Chapter 15

Chapter 15: The Yellow Bunting

The following day, Shen Zechuan was due to report for his assignment at the Imperial Guards. Coincidentally, Xi Hongxuan, the younger brother of Xi Guan, was hosting a gathering, inviting the recent talents and promising young scholars in the capital city, Qidu. They were engaged in refined conversation on the East Pavilion.

Xi Hongxuan was a plump man who needed someone to fan him as he sat down. Holding a bamboo fan, he said, "This year seems to be my lucky year. Although I couldn't invite Yanqing, I managed to secure Yuan Zhuo!"

Xue Xiuzhuo, who held an official position, was absent that day. The "Yuan Zhuo" mentioned by Xi Hongxuan was none other than Yao Wenyu, the beloved disciple of Hai Liangyi, the current Grand Secretary of the Sea. The three of them were so close because they not only came from the same eight prominent families of Qidu but also had a childhood friendship.

As they were talking, the curtains swayed, revealing an elegant scholar with a gentle demeanor. He wore a dark blue robe with a slanted collar and wide sleeves, adorned with a calligraphy pouch at his waist. Upon hearing the commotion, he smiled and bowed to the assembled scholars, who promptly stood up to greet him. The room buzzed with polite conversation.

Yao Wenyu greeted each person before taking his seat and saying, "I see you all every year, so I hardly deserve the adjective 'rarely seen'."

Despite his humility, no one dared to underestimate him. Yao Wenyu had been a prodigy in Qidu since his early years, composing lyrics at eight and writing odes at twelve. He was the cherished "jade" of the elder Yao, who sought to nurture his talent by sending him under the tutelage of Hai Liangyi. Known for his strictness, Hai Liangyi had taken on only one student, Yao Wenyu, whom he cherished greatly.

After some casual chatter, the discussion turned to recent political developments.

Xi Hongxuan waved his hand to signal the fanners to stop and said, "In Qidu, there has indeed been a peculiar matter lately. Gentlemen, do you recall the Zhongbo Jianxing King, Shen Wei, who five years ago burned himself to death in fear of punishment?"

"One who cowers from battle and betrays his country!" A man straightened his posture and declared, "By law, he should have been executed, and his entire clan could have been justifiably eradicated. It's lamentable that the Emperor is so benevolent, sparing the remnants of the Shen family. I heard this morning that Shen Wei has actually emerged. With his guilt already confirmed, how can he, being the son of a defeated and disgraced general, hold an official position? How can the talented people of the world have faith in such a system?"

"Yes," Xi Hongxuan replied. "How can that be? There's no such precedent."

"It must be the Empress Dowager trying to protect someone," another person suggested. "It's rumored that this remnant has some connection with the Hu family. But how can personal affection surpass the law? Isn't that disrupting the legal order?"

Xi Hongxuan sighed deeply, his face clouded with concern. "I fear that if we allow this, it will set a precedent, giving future criminals and their offspring an opportunity to escape punishment."

The scholars immediately grew indignant. They couldn't tolerate Shen Zechuan being released after Shen Wei's crimes.

"What's your opinion, Yuan Zhuo?"

Yao Wenyu sipped his tea calmly. "I've been away from Qudu for a long time and am not well-informed about the details. It wouldn't be appropriate for me to comment."

Xi Hongxuan empathetically said, "Of course, you're often traveling for your studies and might not be aware of the happenings in Qudu."

Someone in the group chimed in, "We are all well-educated scholars who understand morality and the law. We can't just sit idly by and watch this unfold."

Xi Hongxuan asked, "Then what should we do?"

The speaker replied, "We are all students at the National Academy. If we unite and express our concerns, the Emperor should reconsider. Let's return and kneel together in the Hall of Enlightenment to request that the Emperor revoke his decision and severely punish Shen Wei's remaining kin."

Amidst the applause, Xi Hongxuan clapped his hands in praise, "Brilliant! Gentlemen, you truly deserve to be the pillars of our nation. Your kneeling today will be remembered for eternity! I am ashamed to admit that although I am not a student at the National Academy, I am willing to join you all."

The scholar who had spoken earlier replied, "How can that be? Brother Hongxuan, your elder brother is the commander-in-chief of the Eight Great Bases. If he were implicated in this matter, it would not be worth it. Let us go, gentlemen!"

As the banquet dispersed, Yao Wenyu called for the host to prepare some tender and easy-to-chew meat dishes. As he waited, he overheard the whispering of the scholars downstairs.

"One talks of 'an unpolished jade,' but isn't he just a cowardly turtle? He didn't even dare to speak up just now. How can he compare to Brother Hongxuan's benevolence?"

Yao Wenyu popped a pine nut into his mouth, smiling silently without engaging in an argument. By the time the meat was ready, most people had already left.

Xi Hongxuan offered, "Shall I escort you, Yuanzhuo?"

"No need," Yao Wenyu lifted the meat in his hand. "I'm going to my teacher's residence."

After bidding farewell, Xi Hongxuan watched Yao Wenyu's departing figure, sneered, and said, "Let's go."

Meanwhile, Shen Zechuan had arrived at the courtyard of the Imperial Guards. As soon as he stepped inside, he was met with stares from all directions. The hurried Imperial Guards passing by couldn't help but glance at him.

Leading the way was Ge Qingqing, who took Shen Zechuan to the duty office and explained, "In the Imperial Guards, we have four types of people. First, those selected from common households, whose sisters serve as palace cleaners, known as 'female households.' They wear temporary badges but receive no salary, like Xiao Wu. Second, those recommended by the eunuchs within the palace, called 'imperial eunuch recommendations,' just like our Commander-in-Chief. Third, those from military households, inheriting their family's privileges. That's my case. Fourth, those with specialized skills or exceptional talents, regardless of their background. They are appointed by the Emperor himself, and they are formidable. You'll encounter them eventually."

Ge Qingqing pushed aside the curtains and invited, "If you're here to take up your post and register, that's done right here."

Shen Zechuan stepped in, and the chatter in the records office abruptly ceased. The men, dressed in different garbs with distinct badges of the Imperial Guards, turned their heads, plunging the hall into an eerie silence.

"Shen Zechuan?" The man lounging with his legs crossed behind the desk pushed aside the ledger before him and looked at Shen Zechuan. "So it's you."

Shen Zechuan noticed the man was wearing a Feiyu robe. In the ranks of the Imperial Guards, only those above the rank of a captain were allowed to wear such attire. He bowed slightly and said, "That's me."

This man had a few straggling hairs hanging over his forehead and stubble on his chin, giving him a rakish air. He stroked his chin and chuckled. "As expected, the son of a courtesan. Shen Wei didn't waste his fortune for nothing back then. Qingqing, give him the badge."

He threw the prepared badge on the table to Ge Qingqing.

Ge Qingqing caught it and handed it to Shen Zechuan, saying, "Lan Zhou, this is our Commander of the Imperial Guards, who has come especially to present you with your badge today."

"I am Qiao Tianya," Qiao Tianya said, gesturing for Shen Zechuan to inspect the badge.

Shen Zechuan flipped the badge over and looked back at Qiao Tianya.

Qiao Tianya continued, "The Elephant Training Institute, right? That's where you'll be assigned. Qingqing will show you around later. Now, there are some rules I need to explain. Our Imperial Guard badges are as precious as the ones from the Eight Banners. When not on duty, they must be kept safely and not lent out. Although we're assigned to one of the twelve departments, those aren't our primary duties. Our true calling is to serve the Emperor. Whatever he commands, we execute. Apart from our departmental tasks, we also have rotating 'intelligence' duties. If a significant event occurs, like when we arrested you five years ago, it requires the Emperor's personal approval, along with official documents and a special apprehension badge. Assignments are not decided by me or the Commander but through a 'lottery draw' – drawing lots to determine who will undertake the task."

Shen Zechuan, having heard Ji Gang's instructions, nodded in silence.

"Lastly," Qiao Tianya rose to his feet and looked around at the people in the hall, "The members of the Imperial Guards are all united. Whoever wears our badges is considered one of us. Any past grievances should dissipate like smoke. There shall be no secret plots or tricks against our fellow brothers. If such actions are discovered, their badges will be revoked, their names stricken from the records, and they'll be thrown into the prison for severe punishment."

The surrounding gazes immediately dispersed, each person focusing on their own affairs.

Satisfied, Qiao Tianya turned back to Shen Zechuan and said, "Go ahead."

Shen Zechuan bowed and followed Ge Qingqing out the door.

"I thought it would be an assignment in the Fan Hand Department, a prestigious post," Ge Qingqing observed Shen Zechuan. "The Elephant Training Institute... Well, it's not bad either."

"I had countless speculations," Shen Zechuan replied with a smile, "But I never imagined it would involve raising elephants."

"The Horse Training Bureau is a much better place now. They raise fine horses for the nobles, and through interaction, one can gain familiarity and have a better chance at promotion. As for the Elephant Training Institute," Ge Qingqing's expression turned odd, "It's not exactly a leisurely post, especially with the early morning court sessions. Those elephant gentlemen are quite demanding to serve. However, since the Commander rarely visits, it's less likely to cause trouble."

The Elephant Training Institute was located near the Qidu Royal City's Mingli Road, which led directly to the Kai Ling River. During hot weather, the elephants needed to be driven to the river for drinking and bathing. Not only that, during daily court sessions, six elephants had to be led to stand on both sides of the imperial steps. On grand occasions, such as festive assemblies or hunting expeditions, the number of elephants would increase. These elephants, like the officials, attended and left court together. While an ailing official might find it difficult to recover, an elephant could. Like the Imperial Guards, they were on a rotation schedule for their duties.

Shen Zechuan had never even owned a dog; now he was thrust into the role of caring for elephants. It was safe to say that life was unpredictable.

As the two were on their way, they heard hurried footsteps approaching from behind.

Ge Qingqing turned back and asked, "What's the matter?"

The approaching eunuch from the Imperial Guard glanced at Shen Zechuan with a solemn expression and said, "Your waist badge has been suspended. You cannot carry out your duties today. Return to the registry office immediately!"

Shen Zechuan inquired, "Has there been a new imperial decree from the palace?"

"The palace has not issued any new decrees yet. However, three thousand students from the National Academy have gone on a hunger strike and are kneeling to beg the Emperor to revoke his order and severely punish the Shen family!"

Ge Qingqing's face changed instantly as he looked at Shen Zechuan.

Xiao Chiye, who was confined to his quarters and flipping through a storybook while lying on his couch, barely stirred when Chen Yang informed him that Prince Chu had arrived. He couldn't be bothered to get up.

"Confined to my chambers," Xiao Chiye munched on some fruit without lifting his head. "How did you manage to stroll in so casually?"

Li Jianheng threw Xiao Chiye's governor's badge on the ground, agitated. "Cai An! Something terrible has happened!"

Xiao Chiye's eyelids twitched.

Li Jianheng declared, "Three thousand students are kneeling before the Emperor, begging for severe punishment against Shen Zechuan! They've been there since morning and plan to fast until the Emperor retracts his order. When the Emperor heard the news during dinner, he became so enraged that he's back on his bed now!"

Xiao Chiye looked at the waist badge and said, "Throw it out."

"…The Eight Banners won't clear the students away. That's why they sent me to return the badge to you. If the Imperial Guards can disperse the students tonight, your debt will be settled!" Li Jianheng stomped his foot in anxiety. "Other guards might not be able to do it, but dealing with a few powerless students should be easy, right? This is a good opportunity!"

Xiao Chiye covered his face with the book, fell silent for a moment, then gritted his teeth and said, "This sure as hell is a 'good' thing."

The National Academy students were potential candidates for future positions in the court, and they could sway the opinions of local scholars. Xi Guan'an knew that they were a hot potato that couldn't be touched. If Xiao Chiye really moved against these three thousand students tonight, the pens and criticism of the literati would bury him tomorrow!

"Suspected to be at the Jinyiwei office since early this morning," Li Jianheng answered as he watched Xiao Chiye put on his clothes. He asked hurriedly, "Where are we going? To find Shen Zechuan?"

Xiao Chiye descended the steps. Chen Yang had already prepared the horse, and Xiao Chiye vaulted onto its back, galloping off.

Author has something to say:

_______________________________________________

[1]: For reference on the Jinyiwei, see "A Brief Discussion on the Functions of the Jinyiwei", "Jinyiwei", and "Jinyiwei Recruitment Register". In actuality, there were eight types of Jinyiwei selection, but only four are mentioned here due to the plot's needs.

[2]: The Jinyiwei indeed carried out their missions through "lottery drawing," to prevent any premature leakage of intelligence.

[3]: For a detailed account of the citywide spectacle of elephants being bathed, one can refer to "Records of the Capital's Scenic Spots."

The Jinyiwei was an extraordinary organization. In addition to spies, they had shorthand writers and artists. Among their ranks were painters, doctors, animal trainers, silversmiths, blacksmiths, and experts in explosives – including translators. Their selection criteria were rigorous, with many being top-notch professionals in their respective fields. Typically, they sought individuals with long legs, tall stature, and exceptional physical strength. Liu Heping's "The Great Ming Dynasty 1566" mentions that the Jinyiwei required "tiger-like arms, wasp-waist, and mantis legs," with the ability to "run over 100 miles in a day." They could scale a 20-foot wall with ease, strangle a person with bare hands, and endure days without sleep until their mission was accomplished.

Considering this, Ce An seems even more suitable.