After Qin Zhonghai returned to the capital, he mentioned Lu Yun’s situation to everyone, saying he was unwilling to remain in the capital and had already returned home. Wu Dingyuan was naturally dejected upon hearing this. Lu Yun had a close friendship with him – though they had known each other only briefly, they had shared many hardships together. To think he had left without even saying goodbye was truly saddening.

Qin Zhonghai also reported to Liu Angtian, asking him not to bother clearing Lu Yun’s grievances anymore as the case had already been properly resolved. Liu Angtian and others naturally didn’t know about Qin Zhonghai’s bandit impersonation and were quite surprised, wondering whether he had used bribes or pressure to resolve the matter in just two or three days. When everyone asked, Qin Zhonghai only smiled without answering.

After several days, Qin Zhonghai had someone inquire at the Ministry of Justice, and indeed, County Magistrate Wu Chang had submitted a new prisoner registry as replacement. Presumably Lu Yun’s criminal record would naturally be updated, finally returning innocence to this tragic scholar.

Within days, the Emperor commanded that Qin Zhonghai be transferred to serve in the inner palace. Qin Zhonghai had always been crude, with many improper behaviors and words, so everyone worried about him. Qin Zhonghai laughed: “Look how scared you all are – I’m going to be promoted, not to jump into the sea. What’s there to worry about?”

Liu Angtian, having been an official for many years, knew the palace court was extremely treacherous with many struggles. Hearing him speak this way with apparent contempt, he immediately scolded: “You still dare to be careless? Though the imperial palace isn’t a battlefield of flying flesh and blood, the undercurrents surging within are absolutely no easier than the front lines! You must be very careful!” Qin Zhonghai giggled and verbally agreed, but paid no attention in his heart.

This day had arrived for entering the palace. Following precedent, the palace sent a little eunuch to the residence to escort Qin Zhonghai to the imperial city to report. This little eunuch was named Xiao Liu, twelve or thirteen years old, and was under Xue Nu’er. Before leaving the palace, he had heard this Tiger Forest Army commander had an explosive temper and was at odds with his superior, so along the way he deliberately served him carefully, not daring the slightest violation.

The two entered the imperial city. Qin Zhonghai saw magnificent temple and hall architecture everywhere and couldn’t help but look around several times. Though he had previously been a fifth-rank cavalry general of the court, he usually fought at the front lines and rarely returned to the capital to see the Emperor, so this was only his second time entering the imperial city. If not for the Emperor’s fiftieth birthday celebration two years ago when all officials were ordered to pay homage, he probably still wouldn’t have had a chance to enter the palace.

The little eunuch, seeing he wasn’t familiar with the terrain, explained along the way. He pointed at the four-sided imperial city: “General, our Beijing city has four walls in total – the outer city, inner city, imperial city, and palace city. You could say it’s city within city, wall within wall. The palace city alone is one hundred fifty li in length and width. North is the Xuanwu Gate, east is the Donghua Gate, west is the Xihua Gate, and south is the Wu Gate, which is the main entrance to our Forbidden City.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound of acknowledgment, suppressed a yawn, and said with squinting eyes: “Very nice.”

The little eunuch didn’t notice his expression and led him through the Wu Gate, continuing: “Now going inward from the Wu Gate, we’ll see a large waterway – that’s the Golden Water River, then comes the Golden Water Bridge, then the Fengtian Gate and Fengtian Hall. This great hall is also commonly called the Golden Luan Hall – that’s where His Majesty receives court homage.”

Qin Zhonghai felt extremely irritated but couldn’t speak out, so he just spat on the ground. The little eunuch spoke enthusiastically, not caring that he was drowsy and strange-looking, then pointed to another side and smiled: “The left side of this Fengtian Gate is also a gate called the Left Shun Gate, and the right side is called the…”

Qin Zhonghai yawned loudly: “Right Shun Gate.”

The little eunuch was greatly shocked and said tremblingly: “You… how do you know?”

Qin Zhonghai scratched his head lazily: “If it were behind Fengtian Gate’s rear, it would be called the Rear Shun Gate, right?”

The little eunuch said tremblingly: “Fengtian Gate doesn’t have a rear.” Qin Zhonghai burped and thought: “This little devil is really afraid of me. I shouldn’t bully him now, lest I get complained about to Xue Nu’er in the palace – that would be really boring.” So he said no more.

The little eunuch, seeing his unfriendly expression, also dared not say more and led Qin Zhonghai to Wenhua Hall, bowing: “Deputy General Manager Xue will come shortly. Please wait a moment, General Qin.” He bowed repeatedly before daring to take his leave.

Wenhua Hall was where the Crown Prince studied. Every spring and autumn, the Emperor would hold lectures here with court scholars to discuss the Four Books, but Qin Zhonghai came from humble origins and was barely literate – how would he know all these allusions? Looking at the empty, spacious hall, his heart was only melancholy as he thought: “What kind of hero am I, Qin, to end up in this bird palace associating with dickless eunuchs? I’ve truly fallen from grace… Damn it all…” Being naturally crude, even his sighs had to include curses. Feeling utterly bored, he found a chair to sit in, propped up his legs, and sighed there.

Just as he was sighing, he suddenly heard someone say: “So you must be Qin Zhonghai?” The voice was both shrill and cold, carrying a rather haughty tone.

Qin Zhonghai stood up and turned around to see a fat, large eunuch walking toward him. This person was extraordinarily tall and robust, actually a head taller than Qin Zhonghai. Though Qin Zhonghai was already imposing in build, he was surprised to find someone in the world who was so tall and large.

The eunuch looked down and sneered coldly: “How about it? Are you scared, country bumpkin entering the palace?”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled but hadn’t yet answered when the eunuch had already put on a cold face, raised his whisk, and pointed it at Qin Zhonghai: “This is your first time in the palace – you don’t understand things or know the rules, so you must be humble and modest, ask many questions and learn much. The front three halls, rear three courtyards, six eastern and western palaces, the five gates of Daming, Chengtian, Duan, Wu, and Fengtian – each place has different rules. From today on, you must study carefully, observe carefully, and remember carefully. Understand?” Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s pale expression, he said coldly: “You just walked around a circuit and presumably remembered quite a few places. Name a few for me to hear.”

Qin Zhonghai was naturally fierce – how could he endure such arrogance? He thought: “Looking at this turtle’s manner, he’s eighty percent here to cause trouble. Watch grandpa make him angry to death.” He yawned: “I did remember a few places – where the Emperor, Empress Dowager, and Imperial Grandfather take shits, I’ve seen them all. I just haven’t seen where the Crown Prince, Imperial Princess, and Imperial Turtle piss – we’ll go look at those in a bit.”

The eunuch’s face turned iron-blue with anger: “Your speech is extremely rude! Be more respectful!”

Qin Zhonghai said sheepishly: “Eunuch, what kind of talk is this? Hearing you speak, it’s as if His Majesty doesn’t need to defecate. You should know our Emperor is civil, martial, benevolent, and virtuous, most sagely and wise. Yet you describe him as a monster who doesn’t defecate or urinate – if this spreads in the future, it would be the great crime of slandering the current dynasty!”

The eunuch was furious and waved his whisk, shouting: “What bullshit are you spouting! Aren’t you afraid I’ll beat you to death?” He stepped forward – his build was extremely imposing, and when he walked it was like a small mountain moving.

Qin Zhonghai deliberately teased him and pretended to be afraid, saying pitifully: “This eunuch has such a tall stature! With your heroic physique, please don’t hit me!”

Seeing his fear, the eunuch immediately sneered: “Seeing you’re not too stupid, you still know how to flatter me! If I really beat you, I guarantee one punch would kill you!”

Qin Zhonghai pretended to fawn and smiled obsequiously: “Yes! With Eunuch’s height, presumably no one in the world can match you?”

The eunuch was even more pleased and laughed: “That’s right! I’ve grown this big and never seen anyone taller than me! If you want to get by in the palace in the future, you’d better butter me up!”

Qin Zhonghai giggled: “With Eunuch’s magnificent stature, castration must have taken considerable effort, right? How many cuts did it take in total?” Seeing the eunuch’s face turn blue and his whole body tremble, he smiled: “Did I say something wrong? Or are you just silver-plated wax – only grown an empty shell? Perhaps just one light cut and you, brother, were finished?”

The eunuch was so angry his face turned pale green. He shrieked and swung at Qin Zhonghai. Qin Zhonghai lightly dodged and the eunuch immediately struck empty air. Qin Zhonghai was completely at ease – seeing some fruit arranged on a nearby tea table, he immediately took a few and began eating them.

This fruit was meant to add fragrance to the hall, but Qin Zhonghai took it to eat. How could the eunuch not be angry seeing this? He immediately shouted: “How dare you! That’s not for you to eat!” With another strange cry, he charged forward again.

Qin Zhonghai ate until only the pit remained and laughed: “Not for me to eat? Then it’s for you to eat?” He casually stuffed the pit into the eunuch’s mouth, then slapped him and kicked out, sending the eunuch flying.

The eunuch was about to fall face-first when suddenly a hand reached out. This person’s technique was light and graceful, without domineering force, relying on just one hand’s power to stop the eunuch’s fat, large body.

Qin Zhonghai saw the newcomer had high martial arts skills and quickly looked over. He saw this person was quite old but had a kind and amiable expression – it was Liu Jing, Director General of the Eastern Depot and one of Beijing’s twelve supervisors.

Qin Zhonghai had seen this person’s methods at Mount Hua and knew his vision and abilities were extraordinary. His coming now certainly had deep meaning. Qin Zhonghai coughed and cupped his hands: “This general Qin Zhonghai greets Eunuch Liu.”

Liu Jing looked him over several times and smiled slightly: “Indeed a tiger-like man – very impressive, very formidable.”

Qin Zhonghai heard the mocking tone in his words and chuckled dryly: “Does Eunuch Liu have any instructions for coming here?”

Liu Jing smiled slightly: “This humble one has nothing particular – I just came specially to see you.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound: “See me? What’s good about seeing me?”

Liu Jing smiled slightly: “In ancient times the world was divided among three – Cao, Liu, and Sun; Wei, Shu, and Wu, none yielding to the others. General Qin is well-read in history and surely knows these past events?”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled dryly. The current court formed a tripod with the Jiang faction being largest, followed by the Liu and Liu factions. Liu Jing’s analogy to the Three Kingdoms was naturally using ancient events to discuss the present. Qin Zhonghai understood and lowered his head without speaking.

Liu Jing sighed: “In those days the world situation was perilous. When the Sun and Liu families united, even a great Northern Wei would face imminent disaster. But if that Cao thief came to win over Eastern Wu, poor Xuande, despite winning people’s hearts, would die at the Yellow Springs and end in resentment. Don’t you think so?”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily: “Director General is also surnamed Liu – you wouldn’t be a descendant of Imperial Uncle Liu, would you?”

Liu Jing smiled slightly: “General Qin jokes. In those days when the Cao thief was powerful, the Wu and Shu states were as closely connected as lips and teeth – they should have united their efforts. Who knew that with petty interference, there were actually some ignorant and foolish people in both countries who, through small-minded quarrels, needlessly hurt the harmony between them, causing the Three Kingdoms situation to vanish into smoke… truly most regrettable!”

Qin Zhonghai knew he was mocking his own crude behavior and just chuckled dryly without speaking.

Liu Jing sighed for a while, then shook his head and looked around: “I wonder if General Qin’s sharp eyes have seen such ignorant people?”

Qin Zhonghai thought: “There is – it’s your father.” But he said: “Eunuch’s instruction is correct. Our two factions value harmony above all. In the future, if Zhonghai encounters such ignorant people, I’ll definitely drag them out for punishment without any leniency.”

Liu Jing laughed heartily: “I hope the General remembers today’s words!”

Just as the two were talking, they heard an extremely shrill voice: “Who is so bold as to dare hit Da Bao?” This voice was unpleasantly sharp and sour – Xue Nu’er had arrived.

Qin Zhonghai was slightly curious: “Da Bao?” He immediately understood this “Da Bao” was none other than the tall eunuch’s name. Indeed, he saw Da Bao with Qin Zhonghai’s five-finger print on his face, groaning as he stood up and shouting: “It was that surnamed… surnamed…”

Just as he was about to speak, he saw Liu Jing glare at him. Da Bao was startled and shut his mouth.

Xue Nu’er limped over – his leg had been injured by Luo Moshi’s spear and still hadn’t healed. He glared angrily at Qin Zhonghai and shrieked: “Da Bao! Who injured you? Tell your godfather!” At that time, eunuchs without sons sometimes adopted little eunuchs as foster sons, and even took palace maids as wives – better than nothing. This Da Bao was Xue Nu’er’s foster son.

Da Bao glared at Qin Zhonghai and said sourly: “I slipped and stepped on a stinking pile of dog shit, fell and got dizzy – really unlucky.” Though he spoke this way, his eyes kept staring at Qin Zhonghai.

Qin Zhonghai scratched his head and thought: “This Da Bao is calling me dog shit.”

Suddenly Xue Nu’er chuckled and punched Da Bao on the head, cursing: “Stupid thing! You don’t even watch where you walk! Besides, this Wenhua Hall is your area to clean – if you don’t clean up the dog shit, how can you blame others? Go find out which concubine’s dog is shitting randomly! We must beat it severely!”

Though Da Bao was tall, this punch still hit him in the back of the head, causing pain to his bones.

Qin Zhonghai secretly laughed but said: “Eunuch Xue, don’t punish a child on a cloudy day. I’ve been waiting for you a long time – we have some serious business to discuss!”

Xue Nu’er raised his eyebrows and put his hands on his hips, shrieking: “You’ve only waited this short while and are already so impatient – how will you work in the palace in the future?”

Liu Jing, seeing the two starting to bicker again, laughed: “You two don’t quarrel randomly. If you have something to say, say it properly. This humble one will leave first.” He pulled Da Bao and in a flash, left the hall.

Seeing Liu Jing go far away, Xue Nu’er immediately sneered: “Qin Zhonghai, I’ve waited for this day a long time. Hehe, you’ve finally fallen into this one’s hands.” He rubbed his fists together, showing a fierce expression.

Qin Zhonghai glanced at him sideways, yawned, and said lazily: “I really didn’t sleep well last night – gambled until midnight. If Eunuch Xue has no other instructions, I’ll get off work and go home now!”

Xue Nu’er was so angry his face turned pale green, thinking: “There are thousands of guards in this palace, and every one is scared to death of me. Who knew such a scoundrel would come? Today I must explain the rules to him clearly so I can control him properly in the future.”

He opened his mouth wide to curse when he saw Qin Zhonghai grab another fruit and start crunching away, saying unclearly with his mouth full: “This fruit doesn’t taste bad – crispy! Was it bought from the fruit stand at Donghua Gate? How much does one cost?”

Xue Nu’er was furious and shouted: “The first rule of the palace – no eating things in the halls randomly!”

Qin Zhonghai cried “Ah”: “Sorry, sorry! I didn’t know this fruit couldn’t be eaten – really sorry.” He opened his mouth wide and spat the chewed fruit pulp messily on the ground, then with a “swish” sound, threw the pit far away.

Xue Nu’er was so angry his face turned purple as he sternly said: “The second palace rule – no throwing fruit peels and paper scraps randomly!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled apologetically and suddenly coughed, already gathering a mouthful of phlegm. Xue Nu’er was shocked and cried: “The third rule – no spitting anywhere!”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and casually found a flower vase to spit into. Xue Nu’er wailed and screamed: “The fourth rule – no damaging palace equipment!”

The two continued – one acting, one speaking – and in a moment Qin Zhonghai had heard over seventy rules.

After a whole morning of scolding, Qin Zhonghai finally received his token and uniform. The little eunuch came again to lead him to the Tiger Forest Army’s camp. The Tiger Forest Army held no low position – its official name was Tiger Guard Left Wing, which together with the Golden Wu Front Guard, Feathered Forest Right Wing, and Prefecture Army Rear Guard protected the imperial city. Though nominally under the Capital Guard Command, they actually acted independently and never respected the Command Office.

The Tiger Forest Army usually rested around the West Corner Tower area. The little eunuch led him nearby but suddenly didn’t dare go forward. Qin Zhonghai was curious: “What’s wrong? Are we lost?”

The little eunuch was terrified and shook his head: “These imperial guards are so… so scary. I… I don’t dare go over. General, you go by yourself…”

Qin Zhonghai also knew the imperial guards were mostly wolves, tigers, and leopards who specialized in evil deeds, but he was experienced in battle, a man who had rolled out from knife-edges – how could he fear these jumping clowns? He laughed: “With me here, what are you afraid of?” He urged repeatedly, and though the little eunuch hesitated, hearing Qin Zhonghai’s increasingly impatient tone, he had to steel himself and go forward.

The two walked for a while and reached the West Corner Tower, but didn’t see a single guard there. Qin Zhonghai was puzzled: “Did we go to the wrong place? Why don’t I see anyone?”

The little eunuch was also confused and shook his head blankly: “I don’t know either – they’re usually all here!”

Seeing no one around, Qin Zhonghai raised his voice and called: “Is anyone there?” After shouting for a while with no one coming out, Qin Zhonghai saw a small door under the tower and immediately raised his foot to kick it. The little eunuch was alarmed: “General, don’t act rashly!” Before he finished speaking, Qin Zhonghai had already kicked the door, which immediately crashed down with a thunderous sound.

When the gate fell, someone immediately rushed out from inside, roaring: “Damn bastard! Who’s making trouble here?” This person had a face full of whiskers and looked quite fierce. Seeing the little eunuch, he immediately shouted: “Didn’t your grandfather tell you! If you dare come here, we’ll each give you a beating on the ass! How dare you come again and kick your grandfather’s door? Damn it! Don’t want to live?”

The little eunuch was very frightened and covered his buttocks with both hands, saying tremblingly: “It wasn’t me… I didn’t kick the door…”

The man charged over viciously: “Still dare to deny it!”

Then someone laughed: “Don’t bully children – I kicked this door.”

The man turned around and immediately saw Qin Zhonghai, then shouted: “Who are you!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Quickly call the brothers out – your top boss has arrived.”

The man was curious: “What top boss? I don’t see any.”

Qin Zhonghai pointed at himself and smiled: “Open your eyes wide – your future boss is me!”

The man laughed so hard he nearly fell: “Turns out it’s a milk-smelling little brat – have you even learned to piss yet?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly and walked into the door. The man raised his hand to block him: “What are you doing! Is the Tiger Forest Army’s den somewhere you can barge into randomly?”

Qin Zhonghai casually twisted, using a grappling technique to grab the man’s arm, then flipped it up and pressed down hard. The man cried “Ah” and begged for mercy: “Hero, spare me! Don’t break my hand!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “I’m just helping you learn to piss.” He pushed with his hand and shoved the man inside.

The little eunuch was very alarmed and called: “General Qin! Be careful – they’re very fierce!”

Qin Zhonghai just smiled and walked directly inside. There were shouts and calls from within as someone yelled: “Damn it! The ignorant stinking boy came to die himself!” Then someone rushed toward the door, reached out to lift the door panel, and had already blocked Qin Zhonghai inside the room. Violent shouting continued: “How should we slaughter this beast? Steam him or braise him?”

The little eunuch knew these imperial guards were crude and violent. Hearing their unfriendly tone, he thought Qin Zhonghai alone would surely suffer. With the door already blocked, the little eunuch was anxious but couldn’t see what was happening inside.

Suddenly he heard two sounds – “hm” and “ha” – followed by a tremor. Mud and sand fell from the tower above. The little eunuch was terrified – after a long time of hearing no voices, he worried whether Qin Zhonghai had fallen victim to their hands. He slowly walked toward the door to investigate when suddenly there was another loud noise from the doorway. The door panel seemed to jump up and was immediately split with a crack. The little eunuch was startled and quickly backed away.

After a long time with no sound, the little eunuch was both alarmed and afraid. He boldly knocked on the door: “General Qin, are you alright?” Before he finished speaking, there was suddenly an earth-shaking tremor. The tower seemed about to be demolished, with wood chips flying everywhere. The little eunuch was so frightened his face turned blue and he shrank into a corner.

After a long while, he still heard no voices and the tower stopped shaking. The little eunuch called: “General Qin! Are you inside?” After waiting a good while with no response, the little eunuch didn’t know what to do. Just as he was worrying, he suddenly heard Qin Zhonghai’s voice – a pitiful cry: “Ah! It hurts! Don’t use such force!”

The little eunuch was startled and thought: “Terrible! General Qin has been captured by them! I must go back and report to Deputy General Manager Xue.” Qin Zhonghai’s pitiful cries continued as if he were suffering severe torture. The little eunuch dared not delay and hurried back to report to Xue Nu’er.

Xue Nu’er was taking an afternoon nap when the little eunuch came to report in panic. Hearing the situation, he was overjoyed: “This Qin Zhonghai deserves it for daring to act wildly on my territory – perfect opportunity to teach him a lesson.” He stretched lazily, leisurely put on his boots, and slowly powdered his face. The little eunuch urged: “Eunuch! If we’re slow, General Qin will surely be killed by them!”

Xue Nu’er smiled: “If he’s killed, he’s killed – what are you worried about?” He walked out the door with a smile and headed for the West Corner Tower.

Reaching the tower, Xue Nu’er squinted: “Go knock on the door – tell them to come out and greet the eunuch.”

Xue Nu’er was naturally arrogant and loved pageantry. Having him knock and visit would be as difficult as beheading. The little eunuch, hearing the order, had to steel himself and fearfully walk to the door. He knocked twice and said quietly: “Excuse… excuse me, is anyone there?”

Just as he was afraid, the door panel suddenly opened and someone poked his head out, smiling: “Yes, yes, yes! Of course there are people! Eunuch, who are you looking for?”

The little eunuch didn’t know why this person was so polite and just swallowed, saying tremblingly: “I… I’m looking for General Qin…”

The man looked outside the door and saw Xue Nu’er, immediately bowing and smiling: “So two distinguished guests have arrived! Come, come, come – please come inside.”

When had these imperial guards, with their violent behavior, ever shown good faces? The little eunuch was startled and thought: “Terrible! Could General Qin have been killed?” He looked back at Xue Nu’er to see what he would indicate.

Xue Nu’er sneered. Though these Tiger Forest Army men were usually fierce scoundrels, he held high position and great power, plus superior martial arts. Even if these imperial guards had some conspiracy, he didn’t care. He stepped into the door without fear. The little eunuch, seeing his superior enter, also fearfully walked slowly into the room.

Entering the room, he saw pitch darkness everywhere but didn’t see Qin Zhonghai. The little eunuch was frightened and called quietly: “General Qin… where are you?”

A weak voice came from the room: “I’m here…” This voice was very feeble but was undoubtedly Qin Zhonghai’s. Suddenly they heard him cry out again: “It hurts! Don’t use so much force!” The little eunuch was both joyful and alarmed – joyful that Qin Zhonghai was still alive, alarmed that his breath was weak and he must have suffered severe torture.

Xue Nu’er sneered mockingly: “Qin Zhonghai, for all that you came from the battlefield, you still need this one to rescue you – do you still have face to continue?”

Hearing him speak, Qin Zhonghai only cried “Ow” in pain and completely ignored Xue Nu’er’s questions.

Xue Nu’er heard his pitiful cries and felt only satisfaction in his heart. Just as he wanted to hear more, he suddenly saw a big man walk over and block Xue Nu’er, saying sternly: “Since you two have come here, why not relax a bit before leaving?” As he spoke, he flexed his knuckles, making crackling sounds.

The little eunuch heard Qin Zhonghai’s continuous wailing and was already completely weak. Seeing the guard’s fierce expression, he was so frightened he waved his hands frantically: “No… no…”

The big man snorted: “You look down on my skills?”

The little eunuch shrieked and quickly hid behind Xue Nu’er. What kind of status did Xue Nu’er have? Seeing someone acting presumptuously before the Grand Duke, he was naturally furious and immediately slapped him: “How dare you show off before the eunuch! Light the lamps for me!”

The big man was beaten dizzy and angrily said: “If you don’t want it, don’t want it – why hit people!”

Xue Nu’er took out his Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel and shrieked: “Less nonsense! Quickly light the lamps! Otherwise I’ll make your whole group pay with your lives!”

The big man dared not say more and quickly lit the lamps. Immediately the room brightened – a big man was sprawled in a chair, it was Qin Zhonghai. His feet rested on the backs of two guards, with people on both sides constantly pounding his legs, and someone behind vigorously rubbing his shoulders. He was heard calling strangely: “Ah! Sore! Use more force! Oh! Refreshing!”

Guards sat around Qin Zhonghai, all with worried faces and bruised, swollen features – clearly they had all been severely beaten by him. One rushed forward with a full smile: “Two Buddha-like masters are General Qin’s friends – it’s rare to visit our Tiger Forest Army. How about first drinking fragrant tea, soaking your feet, then getting massages and relaxing? How would that be?” This bewhiskered man was the same bully who had earlier threatened the little eunuch. The little eunuch, seeing him so humble, was completely stunned.

Xue Nu’er glared angrily at the little eunuch and shrieked: “What about Qin Zhonghai being captured? Where did your eyes go!” He raised his hand to slap him.

The little eunuch was startled and about to be beaten when someone leaped over and blocked Xue Nu’er’s palm – it was Qin Zhonghai.

Qin Zhonghai blocked Xue Nu’er’s palm and smiled: “With Eunuch’s status, why make things difficult for a child?”

Xue Nu’er pulled his hand back, snorted, and cursed: “You scoundrel, neglecting proper duties – be careful!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Who says we’re neglecting proper duties? These subordinates of mine are practicing Eagle Claw skill! Their massaging is really quite enjoyable. Eunuch, you handle ten thousand affairs daily and your body must be tired – would you like to try the feeling?”

Seeing Qin Zhonghai’s sincere expression, Xue Nu’er remembered his old rheumatism problem and couldn’t help but smile: “My shoulders have been aching these past few days…” He suddenly realized and shouted: “What nonsense are you talking! Quickly go handle proper business!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Eunuch wants me to handle proper business?” He suddenly raised his voice: “Tiger Forest Army brothers, listen to orders!” All the guards in the room responded in unison: “Present!” The sound was like thunder, startling the little eunuch so much he jumped up.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing his newly recruited subordinates were quite obedient, laughed loudly: “Very good – exactly this spirit.” He glanced sideways at Xue Nu’er and smiled: “My army’s morale is high as a rainbow – what does the eunuch think?”

Xue Nu’er sneered: “What’s so remarkable about this that’s worth bragging about?”

Though he spoke defiantly, in his heart he was both shocked and impressed. The Tiger Forest Army ruffians were extremely fierce – they had tormented several previous commanders to death, and no one could handle them. He didn’t know what methods Qin Zhonghai had used to make this group of guards completely submissive in just moments, and he was quite curious about it.

After Qin Zhonghai subdued these guards, he spent his days lounging about in the imperial city. This place wasn’t as urgent as the front lines – the days were quite leisurely and boring. When Qin Zhonghai had nothing to do, he forced everyone to practice Eagle Claw Divine Skill to massage his muscles and bones. Sometimes he would skip duty and return home to crack sunflower seeds and chat with Wu Dingyuan. But he had a wolf-like nature – after only two months of such idle days, he was thoroughly bored.

This day the weather was hot, deep into summer. Qin Zhonghai, having nothing to do, hid in Renzhi Hall to take an afternoon nap. Renzhi Hall was located on the west side of the three great halls and was where the Emperor’s body would lie in state after his death. Since the Emperor was currently in his prime, it would be at least twenty years before Renzhi Hall would be needed. This year the palace was peaceful and the hall was naturally quiet with no one around. Even if anything disturbed the peace, it would be ghosts, not people. But Qin Zhonghai was extremely bold – sleeping among corpses on battlefields was routine for him, and he would regard drifting ghost spirits as light smoke and mist. So he ordered his subordinates to come back for him in two hours, propped up his feet, and fell fast asleep.

In his dreams he was enjoying good fish, good meat, and romantic pleasures when suddenly he heard footsteps – someone was walking toward the hall. Qin Zhonghai suddenly awoke, thinking: “How could someone come here at this time? Could it be people from the Golden Wu Army or Feathered Forest Army coming here to sleep?” Thinking again: “No, if these people wanted to nap, they would mostly go sleep in Jinji Tower – why would they come compete with me for territory? This person must have some background – I should be careful.”

The person’s footsteps were light and quick, already approaching nearby. Qin Zhonghai had no time to think carefully and immediately pushed off with both feet, flying up to hide on the great beam above.

Qin Zhonghai crouched on the beam and looked down. The footsteps grew louder – it was a beautiful concubine walking into the hall. Qin Zhonghai became suspicious. He saw this concubine was alone, carrying a basket in her hand, with no palace maids accompanying her. The more Qin Zhonghai looked, the stranger it seemed. He thought: “These concubines usually stay in the rear palace – when do they come to the front halls? Besides, these women are all pampered and spoiled, usually with many servants – how could one come alone to this empty hall?” Thinking of this, he became even more suspicious.

Seeing the concubine walking into the hall, Qin Zhonghai immediately lowered his body and flew along the beam in pursuit. His lightness skill was considerable, and now he was doubly careful with his footing – unless one was a martial arts master, no one could detect him.

The concubine walked to a painting and gazed at it intently, as if appreciating and evaluating it. Qin Zhonghai’s eyes were sharp as lightning – he saw the concubine’s face showed some tension. Her delicate jade hand reached behind the painting, and with a “click” sound, some mechanism seemed to activate. In an instant, that section of wall rose up, revealing a secret passage!

The concubine looked around outside, then hurriedly went inside. Soon the wall made a soft “swish” sound and fell back down.

Qin Zhonghai was also greatly shocked. He looked around for a while, and seeing no one else coming, leaped down with a bound. He walked to the painting and lifted it up, clearly seeing a small keyhole. The hole was extremely well-hidden, looking like natural damage in the wall. If he hadn’t personally seen the concubine hide in the secret door, he would never have discovered this secret.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “Good fellow, there’s definitely something strange here – let me investigate.” He pressed against the wall, put his ear to it, and slowly channeled his divine skill, wanting to eavesdrop on the sounds inside.

Qin Zhonghai had learned from the “Nine Provinces Sword King” Fang Zijing, mainly inheriting the “Fire Greedy Single Blade” technique, but had never learned Yang Suguan’s “Dharma Heavenly Ear” methods. Now with a thick wall between them, he relied on his many years of internal power cultivation to listen intently inside.

He heard the woman say: “I miss you so much… all these years, day and night, I’ve missed you so much.” Her voice was high-pitched and seemed quite excited. A man sighed: “Sigh… among all these women, only you are the best…” The man’s voice was low and seemed to lack energy, followed by sounds of embracing and kissing.

Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped as he thought: “Great! This concubine is having an affair!” He chuckled coldly – some wild man who had come from who knows where was so bold as to risk the lives of his nine generations of relatives to come play in this forbidden palace.

He heard the woman say again: “Today I can stay a bit longer. First drink this hot soup – don’t get any thinner.” Then came the sound of drinking soup.

Qin Zhonghai secretly laughed, thinking: “Good fellow, you’re this weak and still come to play this deadly romantic game?” Hearing the man drinking soup heartily, he thought again: “Even if you nourish yourself in front and drain yourself behind, isn’t it still wasted effort?”

After drinking soup for a while, the two spoke in low, quick voices. Qin Zhonghai listened intently but couldn’t make out the meaning. Only that man’s voice was truly weak – definitely not a martial artist. Qin Zhonghai was secretly pleased, thinking: “At least it’s not one of my subordinates having an affair, or else it would implicate everyone and even my head wouldn’t be safe.”

Just as he was about to listen more, suddenly more footsteps approached. This person walked quickly but made no sound. Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped – he knew a master had arrived, so he immediately pushed off with both feet and flew back up to the beam.

Soon a person hurried over. This person had white powder on his face and bright red lips – it was Xue Nu’er.

Qin Zhonghai cursed silently: “So which dog was arranging this adultery – turns out it’s this bastard! This old fellow couldn’t find anywhere else to arrange his affair but came to my territory – damn it, he deserves death!”

Xue Nu’er stood guard in front of the painting. Soon he actually sat down cross-legged, eyes watching his nose, nose watching his heart, motionless as if practicing martial arts meditation. Qin Zhonghai frowned – now it would be impossible to leave the hall. He thought miserably: “This old turtle sits here – how can I get out! Those two are having romantic fun inside while I have to squat on this beam stupidly – this is outrageous.”

Indeed, that pair of adulterous lovers were passionately engaged for over an hour, making Qin Zhonghai squat until he was dizzy and his legs were numb. He wanted to escape but feared Xue Nu’er’s superior martial arts – if he moved rashly, he would immediately be detected. So he could only hold his breath and concentrate, mentally urging the couple to finish quickly a thousand times.

Just then, several people suddenly rushed in from outside, calling: “Boss Qin! Wake up quickly!” Qin Zhonghai was delighted, knowing his subordinates had come looking for him. Xue Nu’er heard these people shouting and immediately showed a murderous expression, snorted, and walked out.

Qin Zhonghai saw the opportunity and quickly leaped down from the beam, then jumped out the window.

He passed through the flower garden and slowly walked back to the entrance of Renzhi Hall, only to see Xue Nu’er angrily scolding his subordinates with a very furious expression. Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily and pretended ignorance, walking forward with a smile: “Eunuch Xue, what’s wrong with these subordinates of mine? They’ve made you so angry!”

Xue Nu’er’s face flashed with anger as he said sternly: “Where did you run off to? Why do they say they came to find you?”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “I just went to the latrine to relieve myself. Does the eunuch have some business?”

Xue Nu’er looked nervous and shrieked: “Then… then why did they say you were sleeping in Renzhi Hall!”

Qin Zhonghai stretched lazily: “I just finished defecating and was in a good mood, so I was about to come sleep.” He yawned and was about to walk inside.

Xue Nu’er was greatly alarmed and quickly blocked him: “Go away! You’re not allowed to go in there.”

Qin Zhonghai secretly laughed, thinking: “This old dog probably hasn’t read Jin Ping Mei properly – how can a pimp operate this way? This is obviously trying to cover up! He should say: ‘Oh my, it’s dirty inside – this humble one still needs to clean and tidy up. Sir, please don’t be hasty.’ Damn! What kind of violent pimp is this?”

Xue Nu’er, seeing his lazy expression, angrily said: “What are you doing! I haven’t settled accounts with you yet – why are you staring at me?”

Qin Zhonghai giggled and shrugged: “Nothing, eunuch, don’t be angry.”

Xue Nu’er pointed accusingly and cursed: “You worthless thing! Privately returning home during patrol duty has already violated Article 42 of the ‘Inner Palace Patrol Guard Inspection Regulations.’ Not to mention that now you want to arbitrarily enter the hall to slack off and nap, which violates Article 96 of the ‘Renzhi Hall Maintenance and Usage Regulations.’ By rights I can deduct twenty-five taels, nine qian, and eight wen from your salary – do you admit your guilt?”

Qin Zhonghai pretended to be frightened and begged for mercy: “Please show mercy, eunuch! My luck has been bad these past few months and I owe quite a bit of silver. If you deduct my salary again, my beloved horse ‘Cloud Chaser’ is still in the pawn shop and I won’t be able to redeem it!”

Xue Nu’er spat and shrieked loudly: “Get lost quickly!”

Qin Zhonghai laughed heartily, scratched his head, and left with several subordinates. His subordinates hurried over and asked: “Boss, are you really short of money? This subordinate still has several hundred taels of silver – if you need anything, just say the word…”

Qin Zhonghai answered perfunctorily while thinking: “Who is that adulterous man? Looking at Xue Nu’er’s manner, this person must be a court official – probably even a Grand Secretary. Great! You bastards have affairs and actually came to my territory – I’m not finished with you.”

That night he returned home, still thinking about the strangeness in Renzhi Hall, when suddenly Liu Angtian sent someone to report that there was urgent business to discuss. Qin Zhonghai was a Liu faction general and immediately hurried over upon hearing this.

Arriving at the mansion gate, he happened to see a sedan chair stopped at the entrance. Liu Angtian rarely rode in sedan chairs – Qin Zhonghai understood that the person in this sedan must be a Liu family relative, so he dared not be presumptuous and stood respectfully to one side. Though Qin Zhonghai was usually casual, he was very respectful before Liu Angtian’s family.

A young married woman emerged from the sedan chair – absolutely gorgeous with a pair of wonderful eyes that were particularly watery and charming. Servants from the gate came forward, calling “Seventh Madam!” The young woman walked gracefully through the gate. Suddenly seeing Qin Zhonghai standing respectfully by the door, she turned her head and called sweetly: “General Qin.”

Qin Zhonghai kept his eyes on the ground and said solemnly: “The Marquis summoned me, saying there was business to discuss with Zhonghai, so this subordinate hurried to the mansion. I didn’t expect to disturb Madam – please forgive any offense.”

The young woman smiled slightly: “You’ve been promoted again, haven’t you?”

Qin Zhonghai coughed repeatedly: “Madam’s information is truly well-informed. I’ve now been promoted to Fourth-Rank Armed Imperial Guard and serve in the palace.”

The young woman wanted to say something but hesitated. Qin Zhonghai frowned tightly and dared not move.

Suddenly an aged voice came from inside the gate: “Zhonghai! What are you doing? Standing at the gate all this time and still not coming in!” This voice was quite authoritative – Liu Angtian had grown impatient and come out personally to check.

Qin Zhonghai breathed a long sigh of relief: “Madam, please go slowly – I’ll go in first.” He scurried inside like smoke.

The young woman watched Qin Zhonghai’s retreating figure and sighed softly, as if lost in thought.

Qin Zhonghai followed Liu Angtian into the study and saw Wu Dingyuan with an iron-blue face and Yang Suguan sighing – he didn’t know what had happened. He sat down and asked: “What’s going on? Have you all simultaneously developed hemorrhoids?”

Liu Angtian spat: “Say something pleasant! A major event has occurred today!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Oh! Is your little wife pregnant?”

Liu Angtian cursed: “Can you say something proper! I already have several sons – would I still use such double-axe tree-cutting tricks?” He called over Wei Zizhuang: “Please ask Guard Wei to patrol outside – absolutely don’t let any idle people approach.”

Wei Zizhuang acknowledged and went to patrol.

Qin Zhonghai’s heart jumped – only then did he know this was no ordinary matter.

Liu Angtian took out a letter and handed it to Qin Zhonghai: “First read this, then we’ll talk.”

Qin Zhonghai acknowledged and unfolded the letter to read: “To Virtuous Marquis, Governor-General of Northern Expedition Liu Angtian, Your Excellency. The Marquis’s heroic bearing inspires awe throughout the realm, serving as our dynasty’s bulwark. For decades you have resisted the Mongols in the north and defeated the Qiang and Rong in the west. Your martial achievements are sufficient to compare with the famous ministers of our dynasty’s founding. At this time when the world…”

Hearing Qin Zhonghai reading haltingly and sweating profusely, Liu Angtian chuckled: “These are all empty words – you can skip them.”

Qin Zhonghai sighed in relief and continued reading: “I constantly think that today the sage’s wisdom is clouded, causing great chaos in the realm. Bandits arise everywhere, with deaths and injuries like wolves, horizontal corpses, rapes and murders – nothing they won’t do. The most evil are the Jiang bandits. These Jiang thieves have run rampant for long, causing palace troubles and endangering court politics. If they don’t submit to law soon, how can our dynasty claim great order or call itself a golden age? If these bandits aren’t eliminated for one day, the court faces imminent disaster.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “This letter writer wants to deal with Jiang Chong and his bandit traitors to restore court justice, right?”

Liu Angtian, hearing his interpretation, praised: “Not bad! You can actually understand this passage! Your literary foundation has improved considerably – this must be thanks to Nephew Lu!”

Qin Zhonghai acknowledged, naturally unable to praise the contributions of “Jin Ping Mei” and “Rou Pu Tuan” on the spot, and continued reading: “The Jiang thieves have deep roots and extensive operations. I know my own strength is thin and position weak, difficult to resist these demon ministers. Thinking that Your Excellency has penetrating foresight and deep, far-reaching plans, you surely know the seriousness far and near. Awaiting you to raise your arms on high, the four seas will be awed, great affairs can be expected, and the world will be fortunate! The people will be fortunate!”

Qin Zhonghai looked at the signature and read six characters: “Eastern Depot Director General Liu Jing.”

Reading to this point, Qin Zhonghai knew the court political struggle had reached its peak – this Liu Jing was actually beginning to win over Liu Angtian. The inside story was definitely not simple. He pondered for a moment and looked at everyone’s faces – Wu Dingyuan was gritting his teeth and seemed quite excited, while Yang Suguan showed neither joy nor anger, just thinking with lowered head.

Qin Zhonghai asked: “Who delivered this letter?”

Liu Angtian said: “A disciple of Purple Cloud Pavilion.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded – this letter was extremely important, so Liu Jing didn’t trust the Eastern Depot masters and instead had National Uncle Qiong’s disciples deliver it to the Liu mansion.

Liu Angtian said: “These past days the court has been fighting fiercely. Liu Jing first had several ministers submit memorials criticizing Jiang Chong for leaving the palace without permission some days ago, not only going to the northwest regions on his own but also arbitrarily mobilizing troops to leave the pass. This could be called serious crimes, asking His Majesty to investigate and punish him.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded slightly – that day when he was ordered to leave the pass, he had encountered Jiang Chong’s troops at the foot of Tianshan. At that time this group had refused to help, showing complete callousness. Now that Liu Jing raised this matter, Qin Zhonghai was naturally not surprised.

Liu Angtian sipped his tea and continued: “His Majesty, seeing this memorial, summoned Jiang Chong and questioned him thoroughly in front of all the ministers, even dismissing and investigating Jade Gate Pass Commander Gao Yan. Jiang Chong, losing face, naturally wasn’t willing to show weakness. He immediately found people to submit memorials overnight, saying Eastern Depot personnel were corrupt and taking bribes, secretly transporting official silver out of the capital. Now His Majesty has sent Jiang Chong’s case to the Court of Judicial Review and Liu Jing’s case to the Ministry of Justice. Both sides are operating at full force, each trying to bring down and disgrace the other’s people.”

Everyone’s faces were grave – they all knew that after this vicious struggle, countless people in court would certainly be dismissed from office, and even have their homes raided and be exiled to military service. They felt vaguely ominous.

Liu Angtian said: “Liu Jing is deeply scheming. Seeing Jiang Chong’s effective counter-measures and knowing this person is extremely favored by the Emperor, he fears he can’t move Jiang Chong’s people and might even be counter-attacked. So he has approached me, hoping I can assist him and join forces against Jiang Chong.”

Qin Zhonghai raised his eyebrows and nodded: “Looks like this old eunuch is playing for real.”

Liu Angtian said: “But Liu Jing is cunning and crafty – his pulling me into this may not be well-intentioned. He’s probably hoping I’ll fight Jiang Chong to mutual destruction, then he can reap the benefits. That’s why I called you here today to discuss.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled slightly: “What’s difficult about this? If our two families want to join forces to defeat Jiang Chong, it’s just like going to rob someone. We and Liu Jing – these two groups of bandits – need to first agree who keeps watch and who acts, then clearly divide the benefits afterward to avoid fighting over the loot later. Wouldn’t that work?”

Yang Suguan frowned: “General Qin, we’re all court officials – please don’t use such inappropriate analogies.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “Alright! Then let’s say we’re like two groups of wild boars who now encounter a tiger…”

Liu Angtian snorted and cursed: “Stop making analogies! You keep making us sound so bad!”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “To tell the truth, what we’re doing isn’t exactly good either – if we act ugly, we should be compared to ugly things.”

Yang Suguan said: “Zhonghai doesn’t know – Jiang Chong has already learned about Liu Jing’s alliance attempt. He came personally to the mansion this morning to visit the Marquis, hoping the Marquis would turn to cooperate with him instead.”

Qin Zhonghai was startled and exclaimed admiringly: “What a treacherous minister – he came so quickly!”

Jiang Chong’s cunning was world-renowned. Though Liu Jing tried to keep things secret and careful, Jiang Chong had many spies and indeed learned of this matter.

Yang Suguan said: “Jiang Chong has already made his offer. He says as long as we assist him, after Liu Jing is defeated, he will definitely send valuable gifts.”

Qin Zhonghai smiled: “What valuable gifts? His head on a platter?”

Wu Dingyuan had a grudge against Jiang Chong and, hearing this, slapped his thigh and shouted: “Well said!”

Liu Angtian glared at him: “You’ve been corrupted too.” Wu Dingyuan’s face reddened as he lowered his head without speaking.

Yang Suguan said slowly: “Jiang Chong personally promised that once this matter succeeds, he will give up the position of Capital Guard Commander and also hand over military power in the Western Regions, letting the Marquis’s people take over.”

Qin Zhonghai was startled, knowing these two positions carried significant weight – if Liu Angtian could obtain them, he would gain many advantages.

He put away his smile and pondered: “So if we help Liu Jing defeat Jiang Chong, what benefits can we get?”

Yang Suguan said: “According to Liu Jing’s letter, we seemingly have no obvious benefits.”

Qin Zhonghai nodded: “Looking at it this way, if we assist Liu Jing, we come and go empty-handed, but if we assist Jiang Chong, we still get some rewards. Is that right or not?”

Yang Suguan nodded: “Zhonghai’s words are quite similar to my thoughts.”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled: “Never mind these benefits – these two families are now cheating at their game, one life hanging in the Court of Judicial Review, one life suspended in the Ministry of Justice court. If one gets killed, we can’t collect debts from a dead man, right? Right now, which of these two families has the upper hand and which is at a disadvantage – does Scholar Yang know?”

Yang Suguan said: “Currently the Court of Judicial Review is trying Jiang Chong and the Ministry of Justice is trying Liu Jing. Though both sides are evenly matched, Jiang Chong still has a slight advantage. He has deep friendships with several senior officials at the Court of Judicial Review – unless Chief Justice Xu Zhongjin personally conducts the trial, Jiang Chong’s case should be fine. But Liu Jing is at a considerable disadvantage – that Minister of Justice Zhao Zheng was personally recommended by Jiang Chong. Since this person received Jiang Chong’s request, if he doesn’t convict Liu Jing this time, it would be unimaginable.”

Yang Suguan had always been astute – his analysis of the court situation was indeed reasonable and hit the mark.

Qin Zhonghai shook his head and sighed: “This Liu Jing is truly foolish. In the past he allied with Jiang Chong to eliminate Left Censor Zhang Wen – now he should know to regret it! If that Censor Zhang were still here, being most upright and impartial, he would certainly handle things fairly. Now the entire court is full of people silent as cicadas in winter – Liu Jing moved a rock and dropped it on his own foot. What else can he do? I think this Director Liu is definitely finished!”

Liu Angtian sighed deeply: “Actually, regardless of which of the Jiang or Liu factions is right or wrong, both are sources of evil in the world – neither should be assisted. Sigh… unfortunately that sheepskin was just a spring dream, unable to uncover Jiang Chong’s treasonous inside story. Considering that we’re isolated and our voice is weak, if we want to slowly eliminate these two great evil factions, we must proceed step by step.” He paused and asked heavily: “What do you all think – in this conflict between Eastern Depot and Jiang Chong, whom should we assist?”

With these words, everyone’s expressions changed. They all looked at each other but no one rushed to answer.

Liu Angtian, seeing everyone quiet, followed Liu faction custom and asked the lowest-ranking official first: “Dingyuan! Setting aside your jianghu grudges, in your view of this court struggle between two major factions, whom do you favor assisting?”

Wu Dingyuan, hearing the question, immediately snorted hatefully: “For the sake of a mere sheepskin, Jiang Chong ruthlessly killed countless people! My colleague coroner Huang Ji was beheaded and hung from a gate beam. The entire Yanling Escort Agency – over eighty men, women, and children – inexplicably suffered massacre! Besides this, there were also Prefect Liang Zhiyi and Censor Wang Ning who were successively killed for this! All these tragedies, when traced to their roots, were all instigated by that villain Jiang Chong!” He stood up and said loudly: “Marquis! We must thoroughly eliminate evil and resolve this scoundrel as soon as possible!”

Qin Zhonghai applauded: “Well said! This Jiang Chong is most despicable and shameless – worse in evil than Liu Jing. We must eliminate him as soon as possible.”

Liu Angtian remained uncommitted and turned to Yang Suguan: “What does Suguan think?”

Yang Suguan pondered for a long time: “What Dingyuan says has merit, but it may not be profitable.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound: “What insights does Scholar Yang have?”

Yang Suguan said: “Currently Jiang Chong is powerful while Liu Jing and our faction are smaller. Even if the two factions unite, at most we can only fight Jiang Chong to a draw, but we may not be able to bring him down. Then both sides would suffer mutual destruction, and we would only waste our efforts in vain.”

Both Liu and Qin nodded upon hearing this – though Yang Suguan’s words were unpleasant, they were undoubtedly true.

Wu Dingyuan was full of indignation and completely disagreed with Yang Suguan’s words. He said loudly: “Jiang Chong has done so many evil deeds – if we just expose one or two cases, how can we not imprison him?”

Yang Suguan said: “Dingyuan doesn’t understand – for the Court of Judicial Review to eliminate Jiang faction members and even demote Jiang Chong’s official rank is not difficult, but to actually have this treacherous minister sentenced to prison, convicted and executed requires a ‘Six Ministry Joint Trial’ – that’s not an easy matter.”

Wu Dingyuan’s heart jumped: “Six Ministry Joint Trial? What’s that?”

Yang Suguan said: “The so-called Six Ministry Joint Trial means the Ministers of Personnel, Revenue, Rites, War, Justice, and Works jointly try the case. This is completely a contest of hard connections and personal relationships. Even if we catch Jiang Chong’s weak points, we may not be able to convince the Six Ministry Ministers to convict him.”

Liu Angtian said: “That’s right. Currently nephew Suguan is familiar with War Minister Gu and might be able to persuade him to help, but as for the other five Ministry Ministers, even though I have some personal relationships, I can’t guarantee they would handle the case impartially.”

Wu Dingyuan, being a veteran of the public service, how could he not understand these matters of personal relationships? His face immediately turned ashen and he fell silent in dejection.

Qin Zhonghai said: “So according to Scholar Yang’s opinion, what should we do?”

Yang Suguan said: “Currently Jiang Chong has already made his offer – as long as we don’t agree to Liu Jing’s request, he’ll give us two major positions. In my humble opinion, if we can seize these two positions this time, even without Liu Jing’s faction’s support in the future, we won’t need to fear Jiang Chong anymore.”

Qin Zhonghai made a sound: “How so?”

Yang Suguan said: “The biggest prize this time is the Capital Commandant position. According to our dynasty’s institutional regulations, this position can command all military forces in the capital – from the Imperial Guards above to the Embroidered Uniform Guard below, all are under its control. As long as we seize this position, with the Marquis controlling the capital’s military power, our strength will definitely more than double.”

Qin Zhonghai shook his head: “Your words are wrong. These years court politics have deteriorated badly – the capital’s various forces each follow their own command and nobody listens to orders. Even if we grabbed this Commandant position, it might not be useful.” He himself was the Tiger Forest Army commander and theoretically should be under the Capital Commandant’s jurisdiction, but he only knew this gentleman’s surname was Xu and was unclear about his height or build – this showed the general situation.

Yang Suguan smiled slightly: “If the regulations are damaged, can’t they be repaired? In my view, as long as we seize this position, we can persuade War Minister Gu at the appropriate time, plus with my father’s and the Marquis’s influence, we can definitely expand the real power of the Capital Commandant position. This would be completely unexpected to Jiang Chong – by the time he wants to take the position back, it would be too late.”

Qin Zhonghai, remembering that day when he had seen the intimate manner between Yang and Miss Gu, immediately smiled: “This Lord Gu of ours has always been independent and never factionalizes with the three court parties – it seems he must love Yang and extend that to Liu?”

Yang Suguan smiled slightly: “General Qin jests.”

Liu Angtian coughed lightly: “According to Suguan’s meaning, we should ally with Jiang Chong now. Does anyone present have objections?”

Qin Zhonghai, hearing this, understood completely. It seemed Yang Suguan had discussed this with Liu Angtian beforehand – calling him to this meeting was just for notification. Qin Zhonghai yawned, knowing his eloquence was limited and he would certainly lose in debate to Yang Suguan. Since it didn’t concern him directly, he decided not to interfere. Suddenly he thought of Lu Yun and thought: “If Brother Lu were still here at this moment, he would surely have insights, and I, Old Qin, could also make a big scene.”

Just as he was sighing endlessly, he suddenly heard Wu Dingyuan say sternly: “Lord Liu, I oppose this matter!” Everyone was startled hearing this.

Liu Angtian coughed and asked: “Dingyuan, why do you oppose it?”

Wu Dingyuan said loudly: “Marquis! If we ally and collaborate with Jiang Chong and his treacherous gang, and even conspire to share spoils, may I ask how we differ from treacherous ministers?”

Everyone was startled, seeing he spoke so heavily.

Yang Suguan advised: “This is just an expedient measure. When we grow powerful in the future, sooner or later we’ll still bring Jiang Chong to justice.”

Wu Dingyuan’s eyes reddened as the image of the Qi family’s entire household’s tragic death floated before his eyes. Thinking that the murderer was still free, he couldn’t help but feel heartbroken and said loudly: “I was just a small constable in the past – I don’t understand a single word of those high-minded things Lord Yang speaks of!”

Yang Suguan frowned and was about to persuade him, but Wu Dingyuan forcefully waved his hand to suppress his words and said loudly: “I traveled thousands of li from Xiliang to the capital for the Yanling Escort Agency case – not to seek office! I… I only hope the injustice will be cleared and justice returned to the victims! If you gentlemen want to ally with that treacherous minister Jiang Chong, I… I will return to Xiliang tomorrow and no longer need to be any commander!” At the end, he actually punched the table heavily – with a thunderous crash, the wooden table split into pieces and collapsed to the ground.

When Wu Dingyuan first came to the capital, he immediately handed over the sheepskin and listened to Liu Angtian’s arrangements in everything – his behavior could be called cautious, honest, and proper. Who would have thought that after one trip to the Western Regions, Wu Dingyuan’s temper had inexplicably strengthened as much as his martial arts. Everyone didn’t know he had such fierce character and were all quite shocked.

Qin Zhonghai thought: “I thought Dingyuan was naturally a constable type – I didn’t expect him to have such passion.” For a moment his heart was full of admiration. But Yang Suguan thought: “So Dingyuan is so impatient. Sigh, at this critical moment, small impatience will ruin great plans – how can I persuade him?”

Everyone fell silent, and Liu Angtian sighed repeatedly. Wu Dingyuan, knowing he had been too excited and frightened everyone, said apologetically: “I… I just can’t bear the blood cases remaining unsolved, so… so I spoke such heavy words. Please forgive me, my lord…” He bent his knees and actually knelt before Liu Angtian, crying: “Please have pity on the innocent deaths of the entire Yanling Escort Agency household – we absolutely cannot ally with treacherous ministers!”

Liu Angtian helped him up: “Dingyuan’s concerns are not without reason. What do we rely on to call ourselves loyal ministers and filial sons? It’s because we don’t go with the flow of Jiang Chong and his thieves. Sigh… it seems this matter should be considered in the long term.”

Wu Dingyuan kowtowed with tears: “Thank you, my lord! Dingyuan will never forget your grace for life.”

Yang Suguan’s face changed – without the sheepskin to constrain Jiang Chong, if they couldn’t grasp the timing of the Jiang-Liu conflict to grow stronger, they would definitely be at a disadvantage in the future. But seeing Wu Dingyuan so excited, he didn’t dare say more.

Qin Zhonghai just smiled: “That’s right, we’re not in any hurry. Let’s take everything slowly and wait for Jiang Chong and Liu Jing to raise their prices before we discuss.”

They talked until late that night before dispersing. The next day Qin Zhonghai yawned continuously as he went to work at the Forbidden City. Having slept only one hour last night, as soon as he reached the Forbidden City he slipped into the West Corner Tower and fell into deep sleep. Several subordinates, knowing his lazy nature, didn’t dare wake him.

Qin Zhonghai was having sweet dreams when he suddenly heard gongs and drums outside, then subordinates rushed in urgently: “Boss, get up quickly! His Majesty is going hunting today – we mustn’t be late!”

Qin Zhonghai was shaken awake by his subordinates. Hearing the situation, he was startled and quickly wiped the drool from the corner of his mouth, hurriedly running outside. He saw all the brothers already equipped and ready, just waiting for him alone.

Qin Zhonghai frowned: “This is my first time accompanying a hunt – you lead the way!” An experienced subordinate brought out a precious bow and silver-feathered carved arrows, presenting them to Qin Zhonghai: “During the hunt later, Boss should just drive the prey to His Majesty’s front and let him shoot to his heart’s content – don’t steal his spotlight.”

Qin Zhonghai acknowledged, knowing this was the art of flattery, and nodded in understanding.

Soon they reached the Western Garden, which was a hunting ground composed of the North Sea, Middle Sea, and South Sea, built and expanded through the Liao, Jin, and Yuan dynasties until the imperial park reached considerable scale, always serving as a place for the Emperor and consorts to play. At this time troops had gathered – the Golden Wu Front Guard, Feathered Forest Right Guard, Prefecture Army Rear Guard and other Imperial Guards had all arrived, totaling several thousand.

A general, seeing Qin Zhonghai’s unfamiliar face and guessing he was the Tiger Forest Army’s new commander, wanted to make friends and rode forward, cupping his hands: “I’m Gong Zhengyi, commander of the Golden Wu Army. May I ask if you are General Qin Zhonghai?”

Qin Zhonghai cupped his hands and smiled: “I dare not – it’s indeed this humble one. I’ve only taken over the Tiger Forest Army for a few months, and due to busy military affairs haven’t yet visited Big Brother – please forgive me.”

Gong Zhengyi raised his thumb in praise: “Everyone says ‘Fire Greedy Single Blade’ brings prestige to the frontier – seeing you today, you’re indeed extraordinary! I’ve truly admired your great name for long!”

Qin Zhonghai, hearing his sincerity, though he was a tough man, couldn’t help but secretly rejoice and smile: “My humble name isn’t worth mentioning – it only makes Big Brother laugh.”

The two sat on horseback chatting casually. Qin Zhonghai saw Gong Zhengyi had impressive appearance and extremely dignified bearing, and felt quite fond of him. Seeing his broad knowledge and understanding of palace affairs, he continuously asked for advice.

Just as the two were talking, a eunuch announced loudly: “All officials prostrate – His Majesty arrives!” Then distant voices and hunting dog barks could be heard – the imperial hunting procession had arrived.

Gong Zhengyi, seeing the Emperor about to arrive, quickly prostrated himself. Qin Zhonghai naturally followed his example. At this moment, thousands of guards – whether Feathered Forest, Golden Wu, Prefecture Army, or Tiger Forest – all knelt on the ground, shouting: “Long live our Emperor! Long live! Long, long live!”

Qin Zhonghai’s rank was insufficient to participate in morning court, so he had only seen the Emperor once before. Though he chanted along with everyone, he felt no particular reverence, thinking: “Damn it, every ‘long live’ but they all only live those few decades anyway. One ‘long live’ shout steals one year of life – truly Amitabha, alas and alack.”

Qin Zhonghai lay on the ground continuously mocking in his heart when he suddenly felt Gong Zhengyi beside him pushing against his body. Qin Zhonghai, always alert, sensed something strange and quickly looked up to see a yellow-robed man looking down at him. This person wasn’t very old, about fifty years old. Qin Zhonghai was startled, understanding this person was the current sage. His earlier random cursing of the Emperor mustn’t be detected, so his expression became awkward, not knowing what to do.

The Emperor hadn’t detected being cursed and smiled warmly, asking: “You are Qin Zhonghai?”

Qin Zhonghai quickly prostrated himself, saying: “General Qin Zhonghai kowtows before His Majesty’s divine countenance!”

The Emperor laughed heartily and patted his shoulder: “You’re very good. You brought glory to me in the Western Regions – I’m very pleased.”

Nearby generals, seeing Qin Zhonghai had the opportunity to chat with the Emperor, all showed envious expressions. Qin Zhonghai kowtowed randomly several times: “This general receiving His Majesty’s golden praise is truly the glory of my lifetime.”

The Emperor smiled slightly and said no more, instructing the generals: “With such fine weather and a clear day, I’m in excellent spirits today – let’s go!”

Qin Zhonghai was about to get up when someone hurried over, but his boot happened to kick toward his face. Though the kick wasn’t heavy, it hit exactly on Qin Zhonghai’s forehead. Qin Zhonghai was furious and quickly looked up to see it was An’dao Jing, commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard – apparently harboring jealousy and immediately came to provoke trouble.

In wild fury, Qin Zhonghai reached for his waist knife, but Gong Zhengyi quickly stopped him, saying quietly: “These petty men can’t stand seeing you do well – you must endure.”

Qin Zhonghai, burning with anger, stood up and saw Jiang Chong swaggering from behind, also wearing hunting clothes, completely ignoring Qin Zhonghai. Then a large group of Embroidered Uniform Guard experts also walked past Qin Zhonghai, each with arrogant expressions. Qin Zhonghai thought: “After leaving the palace, if I don’t beat one or two of you to death, I’ll take your turtle grandson Jiang Chong’s surname.”

After a while, a kind-faced old man walked to his side – it was Liu Jing, with Xue Nu’er and other eunuchs beside him. Liu Jing glanced at Qin Zhonghai, seeing his iron-blue face and clenched fists, and immediately smiled: “Endure for a moment to strive for a thousand autumns.”

Qin Zhonghai chuckled coldly: “If Eunuch Liu can endure so well, why fight with Jiang Chong so intensely?”

Liu Jing blinked and made a shushing sound: “Eh? General Qin’s words are strange? Lord Jiang and I are close friends – when have we ever had disputes?”

Qin Zhonghai saw a cunning expression flash across his face and thought: “These two great treacherous ministers are indeed cunning old foxes, each able to keep their composure. I mustn’t reveal any flaws.” He suppressed his anger and also laughed heartily: “Yes! Everyone serves His Majesty – why distinguish between big and small? Eunuch’s guidance has truly opened Zhonghai’s eyes.”

Liu Jing, seeing him learn and apply immediately, smiled: “Yes! It’s rare that General Qin, despite being young and spirited, also understands this principle.”

As the two spoke, the Emperor had already mounted his horse. Liu Jing patted Qin Zhonghai’s shoulder and smiled: “You quickly go over! Protecting His Majesty is your duty!” Qin Zhonghai nodded slightly and chased after.

With thundering hoofbeats, thousands of cavalry galloped toward the suburban hunting ground. The Golden Wu Guard led the way, Feathered Forest Guard protected the right side, Prefecture Army Guard maintained rear vigilance, and Qin Zhonghai led the Tiger Guard’s many subordinates closely following the Emperor’s left side. The imperial procession center had large groups of Embroidered Uniform Guard and Eastern Depot experts accompanying for protection.

Qin Zhonghai observed and thought: “If anyone in this world wanted to assassinate the Emperor, it would be extremely difficult.” With such magnificent military might, even martial arts reaching Ning Bufan or Zhuo Lingzhao’s level couldn’t get within three feet of the Emperor.

As Qin Zhonghai watched, he saw Jiang Chong, Liu Jing and others all surrounding the Emperor. The three were chatting enthusiastically, and Qin Zhonghai was slightly startled, thinking: “External enemies are easy to deal with, but internal traitors are hard to guard against. To kill the old Emperor doesn’t require hard confrontation – with ministers like Jiang Chong and Liu Jing, they could reward him with a blade anytime, anywhere.”

He heard Jiang Chong’s voice from afar, laughing: “Why is Your Majesty in such high spirits today? Is there some good news?”

The Emperor laughed: “Excellent question, Minister Jiang! These past days I’ve read documents and learned that Yinchuan has been made Crown Princess of the Khanate, and the Khan loves Yinchuan dearly. Seeing she has a good home naturally makes my heart joyful.”

Jiang Chong flattered: “Your Majesty is truly naturally benevolent, civil, martial, and virtuous! For the princess to have such a father truly makes countless daughters in the world envious.”

The Emperor laughed heartily: “Your mouth is so sweet!” He sighed and shook his head: “If Yinchuan said these words, I don’t know how happy I’d be.” His words seemed to carry other thoughts.

Liu Jing smiled slightly and advised: “Your Majesty needn’t worry. If you miss the princess, soon write a letter inviting the princess and her husband to tour China – first to comfort the princess’s homesickness, second so Your Majesty can advise this son-in-law and teach him principles of life and conduct.”

The Emperor gazed at the distant sky and sighed: “Eunuch Liu still understands my heart.” As they spoke, everyone saw a rabbit, and the Emperor immediately spurred his horse forward in pursuit.

Qin Zhonghai yawned and thought: “Look how fiercely these two fight, every sentence trying to please the Emperor. But this Liu Jing is still deeply scheming – in a few moves he outdid that Jiang Chong bastard.” Then he thought: “These two really have methods – their own cases are still pending trial in court, yet they still come hunting with the Emperor like nothing happened.”

The Emperor drew his bow, nocked an arrow, and with a swish shot the rabbit down. Everyone immediately cheered – apparently this Emperor had considerable strength and was naturally active. An’dao Jing quickly went forward to pick up the rabbit.

Amid everyone’s praise, Jiang Chong loudly acclaimed: “Your Majesty’s archery is skilled and martial arts extraordinary – truly the world’s greatest!”

Qin Zhonghai thought: “Just shooting a rabbit – if this counts as world’s greatest, wouldn’t I become a transcendent saint, the greatest master in five hundred years?”

Along this chase, whenever large beasts appeared, the generals immediately drove them before the Emperor for him to enjoy the fun. Qin Zhonghai heard Jiang Chong’s endless flattery and Liu Jing also chatting there to relieve boredom, finding it utterly boring. Having talked too late with Yang Suguan and others last night, he now couldn’t help but feel drowsy and actually started dozing on horseback.

As Qin Zhonghai slept well, letting “Cloud Chaser” follow the army, half-asleep he seemed to sense the army galloping farther away, past the palace city to the suburbs. Qin Zhonghai didn’t care about all this, just focusing on sleep. Fortunately “Cloud Chaser” was a diligent precious horse, unlike its lazy master, galloping all the way without falling behind.

Qin Zhonghai was dreaming sweetly when suddenly some strange roaring sound drifted from afar, low and deep, unclear to hear. Though Qin Zhonghai had deep internal power and could sense surrounding abnormalities even in sleep, hearing the strange sound, his heart suddenly felt strange. He quickly opened his eyes and listened carefully, hearing low roaring from extremely far away. Qin Zhonghai was startled and quickly stood on his horse’s back to look out, suddenly seeing a fierce tiger crouched in distant woods. The tiger was one zhang long with a robust build, truly rare in the world, hidden in the forest resting.

Qin Zhonghai was greatly shocked and quickly looked for the Emperor, his heart growing even colder. He saw the Emperor had separated far from the group, riding his black horse named “Black Cloud with Snow,” extremely divine and handsome, now galloping with flying hooves directly toward that fierce tiger. Qin Zhonghai was currently on the left side of the main force, a full half-li from the Emperor. Extremely anxious but unable to stop him.

The Emperor still didn’t notice the danger and laughed back: “Whoever catches up to me first, I’ll reward with a precious sword!” He spurred his horse, the black horse neighed and leaped forward another ten-some zhang, already not far from the fierce tiger.

An’dao Jing and others, having considerable martial arts, also sensed the hidden tiger and all called: “There’s a big cat! Your Majesty, flee quickly!” But they were too far apart – the Emperor couldn’t hear clearly and cupped his ear, smiling: “What are you saying? I can’t hear?”

Qin Zhonghai, seeing the dangerous situation and knowing further delay might get the Emperor bitten to death by the tiger, immediately spurred his horse urgently. His mount “Cloud Chaser” had once fought Western Region barbarian generals and was also an extraordinarily precious steed. Now galloping out, it was swift as a flying arrow, instantly catching up to Jiang Chong and others, while he shouted: “Your Majesty beware! There’s a big cat!”

Qin Zhonghai’s roar was like thunder, and the Emperor immediately heard it. Learning there was a fierce tiger nearby, he was startled and was about to ride away when he suddenly heard snorting sounds from grass on the right. The Emperor looked sideways and indeed saw a pair of yellow tiger eyes glaring at him fiercely from the grass.

The Emperor was greatly shocked and cried: “Big cat!” He spurred his horse: “Go quickly!” Just as he rushed out to escape, suddenly there was a “wuwa” roar on the left as another fierce tiger leaped out – this place actually had twin tigers in ambush!

Though “Black Cloud with Snow” was divine, seeing twin tigers ahead, how could it not be afraid? It neighed and reared up, immediately throwing the Emperor to the ground.

“Black Cloud with Snow,” terrified and choosing no path, fled toward the deep grassland, leaving the current Son of Heaven on the ground.

The Emperor fell to the ground and saw the twin tigers roar and slowly crawl toward him. Their mouths were large as blood basins, their claws sharp as knives – if caught by one claw or bitten once, it would surely be a bloody disaster.

The Emperor was terrified pale and said tremblingly: “Who will save me?”

At this time, Liu Jing, Xue Nu’er and other Eastern Depot personnel were on the right, Jiang Chong, An’dao Jing and other Embroidered Uniform Guard experts on the left – all too far to rescue. The imperial guards were even farther behind. The left tiger roared and pounced toward the Emperor. At this life-and-death moment, suddenly gunfire rang out and the tiger was shot, falling to the ground. Everyone looked quickly and saw Jiang Chong holding a firearm with light smoke coming from the barrel – unexpectedly at this critical moment it was this treacherous minister who fired to save the Emperor. It turned out that day when he saw Luo Moshi’s excellent marksmanship, he became envious and asked for the gun, not expecting it to achieve such great merit.

The Emperor, seeing the left tiger’s momentum slow, seized the opportunity and immediately rushed toward the Eastern Depot group, waving both hands and calling: “Save me!” But the right tiger was completely unharmed and, seeing the Emperor running, became even more beastly excited and immediately pounced over.

Jiang Chong, seeing the tiger directly chasing the Emperor, was so frightened he broke out in cold sweat. He quickly reloaded gunpowder and fired again. The previously shot tiger, being further provoked, immediately became furious and turned to pounce on Jiang Chong. Jiang Chong was greatly shocked and shouted: “What the hell!” He wanted to raise his gun and shoot again but had no more gunpowder. An’dao Jing, seeing the bad situation, quickly raised his blade to block. But that tiger was truly fierce and extraordinary – though shot, it still clawed and bit wildly. Though An’dao Jing’s blade technique was excellent, he couldn’t handle it immediately.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard, entangled by the fierce tiger, immediately became chaotic, with blades and spears all attacking the beast.

The other tiger was completely uninjured. It roared fiercely and still single-mindedly pounced toward the Emperor. The Emperor ran with all his might, continuously shouting: “Help! Help!” He stumbled and fell, and the tiger bounded around to face him, blocking his path to the Eastern Depot personnel.

The tiger roared at the sky, its bloody mouth opening to bite – apparently this bite could kill the current emperor alive.

Qin Zhonghai was now galloping within a hundred feet. Seeing the Emperor’s life hanging by a thread, he broke out in cold sweat and urgently called: “Xue Nu’er! Quickly throw out your ‘Heaven’s Edge Golden Wheel’!” But Xue Nu’er seemed to have become an idiot, completely motionless.

Qin Zhonghai, seeing he couldn’t delay further and regardless of possibly injuring His Majesty, immediately raised his precious bow and shot an arrow. The long arrow flew out, and with a “wuwa” roar, the tiger was hit in the hind leg, blood spattering. The hit tiger paused briefly but immediately became even more fierce, limping toward the Emperor to bite.

Just then, golden light flashed as a golden disc flew out from the Eastern Depot personnel, slashing directly toward the tiger. Qin Zhonghai was delighted – this Xue Nu’er had finally acted, and though the tiger was fierce, it would be hard to withstand a martial arts master’s strike.

But examining the golden wheel’s trajectory closely, his heart was shocked again. This golden wheel’s path was somewhat strange – by this fierce trajectory, after killing the tiger it would probably also cut the Emperor in half. Qin Zhonghai was both shocked and suspicious. Seeing himself already near the Emperor, he immediately pushed off with both feet and flew from the horse’s back to embrace the Emperor.

With a “wuwa” tragic roar, indeed the tiger was cut in half by the golden wheel, but the wheel’s force wasn’t exhausted and still slashed toward the Emperor’s waist. If this hit solidly, the Emperor would probably be cut in half on the spot. Qin Zhonghai chuckled and was about to embrace the Emperor when suddenly a figure flashed by. In that lightning moment, that person was faster than Qin Zhonghai and had already carried the Emperor away. Qin Zhonghai saw this person’s movement was extremely fast, arriving later but first, and looking at his face, it was Eastern Depot Director General Liu Jing.

The golden wheel flew far out, then circled in mid-air and returned to Xue Nu’er’s hand. Qin Zhonghai cursed silently: “What is this old fellow doing? He nearly harmed the Emperor – why did he strike so heavily?” He turned to look and saw Xue Nu’er’s face iron-blue, muttering as if harboring guilt.

Seeing his expression, Qin Zhonghai became even more suspicious: “Something’s wrong. Xue Nu’er’s martial arts are superb – how could he act so recklessly? Could he have other schemes?” Remembering Xue Nu’er’s recent strange behavior, he became even more uncertain.

Looking around, Liu Jing held the Emperor and ran far away, saying fearfully: “Is Your Majesty injured?”

The Emperor lay in his arms, looking back at the tiger cut in two sections. He only knew the tiger had chased and bitten repeatedly but didn’t know he had nearly died at Xue Nu’er’s hands. He patted his chest repeatedly: “I’m fine, I’m fine…”

Liu Jing breathed a sigh of relief and was about to say more when he heard Jiang Chong calling from afar: “Bold Xue Nu’er! You dare assassinate His Majesty! Quickly arrest him!”

Though the Emperor had no martial arts and didn’t know he had nearly died at his own person’s hands, Jiang Chong’s eyes were sharp and had already seen that Xue Nu’er’s move was extremely vicious, nearly killing the Emperor. The Embroidered Uniform Guard rode directly forward and surrounded Xue Nu’er.

The Emperor was startled and turned to Liu Jing: “Deputy General Manager Xue wanted to assassinate me? This… where does this come from? Didn’t he just help save me?”

Liu Jing’s face flashed with anger but he said nothing. Looking sideways, he saw Jiang Chong had galloped near, so he gritted his teeth and raised his voice: “Men! Xue Nu’er’s actions were thoughtless and disturbed His Majesty – quickly arrest him!”

Everyone was greatly shocked, and Xue Nu’er trembled all over, put down his golden wheel, and stood stupidly in place. The Eastern Depot eunuchs, seeing their director general also wanted to arrest Xue Nu’er, didn’t know what to do. Qin Zhonghai and other palace guards, seeing successive incidents, were also stunned.

Seeing the Embroidered Uniform Guard quickly approaching, Xue Nu’er muttered to himself. His knees went soft and he knelt on the ground, prostrating: “This minister was urgent in rescue and struck too heavily – please let Your Majesty severely punish me.”

His voice carried tears as he knelt and kowtowed repeatedly, begging forgiveness. Liu Jing also looked deathly pale – apparently his poor supervision of subordinates would also bring responsibility.

The Emperor struggled to stand from Liu Jing’s embrace and walked forward to stare at Xue Nu’er, his expression extremely pained, as if not believing Xue Nu’er would harm him.

Jiang Chong stepped forward and shouted: “Drag this Xue away and see if he has any accomplices!” As he spoke, he glared at Liu Jing with a face full of murderous intent.

The Emperor shook his head: “Minister Jiang, wait!”

Jiang Chong urgently advised: “Xue Nu’er is extremely vicious with evil intentions – Your Majesty must not let him go!”

The Emperor said: “Deputy General Manager Xue has always been loyal and would never harm me. This was purely accidental – no need to pursue it.”

Jiang Chong chuckled and leaned over, urgently whispering in the Emperor’s ear. Qin Zhonghai channeled his internal power to listen carefully, but they were far apart and he was in a downwind position, only hearing the three words “Consort Qiong.”

After hearing Jiang Chong’s slanderous words, the Emperor suddenly trembled. He lowered his head and sighed: “Sigh! Fine, first detain Deputy General Manager Xue and question him thoroughly before deciding.”

Jiang Chong was overjoyed: “Your Majesty is wise!”

Qin Zhonghai became suspicious, thinking: “What’s going on? His Majesty originally had no intention of punishing Xue Nu’er, but why did he suddenly change his mind after hearing Jiang Chong’s words? What powerful slander did Jiang Chong speak? I must investigate this clearly.”

The Embroidered Uniform Guard seized Xue Nu’er and shouted: “Let’s go!”

As the sun set, shining on Liu Jing and Xue Nu’er, they looked at each other from afar. Xue Nu’er’s lips suddenly trembled as if wanting to speak but stopping himself. An’dao Jing pushed Xue Nu’er’s back: “What are you looking at! Hurry up!”

Watching Xue Nu’er being led away like this, Liu Jing couldn’t help but sigh, seemingly carrying deep regret.