ONCE INSIDE THE TEMPLE, Shen Zechuan's shackles were removed. He stretched his wrists as he listened patiently to the squad leader's grumbling. Ji Gang entered a short time later pushing a wheelbarrow. He nimbly unloaded several jugs of wine for the Imperial Army before sidling up to Shen Zechuan, his linen wrap concealing his face.
After ordering Ji Gang to finish tidying the courtyard before New Year's Day, the squad leader headed outside to warn the guards on duty to keep silent about the night's events.
Only then did Ji Gang take Shen Zechuan's arm. "Are you injured?"
"No." Shen Zechuan rubbed the nape of his neck, where Xiao Chiye's fingers had left livid red marks. "Shifu…" he began.
"Where does it hurt?"
Shen Zechuan shook his head. He thought things over a moment, then said, "He's strong and fierce, and his punches and kicks are powerful; the style felt familiar."
Astonishment spread over Ji Gang's burned face. "Our Ji-Style Boxing has never been shared with outsiders."
"After he struck, I didn't dare counter his moves with my own." The taste of blood seemed to linger in Shen Zechuan's mouth. He ran his tongue over the edges of his teeth and considered. "I was afraid he might notice something, so I didn't fight seriously, but just cowering and playing dumb didn't deceive him either. Shifu, why does he hate me so much? Xiansheng mentioned the current political situation. But should the Hua Clan and the empress dowager not be the ones he hates most?"
"That bastard was drunk!" Ji Gang spat with loathing. "Bullies always pick on the weak, so he turned his hate on you!"
Shen Zechuan extended his left hand. "He was looking for this. Shifu, do you recognize it?"
Lying in his palm was a well-worn thumb ring made of bone.
"Soldiers with exceptional upper body strength often wield great bows; they wear thumb rings like this when they draw." Ji Gang studied it. "This kind of wear and tear almost certainly comes of drawing the Mighty Bows of the Libei Armored Cavalry. But Second Young Master Xiao isn't in the army and doesn't ride into battle—what's he wearing this for?"
Xiao Chiye went home and lost himself in sleep. Lu Guangbai woke him late in the morning.
"You were really something last night." Lu Guangbai made himself at home in a chair. "You've barely landed an official position and you're already out there harassing people. I saw Jiming leave the manor earlier heading for the palace."
There was a lump in Xiao Chiye's throat. He burrowed beneath the quilt. "I had too much to drink."
"We'll be leaving the capital in a few days," Lu Guangbai said, earnest. "You know you can't go on like this. What are you going to do if all this drinking ruins your martial arts and you waste away?"
Xiao Chiye was silent.
"Put yourself in your brother's shoes; they wounded his heart at the banquet last night. He's running himself ragged seeing to Libei's military affairs, all while worrying about your sister-in-law and the baby—and now he has to leave you behind. He feels terrible. Everyone sings his praises in public, but each time he sets out for battle, they secretly hope he never returns. Year after year he leads troops into the field for these people. He doesn't say anything, but he's flesh and blood like anyone else. How could it not hurt?"
Flinging off the covers, Xiao Chiye heaved a sigh. "You think I don't know all that?"
"What do you know?" Lu Guangbai threw a tangerine at Xiao Chiye. "If you know, get up and apologize to your brother."
Xiao Chiye caught the tangerine and sat up.
When Lu Guangbai saw the bandage on his hand, he couldn't help but laugh. Peeling his own tangerine, he said, "What did you go and provoke him for? Are you satisfied now you've been bitten?"
"I told him to sing me a song," Xiao Chiye said. "But he claimed I wanted his life. The guy's a piece of work."
"You're a piece of work yourself, starting a fight with a prisoner in the middle of the street. You're lucky Jiming got there in time, or there would be uproar in the city today. Are you badly hurt?"
"That guy must have been born in the year of the dog," Xiao Chiye grumbled, staring at the teeth marks on his hand.
Xiao Jiming didn't return until afternoon, with Zhao Hui in tow. As they approached, they saw Xiao Chiye waiting under the eaves.
"Dage," Xiao Chiye called out.
Xiao Jiming handed his cloak to Zhao Hui. The maidservant brought out a copper water basin, and Xiao Jiming washed his hands, paying no mind to his little brother.
Zhao Hui peered at Xiao Chiye. "Gongzi, aren't you going to inspect the Imperial Army today? Go get your supreme commander token, then come back for dinner."
"I'll go if Dage tells me to," Xiao Chiye said.
Xiao Jiming dried his hands and finally looked at him. "I didn't tell you to go last night, but didn't you go anyway?"
"I ran in the wrong direction," Xiao Chiye said. "I meant to come home."
Xiao Jiming threw the handkerchief back onto the tray. "Very well. Go get your token, then come back for dinner."
Only then did Xiao Chiye leave.
Ever since the Imperial Army had been relieved from its duty of guarding the capital, the former operations office had fallen into terrible disrepair. When Xiao Chiye arrived on horseback, he caught sight of several men in short pants and waist sashes chatting as they basked in the sun. Their idleness bespoke none of the valor of an "army."
Xiao Chiye dismounted and strode into the courtyard, riding crop in hand. In the center of the courtyard was a balding pine tree ringed by mounds of snow that had been carelessly shoved aside. Icicles no one had knocked down dangled from the walkway eaves, and the rooftop tiles were long overdue for repair.
This army was, in a word, broke.
Xiao Chiye continued inside; the wooden plaque hanging over the entryway had peeling paint. He went down several steps and reached the main hall. Lifting the curtain with his riding crop, he bent to enter.
The men sitting around the stove cracking peanuts whipped around to look at him. Xiao Chiye set his riding crop on the table, pulled up a chair, and sat.
"So, everyone's here," he said.
As one, the men stood with a clatter, noisily trampling the shells on the ground. Most were over forty, hailing from old military households. Even after years in the Imperial Army, they still had no greater talents than shamelessness and petty extortion. Now that Xiao Chiye had appeared, they sized him up and exchanged sly glances, each harboring motives of their own.
"Er-gongzi!" A likely looking fellow wiped his hands on his robe and smiled. "We've been waiting for you to come collect your token today!"
"And here I am," Xiao Chiye said. "Where's the token?"
The man chuckled. "We waited for Your Excellency this morning, but you didn't come. The Ministry of Works was calling for laborers, so Assistant Commander Cao took the token to go deploy the men. Whenever he gets back, I'll send someone to deliver it to Your Excellency's manor."
Xiao Chiye returned his smile. "And you, good sir, are…?"
"Me?" the man answered. "Just call me Lao-Chen! I used to be a company commander overseeing a hundred men in Dicheng. Thanks to Lord Hua Shisan who recommended me for promotion, I'm now the registrar of the Imperial Army."
"How strange." One hand draped over the armrest, Xiao Chiye turned halfway to look at Lao-Chen. "One rank beneath the supreme commander of the Imperial Army should be the vice commander. How did the token end up in the hands of an assistant commander?"
"Your Excellency may not be aware, but…" When Lao-Chen saw the intensity of Xiao Chiye's regard, he straightened imprudently from his deferential bow. "After Zhongbo's defeat last year, the transport of grain levies from Jincheng was blocked. That led to a food shortage in Qudu. The Ministry of Personnel didn't have enough to pay salaries to all the officials, so they cut the staff in the Imperial Army Office by half. Presently we don't have a vice commander, so next in rank is Assistant Commander Cao. There're only a few of us left here."
"So what you're saying is that anyone can get their hands on the supreme commander's token?"
"Usually we just take the token and go. Tasks from the Ministry of Works can't wait; they need men to carry lumber into the palace. Our position is low, and our words carry little weight. We can't afford to offend anyone, so what choice do we have?" Lao-Chen started passing the buck. "If this practice offends Your Excellency, you'd do well to clear it up with the Ministry of Works."
"As the supreme commander, why must I explain myself to the Ministry of Works?" asked Xiao Chiye. "The Imperial Army reports to the emperor. The Six Ministries sought help, and we provided it; it was out of camaraderie that we never settled accounts all this time. But from now on, if anyone wants for manpower, they'll give a proper explanation of the task and a clear account of the schedule before any of my men are expected to lift a finger."
"That's all very well to say," Lao-Chen and the others laughed, "but we aren't in charge of patrols anymore; we're just errand-runners and odd-jobbers! If we lend a hand when the Six Ministries call for it, at least we're still useful. Besides, it's been like this for years, and His Majesty's never said a word against it. Friends in court are better than money in your pocket, Er-gongzi. You come from Libei, but the Imperial Army is nothing like your Armored Cavalry, or even like the Eight Great Battalions! Some things simply won't work here."
Xiao Chiye stood. "Who did you say recommended you to this post?"
Lao-Chen glowed as he straightened proudly; he was only too happy to repeat it. "Lord Hua Shisan! Your Excellency must know him. He's the empress dowager's grandson of common birth, and Third Lady Hua's—"
Xiao Chiye lifted his foot and kicked him square in the chest.
One second Lao-Chen was puffing himself up; the next he was toppling into the table and chairs. A teapot smashed against the ground, splashing tea across the floor and jolting Lao-Chen back to his senses. Trembling, he knelt.
"A loafer raised by some Hua concubine," Xiao Chiye said, sweeping away peanut shells on the table. "Someone fit only to carry my boots, and you think he's a powerful patron? He's small potatoes. I asked for the supreme commander's token. Instead, you lecture me on how things are done. Are you so blinded by your meager gains that you can't see who stands before you? Starting today, my word is law in the Imperial Army!"
Lao-Chen kowtowed at once. It was a rude awakening; he hastily called out, "Er-gongzi, Er-gongzi!"
"Who the fuck is your Er-gongzi?" Xiao Chiye's eyes held a piercing chill. "As supreme commander of the Imperial Army, I hold your life in my hands. You dare put on airs and act like some local thug? The Ministry of Works needs manpower for labor, but all the men come from the Imperial Army. If there were no money in it, would you find it worthwhile to throw yourselves at their feet? The men at the bottom are sent to work themselves to the bone, but you've certainly kept yourself fat without lifting a finger. What? Hua Shisan is backing you, so you think you have a token of immunity?"
"I wouldn't dare. I wouldn't dare!" Lao-Chen shuffled forward on his knees. "My lord! This humble subordinate was just talking…"
"Before half an incense stick burns," Xiao Chiye said, "I need to see the token of command, a full staff register, and twenty thousand men. If anything is missing, you gentlemen may bring me your heads in its place."
Lao-Chen leapt to his feet and bolted out the door.
Days later, the frontier generals departed the capital.
The Xiande Emperor led a convoy of court officials to see Xiao Jiming off. He trod through the heavy snow, coughing intermittently, to take Xiao Jiming by the arm. The emperor was frightfully thin under his thick cloak.
"After you leave today, Jiming, we won't meet again until next year. The conflict on Libei's border continues, and though the Biansha Horsemen have retreated after their defeat, they refuse to submit to our Great Zhou. The desperate greed of the Twelve Tribes is clear for all to see. As our trusted official and a fearless general of the empire, we implore you to take care and remain vigilant."
"We were late to the rescue, yet Your Majesty still shows us such great favor. Both my father and this humble subject are struck by the honors Your Majesty has bestowed on us. From this day forward, Libei is at Your Majesty's beck and call, ready to risk life and limb at your word."
"Since your father fell ill, it's been many years since we've seen each other." The emperor slowly turned to take in the massive crowd gathered within the city gates, then raised his eyes to the magnificent palace that had towered over the capital for a hundred years.
"As for the Shen Clan remnant…we failed the loyal soldiers who gave their lives on the battlefield," he said softly. "We have been confined to our sickbed too long; there are too many matters on which our hands are tied."
Xiao Jiming followed his gaze. After a time, he said, "A storm rages in Qudu. Please be mindful of your health, Your Majesty."
The Xiande Emperor slowly loosened his grip on Xiao Jiming. "Good man. Go."
Lu Guangbai rode out of the city. As expected, Xiao Chiye was waiting alone at the pavilion at the foot of the mountain. Sitting astride his horse, he whistled at Xiao Chiye from afar. "Brat, your big brothers are leaving!"
"Turbulence seethes below the surface; only wary travelers stay afloat. Be careful out there."
"If you have something to say, spit it out. Why are you reciting poetry?" Lu Guangbai laughed heartily. "Be patient—you'll go home too one day."
"That's up to fate." Xiao Chiye smiled in return.
The sound of hooves rang out behind them. Lu Guangbai looked back; as soon as he saw the rider kicking up snow, Lu Guangbai turned his horse and shouted, "Grand Marshal! Let's ride together!"
Qi Zhuyin slowed. Her black hair was pulled into a high ponytail, and she wore a sturdy coat over a worn outer robe with a longsword strapped to her back; she traveled light. Going by appearances, she could have been an ordinary woman skilled in martial arts, traversing the world under her own power. Only after the flurries of snow settled could one see that she possessed an extraordinarily charming face.
"That horse of yours is second-rate." She raised her eyebrows and grinned, her commanding air immediately evident. "Will it be able to keep up with mine?"
Lu Guangbai was quite fond of his horse. "Perhaps he isn't as fierce as your steed, but he's a good lad who's seen his share of battle. Let's have a race, and we'll test his mettle."
"Now, that mount looks like a rare one." Qi Zhuyin lifted her chin in Xiao Chiye's direction. "Swap with me?"
Xiao Chiye stroked his horse's mane. "No thanks. No matter how I look at it, I'll be the loser."
Qi Zhuyin raised her hand and threw something to Xiao Chiye, who caught it with both hands. It was an unusually heavy executioner's blade, still in its sheath. "Libei raised some fine battle steeds for Qidong last year, thanks to you. That thing was forged by the best craftsman in our camps and cost me a good bit in precious materials too," Qi Zhuyin said. "How about it? Not losing out now, huh?"
Xiao Chiye weighed it in his hands and laughed. "Marshal, from now on, you're my dearest older sister! The blade I brought from home is decent but far too light. This one feels much better in the hand."
"Sister?" Qi Zhuyin echoed. "Show some respect! Wait till you unsheathe the blade; you'll be calling me grandpa!"
"Does this blade have a name?" Xiao Chiye asked.
"I actually thought of one," Qi Zhuyin said. "Those who speak of a wolf's ruthlessness speak of an animal appetite. Isn't that just perfect for you? Why not 'Wolfsfang?'"
Lu Guangbai countered, "The word 'ruthlessness' is a little too vicious. He's only—"
"Vicious." Qi Zhuyin snapped her riding crop, and her horse bolted. Without looking back, she called, "A son of Libei should be precisely that—vicious!"
The mass of troops in the distance had already started moving. A sea of red-tasseled spears from the Qidong Garrison Troops followed at Qi Zhuyin's heels, surging toward the eastern plains. Lu Guangbai could tarry no longer. He waved a hasty goodbye to Xiao Chiye, then spurred his horse to catch up.
Xiao Chiye heard the thunder of hooves so loud against the ground it seemed as if the earth itself quaked underfoot. He looked out into the distance and saw his older brother in the lead. Like a black tide, the familiar Armored Cavalry of Libei rose up along the snowy plains and swept north.
The gyrfalcon cut through the air to chase after them. It wheeled over the armored cavalry and screeched. Xiao Chiye stood, clutching his blade, watching until they disappeared into the snowy expanse.
Xiao Chiye weighed it in his hands and laughed. "Marshal, from now on, you're my dearest older sister! The blade I brought from home is decent but far too light. This one feels much better in the hand."
"Sister?" Qi Zhuyin echoed. "Show some respect! Wait till you unsheathe the blade; you'll be calling me grandpa!"
"Does this blade have a name?" Xiao Chiye asked.
"I actually thought of one," Qi Zhuyin said. "Those who speak of a wolf's ruthlessness speak of an animal appetite. Isn't that just perfect for you? Why not 'Wolfsfang?'"
Lu Guangbai countered, "The word 'ruthlessness' is a little too vicious. He's only—"
"Vicious." Qi Zhuyin snapped her riding crop, and her horse bolted. Without looking back, she called, "A son of Libei should be precisely that—vicious!"
The mass of troops in the distance had already started moving. A sea of red-tasseled spears from the Qidong Garrison Troops followed at Qi Zhuyin's heels, surging toward the eastern plains. Lu Guangbai could tarry no longer. He waved a hasty goodbye to Xiao Chiye, then spurred his horse to catch up.
Xiao Chiye heard the thunder of hooves so loud against the ground it seemed as if the earth itself quaked underfoot. He looked out into the distance and saw his older brother in the lead. Like a black tide, the familiar Armored Cavalry of Libei rose up along the snowy plains and swept north.
The gyrfalcon cut through the air to chase after them. It wheeled over the armored cavalry and screeched. Xiao Chiye stood, clutching his blade, watching until they disappeared into the snowy expanse.
Shen Zechuan's wandering mind was pulled back by a rasp from Grand Mentor Qi.
"The various generals have returned to their bases, and Qudu is once again at an impasse." Grand Mentor Qi, his loose hair spread over his shoulders, craned his neck to look at Shen Zechuan. "Time is short. You mustn't sit back and accept your fate as a turtle trapped in a jar!"
"I'm as much at their mercy as meat on the chopping board." Shen Zechuan looked up. "Xiansheng, is there really a chance I could leave this place?"
"Fortune and misfortune come hand in hand. Confinement may not necessarily be a bad thing." Grand Mentor Qi unstoppered his gourd and took a few gulps of wine. "It's easier to hide your strengths behind closed doors. You will have plenty of opportunities to display them in the future!"
In the distance, the palace bells tolled.
A new year had begun.