Chapter 35: A Counterproductive Scheme

The noisy Funing Palace suddenly fell into a deathly silence. Countless civil and military officials stood agape, staring in disbelief at Huyan Zan, who had won with such ease. Even the well-traveled Brothers of the Righteous Society, including Shi Shouxin, wore expressions of pure shock, unable to believe their eyes.

"Clap! Clap! Clap!"

Only Zhao Dezhao, who possessed a partial "God's-eye view," remained calm. He was the first to clap, shouting, "A magnificent throw! Beautiful!"

"Beautiful! What a display of skill!" Xu Xuan, clearly having become a die-hard fan of Zhao Dezhao, was the second to applaud vigorously. While praising Huyan Zan’s martial arts, he added with great satisfaction, "Thanks to the Prince and General Huyan, this old man can finally buy that calligraphy and painting from the previous dynasty I’ve been longing for with peace of mind."

Only then did the surrounding officials, gradually coming to their senses, begin to applaud thunderously. Yang Guangyi, Liu Shouzhong, and the other brothers of the society praised him sincerely: "Such immense strength! This kind of innate power is rare in this world!"

"Had I possessed such a fierce general under my command back then, he certainly would have been my vanguard," the renowned Shi Shouxin remarked.

Unlike the genuine admiration of the brothers, Zhao Guangyi clapped along on the surface, but his heart was in his throat. He thought to himself, "This can't be happening. If Wang Hanzhong also loses to this big oaf, I will have truly embarrassed myself today."

With this fear in mind, Zhao Guangyi quickly calculated his options and signaled his brother-in-law, Fu Zhaoxin, the commander of the Tianxiong Army, by gesturing toward Huyan Zan. Fu Zhaoxin understood, excused himself to "go to the restroom," and on his way out, enthusiastically called along his colleague, Yan Rou, commander of the Xiaoxiong Army.

Meanwhile, Wang Hanzhong, who was resting on the sidelines, stared at Huyan Zan with an icy, menacing glare.

"Huyan Zan is the victor."

Zhao Kuangyin finally announced the result. He beckoned Zhao Dezhao over, who left his seat to receive instructions. Zhao Kuangyin asked with a puzzled look, "Dezhao, this Huyan Zan—did you really not know him before?"

"I dare not deceive Your Majesty. I truly only met General Huyan today," Zhao Dezhao swore, though he muttered to himself, "Though in the history books of the twenty-first century, I have seen his name—more than once."

Seeing his son's sincere expression, Zhao Kuangyin dismissed his suspicions and smiled. "Your eye for talent is sharp. To have unearthed such a fierce general in such a short time—even I have to admire you for that."

After Zhao Dezhao feigned humility, the sumo tournament continued. Wang Hanzhong, the champion fighter groomed by Zhao Guangyi, stepped onto the field to challenge an imperial guard named Wu Hongmao.

Given Wu Hongmao’s decent performance in previous palace tournaments, some placed bets on the underdog, but Zhao Guangyi’s faction doubled down, placing heavy bets on Wang Hanzhong to support their rising star.

Wang Hanzhong did not disappoint his allies. Within three rounds, he easily tossed his opponent out of the ring, drawing thunderous applause.

At this moment, Yan Rou had returned to the hall. Seeing that his brother-in-law Fu Zhaoxin had not followed, Zhao Guangyi realized he must have gathered information. He excused himself to the restroom to meet him outside.

"Well? What did you find out?" Zhao Guangyi asked directly.

"Your Highness, we have trouble. We’ve run into a tough opponent," Fu Zhaoxin said, looking crestfallen. "Yan Rou just told me that this brute, Huyan Zan, was always the first into the fray during the campaign to conquer Shu. He was wounded by arrows six times, yet he still managed to cut down enemy generals and seize their banners three times. When attacking Jianmen Pass, he was the first to scale the walls!"

"What? Three times he seized banners? And he was the first to scale Jianmen Pass?" Zhao Guangyi was utterly shocked. "With such bravery, why is he still just a minor deputy commander? And why have I never heard his name?"

"He has a foul temper, loves to talk back and offend his superiors, and is stubborn to a fault. He knows nothing of social graces," Fu Zhaoxin said, looking even more dejected. "Because of this, although he performed many meritorious deeds, his superiors suppressed or stole his credit. That’s why his career stalled and he remained unknown."

Zhao Guangyi was speechless. After a long moment, he said angrily, "A total blunder! If I had known my nephew could pick such a fierce general on such short notice, I would have had that man surnamed Yu participate in the tournament instead! At least he wouldn't have been this formidable!"

"Your Highness, what do we do now?" Fu Zhaoxin asked. "This Huyan Zan not only has innate strength but also real-world experience in life-and-death combat. If they fight like this, Wang Hanzhong may not be sure of victory."

As the future Emperor Taizong, Zhao Guangyi quickly formulated a plan. "Go back and find a way to tell Wang Hanzhong. Tell him to prepare for a brutal fight, or see if there’s any other way to win by surprise."

Fu Zhaoxin agreed and returned to the hall with Zhao Guangyi. Coincidentally, Huyan Zan had just easily defeated his second opponent, qualifying for the final against Wang Hanzhong.

Seeing this, Zhao Guangyi blinked and immediately devised a scheme. He bowed to Zhao Kuangyin and said, "Imperial Brother, Wang Hanzhong and General Huyan have both fought two matches and must be exhausted. To make their final bout more exciting, I suggest we give them the time of a stick of incense to rest and eat before they compete."

The request was reasonable, and Zhao Kuangyin agreed, ordering food and wine to be brought for both men. Zhao Dezhao, having learned his lesson, did not hesitate. He filled a pot of wine and a plate of sweet, high-energy food, then approached his father: "Father, I wish to reward General Huyan with some food and drink. May I?"

Thinking his son was simply encouraging his fighter, Zhao Kuangyin agreed. Zhao Dezhao hurried to Huyan Zan, while Zhao Guangyi did the same for Wang Hanzhong, using the opportunity to speak with him privately.

At Huyan Zan’s side, Zhao Dezhao whispered, "Do not eat anyone else’s food; eat only mine, to be safe."

Huyan Zan thanked him, and Zhao Dezhao added, "Don't feel pressured. You’ve already won twice; I can answer for that before the Emperor. If you aren't sure about the final against Wang Hanzhong, don't force it. Save yourself—when I eventually lead the army, I’ll need you as my vanguard!"

Having suffered under the thumb of superiors his entire life, Huyan Zan’s eyes welled with tears at these words. He restrained his emotions, nodded to show he understood, but secretly made a firm resolution.

Meanwhile, Zhao Guangyi had used the food delivery to whisper to Wang Hanzhong about Huyan Zan’s fearsome reputation in the Shu campaign. "Well, are you sure you can win?"

"His strength is immense. If it’s just standard sumo, I’m not sure," Wang Hanzhong whispered. "With spears or clubs, I’d be at a disadvantage. But if we are allowed to use fists, I am certain of victory! In the military, striking is usually prohibited to prevent serious injury."

Zhao Guangyi nodded. "Good, I will find a way."

Returning to the hall, Zhao Guangyi bowed again. "Imperial Brother, I have a proposal. Traditional palace sumo is just wrestling—exciting, but not intense enough. For this final match, let’s break the rules and allow Wang Hanzhong and Huyan Zan to use their fists."

He had underestimated He Huaipu, Zhao Dezhao’s uncle. Though not a top-tier martial artist, he was a general and knew of Wang Hanzhong’s reputation. He immediately stood up. "Your Majesty, while folk sumo sometimes allows striking, those bouts are often life-or-death and are too bloody for the palace."

"General He, rest assured, both men know how to show restraint," Zhao Guangyi argued. His cronies chimed in with various excuses. Zhao Kuangyin, bored with the traditional rules, asked, "Dezhao, what do you think?"

Before Zhao Dezhao could object, Huyan Zan spoke up. "Your Highness, I am willing to trade blows with Commissioner Wang."

Seeing the confidence in Huyan Zan’s eyes, Zhao Dezhao decided to trust his man. "Father, if the General says he can do it, I have no objections."

"Very well," Zhao Kuangyin declared. "Allow them to use their fists. It’s been a while since I’ve seen such a match."

Only later, after He Huaipu explained the trick, did Zhao Dezhao realize he had been outmaneuvered. But it was too late. He could only hope Huyan Zan would not let him down.

Zhao Guangyi, still pushing his luck, smiled. "Let's place our bets. Nephew, I bet thirty thousand strings of cash that Wang Hanzhong wins. Do you dare?"

Not wanting to show weakness, and believing in the legendary Huyan Zan, Zhao Dezhao replied, "Done. I bet thirty thousand strings that General Huyan wins."

"Nephew, do you have that much?" Zhao Guangyi asked with a smirk.

"My house in Jingming Ward is worth that much," Zhao Dezhao replied firmly. "If the General loses, I will move into my uncle's house tonight and sell mine to pay you."

"If that’s not enough, I’ll cover the rest," He Huaipu added without hesitation. Xu Xuan, the new fan, also stood up. "If the Prince loses, I am willing to offer my entire fortune to cover the debt."

The atmosphere in the hall grew tense. Zhao Kuangyin finally snapped, "Enough! You are all family, is this really necessary? Silence! Let the match begin!"

Under the Emperor’s order, the two fighters entered the arena. After a formal bow, the final began with a shout from Zhao Kuangyin.

Wang Hanzhong struck first, feinting with his hands before launching a powerful kick into Huyan Zan’s stomach, then leaping to deliver a second, vicious kick toward his face—the famous "Mandarin Duck Kick."

*Bang!* The first kick landed square. The second caught Huyan Zan on the temple, drawing blood.

"Good!" The pro-Zhao Guangyi faction roared with joy, and a cruel grin spread across Zhao Guangyi’s face.

"Die!" Wang Hanzhong roared, leaping into the air for a finishing blow. But as he descended, Huyan Zan suddenly jumped up, unleashing a series of kicks into Wang Hanzhong’s chest and abdomen. The sound of breaking bones echoed through the hall, and Wang Hanzhong spat blood, flying a dozen paces before crashing to the ground, twitching and gasping for air.

Huyan Zan also landed hard, but unlike the dying Wang Hanzhong, he struggled to his feet. Blood streamed down his face, and at least two of his ribs were broken, yet he stood tall and slowly raised his hands.

Silence reigned in Funing Palace. Even Zhao Dezhao stared, stunned that Huyan Zan could launch such a counterattack after suffering such grievous wounds.

Finally, Zhao Kuangyin spoke. "Truly resilient. Anyone else would have collapsed by now. General Huyan, you have won."

Only then did Huyan Zan sit down, a happy smile breaking through the blood on his face. Zhao Dezhao rushed forward to check on him, calling for the imperial physicians.

Zhao Kuangyin walked over with a cup of wine. As he prepared to toast Huyan Zan, he noticed something strange: the tattoo on the general's face did not name his unit, but instead read: "Loyal to the Sovereign, Devoted to the Country."

"Huyan Zan," Zhao Kuangyin asked, "what is this tattoo? Who gave it to you?"

"Your Majesty," Huyan Zan replied, forcing himself to stay alert. "I did it myself. My father was a commander under the Later Zhou, and while the rules don't require it, I tattooed myself to show my unwavering heart."

"I see," Zhao Kuangyin said, smiling. "My son has a better eye than I do to have found such a fierce general. My heart is comforted."

Meanwhile, Zhao Guangyi closed his eyes in agony, mourning silently, "I brought this on myself. If I hadn't tried to play games, would it have ended like this?"

*(Note: Historically, Huyan Zan was a tattoo fanatic, tattooing not only himself and his sons but also attempting to tattoo his wife and daughters with the slogan "Loyal to the Sovereign, Loving to the Country.")*