The Cost of Political Power

This flow traces the contrast between Xiao Feng's personal reasons for accepting office and the demands of an empire at war.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

An Offer Refused

A Reluctant Courtier Rank proposed YeLu HongJi offers Xiao Feng a high office, but Xiao Feng says that roaming and freedom suit him better than government. His preference reflects a life outside stable institutions. A crisis changes the offer The rebellion soon transforms the appointment from an honor into a practical necessity. Xiao Feng's reluctance cannot remain separate from his loyalty to the emperor.

The Loyal Army's Retreat

A Throne in Retreat The army breaks formation Captive families draw many soldiers from YeLu HongJi's side, leaving his force outnumbered. He prepares to die rather than watch more loyal men be slaughtered. Xiao Feng stays Xiao Feng rejects flight and promises to share his sworn brother's fate. His loyalty places him inside a conflict he had not sought.

The Southern Chancellery

Office Accepted Under Pressure A new title YeLu HongJi appoints Xiao Feng Prince of Chu and head of the Southern Chancellery. Xiao Feng accepts because refusing would wound the ruler who entrusted him with the throne's survival. Responsibility enlarged The office gives him command of troops and territory. It also places him within an imperial system whose policies he may not endorse.

Orders to Prepare for War

A Command Against Song Imperial expectations YeLu HongJi instructs Xiao Feng to prepare for a possible southern campaign and gather intelligence about Song. The order assumes that Xiao Feng's loyalty to the emperor will include strategic hostility toward Song. Personal resistance Xiao Feng grew up in the Central Plains and does not want to lead an invasion. He considers postponing resignation rather than directly rejecting his sworn brother.

An Unresolved Command

Authority Without Ease Delegation Xiao Feng finds administrative work exhausting and leaves much of it to YeLu MoGe. High office does not fit his habits or ambitions. A divided future He remains responsible for a possible war even as he hopes to resign. Political power grants him influence but does not resolve his conflict of belonging.

At the imperial gathering before the rebellion

After soldiers abandon the mountain stockade

After the rebellion is suppressed

After Xiao Feng reaches Nanjing

During Xiao Feng's first months overseeing the Southern Chancellery