Tome of Troubled Times

Chapter 628: This Land Shall Henceforth Be Named Han

No matter how intricate the composition of the capital’s officials—be they from aristocratic families, opportunists drifting with the tide, those secretly entangled with the Wang, Yang, and Li Clans, or even those planted by demonic cults—none of them wielded real military power. In contrast, under Huangfu Qing’s covert orchestration, the Four Idols Cult had been meticulously cultivating its influence for years, establishing a formidable underground network.

The last remaining elite imperial guard had been dispatched to reinforce the battlefield at Puyang. Hardened by the flames of war, they had likely returned even sharper than before. Now that the battle at Puyang had concluded, this force was likely rushing back to the capital—a journey not overly long. Upon their return, no one would be more pleased than Vermillion Bird.

The reason? The commanding general was her younger brother, and his expedited return could mean only one thing. He was coming to aid his sister.

Xia Longyuan’s decision to grant Huangfu Shaozong military command was not due to any sudden moral awakening. Rather, when facing the Wang Clan as adversaries, there were few generals in the capital whose loyalty to the crown could be assured beyond question. Even if one was found, the Cui Clan would hesitate to trust them. To avoid sowing doubt among the frontline soldiers, the only reliable reinforcement Cui Yuanyong could swiftly trust and cooperate with was Huangfu Shaozong.

With both internal and external military power in the hands of the Four Idols Cult, the opportunity to seize control of the imperial core was unparalleled. Any rival would be hopelessly behind in the race for power.

Under the weight of absolute martial force, Vermillion Bird herself could ascend the throne if she desired. She could even install a mere puppet without consequence. But future stability depended on broader support, on laying down deep foundations that would resonate across the realm. For that, appearances mattered. Legitimacy mattered. The reputation of the Azure Dragon offered the perfect stepping stone.

It’s a brutal truth, but a truth nonetheless: Might makes right, but raw power wielded too brazenly rarely endures. Legitimacy gives others a reason to join one’s cause, fostering a sense of participation and justification.

The only force capable of openly challenging the Four Idols Cult’s dominance was the Demon Suppressing Bureau led by Tang Wanzhuang. Even if outmatched militarily, a single rallying cry from Tang Wanzhuang could turn the streets into rivers of blood, an outcome that would mar the cult’s ambitions irreparably.

Yet, Tang Wanzhuang lent her full support. This was because Xia Chichi was, undeniably, the late emperor’s daughter.

When the Four Idols Cult’s martial strength fused with the legitimacy and moral authority embodied by Tang Wanzhuang, the result was an unstoppable force, destined to secure the throne beyond dispute.

Some perceptive minds whispered of old conspiracies. It was rumored—just rumored—that the Four Idols Cult sheltered remnants of the previous dynasty. Some speculated that Huangfu Qing was Vermillion Bird and that the Huangfu Clan were defectors from the old regime. Others claimed that Black Tortoise was Hai Pinglan’s daughter from a southern state, a suspicion supported by an account in the Tome of Troubled Times of the martial artist’s death in his daughter’s presence. Still, others insisted that the former White Tiger Saintess was a princess of the fallen dynasty. To such minds, the Four Idols Cult was a nest of rebels.

If Xia Chichi truly was the White Tiger Saintess’ daughter, then she bore the glimmer of the previous dynasty. The surviving loyalists of that era—many of whom still drew breath, as the new dynasty was but thirty years old—might be stirred to action.

With all these layers of power and legitimacy stacked together, the cult’s influence became undeniable, granting their cause not just a path to power but recognition that could not be easily dismissed.

Take, for example, the doctrine of the Azure Dragon. Without needing further prompting, the members of the Four Idols Cult were already aflame with excitement. Unable to suppress their fervor, someone stepped forward, bowed deeply, and proclaimed:

“May the saintess ascend the throne and secure the nation’s destiny!”

With this lead, the entire Four Idols Cult erupted in unison:

“May the saintess ascend the throne!”

Tang Wanzhuang rose from her seat, taking in the thunderous chorus that swept through the assembly. Her expression remained serene as she added her voice:

“Please ascend the throne.”

At this point, anyone who failed to follow suit would be a fool. Even Lu Jianzhang, shrewd as he was, joined without hesitation. The collective bow was deep and absolute:

“May Your Majesty ascend the throne!”

Xia Chichi quietly observed the scene, her gaze slightly unfocused, as if she were watching something distant and unreal.

Lu Jianzhang, ever pragmatic, sought confirmation. “Your Majesty mentioned founding a new dynasty. Have you chosen a name?”

Privately, he mused. If you insist on keeping the name Great Xia, we might need to prepare for some reckonings. But if you choose something new, it could work. We can scour the archives and craft a fitting name. Don’t worry—ritual and ceremony are our expertise.

He also watched for signs of imperial bearing in the young girl. If she needed to consult her master or defer to a man on every decision, the whole affair would be laughable.

But Xia Chichi’s voice was calm and resolute, “The Four Idols Cult draws its meaning from the stars, and so it is fitting that our dynasty draws its name from the starry river. From all the records, only one character embodies this essence.”

Even the well-read Lu Jianzhang paused in thought. Most dynastic names referenced their place of origin—Qin, Han, Sui, Tang—all followed this tradition. When it came to celestial imagery, Xia itself barely qualified, tied to the concept of divine timing. But Xia Chichi clearly meant something else.

At last, Xia Chichi spoke, “The starry river is the Milky Way[1]. This land shall henceforth be named Han.”

There was no need to consult the old texts, as was customary; Xia Chichi had copied enough of them to know them by heart. Few knew that Han was an ancient synonym for the Milky Way, and her declaration only served to underline her erudition.

The court officials had no objections. A new dynasty brought relief. It aligned with the Four Idols Cult’s vision. Besides, Han was a name of prestige and power, one that resonated throughout history. The young empress showed a surprising decisiveness—an imperial air, even. Yet, everyone could only hope that she would not follow in her father’s footsteps...

Yet Vermillion Bird, Tang Wanzhuang, and Zhao Changhe exchanged glances, eyes drawn to Xia Chichi’s profile. They were taken aback. She had not discussed this with anyone. The girl who spent her days obediently copying texts, who seemed to defer to her master in all things, had made this decision alone.

What made her so resolute about the name Han?

The river of stars cascades from the heavens and converges in the mortal world. Zhao Changhe’s saber often embodied this imagery—an inverted galaxy, distinct from the bloodthirsty ways of the Blood God Cult. To the Four Idols Cult, this marked him as one of their own.

In the Tome of Troubled Times, Zhao Changhe had always been likened to the Milky Way.[2]

What Xia Chichi was declaring was simple: This dynasty is yours. And so am I.

Alas, casting alluring glances at a blind woman was futile—Zhao Changhe completely missed the significance. His attachment to the name Han[3] was born of a different sentiment, disconnected from the hearts of those in this world. He grinned with unabashed delight, genuinely pleased with the choice of the dynastic title.

Seeing his foolishly cheerful expression, Xia Chichi allowed a faint smile to curve her lips. The manifestation of the Azure Dragon unfurled around her, its dragon qi so tangible it seemed a true dragon had emerged, lifting its head to the heavens.

Although it was early morning, the sky suddenly shimmered with a vast expanse of stars. The constellations of the Four Idols aligned above, and a brilliant galaxy stretched across the firmament—a spectacle of breathtaking grandeur.

From below, the crowd roared, “Long live the Empress!”

Xia Chichi was draped in the yellow robes of sovereignty.

* * *

The enthronement ceremony commenced. Xia Chichi presided, with Tang Wanzhuang at her side offering counsel. Zhao Changhe and Vermillion Bird sat to the side, watching.

For Xia Chichi, unfamiliar with even the faces of her officials, this ceremony was a daunting affair. If Zhao Changhe had been in her place, he would have struggled just to grasp the complex rites of ascension and the labyrinthine hierarchy of official ranks. But Xia Chichi had meticulously studied these matters—the structures of government, ceremonial customs, and bureaucratic systems were crystal clear to her.

This was where she surpassed Zhao Changhe. She was not born for the chaos of the jianghu, though he was.

She had to decide how to promote and reward her own officials, how to distribute the new order of interests, and how to establish policies that blended governance and faith. Keeping figures like Lu Jianzhang stable, gauging their usefulness, determining who to replace, and strategizing against potential opposition—all of these were particularly intricate tasks. The sheer volume of concerns was enough to exhaust even the most dedicated sovereign within months.

Brute force alone could not solve these problems, especially in a fractured realm beset by external threats.

For now, the key was to take measured steps: complete the enthronement and issue the rewards. Whenever Tang Wanzhuang suggested a course of action, Xia Chichi nodded. When Tang Wanzhuang’s gaze hinted at delay, she complied. It was simpler that way.

Though galling to follow the counsel of a romantic rival, an old fox at that, this method was undeniably efficient. Whenever anyone raised objections, Tang Wanzhuang crushed their arguments effortlessly, sparing the emperor from having to speak. And an emperor shouldn’t speak lightly.

As aggravating as it was to rely on her rival, Xia Chichi had to admit—it was a relief to have such a capable woman’s support.

She thought the first day of the ceremony would proceed smoothly with Tang Wanzhuang’s formidable presence backing her. But the person who disrupted the proceedings was, unexpectedly, Tang Wanzhuang herself.

The disruption came when it was time for Tang’s own reward.

In theory, Tang Wanzhuang should have displayed magnanimity, accepting any honor offered, or even declining outright. Instead, she spoke up, frowning in dissatisfaction, “Your Majesty, I neither wish for promotion nor titles. Please revoke the lands and treasures offered.”

Xia Chichi assumed it was a gesture of humility and replied smoothly, “Then what would you like, my loyal subject?”

Tang Wanzhuang smiled with uncharacteristic shyness. “I’m not getting any younger. It’s about time I got married. I seek the honor of having Your Majesty arrange my marriage.”

Xia Chichi’s eyes widened. “What?”

Vermillion Bird blinked. “What?”

Zhao Changhe gawked. “What?”

Tang Wanzhuang continued, “I once vowed never to marry a crown prince or become an imperial concubine. But now, there’s someone who isn’t a crown prince, which means there’s no longer any obstacle. I humbly request Your Majesty’s decree...”

Xia Chichi sputtered, “W-wait a minute!”

1. The Milky Way in Chinese is 银汉 (yín hàn). The “han” they use for the name of the dynasty is 汉 (hàn). ☜

2. The other name for Milky Way, and in fact the commonly used one, is 银河 (yín hè), where the “he” (river) is the one in Zhao Changhe’s name. ☜

3. For those unaware, 汉 (hàn) or more specifically Han Chinese are an ethnic group that makes up the majority of China and Taiwan. Their culture originated in ancient times among the settled peoples of the Yellow River. Han Chinese culture encompasses the main characteristics of Chinese civilization. ☜