Chapter 8: Suspicion

The imperial guards were on rotation duty, all shivering from the cold.

The Qu Du imperial guards had once been the protectors of the eight cities, the impregnable barrier of the Qu Du palace. By protocol, they should not have been involved in such trivial tasks as these. But with the rise of the Eight Great Camps, their roles were reversed, and the guards became a burden to Qu Du, no longer conducting military drills but instead serving as menial laborers. Today, most of them were hereditary soldiers who had never seen real combat and merely waited for their eventual demise while relying on their military status.

Ge Qingqing was a captain of the Imperial Bodyguard, not a significant official in Qu Du's hierarchy, but just right for the guards tasked with overseeing the prisoner. As they all moved around the city and relied on each other, they dared not casually show respect to higher-ranking officials. Besides, Ge Qingqing was known for his generosity, so the guards turned a blind eye when Ji Gang took over the menial tasks.

Ge Qingqing greeted the guards and distributed the warm buns he had brought. Seeing Ji Gang lost in thought, a standard-bearer suggested, "If you're worried, Brother Qing, you can go inside and check on the others."

Ge Qingqing demurred, "That wouldn't be proper."

The standard-bearer, chewing on his bun, waved his hand, gesturing for the guards at the back door to step aside. "Brother Qing is one of us, and besides, we've sealed off this Temple of Revealed Wrongs like a fortress. There's no way the prisoner could escape."

Ge Qingqing relented and entered the Temple of Revealed Wrongs.

Ji Gang was sitting under the eaves. Upon seeing Ge Qingqing, he stood up and asked, "Is it time already?"

"No worries, it's still before dawn. Uncle Ji, you can stay a bit longer," Ge Qingqing replied, surveying the temple grounds. "This place isn't fit for habitation, especially now during the harsh winter months. I'll bring in some quilts later."

Ji Gang noticed Shen Zechuan's preoccupied look and asked, "What's the matter?"

With hesitation, Ge Qingqing replied, "It's nothing serious. I just bumped into Young Master Xiao Er on my way here."

Looking up, Shen Zechuan began, "That Xiao...?"

"Xiao Chiye," Ge Qingqing continued. "The youngest son of the King of Northern Li, and also the person from the other day... I saw that his steps were unsteady, and he reeked of alcohol. He must have been drowning his sorrows last night."

Ji Gang turned to Qi Taifu and said, "Taifu hasn't left the palace in twenty years, so you might not know the current four great generals of Great Zhou. The King of Northern Li has an excellent son, Xiao Jiming, who is quite remarkable!"

However, Shen Zechuan asked Ge Qingqing, "Brother Qing, did he ask you anything?"

Recalling the encounter, Ge Qingqing answered, "He asked where I was headed, and I told him I was taking a shortcut to my post. Then, he commented that this path didn't seem to lead to Divine Martial Avenue, so I brushed him off. A prince of his status wouldn't likely investigate matters personally."

"Still, it's best to be cautious when it comes to the Xiao family. You'll need to make a note of this incident for your shift later." Ji Gang rubbed his hands together in the snow. "Chuan'er, let's practice our punches."

"Wait a moment." Shen Zechuan's eyes darkened. "Since it was a residential alleyway, what was a prince of his rank doing there early in the morning?"

Ge Qingqing was taken aback too. "Now that you mention it... Places for entertainment are all on East Dragon Avenue, quite a distance away from the residential areas. With his heavy hangover on such a cold day, why would he come here?"

"A case of waiting by the stump for a hare," Qi Taifu rolled over, his backside facing outward, and said, "The matter involving Shen Wei concerns the Xiao family. From that kick, it's clear he intended to take the boy's life. Yet the boy is still alive, so how could he not be suspicious?"

"If he had no intentions, he wouldn't have spoken a second time," Shen Zechuan recalled the kick with lingering fear.

"Trouble," Ge Qingqing's expression paled as she said, "It's my fault for being hasty. Now what do we do? He's probably already on his way!"

Shen Zechuan turned to Qi Taifu, "It's alright, Sir. Since you've guessed, there must be a solution."

* * *

Zhao Hui arrived at the Office of the Imperial Guards. Although the inspector who accompanied him was of equal rank, he didn't dare to act haughty. Leading Zhao Hui to the record room, he said, "What would General Zhao like to investigate? This is where today's twelve bureaus' records are kept."

Zhao Hui, known for his stern demeanor, picked up the ledger and glanced through it. He commented, "I understand the patrol duties within the palace are no easy task for our fellow Jinyiwei. A few days ago, I received assistance from a Captain named Ge Qingqing. Today, I've come especially to express my gratitude. Is he on duty today?"

"The twelve bureaus have numerous captains, all listed here," the assessor said, moving toward the wall where a well-organized schedule of the on-duty captains hung clearly.

However, Zhao Hui couldn't touch that ledger; it was taboo within the palace walls.

The assessor inquired, "Does General know which bureau Captain Ge belongs to?"

Zhao Hui replied, "Rumor has it that he's capable of morning shifts. He could be from either the Imperial Chariot Bureau, the Umbrella Pavilion Bureau, or the Elephant Taming Bureau."

The official meticulously searched through the records, then turned to Zhao Hui after a while and said, "General, there's no one by that name on today's roster. Should I check elsewhere for you?"

Zhao Hui gently closed the register in his hand and replied, "No need, I'll find him myself."

Exiting the registry office, the sky had just begun to brighten. He retraced his steps, striding briskly towards the palace gates.

The newly swept Shenwu Avenue was still covered with snow, making the road slippery. The sedan chair bearers, transporting dignitaries, proceeded cautiously, ensuring stability rather than haste.

As Zhao Hui passed by a sedan, he caught a glimpse of a saber hanging at the waist of one of the carriers. Little did he know, this brief glance would cause him to frown.

"Hold on," Zhao Hui halted the palanquin, inquiring, "Is this the conveyance for the Commander?"

Sure enough, the bearers were members of the Imperial Guards, and their leader nodded, saying, "You dare to obstruct our path even after knowing whom we're here to escort? Make way quickly!"

Zhao Hui raised his hand, revealing his Northern Expeditionary Force badge.

The Guard nodded, acknowledging, "We apologize for offending General!"

The palanquin's curtain swayed, and a delicate hand lifted it slightly. A charming, languid gaze met Zhao Hui's, as a coquettish voice spoke from within, "My Lord, we've been searching for you!"

Ji Lei also returned in a state of drunkenness, sitting grandly in his palanquin and asking Zhao Hui, "General Zhao! Is there something?"

Zhao Hui only stared at the leader of the Jin Yi Wei and said, "Nothing. I heard that Young Master spent the night drinking with you, and that's why you've just returned?"

Ji Lei laughed and said, "I was worried about Second Young Master. When I opened my eyes this morning, he had already returned home. Was it the Crown Prince looking for someone?"

"It's me who couldn't rest easy," Zhao Hui replied with a bow. "I disturbed you, my apologies."

"No worries! I've just come out from inside as well." Ji Lei waved his hand. "Who was it that offended the general just now? Quickly apologize properly to him."

The leader of the Jin Yi Wei knelt on one knee before Zhao Hui and said, "This lowly officer is Ge Qingqing. I failed to recognize the mountain that is General, and for offending you, I am willing to accept punishment!"

Zhao Hui hadn't been mistaken.

Sure enough, the name 'Ge Qingqing' was written on the waist badge hanging by the side of the saber.

* * *

Xiao Chiye continued propping up his legs and reading his storybook after hearing Zhao Hui's report.

Zhao Hui added, "From what he said, it seems he wasn't lying. He really didn't have time to enter the palace before being assigned to fetch Ji Lei."

"Yes," Xiao Chiye replied absentmindedly. "The Qijun Pavilion is nearby, so it's natural that he made it in time."

"But something still feels off to me," Zhao Hui said, rubbing his thumb against the hilt of his knife.

Xiao Chiye flipped the pages and asked, "Can't figure it out?"

"I can't."

"I'll tell you then." He sat up abruptly, crossed his legs, and propped one hand on his knee. "You arrived in the capital with your elder brother, and the Emperor personally greeted you. The Imperial Guards followed closely behind with their regalia. Why wouldn't he recognize you now?"

"That's hard to say," Zhao Hui said. "Maybe he just forgot."

"You didn't even change your robe, and you still have your sword. Even if he didn't recognize you, he wouldn't dare to be so arrogant and yell at you on the streets after just a bit of thought," Xiao Chiye pointed out. "Besides, I don't think his memory is that bad; he recognized me clearly."

"I just find it too coincidental," Zhao Hui mused. "That we happened to run into each other."

"It's all about the coincidence," Xiao Chiye tossed aside the storybook. "This Shen…."

"Shen Zechuan," Zhao Hui supplied.

"Allowing him into the Temple of Repentance seems like conceding a move," Xiao Chiye mused, his eyes reflecting deep contemplation.

* * *

Ge Qingqing removed his wind collar and wiped his sweat.

Wu Caiquan rushed in with legs crossed, repeatedly thanking, "Many thanks! Brother Qingqing, it's all thanks to you!"

Ge Qingqing replied, "No need to be so formal, we're all brothers."

Wu Caiquan grinned and turned to call out to the recorder, "Old Xu! Today, note down that Brother Qingqing helped carry the sedan chair for me. I caught a cold last night and was dizzy this morning. Fortunately, Brother Qingqing came to my aid."

With his head lowered, Ge Qingqing wiped away his sweat and said, "You caught a cold? Let's go to Old Xu's shop later for some mutton soup."

Wu Caiquan hastily agreed, "Sure, Brother Qingqing is treating us! Old Xu, did you hear that? We'll leave together in a bit!"

"Don't worry about this matter," Ge Qingqing patted Wu Caiquan's back. "Take good care of yourself and don't hold back if you feel unwell next time. Just tell me."

Wu Caiquan nodded like a puppy, already too distracted by thoughts of mutton soup to think of anything else.

* * *

Qiyuan, the Grand Tutor, finally wrapped himself in a blanket at night. Sitting opposite Shen Zechuan, he said, "In another fortnight, it will be New Year's Day, and the capital will host an imperial banquet for all the officials. At that time, the provincial administrators and inspectors from around the country will converge on the capital to offer their congratulations. I'm still unclear about the current situation. Tell me more about it now."

In the snow, Shen Zechuan wore a thin robe, assuming the opening stance of Ji Family's martial arts, yet beads of sweat trickled down his forehead. He said, "The ailing King of Libei has relied on his heir, Prince Xiao Jiming, for military affairs for years. It's unlikely he'll attend this time. Among the five counties of Qidong, Lu Guangbai, one of the Four Generals, was first to receive his title. Commander Qi should arrive soon as well. In this way, the two major military powers of Great Zhou will temporarily reside—"

"Wait," the Grand Tutor pulled out a ruler from under his covers and asked, "Which Four Generals?"

"The Iron Horse and Icy River Xiao Jiming, the Smoky Sandstorms of Lu Guangbai, the Fierce Wind of Wild Fields Qi Zhuyin, and the Thunder Over the Jade Terrace Zuo Qianqiu!"

"I've only heard of Zuo Qianqiu. But I know that Lu Guangbai is likely the son of Lord Lu Pingyan, who guards the border sands. Although Lu Pingyan later settled in the border regions, he originated from Libei and was sworn brothers with King Xiao Fangxu. If Lu Guangbai has sisters, they would naturally become brides of the Xiao family, wouldn't they?"

"Yes," Shen Zechuan replied, beads of sweat rolling down his face. "Lu Guangbai's sister is, in fact, the Princess Consort of Libei's heir."

"So where do these two major military powers come from?" the Grand Tutor said. "With such connections, the Lu family becomes a nail that Libei has hammered into the five counties of Qidong, making things complicated. Moreover, there are the Eight Encampments in Qidu, and below them, the Imperial Guards. Although the Eight Encampments have fewer troops than Libei or Qidong and aren't as renowned for their bravery, remember that Qidu is the heart of Great Zhou, and they hold the emperor's fate in their hands."

The Grand Tutor weighed the ruler in his hand, uncorked a gourd, and sipped some wine to warm himself.

"You must also remember that although the Imperial Guards, or Jin Yi Wei, cannot be called 'troops,' their influence surpasses that of 'troops.' The emperor uses troops with the aid of distinguished ministers and fierce generals. When a general is away, he need not obey every imperial command. If you grasp too tightly, you may spoil them; if you let go too loosely, they may become tigers. It's difficult to strike the right balance, and one must adapt to circumstances. However, the Jin Yi Wei are entirely different. They are the emperor's vicious hounds, and the leash is held solely by the emperor. Their treatment depends entirely on the emperor's mood. Would you like such a knife, such a dog?"

Shen Zechuan struggled for a moment before answering, "If I liked it—I'd indulge it! Excessive favoritism would surely lead to disaster."

"The lessons your brother taught you have not been in vain," the Grand Tutor said. "Indeed, remember this well! Excessive favoritism leads to disaster. Though it's wise to favor the virtuous and avoid the wicked, how can one always distinguish the virtuous from the wicked when entangled in court politics? Even virtuous gentlemen can't do everything, but villains and petty men can. The emperor, living within the palace, must understand the art of balance and listen to the voices of his subjects. See, with the Jin Yi Wei comes the East Factory; with Libei comes Qidong."

The Grand Tutor paused for a moment before continuing.

"Water, when full, overflows; the moon, at its peak, wanes. Do you understand why the Xiao family holds such enmity towards Shen Wei? It's not merely because the Northern Province can no longer be awarded after this battle. The root cause is that, for the Xiao family, victory or defeat, both lead to ruin. They've reached their limit."

Shen Zechuan asked, "Victory is also defeat?"

"Indeed, victory is also defeat! Didn't Xiao Jiming lose his brother right after achieving victory? Each subsequent triumph he attains will only bring him closer to peril. This time, it was his brother; next, it could be his wife, his father, or even himself."