Luo Yan's mission to Chu

After the battle reports from the Ying State and the Xu State reached Luoyi, Luo Cheng remained silent for a long time. His hands trembled, but in the end, he put the reports away without expression.

Ji Zhao had been watching him closely, for Luo Cheng no longer had Ancestors' Blessing upon him. Losing it could make a person unstable.

He might make a fatal mistake, but he might also break through the limits of his talent and suddenly produce a miraculous decision in a flash of inspiration.

Which outcome arose depended on the individual's character.

And Luo Cheng happened to be a man of unyielding resolve. Beneath the overwhelming pressure surging toward him, he found a path out of the deadlock!

Ji Fu and the Chu State!

In the chaos now engulfing the world, the Rong People, the Di People, and the Yi People were all locked in a struggle to the death with the Zhou State.

Only the Chu State belonged to the All Xia states. Though relations between the two sides had been unpleasant, they shared fundamental interests.

If an alliance could be reached with Chu, the manpower of the Shen State, the Sui State, and the Tang State could be freed up.

Then, by combining the strength of the Han-Yang Ji States, they could contest the Huai Yi. Xu and Huai were one body; once the Huai Yi were defeated, the Xu State would not be far from destruction.

The key lay in Chu's attitude. Thus, Luo Cheng sent his Second Son by the Primary Wife, Luo Yan, to Chu instead of Hangu Pass, where he had originally intended to send him.

The Chu State, Yingdu.

When he saw the list of envoys, the King of Chu asked, "My ministers, who is Luo Yan?"

One of the ministers replied, "Your Majesty, Luo Yan is a young lord of the Luo State, the Second Son by the Primary Wife of Marquis Cheng of Luo. He is said to be the most eloquent man in Luo."

News that Luo Cheng had become Chief Minister of the Zhou State had already spread far and wide. Sending his own Second Son by the Primary Wife at such a time was a great show of sincerity.

The moment he heard that the envoy was a young lord of Luo, the King of Chu took an interest. Pleased, he said, "The Marquis of Luo has sent his son to Chu. That shows great sincerity. Chu is a great state of All Xia, and we must receive his envoy with proper ceremony."

Sure enough, as soon as Luo Yan set foot on Chu soil, a grand procession came to welcome him. The king had sent one of his own ministers, leaving Luo Yan pleasantly surprised.

The King of Chu's attitude was unexpectedly favorable.

When he entered Chu's capital, he could scarcely imagine that this was a kingdom founded in the lands of the Southern Barbarians. It was almost indistinguishable from the states of the Central Plains.

Luo Yan entered the Royal Palace of Chu. Known in Luo as its most handsome man, he had stirred romantic longings in countless young women. The King of Chu took an immediate liking to him at first sight.

Thus, he asked warmly, "Young Lord Yan of Luo, are you satisfied with Chu's courtesy toward its envoy?"

Luo Yan bowed and saluted. "Duke of Chu, I am merely a young lord of Luo. To be treated with such ceremony by you leaves me deeply overwhelmed."

The King of Chu smiled. "It is because you are a young lord of Luo that I allowed you to enter through the main gate.

"If you were the son of another lord of the Central Plains, even a royal prince, I would make you crawl into the Royal Palace through a dog hole."

He had expressed goodwill toward Luo while nakedly displaying his hostility toward the lords of the Central Plains and the Zhou Royal House. Chu's ministers and nobles all laughed.

"Young Lord Yan, from what you have seen along your journey, how does Chu compare with Luo?"

Luo Yan praised it sincerely. "Duke of Chu, yours is a great state of fine robes and proper ceremony. Your capital has a truly immense population. Along my journey, people stood shoulder to shoulder, so closely packed that it was almost crowded. It is in no way inferior to Luo. Surely Chu's prosperity is the fruit of your governance."

Hearing Luo Yan's praise, the King of Chu was delighted and could not help laughing heartily. The ministers kneeling on either side of the hall also smiled with pride.

"Young Lord Yan, I hear your father has become Chief Minister. He must have sent an envoy on an important matter. What a weighty responsibility it is to serve as an envoy to another state!

"You are still young. Even if you are quick-witted, how could you shoulder such a heavy responsibility?"

The King of Chu said this deliberately. He had taken a liking to Luo Yan ever since the young man entered the hall, and wanted to see how he would respond.

Kneeling on his mat, Luo Yan addressed the King of Chu with graceful composure. "Luo chooses its envoys according to whom they are to visit.

"Duke of Chu, you rule a great state. Before I came, my father instructed me to treat you with the ceremony due to a duke or marquis.

"Thus, the envoy should be of noble birth, with ability a secondary consideration.

"Though I am young, I am a legitimate son of the Luo Clan. Surely that makes me a suitable envoy.

"The Sage King once said that an enlightened ruler is easy to counsel. Once the benefits and dangers are explained, the ruler will act.

"I believe serving as an envoy is much like offering counsel. You are an enlightened ruler. Surely, once I explain the interests at stake, you will accept my words directly.

"Why would we need sharp-tongued men to rack their brains for ways to take advantage of you?

"That would be disrespectful to both you and Chu."

"Ha ha ha!"

The King of Chu burst into hearty laughter. He was thoroughly pleased with Luo Yan's response.

"Young Lord Yan, you truly live up to being a legitimate son of the Luo Clan! With such bearing, you might well be a minister in my own hall!"

Thanks to the Luo Clan's prestige, the king's praise provoked no resentment among the assembled ministers. On the contrary, many felt honored to be associated with a legitimate son of the Luo Clan.

"You have come to Chu because of the war between Chu and Shen, I presume? How do you intend to persuade me and my ministers?"

"Duke of Chu, I have not come to persuade you, but to relieve your worries and resolve your difficulties.

"If attacking Shen and the lands of Sui and Tang truly benefited you and Chu, how would I dare trouble you?

"The Huai Yi may have human faces, but they are nothing more than beasts.

"You, however, are a noble scion of All Xia. How could the states of All Xia attack one another and let beasts reap the benefits?

"Humans understand propriety, but the greed of beasts knows no end.

"They conquered the Xi State and enslaved all its people. What a cruel thing that was.

"They also seek to conquer Ying and Xu. If these beasts succeed, Chu will have the Rong People to its north, the Yi People to its east, and barbarians to its south.

"It is just like a person: if the skin is gone, what can the hair cling to?

"When the states of All Xia have fallen to them one after another, what will Chu do then?

"Chu's ancestors endured countless dangers and hardships to open up uninhabited lands. Even when they could not fill their bellies, they never forgot to offer sacrifices to their ancestors.

"This is what all the All Xia states uphold together. Yet you are allowing the Huai Yi to grow strong.

"I believe this is against your interests, and hope you will consider the matter carefully."

The King of Chu thought Luo Yan was quite right. Smiling, he said, "What you say is entirely correct, but I cannot agree to your request just like that.

"The Royal House and the lords of the Central Plains have always disdained Chu. That is no way to treat a major state of All Xia, and they should be punished for it.

"I believe that is what accords with the workings of Heaven's Way."

Luo Yan knew this meant it was time to discuss terms. He said, "Chu is a great state of All Xia. For more than two hundred years, the southern barbarians have never invaded the Central Plains. That is entirely to the credit of the Chu people.

"Without the sacrifices of the Chu people, the Central Plains would never have enjoyed such peace.

"To rely on their sacrifices yet deny them honor, and insult them instead, is neither benevolent nor righteous.

"To lose an ally of All Xia and push it toward the Yi and Di instead is unwise.

"Before I came, my lord instructed me to tell you: only the rank of marquis can properly honor Chu's journey of opening the wilderness in rough carts and ragged clothes. It is what you deserve.

"My lord also said he is willing to grant you wealth, goods, and people as rewards.

"If you are willing, the Royal House is also prepared to form a marriage alliance with Chu, joining the Ji and Mi lineages in matrimony. Surely this would express the Royal House's sincerity."

A title bestowed by the Royal House!

That alone stirred the king and ministers of Chu. Though the King of Chu now called himself a king, he was merely amusing himself within his own little domain.

Chu would ultimately have to return to the system of All Xia, and when that happened, the title of viscount would hardly sound impressive.

As for wealth, goods, and people, those were essential elements of any negotiation. After all, the Son of Heaven possessed all within the four seas. Satisfying the appetite of a single lord of Chu would pose little difficulty.

"A marriage alliance?" the King of Chu asked curiously. "Does the Son of Heaven not marry into Qi? This goes against the usual practice!"

It was no wonder the King of Chu asked this. Marriage alliances between the Royal House and Qi had begun with the founding of the Zhou State. Though there had been difficulties along the way, they had ultimately reconciled.

But there was one awkward problem: the current Marquis of Qi had no legitimate daughters left!

Legitimate daughters from other branches of the ruling house did not have sufficient standing to become queen.

As for daughters born of concubines, there was even less to say. They could serve as attendant consorts, but marrying one into the Royal House as queen would be a deliberate insult. Did they want war?

No matter how they counted, Chu was the only great state left that could help the Royal House. With Chu's support also urgently needed, Luo Cheng had taken it upon himself to arrange for the Son of Heaven, Ji Fu, to marry a princess of Chu.

"My father heard that you have a princess named Yi Guang, whom you cherish as a treasure.

"He sighed and said, 'The Duke of Chu is a gifted hero. Someone he cherishes as a treasure must surely be favored by Heaven. Such a woman ought to become queen.'

"If you are willing, my father selected this beautiful jade for the princess from Luo's treasury. We would offer it to you as a betrothal gift."

As he spoke, he had an attendant bring out a bundle. The cloth was lifted, revealing a flawless piece of jade before everyone.

It was so beautiful that even the King of Chu had never seen its like. He stared, transfixed, and his heart was moved in an instant.

Yet Yi Guang truly was his most beloved princess, and he could not bear to have her leave him for somewhere so distant. Even so, the Royal House's marriage proposal was far too tempting.

Once the next Son of Heaven carried Chu blood, he would see who still dared call Chu a state of Southern Barbarians.

Hesitation showed on his face. Qu Lin, a Chu minister who belonged to the Ducal Clan and was also the king's confidant, understood his thoughts from a single glance at his expression.

After a moment's thought, a knowing smile appeared on his face.

Cupping his hands toward Luo Yan, he said, "Young Lord Yan, there is something you do not know. Princess Yi Guang is not His Majesty's eldest daughter. She has an older sister, an unmarried princess named Yi Xuan.

"According to the Rites of Zhou, it is improper for a younger sister to marry before her elder sister. If the Royal House wishes to form a marriage alliance, it should ask His Majesty for Princess Yi Xuan's hand."

The King of Chu's eyes lit up at once. He hurriedly said, "Lin is right. Young Lord Yan, I also have Princess Yi Xuan. She too enjoys a fine reputation in Chu and is of excellent virtue, a noble lady fully worthy of becoming queen."

Hearing these words from Chu's king and minister, Luo Yan understood that the king truly doted on Yi Guang. Getting him to agree to a political marriage for her would probably be difficult.

The goal is a marriage alliance anyway. What difference does it make whom he marries?

The descendants of the Luo Clan were flexible not only in their moral boundaries, but also in their negotiating limits.

With that thought, Luo Yan rose from his mat and walked to the center of the hall. Bowing in salute, he said, "From this day forward, the Ji and Mi lineages, and the states of Zhou and Chu, will be joined in a bond lasting a hundred years. This is an unprecedented occasion. Duke of Chu, your name will surely be sung forever."

Luo Yan was about to present the gifts he had brought to the King of Chu. The remaining betrothal gifts could hardly have been brought on this trip; a marriage between a state's princess and the Son of Heaven was no simple matter.

Unexpectedly, the King of Chu suddenly said, "Young Lord Yan, the rulers of the Luo Clan have never regarded our Chu as Southern Barbarians. Our ancestor Duke Wu of Chu once said that if any of his descendants could travel to the Central Plains, they should pay their respects at the Tomb of Duke Wen of Luo. For a hundred years, successive rulers of Chu have not dared forget this for a single day.

"This is why I have agreed to the Duke of Luo's marriage proposal. No state faced greater hardships in its founding than Chu. We understand that everything depends on our own efforts, and disdain seeking the recognition of the lords of the Central Plains."

Though the king was being somewhat stubborn, Luo Yan naturally would not expose him. Instead, he offered praise. "Successive rulers of Luo have all understood the hardships of Chu's founding, of opening the wilderness in rough carts and ragged clothes. Thus, they repeatedly sought to secure the lofty rank of marquis for Chu's former rulers, but never succeeded. That was truly a great regret. Fortunately, Heaven has blessed us, and Chu has finally received what it deserves.

"My father asked me to congratulate you, Duke of Chu, on behalf of all Luo's former rulers!

"And to congratulate Chu!"

Now every minister of Chu looked at Luo Yan with goodwill. This young lord of Luo was truly a fine man.

"I have heard that Luo has always advanced and retreated together with the Royal House. Since the Son of Heaven is marrying my princess, should Luo not also marry my Yi Guang?

"Young Lord Yan, I am willing to give Yi Guang to you in marriage, but you must remain in Chu to assist me. Surely then the alliance between our two states can be concluded."

At last, the King of Chu unrolled the map and revealed the dagger. Ever since Luo Yan entered the Royal Palace, he had become increasingly pleased with him.

His birth was noble: a legitimate son of Luo. Throughout all the All Xia states, no more than five people held a higher status than he did.

His appearance was handsome. The King of Chu had seen countless outstanding young men, but not a single one could compare with Luo Yan.

His speech and bearing pleased the king even more. He remained calm when faced with affairs, spoke without leaving a single crack for others to exploit, and could answer unexpected questions at once. Such talent was rare indeed.

If the king did not seize this special opportunity, he would never find another like it.

"Duke of Chu, this..." For the first time since entering the hall, Luo Yan found himself at a loss for words. How had these negotiations ended with him having to stay in Chu?

The King of Chu even turned to an attendant and said, "Go and summon Princess Yi Guang."

Luo Yan immediately knew that once Princess Yi Guang arrived in the hall, there would be no room left to maneuver.

It seems the King of Chu is determined to make me his son-in-law. Being too handsome really is dangerous.

At this thought, Luo Yan said helplessly, "Duke of Chu, a matter as important as marriage must at least be discussed with my father. I dare not decide on my own."

Seeing Luo Yan yield, the King of Chu laughed. "Then stay in Chu for now and let your deputy envoy carry the news back. I think the Duke of Luo will not refuse."

Luo Yan knew his father certainly would not refuse. That was why he had yielded so easily.

Sure enough, just as Luo Yan had expected, Luo Cheng agreed to the King of Chu's request with almost no hesitation.

The Royal House sent out a wedding procession of immense scale. Rank after rank of palace attendants and chest after chest of gifts headed toward Chu.

A set of betrothal gifts for Luo Yan also traveled to Chu alongside the Royal House's gifts.

They also brought the golden investiture document conferring the rank of marquis, along with a full set of ceremonial insignia. These had all been prepared long beforehand.

The Chu armies stationed near Shen and Sui withdrew as well. The two sides had just signed an agreement to cease hostilities-though, of course, a formal alliance treaty could not possibly be signed.

Though it was in practice an alliance between Zhou and Chu, in legal terms, how could the Son of Heaven enter an alliance with his subject?

As a vassal state, Chu was naturally obliged to fight at the Son of Heaven's command.

The impact of this marriage alliance between the Zhou Royal House and Chu in the early Eastern Zhou period on the order of East Asia is impossible to measure.

On a smaller scale, Chu cast off its identity as a state of Southern Barbarians and once again participated, as one of the All Xia states, in alliance assemblies organized by the lords of the Central Plains.

On a larger scale, once Chu, that crucial counterweight with decisive power, tilted toward the Zhou Royal House, the All Xia states achieved decisive success in their war against the Yi People. The history of East Asia ultimately moved forward from the perspective of the All Xia states, while the Yi People vanished into the long river of history.

Though history admits no hypotheticals, one cannot help wondering: had Chu failed to side with the Zhou Royal House, would the fragile Zhou State have been drowned beneath the great tide of the Yi and Di, just as Rome was overwhelmed by the barbarians? -A Global History, Eastern Zhou, Volume One

I could not find what the daughters of regional lords were called. The Son of Heaven's daughters were called royal Ji, so I will just use "princess" for the daughters of regional lords.