Chapter 100: Hidden Troubles

News of Han Jin's sudden military advance reached Qudu, causing a sensation. Since the surviving Imperial Guards returned with a sack full of severed heads, it signified that Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye had completely severed ties with Qudu, to the point where there was no longer any possibility for negotiation. Han Jin's capture enraged Han Cheng. When Shen Zechuan left Qudu, the Imperial Guards were already in disarray, with Ge Qingqing, who headed the group, still guarding the Xi family in Juexi. Fei Sheng, with his loyal followers, went into hiding, leaving Han Cheng with few remaining troops.

The Imperial Guards were at their peak during Ji Wufan's reign but had waned by Ji Lei's time. In Han Cheng's hands, they became nothing more than a dilapidated ceremonial escort. The capable individuals under Fei Sheng's command could have been recruited, but Han Cheng's premature display of murderous intent had missed the opportunity to win them over.

"Once the situation stabilizes, we must reorganize the twelve divisions of the Imperial Guards," Han Cheng said calmly, seated below the Empress Dowager. "With so many vacancies now, it's quite embarrassing and inefficient. I've noticed that many aristocratic youths hold idle positions. Giving them a role will prevent them from causing trouble during these critical times."

The Empress Dowager wore a peacock feather headdress, her hair coiffed neatly, with her temples outlined like a delicate painting. Earrings studded with gold and pearls dangled from her ears. She suited such opulent attire, just as peonies belonged in the grand halls of the wealthy, their regal beauty complementing the gilded splendor. Despite her age, she retained her grace. Playing with a parrot while ignoring Han Cheng, she commented, "The Imperial Guards are for serious duties. They already accommodate many hereditary offspring. Adding more will only lead to their decline. With the defeat of the Eight Banners outside Dan City, not only do we need new blood, but also some pruning."

Han Cheng had been tasked with finding a path for others' wayward sons. Hearing this, he replied, "I share the same sentiment. Tomorrow, I'll discuss it with the Ministry of War and submit a proposal to the cabinet. Empress Dowager, Hai Liangyi is too ill to continue serving. He has dedicated his life to national affairs; it would be unjust to let him perish on duty. A proper arrangement must be made."

He aimed to relieve Hai Liangyi of his post and send him home. The Empress Dowager smiled, tapping her wooden spoon gently before passing it to Aunt Liu Xiang, who stood nearby. She spoke kindly to Han Cheng, "His ailment stems from his heart. It will take time for him to recover. He understands many matters within the six ministries best. How can we hastily send him back to his hometown during such crucial times? Let's wait a little longer."

Han Cheng encountered a subtle refusal but maintained his composure, saying, "Now that the Empress Dowager governs, these decisions naturally lie with you. Since the Eight Banners suffered defeat near Dan City, and Xiao Chiye has fled to Zhongbo, the Ministry of War should dispatch the Qidong garrison as soon as possible to intercept him. Otherwise, once he returns to Liebei, won't the Liebei Calvary receive an additional two thousand reinforcements?"

The Empress Dowager washed her hands and responded, "If you could stop him in Qudu, there would be no need for such concerns. Zhou Gui, the governor of Cizhou, is competent and finds himself in a difficult position. He will have to deal with Liebei in the future, so he surely wouldn't offend them. Xiao Chiye returning to Liebei is inevitable. Even if Qi Zhuyin were sent, it would only result in a direct confrontation with the Liebei Calvary. Discussing troop deployments here is simple, but where will the provisions for the northern campaign come from? Hezhou cannot bear the burden."

"Then we're just letting Xiao Chiye return to Liebei?" Han Cheng stood up, astonished. "That would be like adding wings to a tiger for the Liebei Calvary!"

Empress Dowager was supported by Aunt Liu Xiang as she stood at the entrance of the courtyard, admiring the vibrant colors outside. She said, "Han Cheng, do you really believe that Xiao Chiye's return to Li Bei will necessarily be an asset?"

Han Cheng adopted an attentive posture and respectfully replied, "I fail to understand. I am here to listen to Your Majesty's teachings."

"The moment Xiao Jiming took control of the Li Bei Iron Cavalry from Xiao Fangxu, it took him ten years to achieve what he has today. He is the heart and soul of Li Bei's military." The Empress Dowager couldn't help but smile as she watched Hua Xiangyi chasing butterflies with her maid in the garden. After a while, she continued, "Xiao Chiye has been away from Li Bei for six long years. Now that he returns, he is like a wolf pup intruding into someone else's territory. He claims Jidu is not his home, but he is too young to grasp the meaning behind the changing times. With those two thousand imperial guards, he will gradually realize his incompatibility with Li Bei. Xiao Fangxu has always forcefully maintained a single commander for the Li Bei Iron Cavalry, which is why he remains unshaken. Yet, this is also what might soon become the reason Xiao Chiye finds it hard to fit in. In a pack of wolves fighting for flesh, one must have the determination to kill the former alpha wolf to emerge as the new leader."

The Empress Dowager turned to face Han Cheng with a gentle smile.

"The Xiao family abhors internal strife, but sometimes, there is no other choice. The Xiao family has always been a model of brotherly love, but how long can such camaraderie last when faced with military power? The battlefield is a ruthless place, where countless men shed blood. Yet, the political arena is even more brutal, often resulting in fratricide during power transitions."

Under the Empress Dowager's gaze, Han Cheng seemed to shrink slightly. He hurriedly bowed his head in agreement, saying, "Your Majesty is wise. But since Xiao Jiming is severely injured, it's reasonable for Xiao Chiye to fill the gap."

The Empress Dowager responded, "Is Xiao Jiming dead?"

Han Cheng shook his head.

She continued, "As long as Xiao Jiming is alive, he can still coordinate military affairs from the rear. When Xiao Fangxu returns, he can command the troops on the front lines. This father-son duo holds sway over the Li Bei Iron Cavalry, and many things depend on their mutual understanding. However, Xiao Chiye possesses both the ability to coordinate military affairs and the prowess to fight on the battlefield. His intrusion into this delicate balance, within the highly centralized military authority, could disrupt the tradition of having only one commander for the Li Bei Iron Cavalry. He may not have intentions to replace his father and elder brother, but he will soon realize that Li Bei is not as indivisible as it appears. His return harbors the seeds of division within Li Bei."

This situation was not deliberately orchestrated; it simply unfolded naturally. Its roots were planted the day Xiao Fangxu led the Li Bei Iron Cavalry in resistance against Jidu. No one could predict what consequences it would bring.

"In this world, the mediocre have their own troubles, and geniuses have theirs as well," the Empress Dowager said calmly. "Since there's Xiao Jiming, why would there be a need for Xiao Chiye? Six years isn't too long or short, but it's enough to change many things. Xiao Chiye's pain in Qidu stems from the fact that he's no mediocrity. But after returning to Lubei, he'll continue to be tormented by this pain. When these model brothers, who once cherished each other, realize that killing is their only way out, their suffering will deepen. Whether it's Xiao Jiming stepping down or Xiao Chiye avoiding suspicion, their once-close bond will wither."

Han Cheng felt a chill and a sense of relief in the warm May sunshine.

"The late emperor has been laid to rest, and preparations for the new ruler should be taking shape," the Empress Dowager asked. "You mentioned finding an heir. When will you let me meet this person?"

Bowing slightly, Han Cheng replied, "I've already sent someone to rush to Qidu on horseback. The Empress Dowager can expect to see him within five days at the latest."

The Empress Dowager looked at him and said, "Since you're so certain that he's the imperial heir, you must have some credible evidence. It won't be easy to convince the scholars led by Hai Liangyi. Han Cheng, you'd better prepare yourself."

After accompanying her for a while longer, Han Cheng took his leave. As soon as he left, Hua Xiangyi approached the Empress Dowager, wrapped in a floral shawl.

"Han's family has never climbed this high before. A little breeze has thrown them off balance," the Empress Dowager observed as she watched Han Cheng's departure, walking a few steps with Hua Xiangyi. "Han Jin was defeated in Dancheng. What a fool, with all the advantages, yet he still ended up captured. How can such a person shoulder important responsibilities? Today, Han Cheng came to court, hinting that I should send people to rescue him, not realizing that the reason they kept Han Jin alive is to use him as leverage."

"I've noticed that the Commander has been looking well lately, and when he comes to court to pay his respects, he no longer refers to himself as 'subject'," Hua Xiangyi leaned against the Empress Dowager. "Aunt, his ambitions are great. He prepared this so-called imperial heir long ago, suggesting he may not be content with being the Commander of the Imperial Guards anymore."

"He wants to become a regent," the Empress Dowager plucked a flower from Hua Xiangyi's embrace. "I've already investigated the child he chose. He's not the late emperor's orphan, but merely a distant relative from his hometown. For such a lowly thing to aspire to occupy the Li dynasty's throne is nothing short of delusional."

The Empress Dowager pondered for a moment longer.

Indeed, there was no one else around at the moment.

As the two were conversing, they suddenly noticed Fu Man approaching hastily. He bowed and said obsequiously, "Vice Minister Xue from the Censorate, Minister Xue, requests an audience."

* * *

That very night, Tan Taihu distributed the food as Shen Zechuan had predicted. Han Jin's troops had set out in pursuit with minimal supplies, not carrying much food. However, the Imperial Guards had been starving for days, so they were grateful for a filling meal that night.

Shen Zechuan had grown alarmingly thin since his teacher's departure, but the forest had long been emptied; not even a rabbit could be found. Xiao Chiye saved the white steamed buns and jerky for Shen Zechuan, while he himself ate the same dry bread and watery rice soup as everyone else.

"I've followed Lord's instructions and sent word to Zhou Gui, so he can prepare himself," Tan Taihu said, crouching by the fire. "After we pass Chizhou in two days, Lord will be home!"

Xiao Chiye threw more logs into the fire and replied, "Informing Zhou Gui is to get him to play along with our act. With Han Jin in our hands, he has no choice but to cooperate."

"Talk about perfect timing for Han Jin," Tan Taihu grinned. "Just the other day, we were wondering how we would cross Chizhou, and he just walked right into our trap!"

Shen Zechuan warmed his hands by the fire, saying nothing as he gazed at the flames.

Tan Taihu soaked some hard biscuits and commented, "This kind of food, I ate it back when I was in the Dingzhou garrison years ago. Looking at Zhongbo now, it's almost unrecognizable from before…"

Ding Tao carefully poured a bit of rice from his bowl into his sleeve, feeding the hidden sparrow within. Upon hearing the question, he replied, "It's still tolerable here. If you venture even further east, that's where you'll truly find a world apart."

Ding Tao possessed the gift of a photographic memory, and he still vividly recalled the horrifying scenes he had witnessed six years ago when he accompanied Xiao Chiye on a military campaign to clean up the aftermath in Duanzhou and Dunzhou. He was only ten years old then, freshly armed with his little notebook, just beginning to record events as his father did, which had plagued him with nightmares throughout the journey.

"You passed by after the war, so you've never seen Zhongbo in its prime," Tan Taihu said, his eyes drooping as he gazed at the soup in his bowl. "When I was a child, I accompanied my parents to Dunzhou. It was enormous, almost as bustling as Qudu. During the first day of the new year, the illuminated trees and silver lights on the streets were breathtaking, and the mountain of turtles was beautifully decorated. People jostled against one another...so many people."

Shen Wei was the Duke of Jianxing, and his residence was in Dunzhou. For a moment, they all lowered their heads, no one daring to cast a furtive glance at Shen Zechuan for fear of angering Xiao Chiye. During these few days on the road, the Imperial Guards had also gradually noticed the subtle dynamic between Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye. Rumors of the past were vastly different from the actual experience of facing them.

How were they to regard Shen Zechuan? As a lady? But which lady could command the Imperial Guards to raid a residence thrice? When he beheaded those former subordinates who had once protected Han Jin, not a single commander of the palace guards dared to meet his gaze directly.

Shen Zechuan and Xiao Chiye were vastly different; he didn't resemble the familiar commander the Imperial Guards were accustomed to. He appeared gentle and modest, but during discussions, he seldom altered his stance, even dismissing Tan Taihu directly. He seemed more ruthless than Xiao Chiye. In the past, they privately viewed Shen Zechuan as a beautiful man, a subtle hint of vulnerability attached to power. However, after he donned the scarlet dragon robe, what he had once concealed was exposed, making him distinct from the Shen remnant they knew before. His beauty was no longer something anyone could casually admire; it held a fierce dominance within its allure.

Few in the Imperial Guards dared to meet Shen Zechuan's gaze, except for Ding Tao who remained oblivious. Even Tan Taihu sensed a certain pressure. They obeyed Xiao Chiye and didn't mind his preference for men, but they needed to quickly determine Shen Zechuan's position – Shen Zechuan possessed an authority that could rival Xiao Chiye's, and this was what they found most unsettling these days, a subtle apprehension.

Xiao Chiye gently rubbed his ring, about to speak, when Shen Zechuan turned his palm over and said, "The wild vegetables from Duanzhou are delicious."

The atmosphere eased slightly. As expected, Ding Tao lifted his head and said, "I've heard people talk about them in Libei. Wild greens in Duanzhou during winter are as valuable as gold. I'd love to try them! Sir, do you often have them?"

"In the spring, when the ice and snow melt, my master would choose the tenderest wild vegetables for dumplings," Shen Zechuan replied with a casual tone. His fingertips were spotless, as if the bloodstains had never touched them. He smiled and added, "I don't have them often, which is why I remember them clearly."

Ding Tao swallowed his saliva, carefully jotting down on the notebook, "I want to eat them. We'll definitely have a chance in the future. If I write it down, I won't forget."

Tan Taihu ruffled Ding Tao's hair and scolded with a smile, "Ambition! What rare delicacies haven't you tasted? You're still thinking about wild vegetables!"

Everyone chuckled, diverting the conversation. Shen Zechuan warmed his hands but remained silent.

That night, Xiao Chiye lay on a stone pillow and had yet to fall asleep when a slightly warm oil paper touched his cheek. He sat up, sniffed at Shen Zechuan's hand, and smiled. "Where did these buns come from?"

"From Ding Tao. He brought them back from town for me to save and eat," replied Shen Zechuan as he sat beside Xiao Chiye.

The two sat side by side, their backs to the sleeping forest, facing the river and the starry sky. Xiao Chiye unfolded the oil paper and pushed it towards Shen Zechuan. "Go ahead and eat. It'll get cold if you keep it."

"I'm full. You eat it," said Shen Zechuan.

Xiao Chiye knew that Shen Zechuan had saved it specially for him, so he took it, broke it apart, and held one half for himself while offering the other to Shen Zechuan. Shen Zechuan made a few symbolic bites before letting Xiao Chiye finish it.

"You'll need to decide whether to take the two million dowry to Libei or leave it in7 Ci Prefecture," Xiao Chiye sipped water from his waterskin. "Once Ge Qingqing gets the message, she'll likely keep an eye on the Xi family's business for you. When we reach Libei, Qiao Tianya and Chen Yang should be back by then. At that time, we can buy a new courtyard..."

Xiao Chiye paused, sensing something unusual in the silence. He fell still for a moment.

"Do you have something you want to say to me?"

With the small bamboo fan that never left his hand, Shen Zechuan gazed sidelong at Xiao Chiye and said, "Che An, I cannot go with you to Libei."

He spoke with such tenderness, much like when he had said to Xiao Chiye on the city wall, "Che An, go home."