Chapter 5: Li Shanchang Plots Rebellion! What? Han Xin Has Rebelled?

After clearly understanding the exact cause of Empress Lü Zhi’s illness, Liu Bang’s sole thought was to spare no effort to cure her.

He extended his large hand, holding Lu Xuan’s small one, his face filled with earnestness and hope. “Lord Lu, do you know specifically what illness the Empress suffers from? And how should we treat it?”

Lu Xuan did not answer immediately. He felt the thick calluses on Ji Shu’s hand pressing into his own, causing a slight ache.

This was no ordinary man.

Such calluses were either from hard, grueling labor or from years of battle.

But now was not the time for such thoughts. He pondered briefly and spoke in a low voice:

“According to historical records from our future era, the Empress’s illness is due to ‘excessive toil causing disease, deficiency of qi and blood, with the condition having penetrated the internal organs, making it incurable—only rest and recuperation remain.’”

“From a modern medical perspective, it is likely a combination of several chronic diseases. As the founding Empress who accompanied His Majesty in establishing the realm, she endured many hardships, continual labor, the rigors of life, and great mental strain. This may have kept her body in a constant state of stress, leading to chronic wasting diseases such as tuberculosis—known in ancient times as ‘consumption’—a common chronic infectious disease. Long-term illness results in weakness, emaciation, and fatigue, which aligns with the descriptions of ‘excessive toil causing disease’ and ‘deficiency of qi and blood.’”

“Furthermore, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases are possible. The Empress bears the heavy burden of managing palace affairs, which places enormous physical and mental stress on her, easily causing high blood pressure and cardiac strain. Prolonged exposure to such pressure can lead to heart disease or stroke, which in ancient times, with limited medical care, would be severely damaging and often fatal.”

“Another possibility is an autoimmune disease. Long-term fatigue and mental stress can disrupt the immune system, causing it to attack one’s own tissues and organs, leading to multi-system damage with symptoms like fatigue, fever, joint pain, and skin rashes. This corresponds with the Empress’s frail and complex condition.”

Lu Xuan knew that the specific disease names he mentioned would be unintelligible to Ji Shu and the others. He was speaking not just to explain but to prove he was from the future, equipped with advanced medical knowledge. Only then could he assert his value and gain access to the power center of the Ming dynasty to meet the Zhu Emperor.

In truth, it was mostly a self-summary before proceeding with treatment according to ancient methods.

After thoughtful reflection, Lu Xuan instructed Ji Shu and Fang Shu to prepare brush and ink.

“You two know how to read and write, right? I will write as I speak, and you both take notes,” Lu Xuan said.

“Good,” Zhang Liang, already prepared, took out hemp paper and gently ground ink himself.

Lu Xuan then spoke slowly:

“First, observe, listen, inquire, and palpate to discern the root of the illness.”

“Observe the Empress's complexion: a withered yellow or pale face indicates qi and blood deficiency; examine her posture—if fatigued, slow-moving, or showing signs of emptiness, it signals organ weakness; scrutinize the tongue—if pale with a white coating or teeth marks on the sides, it reflects spleen and stomach weakness and poor digestive function.”

“Once the cause is clear, tailor remedies accordingly. Use the Eight Treasures Decoction to tonify qi and blood, strengthen the spleen and harmonize the stomach. The prescription includes codonopsis, white atractylodes, poria, roasted licorice, angelica, chuanxiong, white peony, and prepared rehmannia, adjusting the dosage based on the Empress’s constitution. Add dried ginger and aconite to warm the center and disperse cold. For unsettled spirit, add sour jujube seed and biota seed to calm the heart and mind; include goji berries and dodder seed to nourish liver and kidneys.”

“The decoction method is crucial: soak the herbs in water, simmer slowly, take the warm juice twice daily, morning and evening, to gradually strengthen the vital energy and harmonize the organs. Regulation of lifestyle should not be neglected.”

“Regarding diet, follow nourishing principles. Recommend porridge and soft rice with finely prepared chicken, fish, and lamb to aid digestion. Include vegetables and fruits such as yam, red dates, spinach, and apples to supplement qi and blood and nourish the spleen and stomach. However, the Empress’s digestive tolerance must be considered; avoid overeating rich, greasy, or raw and hard foods to prevent damage to the spleen and stomach. For daily living, maintain a warm, dry, and quiet sleeping environment to ensure restful sleep. Retire early after sunset and rise slowly after sunrise, in harmony with yin and yang. Palace maids may gently massage her back and limbs to stimulate the meridians and promote circulation…”

Lu Xuan spoke at length.

Yet, this was not a complete cure for Empress Ma.

He was uncertain of the exact year in the Hongwu era and unaware of how much time she had left.

His current regimen aimed only to nurture her body and prolong her life—if only a few months remained, this treatment might extend her life by half a year.

To truly cure the Empress, he had to see her in person.

There was no way to prescribe a formula from thousands of miles away to cure a disease that palace physicians could not.

For now, the goal was merely to delay her demise. After three months, when he regained his sight, preparations would be complete, and he could finally meet Empress Ma and provide thorough treatment.

Zhang Liang busily recorded everything, while Liu Bang listened intently, careful not to miss a word.

When Zhang Liang finished, Liu Bang said cautiously, “This matter is grave. If Lord Lu’s words are true, we may gain great honor and wealth.”

“I will immediately dispatch people to the Central Plains capital.”

Lu Xuan’s heart lifted. Good, the first step had been smoothly set in motion; everything would be easier from here.

Empress Ma’s health issues had long been evident, so no matter the year in the Hongwu era, Zhu Yuanzhang would surely take this seriously.

He would respectfully send envoys to summon Lu Xuan to the capital.

“By the way, how long will it take to reach the Central Plains capital? And how soon can we expect accurate news?” Lu Xuan asked.

Liu Bang hesitated, glanced at Zhang Liang, who without hesitation answered, “A round trip will likely take half a year, given the long journey.”

“But I believe, since Lord Lu is from the future, if you can propose some useful suggestions for the dynasty, His Majesty may value you more, and your journey to the capital could be expedited.”

Half a year?

Lu Xuan paused. He did not wish to wait that long. The Far East was a distant, uncertain, and possibly dangerous place.

He felt true safety could only be found in the capital.

After all, as a man from the future, he was a treasure in Old Zhu’s eyes. In stories of the past, travelers like him were cherished by emperors. He did not ask for much—just to be cared for.

The sooner he arrived, the sooner he could enjoy peace.

And he must bring his benefactors with him.

“Useful suggestions for the dynasty…” Lu Xuan nodded thoughtfully at Fang Shu’s words.

It made sense.

He needed to let Old Zhu know there was an extraordinary talent in the Far East.

Only then could he be summoned more quickly.

“I have many useful suggestions, but the key is I do not yet know which year it is.”

“Each year calls for different advice.”

The early Ming faced many problems, notably the issue with regional princes, which was most urgent then.

But without knowing the year, he could not tell if the princes had already grown powerful.

If they had, given Zhu Yuanzhang’s indulgence of his sons, it would be unwise to raise this topic in letters.

He might be assassinated before even meeting Zhu Yuanzhang.

Liu Bang and Zhang Liang exchanged a glance.

What year was it now?

The first year of the Han dynasty’s founding.

Should they tell Lu Xuan plainly?

“Lord Lu, it’s time to apply the medicine. We’ll go get it for you,” Zhang Liang said after a moment and swiftly led Liu Bang out of the room.

“What is this about, Zifang?” Liu Bang was puzzled, watching Zhang Liang from afar. They could have asked Lu Xuan for advice directly, so why was Zhang Liang pulling him away?

“Your Majesty,” Zhang Liang said gravely, “Your question about the Empress’s illness just now made Lu Xuan even more certain that he is within the Han dynasty.”

“However, this is not yet dangerous. Perhaps future dynasties will also face founding Empresses falling ill and dying before their emperors.”

“But in our next inquiries, we must be extremely cautious and never admit that we are within the Han dynasty.”

Zhang Liang was deeply concerned. Their situation was complicated.

They could not let Lu Xuan know he was actually in the Han dynasty.

Yet, they wanted his insight on curing Empress Lü Zhi.

Also, they wished to ask about state affairs. Three months of gathering information might be insufficient, so upcoming questions might inadvertently lead Lu Xuan to assume they were matters of the Han.

It felt like navigating a small boat amid stormy waves—every word had to be weighed carefully.

It was exhausting.

“Since Your Majesty listens to the Retainer,” Zhang Liang reminded, Liu Bang realized that perhaps because Lu Xuan spoke of the Empress’s illness and treatment, he had let down his guard somewhat.

After Zhang Liang’s warning, he became suddenly alert.

They must not become too close to Lu Xuan.

He was a dangerous man.

A man from the future with foreknowledge was terrifying.

They had to be cautious, careful, and even more careful.

The two comforted each other, reviewed their words to avoid any slip, and firmly refused to admit they were in the Han dynasty before returning inside.

Zhang Liang applied medicine to Lu Xuan.

Lu Xuan was numb by then. Let them apply it—so long as someone was with him in these dark days, it was bearable.

Otherwise, it was too hard to endure.

---

“Lord Lu, when I went out to fetch the medicine, I also inquired a bit. I’m not sure what year it is for the dynasty now.”

“But I heard that shortly after the dynasty’s founding, His Majesty paid great attention to improving people’s livelihoods. Do you have any good suggestions for this?”

Zhang Liang asked, and Lu Xuan’s thoughts stirred. Just then, Liu Bang interjected:

“I have also asked around and heard some things.”

“The Central Plains dynasty is newly established, and many meritorious officials seem to act beyond the law. Some even disobey royal orders and secretly prepare rebellion. Lord Lu, do you have any advice on handling this? If you can present a reasonable plan, His Majesty would surely value it.”

Zhang Liang thought of livelihoods, and Liu Bang, as the Han Emperor, cared as well, but at this time, he was more concerned about the powerful non-imperial princes.

These men secretly recruited armies and acted recklessly.

They did not regard his imperial commands.

Rebellion was inevitable.

Among them, Han Xin was the greatest threat. Liu Bang feared a simultaneous uprising of all regional kings, akin to Xiang Yu opposing the entire realm.

If that happened, despair would overwhelm him.

Lu Xuan’s heart trembled hearing their words.

Improving livelihoods was easy; he had it in mind.

But unruly meritorious officials reminded him of a familiar historical event.

Zhu Yuanzhang’s massive purge of founding meritorious officials!

For example, Li Shanchang, Duke of Han!

Could it be that the Ming dynasty had already reached the stage of the “Hu Weiyong case”?

Rumors in future online forums said Hu Weiyong’s downfall was due to living too long and Zhu Yuanzhang’s purge.

Over two thousand years ago, Sima Yi fired a shot near Luoshui River, grazing Li Jing’s scalp and striking Li Shanchang’s brow.

In truth, Li Shanchang’s actions had gone too far; he was truly lawless.

Historically, he was autocratic.

When Zhu Yuanzhang was ill and Li Shanchang managed affairs, he acted without consulting the Emperor. Even during the Emperor’s half-month illness, he refused to visit him and barred his son Li Qi from visiting. Li Qi, married to Zhu Yuanzhang’s daughter Princess Lin’an, also ignored the Emperor’s condition. Such disregard and overreach were clear challenges to imperial authority.

Li Shanchang, leader of the Huai West faction, promoted and empowered Huai West men, forming a powerful faction that threatened the throne.

Hu Weiyong was his protégé.

When Hu Weiyong became Chancellor, their alliance disrupted court balance and order.

Li Shanchang’s downfall owed much to Hu Weiyong. During the Hongwu era, Hu Weiyong planned rebellion and repeatedly courted Li Shanchang. Though not outright agreeing, Li Shanchang did not report him. When Hu Weiyong revealed his plan and promised Li Shanchang the title of King of Huai West, Li merely said he was old and told Hu to be careful. This concealment was seen as betrayal by Zhu Yuanzhang, violating his duty as a minister.

Most serious was Li Shanchang’s private troop mobilization.

After retiring, he borrowed 300 soldiers from General Tang He to build his mansion. In a feudal dynasty, privately deploying troops was a grave violation, alarming Zhu Yuanzhang and deepening doubts about Li’s loyalty and motives.

If today he could summon three hundred soldiers, what would stop him from summoning three thousand tomorrow, or thirty thousand the day after?

If today it was for a mansion, what about building his own palace tomorrow?

Besides, Li Shanchang angered Zhu Yuanzhang in many other ways. For instance, his confidant Ding Bin was exiled for wrongdoing, and Li petitioned for clemency, provoking the Emperor’s displeasure. During interrogation, Ding Bin’s brother Li Cunyi was implicated in conspiracy with Hu Weiyong, further entangling Li Shanchang. When Lan Yu captured Hu Weiyong’s traitor Feng Ji at the Fishing Son Sea, Li Shanchang knew but concealed it.

All these actions had crossed Zhu Yuanzhang’s bottom line.

Reflecting thus, Lu Xuan said calmly, “The dynasty’s founding indeed sees many meritorious nobles acting lawlessly, disregarding royal authority.”

“Some even harbor rebellious thoughts.”

“Setting aside the nobles’ issues, regarding rebellion, the current Central Plains dynasty’s Emperor naturally fears founding meritorious officials turning traitor.”

“According to future records, there is indeed one man deeply plotting rebellion—a founding meritorious official with repeated achievements and formidable reputation.”

Lu Xuan referred to Li Shanchang.

Since, by his guess, Zhu Yuanzhang was already preparing to move against Li Shanchang, he would involve himself and help the Emperor devise advantageous plans.

Liu Bang and Zhang Liang’s hearts trembled upon hearing Lu Xuan.

Indeed!

Their fears were justified!

Han Xin truly harbored rebellious intentions!