From the beginning of September when the Celestial Master rebellion erupted until today, it had been nearly two months. Gao Qiao had entrusted court affairs to the reliable and steady Attendant Feng Wei, who also came from an aristocratic family, while he himself had been constantly traveling back and forth between Jiankang and the outer commanderies, rushing about everywhere to personally deploy military forces and comfort the people, busy as a spinning top without a moment’s rest.
The last time he had appeared at home was more than ten days ago.
Gao Qi, knowing the family head had returned, was overjoyed and ran far out the gate to greet him, taking his horse and leading him inside.
Gao Qiao immediately asked about the Eldest Princess. Learning that all was well with her, he hurried inside. As he neared the bedchamber, A’Ju, whom Luoshen had left at home to care for her mother, came out with several maids. Seeing his sudden return, they too were surprised and delighted, hurrying to greet him.
“The Eldest Princess is taking an afternoon nap. She’s been sleeping for a while and should wake soon. Yesterday, upon hearing news of the great victory at Liyang, she was very happy. At noon she ate a bowl of rice, rested briefly, then as the imperial physician had instructed, walked in the courtyard. She hadn’t even completed one circuit before complaining of fatigue and saying her feet felt heavy, so I helped her back… This morning the imperial physician also came to examine her. He said all was well and told us to wait peacefully for the birth. By our calculations, it should be at month’s end. At most ten-odd days…”
Without waiting for Gao Qiao to ask, A’Ju herself chattered about Xiao Yongjia’s daily routine these past days.
Gao Qiao crossed the courtyard, stepped up the veranda in a few strides to reach the door, pushed open the slightly ajar door, and tiptoed to the bedside, slowly sitting down.
This pregnancy had not only made her body become cumbersome, but now even her hands and feet were completely swollen. No wonder A’Ju said she complained of fatigue before completing one circuit.
Gao Qiao gazed at his wife’s sleeping face. The tightly knitted brows that had remained furrowed all these days finally slowly relaxed.
He extended both hands, gently grasping her foot that protruded from the quilt corner, covered in a white soft gauze sock, and gently massaged her sole and instep.
Xiao Yongjia’s eyelashes fluttered slightly. She woke, opened her eyes, and seeing her husband sitting beside the bed massaging her foot, was overjoyed. She called his name and sat up, saying: “I thought you were still at Liyang. When did you return?”
Gao Qiao answered her question, placed a pillow behind her lower back, helped her lean against it, then moved beside her and asked how she had been feeling these past days.
Xiao Yongjia said: “I’m very well. Now I only wish the child would come out quickly. But the imperial physician says it will be several more days—it’s truly maddening!”
Gao Qiao pressed his ear to his wife’s greatly protruding belly, as if listening to the movement inside, saying: “Your impatient nature from before still hasn’t changed even now. When it’s time to come out, the child will naturally emerge.”
Xiao Yongjia said: “Fortunately A’Mi doesn’t take after you. I pray that this child in my belly, whether son or daughter, won’t have your temperament either. So slow and deliberate, enough to anger someone to death.”
Gao Qiao laughed heartily: “A’Ling, do you truly find my temperament so disagreeable?”
Xiao Yongjia snorted: “What do you think? I only wonder how I ever took a fancy to you back then, crying and carrying on, insisting on marrying you—what a hardship that was for you!”
Gao Qiao laughed until both shoulders shook, saying: “It’s rather late to regret it now!”
Xiao Yongjia didn’t know how she came to be saying such things to her husband. Recalling her girlish past, she too couldn’t help but smile, giggling softly.
She raised her eyes, gazing at her husband’s face. After a moment, her smile slowly faded. She lifted her hand, lightly stroking the deep character “chuan” wrinkles between his brows that now seemed permanently etched there, unable to smooth even with hearty laughter, and sighed: “In just this short time, you’ve grown even thinner. If you’re tired, sleep awhile.”
Gao Qiao said he wasn’t tired.
Seeing him covered in travel dust with his battle armor still unworn, Xiao Yongjia knew how could he not be tired? After joking a few more words, she stopped, rose from bed, had water brought in, served him in washing his face and changing clothes, and had him eat something. When he had rested and his spirits looked somewhat better, only then did she ask: “How is the situation outside really? When A’Mi left before, she said she’d return when I was about to give birth. I’m a bit worried.”
The smile on Gao Qiao’s face slowly disappeared.
“I’ve already instructed Zi’an to send word to A’Mi to stay at Jingkou temporarily and not return to Jiankang,” he said.
Hearing this, Xiao Yongjia’s expression changed slightly.
How could she not understand the meaning of her husband’s words?
Moreover, these past days she had heard some of the rumors from outside.
“What do you mean? Could it be that Jiankang… truly cannot be defended?”
She hesitated before asking.
“A’Ling, I came home precisely to discuss this matter with you. Not only A’Mi—you also cannot remain in Jiankang. I’ve already arranged a secure place for you. I’ll personally escort you there, where you can await the birth in peace.”
Xiao Yongjia’s brows furrowed slightly. “What about His Majesty? Have you made arrangements for him as well?”
“Yes.” Gao Qiao nodded. “His Majesty’s party will temporarily move the traveling palace to Qu’a. It’s safer there than Jiankang. The people must also be evacuated.”
Xiao Yongjia stared fixedly at her husband: “And you? What are your own plans?”
Gao Qiao smiled slightly and immediately grasped his wife’s hand, which had quickly grown somewhat cold.
“Don’t misunderstand. Jiankang indeed faces the danger of falling, and I’m not certain I can definitely hold it. For safety’s sake, I’m making such arrangements so I can fight with no worries, going all out. If I can defend it, I’ll certainly try my best. If it truly can’t be held, I can only temporarily retreat and retake it later.”
He squeezed his wife’s hand firmly.
“Don’t worry. A’Mi has grown up and favors outsiders over family. I still need to wait for the child in your belly to call me A’Ye and favor me wholeheartedly in the future!”
Seeing a faint pleasant light in his eyes, Xiao Yongjia finally felt at ease and nodded: “Good, I’ll follow your arrangements. You have many affairs—don’t trouble yourself to escort me specially when the time comes. I can go by myself.”
“I haven’t accompanied you all these days. Let me escort you. Have people pack things first and bring sufficient attendants.”
Gao Qiao’s tone carried a rarely heard note of non-negotiable authority.
Xiao Yongjia softly acknowledged, submitting to her husband’s arrangement.
Gao Qiao stroked his wife’s hair and stood up: “Rest now. I must go to Tai City first—there are matters to attend to.”
…
News that the emperor and empress would temporarily evacuate Jiankang and move the traveling palace to Qu’a in coordination with Gao Qiao’s plan to defend the imperial capital had quickly spread among the officials.
When Gao Qiao arrived at Tai City, he saw his office entrance surrounded inside and out by civil and military officials who had come upon hearing the news. People discussed among themselves with various expressions, voices rising in a din.
Feng Wei, who had been entrusted by Gao Qiao to handle Head of State Affairs duties these days, was surrounded by over ten officials pressing him for details. Unable to escape, sweating profusely, he suddenly heard an attendant announce the Minister’s arrival and breathed a sigh of relief, hastily pushing through the crowd to greet him.
The officials, seeing Gao Qiao finally appear, gradually stopped their discussions and crowded toward him.
Feng Wei led everyone in greeting Gao Qiao. Once Gao Qiao was seated, he eagerly began questioning.
Gao Qiao’s gaze swept over the familiar faces of civil and military officials before him, saying: “Indeed, it was my proposal, and His Majesty has accepted it. Since the matter is decided, sooner is better than later—he’ll leave the palace within these two days.”
Buzzing voices immediately filled the air. Many people secretly breathed long sighs of relief.
The initial Celestial Master rebellion alone would have been manageable—with Gao Qiao handling it, Jiankang should have been secure. But with Xu Mi’s rebel army later turning their weapons toward Jiankang, things became completely different.
Who didn’t know that Gao Qiao, facing multiple enemies with limited forces, had already fallen into a passive position? Some standing here either feared battle or worried that having previously kicked Xu Mi when he was down, if he truly fought his way back this time, revenge would be inevitable—anxiety was unavoidable. Suddenly hearing Gao Qiao make such arrangements, they were naturally secretly delighted.
Feng Wei asked: “Minister Gao, what should be done regarding the civil and military officials?”
Gao Qiao said: “Those willing to stay and snipe at rebels with me may stay. Those unwilling can accompany His Majesty to Qu’a.”
The surroundings suddenly quieted, with no one speaking. Gradually, everyone’s gazes fell upon the man standing beside Feng Wei—General Liu Hui of the Yingchuan Liu clan, who had been recommended based on reputation to succeed Lu Guang after his death.
After the Xu and Lu families left court, among the great aristocratic clans now remaining, aside from Gao Qiao, Liu Hui and Feng Wei, who had served as Attendant for many years, were the most prominent.
Seeing everyone looking at him, Liu Hui initially showed slight embarrassment, then raised his head and said: “Minister Gao, I would very much like to remain with you and share Jiankang’s fate. However, His Majesty’s side, though served by Lu Jianzhi, is still weak in strength. Should rebels find an opening and something happen to His Majesty, what would we do? Protecting the imperial carriage is also our duty. Therefore, I should accompany and protect His Majesty.”
Gao Qiao smiled: “General Liu speaks reasonably. You may escort His Majesty.”
“I also request to escort His Majesty!”
“I too!”
A chorus of agreement arose around them. In the end, only five or six people were willing to stay—all officials of relatively low status who had previously been promoted from local positions.
Gao Qiao glanced at everyone indifferently and turned to Feng Wei: “Attendant Feng, this matter is entrusted to you. Those accompanying His Majesty should return and prepare early.”
Feng Wei’s face flushed slightly with heat. After hesitating, he said: “I’ll stay to assist you!”
Gao Qiao looked at him and smiled slightly: “The Attendant is a civil official. Such military matters should be left to military officials. His Majesty’s palace relocation is a major affair. Since I cannot accompany him, all arrangements must depend on you.”
Seeing that among colleagues in high positions, all were competing to flee Jiankang with not one willing to stay, Feng Wei felt shame and offered to remain. Seeing Gao Qiao wouldn’t keep him, he had to give up and agreed.
The officials, seeing the matter was settled and eager to return home to pack belongings and escape the fighting, all took their leave. After Feng Wei discussed plans for arranging the imperial departure with Gao Qiao, he too hurriedly left to prepare.
The office that had been packed with people became empty, with only Gao Qiao and a few subordinate officials standing behind him remaining.
A subordinate official approached carrying a newly drafted document, carefully presenting it to Gao Qiao and saying in a low voice: “Minister, the document is ready. Please review it.”
Gao Qiao’s gaze fell on the ink marks in the paper, his vision lingering long.
He knew that once this order was issued, the city’s two hundred thousand households would have to leave Jiankang.
Although he had already ordered various commandery governors to have Qu’a, Dantu, Piling and several other commanderies and counties temporarily accommodate these residents from Jiankang, being forced to leave their homeland meant these people would overnight become refugees, not knowing when they could return.
And all of this was due to the incompetence of he, Gao Qiao, the Head of State Affairs who had once been trusted and beloved by them.
He seemed to already hear those overwhelming complaints.
Gao Qiao raised his great seal and brought it down heavily, stamping a bright red seal upon the document.
Li Xie entered and received the document: “Minister, rest assured. This subordinate will supervise with the brothers to urge the people to leave the city for the resettlement areas.”
Gao Qiao nodded: “Thank you for your trouble.”
Li Xie bowed and hurried away.
The urgent matters requiring arrangement should be about finished. There remained some documents left by Feng Wei during his tenure that urgently required Gao Qiao’s personal decision.
Gao Qiao closed his eyes, raised his hand to rub his throbbing temples where blood vessels seemed to be pulsing, slowly exhaled, opened his eyes to take up his brush. His gaze fell upon the death row prisoner roster sent by the Justice Ministry some days ago awaiting his approval, and stopped.
He remembered something. After brief hesitation, he gave instructions to an attendant, who left upon receiving the order.
Before long, a prison official hurried over and bowed to Gao Qiao.
Gao Qiao asked him: “That female prisoner surnamed Shao from several months ago—has she been exiled yet?”
The official quickly replied: “Reporting to the Minister, not yet.” Finishing his words and seeing Gao Qiao’s gaze, he hurried to explain: “Previously, didn’t the Justice Ministry say to wait until her illness recovered before sending her? Her illness has never fully healed, so she’s remained detained in prison without leaving…”
“How is it that after so long, she still hasn’t recovered?” Gao Qiao frowned slightly.
Seeing he seemed somewhat displeased, the official smiled apologetically: “These days she’s been housed in a clean solitary cell, and this subordinate has also had people treat her illness. Her bodily injuries have healed, but her constitution remains weak. We can’t say what illness it is—she’s drowsy all day long. Previously the Minister never asked, then troubles arose, so this subordinate dared not disturb the Minister with this matter…”
“…Would the Minister like to see her and ask directly?”
The official spoke while secretly observing. Seeing Gao Qiao remained silent, he tentatively asked again in a low voice.
Gao Qiao waved his hand: “No need.”
The official quickly agreed. After hesitating, he asked again: “Minister Gao, this subordinate just heard about the city-wide evacuation. May I boldly ask whether this Shao woman and other prisoners in the jail should be left unattended or handled otherwise?”
Gao Qiao pondered briefly: “Send them all to Shitou City’s prison for detention.”
Shitou City was located on the riverbank west of Jiankang, twenty li away—a military fortress housing a garrison force to protect the capital.
The official agreed repeatedly and requested a written order from Gao Qiao. Before leaving, he added: “Minister Gao, rest assured. Once there, I’ll also arrange proper accommodation for her…” His tone was full of flattery as he spoke while bowing and withdrawing.
Gao Qiao had already lowered his head to begin processing documents. Hearing this, his brow furrowed slightly, as if wanting to say something. He raised his eyes but saw the man had already left.
…
That evening, news of the city-wide evacuation spread.
Just as Gao Qiao had expected, the entire city fell into chaos. Citizens accustomed to stable life were unwilling to leave. They ran into the streets, inquiring about news from each other and discussing extensively. Everyone’s expression carried strong disappointment and dissatisfaction with the court.
This disappointment and dissatisfaction quickly transferred to Head of State Affairs Gao Qiao, who had issued the evacuation order.
At the hai hour, when night had deepened, Gao Qiao was still busy at Tai City when he suddenly received news that many citizens had surged to the Gao residence, not only blocking both front and rear gates but making the entire street impassable.
Gao Qiao was shocked and immediately interrupted his business with subordinates, hurrying home.
The Gao residence now had its main gate tightly closed with a thick wooden bar across the door. Gao Qi, leading people defending the entrance, heard the tumultuous voices and excited crowd outside and ordered servants to guard the gates securely without fail.
Suddenly, chaotic banging sounds rang at the gate, making it tremble slightly as if many people were ramming it together. Calls demanding Gao Qiao come out rose and fell continuously.
Gao Qi’s expression was tense, no less anxious than that night when surrounded by Xiao Daocheng’s men. He immediately ordered family members to ready weapons and summoned a row of archers to position behind the gate. While giving instructions, he suddenly heard footsteps behind him. Turning, he saw the Eldest Princess approaching and hurried to greet her: “This servant is useless—the commotion actually disturbed the Eldest Princess. Please return to rest peacefully. I’ve deployed everything here and there will certainly be no problems.”
Xiao Yongjia, supported by A’Ju, walked over with several servants behind her.
She stopped behind the gate, listening to the continuous noise from outside the wall. After a moment, she said: “Open the gate.”
Gao Qi was shocked and quickly said: “Eldest Princess, those people outside have lost their minds—the gate absolutely cannot be opened! Don’t worry, I’ve already sent someone over the wall to notify Captain Li. He should arrive with men very soon!”
Xiao Yongjia said: “Open the gate!” Her tone had become commanding.
Gao Qi dared not disobey but could only have men remove the door bar while secretly signaling archers to arrange themselves before the Eldest Princess as precaution.
Xiao Yongjia said: “Everyone stand aside.”
Gao Qi had no choice but to withdraw the archers from behind the gate, instead positioning them on left and right sides. He himself led people to guard her flanks while nervously watching the great gate slowly open before them.
Torches blazed like daylight. The gate exterior was packed with people—as far as the eye could see were human heads. Even the stone lions crouching left and right of the gate were swallowed by the crowd and disappeared from sight.
The people who had become emotionally uncontrolled from long waiting without response and begun pushing and using their bodies to ram the gate suddenly saw it slowly opening. A beautiful woman with serious expression appeared in the doorway. Though heavily pregnant, her bearing was noble. Standing right there in the gateway, they couldn’t help but freeze.
Xiao Yongjia pushed away A’Ju’s hand that gripped her arm tightly, faced the countless gazes cast upon her from outside the gate, walked forward several steps, stopped, and spoke: “I am the wife of Minister Gao whom you seek to see. He’s not here, so I’ll meet with you on his behalf. What is your business?”
The clamor outside gradually quieted. After a moment of silence, a voice arose from the crowd: “We want Minister Gao to give us a clear answer—is he abandoning Jiankang or not? If we follow Minister Gao’s instructions and leave like this, when can we return?”
“Right! Right!” People around echoed.
Xiao Yongjia said: “You’re wrong! The reason Minister Gao issued this evacuation order today is not to abandon the city—quite the contrary, it’s to better defend this city for you!”
Her voice was like striking ice or jade, clear and resonant.
“I know you’re all unwilling to leave because this is your home, where your ancestors’ foundations lie—who would willingly abandon it? He’s also unwilling! His attachment to this city is no less than any of yours! But he has no choice! The court’s available troops are limited. The rebels and Celestial Master sect echo each other with tremendous momentum.”
“My husband could have avoided such troubles entirely and ignored whether you lived or died. The reason he issued this order is not to facilitate abandoning the city, but to protect you and enable him to face the enemy with no worries, fighting with all his strength!”
Her gaze swept across the faces before her.
“At this very moment when you’ve come here to cause trouble, rebels are approaching from several directions, marching to attack Jiankang! And my husband is now working tirelessly, rushing about deploying defenses to resist the enemy! He cannot guarantee he’ll definitely be able to defend the city for you, but I can tell you clearly on his behalf—until the very last moment, he will never abandon this city!”
Outside the gate was utterly silent, not a sound could be heard.
With so many people gathered together, it seemed like an uninhabited realm.
Xiao Yongjia slowly drew a breath, raised her voice, and continued: “Since the rebellion began, Minister Gao has been constantly traveling outside these many days. Even I have barely seen him. You’re dissatisfied with him and have gathered here—even if you smash the gate to pieces, you won’t see him. He just fought the great battle of Liyang days ago and indeed returned to Jiankang today. But at this moment, rather than lying comfortably in bed at home, he’s preparing for the upcoming battle to defend the city!”
Low murmuring arose outside the gate. The disappointment and dissatisfaction on people’s faces from moments before slowly disappeared.
“Everyone disperse! Go home quickly to pack and reach the places Minister Gao has arranged for you early—you can still claim good spots! If you’re late, there’ll be nowhere to stay!”
Seeing the situation, Gao Qi quickly came to the gateway and loudly urged them to disperse.
Sighs and laments filled the air continuously.
The crowd packed outside finally began to loosen slowly.
The throng gradually scattered.
Gao Qiao hurried back, reaching the street corner leading to his home just as he encountered Li Xie, who had brought men carrying high torches upon hearing the news.
Li Xie looked up and saw the road ahead leading to the Gao residence was completely black with people. Those nearby seemed to recognize Gao Qiao and shouted “Minister Gao has come!” as they ran toward him. Fearing they might jostle Gao Qiao, his expression immediately became tense. He turned back saying: “Minister Gao, forgive me! This subordinate was handling affairs in the eastern city just now and arrived late! Minister, please leave quickly—leave this to me to handle!” He ordered men to escort Gao Qiao away immediately.
How could Gao Qiao leave when worried about Xiao Yongjia being frightened? He waved his hand to refuse, but then a shocking scene occurred.
The citizens who had rushed before him surrounded him. The elderly man who had been pushed forward as spokesman to dialogue with Gao Qiao pushed through the crowd, knelt before him, and declared loudly: “Minister Gao, we common people were wrong! Previously we misunderstood the Minister. Just now, hearing the Eldest Princess’s words, we learned of Minister Gao’s good intentions! We beg forgiveness! With Minister Gao staying to defend the city, we’re also willing to contribute!”
“Yes, yes! We’re also willing to contribute!”
Echoing voices arose from the surrounding crowd. With a great rustling, everyone knelt down.
After a moment, only Gao Qiao, the still-bewildered Li Xie, and the soldiers behind him remained standing on that street, not understanding what had happened.
Gao Qiao was startled, then quickly stepped forward to help up the elderly man and told everyone to rise.
Li Xie also quickly came to his senses and immediately said: “Defending the city is the duty of us warriors—Minister Gao doesn’t need your contribution! You need only follow his orders and leave Jiankang quickly—that itself would be contributing to the city’s defense!”
The old man, helped up by Gao Qiao and seeing him smile and nod approvingly, tearfully turned to shout loudly to the crowd: “Did you all hear? Follow Minister Gao’s instructions—go home immediately to pack and all leave the city!”
The crowd kowtowed to Gao Qiao, then rose, wiped away tears, and dispersed.
That night the eastern city gate opened wide, with many citizens beginning to leave the city overnight. Li Xie led the four garrison commands to maintain order throughout the city—busy but organized.
By dawn the next day, even more people began leaving the city. The eastern road was filled with worried-faced citizens carrying families and possessions, dense as a long dragon stretching endlessly with no end in sight.