Chapter 31: Captain Wu, aren't we being a bit too intimate?

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Throughout history, the evolution of the Hundred Riders Division relied on at least three generations of trainers... and emperors. During the Wu Zhou period, the reigns of Emperor Zhongzong and Emperor Xuanzong each saw large-scale promotions and expansions. By Emperor Xuanzong's time, the Hundred Riders had grown into ten thousand, occupying two positions directly within the Northern Bureau.

At that time, the six armies of the Northern Bureau and the sixteen guards of the Southern Bureau formed a prolonged standoff.

Yet today, the true guardians of Chang’an and the surrounding capital region remain the palace troops under the Twelve Guards.

Securing the Empress Dowager’s support was not difficult. Taking advantage of the current turmoil to expand the Hundred Riders as the emperor’s personal army was, in essence, a way to strengthen her influence.

Moreover, she bore no risk—at most, she would contribute funds; the real work and loyalty came from Wu An.

Even if eliminating two chancellors at once seemed too dangerous, if she could not protect Wu An, she could abandon him later and take direct control of the expanded Hundred Riders herself.

Who could resist a windfall gained without effort?

Pei Judao was somewhat puzzled by this young man’s thoughts. Having entered officialdom through family connections and steadily built his career, he now held the post of General of the Jinwu Guard, enjoying considerable benefits enough to comfortably support his family.

In comparison, this young man’s rapid ascent had surpassed over eighty percent of officials in the Tang bureaucracy.

From a disgraced criminal to the resolute Captain of the Guoyi Guard...

Pei Judao heard the youth say slowly, “His Majesty has appointed me as Acting Captain under the Hundred Riders Division.”

Acting Captain? Another promotion?

Pei Judao’s long-silent heart suddenly stirred—not with envy, but with a keen awareness that in officialdom, progress this rapid came at a price.

“The troop strength and deployments of the Jinwu Guard cannot be shared with you in detail. Though these numbers are not strictly secret, they involve certain protocols.”

Pei Judao pondered, then suddenly asked, “Is this the Empress Dowager’s will?”

Wu An smiled: “Though not a top secret, it’s not yet appropriate to tell you directly.”

What seemed like him deflecting Pei Judao’s question was actually because the Empress Dowager was not yet informed. Wu An intended to lay the groundwork carefully before formally approaching her.

Wu An had no interest in probing the internal structure of the Jinwu Guard but earnestly inquired about military protocols, including patrol schedules and access points for troops around Chang’an city. He committed each detail to memory.

These matters were not easily discussed openly, but with his rank as Acting Captain, even if Pei Judao withheld information, Wu An could consult others and obtain answers.

Moreover, rising through the ranks signaled the emperor’s and Empress Dowager’s concurrent favor. Pei Judao, uninterested in power, would not dare offend such a figure recklessly.

Having acquired what he sought, Wu An did not linger on idle talk, deliberately ignored the scroll of Wang Xizhi’s calligraphy still on the desk, and took his leave.

Pei Judao picked up the scroll and was about to speak when Wu An said, “Thank you, uncle, for spending time with your nephew today. I am deeply grateful for your mentorship. Yesterday, I also found a copy of a music score said to be by Xie An of the Jin dynasty. I don’t know if it’s genuine, but I wanted to give it to you to enjoy.”

A piece from the Jin era, by Xie An?

Pei Judao swallowed hard as Wu An rose to depart.

What needed to be understood was mostly settled. Tomorrow he must seek out the Empress Dowager and finalize the expansion of the Hundred Riders.

Whether or not she later came to claim the spoils, the military power in his hands would naturally rise.

Only with troops could one feel secure.

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As he stepped outside, he looked up and saw Pei Yun standing in the courtyard, dressed in a white gown patterned with lotus flowers, admiring the blossoms. He approached to greet her.

Pei Yun was so absorbed she startled, instinctively pulling back her fair neck. On her mature and beautiful face, a few traces of girlish bewilderment appeared.

“Captain Wu...?”

“Greetings, Crown Princess.”

Pei Yun pressed her lips, replying coolly, “The Eastern Palace has its master; I am no longer the Crown Princess.”

“Your servant greets Lady Pei.”

She gave a slight nod, her gaze flickering over Wu An as she said softly, “I understand Captain Wu’s kind intentions, but...”

“Your servant only wishes to express gratitude for your words of rescue yesterday.”

Pei Yun bit her lip. She had heard the Empress Dowager herself say that this black-clad youth had cleanly and decisively killed two chancellors, a ruthless act that made her wary of associating with such a warrior.

Yet standing face to face, she found it hard to believe.

Such a gentle and handsome youth could not have committed such dreadful deeds.

“The Crown Prince once told me when we were in the Eastern Palace: Spring flowers fade early, summer flowers break easily, autumn flowers are too sorrowful, only the winter plum is stubbornly charming.”

She gazed at the white plum blossoms, speaking softly:

“With the seasons changing, I wonder, Captain Wu, which flowers do you favor?”

“Of course, I prefer flowers that bring wealth...” Wu An pondered for a moment, then said slowly, “Coincidentally, your servant also likes plum blossoms.”

After exchanging a few words with Pei Yun and seeing her mood brighten somewhat, he wished to continue but decisively took his leave without lingering or entangling.

Still just a plain warrior without refinement?

Pei Yun was somewhat taken aback. Her clear eyes reflected the resolute figure of the black-clad youth as he departed, leaving her momentarily distracted.

She stood alone once more in the courtyard, clad in white.

...

“Speak up!” Shangguan Wan’er sat across the desk, her expression displeased.

“Why weren’t you home last night?”

“I spent the night with an imperial censor from the Dali Court.”

“Then you really did kill those two...” Shangguan Wan’er’s mouth opened, momentarily forgetting her usual composure, gesturing frantically, “Those two chancellors—did you really kill them?”

“I strangled them with my own hands. No doubt about it.”

Wu An glanced at her. “Pour some water.”

Shangguan Wan’er responded with an “Oh,” reaching to pour, then suddenly set down the cup and asked, “Do you know which family the Empress Dowager intends to marry you into?”

“I’m not like you. As one close to the Empress Dowager, how would I know?”

Hearing the words “close” did not bring a smile to Shangguan Wan’er’s face. After a pause, she said quietly, “I have nothing more to say tonight. I’m going back.”

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Wu An knew she was displeased and, unwilling to coax her, said bluntly:

“I brought you something from the street today.”

Shangguan Wan’er rose to leave but sat down again upon hearing this, her voice cold: “I am a palace maid. I cannot accept bribes from outsiders.”

“I have no money and can’t give you anything valuable, just some snacks. I didn’t know your favorite, so I bought a variety.”

Wu An produced several small packages wrapped in oiled paper and tied with thin strings, placing them before her.

Shangguan Wan’er stared at him suspiciously: “Why are you suddenly giving me these?”

Wu An sighed, fixing his gaze on her.

“We Tang people admire women with fullness, but you are so slender. Life in the palace must be hard for you.”

Avoiding her eyes, he toyed with his brush absentmindedly.

“You know, what I do now is walking on the edge of a knife. One misstep, and you might never see me again.”

Shangguan Wan’er’s heart skipped a beat, recalling how she knelt before the Empress Dowager yesterday.

Was she truly just mourning the loss of a kindred spirit?

Frowning, her expression returned to indifference as she reached for the snacks. But in the next moment, Wu An’s hand pressed firmly on the back of hers, holding it fast.

Shangguan Wan’er looked up in disbelief, eyes wide, and tried to withdraw, but Wu An grunted in dissatisfaction:

“You want to eat for free?”

“Let go of my hand...”

“First, you have to agree to write me a few more calligraphy pieces tonight. I want to give them as gifts. You have to make them look good.”

“All right, all right, just let go.”

Wu An released her hand, seemingly unaware of how forward his action had been. Shangguan Wan’er felt her heart pound fiercely, awkwardly withdrawing her hand, her gaze somewhat dazed.

A moment later, with brushes and ink prepared, Shangguan Wan’er found herself struggling to hold the brush. Without looking up, she asked coldly, “What do you want me to write?”

Wu An pondered briefly, then slowly recited:

“Except for the three feet of snow upon your body, who in the world deserves to wear white?”

Shangguan Wan’er’s brush halted; her breath caught.

After a moment, she looked down at her own clothing with an inexplicable impulse and trembled as she asked, “Only half a verse? What comes next?”

“Next?” Wu An raised an eyebrow. “There is no next.”

She stared at him, a bite of irritation rising within.