Chapter 11: New Year

Ji Gang unlocked Shen Zechuan's shackles, allowing him to stretch his wrists. As he listened to the grumbling of the little banner, Ji Gang efficiently unloaded the wine for the Imperial Guards from his handcart, his movements swift despite the bandage on his head.

The little banner instructed Ji Gang to clean up the yard before spring and then left to remind the night guards not to divulge any information about the evening's events.

"Are you injured?" Ji Gang asked, holding Shen Zechuan's arm.

"No," Shen Zechuan replied, wiping the back of his neck where Xiao Chiye had left a mark. "Master."

Ji Gang asked, "Where does it hurt?"

Shen Zechuan shook his head, pondering for a moment. "His external martial arts style is powerful and forceful. It feels familiar."

Surprise flickered across Ji Gang's burned features. "Our Ji family's boxing technique has never been taught outside our family."

"I didn't dare respond when he started," Shen Zechuan said, still tasting blood in his mouth. He licked the tips of his teeth and continued after a moment's thought. "I didn't want him to detect anything unusual, so I didn't use my full strength. But even my antics and stubbornness couldn't convince him otherwise. Master, why does he hate me so much? When Mr. spoke of politics, shouldn't he hate the Empress Dowager and her relatives more at this moment?"

"Foolish boy, drunk on power!" Ji Gang cursed. "He picks on the weak, and that's why he chose you!"

Shen Zechuan held out his left hand, "He was searching for this. Does Master recognize it?"

In the palm of his hand lay an old, worn bone ring.

"Soldiers with great strength often use large bows, and they wear such rings to pull the strings," Ji Gang examined the ring. "With this level of wear, it's likely he used it with the Heaven Bow of the Iron Riders of Libei. But why would Second Young Master Xiao, who doesn't participate in military affairs, wear such a thing?"

***

Xiao Chiye slept soundly until Lu Guangbai roused him.

"You were quite the troublemaker last night," Lu Guangbai said bluntly, sitting on a chair. "You landed a minor position and immediately went looking for a fight. I saw Jiming leave the residence and head for the palace."

Xiao Chiye buried himself under the covers, his throat feeling raw. "I had too much to drink."

"In a few days, we'll all be leaving the capital," Lu Guangbai spoke earnestly. "You can't keep drinking like this. What if you ruin your martial arts and break down physically?"

Xiao Chiye didn't reply.

Lu Guangbai continued, "At the banquet last night, they were all stabbing at your brother's heart. Try to understand his position. He's swamped with military affairs in Libei, yet he still worries about your big sister-in-law. Now he's left you here, and he must be suffering. Aye, everyone pays him lip service in public, but secretly, they all wish he wouldn't return from battle. He might not say it, but he's made of flesh and blood; how could it not hurt?"

Xiao Chiye threw back the covers and sighed deeply. "Don't you think I understand what you're saying?"

"What do you understand?" Lu Guangbai hurled the sweet orange in his hand at Xiao Chiye. "If you understand, then get up and apologize to your elder brother."

Xiao Chiye caught the sweet orange and sat up.

Seeing the bandage on his hand, Lu Guangbai couldn't help but laugh. He sat down on a chair and ate the orange, saying, "Why did you provoke him? You had to be bitten before you were satisfied!"

"I just asked him to sing a tune," Xiao Chiye said. "He said I was asking for his life. This guy isn't an easy one to deal with."

"You aren't any easier either, fighting with a prisoner under house arrest on the streets. Fortunately, Jiming arrived in time; otherwise, it would have been another scandal." Lu Guangbai asked, "Are you badly hurt?"

Xiao Chiye raised his hand and grumbled, "He must be born in the Year of the Dog."

***

Xiao Jiming didn't return until the afternoon. Zhao Hui followed behind him and saw Xiao Chiye standing under the eaves waiting.

"Big Brother," Xiao Chiye said.

Xiao Jiming removed his cloak, and Zhao Hui took it from him. A maid approached with a copper basin, and Xiao Jiming washed his hands without acknowledging Zhao Hui.

Zhao Hui turned to look at him and said, "Young Master, aren't you supposed to inspect the imperial guards today? Once you get the governor's badge, come back for dinner tonight."

Xiao Chiye replied, "I'll go if Elder Brother says so."

Wiping his hands, Xiao Jiming finally looked at him and said, "You went last night even though I didn't ask you to, didn't you?"

Xiao Chiye responded, "I got lost and wanted to return home."

Xiao Jiming placed the handkerchief back on the copper tray and instructed, "Go fetch the badge and come back for dinner."

Only then did Xiao Chiye leave.

***

Ever since the imperial guards had been relieved of their defensive duties, their former offices had become deserted. As Xiao Chiye rode up, he saw several men in short clothes, with their belongings tied in bundles, sitting together under the sun, chatting idly. They exuded no hint of the fierce spirit one would expect from soldiers.

Xiao Chiye dismounted and entered the courtyard with his horsewhip in hand. In the yard stood a bald-capped pine tree, its branches piled with snow. The icicles hanging from the eaves remained untouched, and the roof tiles seemed to require repair.

Poverty indeed.

Xiao Chiye continued to survey his surroundings. The plaque was chipped and worn. Descending a few steps, he entered the main hall, lifting the curtains with his riding whip before bowing slightly and entering.

All those huddled around the stove roasting peanuts immediately turned their heads to look at Xiao Chiye. He placed his whip on the table, pulled up a chair, and sat down without waiting for an invitation. "Everyone's here."

The people around him stood up with a rustling of clothing. The peanut shells crackled underfoot. Most were old soldiers over forty who had spent too long in the Imperial Guards. They had no other skills but were adept at cheating and extorting money. Upon seeing Xiao Chiye, they sized him up from head to toe before exchanging suspicious glances.

"Second Young Master!" One of them wiped his hands on his robe and said with a smile, "We've been waiting for you to pick up your card today!"

Xiao Chiye replied, "I'm here now. Where's the card?"

He chuckled. "Since we didn't see you this morning and the Ministry of Works was urging us to get started, Censor Zeng took the card to requisition the workers. He'll be back later, and I'll send someone to deliver it to your residence then."

Xiao Chiye smiled back. "Who might you be, sir?"

"I'm just Old Chen! Back when I was the hundred-man commander of the Di City Hundred-Man Office, I received Lord Hua Shisan's recommendation, and now I'm an officer in the Imperial Guards."

"It's rather peculiar," Xiao Chiye said, leaning against the armrest of his chair as he looked at Old Chen. "The Governor-General is supposed to oversee the Imperial Guards, followed by the Deputy Commander. How come an Inspector has been given the authority?"

"I'm afraid you're not aware," Old Chen said, noticing Xiao Chiye's focused expression. He straightened his already respectful posture even more, forgoing all formalities. "Last year, when Zhongbo was defeated, the grain transport to Jincheng was disrupted, causing a food crisis in Qudou. The officials in charge of personnel couldn't distribute annual salaries, so they downsized our Imperial Guards office by half. Now, there's no Deputy Commander, and the only one left in line is Inspector Cao. We're just a handful of people left."

"In that case," Xiao Chiye said, "anyone can touch the Governor-General's seal?"

"Traditionally, whoever carries the seal takes charge. The Engineering Ministry can't afford to wait; they need the wood for the palace. Our voices carry little weight, and we can't afford to offend anyone. There's nothing we can do about it," Old Chen explained, leaning on his excuses. "If you think this goes against protocol, you'll have to clarify with the Engineering Ministry first."

"I'm a mere nominal Governor-General," Xiao Chiye said. "Why should I explain myself to the Engineering Ministry? The Emperor is above the Imperial Guards. In the past, when the Six Ministries needed our assistance, it was out of favor, and we didn't keep tabs. From now on, if anyone wants manpower, for what purpose, and for how long, they must make it clear. Otherwise, don't expect my men to budge."

"Words can be twisted any way you like," Old Chen chuckled to those around him. "But these days, we're nothing but menial laborers! If we can lend a hand to the Six Ministries, then we'll have some value. Besides, the Emperor hasn't said anything against it all these years. Second Master, it's better to have friends in court than silver in your purse. Back in Libei, the situation with the Imperial Guards was different from that of the Iron Riders. Some things just won't work here! Moreover, our Imperial Guards aren't the same as the Eight Great Camps. Who…"

Xiao Chiye stood up and asked, "You mentioned earlier who recommended you here?"

Old Chen straightened his back, his face aglow as he wished he could shout thrice, "Lord Hua Shisan! You know him, right? The Empress Dowager's grandnephew, Miss Hua San's…"

Xiao Chiye kicked him right in the gut! Old Chen was still talking with a ruddy complexion when he was caught off guard and sent sprawling, crashing into the table and knocking over a teapot. The tea splashed across the floor with a loud crash, dousing Old Chen and jolting him back to reality. As he scrambled to his knees, he trembled with fear.

"Hua Family's bastard," Xiao Chiye swept away the peanut shells on the table. "Back then, you were the one who polished my boots. Who do you think I am, covering for you like a protective tree? At best, you're a mere blade of grass. I want the Governor's badge, and you give me rules? Are your brains smeared with lard, unable to recognize who I am? From now on, the Imperial Guards will follow my orders!"

Old Chen prostrated himself on the ground, suddenly realizing the situation, and urgently cried, "Second Young Master, Second Young Master..."

"Who the hell do you think I am, your second young master?" Xiao Chiye's eyes were cold as he said, "As the commander of the Imperial Guards, I hold your life in my hands. Don't try to act tough in front of me like some street punk. When the Ministry of Works needs labor, they requisition troops from the Imperial Guards. If there isn't any silver changing hands, why would you be so eager to please? Your subordinates work their fingers to the bone, but you fatten yourself up. So what if Hua Shisan promised to protect you? You think you have an imperial pardon?"

"I dare not, I dare not!" Old Chen crawled forward and said, "Your Excellency the Commander! This lowly one spoke nonsense..."

"You have half an incense stick's time," Xiao Chiye said. "I want to check the waist badges, roster, and 20,000 soldiers. It's fine if anything is missing; just bring your heads to make up for it."

Old Chen hastily scrambled to his feet and ran outside.

***

A few days later, as the generals prepared to leave the capital, Xian De Emperor led the officials to see off Xiao Jiming. Amidst the falling snow, Xian De Emperor held onto Xiao Jiming's arm, his coughs breaking up his words.

"Jiming." Xian De Emperor, wrapped in his cloak, was shockingly thin as he said, "After today, we won't meet again until next year. The northern border has never been peaceful. Although the Border Sands cavalry retreated this time, they still refuse to submit. The twelve tribes' ambitions are plain to see. You are a pillar of support for me, as well as a valiant general of Great Zhou. You must always prioritize caution."

"Your Majesty's favor despite our tardy rescue fills my father and I with trepidation. In the future, whenever Your Majesty commands, Northern Li will spare no effort to fulfill our duty," Xiao Jiming replied.

"It has been many years since I last saw your father after his illness," Xian De Emperor slowly turned around, looking at the sea of people inside the city gates, then at the magnificent palace that had stood for a hundred years. He said softly, "Regarding the remnants of the Shen family, I owe an apology to the loyal bones of the battlefield. But I've been bedridden for so long that many things were out of my control."

Xiao Jiming followed his gaze and, after a moment, said, "Qidu is engulfed in a fierce snowstorm. Your Majesty, take care of your health."

Emperor Xiande slowly released Xiao Jiming's hand and replied, "Fine lad, go on your way."

Lu Guangbai rode out of the city and indeed found Xiao Chiye alone at the pavilion at the foot of the mountain. He did not dismount but whistled at Xiao Chiye from afar, saying, "Rascal, your brothers are leaving!"

Xiao Chiye held onto the reins and said, "The world of the jianghu is full of turmoil; boats may capsize at any time. Be cautious!"

"Speak directly if you have something to say. Why recite poetry?" Lu Guangbai laughed heartily. "Wait for us. There will come a day when we can all return home."

"That depends on fate," Xiao Chiye smiled.

Hearing the sound of galloping hooves behind him, Lu Guangbai turned back to see a person riding towards them with raised black hair, wearing a simple and worn robe. He quickly turned his horse around and called out, "Commander! Let's ride together!"

Qi Zhuyin slowed down her pace. She was dressed in a cloak, with a long sword slung across her back. Her outer robe was old and worn, giving her a light and unencumbered appearance. Judging solely by her attire, she appeared to be an ordinary woman of the jianghu. However, the wind revealed the captivating charm in her face.

"You have a mediocre steed," she raised her eyebrows with a smile, revealing her commanding presence. "It can't keep up, can it?"

Lu Guangbai, however, seemed to appreciate it and replied, "It might not be as fierce as Commander's, but it's still a fine stallion that has seen battlefields. We'll run along the road and see if it can keep up, won't we?"

"I fancy that stallion," Qi Zhuyin nodded towards Xiao Chiye. "Care to trade?"

Xiao Chiye stroked the horse's mane and replied, "I don't think so. I'd be the one at a disadvantage."

Qi Zhuyin raised her hand and tossed an object to Xiao Chiye. He caught it with both arms – it was a heavy ghost-head saber sheathed in its scabbard.

"Your contribution was invaluable when we bred those fine warhorses for Qidong before the New Year. This was forged by my best craftsman with some of my most precious materials," Qi Zhuyin said. "Don't tell me you think this is unfair now."

Xiao Chiye weighed the saber in his hands and laughed. "Commander, from now on, you're like my own elder sister! The saber I brought from home is good, but it's too light. It doesn't feel as right as this one."

Qi Zhuyin said, "Sister? By the time you draw that blade, you'll be calling me grandpa!"

Xiao Chiye asked, "Have you named this saber?"

"I have an idea," Qi Zhuyin said. "The term 'wolf-evil' refers to someone who is greedy and vicious[1]. Doesn't that suit you perfectly?"

But Lu Guangbai interjected, "'Wolf-evil' sounds a bit too fierce. He's only just—"

"Fierce," Qi Zhuyin cracked her whip, and her steed took off without hesitation. She didn't even turn back as she said, "The sons of Libei are meant to be fierce!"

The grand army was already in motion, with the Qidong garrison's spearheads, adorned with red tassels, trailing behind Qi Zhuyin as they surged towards the eastern wilderness. Lu Guangbai, unable to linger, waved goodbye to Xiao Chiye and galloped after them.

In the next moment, the sound of iron horses trampling the earth reverberated, making the ground seem to tremble slightly beneath their feet. Xiao Chiye watched as his elder brother took the lead, the familiar Libei cavalry sweeping across the snowy fields like a black tide, charging northward.

Haidongqing, the sea eagle, pursued through the wind, circling and crying above the Libei cavalry. Xiao Chiye stood with his sword in hand, watching until the Libei cavalry vanished into the vast, snowy landscape.

***

Shen Zechuan found himself lost in thought but was brought back by Minister Qi's stern reminder.

"Since the generals have returned to their posts, the capital is once again a stagnant pool," Minister Qi said, his hair disheveled as he stretched his neck to look at Shen Zechuan. "Your days are numbered, and you can't continue to be content as a trapped fish!"

"As the knife slices, so the fish submits," Shen Zechuan lifted his gaze and replied, "Sir, do I truly still have a chance to escape?"

"Fortune and misfortune often come together. Imprisonment might not be such a bad thing," Minister Qi uncorked his gourd and took a few gulps of wine. "By staying hidden, you can better bide your time and gather strength. Your opportunities will come, believe me."

In the distance, palace bells tolled, marking the beginning of a new year.

___________________________________________________________

Author's Note:

[1]: Du Fu's "Dreaming of Li Bai II"

[2]: Yan Shigu