They arrived in the capital during the second night watch. The moon drifted through the clouds. Except for the bustling brothels and taverns in Pingkang Ward, the other wards had closed their doors. Only occasionally did watchmen strike their gongs, reminding people to beware of fire in the dry weather.
A horseman galloped to the city gate, presenting the golden qilin seal of the Grand Secretariat. The guards hurriedly opened the gates.
Shen Du and his party were entered in a single file. Jing Lin led the imperial guards back to their quarters to rest, while Shen Du took Zhu Yan and rode swiftly towards the palace without pause.
The palace walls loomed high and close, the corridors dim with only the faint red glow of wall lanterns.
Zhu Yan couldn’t help but draw closer to Shen Du. She had rarely visited the palace, the last time being when summoned by the Empress after the Buddha’s Sin-Eating ceremony. Entering at night after a long journey left her rather nervous.
Weiyang Palace was usually silent, with all lamps extinguished except those in Qinzheng Hall. But upon Shen Du and Zhu Yan’s arrival, palace servants hurriedly dressed and lit the lamps.
Shen Du comforted Zhu Yan, telling her not to fear. When they reached Qinzheng Hall, they found Zhou Zhao still reviewing memorials.
Though aware of the Empress’s diligence in governance, witnessing it firsthand was still moving. Ruling a country was no easy task.
Shen Du recounted the process of handling the case in Ying Province over the past few months, concisely without a single wasted word. However, he omitted the crucial information that Lai Luofu was dead.
Zhu Yan kept her head lowered, secretly glancing at Shen Du a few times, smoothly concealing this matter as well.
The memorial reporting the results of their mission had not yet arrived. The Empress had just learned of Mo Qianzhi’s death, the rebels’ annihilation, and the complete eradication of the Half-Face Ghost. Naturally, she was very pleased and satisfied, summoning Zhang Baohuan to discuss rewards.
Zhang Baohuan was also delighted upon hearing the news. He dared not rest, currently overseeing the imperial kitchen’s preparation of a nourishing soup for the Empress. After setting down the bowl, he began grinding ink and preparing his brush.
The Empress pondered briefly, “This… There’s nothing left to reward Lord Shen with. What shall we do?”
As head of the Grand Secretariat, Shen Du oversaw officials of all ranks. Even Chancellor Zhang had to be wary of him. Only the Court of Judicial Review could rival his power. Moreover, he was already a first-rank official with little room for promotion.
Zhang Baohuan, dipping his brush in ink, suggested with a smile, “Then bestow a noble title and arrange for a dozen or so beautiful concubines. Lord Shen’s meritorious service warrants such a reward. Besides, having served the country so well, he should retire from his heavy duties and enjoy his golden years.”
This was an attempt to sideline Shen Du, as everyone knew that bestowing a noble title essentially meant retirement.
Zhu Yan’s heart skipped a beat, her eyelids twitching and her palms sweating with worry for Shen Du.
Shen Du stood straight, his handsome features unchanged. The Empress studied him for a moment, then suddenly turned and tossed an ink stone from her desk into Zhang Baohuan’s arms, scolding with a laugh:
“We haven’t even asked Lord Shen’s thoughts, yet you’re making decisions for him. It’s Our fault for indulging your tactlessness. Fortunately, Lord Shen is no outsider, or We would have your tongue cut out and thrown to the dogs outside the city.”
Zhang Baohuan quickly knelt and begged forgiveness: “Your Majesty, please forgive me. This servant knows his error.”
After this playful exchange, Zhu Yan began to understand the situation. As she pondered, the Empress spoke:
“What are your thoughts, Lord Shen? If you have any desired reward, just ask. We will certainly grant it.” She paused, glancing at the silent, head-bowed Zhu Yan. “If you have no objections to Chief Eunuch Zhang’s suggestion, We can consider it.”
Shen Du hurriedly knelt with Zhu Yan. His phoenix eyes slightly narrowed, concealing his emotions as he spoke calmly:
“This is all part of my duty, Your Majesty. I require no reward. Moreover, during this mission to Ying Province, Judicial Officer Zhu Yan contributed greatly. Without her, the mission might not have gone so smoothly. I might not have even returned alive to see Your Majesty. If anyone deserves a reward, it’s Judicial Officer Zhu Yan.”
He had attributed the merit to Zhu Yan. Slightly surprised, Zhu Yan was about to speak when Shen Du pressed her down. Her heart raced, truly frightened by this situation.
The Empress nodded, her eyes crinkling with a smile. “So you’re asking for a reward for your wife. It seems this Ying Province mission has deepened your marital affection. We have done a good deed indeed.”
Shen Du bowed steadily: “Your Majesty is most perceptive.”
“Very well,” the Empress leaned back against her dragon throne, her posture relaxed. “If Lord Shen had truly asked for a marquis title, We might have lost a vital minister. This reward cannot be given to the head of the Grand Secretariat, so let it be given to his wife instead.”
Zhu Yan finally understood. The Empress was wary of Shen Du and didn’t want to reward him directly, but couldn’t let it go without face. So she and Xu Wan had played a duet, and with Shen Du’s shrewd handling, the matter was settled.
But the Ying Province mission was too significant to go unrewarded, so giving it to her satisfied everyone.
It was both amusing and frustrating. Had she just received a reward for doing nothing?
As Zhang Baohuan wrote out the edict and the Empress dictated, she finally turned her deep gaze upon them, her expression solemn:
“We hear you two nearly lost your lives to misfortune in Ying Province. Take these few days to rest and recuperate at home. The imperial physicians will tend to your health.”
Shen Du and Zhu Yan responded in unison: “We thank Your Majesty for your great kindness.”
The Empress paused, then approached Zhu Yan. She lifted Zhu Yan’s chin, studying her closely. Seeing that Zhu Yan still dared not look at her, she said with displeasure:
“Raise your head.”
Zhu Yan finally lifted her trembling gaze. She saw that the Empress had let down her hair and changed from her dragon robes into an evening cloud silk gown embroidered with phoenixes. Yet her bearing remained noble, her whole person exuding imperial majesty. Zhu Yan couldn’t help but lower her head again:
“This humble servant is overwhelmed.”
The Empress laughed. “Let Us ask you, now that the usual rewards have been bestowed, does Lady Zhu desire any other reward?”
Seeing Zhu Yan’s confusion, her youthful demeanor compelling, the Empress’s eyes sparkled with rare amusement as she prodded:
“It can be related to Lord Shen if you wish.”
Zhu Yan suddenly understood. At once, her overwhelming nervousness vanished. She hurriedly said:
“This humble servant requires no special reward. I thank Your Majesty for your great kindness.”
The Empress narrowed her eyes, seemingly displeased. “Lady Zhu should consider carefully. Such opportunities don’t come often.”
It was indeed true. Zhu Yan bowed with clasped hands, speaking sincerely:
“This servant’s words are utterly truthful. I desire no reward, only wishing for peace and prosperity throughout the realm.”
With these words, the oppressive atmosphere in the imperial study dissipated. The Empress covered her face and laughed, all traces of displeasure gone:
“Lady Zhu, as a woman, you care deeply for the realm. Truly, you are a pillar of the state. Da Zhou needs officials like you.”
After some more casual conversation, Shen Du and Zhu Yan thanked the Empress for her grace and took their leave.
Leaving the Daming Palace and reaching Vermilion Bird Avenue, the fourth watch’s gong sounded. Zhu Yan felt as if she had just awakened from a dream. The cold wind blew, chilling the cold sweat on her back, and causing her to shiver.
Shen Du noticed and tightened his arm around her. He lowered his head to place a kiss on the top of Zhu Yan’s head, saying nothing more. He spurred his horse, and before long, they were home.