novelhk Chapter 1096 I want to see Chen Ping and Kuai Tong's abilities!
Chapter 1096 I want to see Chen Ping and Kuai Tong's abilities!
Gao Yao slowly opened his eyes, a complex expression flashing in them. Kuai Tong and Chen Ping—these two names, in the original historical trajectory, should have shone brightly on the stage of the Chu-Han Contention, leaving a significant mark on history, whether in the open or in the shadows. But in this timeline he had completely altered, they had been lying low under Wei Bao's command for many years, only to finally stand before him today.
"Announce." He only said one word.
The sound wasn't loud, but it echoed in the spacious hall, carrying an undeniable air of authority.
Outside the palace, on a plaza paved with white marble, Kuai Tong and Chen Ping stood side by side, both dressed in deep robes and wearing scholar's caps, befitting Confucian scholars. This was a new rule established by Gao Yao after the founding of the state—officials were not required to wear official robes when entering the palace outside of court assemblies, to demonstrate that the ruler and his ministers could discuss matters at a leisurely pace. While seemingly lenient, this was actually an atmosphere deliberately cultivated by Gao Yao: he did not want obsequious ministers, but rather capable ministers who could truly serve him.
The two were about the same age, both in their early forties, in the prime of their lives. But their temperaments were quite different.
Kuai Tong was tall and square-faced, with a neatly trimmed short beard and piercing eyes that exuded an air of superiority. He was a descendant of the School of Diplomacy, skilled in rhetoric and resourceful. His most famous historical achievement was persuading Han Xin to divide the world into three kingdoms when Han Xin was at the height of his power, which almost changed the outcome of the Chu-Han Contention.
If Han Xin hadn't hesitated, history might have been rewritten. At this moment, he stood before the palace, his back ramrod straight, his gaze sweeping over the many halls of Xianyang Palace. His expression held both admiration and a hint of scrutiny—he was assessing whether the master of this palace was worthy of his wholehearted loyalty.
Chen Ping was slightly thin, with a fair complexion and three long strands of beard flowing down his chest. His eyes were slightly narrowed, as if he were half-awake, yet occasionally a glint of shrewdness would flash between them. He was dressed simply and acted with humility, as if he were just an ordinary scholar. But those who knew his history knew that this was precisely Chen Ping's most terrifying quality—he was adept at concealing his true intentions, at enduring hardship, and at plotting without leaving a trace.
The capture of Han Xin at Yunmeng, the relief of Baideng, and the elimination of the Lü clan in the early Han Dynasty were all orchestrated by him with unfathomable cunning. At this moment, he stood with his hands at his sides and his eyes lowered, seemingly indifferent to everything around him. In reality, he had already taken in the positions of the palace guards, the rhythm of the messengers' steps, and even the pattern of the flags fluttering on the distant palace walls, silently analyzing them all.
The two had been waiting there for fifteen minutes. This was a deliberate arrangement—both a test of patience and a display of imperial authority.
“Brother Kuai,” Chen Ping suddenly spoke in a low voice, only the two of them could hear, “Judging from the grandeur of this palace, it is quite different from the former Epang and Weiyang Palaces. It seems that His Majesty… intends to blend the ancient and the modern?”
Kuai Tong nodded slightly, lowering his voice as well: "The palace's design follows the grandeur of the Qin dynasty, but its decorative patterns are a hodgepodge of various styles. Look at those eaves—" he gestured with his eyes, "there are kui patterns from Qin roof tiles, phoenixes from Chu, and animal faces from Yan and Zhao. Even more peculiar are those glazed windows, which should be extremely precious, yet they are used extensively in the side halls. This emperor does not follow ancient systems, nor does he abide by common sense."
“Exactly.” A hint of admiration flashed in Chen Ping’s eyes. “Back then, when I was with Wei Bao, I received His Majesty’s secret letter. The extraordinary thoughts and broad knowledge in the letter were already astonishing. Seeing his palace today, I feel even more that this man is extraordinary. It is no accident that he was able to rise from a commoner to the throne today.”
Kuai Tong pondered for a moment and said, "I just wonder how this unconventional emperor will test us."
The two exchanged a glance, both seeing a mixture of wariness and anticipation in each other's eyes. They had been infiltrating Wei Bao's ranks for years, ostensibly offering advice, but in reality, secretly colluding with Gao Yao, passing on intelligence, and influencing Wei Bao's decisions, thus keeping him confined to Hedong and preventing him from truly threatening Gao Yao. Now, with Gao Yao about to take action against Wei Bao, bringing them here was both a protection and a formal appointment. This first meeting with the Emperor would undoubtedly be crucial in determining their future status.
Just as he was pondering this, the palace doors slowly opened, and an attendant announced loudly: "Summon—Kuai Tong and Chen Ping to enter the palace for an audience!"
The two straightened their clothes and stepped into the Xuan Shi Hall.
The hall was extremely spacious, with twelve thick, coiled dragon-shaped golden pillars supporting a high dome. The floor was smooth, mirror-like black marble, reflecting everything within. At the deepest part, atop nine jade steps, Gao Yao sat on a dragon throne, behind him a massive screen. Instead of a traditional landscape painting, it displayed a peculiar star chart, the stars embroidered with gold and silver threads, shimmering in the sunlight streaming through the stained-glass windows.
The two men walked to the jade steps and knelt down in accordance with etiquette: "Kuai Tong/Chen Ping greet Your Majesty and wish Your Majesty a long life."
"Rise," Gao Yao's voice came from above, calm and even. "Take a seat."
Two eunuchs brought over two embroidered stools and placed them below the jade steps. This was another unconventional move—ordinary officials, unless they were high-ranking ministers or veterans, were not entitled to be offered a seat when meeting the emperor.
The two men thanked the emperor and took their seats, finally having the opportunity to look up and see the face of this legendary emperor clearly.
Gao Yao was also observing them. His gaze was calm, yet it seemed to pierce through to the heart. After a moment of silence, he spoke, and his first words were unexpected:
"Gentlemen, you have worked for Wei Bao for many years. You have worked hard."
There were no pleasantries or inquiries about knowledge; they went straight to the point. Kuai Tong was startled, while Chen Ping remained composed.
"Your Majesty is too kind," Kuai Tong responded first. "It is our duty to serve Your Majesty."
Gao Yao shook his head slightly: "It's not my duty. You are not my subjects, yet you risked your lives to deliver messages for me, influencing Wei Bao's decisions and causing him to be trapped in Hedong for six years. During these six years, I was able to pacify Xianyang, conquer Bashu, and pacify the north, without having to worry about the east. I will remember this merit."
He paused, then changed the subject: "But merit is merit, and talent is talent. I am here today not to discuss merits and reward you, but to see what real Kuai Tong and Chen Ping are capable of."
He spoke the word "truth" very softly, yet it stirred a storm in both of their hearts. What did it mean? Did His Majesty know some "history" they were unaware of?
Before they could think it over, Gao Yao continued, "I have three questions. The first is for Mr. Kuai Tong."
Kuai Tong solemnly replied, "Your subject listens respectfully."
“If you were the persuader,” Gao Yao said slowly, “Han Xin commands 300,000 elite troops, occupies the land of Qi, has the allegiance of Yan and Zhao in the north, can control Chu in the south, and can threaten Han in the west… Ignoring other factors, what would you choose at this time? How would you advise Han Xin?”
This question struck Kuai Tong like a thunderbolt!
At this moment, Gao Yao deliberately simulated the situation faced by Kuai Tong in history, as well as the decisions Kuai Tong had made in history. Of course, all of this was hypothetical, and Kuai Tong's answers were based on these assumptions. Gao Yao's thoughts were not complicated; he simply wanted to know whether the Kuai Tong of today was still the same Kuai Tong of history.