ge Shutu was taken aback. “Your Majesty, please speak.”

“A few days ago, I visited the princess and found she is not well. You know how frail girls can be, easily falling ill here and there. She has grown accustomed to life in Chang’an, and I fear she will not adapt well to Xiongnu life. If something happens to her, it would be unfortunate. Therefore, I wish to discuss with you whether this marriage alliance might be cancelled.”

The words fell like a thunderclap, stunning all present. The Xiongnu were dumbfounded, and even the Han officials stared wide-eyed. Amid their gaze, Liu Che smiled calmly, as if he had merely spoken an ordinary sentence.

Ge Shutu, after a brief moment of shock, erupted in anger. “Your Majesty, are you joking? The marriage alliance is a matter of utmost importance. We have come thousands of miles only to escort the princess back. Now you say to cancel it on a whim? What of the Xiongnu’s honor?”

Liu Che remained unruffled, smiling. “I know the alliance is important. That is why I discuss it with you. Just as the Xiongnu suffered a plague and requested grain from us, we discuss matters openly. The principle is the same.”

Ge Shutu’s expression tightened; suddenly he understood. “Your Majesty, are you threatening me?”

“I said ‘discuss.’ If you refuse, I cannot force you. I would then console my poor sister and care for her a few days. But in that case, I will have no time to arrange grain for you.”

At this point, everyone understood perfectly. Liu Che was plainly proposing a trade: if the Xiongnu relinquish the princess, he would supply grain; otherwise, no deal.

The previously harmonious atmosphere vanished. Officials on both sides fell silent. Even the musicians trembled and ceased playing. The platform was deathly still.

Shi Nian, sitting beside Liu Che, felt her heart tighten. Ever since learning that the grain bought by the Xiongnu on the border had been seized, her mind had not settled. First, she worried the grain might not be recovered; then feared the disguised border Han troops might be recognized. Hearing all went smoothly, she then feared the upcoming negotiations.

Now was the critical moment.

Ge Shutu trembled with rage. It was this man—who on the first night in Chang’an almost humiliated him publicly—whose gaze he still remembered vividly—who now dared speak so brazenly!

Did he really think the Xiongnu were so easily bullied?!

Blinded by fury, forgetting he was in the Han imperial palace, Ge Shutu charged forward and threw a punch at Liu Che. The wind whistled as the fist flew, but Liu Che stood unmoving. Just three inches before impact, a hand shot out, catching the fist effortlessly!

Ge Shutu was startled, turning to see a fifteen- or sixteen-year-old youth with steady eyes like an eagle. The youth grasped his hand and twisted his wrist. Pain shot through Ge Shutu’s arm. He kicked, but the youth sidestepped and deflected.

Both landed in the center of the platform. Ge Shutu sneered and shouted, locking into combat with the youth.

“Brother! Stop fighting! Brother!” Ashulan, never expecting such a turn, cried out anxiously, but immediately sensed something was wrong.

Fighting before the emperor had instantly alarmed the imperial guards, who surged toward the platform, encircling them. Armed soldiers, swords and halberds gleaming coldly, formed a black armored wall that chilled the heart.

Ashulan’s head buzzed. Could the emperor really wish for them all to die here today?!

Panic gripped her as she instinctively sought a way to save herself. Her gaze suddenly rested on a woman in red seated beside the throne—the sole imperial consort accompanying the emperor, evidently favored by him.

Shi Nian watched the duel between Ge Shutu and Wei Qing, feeling uneasy.

She had thought Wei Qing’s skills would easily overpower Ge Shutu, but unexpectedly, Ge Shutu was formidable, and neither could gain the upper hand after long fighting.

This was bad.

Shi Nian knew how crucial this confrontation was—not only to defeat Ge Shutu but to intimidate him and the Xiongnu. Delaying any longer would jeopardize their goal.

Just as the thought crossed her mind, a sudden force gripped her shoulder, another hand swiftly encircled her neck, squeezing tightly!

“Everyone, stop this at once!”

Liu Che turned, seeing Ashulan had seized Shi Nian by surprise. “What are you doing? Let her go!”

“Release my brother first!” Ashulan shouted fiercely. “Stop fighting, or I’ll kill her!”

Her finger pressed hard, as if to snap Shi Nian’s neck.

Liu Che’s face darkened. From the corner of his eye, he saw archers already nocking arrows on a nearby rockery, aiming at Ashulan’s back. His brow furrowed. Wei Qing must not stop fighting, but Liu Che did not want anyone to die today. Ashulan was Ge Shutu’s sister—if she died, trouble would follow, and Ge Shutu would not yield easily.

But Shi Nian...

Seeing Liu Che’s expression, Ashulan’s heart leapt. She had chosen well—this woman was truly the emperor’s beloved consort!

Unaware that a dozen arrows were poised to fly at her upon the emperor’s command, Ashulan pressed on, “Well, Your Majesty? If you don’t order it, your favored consort will lose her life!”

Liu Che saw Shi Nian’s pale face and fragile neck trembling as if it might break any moment. His heart hardened, killing intent flashing in his eyes. His hand rose...

“This young lady, listen to me.” Shi Nian suddenly spoke, interrupting Liu Che’s motion. Her voice was weak and broken from being strangled, but her words were clear. “Put down your weapons and turn back now. Release me quickly, or you will surely... regret it.”

Ashulan sneered. “What? You think you can spar with me and my brother?” When she had subdued Shi Nian, she realized this woman had no real skill. If so, what was there to fear?

Liu Che met Shi Nian’s gaze, reading her intention to obstruct him deliberately. His brow tightened further. She did not want him to kill Ashulan, but what could she do? His martial skills were superior; Shi Nian had no real combat ability. How could she escape?

Wait—she had escaped twice before by relying on...

Suddenly, a sharp crack echoed. Ashulan felt a numbness in her waist. Her strength failed; her legs buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, trembling uncontrollably.

At that instant, Shi Nian leapt forward. Liu Che opened his arms and caught her.

Shi Nian felt the man’s firm grasp on her waist, as if holding a precious treasure long lost. After a moment, he loosened his grip and asked, “Are you all right?”

Her heart trembled. She shook her head, “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”

Ashulan lay on the ground, staring at the black staff in Shi Nian’s hand as if seeing a ghost. “What did you... what did you use to ambush me?!”

Shi Nian turned from Liu Che’s arms and looked at her for a few seconds, then raised her chin with a proud smile. “There are many things in Han you do not know. Little girl, if your knowledge is limited, study more. Just knowing how to fight and bully won’t get you far when you grow up.”

Ashulan’s eyes blazed with rage.

Meanwhile, Ge Shutu, seeing his sister incapacitated, panicked. Wei Qing’s foot struck his chest, hurling him heavily to the ground. He coughed up blood, and from the corner of his eye, he saw the other Xiongnu all restrained by the imperial guards. A chill ran through his heart.

Ge Shutu was renowned for his prowess on the steppe, yet here he was defeated by a mere Han youth. Moreover, his sister Ashulan, whose skills rivaled many men, had been inexplicably bested by a delicate Han consort, without even knowing what technique was used!

Terror and dread filled his heart. Since when had these Han people become so formidable?

Were these really the weak Han of his memory, whom he once bullied at will?

Liu Che stepped forward, towering over Ge Shutu, and coldly said, “Envoy Ge Shutu, I will give you one more chance. Think carefully about my earlier proposal. Otherwise, the charge of regicide—no matter that you are Xiongnu—will be one you cannot bear.”