Chapter 8: Power

Even a fool like Gao Yang, after nine years as emperor, understood what needed to be understood. He naturally grasped the significance of this technology for the nation; one only had to look at Yang Yin’s expression to see it clearly.

“Yang Qing, what do you think?”

Yang Yin, having been called upon, stood and congratulated Gao Yang: “It is the fortune of a scholar and the blessing of the state.”

Gao Yang nodded and then turned to Gao Yin again: “What do you intend to do?”

“My son wishes to open a bookstore, to print and produce books for the palace, and also to meet the demands of the scholars and commoners in the capital, so that everyone may have access to reading.”

“Good, good! Books for all!”

Whenever something involved “everyone,” it was naturally wrapped in righteousness—even Gao Yang was no exception. It was a convenient pretext to indulge in his pleasure: “Bring the wine!”

The mood among the others immediately cooled slightly, but no one dared to stop him. After he had drunk three cups, the group of women on the east side gathered around Lou Zhaojun and moved closer.

Everyone bowed and made way, leaving a path for Lou Zhaojun to approach Gao Yang. “What joyous occasion calls for wine to celebrate? Did we not agree on no drinking today?”

Gao Yang’s face grew awkward. Gao Yan quickly stepped forward to explain the recent events to the Empress Dowager.

Lou Zhaojun stroked the printing block, puzzled: “This small wooden board looks like a toy. How can it possibly have such a great use?”

Her first words belittled Gao Yin’s idea. As Gao Yan prepared to defend him, Lou Zhaojun put down the block and scolded Gao Yin: “You are but a child. If you cannot focus on your studies, then be diligent in martial affairs. Day after day spent on these useless things—how will you assist your father in the future?”

This was pure nonsense. Despite his youth, Gao Yin was well-read. Earlier this year, when Gao Yang toured Jinyang and left Gao Yin in charge of the government, Gao Yin had gathered scholars to lecture on the Classic of Filial Piety. His reputation among the literati was good.

Lou Zhaojun knew this well and was openly picking a fight. But as Empress Dowager, Gao Yin dared not openly contradict her—after all, those studying the Classic of Filial Piety could not be unfilial.

“Grandmother speaks rightly. Yin is only twelve and has yet to master scholarship. While studying the Classic of Filial Piety, he noticed differing annotations and copied them repeatedly, occasionally devising clever thoughts.”

Gao Yin lowered his eyes, looking obedient: “I had not paid it much mind at first, but since Grandmother favors Buddhism, if this technology can help print Buddhist scriptures and spread the faith, it would bring immeasurable merit for all eternity and perhaps please Grandmother. Thinking of this, I could not sit still and hastened to show my skill. I confess I have not thought deeply enough…”

As he spoke, guilt weighed on him heavily; his tone grew softer and more subdued, as if on the verge of tears—an affectation that moved many.

Hearing this, Lou Zhaojun softened and took her seat, her tone kindly: “It was wrong of Grandmother to blame you. Since your filial heart is so sincere, Grandmother must reward you.”

She removed a jade bracelet from her wrist and had a palace maid present it to Gao Yin: “You must still keep your thoughts on the proper path.”

“Yes! Your grandson understands!”

Gao Yin responded joyfully, tears shimmering at the corners of his eyes. Many felt the crown prince was truly pure and devoted, and the recent rumors of him having killed someone personally were likely false.

***

Next, the Gao family and their in-laws watched singing and dancing, enjoyed theatrical performances, and played games. There were traditional pastimes like Liubo and pitch-pot, as well as the Xianbei favorite “Galaha,” similar to later stone tossing. All appeared harmonious—at least on the surface—like a closely-knit family.

Amidst this bustling scene, Gao Yin was merely a supporting figure; the main players remained Gao Yang and Empress Dowager Lou, much like the relationship between Yedu and Jinyang.

Beside him, Gao Shaode was engrossed, occasionally trying to engage Gao Yin in conversation, but Gao Yin was somewhat bored. Entertainment was simple in this age, and he disliked the plays performed by the actors, thinking to himself that he should create something memorable, something with color.

Suddenly, a eunuch approached—Gao Yang was summoning him. Gao Yin hurried over.

Gao Yang patted Gao Yin’s back affectionately—a rare show of intimacy: “My son has grown much cleverer of late.”

“It’s the good discipline from the father—spare the rod, spoil the child, hard work produces filial children,” Gao Yan teased.

Gao Yang laughed heartily: “Where did you learn such sayings?”

He examined Gao Yin carefully and found him more pleasing the longer he looked: “If only your health were stronger. But you are only twelve; there is no rush.”

Gao Yin quickly replied, “Your son feels he has neglected martial affairs and intends to study martial arts under various teachers. I ask Father’s permission to recruit brave warriors.”

Gao Yang looked at him meaningfully.

He was not worried that Gao Yin might seek to seize power from him. Gao Yin was already the crown prince; the future was his.

But being emperor does not mean that when the old emperor dies and the new one ascends, all power automatically transfers. Otherwise, Emperor Xian of Han, Liu Xie, would not have spent over a decade as a puppet; he could have simply issued an edict to execute Cao Cao.

Even if the Han emperor had the will, he needed loyal ministers to enforce it. The court was entirely controlled by the Cao family; there was no one to oppose them.

As the actual rulers of Eastern Wei, the Gao family understood this well.

True emperors only existed when they held power. Thus, five months ago, during Gao Yang’s northern inspection, he left Gao Yin in charge of the government and divided some powers of the Shangshu Province to establish the Grand Commandery Office. Gao Yin was appointed Grand Commander, and Prince of Zhao Jun, Gao Rui, was appointed Chief Clerk of the Grand Commandery Office to assist him.

In this way, when Gao Yin ascends, at least he will have the backing of the Grand Commandery Office and support from loyal Han aristocratic families—ensuring he is not a puppet like the neighboring Yuwen family.

Look at the neighboring state of Zhou: cousin Yuwen Hu controlled the court, and the current Zhou ruler, Yuwen Yu, is already the second puppet.

Gao Yang felt both pleased and annoyed.

Pleased because Gao Yin had not previously shown strong ambition for power, remaining gentle and compliant before him; this made Gao Yang worry he could not hold the throne—Qi was a jungle, and without the courage of a lion king, one would be torn apart by wolves.

Now Gao Yin desired more, especially the crucial military power, which was the right path.

Their ancestor Gao Huan had risen through trickery to lead the border peoples and through military victories to dominate the court. Gao Yang himself forced Emperor Xiaojing to abdicate without merit, and his successive wars after ascending were key to solidifying imperial power.

***

Gao Yin’s nature was gentle; in peaceful times, he would be an excellent crown prince. But in the current situation, that was worrisome. With twin tigers outside and wolves within, Qi needed a king who was brave, resolute, and ruthless to deal with the martial and arrogant nobles of Jinyang.

Only the strong and powerful could be emperor.

It was not too late for Gao Yin to understand this, and Gao Yang could still pave the way for him. Yet for this very reason, Gao Yang felt a slight displeasure.

After all, he had been the great Qi emperor for nine years, wielding life and death, authority and prestige at will. Except for a few untouchables, no one dared disobey him and live.

Thus, anyone trying to encroach on his power or share his imperial might would anger Gao Yang—an instinctive reaction, even if that person was his own son.

“…Very well. Then go select warriors again from the Six Wards in the inner city; the northern city is also an option.”

After mulling it over for a while, Gao Yang suppressed his anger, for he had an even more detested opponent—the Empress Dowager.

To defeat her, he could temporarily tolerate the crown prince’s acquisition of power.

“The Capital Commandery Office is in the northern city. You can use the Grand Commandery Office’s orders to coordinate with them. Before Hulü Shuozhou leaves, you should also seek his advice.”

The Capital Commandery Office was the seat of the Capital Grand Commander, a highly important position in Qi. Looking back at its holders—Dou Tai, Gao Cheng, Gao Yang, Gao Yan, Gao Zhan, Gao Zhen, Gao Yan—except Dou Tai, all were kings or emperors.

This position was initially established at the end of the Wei dynasty by General Erzhu Rong to control the capital. After Gao Huan gained power, it became even more vital, as it not only controlled the Jinyang region but was responsible for militarily defending the Gao political center in Yecheng.

Therefore, holding the position of Capital Grand Commander meant wielding the power to protect or overthrow the Yecheng regime. Gao Yan’s later coup as Prince of Langya was also based on the military power this office commanded.

If the three hallmarks of usurpation in the late Han and Three Kingdoms and Two Jin dynasties were sword and sandals in court, entering the palace without haste, and refusing to acknowledge the throne, then in Northern Qi, the three steps for usurpation were: Grand Chancellor, Commander of all military affairs, and finally, Capital Grand Commander.

Due to pressure from the Empress Dowager, the position of Capital Grand Commander did not go to Gao Yin, nor was it given to Gao Yan. Instead, it was rotated among other royal relatives to prevent any one minister from holding it too long and becoming too powerful.

Gao Yang hoped, through this, that Gao Yin’s Grand Commandery Office would gradually encroach upon the functions of the Capital Grand Commander and eventually seize control over the capital’s troops.

After all, the Capital Grand Commander was only the commander of the capital region, while the Grand Commander was commander of all.

Hulü Shuozhou was Hulü Guang, the governor of Shuozhou. He accompanied the Empress Dowager back to Yecheng for a short stay. Before returning to Jinyang, Gao Yin could interact and grow close with him.

These were the three political tasks issued by Gao Yang: to establish Gao Yin’s own cavalry and infantry, to wrest authority from the Capital Grand Commander, and to attempt to win over the Hulü family. Gao Yin was well aware of this.