Chapter Eleven: Brothers, Brothers
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The rumble of wheels and the neighing of horses marked the departure of the procession from the city.
On the third day after returning to Chang’an, Wu An led dozens of armored soldiers out of the imperial city, accompanied by the sullen-faced Hao Chujun, who rode silently behind.
He was not worried at all about any “treasonous” items being found in his home. This confidence stemmed not only from his years of cautious governance but also from his pride in bearing the title of Left Prime Minister, granted by the Son of Heaven of the Great Tang.
He was the reigning chancellor—who dared to harm him?
He made no attempt to persuade Wu An further, but the latter suddenly spoke:
“I have fought many battles in Hexi, personally killing dozens of rebel slaves. In the final engagement, I led a night raid to break the siege; all my comrades fell, and I alone returned with the heads of the enemy.”
“Could it be, in your eyes, Lord Hao, that my military achievements pale in comparison to Li Jingxuan’s disastrous defeat and loss of territory?”
“The Great Tang was founded by military merit,” Hao Chujun said calmly, avoiding Wu An’s gaze as he looked ahead, “but only discipline can secure and stabilize a nation.”
“Understood,” Wu An nodded and urged his horse onward.
Hao’s residence was not far from the imperial city, nestled within a nearby ward.
When more than twenty armored cavalrymen from the Hundred Riders Division charged into the ward, they were immediately blocked by the patrolling Jinwu Guards.
Among the Twelve Guards of Chang’an, the Jinwu were responsible for city patrols and curfew enforcement.
Dozens, even hundreds, of armored soldiers gathered at the ward’s gate, blocking their path.
“Hao’s residence is the Left Prime Minister’s mansion. Without an official order, entry is prohibited—”
Wu An produced a silver fish-shaped token, his voice cold: “I act under the Empress Dowager’s command. Please do not cause unnecessary trouble.”
Before the Jinwu captain could respond, Wu An spurred his steed forward in a sudden charge, forcing the crowd aside. The twenty or so Hundred Riders followed suit, galloping into the ward.
The pounding of hooves on the pavement stirred a wave of startled gazes.
As the horses came to a halt, Wu An paid no heed to the eager or excited looks of his men; instead, he raised a hand and pointed ahead.
“Search thoroughly!”
In the next moment, the vermilion gates of the Hao residence burst open.
Watching the armored soldiers dismount and storm into his home, Hao Chujun clenched his fist tightly atop his horse.
This was outright provocation!
He cast a long, hard glance at the young man standing at his own doorway and already began plotting.
By the morrow’s court session, I will have you killed.
For now, make all the noise you want.
...
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Di Renjie stood at the palace gate, glancing at Duke Wu Chengsi beside him. The two exchanged formal greetings and a few words of pleasantry, their manner warm as if old friends.
Once their backs were turned, Di Renjie’s smile softened, but a trace of disdain flickered in Wu Chengsi’s eyes.
Suddenly, Wu Chengsi spoke:
“Have you heard about the recent events?”
Di Renjie’s smile remained steady, though with some hesitation: “What events?”
Rumors often circulated in Chang’an’s markets about Di Renjie’s near-divine case-solving skills. That even he had moments of unawareness surprised Wu Chengsi, who snorted quietly and said casually:
“That ruffian from Hexi.”
“Oh... I have heard something,” Di Renjie replied, studying him briefly before shaking his head slightly. “Only bits and pieces. What does Duke Wu think?”
He was just a...
Wu Chengsi stopped himself mid-sentence, forcing a smile:
“He has reunited with family, even the Empress Dowager recognizes him. Naturally, I should be pleased.”
Di Renjie nodded in agreement.
“If the Empress Dowager says so, it must be true. Although I have never met the man, I heard he is a brave general with military merits—a decent fellow by all accounts.”
“He’s no brave general—just a criminal, a lowly soldier who fled back hoping to cling to relatives,” Wu Chengsi scoffed instinctively.
“In my opinion, he only got lucky escaping with his life. At best, he’s fit to grovel underfoot like a dog.”
Di Renjie twirled something inside his sleeve, observing Wu Chengsi’s expression. He detected a faint smugness and, judging by the tone, Wu Chengsi was certain this man would never rise to power.
In reverse, Wu Chengsi was confident he could keep this so-called relative, Wu An, under control.
Di Renjie chuckled inwardly but did not press Wu Chengsi for more, merely echoing a few remarks. Unwittingly, this led Wu Chengsi to disparage Wu An further.
“That Wu An is just a...”
“Duke Wu speaks truly.”
“Di Gong, you don’t know— I almost wish...”
“Duke Wu’s actions are indeed commendable.”
An elder eunuch approached and signaled them to follow. The two entered the hall one after another, bowing respectfully to the figure bent over the dragon desk reviewing documents.
“Your Majesty.”
“Nephew greets Your Majesty.”
The Empress Dowager laid down her brush, lifting her gaze to them, eyes settling on Di Renjie.
Understanding, Di Renjie began reporting a few minor court affairs. Wu Chengsi listened silently, initially finding the discussion normal. Gradually, however, he noticed Di Renjie mention a certain person.
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“By imperial edict, I spoke with Wu An yesterday. He is fully informed.”
Di Renjie added slowly:
“In my observation, this man appears fiercely resolute but is truly patient, vengeful, and unforgiving.”
Had Di Renjie already met Wu An?
Wu Chengsi shuddered, recalling his earlier words to Di Renjie. His once plump face had paled noticeably.
The Empress Dowager sat behind the dragon desk in silent contemplation.
At first, she genuinely hoped to nurture a young talent, to skillfully build his power base in court so he could serve her interests.
But now it seemed one could only focus on the present. Even if the future was visible, who would truly care?
To kill the goose that laid the golden egg, to quench thirst by drinking poison—such was the way of things.
“He has already been ordered to search the Left Prime Minister’s private residence. If any evidence of bribery is found, he will be prosecuted,” the Empress Dowager declared.
Upon hearing this, Di Renjie paused briefly, then said calmly:
“Just now, outside the hall, I spoke with Duke Wu. He also believes the Empress Dowager’s actions are justified. A sharp sword must be tempered.”
The Empress Dowager’s gaze shifted, and Wu Chengsi trembled slightly.
He was fond of collecting treasures and accepting gold and silver, but he did not realize the existence of something called old silver coins.
The Empress Dowager had clearly shown her intent to empower this man. Wu Chengsi knew her temperament well: if he stubbornly opposed or showed defiance, she would not hesitate to eliminate him as a threat.
If Di Renjie revealed everything he had just said, she certainly would act.
Di Renjie looked at him.
He returned the gaze.
“Di Gong...”
Wu Chengsi’s eyes were filled with bitterness. He had not expected that Di Renjie, sensing his smugness earlier, had quietly set a trap.
“If you have something to say, speak it. Why stare at him so?” the Empress Dowager said coldly.
“This...” Wu Chengsi felt pained. He could not fathom Di Renjie’s true attitude but dared not take a gamble. He could only speak with reluctance:
“Nephew... actually found evidence of the Left Prime Minister’s family taking bribes, and wished to present it to Your Majesty.”
He forced a strained smile:
“Nephew... only wants to do something for his brother, to help him.”