Chapter 48: The Underdog, the Bot, and a Gathering of Talents
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The trees planted by predecessors provide shade for those who come after.
When Crown Prince Li Hong was still alive, he indeed possessed the magnanimity and kindness befitting his status as heir apparent.
The late Consort Xiao had two daughters raised within the Yeting Palace. Upon seeing his two half-sisters living in quarters meant for servants, Crown Prince Li Hong was deeply shocked and immediately petitioned his father, the emperor, to release them.
These two daughters were Princess Yiyang and Princess Xuancheng, both nearly forty years old at the time.
Their mother, Consort Xiao, had a bitter enmity with the Empress Dowager. Upon learning of their situation, the Empress Dowager promptly arranged for them to be married off to two rough military captains of the garrison troops, without any dowry. According to protocol, these men were to be promoted to commanders upon marriage.
Although the Empress Dowager disliked them, both the late Crown Prince Li Hong and the current Crown Prince Li Xian took care of the two princesses and their husbands.
The two captains treated the princesses fairly well. In the past two years, they had been promoted to posts within the Imperial Guard. After another year or two, they might be assigned official positions outside the capital, allowing the princesses to move beyond the Empress Dowager’s watchful eye and live with more freedom.
Wu An set down the paper he was holding and muttered to himself, “These two aren’t completely out of reach; we just need to prepare some funds.”
He looked at the elderly man sitting before him and said, “Give some money.”
First, a burst of gold coins.
King Han, Li Yuanjia, was contemplating something. Hearing this, he looked incredulous and pointed at himself.
“You want money from me?”
A wave of absurdity surged within him. Laughing bitterly in anger, he said, “I’ve heard that the Empress Dowager often rewards you with large sums.”
“All of it has been distributed to the soldiers.”
“I don’t believe you haven’t kept a single coin for yourself.”
“What use does a dying man have for money?”
“Won’t you keep some for that favorite lady of yours who serves as a female attendant in the palace?”
“If I die, she dies with me. That’s something she’s long understood. The woman the Empress Dowager first intended for me wasn’t the late Crown Princess but her.”
Li Yuanjia laughed until tears came to his eyes. He patted the desk and stood, walking to the window and pushing it open. The warmth in the room immediately dissipated, replaced by a biting cold.
“I thought you were an unreasonable brute, but I didn’t expect you to possess some tenderness after all. Rest assured, after the Xuanwu Gate incident, many old comrades from the Tianze Army became heroes of the new dynasty. Given the Crown Prince’s character, he wouldn’t betray those who helped him.
“A mere female attendant? When the time comes, you’ll be rewarded with marriage—made a concubine in a golden chamber, giving you a home in Chang’an.”
Wu An’s gaze flickered momentarily, regaining clarity in an instant, and he said coldly, “There’s no need to discuss future matters now. I want money and people. If you can’t provide people, then the money must be sufficient.”
“The money can be given to you, only more, never less!”
Li Yuanjia suddenly turned and stared at the young man sitting upright before him, his voice low and stern.
“But you must remember who is giving you that money.”
“Furthermore...”
Li Yuanjia paused thoughtfully before continuing slowly, “The woman you’re to marry is the late Crown Princess. She represents both the court and the late Crown Prince. You may marry her.”
Wu An frowned slightly, but before he could respond, Li Yuanjia added, “On the night you marry her, she must die suddenly.”
This was neither the price of the money nor interest on a loan.
Pei Ju, the father of the Pei family woman, was merely a general who gained his post through family connections, but her marriage to the late Crown Prince elevated her status considerably in the Hedong Pei clan.
Marrying her to a mere brute would still raise the latter’s standing.
Perhaps this was not the Crown Prince’s intention, but bringing it up now meant Wu An must comply.
Disobedience would signify an unwillingness to show loyalty to the Crown Prince.
Wu An’s eyes scanned the sheets on the table, reflecting countless names and official titles. He took a deep breath; the smell of ink was almost suffocating, nauseating.
“My lord.”
Hearing the voice, Li Yuanjia’s lips curled slightly.
Calling someone a mad dog was only an insult used in hostility. If they were on the same side, Wu An was more like a lone wolf.
Precisely because of this, he needed to be tamed.
Talk of “face” was mere pretense. The real concern was that marrying the Pei woman might give Wu An the chance to break free of control. He could not be allowed to marry her.
“I salute you, my lord, but have you thought about what you truly are?”
Li Yuanjia’s face turned cold again. He saw the black-clad youth rise.
Wu An looked at him, voice full of defiance, enunciating each word:
“You, a royal prince, dare ask me for a token of allegiance?”
Though he did not understand the phrase “token of allegiance,” Li Yuanjia grasped the meaning and sneered.
“Many will have you kneel in the future. The more you try to stand now, the more it will hurt when you fall... I won’t use the court’s power to suppress you, but even by the standard of ‘equal status for marriage,’ which part of that do you qualify for?”
Li Yuanjia’s gaze shifted away, sighing deeply.
“The Crown Prince has the bearing of Emperor Taizong. As long as you obey, you can rest assured about the future.”
...
When a footprint is left in the snow, it is soon covered again. Those who come after cannot see the path and must struggle through the snow.
Many parts of the palace still bore snowdrifts. Upon waking, many palace servants took brooms to sweep it away, creating a lively scene.
Passing by, Wu An noticed many palace maids had red and purple marks on their hands—frostbite.
“Are palace servants allowed to make fires for warmth?”
“No, not before. The palace insisted on thrift. Later, the Empress Dowager showed mercy, saying life was hard for servants, so every year the palace allocated extra funds for coal and firewood, specifically for them to warm themselves.”
“Then why are they still so cold?”
“Some high-ranking servants who serve as female attendants receive two or three sets of winter clothing as a matter of protocol. Besides that, the emperor or noblewomen in the harem sometimes give extra clothes, money, and food during festivals and ceremonies.
“The rest... many wear paper garments and inevitably struggle outside.”
“Paper garments?”
“It’s said you were once a commoner. Haven’t you worn paper clothes before? They’re stuffed with cottonwood fluff and can keep you warm enough.”
Wu An shook his head and asked, “Even those in the palace wear such poor clothing?”
“The women of Yeting Palace—even newborns—are all considered guilty. Why should criminals wear fine clothes?”
“No one is born guilty.”
Hearing this, Shangguan Wan’er paused, her rosy cheeks breaking into a gentle smile. Her eyes curved beautifully, smiling subtly without showing teeth, creating a soft, innocent expression rarely seen.
“Feeling better?”
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“Mm.”
Wu An followed her back to her chamber. Shangguan Wan’er whispered a few words of caution. Soon, Wu An recognized a familiar face.
“Nephew, greetings to aunt.”
“How is the matter of the Crown Prince?”
“One night this month, before Xuanwu Gate, mutinous soldiers stormed the palace.”
The Empress Dowager showed a satisfied smile, nodding slightly before saying,
“Pei Ju is a general of the Jinwu Guards. After this incident, I will grant you a higher rank and a noble title befitting the Pei family.”
“Thank you, aunt, for your great kindness.”
“No need to thank me yet.”
The Empress Dowager said calmly,
“Your five hundred soldiers may not be fully loyal. If there is conflict, without armor, they might not hold the East Palace troops. I have arranged some men from the Sixteen Guards to ambush at the North Gate. They will respond at any time, and the troops will obey your orders.”
“Nephew... keep this firmly in mind.”
At that moment, Wu An wanted to ask if the emperor truly knew of these matters, but he quickly realized that the emperor likely only intended to suppress the Crown Prince, not launch full-scale action against the East Palace.
This implied the emperor was settling on a successor.
That was why the Empress Dowager seized this opportunity.
“Under no circumstances must the Crown Prince be harmed.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Wu An bowed deeply, awaiting permission to rise, but she did not speak.
After a moment, the Empress Dowager gently tapped the desk and asked,
“How have I treated you in the past month?”
“You have been infinitely gracious; I can never forget it.”
“But when I gave you the Hexi soldiers that day, you told them you were like them—without family or connections in Chang’an?”
Wu An’s bow deepened.
“I have treated you well, haven’t I?” she asked.
“The Empress Dowager is merciful; I remember well.”
“Then remember this.”
She spoke calmly,
“Think more when you act, and rein in your stubborn nature.”
As Wu An left the chamber, a young man in a green official robe stood outside. His face was delicate, handsome, tall and slender, slightly shorter than Wu An.
Seeing Wu An, he immediately approached.
“Are you Captain Wu?”
“Yes.”
“I am Ming Chongyan, a humble man. The Empress Dowager trusts me to observe and interpret the qi and faces of those around her.”
His smile was friendly as he appraised Wu An, admiringly saying,
“Captain Wu, with your fierce mustache and tiger-like appearance, you are a natural warrior. You will add to the glory of the Tang’s martial virtue.”
Wu An said nothing. He had heard of Ming Chongyan but had never met him before.
Some said Ming was a charlatan who had merely won favor by luck, while others claimed he was a sage with divine insight.
Wu An tended to think others cleverer, but he knew there were indeed many rulers foolish enough to believe in immortality.
“Greetings, sir.”
Ming grinned broadly,
“People say you’re rough and blunt, but I find that endearing. No need for such formalities.”
He clapped Wu An on the shoulder.
“The Empress Dowager and you spoke earlier. I feared you might not have listened carefully, so I came to repeat it.”
How did this man know what the Empress Dowager said?
Wu An’s expression remained unchanged, but his attitude shifted. If this man knew about the Empress Dowager’s private talks, he was no plaything or favorite; he likely had a role as an aide.
“Do you remember the Empress Dowager’s words?”
“Which words, sir?” Wu An asked, not replying immediately.
“At the end of December, before Xuanwu Gate, the Crown Prince planned a rebellion.
“The Empress Dowager ordered me to lure him to Xuanwu Gate with troops, then betray him at the critical moment, coordinating with the North Gate garrison and ambush to capture the Crown Prince. The rest are to be killed.”
Ming’s smile grew warmer as he put an arm around Wu An, trying to lead him outside.
He tugged—but Wu An did not move.
Ming: “...”
“You’re quite solidly built,” he laughed awkwardly and continued.
“Do you know who will join the Crown Prince in this action?”
“The East Palace’s Ten Commanderies, royal princes, current officials, and some soldiers from the Sixteen Guards. It’s said the North Gate garrison has insiders for him as well.”
Although Crown Prince Li Xian lacked much ambition, his four years as regent had naturally won him some supporters.
He was no match for the emperor in power struggles, but to the Empress Dowager, even if the Crown Prince didn’t cultivate his position, his faction remained strong.
But with sufficient preparation, the Xuanwu Gate rebellion would be a trap.
“It sounds like few are involved, so it should end quickly.”
Ming nodded thoughtfully, then looked at Wu An again.
“Captain Wu, you will achieve great merit and rise swiftly. I congratulate you in advance.”
“If there is nothing else, I will take my leave.”
“Warriors tend to be hotheaded,” Ming smiled slowly.
“But you will bear the infamy of betraying your lord, and face retaliation from the court’s officials and generals. Even the Empress Dowager might struggle to protect you.”
“So?”
“So you must give her a reason to protect you with all her might.”
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“Please speak plainly. I am a warrior and don’t understand.”
“Pei’s daughter.”
Ming spoke the name, giving Wu An time to think before continuing.
“She has an uncle named Pei Xingjian. Captain Wu, you must know that name.”
Any soldier from Hexi would know it. Or any officer of some standing in Tang’s army.
“I was able to visit the Empress Dowager in Chang’an largely thanks to Lord Pei’s support.”
“But he and the Empress Dowager have long-standing animosity,” Ming said without restraint.
“How can a court minister and the mother of a nation have such grudges?”
“Captain Wu, have you killed few ministers so far?”
Ming countered, “If not for that stray arrow from Hexi, you would have three prime ministers’ lives on your hands. Since the founding of Tang, no warrior has wielded such power as you.”
“Because of this, your little cunning has bought you some time. But after this incident, whether you stick your neck out or pull back, it’s a no-win. Only the Empress Dowager can save you.”
Wu An said nothing, waiting to hear what this charlatan would say next.
“On your wedding night, kill the Pei woman and sever ties with the Pei family to prove your loyalty. Only then can the Empress Dowager trust you.”
Ming added smugly, “Of course, if you wish, you can consummate the marriage before killing her, to honor the bond.”
Wu An frowned. “A one-time ‘Fiji cup’?”
“What?”
Ming was puzzled.
Wu An was silent a moment and asked,
“Is this the Empress Dowager’s meaning?”
“The Empress Dowager is merciful. She probably never said it outright, but those of us below have to be clever, right?”
“Very well.”
Hmm?
Ming was surprised, but seeing no hostility in this brute’s face, he relaxed.
His previous words were mostly probing, deliberately harsh to test Wu An’s character for future dealings or suppression.
So, is he outwardly brave but inwardly weak?
“I will, of course, be clever.”
“Good.”
Ming stepped back, appraising Wu An, and said mildly,
“In three days, I will arrange your wedding. Keep it simple. Just prepare to receive the beauty in your bridal chamber.”
“Very well, thank you, sir.”
“Aren’t you angry?”
“Everything I have is from the Empress Dowager. Gain or loss matters little.”
They looked at each other. Ming was skilled in face reading but could not discern the true emotion in Wu An’s eyes. He smiled and patted his shoulder again.
“There are few like you in the world who clearly know their place.”
...
Zhou Xing did not forget today’s task.
Wu An had long permitted him free entry to the Duke’s mansion, but today was special—Zhou Xing had received an invitation.
Before curfew, he was to attend a meeting at the Duke’s residence.
He dismounted in front of the vermillion gates, accompanied by two men in brocade robes who did likewise. The three sized each other silently, neither speaking nor revealing their identities.
After a moment, Zhou Xing raised a hand toward the red gates, inviting them in.
“Please.”
“Please.”
Both men seemed taciturn, their movements clean and efficient as soldiers, and entered one after another.
Upon entering, Zhou Xing’s face paled slightly. All three smelled blood, and the frozen bloodstain on the floor hinted at recent violence.
They exchanged glances, about to speak when several armed men appeared. The leader said,
“Captain, please come in for a talk.”
The three remained silent. Even Zhou Xing noticed these men belonged to a military unit, their presence more imposing than the city’s regular guards.
The main hall was piled with corpses, attired as servants and maids of the Duke’s household.
As the study door opened, warmth greeted them. Inside sat several people.
At the desk, the black-clad youth stood, smiling politely.
“I am Wu An, Captain of the Qianqi Camp’s vanguard.”
Beside him, a burly man spoke in a deep voice,
“General of the Left Martial Guards, Deputy Commander of Heyuan Army, Hei Chichangzhi.”
Next to Zhou Xing, an older man showed no fear, bowing and saying calmly,
“Commander of the Northern Gate Imperial Guards, Lieutenant Colonel Li Duozuo.”
A younger brocade-clad man surveyed everyone before speaking,
“Captain of the Right Leading Guards, Guoyi Unit, Cheng Wuting.”
Within the room, a young man dressed in fine clothes rose, his eyes sharp with disdain, fixating on Zhou Xing.
“Captain of the Right Jinwu Guards, Guoyi Unit, Qiu Shenji.”
Two middle-aged men sat beside Wu An. One looked scholarly but wore a twisted expression of resentment, as if trapped on a sinking ship. He said,
“General of the Left Jinwu Guards, Pei Ju.”
The other middle-aged man sighed after hearing the introductions, resigned to his fate.
“Assistant Censor and Deputy Minister of Justice, Di Renjie.”