IT WAS JUST BEFORE shift change for the Imperial Army, and the soldiers were freezing, huddled into themselves where they stood.
The Imperial Army of Qudu had once been the Imperial Guards of the eight cities, the impregnable fortress of the imperial palace in Qudu. Trivialities such as guarding and escorting convicts were, by all rights, beneath them. After the Eight Great Battalions' rise to power, however, their duties had steadily eroded until the Imperial Army became no more than a burden on Qudu. All military drills were abolished, and they became the capital's footmen in every sense; these days the Imperial Army was filled with the sons of old military households who had never seen real combat, there to kill time and twiddle their thumbs.
As a company commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, Ge Qingqing was not a particularly high-ranking official in Qudu, but he was perfect for the Imperial Army officers assigned guard duty at the temple: high enough to be worth flattering and low enough to share a friendly chat. Patrolling the same streets of Qudu every day, after all, they had to look out for each other. Were he of slightly higher rank, these guards would not dare to pay "respects" so easily. But Ge Qingqing was affable and exceedingly generous with them, so when he brought Ji Gang, the Imperial Army turned a blind eye and let the man take over the job of the original attendant at the temple.
Ge Qingqing greeted the officers on duty and distributed the hot steamed buns he had stopped for on the way. Ji Gang had yet to come out. Seeing his pensive expression, the squad leader said, "If Qing-ge is in a hurry, feel free to go in and
take a look on our behalf."
"Isn't that against the rules?"
The squad leader motioned for the Imperial Army officers guarding the back door to make way. "Qing-ge's one of us," he said through a bite of steamed bun. "Besides, we have this temple completely surrounded; not even a drop of water could trickle through. He's not going anywhere."
Ge Qingqing didn't decline twice; he stepped into the temple.
Ji Gang was sitting outside under the eaves. When he saw Ge Qingqing, he stood and asked, "Is it time already?"
"The sun isn't yet up; Ji-shu can stay a little longer." Ge Qingqing surveyed the temple courtyard. "This place is barely habitable, especially in winter. I'll have some quilts sent over today."
Ji Gang could see he was distracted. "What's the matter?"
"It's nothing." Ge Qingqing hesitated. "I just ran into Second Young Master Xiao on the way here."
Shen Zechuan looked up. "This Xiao…"
"Xiao Chiye," Ge Qingqing said. "He's the younger son of the Prince of Libei. The one who kicked you. He was practically falling over, and he reeked of wine. I'd wager he went drinking last night."
"As long as it wasn't Xiao Jiming." Ji Gang turned back to Grand Mentor Qi. "Grand Mentor hasn't left this place for twenty years, so you probably don't know the current Four Great Generals of our nation. The Prince of Libei begat himself quite an heir. That Xiao Jiming is a remarkable talent!"
Shen Zechuan turned back to Ge Qingqing. "Qing-ge, did he ask you anything?"
Ge Qingqing thought carefully. "He asked me where I was going, and I said I was taking a shortcut to the command office. He remarked that the road didn't seem to lead to Shenwu Street, so I made up an excuse. I figured the son of a prince wouldn't personally investigate the common alleys."
"With anything involving the Xiao Clan, it pays to be cautious. Make sure you go to the palace later and place a mark on the duty roster." Ji Gang rubbed his hands in the snow to clean them. "Chuan-er, it's time to train."
"Wait." Shen Zechuan's gaze was dark and deep. "You say it was a common alley in a residential district; what was a noble son like him doing there so early in the morning?"
Ge Qingqing was stupefied. "Now that you mention it, the entertainment houses are all on Donglong Street, some distance away from that alley. It's freezing out, and he was nursing a hangover. What was he doing there?"
"Lying in wait, probably." With the tattered curtain wrapped around him, Grand Mentor Qi turned over so his rump was facing outward. "Shen Wei's case is of great concern to the Xiao Clan. I heard Xiao Chiye aimed to kill this boy with the kick he dealt him. Yet the boy's still alive and well—how could the young master not be suspicious?"
"If he was truly oblivious, he wouldn't have asked a second question." Shen Zechuan still shivered when he recalled that kick.
"Shit." Ge Qingqing paled. "It's my fault for being negligent. What should we do? He's probably on the way here now!"
Shen Zechuan turned to Grand Mentor Qi. "It's all right. Since Xiansheng has already guessed this much, he must have a countermeasure in mind."
Zhao Hui arrived alone at the command office of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Although the assistant commander on duty was his equal in rank, he didn't dare put on airs before the Heir of Libei's right-hand man. He led Zhao Hui to the registry. "What does General Zhao wish to see? Here are today's duty rosters for the Twelves Offices."
Zhao Hui wasn't one for small talk; he flipped through the records in silence. "I appreciate the hard work of our brothers from the Embroidered Uniform Guard in patrolling the palace grounds. A few days ago, I received assistance from a company commander by the name of Ge Qingqing. I've come to thank him. Is he on duty?"
"There are quite a few company commanders from the Twelves Offices; they're all listed here," the assistant commander said, moving to the wall where the duty rosters of the Twelve Offices hung, clearly labeled.
Zhao Hui eyed them. These records were off limits to those who worked outside the palace; they weren't for him to touch.
"Perhaps the general knows which office he belongs to?" the assistant commander prompted.
"I heard he works the morning shift, so perhaps the Carriage Office, Umbrella Office, or the Elephant-Training Office," said Zhao Hui.
The assistant commander carefully checked the list of names for each office. After a moment, he turned to Zhao Hui. "General, there's no such person on duty today. Shall I look elsewhere for you?"
Zhao Hui gently closed the book in his hands. "There's no need. I'll find him on my own."
The sky was beginning to lighten as Zhao Hui left the registry. He walked back along the road and out of the palace. The snow that had fallen on Shenwu Street was freshly swept, but the road was slippery. The sedan bearers who carried bigwigs to and fro took every step with care, not daring to move too quickly.
As Zhao Hui passed a particular sedan, he caught a glimpse of the bearer's sidearm blade. That fleeting glance was enough to make him furrow his brow.
"Please hold." Zhao Hui stopped the sedan chair. "Is this chair carrying the chief commander?"
Sure enough, the sedan bearers were members of the Embroidered Uniform Guard. The one in the lead gave a sharp nod. "If you know who's inside, why do you block the way? Move!"
Zhao Hui flashed his own Libei authority token.
The guard bowed his head. "Please excuse the offense, General!"
A slender hand lifted the window's curtain, revealing a lovely face. The woman glanced lazily at Zhao Hui before pouting coquettishly at someone deeper within. "A man looking for you, Your Excellency!"
Ji Lei had been drinking all night. Lounging comfortably in the sedan with his legs spread wide, he called, "General Zhao! Is anything the matter?"
Zhao Hui fixed his gaze on the guard leading the sedan as he answered, "It's nothing. I heard our young master went drinking with Your Excellency last night. Are you just returning?"
Ji Lei laughed. "So you're worried about the second young master! Your young master had scampered off home by the time I opened my eyes this morning. Is the Heir of Libei looking for him?"
"The one who can't help worrying is me." Zhao Hui bowed. "My apologies for the disturbance, Your Excellency."
"It's fine! I'm just now coming back myself." Ji Lei gestured. "Who talked back to the general earlier? Apologize."
The guard in the lead went down on one knee. "This humble servant, Ge Qingqing, was blind to not have recognized the general. For my offense, I'm willing to accept my punishment!"
Zhao Hui was not mistaken. The name carved on the authority token hanging beside the guard's scabbard was indeed Ge Qingqing.
Zhao Hui delivered his report as Xiao Chiye sprawled with his leg propped up, reading a play.
"So, it seems he wasn't lying," Zhao Hui said. "He was just assigned to pick up Ji Lei before entering the palace this morning."
"Yeah," Xiao Chiye responded absentmindedly. "Qingjun Pavilion is so close, of course he could make it in time."
"Something still feels off." Zhao Hui rubbed his thumb on the hilt of his blade.
"Can't figure it out?" Xiao Chiye turned the page.
"I can't."
"Then I'll tell you." Xiao Chiye sat up, crossed his legs, and propped a hand on one knee. "You entered the capital at my brother's side, to a personal reception from His Majesty. All Twelve Offices of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were following close behind in ceremonial procession. How could he not recognize you?"
"Hard to say," Zhao Hui said. "Maybe he doesn't remember me."
"You're wearing the same robe and carrying your blade. Even if he didn't recognize you, if he used his brain a little, he'd have guessed your importance and wouldn't risk reproaching you in such a condescending way in the middle of the street," Xiao Chiye said. "Besides, I don't think he has a bad memory at all. He recognized me just fine."
"I did think it was rather too much of a coincidence to run into him just then," Zhao Hui mused.
"Yes, a well-staged coincidence." Xiao Chiye cast aside the play he was reading. "This Shen…"
"Shen Zechuan," Zhao Hui said.
Xiao Chiye's gaze was pensive. "Letting him enter the Temple of Guilt feels like a losing move now."
Ge Qingqing removed his fur collar and wiped sweat from his neck. Wu Caiquan came running sheepishly inside. "Thank you, thank you! Qing-ge, thank goodness for you!"
"Don't mention it," Ge Qingqing replied. "We are all brothers here."
Wu Caiquan grinned and turned to yell toward the person in the registry office, "Lao-Xu! Put Qing-ge's name on the record. He stood in for me to carry the sedan this morning. I caught a cold last night and woke up dizzy. Thank goodness Qing-ge was there to help."
"Since you've caught a cold, let's go to the Xu family's stall for mutton soup later," Ge Qingqing said, wiping his brow.
Wu Caiquan hastened to agree. "Sure! It's Qing-ge's treat! Did you hear that, Lao-Xu? Let's all go together later!"
"Don't rush it." Ge Qingqing patted Wu Caiquan on the back. "Get some rest. Next time you feel unwell, don't hold back like you did this time. Just let me know."
Wu Caiquan bobbed his head like a puppy. So powerful was his craving for mutton soup that he would have agreed to practically anything.
That night, Grand Mentor Qi at long last had a thick quilt to warm his old bones. He sat bundled up across from Shen Zechuan and said, "In half a month, it'll be the Spring Festival. Qudu will host the Court Officials' Feast. At that time, officials from all the provinces and prefectures will travel to the capital to offer New Year's greetings. I've no knowledge of the present state of affairs, so you'll have to fill me in."
Shen Zechuan stood in the snow dressed only in thin layers, holding the starting stance of Ji-Style Boxing. Despite the cold, his brow was sheened with sweat.
"The Prince of Libei has been in poor health for many years," he began, "and the Heir of Libei, Xiao Jiming, has taken charge of all their military affairs. The prince himself is unlikely to attend this year. The five commanderies of Qidong also distinguished themselves by coming to Qudu's rescue. The first of their people to arrive and receive his bestowed title was one of the Four Generals, Lu Guangbai. Marshal Qi should also arrive in the next few days. So two of the major military powers of Great Zhou will temporarily reside—"
"Hold it." Grand Mentor Qi fished out a disciplinary ruler from within his quilt. "Who are these 'four generals'?"
Shen Zechuan obediently intoned:
"Iron horse on river ice, Xiao Jiming;
Beacon-smoke and rising sand, Lu Guangbai;
Windstorm through the scorching plains, Qi Zhuyin;
Thunder on jade terraces, Zuo Qianqiu."
Grand Mentor Qi considered a moment. "I have only heard of Zuo Qianqiu, but this Lu Guangbai must be the son of the Earl of Biansha, Lu Pingyan. Although Lu Pingyan later went to guard the deserts of the Bianjun Commandery, he came up in Libei and is the sworn brother of their prince, Xiao Fangxu. If Lu Guangbai has a sister, she will surely have married into the Xiao Clan, am I right?"
"Yes." Shen Zechuan dripped with sweat. "Lu Guangbai's younger sister is the wife of Xiao Jiming."
"If that's so, why would you call them two major military powers?" Grand Mentor Qi asked. "The Lu Clan might as well be a seed Libei planted in Qidong. These branches are more tangled than they seem. Furthermore, Qudu still has the Eight Great Battalions, and under them the Imperial Army. The Eight Great Battalions haven't the numbers of the armies of Libei and Qidong, nor their valiant reputation—but you must remember that Qudu is the beating heart of Great Zhou. These forces hold the empire's life in their hands."
The grand mentor weighed the ruler in his hand, then lifted the gourd and warmed himself with a few sips of wine.
"You must also remember this: although the Embroidered Uniform Guard are not technically 'soldiers,' they are much more efficient than any common troops. When the emperor commands his armies, he must be assisted by capable generals. What's more, a general in the field must be resourceful; at times, he may act against the orders of his sovereign. Keep too tight a rein, and you may hinder their progress. Hold on too loosely, and you risk raising a wild beast. It's a difficult balance and requires a ruler to adapt to the situation as it changes. The Embroidered Uniform Guard, however, is a different matter. They are vicious hounds at the foot of the throne, and their chain is held by the emperor alone. Whether to tighten or loosen his grip, whether to pamper or discard them, depends wholly on the emperor's moods. Such a blade, such a pack of dogs—if it were you, would you not prefer them?"
Shen Zechuan struggled to hold his stance for a moment before answering. "I would—so I would spoil them! But such excessive favor and trust will surely breed trouble."
"Your brother taught you well," said the grand mentor. "That's right. Remember that, commit it to memory! An excess of favor and trust breeds trouble. Keeping the virtuous close and the flatterers at a distance is sound in theory. But when you're in the thick of it, when darkness intersects with light, can you distinguish with certainty the virtuous talents from the crafty sycophants? Besides, there are many things a virtuous man cannot do that a crafty and despicable one can. The emperor resides in the depths of the imperial palace. He must understand checks and balances and pay heed to the varied voices of the officials and ministers. Nothing is so neatly divided—with Libei comes Qidong, and likewise, with the Embroidered Uniform Guard comes the Eastern Depot."
Grand Mentor Qi paused. "Water that brims must overflow, and every waxing moon must wane. Why does the Xiao Clan hate Shen Wei so fiercely? Do you see—no greater honor can possibly be bestowed on them after Zhongbo. Even if the Xiao Clan fights another battle, every defeat will be a loss, and every victory will also be a loss. They have come to a dead end."
"A victory is also a loss?"
"Their victory is also a loss! Did Xiao Jiming not lose his younger brother to Qudu immediately after his battlefield triumph? With each battle he wins in the future, the danger will only grow. This time he traded in his brother. Next time, it might be his wife, his father—even himself."