Chapter Thirty-Six: Debate

Everyone in the grand hall knew that Bian Lingcheng enjoyed the deep trust of Emperor Li Longji, as well as the approval of Yang Guozhong—he was practically Yang Guozhong’s confidant. More importantly, Bian Lingcheng also served as the imperial commissioner overseeing all the troops in Tongguan City. And what was an imperial commissioner? He was the bearer of imperial edicts, overseeing and supervising the army on behalf of the court, and one who had the authority to stand as an equal to the commander-in-chief of a great army. Military commanders had no power to execute an officer serving as imperial commissioner, not even if the role was filled by a eunuch. If such an official committed any wrongdoing, only the court, by imperial decree, could judge or punish him.

But now, Yang Xi, the newly appointed Commander of Tongguan’s forces, had privately executed Bian Lingcheng—a commissioner of the third rank—before the assembled troops and sent his severed head to the imperial palace. How could this not astonish everyone? Gao Lishi, standing to the side, immediately stepped forward and petitioned, “Your Majesty, Commander Yang has unlawfully executed the imperial commissioner you personally appointed, violating the court’s regulations. He ought to be censured by imperial edict!”

Following Gao Lishi’s words, the Crown Prince Li Heng, who had recently been making a conspicuous show of himself, also stepped forward to demand punishment for Yang Xi.

“Father Emperor, Yang Xi has overstepped his authority, daring to execute the commissioner before the army without permission. This shows he wishes to keep his actions hidden from the court, harboring private motives. I beg you, Father Emperor, to send someone to investigate this matter at once, without the slightest hint of favoritism, lest the troops become disheartened!” Li Heng cast an angry glance at Yang Guozhong, whose face betrayed his shock, then continued, “Father Emperor, I believe Yang Xi’s office should be suspended immediately, and someone else appointed to command at Tongguan. Otherwise, the consequences will be dire!”

Yang Guozhong had not expected that Gao Lishi would be the first to demand punishment for his son, nor that his long-standing adversary, Crown Prince Li Heng, would seize the opportunity to attack, stopping just short of accusing Yang Xi of treason. In his anxiety, he had no time to consider further, and hastened to defend his son: “Your Majesty, there must be more to this matter. I believe a thorough investigation should precede any decision!”

As he spoke, Yang Guozhong inwardly chastised Yang Xi for his recklessness. He could not believe his son was unaware of Bian Lingcheng’s importance—he had reminded him repeatedly before his departure whom he could trust, and Bian Lingcheng was at the top of that list, someone who could be of great help. Never did he imagine that his precious son would cut Bian Lingcheng down with a single stroke.

Indeed, by killing Bian Lingcheng, Yang Guozhong knew the effect would be to rally the troops and solidify Yang Xi’s authority. He was not overly concerned about imperial censure, for Yang Xi had sent a memorial along with the severed head, doubtless explaining his reasons; he was also confident his son would have sent him a private letter detailing the circumstances.

Yet, Bian Lingcheng had been an invaluable ally, his assistance immense. Aside from those he had always regarded with suspicion, such as Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi, Bian Lingcheng’s contributions were unmatched. For such a man to be killed by his own son—how could he now face those whom he called confidants?

Nevertheless, at such a moment, he must defend his son.

After Yang Guozhong spoke, Li Longji snapped out of his shock. He gestured to the Crown Prince, signaling him to hold his tongue, then broke the seal on the memorial sent with Bian Lingcheng’s head and began to read.

Upon finishing, his expression eased, but then anger flared anew. At last, he slammed his hand forcefully on the table, startling Yang Guozhong, Gao Lishi, and the other uneasy ministers.

“Bian Lingcheng dared abandon the army, trying to flee privately back to Chang’an! When forced to return to Tongguan, he shamelessly declared he meant to fetch reinforcements from Chang’an—such a man deserved death! A well-deserved execution!” Li Longji’s furious words sent another wave of shock through the assembled ministers.

Yet, for many who heard, there was also a sense of relief. Even Yang Guozhong, whose feelings were mixed, found most of his worries dissipate.

Bian Lingcheng was dead, and so be it. His death, in exchange for the solidarity of all Tongguan’s officers and their obedience to Yang Xi, was a trade Yang Guozhong could well weigh. Damn Li Heng, who took the chance to strike while he was down—Yang Guozhong’s heart brimmed with resentment.

He promptly stepped forward and addressed Li Longji: “Your Majesty, so it was that Bian Lingcheng, cowardly and fleeing, abandoned the army to disaster. Such a man must be executed without delay! Though my son Yang Xi’s handling of the matter was improper and deserving of reprimand, he has nonetheless boosted the morale of the Tongguan defenders. I beg Your Majesty, in light of his repelling the rebel attack and winning the first victory, to spare him punishment and allow him to redeem himself by merit!”

Wei Jiansu, Wei Fangjin, and other partisans of Yang Guozhong also quickly rose to voice their support for Yang Xi’s decisive action.

If Bian Lingcheng had been left unpunished and allowed to return to the army as commissioner, morale would have collapsed or dissolved entirely. In these perilous times, only strict punishment for those who fled or cowered could serve as an example to others.

Gao Lishi then also stepped forward, admitting he had misjudged Yang Xi, explaining that it was only due to Bian Lingcheng’s desertion that Yang Xi had acted thus; to execute one who fled in the face of the enemy was not a grave crime.

At this, Yang Guozhong breathed a sigh of relief, understanding that Gao Lishi’s earlier words were not directed against him personally, but were spoken out of a sense of kinship—Bian Lingcheng was a fellow eunuch, and Gao Lishi felt the sorrow of a fox at the death of a rabbit. Of all those in the court whom Yang Guozhong regarded as rivals, Gao Lishi was the most formidable. This eunuch enjoyed the Emperor’s utmost trust, and his influence at court rivaled Yang’s own.

Yang Guozhong did not particularly fear Crown Prince Li Heng, for he did not enjoy Li Longji’s favor, and the Emperor had long contemplated deposing him. With Gao Lishi refraining from pressing the issue, Yang Guozhong’s relief grew, though his wariness of the eunuch deepened.

Seizing the moment, as no one else rose to voice opposition, Yang Guozhong again stepped forward: “Your Majesty, Tongguan is in grave peril; extraordinary times demand extraordinary measures. Though Yang Xi’s execution of Bian Lingcheng before the assembled troops may have been procedurally irregular—putting action before reporting—such a transgression is minor. Your Majesty had already granted Yang Xi full authority over Tongguan’s military affairs, with little interference; thus, his execution of a deserter is entirely reasonable. I beg Your Majesty not to pursue this matter further!”

At this point, Yang Guozhong even showed a trace of arrogance; with no one stepping forth to demand Yang Xi’s punishment, he dared to press his request before the Emperor.

“Mm, Guozhong, your words are reasonable. Bian Lingcheng, who shirked battle and fled in the face of the enemy, deserved death. Since I have entrusted Yang Xi with full authority at Tongguan, his actions are understandable. Let this matter rest—my loyal ministers need not discuss it further!” Li Longji closed Yang Xi’s memorial, signaling that no more should be said on the subject.

His reluctance to pursue the matter further stemmed chiefly from his anger at Bian Lingcheng’s attempted escape, coupled with satisfaction at Yang Xi’s achievements. It was hardly likely he would punish Yang Guozhong’s son at such a time—especially with Tongguan still in jeopardy. How could he possibly punish the commanding general now?