By the end of June, the departure date was set for July. After Shen Zechuan left, the aides had only just withdrawn when Zhou Gui asked Kong Ling, “Why insist on sending the Chief to go? Tea Prefecture is in such turmoil—if anything happened to the Chief, Cizhou would have no way to report to Lord Hou. I was originally thinking that if you went, traveling disguised as a merchant caravan, we could still cultivate some connections with Luo Mu, the prefect of Tea Prefecture.”
Kong Ling sipped his cold tea and nodded. Once he swallowed, he said, “Now that the Chief is going, traveling as a merchant caravan with the Embroidered Guard accompanying him is even safer than our own plan.”
Zhou Gui pointed at him. “You’re clever most of the time, but this once, you’re a fool. The Chief—what appearance he has, how could he really pass as a merchant? Anyone with sharp eyes on the road would immediately see something’s off.”
With tea still in his mouth, Kong Ling looked for a moment, realizing Zhou Gui genuinely didn’t understand. He said, “You’re the honest one here. Tell me—everything from rebuilding Cizhou’s garrison to planning business in Tea Prefecture, which of these was not the Chief’s idea? Cizhou is genuinely benefiting from him, and in this world, nothing comes for free.”
Zhou Gui frowned. “I don’t understand?”
“I do understand,” Kong Ling continued. “Military funds aren’t enough yet. We use grain to supply the Imperial Guards and hand over the Beiyuan hunting grounds. That’s barely repaying our debt. The Chief has done well for Cizhou, and Cizhou is doing its part.”
Kong Ling swallowed the bitter tea leaves. “If we can’t repay now, we never will. Lord Hou defeated the Luoshan bandits and left Cizhou plenty of time to rebuild, yet we can’t even supply six months’ worth of rations for the two thousand Imperial Guards. As for the Beiyuan hunting grounds, let me tell you: eventually, that will be a camp and drill ground for the Imperial Guards. No matter how we manage it, in others’ eyes, Cizhou already belongs to the Guards. And once business with Tea Prefecture starts, how will you repay the Chief for that profit? Moreover, the Chief wants Qiao Tianya to protect me—but who is Qiao Tianya? Formerly the Embroidered Guard Chief in Qu Capital, his rank surpasses yours. In the past, when we entered the capital, not only would we have to dismount and bow, but also step aside. And you agreed to let him protect me? How could a civilian like me be in charge? So once we reach Tea Prefecture, who really calls the shots, him or me? You agreed without thinking! That’s why I say you’re too honest.”
Zhou Gui had never served as a capital official; he started in Zhongbo. His teacher was also his benefactor, who favored him greatly and even married his daughter to him. Thanks to that, Zhou Gui avoided many of the corrupt, petty struggles that others faced. Later, he rose to the Cizhou prefecture office smoothly. Unlike Liang Mishan and the others, who were trampled by aristocrats in Qu Capital, Zhou Gui had never suffered that, so he truly didn’t understand many of the subtleties.
Zhou Gui, stunned, hesitated. “I worry too. You’re going to negotiate business, and I must worry about safety. The garrison is newly formed, the Imperial Guards have left, and the only capable ones left are the Embroidered Guards around the Chief.”
Kong Ling said, “The Chief originally stayed in Cizhou because we didn’t trust the Imperial Guards. Before Lord Hou left, you and I no longer had that suspicion. Yet the Chief stayed. His way with Cizhou is subtle, ‘moistening things without a sound.’ He probably already made his plans before entering Cizhou, and it’s too late for us to realize now.”
Having spent some time with him, Zhou Gui had found Xiao Chiyu hard to predict, but efficient and straightforward. Shen Zechuan, however, was different. He sat in the seat of authority when negotiating, yet was polite to the aides and respectfully addressed Kong Ling as “Mr. Chengfeng.” He consulted on matters, making people feel his humility and sincerity. Over time, Zhou Gui’s guard was completely down.
He stood, still holding his robe, unable to speak for a long while. Even the slowest person would understand: Shen Zechuan’s wholehearted assistance showed he treated Cizhou as though it were in his pocket. Zhou Gui murmured, “If the Chief truly restores Cizhou to its former glory, I wouldn’t mind yielding this prefecture to him.”
Kong Ling looked at the night outside. A gray moth was drawn to the light of the study, fluttering against the eaves, only to get caught in a hidden web. He was silent for a moment, then said, “Zhou Gui, it’s time to let go of the title of ‘Prefect.’ With Hai Liangyi gone, the stable faction in Qu Capital faced the students’ attacks. No one can maintain peace alone anymore. If Qu Capital is a ‘deer,’ then Cizhou is a ‘rabbit.’ Without protection, it is just meat for the predators of Zhongbo. There’s nothing we can do.”
Zhou Gui and Kong Ling had been classmates since youth, close friends. He rarely saw Kong Ling take such a solemn tone. “I understand your intentions. I only hope the Chief lives up to today’s expectations… I fear such a man.”
Kong Ling recalled that night meeting Lei Changming. Shen Zechuan changed plans on a whim, laughed and conversed in the midst of blades, spoke every word truthfully, even his eyes revealed honesty. Not only did Lei Changming believe him, but so did Kong Ling. From that night on, he began to assess Shen Zechuan carefully.
He returned his gaze and said, slightly worried, “Tonight I may have shown too much of my sharpness. The Chief will remember it. I am your adviser; I shouldn’t have shown off in front of the Chief… I must be more careful in the future.”
Meanwhile, back at the residence, Shen Zechuan returned. Ji Gang had already gone to rest, so he did not send anyone to disturb him. Walking past the corridor, he saw Fei Sheng still on night watch with others in the courtyard.
When Shen Zechuan entered, Fei Sheng relaxed slightly. Qiao Tianya shared the remaining tobacco with Fei Sheng. After a while, seeing the lights in the main house go out, he instructed the lanterns in the courtyard be extinguished.
“With Lord Hou away, the Chief will have a hard time sleeping,” Qiao Tianya said softly, standing beneath a tree. “Even if he does, he may be restless. If anything happens in the second half of the night, don’t disturb him.”
Fei Sheng quickly understood. He moved his pipe aside, exhaled, and said, “Understood. Tea Stone Pit is a nightmare. Thanks.”
Qiao Tianya did not smoke. Listening to the frogs in the pond, he said, “You’ve been idle so long, it’s a waste to keep you as a bodyguard. There are two tasks. Tomorrow morning, I’ll have the Master give you the badge.”
Fei Sheng understood perfectly. Shen Zechuan intended to use him, but not keep him too close, at least not as a substitute for Qiao Tianya. He smoked quietly for a while, tapped the pipe a few times, and smiled. “Fine. I’ve been waiting. But give me a hint—what’s the mission?”
Qiao Tianya said, “Observation. Easy work.”
Fei Sheng asked, “And the other?”
“To investigate the Lei family, especially Lei Changming, and report his life story to the Chief,” Qiao Tianya smiled. “It’s overkill for you. Originally, Ding Tao could do it, but he’s too young. You’re the expert in this, what do you think?”
Fei Sheng smiled and nodded. “If the Chief orders it, nothing’s impossible.”
Qiao Tianya added, “I also want you to check someone’s whereabouts while sending people for observation.”
Fei Sheng perked up. “Who?”
“Yao Wenyu,” Qiao Tianya said.
At midnight, the Imperial Guards were still on duty.
Wu Ziyu, sipping milk tea with Chen Yang while the military doctor applied ointment, squatted on the ground. He asked, “What exactly is Second Young Master planning?”
Chen Yang, organizing the Bianbo camp engineer roster, said, “That’s up to the Chief. Why ask me?”
Wu Ziyu pressed, “We’ve known each other a long time. Can’t you give me a hint?”
Chen Yang arranged the roster neatly, then said, “If this is about friendship, we can have tea and meat here. If it’s about military affairs, you must address me as Camp Commander. You’re mixing both, so what do you want me to answer?”
Wu Ziyu shrugged. “Then I’ll be clear. Second Young Master wants to attack the occupied Sha Three Camp in the east. I don’t think it’s possible. Bianbo Camp’s Libei Cavalry is my unit. We’re not the vanguard; we’re the transport unit in contested zones. We can play with the Liao Ying troops, but not fight the Henshe. I’ll take my men and withdraw immediately.”
Chen Yang nodded. “No need for a long send-off.”
Wu Ziyu clicked his tongue, annoyed. “What’s this supposed to mean?”
Chen Yang put down the roster. “Take this message to my Chief; that’s your answer. If you want to leave, leave.”
Wu Ziyu said, “I’m leaving not because I fear the Henshe, but because it’s futile. Why risk eggs against stone? Bianbo Camp’s horses and engineers are valuable assets. Sending them east to the Northeast Grain and Horse Route gives us support from the three Liu Yang camps. We can return in time.”
“In time,” Xiao Chiyu said, lifting the curtain, bending over, wiping his hands with a cloth, and sat by the stove. Bone Jin came over to pour him a bowl.
The room quieted. Wu Ziyu felt uneasy. He had never felt this restrained even when making mistakes before Xiao Chiyu.
Xiao Chiyu took a sip, then asked, “Any fresh milk?”
Wu Ziyu shook his head. “No. Just this pot, saved for Bianbo Camp later.”
“Coarse tea?”
“Mm,” Wu Ziyu said. “Something to wake you up—we have plenty in the granary. I can have it packed for you.”
Xiao Chiyu rested his elbows, looking at Wu Ziyu. “Even if you stand here all night, I will leave before dawn. You fight and then run? Aren’t you Libei Cavalry?”
Wu Ziyu had heard Xiao Chiyu say “Libei Cavalry” twice today. He was frustrated but held back. Just as he was about to speak, Xiao Chiyu said, “Pack it, Bone Jin. Seal it in the box. By tomorrow, send it to Cizhou, and inform Lán Zhou it’s safe.”
Wu Ziyu had no idea who “Lán Zhou” was. From the tone, Xiao Chiyu didn’t take the battle seriously—he just wanted to deliver tea. He couldn’t hold back and blurted, “Second Young Master—”
“Talking military matters doesn’t earn you the title Second Young Master. I am Imperial Guard Commander Xiao Ce’an. I asked if you are Libei Cavalry, and you never gave a clear answer. In Libei, there’s no separate ‘transport unit.’ There’s only the Libei Cavalry. Your men ride like the vanguard, carry long sabers like the vanguard.” Xiao Chiyu stared at Wu Ziyu, drank the tea, then added with slight mockery, “Is this all the skill your commander has?”
Author’s note:
- The six states of Zhongbo: Cizhou, Dunzhou, Duanzhou, Dengzhou, Chazhou, Fanzhou
- The eight cities of Qu Capital: Quancheng, Dancheng, Chuncheng, Chuancheng, Di Cheng, Jincheng, Wucheng, Cuocheng
- The five counties of Qidong: Cang County, Chi County, Ce County, Chu County, Bian County
- Huaizhou is behind Luoxia Pass, northwest of Quancheng. Hezhou is south of Fengshan Training Ground, connecting to Suotian Pass mountains. Though called states, they are outside Zhongbo’s jurisdiction. See previous volume’s grain case.
- Yuzhou is in Juexi, which also contains Baima, Qinzhou, and thirteen cities, including two ports.
- The twelve Bian-Sha tribes mentioned so far: Liao Ying, Gou Ma, Henshe, Changjiu.
- The previously mentioned Huiyan tribe has now joined the Great Zhou, operating near the trade border.
- Current Libei camps: Permanent Camp, Bianbo Camp, Sha One Camp, Sha Two Camp, Sha Three Camp, Liu Yang’s Three Camps