The palace guards waited their turn, each shivering and huddling against the cold.
The Qu Du Imperial Guards had originally been the Eight Cities Guard—a solid wall of bronze and iron protecting the royal palace. By regulation, matters of minor custody were never their concern. But after the rise of the Eight Major Camps, duties shifted: the imperial guards became a burden to Qu Du. Not only had their training exercises been abandoned, but they had also become little more than palace errand boys. By now, they were all hereditary soldiers who had never seen real combat, living off their stipends and waiting for death to come.
Ge Qingqing, a captain of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, held little official rank in Qu Du, but for the guards responsible for detaining prisoners, he was just the right figure. Since they all frequented the same streets, they had to look out for one another. No matter how high-ranking an officer might be, they dared not be too deferential. Moreover, Ge Qingqing was exceptionally considerate in his dealings, so the guards turned a blind eye, allowing Ji Gang to take over duties that were otherwise meant for the rank-and-file.
Ge Qingqing greeted the guards and distributed the warm buns he had brought. Ji Gang had not yet appeared, and the young flag-bearer noticed Ge Qingqing seemed deep in thought, saying, “Brother Qing, if you’re anxious, you could just go check inside yourself.”
Ge Qingqing replied, “Wouldn’t that break protocol?”
The flag-bearer chewed his bun and gestured to the guard at the back gate. “You’re not an outsider, and with the Qu Du encircled like this, no one is getting away.”
Ge Qingqing no longer refused and stepped into Zhao Zui Temple.
Ji Gang sat under the eaves and, seeing Ge Qingqing arrive, stood and asked, “Is it time already?”
“No matter. It’s still dark; Uncle Ji can wait a little longer,” Ge Qingqing said, looking around the temple. “This place isn’t suitable for living, especially in the dead of winter. Later I’ll send some quilts in.”
Ji Gang noticed Ge Qingqing seemed preoccupied and asked, “What’s the matter?”
Ge Qingqing hesitated, then said, “Nothing serious… just that I ran into Xiao Er Gongzi on the road.”
Shen Zechuan looked up. “That Xiao…?”
“Xiao Chiye,” Ge Qingqing said. “The youngest son of the North Li Wang. It was the same one from last time… He looked unsteady on his feet and smelled strongly of alcohol—he must have been drinking last night.”
“Not Xiao Jiming?” Ji Gang turned to Qi Taifu. “Taifu hasn’t left the palace in twenty years, so he probably doesn’t know the current Four Great Generals of Da Zhou. The North Li Wang’s son is exceptional—Xiao Jiming is quite capable!”
Shen Zechuan asked Ge Qingqing, “Brother Qing, did he ask you anything?”
Ge Qingqing thought carefully. “He asked where I was going. I said I was taking a shortcut to the office on duty. Then he said that road didn’t seem to lead to Shenwu Street. I just brushed him off. Someone of his princely rank wouldn’t personally investigate.”
“But since it involves the Xiao family, caution is paramount. Later, when you go to the palace, make sure your duty record reflects it,” Ji Gang said, rubbing his hands in the snow. “Zechuan, time for practice.”
“Wait.” Shen Zechuan’s eyes darkened. “If it’s a common alleyway, why would a prince of his status be here in the early morning?”
Ge Qingqing was startled. “Now that you mention it… all entertainment spots are on East Long Street, quite far from the common districts. He was drunk and cold—why come here?”
“Waiting for prey,” Qi Taifu said, wrapping himself in a tattered curtain and turning his backside outward. “The matter of Shen Wei concerns the Xiao family. From that kick, it’s clear he wants this boy dead. But the boy is fine now—how could suspicion not arise?”
“If he had no intention, he shouldn’t have said the second sentence,” Shen Zechuan recalled, shivering.
“Oh no.” Ge Qingqing’s face changed. “I was careless. What now? He must already be on the way!”
Shen Zechuan turned to Qi Taifu. “No matter. Since you’ve guessed it, you surely have a plan.”
Chao Hui arrived at the Embroidered Uniform Guard office. Though the assistant commissioner accompanying him was of equal rank, he dared not obstruct him. They reached the record room, and the assistant commissioner asked, “What will General Chao check? This is the duty roster for all twelve divisions today.”
Chao Hui did not speak lightly. He picked up the book and scanned it. “The palace guards work hard. A few days ago, I received help from a captain named Ge Qingqing. I came today to thank him. Is he on duty?”
“All twelve divisions are inside,” the assistant commissioner said, moving to the wall, where the twelve divisions’ duty lists were clearly displayed.
But Chao Hui could not touch it—the record was forbidden within the palace.
The assistant commissioner asked, “Do you know which division he belongs to?”
Chao Hui said, “If he’s on the morning shift, it must be either the Palanquin Division, the Canopy Division, or the Elephant Division.”
The assistant commissioner searched carefully. After a while, he said, “General, he isn’t listed for today. Should I look elsewhere?”
Chao Hui closed the book lightly. “No need. I’ll find him myself.”
Exiting the record room, the sky was just brightening. He strode quickly toward the palace.
The newly cleared Shenwu Street was slippery. Couriers transporting nobles were careful, treading cautiously to avoid accidents.
Passing a palanquin, Chao Hui noticed the bearers carrying swords at their belts. That glance alone made him frown.
“Stop.” Chao Hui halted the palanquin. “Is this for the commander?”
The lead bearer, seeing his badge, nodded. “We know whom we escort. Out of the way!”
The curtain moved. A delicate hand lifted it, revealing a lazy, beautiful face that glanced at Chao Hui. She coquettishly asked, “Sir, looking for me?”
Ji Lei had also returned drunk, sitting confidently in the palanquin. “General Chao, anything the matter?”
Chao Hui focused on the lead guard. “Nothing. I heard you were drinking with someone last night. Did you return early?”
Ji Lei smiled. “I was worried about the second young master! This morning I woke, and he had already returned. Are you looking for him?”
“I was concerned,” Chao Hui said, bowing. “Sorry to disturb you.”
“No matter! I just got out myself.” Ji Lei waved his hand. “Who spoke rudely to the general? Go apologize properly.”
The lead guard knelt on one knee. “Captain Ge Qingqing, I failed to recognize your status. I offended you and am willing to accept punishment!”
Chao Hui did not doubt him.
Indeed, the badge at his side read Ge Qingqing’s name.
Xiao Chiye, hearing Chao Hui’s explanation, still lounged with his legs crossed, reading a storybook.
Chao Hui said, “It seems he told the truth. He didn’t make it into the palace in time, so he was sent to escort Ji Lei.”
“Right,” Xiao Chiye said absentmindedly. “Since Qing Junlou is nearby, it was naturally in time.”
“But something feels subtle,” Chao Hui said, fingers on the hilt.
Xiao Chiye flipped a page. “You can’t figure it out?”
“No.”
“I’ll tell you.” He sat up suddenly, legs crossed, one hand on his knee. “You went into the city with your elder brother, the emperor personally welcomed you, the twelve divisions of the Embroidered Guard followed. So why does he not recognize you now?”
“Hard to say,” Chao Hui said. “Maybe he just didn’t remember.”
“You haven’t changed your robe, and you have your sword. Even if he didn’t recognize you, anyone would think twice before reprimanding you so openly on the street.” Xiao Chiye said. “Besides, I saw his memory is sharp—he even remembers me clearly.”
“I just think it’s too coincidental,” Chao Hui pondered. “It just happened that we ran into each other.”
“Exactly the coincidence they want,” Xiao Chiye said, tossing aside his storybook. “This Shen…”
“Shen Zechuan,” Chao Hui said.
“Getting him into Zhao Zui Temple seems like a lost move,” Xiao Chiye said, eyes calculating.
Ge Qingqing removed his collar and wiped his sweat.
Outside, Wu Caiquan came running in, legs clamped together, shouting repeatedly, “Thank you! Thank you! Brother Qing, you saved me!”
Ge Qingqing said, “It’s nothing. We’re brothers.”
Wu Caiquan grinned, then shouted to the record room, “Old Xu! Today’s Ge Qingqing—he helped carry my palanquin. I was dizzy this morning from the cold last night. Thanks to him!”
Ge Qingqing lowered his head to wipe sweat. “You caught a chill. Later, we’ll go to Xu’s shop for some mutton soup.”
Wu Caiquan hurried, “Sure! Qingqing, you’re buying! Old Xu, hear that? We’ll go together later!”
“Don’t worry about it,” Ge Qingqing patted Wu Caiquan on the back. “Rest well. Next time, don’t keep it to yourself—just tell me.”
At night, Qi Taifu finally wrapped himself in a quilt and sat opposite Shen Zechuan. “The New Year’s Day festival is in half a month. Qu Du will host a banquet for all officials. Governors and inspectors from across the provinces will attend. The current situation—I still don’t fully understand. You must tell me.”
Shen Zechuan, standing in the snow in light clothing, practiced the opening stance of Ji family boxing, sweat streaming down his temples. “The North Li Wang has been ill for years. Military affairs have been handled by the heir, Xiao Jiming. This time, he likely won’t attend. The Eastern Five Counties, having contributed to the recent defense, will first receive honors. Among the four generals arriving soon, Lu Guangbai is first. Qi Dasha should also be arriving. This way, Da Zhou’s two major military powers will temporarily—”
“Wait.” Qi Taifu drew out a ruler from the quilt. “Which four generals?”
“Steel Horse Ice River Xiao Jiming, Beacon Fire Blowing Sand Lu Guangbai, Wind Leads Fierce Field Qi Zhuyin, Thunder Sinks Jade Terrace Zuo Qianqiu.”
“I’ve only heard of Zuo Qianqiu. But I know Lu Guangbai is most likely the son of Lu Pingyan, border governor of the desert. Lu Pingyan had long been a North Li native and sworn brother of Li Wang Xiao Fangxu. If Lu Guangbai has a sister, she must marry into the Xiao family, right?”
“Yes,” Shen Zechuan said, dripping with sweat. “Lu Guangbai’s sister is the North Li heir’s wife.”
“So where are the two major military powers?” Qi Taifu asked. “With that connection, the Lu family is a stake of the North Li Wang in the Eastern Five Counties. Everything is under control. Moreover, Qu Du still has the Eight Major Camps, below which are the imperial guards. Although the Eight Major Camps are fewer in number and less renowned than the North Li or Eastern forces, Qu Du is the heart of Da Zhou. They hold the emperor’s life in their hands.”
Qi Taifu weighed his ruler, took out a gourd, and sipped some wine to warm himself.
“Remember this: though the Embroidered Guard isn’t officially ‘military,’ their effectiveness far surpasses ordinary soldiers. When an emperor sends troops, they must be aided by wise ministers and capable generals. In the field, a commander may not obey every imperial command. Hold too tight, and he’ll fail; hold too loose, and suspicion grows. The balance is delicate and requires precise measures. But the Embroidered Guard is different—they are the emperor’s hounds, the chain held by the emperor alone. Loose or tight, favored or abandoned, all depends on the emperor’s mood. Would you like such a weapon if it were yours?”
Shen Zechuan steadied himself and said, “Like it—and so he must be restrained. Overindulgence brings disaster.”
“Your brother taught you well,” Qi Taifu said. “Remember it. Overindulgence brings disaster. Though favoring the virtuous and keeping the wicked at a distance is noble, within the court black and white intermingle. How can one always discern the wise from the treacherous? Even virtuous men may face limits. But the treacherous may act freely. An emperor long in the inner palace must understand checks and balances, listening to all ministers. With the Embroidered Guard comes the East Factory; with the North Li Wang, comes the Eastern Command.”
Qi Taifu paused, then added:
“When water is full, it overflows; when the moon is full, it wanes. Do you know why the Xiao family hates Shen Wei? It’s not just that the North Li suffered in this battle. Fundamentally, the Xiao family’s second attempt will fail. Whether they win or lose, they have reached the end.”
Shen Zechuan asked, “Win and lose both?”
“Win and lose both! Xiao Jiming won the battle, didn’t he immediately have to compensate his brother? From now on, each victory risks a new loss. This time it was his brother; next time, it could be his wife, his father, or even himself.”