Outside the Five Military Commissions Office, several Imperial Forest Guards stood in a line, with Wu Yusheng at their head.

Wu Yusheng sat mounted on his horse. Seeing Shen Xi and Gu Yunjian approach, he wasted no words and raised his hand, ordering: “Take action.”

Several Imperial Forest Guards filed out and surrounded Shen Xi and Gu Yunjian from front and back. One commander-like figure stepped forward and cupped his hands toward Shen Xi: “Lord Shen, pardon the offense.” He then removed the long spear from his back.

Gu Yunjian extended his hand to block Shen Xi, looking toward Wu Yusheng: “Lord Wu, what is the meaning of this?” He swept his gaze around at the surrounding Imperial Forest Guards. “The personal guards kill without even needing a reason?”

“Censor Gu serves in the Imperial Censorate, overseeing the discipline of all officials. Can it be that you don’t know about the three thousand warhorses purchased by the Ministry of War at the beginning of the year, which Lord Shen secretly transferred to Jiujiang Prefecture using the excuse of poor fodder allocation and insufficient supply?” Wu Yusheng said. “Now is wartime. Lord Shen’s actions not only violate military orders but may also delay military affairs. According to Great Sui military law, the Five Military Commissions Office has the authority to execute him by beheading under military order.”

“Great Sui military law also requires evidence. To impose punishment based solely on Lord Wu’s empty accusations that Lord Shen is guilty would be far too frivolous,” Gu Yunjian said. “This official, as a censor of the Imperial Censorate, naturally must restore order, distinguish right from wrong, and absolutely will not allow a miscarriage of justice to occur before my eyes. If Lord Wu wishes to carry out the execution in this official’s presence, very well—but present the evidence. As long as this official confirms the evidence is genuine, I will not obstruct.”

If Zhu Zhaowei truly had concrete evidence in hand, why would he wait until today to kill Shen Qingyue?

Censors were officials of remonstrance, each one eloquent and skilled in argument. Wu Yusheng hadn’t expected that despite Gu Yunjian’s natural stutter, when debating with others, though his speech was somewhat slower, he was actually quite methodical and coherent.

He had no desire to argue with Gu Yunjian, and knew he couldn’t out-debate him. He immediately ordered the two Imperial Forest Guards beside him: “Take Lord Gu aside.”

“Yes.”

The rain had grown much lighter. Just as the two Imperial Forest Guards were about to step forward, they suddenly heard Shen Xi let out a soft laugh.

He closed the umbrella in his hand and looked toward Wu Yusheng, inexplicably asking: “What, did Zhu Zhaowei only send Lord Wu alone to kill me?”

Wu Yusheng said nothing.

Shen Xi continued: “Actually, this morning when Su Shiyu and I came out of Yanhe Palace, Lord Wu could have killed me then. Lord Wu, aren’t you curious why the hidden guards beside you at that time didn’t let you make your move?”

Wu Yusheng pondered for a moment, tugged at the reins, and rode closer a few steps: “I know Lord Shen is resourceful and speaks with hidden meanings. I’m afraid if I listen to you too much, I’ll be deceived by your words. The Seventh Prince has his reasons for his actions. This official is a military general and only follows orders—”

“Because he’s guarding against you!” Before Wu Yusheng could finish, Shen Xi decisively interrupted.

He raised his eyes to look directly at Wu Yusheng, his eyes curving slightly as he added: “After the Zhaojue Temple incident, you and Zhu Zhaowei can be said to be grasshoppers tied to the same rope. If he lives, you live; if he dies, you die. By logic, he should trust those he employs without suspicion. But Zhu Zhaowei uses you while guarding against you. Have you ever thought about the reason?”

Hearing these words, Wu Yusheng’s pupils gradually contracted, and he stopped speaking.

Actually, the reason the hidden guards didn’t let Wu Yusheng take action against Shen Xi this morning was very simple: he had been deceived by Shen Su into thinking they held evidence of Consort Qi’s affair with Zhu Zhaowei.

And now the reason Zhu Zhaowei wanted to kill Shen Xi was even simpler: first, he had confirmed that those three thousand warhorses were Shen Xi’s doing; second, Shen Su had learned something he shouldn’t know.

But if these causes and effects were laid out openly before Wu Yusheng, they would have no deterrent power whatsoever.

For this Imperial Forest Guard Commander, personally killing the Crown Prince was the crime of treason he couldn’t bear, and also the shadow that made him both loyal to Zhu Zhaowei and constantly fearful.

This shadow would generate countless imaginings of being discarded after his usefulness was exhausted.

For instance, what was that unknown secret in Yanhe Palace? Might it be related to himself?

And for instance, why was Zhu Zhaowei unwilling to tell him this secret? Why was his attitude ambiguous and unclear? Even, was Zhu Zhaowei planning to guard against him, and once the great enterprise was accomplished, to turn against him?

Shen Xi knew what Wu Yusheng was worried about. He was deliberately using this mindset of Wu Yusheng’s to create mystery, making him apprehensive and afraid to act, thereby buying himself time.

The military drills at the Northern Camp ended at the hour of xu.

If he could delay a little longer, just a little longer, perhaps someone would come to his rescue.

“You…” After a moment, Wu Yusheng hesitantly began to speak, as if wanting to ask something, but gritted his teeth and held back.

“Is Lord Wu asking what evidence Su Shiyu and I hold regarding Yanhe Palace?” Shen Xi said casually.

He paused, then smiled: “Unfortunately, that evidence is not in my hands right now. The two of us have hidden it away.”

“What is that secret?” Wu Yusheng asked. “What happened in Yanhe Palace in the past?”

“Shen’s life is in Lord Wu’s hands. Either way, I’m going to die. Just because you ask, must I obediently answer?” Shen Xi said with curved eyes. After a moment, he added: “However, Lord Wu might try guessing. Think carefully through all the events that have occurred over the years—perhaps you’ll find a clue.”

Hearing Shen Xi say this, Wu Yusheng’s thoughts indeed drifted back over ten years, to when he was just a commander who, due to family poverty, had secretly stolen a bag of military rations. He should have been executed, but was saved by Zhu Zhaowei, who helped him cover it up…

However, after a brief moment, Wu Yusheng snapped back to awareness.

Since over ten years ago, his life had been connected to Zhu Zhaowei’s. Now that he had killed Zhu Minda and his hands were stained with the blood of the Zhu family’s legitimate line, there was no turning back.

Even if Zhu Zhaowei was ruthless and merciless, if he wanted to kill him, at least he would wait until after his achievements were accomplished.

But if Zhu Nanxian inherited the throne, in this vast empire there would be no place for him.

Thinking of this, Wu Yusheng looked toward Shen Xi again.

He had been extremely careful guarding against him, yet unexpectedly was still bewitched by this person’s words, delayed for so long.

It seemed the Seventh Prince’s insistence on killing Shen Qingyue was not unreasonable. This person was truly too clever. Leaving him and Su Shiyu by Zhu Nanxian’s side as advisors, the throne would certainly be difficult to seize.

The sound of clappers came from the distance—the hour of hai had arrived.

There was one more hour until tomorrow.

“What are you standing there for? Take action!” Wu Yusheng ordered coldly.

“Yes.”

Several Imperial Forest Guards responded simultaneously. The first two stepped forward to restrain Gu Yunjian, while two others forced Shen Xi to the ground, covered his eyes with black cloth, and prepared to execute him by beheading on the spot under military order.

However, at this moment, the sound of horses came from one end of the street.

Wu Yusheng suddenly raised his eyes to look in the direction from which Shen Xi and Gu Yunjian had come. It was very dark there, and originally nothing could be seen clearly, but now that the rain had stopped, the outline of a carriage could faintly be seen.

“Go see who’s there. If they’re unimportant, kill them,” Wu Yusheng frowned and ordered.

Hearing this, Gu Yunjian’s brows suddenly knitted: “You dare—” From somewhere he found the strength to suddenly break free from the two Imperial Forest Guards restraining him and ran toward Zhao Wan’s carriage.

The Imperial Forest Guard on the other side extended his long spear to block him. Gu Yunjian paid no heed, allowing the spear point to wound his shoulder, still trying to stop the soldier who went to inspect the carriage.

Wu Yusheng was distracted by the commotion, and when he came to his senses, he realized something was wrong. The sound of hoofbeats wasn’t coming from just one place, but two—from both the front and back of the street outside the Commissions Office.

It seemed someone had arrived.

He glanced at Shen Xi again, feeling only indignation in his heart. He immediately dismounted, took a long blade from a nearby soldier, wanting to personally kill this eldest son of the Shen family who should have died long ago but had lived these many extra hours.

This was his true business tonight.

A sound of cutting through air came from the night. Just as Wu Yusheng took hold of the blade’s hilt, an arrow struck the sheath and deflected the blade. The next moment, hoofbeats approached from far to near at galloping speed, and a red-tasseled spear directly blocked Shen Xi’s path.

Shen Jun reined in her horse and stopped, saying coldly: “This palace’s family member is not for Lord Wu to discipline.”

“This official acts according to military orders,” Wu Yusheng said, seeing Shen Jun but not even sheathing his blade. He looked back and discovered that the one who had shot this arrow from the darkness was indeed Zuo Qian. He smiled and said: “General Zuo and the Fourth Princess Consort are both military people, registered in the military. Are you now trying to obstruct military orders?”

Zuo Qian rode up and said: “Lord Wu says he acts under military orders. May I ask where the order document is, and who issued it?”

“It’s right here in the Commissions Office. This order was issued by General Xu, Right Commander of the Central Military Commission.”

Now that Qi Wujiu had gone to the East Sea, General Xu presided over the Commissions Office.

As Wu Yusheng spoke, he reached into his chest and actually produced an order document, which also included testimony from Yellow Minister Huang of the Court of Imperial Stud and Director Liu accusing Shen Xi of secretly altering the horse transport route map.

Actually, this testimony wasn’t sufficient to convict Shen Xi. However, that military order was genuine.

Shen Jun and Zuo Qian were registered in the military. If they obstructed a military order, they should be immediately beheaded.

No wonder Wu Yusheng had been so confident earlier.

Zuo Qian and Shen Jun exchanged glances, just considering whether to break with Wu Yusheng right now, when the Imperial Forest Guard who had gone to inspect the carriage returned, reporting somewhat alarmed: “Lord Wu, Lord Liu and Lord Su have arrived.”

Hearing this, Wu Yusheng knew things had gone badly wrong.

Su Shiyu was one thing, but why had Liu Yun also come?

He pressed his lips tightly together and said in a low voice to his attendant beside him: “Go summon General Xu, the Seventh Prince and the Twelfth Prince.” Only then did he look toward the carriage.

He saw that another carriage had appeared at the end of the street. Su Jin and Liu Chaoming walked toward them through the night.

Su Jin helped Shen Xi, who was kneeling on the ground, to his feet. Liu Chaoming’s gaze swept over Gu Yunjian’s wounded shoulder and said coolly: “Does Lord Wu not intend to give this official an explanation?”

Wu Yusheng sighed inwardly: “Just now this subordinate was executing military law, and Censor Gu insisted on obstructing. That’s why he was accidentally injured.” He paused and added: “It was this subordinate’s oversight. After executing the criminal, I will naturally apologize to Lord Liu and the Imperial Censorate.”

“Who is the criminal Lord Wu speaks of?” Su Jin asked. “Lord Shen?”

“Precisely.” Wu Yusheng said.

Su Jin seemed to hear something amusing and continued: “How strange. This official presides over the Ministry of Justice and oversees all cases in the realm. Even if the Commissions Office is to execute someone under military order, it should be registered with the Ministry of Justice before or after the fact. How is it this official has never heard of Lord Shen committing any crime?”

“Is Lord Su deliberately trying to cover up for Deputy Director Shen?”

At this moment, the great doors of the Commissions Office behind them suddenly opened with a boom. From inside walked an old man with white hair and youthful face, dignified and imposing—it was Xu Mo, Right Commander of the Central Military Commission.

He swept his gaze around and said with hands behind his back: “Since Deputy Director Shen holds office in the Court of Imperial Stud, he should be subject to the jurisdiction of the Ministry of War and the Commissions Office. Now that the court has lost three thousand warhorses, all civil and military officials know it. Regardless of whether these three thousand warhorses were tampered with by Deputy Director Shen, as the head of a directorate, he should bear the responsibility without shirking. Losing horses means punishment; losing over ten horses means beheading. This is the regulation of our Commissions Office, the statute of Great Sui military law. Even though Lord Su presides over the Ministry of Justice, he has no authority to interfere.”

After Xu Mo finished speaking, several soldiers surged out from within the Commissions Office, surrounding the group outside in layers.

“The Ministry of Justice has no authority to interfere—what about the Imperial Censorate?” Liu Chaoming swept a glance at the surrounding soldiers and said coolly: “General Xu wishes to execute a court official. What is your basis? Where is your evidence? Is it sufficient for sentencing? Three thousand warhorses involve millions of taels of silver for the court and concern border warfare. The Imperial Censorate investigates the discipline of all officials, regardless of civil or military. Should General Xu not give this official an explanation today?”

“What does Lord Liu mean?” Xu Mo said. “Yes, the Imperial Censorate wants an explanation, and our Commissions Office will naturally provide one. But all of this should wait until after Deputy Director Shen has been executed. He failed in his duties and oversight first. Execution by extreme punishment is his deserved punishment. With the military order issued, unless His Majesty or the Crown Prince is present, no one can obstruct!”

“But our Three Judicial Offices do not recognize Lord Shen’s crime!” Su Jin said. “General Xu, you may have your soldiers carry out the military order as you please. Where are those three thousand warhorses now? Was there truly an error in the fodder allocation? Was the original horse transport route map reasonable? All these causes and effects are completely unclear. If Lord Shen were of military origin, if your Commissions Office wanted to manage and execute him, that would be one thing. But Lord Shen is a descendant of the Shen family, a court official of our Great Sui, a former Vice Minister of Revenue. Your Commissions Office may have jurisdiction, but so does our Three Judicial Offices. Today, if General Xu doesn’t give my Ministry of Justice, doesn’t give the Three Judicial Offices an explanation, then this military law—this official will indeed obstruct it!”

Past midnight, Xu Mo looked at Su Jin and Liu Chaoming, knowing in his heart that if the Commissions Office and the Three Judicial Offices remained in this standoff, it would play right into their hands. He immediately exchanged glances with Wu Yusheng and ordered: “Seize them!”

“Who dares!” Zuo Qian dismounted and blocked Su Jin’s path, then shouted loudly: “Golden Martial Guards—”

The Commissions Office was built outside the north gate. Though called an office, it was actually more like a fortress garrison. Beyond the desolate street, following the mountain further north was the Northern Camp.

At this moment, someone in the darkness responded “Yes!”

Then the sound of marching troops could be heard approaching from far to near.

Hearing this sound, Wu Yusheng laughed: “What does General Zuo mean by this? Mobilizing troops on your own authority?” His tone became stern: “That violates military orders!”

Zuo Qian said: “Has Lord Wu done such things rarely?” He said coolly: “You and I are the same. Such high-sounding words can be dispensed with.”

In moments, thousands of Golden Martial Guards formed ranks in the vast area beyond the long street.

The darkness was boundless. Behind them, the broad mountain ridge curved in the darkness into the shape of a long blade, like sleeping weapons that would awaken with murderous intent at the slightest touch of blood.

Seeing the Golden Martial Guards, Xu Mo and Wu Yusheng quietly retreated several steps toward the Commissions Office, but did not withdraw their troops.

This moment of stillness was like a tightened bowstring—the enemy doesn’t move, we don’t move.

But Shen Xi’s expression grew increasingly grim. He thought for a moment and asked: “Liu Yun, where are the Embroidered Guards?”

“Today they are on palace guard duty,” Liu Chaoming said after a moment of silence.

At these words, Su Jin’s expression also became difficult.

Right now, with the Golden Martial Guards and Imperial Forest Guards here, they were evenly matched. But after some more time, when Zhu Zhaowei and Zhu Qiyue arrived, the Eagle Soaring Guards would come.

But they couldn’t leave either, because once they showed signs of wanting to leave, the Imperial Forest Guards would immediately attack.

Unable to retreat, they could only wait.

Su Jin gazed into the distant sky. In the pitch-black firmament there was still a crescent moon.

But the moonlight was dim, unable to penetrate the clouds or illuminate heaven and earth.

This darkest, deepest night.

The clappers sounded again—the hour of chou had arrived.

Su Jin counted over and over in her mind: zi, chou, yin, mao, zi, chou, yin, mao. Never in her life had there been a moment like today when she so longed for dawn.