At dawn, rain began to fall steadily in the capital, and it hadn't stopped by morning.

Rainwater dripped continuously from the eaves outside the Eastern depot's prison, falling onto the dark, smooth bricks below. The lanterns, still burning, swayed gently in the rainy morning breeze, and in the distance, a pair of swallows quickly skimmed across the sky, leaving behind two short, clear chirps.

When Shi Shen emerged with his sleeves gathered, the sky had already brightened.

The fresh and damp rain immediately dissipated the stench and gloom from within the prison. Shi Shen stood upright, lazily inhaling the moist rain air.

The jailers had already raised an umbrella for him, but Shi Shen shook his head and pushed aside the umbrella handle held in front of him.

He kept his sleeves gathered, standing under the eaves with his shoulders relaxed, unhurried, as if waiting for someone.

After a moment, the sound of official boots splashing through the accumulated rain gradually approached from afar, orderly and growing nearer, accompanied by a sense of stern resolve that cut through the rain.

A smile slowly appeared on Shi Shen's face as he looked toward the sound.

The light of the lanterns came closer through the hazy rain. Outside the tall gates of the Eastern depot, a row of fully equipped Brocade Guards marched toward him. Leading the group was Lin Zizhuo, dressed in flying fish-patterned attire.

With a solemn expression and no visible emotion, Lin Zizhuo’s eyes were marked with a dark shadow.

Shi Shen’s gaze followed him leisurely until Lin Zizhuo and his team stopped at the bottom of the steps. Only then did Shi Shen lower his head and give him a casual salute.

“Lord Lin, you’ve finally arrived,” Shi Shen said. “The officials from the Dali Temple and the Ministry of Justice have been waiting inside for some time.”

Lin Zizhuo merely stared coldly at him without responding.

Shi Shen, on the other hand, remained composed.

He slightly turned his body and extended his hand toward Lin Zizhuo. “Lord Lin, please.”

Lin Zizhuo ascended the steps without looking back, not sparing him a glance.

After a night of busy work, it was understandable that no one would be in a good mood.

Shi Shen smiled and unhurriedly followed behind Lin Zizhuo.

Although the Eastern depot’s prison had “Heaven” in its name, it was built deep underground, extending three stories down.

(NT: Eastern depot’s prison is written ‘东厂的天牢’in Chinese whereby ‘天’ is the character for heaven)

Shi Shen followed Lin Zizhuo, descending the deep staircase, with flames flickering on the stone walls and the surrounding air growing thinner.

The Eastern depot was far away from what it once was, but thirty years ago, who in the court did not turn pale at the mention of the Eastern depot’s prison?

Compared to the torture here, being torn apart or executed by slow slicing would be much easier.

At the third level down, there was a spacious hall surrounded by stone walls on all sides. The hall had passages leading to various cells, and occasional screams and wails echoed through, sounding eerie and frightening.

In the centre of the hall sat several officials, each with a different but none-too-pleasant expression.

Behind them stood about ten Eastern depot guards, appearing as if they were in charge of keeping watch over them.

“We are the imperial envoys sent to assist in the investigation. Why are we being detained here!” One official stood up as soon as he saw Shi Shen.

“What crime has Lord Feng committed? The bandit leader speaks nonsense, but without evidence, how can you arbitrarily detain people?” Another official also raised his voice. “You’ve imprisoned Feng Hanxue?”

The eunuch actually had the audacity to do this!

Lin Zizhuo’s pupils constricted as he turned to look at Shi Shen in disbelief.

But Shi Shen appeared completely calm, and said slowly, “I was just focusing on personally interrogating the prisoners. My subordinates were not well-versed in the rules. Please forgive me, esteemed officials.”

As he spoke, he raised his eyes slightly.

The surrounding guards immediately took several steps back, retreating to the edge of the hall.

They still resembled a pack of watchful wolves.

“Why have you detained Lord Feng?” Lin Zizhuo asked. “He is the governor of Suzhou and a court official captured by bandits. What authority do you have to imprison him in the Eastern depot?”

Shi Shen, however, displayed no signs of concern.

“Lord Shi, you should be more aware than I of the crime of unlawfully imprisoning a court official,” Lin Zizhuo’s sharp gaze fixed on him.

“Of course, I know,” Shi Shen replied with a light, airy smile.

“Then why haven’t you released him?”

“What if I had an imperial decree?”

Two of the seated officials exchanged nervous glances, barely perceptible.

Lin Zizhuo’s expression toward Shi Shen had turned somewhat grim and clenched.

He had rushed back to the palace on horseback last night to see the emperor, only to be stopped by the Imperial Guards who informed him that there were suspicions of collusion between his subordinates and the Brocade Guards and the Sacred Lotus Sect. He was ordered to conduct an immediate self-investigation.

He had been detained in the palace for the night, and his subordinates, who were found to be completely innocent, were released.

This sudden turn of events clearly indicated that he had been set up.

Who could it be? There was no one else but the audacious, self-satisfied eunuch before him.

“So, where is the imperial decree?” he demanded, glaring at Shi Shen.

Shi Shen, with a faint smile, lowered his eyes.

At that moment, a vague chant echoed from the narrow, dark corridor behind Shi Shen, which seemed to stretch endlessly.

“Imperial Decree for the Eastern depot Chief Eunuch Shi Shen—”

*

As dawn broke, a pair of swallows perched on the ornate glazed eaves of the Huaiyu Pavilion. The peach blossoms beneath the eaves had shed many petals from the rain of the previous night, leaving a delicate and bright pink powder across the steps.

The last peach blossom pastry was placed on the table, completing the morning meal.

Since it had been so late last night and rain started again when it was time to leave, Fang Linyuan had stayed the night in the side chamber of Huaiyu Pavilion.

Indeed, Zhao Chu’s small kitchen was far more refined than the one in his own residence. The mere presence of the peach blossom pastry on the table filled the air with a sweet aroma of peach blossoms and honey, the sweet and crisp scent even cutting through the dampness of the rain.

Fang Linyuan first helped himself to a bowl of porridge.

Sitting across from him, Zhao Chu was reading the message sent by the Eastern Depot without any pretence, unreservedly in front of Fang Linyuan.

Everything was going according to his plan.

He knew that his father, the Emperor, would not trust anyone completely. As expected, the rumours about the Brocade Guards that he had circulated that night had hindered their actions.

With no one available at midnight, Emperor Hongyou had reluctantly assigned the task of apprehending the suspects to the Eastern Depot, as they were merely a few rebels and not of great importance.

That night, Zhao Chu had handed all the evidence from the Jiangnan assassins to Shi Shen.

Evidence of Feng Hanxue and Qiu Shuo’s private properties in Jiangnan, the hidden letters in Feng Hanxue’s residence, and various records of disaster relief funds were all directed to Sun Bai, who then sent them to Emperor Hongyou.

As expected, Emperor Hongyou was furious and immediately issued an order for Shi Shen to arrest Feng Hanxue, Qiu Shuo, and others, and to thoroughly investigate the officials who had dealings with them.

The subsequent events were much simpler.

Once someone was sent to the Eastern Depot, Zhao Chu had the power to decide whether they lived or died. Before they divulged all their information, even the King of Hell himself couldn't take Feng Hanxue and Qiu Shuo's lives.

As for other matters...

Wu Shunhai had already brought news this morning that the Jiangnan faction officials in the capital were all anxious, desperately trying to clear their names.

While they were preoccupied with their own troubles, the shipyards along the Grand Canal had already set a date for reopening. At that time, the assassins stationed in Jiangnan would use their own transport and watercraft to enter the capital in batches, and be embedded within the vast industries of the Chu family business.

After that, everything would be as easy as turning one's hand.

Across the table, Fang Linyuan had finished half a peach blossom pastry with his porridge and saw that Zhao Chu was still reading the secret letter.

"Why aren’t you eating?" Fang Linyuan asked, genuinely curious, as he leaned in.

Zhao Chu didn't avoid him. As he leaned in, Fang Linyuan saw that the large sheet of paper had only a few terse words, precious as gold.

【The Imperial Decree Has Arrived】

Fang Linyuan looked up at Zhao Chu in surprise.

Was it really worth looking at those few words all morning?

Zhao Chu folded the letter and looked at him.

"Curious?" Zhao Chu tilted his head slightly. The drizzle outside reflected in his eyes, making his gaze sparkling.

Fang Linyuan realized it might be impolite to read someone else's letter and felt a bit embarrassed, retracting his neck slightly.

"Not really," he said.

Zhao Chu nonchalantly placed the letter face up on the table.

"It just tells me that the matter is settled," he explained to Fang Linyuan.

Fang Linyuan was taken aback, clearly not expecting Zhao Chu to share this information.

But after a moment's surprise, he was drawn to the letter itself and asked, "Settled? Does that mean the corrupt officials are about to be arrested?"

"Not so quickly," Zhao Chu replied, placing the letter back on the table. "But as long as the Eastern Depot has received the imperial decree to investigate this matter, they will have the evidence and the lives of Feng Hanxue. No matter who those officials send next, they won’t be able to reverse the situation."

Fang Linyuan's eyes lit up.

"Then, they will probably try to find a scapegoat to survive," he said.

Zhao Chu looked at him with some surprise, studying him for a moment before asking, "Why are you so pleased?"

“Of course!” Fang Linyuan raised his eyebrows at Zhao Chu and said, “To tackle a coalition of forces, you must first sow discord among them before you can pick them off one by one. Those officials are deeply entrenched and crafty, with many hidden escape routes. As long as we can bring down one or two of them, the connections and trust they have built will collapse entirely.”

He looked at Zhao Chu with a smile. “Am I right?”

He was quite right.

Zhao Chu had long known that the faction of officials led by Sang Zhixin had been entrenched in the court for many years, and one case of corruption was not enough to dismantle them in one fell swoop. This was only the first step. Like in a chess game, when the situation begins to break, the surface remains calm, hiding the undercurrents beneath.

Thus, Zhao Chu had no visible change in emotion. When he was pondering over the letter, he was merely mapping out the influence of the Jiangnan faction within the court.

But he had not expected to see the joy and high-spirited light in Fang Linyuan's eyes, as if all his efforts had truly led to a momentous victory worth celebrating.

Zhao Chu could not quite describe this feeling.

He had always felt that the world was a cold, boundless river, but at this moment, he realized it might not be so.

It was as if, for nearly twenty years of his life, spent in endless darkness, he had never once seen the sunrise.

Though the rain outside had not stopped, the clouds were gradually clearing. Bright sunlight pierced through the gaps in the clouds, turning the drizzling rain into sparkling gold.

As the sunlight illuminated everything, the surging undercurrents became waves of glittering gold.

Zhao Chu realized that the river of the world flowed with shimmering light.

He paused for a moment, averted his gaze, and pretended to prepare for breakfast, picking up the nearest piece of peach blossom pastry.

“Yes, you’re right,” he replied.

“You have a delicate stomach; start with the porridge,” Fang Linyuan, completely unaware of Zhao Qian’s thoughts, promptly pushed the porridge towards him. “Miss Juan Su is busy every day; don’t make her worry about your health.”

However, the person suddenly bathed in the radiant sunlight was not thinking of such things.

Standing at the river’s edge, radiant with light, he only wanted to offer something to the red sun.

But having spent so long in the dark, he felt cold and lifeless from head to toe. He searched his surroundings and found nothing to offer, feeling that anything he had would only taint the sunlight.

After a moment, he looked up at Fang Linyuan.

“In a few days, the Emperor will probably summon you,” he said. “You should start thinking about what kind of reward you want.”

Fang Linyuan was taken aback. “What?”

“Reward,” Zhao Chu repeated.

“But you brought the people to the capital, and the testimony was gathered by the Brocade Guards,” Fang Linyuan said in confusion. “Why would His Majesty reward me?”

“Feng Hanxue and Sun Bai were both captured by your own hands,” Zhao Chu underlined.

Fang Linyuan was even more puzzled. “But wasn’t this all part of your plan?”

Zhao Chu did not respond further and quietly picked up his spoon.

After today, Emperor Hongyou would learn from the testimonies that Fang Linyuan was the greatest contributor to this case.

Had Fang Linyuan not noticed in time last night, Sun Bai would have escaped again, and Feng Hanxue would have been killed and silenced by the officials in the capital. As for the Sacred Lotus Sect members who entered the capital... they would have continued to cause unrest, leaving the city in chaos and fear.

Now that they were all in hand, whether the outcome was good or bad was entirely up to Zhao Chu.

Though his methods were dirty, he knew that as long as he removed himself from the victory, only the dazzling glory would remain.

Enough to be offered to the sun.

*

Fang Linyuan thought Zhao Chu’s words that day were baseless speculation.

Two days later, the Brocade Guards concluded the case. The captured members of the Sacred Lotus Sect were all executed, while Suzhou’s governor Feng Hanxue, the salt transport official Qiu Shuo, and others involved in quelling the rebellion, were punished for embezzling disaster relief funds, bribing officials, and selling official positions. They were temporarily detained in the Brocade Guards' dungeon, and all related officials in the capital were examined one by one.

The incident caused a stir throughout the capital.

It turned out that last year’s disaster relief funds from Jiangnan had all ended up in the hands of the notorious corrupt official Feng Hanxue. He used this money to bribe the newly arrived salt transport official and, through this official, bought his way into the Ministry of Revenue.

The Ministry of Revenue officials covered up his embezzlement and beautified his performance at the end of last year, awarding him a top grade. If this case had not been exposed, he would have been promoted to the capital next year. What would have happened to the many innocent people who died unjustly?

In just a few days, even the streets and alleys were singing the nursery rhyme: “Suzhou, a fine place, where gold and silver can save lives; a thousand lives buy a minister.”

Fang Linyuan also received a decree from the capital summoning him to the Imperial Study.

Inside the Imperial Study, Emperor Hongyou, now with streaks of silver in his hair and a weary expression, looked at Fang Linyuan with a hint of satisfaction in his eyes.

“This time, it’s thanks to you again,” Emperor Hongyou said, raising his hand to let Fang Linyuan sit down. “If you hadn’t captured those rebels in time, how long would it have taken for me to realize that my realm was on the brink of being eaten away by these pests?”

“Your Majesty, please do not be angry,” Fang Linyuan said earnestly from below the steps. “The people of Jiangnan have suffered greatly and faced corrupt officials. It is precisely the time for Your Majesty to take charge for them.”

“I understand what you mean,” Emperor Hongyou nodded. “I have already dispatched the Deputy Minister of Revenue, Yuan Honglang, with relief funds to the south. As for those people in the capital…”

Here, Emperor Hongyou paused, his gaze revealing a hint of complexity.

“It’s been many years; it’s time to investigate thoroughly.”

“Your Majesty is wise,” Fang Linyuan said.

“I have called you today for your own matter,” Emperor Hongyou said. “You have achieved another great success for me this time, and I must reward you properly to honour the loyal and upright officials of the court.”

Fang Linyuan was startled and immediately recalled what Zhao Chu had said a few days ago.

Zhao Chu had been so certain about him thinking of a reward. Could he have guessed today's outcome at that time?

While Fang Linyuan was lost in thought, Emperor Hongyou continued, “However, you were only recently rewarded and given titles and honours. It may not be appropriate to grant another reward in such a short time.”

Saying this, he picked up the document from the desk and said, “After much thought, I have selected a few fine estates. Please have a look and see if any of them suit your preference.”

Imperial estates were a rare honour, even more prestigious than titles. Few princes and princesses throughout history had received such a reward.

Fang Linyuan was taken aback and immediately knelt down, saying, “Your Majesty’s reward is too precious; I dare not accept it.”

“It’s just an estate,” Emperor Hongyou said in a gentle tone. “With summer approaching, you can take your family to enjoy the cool there.”

“Other than this, I do not know what else I can offer you. Ah, yes, I forgot to ask you if there is anything you wish for.”

Fang Linyuan remained kneeling.

The Emperor was asking him what reward he wanted…

There was only one thing left.

After a moment, Fang Linyuan trembled slightly as he bowed deeply, knocking his head on the ground before Emperor Hongyou.

“Your Majesty, I have devoted myself to Your Majesty’s subjects and to Daxuan, without hesitation,” he said. “Such special favours are beyond my deserving, but I have only one wish. I implore Your Majesty to grant it to me.”

Emperor Hongyou on the high platform was silent for a moment and then sighed.

"Last time you returned victorious, I would have rather married Huining to you than grant your request," he said.

"To this day, is what you seek still the same?"

"Yes," Fang Linyuan replied, continuing to bow deeply. "I have no other desires; I only wish to secure an imperial title for my elder sister-in-law to honour the spirit of my late brother."

*

His elder brother had died at the age of barely twenty, still young, and with their father recently deceased, there was no time to inherit the title or secure an honour for his elder sister-in-law.

When news of his death reached the capital, it was far from honourable in the eyes of others.

The memorials and reports that came in one after another almost led to the loss of the title of Duke Anping, and his elder sister-in-law had even less chance of receiving an honour.

At that time, Fang Linyuan did not know how many times he had cried through the cold nights at Hulao Pass, clenching his teeth.

His elder brother was nothing like the rumours that said he had taken his own life out of guilt. He died heroically, his reputation and life all sacrificed for Fang Linyuan.

Their father had died on the battlefield, and in a desperate moment, it was his elder brother who led the troops out of the city to confront the Turks.

But his most trusted subordinate betrayed him in that battle. His elder brother, isolated and deep in enemy territory, waited a long time without reinforcements, and was captured by the Turkish commander, pushed down before the battlefield.

At that time, Hulao Pass had only Fang Linyuan as a general.

At just over ten years old, he climbed the city walls and saw the Turkish commander on the opposite battlefield with a triumphant expression.

The commander, taking advantage of Fang Linyuan's youth and compassion, held his elder brother hostage and threatened him, demanding that he open the city gates and surrender immediately, or else his elder brother’s flesh would be cut up on the battlefield.

That was the last time Fang Linyuan saw his brother smile at him.

His brother smiled and nodded from afar, and Fang Linyuan saw him say, "Good child, do not be afraid."

He died on the Turkish sabers, fulfilling Fang Linyuan's loyalty, but his body was trampled into nothingness by the Turkish horses.

*

The Emperor sighed.

That day, the eunuch delivering the decree arrived at the Duke Anping's residence, bringing with him the imperial edict that conferred Lady Song Zhaojin with the title of Second-Rank Lady of Yanzhou and granted her an estate of two thousand households, to be maintained by her descendants forever.

The estate was also requested by Fang Linyuan—Yanzhou City, where his elder brother had been stationed while their father was still alive.

When Zhao Chu arrived at Jiyue Hall, he saw Song Zhaojin seated in the hall, holding the imperial edict with both hands, her eyes brimming with tears, and her expression lacking its usual brightness.

Fang Linyuan sat beside her, still smiling and comforting her.

"Why are you crying, elder sister-in-law? This is a good thing. Two thousand households, after all! I specifically requested this from the Emperor. You should have the servant girl calculate how much this will add to your private coffers each year."

Song Zhaojin wiped her tears and choked up, "I should go offer a stick of incense for your brother. If he could see you now, he would be very pleased."

Hearing this, Fang Linyuan's eyes also reddened.

"Why say such things..." he said, still smiling, though his voice was somewhat choked.

"He always cared for you the most; he would want to see you like this," Song Zhaojin said.

Seeing this, Fang Changnian approached with a handkerchief to help Song Zhaojin wipe her tears.

Fang Linyuan, fearing to cause his elder sister-in-law more sorrow, made an effort to maintain his smile.

As Changnian approached, Fang Linyuan turned to look at him, intending to have her comfort his mother, but at that moment, he caught sight of Changnian’s eyes looking up at him.

His appearance was strikingly similar to his elder brother's, especially those eyes, which were just like his brother’s when he was young.

Did his elder brother see this?

He had steadfastly defended Hulao Pass, recaptured eighteen cities in Longxi, and finally secured the imperial title for his elder sister-in-law. Although she was often tearful, there had been many happy moments for her over the years, and Changnian had been well-raised.

If only his elder brother could see...

At that moment, Fang Linyuan's emotions overwhelmed him, and tears he had struggled to hold back finally fell.

He quickly looked away, raising his head, only to find Zhao Chu standing outside the door, looking at him.

As the tears he had held back for so long finally fell, his gaze met Zhao Chu's.

 

--

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Zhao Chu: He’s so dazzling, doesn’t he have any regard for his own life?

 

Translator : DarNan