When He Jin spoke those words, the entire court fell silent in shock.
A butcher… quoting the Book of Posthumous Titles?
Since when did he read such things?
Even Liu Bian was caught off guard, his expression tightening with unease.
The character "Xiang" (襄), when used in a posthumous title, was understood as a loan for "to expand" or "to repel." According to the rites, it signified the opening of territory and the repelling of enemies—a distinctly honorable title.
It was… a good name.
And that made it troublesome.
Liu Bian had long felt neglected by his father, Emperor Ling of Han. Though he would not openly dishonor him, neither did he wish to elevate him too highly.
Before he could respond, Yuan Wei stepped forward.
"General, you are mistaken!"
His voice was sharp.
"During the late emperor's reign, rebellions erupted across the land. Bingzhou was half lost, Liangzhou nearly entirely so. How could he deserve the title 'Xiang'?"
At once, the court officials echoed him.
"Indeed! Though the foundation of the Han was not destroyed, the realm was thrown into chaos. That accords more with a lesser title!"
But He Jin did not yield.
"The Qiang troubles in Liangzhou have lasted a century—how can they be blamed solely on the late emperor?"
"The Southern Xiongnu unrest in Bingzhou was but a minor ailment. Had His Majesty not passed suddenly, it would have been resolved!"
He swept his gaze across the hall.
"Gentlemen, is it appropriate to burden the late emperor—who labored under illness for years—with such blame?"
The officials hesitated.
He Jin pressed on.
"In the second year of Jianning, Xuantu's governor defeated Goguryeo, and the late emperor incorporated its lands. Was that not expansion?"
"During Xiping, he ordered the carving of the Stone Classics, benefiting scholars across the realm. Was that not virtue?"
"As for the rebellions you mention—were they not suppressed under his command?"
"And in Zhongping's second year, Zhang Xin defeated the Xianbei, beheading over twenty-five thousand. Sixty chieftains came to submit. Was that not merit?"
His voice grew louder, more forceful.
"Those who expand territory are called 'Xiang'!Those who achieve through arms are called 'Xiang'!Those who establish merit through deeds are called 'Xiang'!"
He paused, then declared:
"Tell me—does the late emperor not deserve this title?"
The court fell into stunned silence.
Some officials—particularly those who had benefited from the Hongdu School—stepped forward in agreement.
"Your Majesty, the General speaks rightly!"
But the rest erupted.
They countered fiercely, listing every failure of Liu Hong's reign:
Endless rebellions Military defeats in Liangzhou Eunuch interference Corruption and decadence within the palace
Their voices rose, one over another.
Amid the chaos, He Jin sneered inwardly.
Zhang Xin was right… these men are not of one mind with me.
The secret letter he had received replayed in his thoughts—
That he had only risen because the emperor needed him to counterbalance the officials.That the officials merely sought to use him.That once Zhang Xin was gone… he would be next.
And now?
Their opposition confirmed it.
Still, though he had spoken boldly, He Jin soon ran out of arguments. The officials were too numerous, too eloquent.
Brother Ziqing was right… I can't outtalk them, he thought bitterly.
At last, he stepped back.
"Your Majesty shall decide."
All eyes turned to Liu Bian.
The young emperor froze.
"Huh? I… me?"
He glanced instinctively at Empress Dowager He.
"I believe the Grand Tutor is correct," she said coldly.
A lesser title suited her just fine.
But from the other side, Empress Dowager Dong snorted.
"I think the General is right."
She might not grasp the technicalities—but she understood enough. Her son had achievements. He did not deserve disgrace.
Empress Dowager He's face darkened.
"I am the Empress Dowager! What right have you—a mere consort of a prince—to interfere in state affairs?"
Dong shot back instantly:
"My son granted me regency. How could I not speak? And you—how dare you speak so to your elder? Where is your respect?"
"What did you say?!"
The two women erupted into open argument.
The court descended into chaos once more.
Two regents. Two factions.
Deadlock.
All eyes returned—once again—to Liu Bian.
"Your Majesty!" Yuan Wei urged.
He Jin also stepped forward, pressing him.
Caught between them, Liu Bian felt his chest tighten.
To give his father a derogatory title felt unfilial.
But to praise him… he was unwilling.
He hesitated—then glanced at He Jin.
Family… was still family.
"I… I believe the Grand General is right."
His voice trembled.
"The late emperor… shall be honored as Emperor Xiang."