Chapter 166 The King of Northern Wilderness Is Summoned to the Capital to Defend Himself…

Chapter 166: The King of Northern Wilderness Summoned to the Capital for Defense

As he aged, Zhao Qi often felt a perpetual lack of sleep.

He lay on his couch, listening to the maidservant hum a folk tune from his hometown, and slowly drifted into slumber.

When he awoke, the sun had already begun its descent.

"Someone!"

"Elder Zhao, you're awake." The steward, who had been waiting outside for some time, hurried in upon hearing the call.

"What time is it?" Zhao Qi asked as the steward helped him sit up.

"It's already mid-afternoon."

"Has the eldest returned?"

"Not yet."

No sooner had the steward spoken than Zhao Qi abruptly straightened, his expression turning grave. "He still hasn’t returned? Has he sent any word home?"

"No."

"Quickly, call the second son here."

"Yes." The steward dared not delay and was about to leave the courtyard when a group of people suddenly stormed in.

One glance at their official robes made the steward’s heart sink, though he forced a smile and stepped forward. "My lord, are you here to see our Elder Zhao?"

The steward blocked Bai Xiuming’s path, prompting the Bright Mirror Bureau Qianhu beside him to reach for his blade. But Bai Xiuming raised a hand to stop him.

"I am here to see Lord Zhao Qi. Please show me the way."

"Of course, but our Elder Zhao prefers quiet. Might I ask you all to wait outside first?"

The saying went that even a prime minister’s gatekeeper held the rank of a third-grade official. The steward was long accustomed to imposing his family’s rules on outsiders. No matter how high-ranking the visitors were, they had always complied—until now. The moment he finished speaking, several blades were pressed against his neck.

Someone stepped forward and kicked the steward aside, coldly rebuking, "Who do you think you are, daring to make demands of our lord?"

The commotion outside had already alerted those inside. The moment Zhao Qi stepped out and saw his steward being kicked to the ground, his expression darkened. "Stop!"

He hurried forward and immediately spotted Bai Xiuming, surrounded by his men.

Zhao Qi and Bai Xiuming had no acquaintance. They had never spoken beyond exchanging formal greetings at palace banquets during festivals.

After the incident in Xiling, some of Zhao Qi’s disciples had come to him, urging him to persuade His Majesty to distance himself from "villains"—naturally referring to Bai Xiuming.

But in the end, Zhao Qi had excused himself on grounds of poor health.

He knew full well that while the current Emperor showed him outward respect, if he truly stepped forward, whatever goodwill remained would likely vanish.

Though he had done nothing, in his heart, Bai Xiuming was nothing but an ambitious schemer who would betray even his own kin.

"Lord Bai, how impressive—even harassing a lowly servant." Zhao Qi stood a few paces away, his expression dark. Despite his advanced age, his imposing aura remained undiminished.

"My subordinates are uncouth. My apologies for the offense, Elder Zhao." Bai Xiuming gestured, and a Bright Mirror Bureau Guard hauled the steward up, even brushing the dust from his robes.

Seeing Bai Xiuming show courtesy, Zhao Qi didn’t press further. What concerned him more was why the Bright Mirror Bureau had come.

"May I ask what business brings Lord Bai to my home?"

"The Northern Consort was murdered yesterday. My condolences, Elder."

Zhao Qi recoiled, his face registering disbelief. "H-how is that possible? Where were her guards?"

Bai Xiuming answered plainly, "The assailant was one of the Northern Consort’s own guards. I heard he was brought from the Northern Wilderness."

"A guard?" Zhao Qi’s expression shifted several times. He distinctly remembered his daughter mentioning she had a Fourth Realm Guard—one sent by the late King of Northern Wilderness to protect her. He had served her for decades. How could he suddenly betray her?

Even if the current King had become estranged from the Northern Consort, he wouldn’t go so far as to kill his own mother.

If not that Fourth Realm Guard, the only other visible protector by her side was... Zhao Yin?

At this moment, Zhao Qi could only blame his daughter for growing distant after marriage, refusing to share anything with him. Now he knew nothing and couldn’t ask freely, lest he say something incriminating that the Bright Mirror Bureau could exploit.

Bai Xiuming gave Zhao Qi time to collect his thoughts before continuing, "I’ve come today to take the Northern Consort’s maidservants to identify the murderer. I hope you’ll cooperate."

"Of course. I’ll have them summoned at once."

Zhao Qi couldn’t shake the feeling that Bai Xiuming’s motives weren’t so simple. But with his eldest son still missing and no idea what had happened, he could only humor him for now.

Zhao Qi ordered the steward to fetch the maidservants from the Northern Consort’s courtyard. Bai Xiuming gave a discreet gesture, and several of his men immediately followed the steward.

Seeing this, Zhao Qi grew even more uneasy.

"Might I ask where the Northern Consort was killed?"

"At an estate in the outskirts."

"And... how did Lord Bai discover the body?" Zhao Qi inquired carefully.

"I received a report of a hostage-taking in the outskirts. When we went to rescue them, we saw—" Bai Xiuming paused, meeting Zhao Qi's gaze.

A terrible premonition rose in Zhao Qi’s chest. He had sent his eldest to find Liang Yan. With Liang Yan’s skills, he should’ve located the Northern Consort. Their continued absence could only mean they’d encountered the Bright Mirror Bureau.

Sure enough, Bai Xiuming continued, "We saw the Military Command’s Commander Liang engaged with the killer. But Commander Liang seemed... unusually eager to dispatch the killer, even at the cost of the hostages. He’s currently under investigation."

Zhao Qi didn’t pretend ignorance. "I asked Commander Liang to help track down the Northern Consort. His urgency was likely due to my pressing. I’ll personally accept responsibility before His Majesty."

Bai Xiuming smiled. "A trifling matter. No need for concern—His Majesty won’t mind."

"His Majesty is wise." Zhao Qi cupped his hands toward the palace in deference.

Meanwhile, the steward had led the Bright Mirror Bureau officers to the Northern Consort’s courtyard. Upon seeing her three maidservants, before the steward could speak, the lead Qianhu waved a hand. His men swarmed forward, seizing the women.

The Qianhu ordered, "Search them. Disable their limbs and jaws—ensure they can’t kill themselves."

"Yes."

The steward stood stunned. Weren’t they just supposed to identify the killer? What was this?

Unfortunately, Zhao Qi was ignorant of these events.

"Lord Bai, when might we claim the Northern Consort’s body?"

"The case is still under investigation. You must wait, Elder."

"Could Lord Bai provide a deadline? The Northern Consort holds a noble status. If too many people see her body, it would be difficult to explain to the Northern Wilderness King’s Residence."

"Elder Zhao need not worry about the Northern Wilderness King’s Residence. I have already reported this case to His Majesty. I believe His Majesty will personally contact the King of Northern Wilderness."

"Is that so? That’s good then."

"By the way, my useless son must also be with Lord Bai, I presume? When can he be released?" At this point, Zhao Qi finally remembered his eldest son and asked.

"Elder Zhao will soon be reunited with Lord Zhao."

"In that case, I thank Lord Bai." Though Bai Xiuming answered every question, Zhao Qi felt there was hidden meaning behind every word, deepening his unease.

"You’re welcome."

At that moment, a Bright Mirror agent entered and said to Bai Xiuming, "My lord, we have secured the Consort’s chambermaid."

Bai Xiuming acknowledged with a hum, then said to Zhao Qi, "Elder Zhao need not see me out. I shall take my leave now."

"Lord Bai, safe travels." Zhao Qi secretly sighed in relief.

Bai Xiuming turned but suddenly spoke again, "Speaking of which, Elder Zhao’s courtyard seems rather empty."

Zhao Qi stiffened as Bai Xiuming abruptly stamped his foot.

The entire courtyard trembled, followed by a piercing metallic resonance.

Zhao Qi staggered, barely steadying himself by gripping a nearby pillar. Anger surged within him as he snapped, "Bai Xiuming, what are you doing?"

Bai Xiuming slowly turned back, speaking leisurely, "It seems Elder Zhao’s courtyard hides something extraordinary beneath. I’ve heard that when darksteel collides with stone, it produces a humming sound. Just how much darksteel is buried here?"

Zhao Qi’s face turned deathly pale. He suddenly realized Bai Xiuming hadn’t come today for the maids or to inform him of the Consort’s death—he was here for...

"I’ve heard rumors that the Zhao family possesses a hidden vault, allegedly forged from darksteel. Who would’ve thought it lay beneath Elder Zhao’s courtyard?" Bai Xiuming stared at Zhao Qi, speaking deliberately, "What do you think I’m here for, Elder Zhao?"

Not bothering to let Zhao Qi’s aging mind struggle, Bai Xiuming gave him the answer directly: "The Bright Mirror Bureau has come naturally for a case—for the slaughter of the Shang family twenty years ago."

Zhao Qi’s vision darkened as his last shred of hope shattered.

He collapsed backward, caught swiftly by a Bright Mirror agent.

"Take good care of Elder Zhao. Ensure he comes to no harm, lest he be unable to reunite with his own son soon."

Bai Xiuming had promised an early reunion for father and son. Since Zhao Hongliang couldn’t be released, he’d simply bring Zhao Qi to the Bright Mirror Bureau instead.

Zhao Qi, after all, had been a senior statesman of the previous dynasty—his mind wasn’t so fragile. Though he had fallen, his consciousness remained clear.

As Bai Xiuming’s words sank in, his lips trembled, unable to form a response.

Bai Xiuming stepped closer, looking down at him imperiously, "Could Elder Zhao tell me the entrance to this hidden vault? I’ve heard half the Shang family’s wealth lies within?"

"You slander me! I will surely appeal to His Majesty to censure you!"

At this point, Zhao Qi knew full well that Zhao Yin must have killed his daughter. Yet a sliver of hope remained—if the vault couldn’t be opened, Bai Xiuming would have no evidence.

Then, he might still have a chance to reverse this situation.

Bai Xiuming scoffed. Under Zhao Qi’s gaze, he drew the longsword at his waist.

With a casual swift motion, he reversed his grip and slashed downward. A shrill metallic shriek echoed as the courtyard split open, revealing a gap wide enough for a person to pass through.

A Bright Mirror agent peered inside, then leapt down.

Moments later, the agent returned with a book and a jade flask.

"My lord, the space below is vast, filled with gold, silver, jewels, and jade artifacts. Many bear markings—this flask included." He lifted the flask, showing Bai Xiuming the base.

The Shang family’s emblem was clearly engraved there.

"And this book—it’s a Ghost Control treatise, signed by members of the Shang family."

Bai Xiuming took the book and flipped it open. The first page bore a warning from someone named Shang Zong, cautioning descendants against cultivating its techniques without twin spiritual gifts, lest they risk madness.

"Would Elder Zhao care to explain why the Shang family’s wealth lies buried beneath the Zhao residence?"

Zhao Qi gaped, speechless.

"Perhaps Elder Zhao hasn’t yet devised an excuse," Bai Xiuming said considerately. "No matter. Once in the prison, you and your family may think it over at length."

Under Zhao Qi’s despairing gaze, Bai Xiuming ordered, "The entire Zhao family is implicated in the massacre twenty years ago. Take them all to the bureau."

"Yes!"

Overnight, the Zhao family—young and old—were imprisoned, bypassing the Grand Court and Board of Punishments entirely, taken directly by the Bright Mirror Bureau.

Among the court officials were many former students of Zhao Qi. They only learned that the Consort had been murdered the previous night, with the killer claiming the Zhao family had slaughtered his clan. Bai Xiuming had then promptly arrested the Zhaos.

At the next morning’s court session, no sooner had the Emperor taken his seat than several officials came forward to denounce Bai Xiuming.

Among them was Vice Censor-in-Chief He Yi’an, who frequently impeached the Bright Mirror Bureau. Today, before the Emperor, he called Bai Xiuming a scheming minister.

"Your Majesty, Bai Xiuming imprisoned Zhao Qi—a meritorious official to the state—based solely on the killer’s words. This is the act of a scheming minister! If left unchecked, the nation will fall because of him!"

The words were excessively harsh, and the Emperor’s face clouded.

He Yi’an, appearing not to notice, pressed on, "Your Majesty, even if someone in the Zhao family committed crimes, the Board of Punishments should handle the investigation. The Bright Mirror Bureau has exceeded its jurisdiction and must be severely punished."

"Bai Xiuming, what do you have to say for yourself?"

Bai Xiuming came forward, making obeisance to the Emperor before responding, "Vice Censor He questions my overreach. I can explain."

He Yi’an snorted, "How does Lord Bai intend to explain?"

"According to the confession of Shang Yin, the assassin who killed the Northern Consort, Zhao Qi and his daughter colluded with the previous King of Northern Wilderness to exterminate the entire Shang family, seize their assets, and then open the Ghost Gate, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of nearby civilians."

"Lord Zhao is a man of integrity! He would never commit such acts! This is clearly a fabrication!" He Yi’an would not accept Bai Xiuming’s account.

If asked whom he admired most in the capital, it would undoubtedly be his mentor, Zhao Qi.

As a censor, He Yi’an had offended many of the aristocracy. In his early years, without his mentor’s aid, he would never have reached his current position.

He didn’t trust a single word Bai Xiuming said.

Unfortunately, Bai Xiuming’s next words shattered his illusion: "Vice Censor He, Zhao Qi built a hidden vault of darksteel beneath his residence. Yesterday, it was opened, revealing untold riches, artifacts marked with the Shang crest, and even their exclusive cultivation methods."

With each sentence, He Yi’an’s face grew paler.

Ignoring him, Bai Xiuming said to the Emperor, "Your Majesty, Shang Yin claimed Zhao Qi attempted to use the Shang family’s techniques to manipulate the deceased Emperor’s spirit and wrest state secrets. Zhao Qi has already confessed to this."

In the past, such claims from Bai Xiuming would have sparked immediate objections from court officials, accusing him of obtaining confessions under duress.

But now, even if it were truly a forced confession, no one dared to speak up.

The evidence was solid. Anyone who dared utter another word would not only be seen as an accomplice of the Zhao family—let's not forget this also implicated the Residence of the King of Northern Wilderness.

The Emperor took a deep breath, appearing equally stunned: "What else did Shang Yin say?"

"He also said... when the Consort of the Northern Wilderness King was sent in marriage to the Northern Wilderness, she took with her the other half of the Shang family's wealth from the Zhao family, meant for the King of Northern Wilderness's military training. Zhao Qi has confessed to this crime."

Though he did not use the word "treason," what minister present in the court would miss his implication?

Colluding with the Zhao family to exterminate an entire clan just to seize their wealth for military training—what reckless haste was this? Was it truly just training troops? This was outright treason.

But those two words could not be spoken lightly—once said aloud, there would be no room for retreat.

"Good, very good. The Imperial Tutor, who held my deepest respect, only sought to ferret out the royal family's secrets. What was he planning?"

No minister dared to answer.

What else could he be planning? Having allied with the King of Northern Wilderness, all of this was undoubtedly for the king's sake.

Though some believed the King of Northern Wilderness would not be so reckless—after all, the Northern Wilderness had remained peaceful all these years, showing no signs of opposing the court—no one dared to voice such thoughts.

"Bai Xiuming."

"I am at Your Majesty's service."

"Ensure the Shang family massacre is investigated to the fullest. Give the dead the justice they deserve."

"As Your Majesty commands."

"By imperial decree, command the King of Northern Wilderness to the capital to present his defense."