The Human Emperor Chapter 3: Changing Myself
Previously on The Human Emperor...
A profound sense of guilt settled in Wang Chong’s heart.
Witnessing his mother's reactions, even to the simplest gestures like apologizing or sitting properly at the dining table, brought her such delight. This starkly revealed to him the magnitude of his past self's failings.
In his former existence, he had been forcibly transmigrated from another world, and in his resistance, he had rejected everything. Though he was treated as their son, a persistent doubt about their true parentage lingered within Wang Chong's soul.
Consequently, Wang Chong maintained an emotional distance from them.
This inner turmoil was the reason he disregarded their admonitions and teachings in his previous life, despite the scoldings and punishments. Wang Chong had always believed he was merely a transient visitor in this world, not truly belonging.
Everything and everyone felt ephemeral, like fleeting bubbles in the stream of his life. However, the unfolding reality had decisively proven him wrong.
It is only upon losing what one possesses that its true value is understood; only when left with nothing does one comprehend the preciousness of all things!
After the calamitous incident that led to his clan's downfall in his previous life, he had anticipated that his behavior would alienate his father, mother, and relatives.
Yet, it was precisely they who stood by him, offering care and support through his most arduous and challenging moments, during those days he barely clung to life.
If there was a single mouthful of rice, he was always offered it first.
Recalling his mother, who had passed away before reaching fifty but looked like a seventy-year-old elder with her hair turned white, Wang Chong was overwhelmed by guilt.
His mother had breathed her last in his arms. As that seemingly invincible figure finally fell, Wang Chong was struck by the frailty and weakness of her body.
Wang Chong's heart shattered.
At that precise instant, Wang Chong's soul fractured and died. For the subsequent thirty years, the living Wang Chong existed as nothing more than a walking automaton.
Mother! Why did you bestow such profound kindness upon me?
Tears streamed down Wang Chong’s face at that moment. Under the torrential downpour, he let out a roar of anguish. It was the very first time he had wept with such heart-wrenching sorrow since arriving in this world. In that moment, his entire universe crumbled!
Wang Chong awoke, but it was irrevocably too late. Nothing could be altered anymore!
Perhaps, the heavens, having heard his desperate cries, had granted him a miraculous chance to begin anew. Gazing at his mother, Wang Chong felt an intense ache in his heart.
Mother, do not worry. In this life, I vow to never cause you sorrow. I will not permit anyone to inflict harm upon you, absolutely no one!
Concealed beneath the table, Wang Chong’s fists were clenched with fierce determination.
“Come, eat, eat! Use your chopsticks. We can discuss matters after the meal.”
Madam Wang, Zhao Shu Hua, beamed with evident high spirits. Raising her chopsticks, she carefully placed a substantial piece of roasted chicken onto Wang Chong’s plate.
“Mother, please eat as well!”
Wang Chong swiftly picked up his own chopsticks and reciprocated by placing a generous portion of meat onto his mother’s plate.
Madam Wang was visibly overjoyed and greatly relieved. Even the stern and usually disapproving Father Wang, who held significant reservations about Wang Chong, showed a noticeable softening of his expression upon witnessing these actions. In the revered principles of the Three Cardinal Guides and the Five Constant Virtues, filial piety stood as the paramount virtue. For his son to manifest such consideration for his mother, it represented a monumental improvement.
The considerable commotion that had transpired recently had likely served to awaken his dormant sense of propriety. Reflecting on this, Wang Yan gave a subtle nod of approval.
“Father, Mother, I wish to take this opportunity to inform you of a matter, and I sincerely hope you will both give your consent.”
Just as everyone was poised to begin their meal, Wang Chong gently set down his chopsticks. His eyes showed a flicker of contemplation, as if he were weighing the decision to broach the other subject weighing on his mind.
“What is it you desire this time?”
Upon uttering these words, Father Wang’s countenance darkened considerably, and his gaze turned sharp and cold. This incorrigible scoundrel! After engaging in such disgraceful conduct, I had hoped he might finally show signs of reform. Truly, a leopard never changes its spots.
After delivering such a lengthy apology and exhibiting such uncharacteristic obedience, it now seemed clear that all of it was merely a prelude to further negotiations. He was eager to discover what schemes his unfilial son was concocting now.
“Chong-er, what is it that you wish to convey?”
In stark contrast to Father Wang, Mother Wang displayed a keen interest in Wang Chong’s upcoming declaration, her tone laced with a hint of hopeful anticipation. Perhaps it was an inherent maternal instinct to place unwavering faith in one’s son. In this regard, Mother Wang did not delve into the potential implications as deeply as Father Wang.
“Father, Mother, I have given this matter considerable thought over a long period...”
With his gaze lowered, an expression of deep contemplation settled upon Wang Chong’s face. This revelation would be the linchpin, the sole path to regaining his parents’ trust. Wang Chong understood with absolute certainty that what he was about to articulate would fundamentally alter the trajectory of his life.
“I wish to enlist in the army!”
Wang Chong declared.
The entire grand hall seemed to reverberate the moment his declaration echoed. In that instant, everyone present was rendered speechless. Even when compiling all of Wang Chong's earlier statements, none carried the same immense weight as this singular declaration. Madam Wang's lips trembled as she gazed at her son, her words catching in her throat. The sheer magnitude of this news demanded a moment to process. Even Father Wang, who had consistently treated Wang Chong with coldness and averted his gaze, displayed an expression of stunned disbelief on his usually stoic face. As a seasoned general who had led troops into countless battles, he was accustomed to facing down potentially world-ending scenarios without flinching. Yet, the matter Wang Chong brought forth was simply too astonishing to comprehend. He had always viewed this son of his as incorrigibly mischievous, lacking any ambition and squandering his days. The association with undesirable company and the recent rape incident had brought utter disgrace upon the entire Wang Clan, making them the laughingstock of the city. Once the initial pang of distress subsided, he had resolved to send Wang Chong to the military ahead of schedule. The harsh environment of the military barracks, designed to test both physical and mental fortitude, might be the only place capable of guiding his wayward son onto the correct path. Even if Wang Chong had remained silent on this matter, he had intended to broach the subject during their meal. His decision was firm, and he was determined to see it through, regardless of whether Mother Wang or Wang Chong offered their assent. He had never anticipated that Wang Chong would bring up the very topic before he could. It was precisely because he understood the nature of his unfilial son that Father Wang's carefully maintained composure finally fractured. He recognized the immense difficulty Wang Chong would face in mustering such resolve. Enlisting in the military was no trivial undertaking; it was fraught with peril and danger. If he had previously dismissed Wang Chong's earlier actions as mere attempts to evade responsibility, this declaration about joining the army eradicated all lingering doubts. After all, this was not a matter to be treated lightly. Could it be that this prodigal son, after enduring such hardships, had finally experienced a change of heart and resolved to start anew? At this profound juncture, Father Wang was filled with elation. He began to genuinely believe that his son had undergone a true transformation. Observing their reactions, Wang Chong recognized that his words had indeed resonated with them. Drawing upon his foresight from his previous life, Wang Chong was aware that even if he hadn't raised the issue, his father would have certainly proposed his enlistment during the meal as a consequence for his transgressions. In the past, he had vehemently protested, but his efforts were ultimately futile. His father's resolve was unyielding, and his will could not be swayed. Since he possessed this knowledge in his current life, he might as well be the one to introduce the subject. This approach, he reasoned, could fundamentally alter his father's perception of him and foster a much-needed sense of trust! Moreover, upon further reflection, the matter itself wasn't inherently negative. It was merely a question of how he should best approach it. "Chong-er, you are still quite young to be joining the army. However, it is not an insurmountable obstacle. Have you given any thought to where you wish to enlist? I can make arrangements to inform them in advance." Father Wang stated, his tone carrying a newfound warmth. Previously, he had frequently referred to Wang Chong as an 'unfilial son.' Yet, on this occasion, he opted for the more affectionate address of 'Chong-er.' This subtle shift in terminology plainly indicated the profound delight Wang Chong's decision had brought him. "Father, I have indeed considered it. I wish to commence my journey at the training camps. Just as metal must be sufficiently tempered before it can be forged into a sword, I desire to enter the Kunwu Training Camp to hone my martial skills before I join a military division." Wang Chong articulated the words he had meticulously planned for an extended period. "Kunwu Training Camp?" This proclamation genuinely startled Father Wang. He had only recently received official notification from the royal court regarding the Emperor's decree to establish the Three Great Training Camps: Kunwu, Shenwei, and Longwei. These were designated as the premier institutions for the training of the Great Tang's youth. This crucial directive had been finalized not long ago. Given the highly confidential nature of the matter, he found himself questioning how his supposedly wayward son had become privy to such information. However, upon further consideration, he recalled Wang Chong's previous associations with less reputable individuals, speculating that he might have overheard the news through them. "Why would you specifically choose the Kunwu Training Camp?" Father Wang swiftly regained his composure and inquired further. "There are also the Shenwei and Longwei Training Camps available. Kunwu was established specifically for the sons of ordinary military officers. In contrast, Longwei and Shenwei are situated on a significantly higher echelon, meticulously designed for the scions of nobility and high-ranking officials. The training provided within these elite camps should undoubtedly surpass that of Kunwu in both comprehensiveness and sophistication."“Perhaps it can prove beneficial to your future if you go there. If you wish to, I can leverage your grandfather’s influence to enroll you into the Shenwei or Longwei Training Camp.”
Father Wang was merely a general stationed at the borders, not a nobleman. Consequently, Wang Chong was considered an ordinary son of a general by default.
However, Wang Chong’s grandfather was a different story entirely. He was a decorated official who had aided the current emperor in ascending the throne. Following that, he was even elevated to the position of Left Premier, with his former students and comrades scattered throughout the entire Tang Dynasty.
Even in his retirement, his influence remained substantial.
By making use of Wang Chong’s grandfather’s standing, securing an enrollment for Wang Chong into the Shenwei or Longwei Training Camp presented no significant obstacle.
Wang Chong fell silent. While his father harbored good intentions, Wang Chong understood the reality was far from what Father Wang had stated. Among the Three Great Training Camps, Kunwu stood as the superior option.
In his past existence, during this particular juncture, the wise emperor sought to identify capable individuals from the scions of nobility and officials to form a juvenile army. To this end, he established the Kunwu, Shenwei, and Longwei Training Camps.
In the nascent stages, everyone perceived Shenwei and Longwei as holding a higher status than Kunwu, making them the more desirable choices.
Subsequently, for an extended period, numerous individuals would employ any means necessary to gain entry into these two camps. Yet, Wang Chong was aware that time would ultimately vindicate Kunwu as the paramount of the three.
In the ensuing years, when calamity struck, plunging the nation into disarray and leading to the downfall of nearly all seasoned generals, almost ninety percent of the exceptionally skilled generals who emerged in the Great Tang Empire thereafter hailed from the Kunwu Training Camp.
Nevertheless, articulating this truth to his father would prove to be a challenge.
“Father, I have deliberated on the matter and still believe Kunwu aligns better with my capabilities. I am acquainted with most of the influential youths in the capital. You wish for me to join Longwei or Shenwei, but surely others share the same aspiration. If I were to enter either the Longwei or Shenwei Training Camp, wouldn't I inevitably cross paths with Ma Zhou and the others?”
Wang Chong found himself compelled to devise alternative explanations for his father.
Initially, Father Wang resisted Wang Chong’s choice. However, after considerable thought, he acknowledged that Wang Chong had only recently distanced himself from his disreputable companions. It would be exceedingly difficult for him to reform and mend his ways. If he were to associate once again with Ma Zhou and his ilk at this stage, reverting to his former self, would he not regret it for an eternity? Such a turn of events would completely undermine the very purpose of sending him into the military.
“Since you have set your mind on it, then we shall proceed according to your wishes.”
Father Wang uttered this with a slight frown.
He did not fully endorse Wang Chong’s decision, yet Wang Chong's reasoning held a degree of validity. He could, albeit reluctantly, accept his son's explanation.
“Whatever you father and son have to discuss, kindly do so after the meal. Chong-er, pay no mind to your father. Come, let us eat!”
Madam Wang, having overheard their entire conversation from the side, was in an exceptionally pleasant mood.
Initially, upon learning that Wang Chong intended to join the military, she had been thoroughly startled, her heart gripped by overwhelming worry for her son. However, hearing that it merely involved a training camp, she experienced profound relief.
The Wang Clan was a lineage of generals, and Wang Chong had reached the age of fifteen. Commencing his journey at a training camp before officially entering the army was something Madam Wang could readily accept.
This was a common path for the scions of many general families within the capital. As descendants of such esteemed lineages, they were destined to face the battlefield sooner or later.
This was a fundamental reality that the ladies of the capital had to come to terms with and accept from the outset.
Wang Chong offered no further comment. Picking up his chopsticks, he began to partake in the meal.
“I wonder if Father will be able to accept what I am about to say next.”
A flicker of anxiety crossed Wang Chong’s features.
Despite having successfully altered his parents' perception of him, Wang Chong recognized that this was merely the initial step. The subsequent phase was the truly critical one!
Shenwei -> God Might
Longwei -> Dragon Might
However, as there isn't really a translation for Kunwu, I decided to go with the hanyupinyin for all three.
“Father Wang was just a general by the borders and he wasn’t a member of nobility. As such, Wang Chong was just an ordinary son of a general.”
This might strike some as peculiar, so permit me to elaborate. 'General' is not the absolute apex of military ranks. A general's standing is determined by the forces under their command, their perceived value by the emperor, and their deployment location. Furthermore, even among peers, generals can be bestowed titles such as 'Duke' or 'Marquis', elevating them above ordinary generals. Typically, such noble titles are hereditary. Alternatively, one must achieve a monumental feat, akin to Wang Chong's grandfather, to earn such a conferment.
The reason for Wang Chong's father not holding a noble title could stem from the title not passing to him – usually, it's inherited by the eldest child, leaving others as commoners – or perhaps his grandfather still retains the title. Nobility is generally passed on only upon the incumbent's 'retirement' or 'departure' from the world, and only through the emperor's decree.
While not universally applicable, those commanding armies near the capital generally hold a superior position. Unless the border regions are in turmoil, prompting the emperor to dispatch a trusted general for stabilization, border generals are typically of lesser consequence.
This information is based on general knowledge of ancient China. It's important to remember that China's history spans numerous dynasties, each with unique cultural nuances. These insights may not be entirely accurate but offer a general understanding of the era's societal structures.
Left Premier
- Envision the role of Prime Minister divided into two distinct positions: Left and Right.
- According to historical expert Tann, the Left Premier appeared to wield more significant authority than the Right Premier. [Additional note: This configuration was particularly prominent around the Ming Dynasty, which followed the Tang Dynasty.]
Three Cardinal Guides and the Five Constant Virtues (三纲五常)
This is the accepted translation for this concept, reflecting the fundamental human relationships within society and the values Confucians believed should govern interactions. For a deeper understanding, a search for this phrase is recommended.