Chapter 16: The Two Kings

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Guided by a servant, Gao Yin met with Yang Yan near the Golden Phoenix Terrace. Upon seeing Gao Yin, Yang Yan's expression grew somewhat awkward.

Because Gao Yang was prone to killing, allowing him to indiscriminately slaughter the imperial guards was also inappropriate. Thus, Yang Yan gathered condemned prisoners sentenced to death. Whenever Gao Yang wished to kill, he would use these prisoners as a substitute; they were known as the "Imperial Execution Prisoners."

If a prisoner survived three months without being killed, their death sentence would be commuted, though such cases were rare.

Although they were condemned, these prisoners at least followed due judicial process and could meet their end with some dignity. Being killed by Gao Yang, however, was a living torment.

Besides the "release" game played today, Gao Yang delighted in cruel tortures—prisoners’ fingers being pinched by executioners, their ankles pressed, forced to stand on red-hot plowshares, or to place their hands inside burning iron wheel hubs.

Following the ruler’s example, the laws of Qi became exceedingly harsh. To satisfy Gao Yang’s bloodlust, Yang Yan was forced to sacrifice others’ lives. Most of those killed by Gao Yang suffered brutal deaths. Though they were all condemned prisoners, Yang Yan’s heart still ached.

After the servant explained the reason for the visit, Yang Yan was quite surprised. The Crown Prince actually pleaded for these condemned prisoners, which made Yang Yan feel more apologetic and further strengthened his belief that the Crown Prince could bring change to Qi.

“Minister Yang,” Gao Yin greeted, bowing formally as was proper outside the palace.

Yang Yan held the post of Minister of the Secretariat, with the honorary titles of Grand Tutor and Grand General of Cavalry, so he could be called Minister Yang or General Yang. Yet, he was not a military man, so calling him General Yang could sound sarcastic—something the Xianbei nobles enjoyed doing to him in person.

The Minister of the Secretariat was effectively the prime minister of Qi, so he was also addressed as Chancellor Yang.

The term “Minister” was originally an honorific reserved for the Director of the Secretariat, stemming from the Northern Wei period when Gao Yun held the post and the emperor addressed him respectfully as “Minister” rather than by name.

In the Wei administration, the Secretariat oversaw general affairs, while the Central Secretariat and Chancellery shared executive power, with the Chancellery chief serving as a palace attendant. Consequently, the Chancellery wielded the greatest power, followed by the Secretariat, and lastly the Ministry of Personnel.

Qi inherited this structure, but because both Emperor Gao Cheng and now Gao Yang had served as Ministers of the Secretariat, the Qi Secretariat’s power and status became supreme.

Therefore, in the old Wei system, addressing the Minister of the Secretariat as “Minister” was seen as obsequious, since the position was inferior to Director of the Secretariat. But in Qi, this was not only acceptable but a sign of deep respect.

During the late Han, Xun Yu, who once served as Minister of the Secretariat, was called “Minister Xun,” making “Minister” a customary title for the post. Gao Yin, being younger, felt “Minister” was more respectful than “Lord,” which felt too intimate.

After all, Yang Yan was the sole ray of light in Qi’s dark political landscape. When Gao Yang was absent, Yang Yan managed the state affairs efficiently. People said that although the ruler above was foolish, the administration below remained clear and orderly.

Yang Yan returned the Crown Prince’s salute and said, “Though young, Your Highness has already studied the classics deeply. Even the Sovereign is moved by you. Sparing the lives of these condemned prisoners truly embodies the essence of benevolence and filial piety.”

“Not at all,” Gao Yin replied with a smile, to which Yang Yan responded in kind: “My learning is shallow and I aspire to have a bamboo forest retreat and feast on copper plates of rich meat. I still have much to learn from Minister Yang.”

Yang Yan nodded slightly, stroking his beard with a hint of pride.

Born into the Yang clan of Hongnong, Yang Yan had over thirty cousins of his age. Yet, because of his refined and elegant character, his uncle favored him, building a separate house in the bamboo grove for Yang Yan to live and study quietly, often serving him the best meals on copper plates.

In ancient times, copper was synonymous with wealth—the original meaning of “gold” was red metal, namely copper. The famous Bronze Sparrow Terrace built by Cao Cao was renowned because it was constructed entirely of money.

Thus, Yang Yan dined in bowls of gold, and his uncle used him as a model “child of another family” to educate other Yang clan youngsters. Though somewhat ostentatious, this was a celebrated story among scholars.

While they spoke, prison guards escorted the remaining prisoners away from the Golden Phoenix Terrace. Yang Yan politely asked Gao Yin aside with a smile, “Does Your Highness want these men for some task?”

“Exactly. I have requested some assignments from the Sovereign and need manpower.”

Yang Yan tugged at a beard hair, pondering, “Hmm…might I know a bit more?”

Gao Yin hesitated but then thought it better to have Yang Yan’s help. He silently apologized to Gao Wei and said, “I plan to establish the Wenlin Academy, a place to host literary talents, compile books, and recommend them for the Sovereign’s review. Minister Yang, if interested, you could recommend some worthy individuals.”

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“Oh? That is quite an elegant endeavor,” Yang Yan’s interest was piqued. Had this been proposed by Prince Gao Yan or others, he would have opposed or obstructed it, but since it was the Crown Prince’s initiative, it had merit.

His involvement would also enhance his status among the Han and the literary circles. Though already at the pinnacle of civil officials, who would ever complain about more renown?

Though allied with the Crown Prince in shared interests, Yang Yan felt their fates growing closer. He was no stranger to the tales of the Three Kingdoms—Gao Yang was no Liu Bei, but Gao Yin was vastly superior to Liu Shan. A successful Zhuge Liang seemed poised beneath Yang Yan’s feet.

Thus, every next step must be steady and firm; obstacles should be removed early.

Qi had more troublesome imperial uncles than Shu Han had.

“Your Highness... you must be wary of the two princes,” Yang Yan leaned in, whispering into Gao Yin’s ear. “If the Sovereign shows mercy, the future troubles will be endless.”

“Do you mean those above or below?” Gao Yin’s tone lowered, infected by the aura of conspiracy.

Above meant Gao Yan and Gao Zhan; below meant Gao Jun and Gao Huan, locked away in the dungeon.

Gao Jun was Gao Huan’s third son and Gao Yang’s half-brother. His mother bore him less than a month after marrying Gao Huan, who raised him but never favored him. Only when Gao Jun revealed early wisdom did Gao Huan regard him differently.

After Qi’s founding, Gao Jun was enfeoffed as Prince of Yong’an and appointed governor of Qingzhou, earning the people’s support.

Gao Jun often advised Gao Yang, who ignored him. He even blamed Yang Yan for not remonstrating, but Gao Yang disliked ministers communicating with princes. When Yang Yan feared Gao Yang would find out, he reported to him proactively, igniting Gao Yang’s fury, who called Gao Jun “an unbearable petty man.”

Old grudges over nose wiping further fueled Gao Yang’s anger. When Gao Jun last petitioned, Gao Yang summoned him back to the capital. Gao Jun feigned illness to refuse, enraging Gao Yang, who had him arrested. Thousands of Qingzhou residents wept as they saw him off.

To be honest, the mourning spared no sorrow; it nearly cost Gao Jun his life. Gao Yang wished to deal with each outstanding brother. He could not touch Gao Yan and Gao Zhan, his full brothers, but the half-brothers without protectors, like Gao Jun, were easy targets.

The other was Gao Yang’s seventh brother, Gao Huan, a prodigy with heroic talent and exceptional strength. Gao Huan was praised by Gao Huan senior himself as “a son like me.” Growing up, he was a rare military genius.

After Qi’s founding, he was enfeoffed Prince of Shangdang, served as Director of the Secretariat and Left Deputy Minister of the Secretariat—a prime minister in all but name. Three years prior, Gao Yang enfeoffed Liang’s Marquis Zhenyang, Xiao Yuanming, as Emperor of Liang. Gao Huan was ordered to escort Xiao Yuanming back to Jiangnan to inherit Liang, breaking through Dongguan and slaying Liang generals like Pei Zhiheng, earning great renown.

But the talented brother met a tragic fate. A sorcerer predicted, “One who will bring down Gao wears black.” Gao Yang asked what was the blackest thing, and his attendants replied, “Nothing blacker than lacquer.”

“Lacquer” and “seven” were homophones. Gao Yang’s genius made the connection: it must be his seventh brother Gao Huan. He hastily summoned him.

Gao Huan, knowing his brother’s cunning, killed the envoy outright, but was captured and brought before Gao Yang.

Gao Yang locked both Gao Jun and Gao Huan in iron cages in the northern city dungeon, forcing them to eat and relieve themselves in the same chamber. Even a normal person would go mad.

Historically, these two died even more cruelly. Gao Yang stood at the door singing, ordering them to sing along. Terrified beyond words, they wept bitterly. Even Gao Yang felt pity and planned to spare them.

But Gao Zhan, standing by, slandered, “How can a fierce tiger leave its den?”

Gao Jun shouted Gao Zhan’s Xianbei name in rage, “Bulaji, Heaven will see your deeds!”

Gao Yang then resolved to kill them, ordering Liu Taozhi to stab at the iron cage to kill his two brothers by piercing them.

Gao Jun and Gao Huan broke their spears, crying and invoking Heaven ceaselessly.

Gao Yang ordered firebrands thrown into the cage. This time they could not resist and were burned alive. Gao Yang commanded their bodies be buried under stones and earth.

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Later, their remains were exhumed—skin, flesh, and hair all burnt away, leaving only charred coal-like forms.

All under Heaven mourned the tragic deaths of these two virtuous princes.

No one knew what grudge Gao Yang held against his half-brothers, but he ordered old family servants to kill the two princes and married their widowed consorts to those servants. Knowing that Gao Jun’s consort, Lady Lu, was not affectionate with him, she was pardoned.

Now, Gao Jun and Gao Huan still lived, imprisoned in the dungeon. Without change, they would face their original fates.

“They all are,” Yang Yan said with some sadness.

The Sovereign’s actions were clearly meant to pave the way for the Crown Prince. But to remove the legitimate princes only after killing the collateral ones seemed evasive to Yang Yan. He recalled how Cao Pi, Emperor Wen of Wei, did not slaughter Cao Cao’s adopted son Cao Zhen after ascending, but instead entrusted him command over Yong and Liang provinces and later made him supreme commander of Wei’s armies.

Though the Jin dynasty grew wary of the royal clan, it should not be so cruel, especially to one’s own brothers.

Of course, the Sovereign was capable of such acts and had done so more than once. Yet, with some individuals, he was surprisingly rational.

The Sovereign’s madness was selective; in certain matters, he retained clarity.

Gao Yin was unaware of Yang Yan’s private thoughts as he gathered his own.

Yang Yan was unquestionably trustworthy—a staunch Crown Prince faction member and representative of the Han. The Crown Prince himself trusted Yang Yan implicitly. Yet, this was neither the time nor place to speak freely. Thus, Gao Yin replied vaguely, “I have my ideas about the Prince Imperial’s affairs but do not know when the Sovereign will make his move. If there is anything unusual, I ask Minister Yang to…”

“I dare not advise!” Yang Yan hastily waved his hand, as if shaking off blood spilled on him. “The Sovereign’s thoughts are profound and mysterious; I am unworthy to comprehend, much less criticize his actions!”

“Of course not, Minister Yang. You worry needlessly. I only mean that should the situation allow for salvage, I hope you will contact me.”

This was why Gao Yang disliked ministers and princes communicating too much—collusion might leak the Sovereign's intentions.

But this was the Crown Prince, the future emperor, and Gao Yin was bound to him. This was a necessary alliance.

“Your Highness’s words, I cannot obey,” Yang Yan said. Though intelligent, while he could speak thus to Gao Yang today, tomorrow he could do the same with Gao Yin. Even if he wished, he could not simply comply.

Gao Yin smiled wryly, “I misspoke. Please, Minister Yang, forget it. Let us not mention this again.”

Yang Yan nodded and sighed, “Alas, the imperial family is always harsh, but if peace can be achieved, it would be a fine story indeed.”

Yang Yan wished to suppress the two princes, though his desire to kill was weak. In his heart, it was best to exile all these princes from the center to the provinces to rot quietly, preserving their lives, leaving the Han to support the emperor and protect the throne.

Gao Yin could not help but smile—so the value of this “fine story” was already so diminished? Just staying alive was victory?

He had already decided: he would rescue Gao Jun and Gao Huan.