Chapter Forty-Four: Gongsun Ye

“Make sure this man’s identity, itinerary, accommodations, and everything related are thoroughly erased! Leave no trace behind! As for those accompanying him—leave not a single witness alive. I trust I don’t need to instruct you further on how to proceed.”

The man in black spoke slowly.

“Rest assured, my lord! I am well-versed in handling such matters. You can trust me completely! If anything goes wrong, you may take my head!” Gongsun Ye pledged solemnly.

The man in black cast him a sharp glance, then nodded.

“Remember your words. If you fail, I will hold you accountable!”

Hearing this, Gongsun Ye couldn’t help but shudder slightly.

“There!” The man in black turned around with satisfaction, gazing at the portrait in his hand, a flicker of hatred flashing in his eyes.

I’ve followed you for so long, yet you’re willing to give everything to this worthless man? All of those things rightfully belonged to me! Why must they be handed over to him?

Now that he has fallen into my hands, I’m afraid I can’t let it slide.

After the man in black left, escorted by Gongsun Ye and Qilian, Gongsun Ye immediately summoned Zhang Da.

“Zhang Da, I have a task for you.” Gongsun Ye looked at Zhang Da with a kindly smile.

Seeing the gentle smile beneath Gongsun Ye’s mustache, Zhang Da felt an unexplainable chill run down his spine.

He knew all too well that the somewhat portly Captain Gongsun Ye was no good man. Those who rise to such a position are often ruthless characters who devour others without mercy.

Gongsun Ye was no exception.

Normally, he was sharp-tongued and harsh, so seeing him smile so kindly today could only mean trouble.

Though Zhang Da knew it wouldn’t be a pleasant task, he still put on a flattering smile.

“Captain, just command me, and I will handle it properly for you!”

Satisfied with Zhang Da’s attitude, Gongsun Ye nodded approvingly.

“Do you remember the man in the portrait from today?”

At this, Zhang Da was momentarily stunned, unsure why Gongsun Ye would bring him up, but he quickly replied.

“Of course I remember! What do you need me to do, Captain?”

“Find a way to make him disappear forever,” Gongsun Ye said lightly, as if extinguishing a life were as trivial as crushing an ant.

To him, this was not the first life taken, nor would it be the last.

Of course, he could act so decisively because the position of Captain held immense power during the turbulent late Han era.

Speaking of that, one must understand the role of the Captain.

The Captains of Charioteers, Imperial Sons-in-Law, and Cavalry were established in the second year of Emperor Wu’s Yuanding era. Previously, there was no fixed number, sometimes filled by senior attendants or officials demoted to the post. The Charioteers oversaw carriage escorts; the Imperial Sons-in-Law managed imperial family affairs; the Cavalry Captains supervised the imperial cavalry guards. All wore military crowns and crimson court dress, with silver badges and blue ribbons. Their rank was equivalent to officials with an income of two thousand dan of grain.

Provincial governors and commanders in the capital’s vicinity or near border regions held the title of Captain, which succeeded the earlier Military Commanders as per the system instituted by Emperor Jing.

Captains were responsible for military defense within their jurisdictions, with separate headquarters and staff, holding equal status to the provincial governors and sometimes acting on their behalf. Originally deputies to the governors focusing on military affairs, the heavy defense duties in border regions meant territories were divided into multiple defense zones, each with its own Captains, similar to modern military district commanders.

Border regions also had Pass Captains, such as the Yangguan Captain in Dunhuang, the Yumen Captain overseeing the Yumen Pass, and in Zhangye, the Jianshui and Juyan Captains. Cavalry Captains were also stationed in border areas, like the Cavalry Captain in Tianshui overseeing Pidao County, or the Chief Cavalry Captain in Anding overseeing Can County, all recorded in the “Geographical Records” of the Han Book.

Due to the presence of numerous agricultural soldier colonies in border regions, Agricultural Captains were also appointed to manage them.

After the Western Han, the scope of the Captain title narrowed from broad use, being mostly limited to military roles among imperial relatives, consorts, and meritorious officials, used only temporarily during military campaigns. Pass Captains were abolished except for border and vassal state Captains, who also managed civil affairs. During the Three Kingdoms period, many Captains held titles such as Jianzhong or Yangwu, all military officers. During the Jin dynasty, imperial relatives held the three main Captain positions of Charioteer, Imperial Son-in-Law, and Cavalry, with the Imperial Son-in-Law Captain being exclusive to the emperor’s sons-in-law.

This system remained unchanged from Wei and Jin through the Ming dynasty.

Ordinarily, Captains had limited power under the central court, but in chaotic times, the military forces under their command gave them an unshakable local authority.

After all, in times of turmoil, whoever commands an army holds the true power.

Compared to Captain Gongsun Ye, Prefect Qilian wielded little actual power, his position mainly titular. Established after Qin, Prefects assisted governors, and in remote regions, Chief Historians controlled military forces. In the Han system, governors appointed Prefects and Chief Historians as aides, with the Prefect’s rank at six hundred dan of grain, compared to the governor’s two thousand.

Hearing Gongsun Ye’s words, Zhang Da felt a chill down his spine but quickly composed himself.

He bowed deeply and answered,

“I will see to this dirty work thoroughly for you!”

Gongsun Ye glanced at Zhang Da, smiling as he patted his shoulder, casually asking,

“Zhang Da, you have been following me for many years, haven’t you?”

Zhang Da nodded.

“I have been by your side since I first enlisted.”

Gongsun Ye smiled warmly.

“So many years, you’ve helped me with many things, and I have always taken note.”

“All that is my duty, Captain! Your matters are mine, and I will do my utmost to accomplish your orders!” Zhang Da said gratefully. He had been one of Gongsun Ye’s few trusted confidants from the start.

“Once this is done, I plan to promote you. After all these years, I have seen your contributions and hardships,” Gongsun Ye said with an encouraging look.

“Thank you, my lord, for your support!” Zhang Da was instantly thrilled at the prospect of advancement, his smile barely restrained.

Seeing Zhang Da’s expression, Gongsun Ye smiled faintly and said,

“Go. And remember, besides you and me, no one else must know about this!”

“Yes, sir!” Zhang Da replied.

Watching Zhang Da’s departing figure, the smile faded from Gongsun Ye’s face.

After a long pause, he cleared his throat twice, then a man resembling a steward appeared behind him.

“When he finishes the task, have him eliminated as well.”

Gongsun Ye said calmly, his eyes unreadable, a stark contrast to the kindly man who had just spoken with Zhang Da.

Had he not remained standing still in the hall, no one would believe that the gentle, encouraging Gongsun Ye moments ago was now coldly ordering Zhang Da’s death.

To him, no longstanding confidant mattered; Zhang Da was merely a tool for killing. Just as a murderer hides or discards the weapon after the deed, Zhang Da would be discarded as a dangerous instrument once his task was complete.

For Gongsun Ye, the perfect method of secrecy, the best way to silence someone forever,

was death.

Only with Zhang Da dead would his mouth be permanently closed.

...

Liu Xie remained unaware that the portrait he possessed had already brought him mortal peril.

At this moment, he was still resting with his eyes closed, pondering who might be the mastermind behind the Han army’s schemes.