Fengtian Hall was so quiet that a falling needle could be heard.
This young Emperor had inherited the throne only two months ago, been enthroned only one day, and was now going to personally campaign at the borders.
But given the current situation in the northwest, no one but him could save it.
For a moment, no one in the hall responded. After a brief silence, everyone cupped their sleeves and bowed down together, preparing to perform the kowtow.
Just then, the eunuch Wu Chang came to report: “Your Majesty, the Tenth Prince requests an audience.”
After completing his announcement, he sensed the exceptionally heavy atmosphere in the hall. Looking at Zhu Nanxian’s expression, he quickly added, “This old servant will have the Tenth Prince wait outside the hall first.”
“No,” Zhu Nanxian said. “Let Tenth Imperial Brother come in.”
Zhu Yiheng wore a crow-blue python robe today. The agate embedded in his waist buckle had layers upon layers of fine threads within it—at first glance, it resembled an impressionistic painting hidden within stone.
He looked at Zhu Nanxian and the assembled court officials and performed a proper bow: “Your Majesty, this subject heard early this morning that two urgent reports arrived from the northern frontier and northwest respectively. Upon inquiring at the Ministry of War, my heart became anxious as fire. I’ve come especially to discuss solutions with Your Majesty.”
Zhu Nanxian said, “From what Tenth Imperial Brother says, you already have a strategy to address the crisis in the northwest?”
Zhu Yiheng replied, “Your Majesty jests. This subject is merely a scholar who studies literature. I only know a little about military affairs and strategy—I truly cannot devise any brilliant countermeasures. However, this subject believes that current state affairs should prioritize the northwest military situation above all else. We must let the northwest soldiers fight with peace of mind, without worrying about the rear.
“On my way to Fengtian Hall, this subject contemplated repeatedly and deeply feel that the court situation is critical. As a member of the imperial clan and Your Majesty’s brother, I should not remain in the palace recuperating, but should contribute my efforts to our Great Sui’s dynastic fortunes and state altars. Therefore, this subject requests to return to Guilin Prefecture before long to guard Lingnan for Your Majesty and pacify the bandits. Guangxi borders Annan—should Annan make any moves, with this subject in Guilin, I can inform the court at the first opportunity and respond promptly, sparing Your Majesty from worry.”
Zhu Yiheng spoke these words with particular sincerity.
However, upon hearing them, Zhu Nanxian did not immediately respond.
He looked at Zhu Yiheng and descended the steps one by one, smiling faintly. “Tenth Brother, have your injuries healed?”
Zhu Yiheng also looked at Zhu Nanxian. At some point, this Thirteenth Brother of his, whose gaze had once been so clear one could see right through him, had become almost impossible to read.
“Thank you for Your Majesty’s concern. They’ve mostly healed.”
“Is that so?” Zhu Nanxian walked up to Zhu Yiheng and stopped. “Tenth Brother’s injuries—when it comes down to it, you received them for my sake. If I haven’t personally confirmed that Tenth Brother’s injuries are truly healed, how can I feel at ease letting you return?”
When Zhu Nanxian had fled the capital, if Zhu Yiheng hadn’t injured himself with a blade and successfully deceived the pursuing Yulin Guards, given the circumstances at the time, Zhu Nanxian would likely have been unable to escape.
However, Zhu Nanxian did not receive this favor for nothing. Before injuring himself, Zhu Yiheng had said to him: “Thirteen, with this blade, Tenth Brother is buying from you—after you ascend the throne—Tenth Brother’s life. How about it?”
At that critical moment, Zhu Nanxian could only agree.
Zhu Yiheng said, “Your Majesty need not worry. Though this subject was severely injured at the time, I’ve been recuperating for half a year after all. As long as I carefully regulate my health, I expect—”
“Qin Sang.” Zhu Nanxian didn’t wait for him to finish. “Give me your dagger.”
“Yes.”
Zhu Nanxian gripped the dagger in his hand and used his thumb to pry open the sheath. Staring at Zhu Yiheng, he said word by word, “But in my view, Tenth Brother’s injuries have not yet healed!”
As the final word “healed” fell, Zhu Nanxian raised his wrist and plunged the dagger into Zhu Yiheng’s upper right chest.
The position was very precise—just half an inch lower would have been enough to take a life.
Fresh blood gushed out, streaming down the dagger and dripping onto the floor.
Zhu Yiheng stared at Zhu Nanxian in shock, coughing twice, blood pouring from his mouth. The moment Zhu Nanxian’s hand released the dagger handle, he staggered back several steps—fortunately caught by a eunuch nearby.
But since Emperor Jinan had not spoken, no one in the hall dared summon imperial physicians for treatment.
Not one person dared move.
Zhu Nanxian said slowly, “Sometimes when I recall the events at the Palace Front Hall and Zhaojue Temple, I feel there are still some puzzling matters I’d like to ask Tenth Brother about. But firstly, Tenth Brother’s injuries haven’t healed, and secondly, I’ve been busy with state affairs and can’t spare time to chat with Tenth Brother. Tenth Brother is after all my imperial brother. I’ve just carefully examined your injuries—with such ailments, I’m afraid you won’t fully recover without recuperating for a year or two. The matter of returning to Guilin Prefecture—let’s not discuss it for now.”
“Qin Sang.” At this point, Zhu Nanxian’s gaze turned cold.
“Present.”
“Take Zhu Yiheng to the Imperial Medical Bureau for treatment. Clean up the Orchid Garden in the rear palace for him to live in. His injuries cannot withstand the wind. From today onward, order Liang Tian to lead府军卫 to carefully guard the Orchid Garden and take good care of my Tenth Imperial Brother.”
“Yes.” Qin Sang acknowledged, then summoned two guards who carried Zhu Yiheng away.
After Zhu Yiheng left, no one in Fengtian Hall dared ask a single question.
Zhu Nanxian looked at the blood stains on the floor that had yet to be cleaned up. Hands clasped behind his back, he turned and strode back to the dragon throne, saying as he walked, “Gong Quan, Chen Jinsheng, Yu Guangzu.”
“Your subjects are here.”
“Today at the wei hour, summon officials of the fourth rank and above from the Ministry of War, the Chief Military Commission, and the Northern Encampment, along with the commanders, to the Chief Military Commission to plan the campaign with me.”
“Your subjects obey the command.”
“Shen Qingyue.”
“Your subject is here.”
“This campaign requires speed. I’ve decided to travel light. I’m giving you one day to prepare the accounts for military provisions and funds. After tomorrow’s court assembly, present them to Fengtian Hall.”
“Your subject obeys the command.”
“Zeng Youliang.”
“Your subject is here.”
“The appointments and dismissals of officials from all departments originally scheduled for the tenth month—I’ve decided to advance them to within ten days. Starting today, summon everyone from the Ministry of Personnel to intensify the evaluations and prepare the roster. Luo Songtang, Liu Dingliang, if the Ministry of Personnel is overwhelmed, you two personally take people over to help.”
“Your subjects obey the command.”
Zhu Nanxian walked back to the dragon throne but did not sit. Hands clasped behind his back, he faced the assembled ministers in the hall: “The northwest military situation is urgent. I’ve roughly calculated the time in my mind—we must depart by the twelfth day of the ninth month at the latest. Military affairs are pressing. During this period, Liu Yun, all major and minor state affairs will be submitted to me for review after you draft the preliminary decisions. After today’s meeting, quickly draft an urgent directive: first, all ministerial officials must sleep at their posts from today until the twelfth of the ninth month and may not return home unless for urgent matters; second, they must not neglect duties under false pretenses, must not delay or bungle affairs, must not gossip about military matters, lest false rumors spread and unsettle people’s hearts—violators will be severely punished.”
“Your subject obeys the command.”
“Su Shiyu, after you return to the Ministry of Justice, draft a directive in the Minister’s name to strip Zhu Xun of his ‘Marquis of Loyalty and Courage’ title and sentence him to immediate execution. Keep his head at Liangzhou Guard for me to personally verify when I arrive.”
“Your subject obeys the command.”
Reaching this point, Zhu Nanxian paused slightly and asked, “This is all I can think of. Do you ministers have any other suggestions?”
Gong Quan said, “Your Majesty, winter is approaching. On your journey to the northwest, the climate along the way will grow increasingly cold and harsh, and you will encounter wind and snow. This subject only asks that Your Majesty not disregard your own safety for the sake of speed. A lost city can be reclaimed, but Your Majesty’s safety is the very foundation of our Great Sui’s state and altars.”
Zhu Nanxian replied, “No matter. I know what I’m doing.”
Luo Songtang raised his eyelids to glance at Zhu Nanxian’s expression and carefully spoke up: “Your Majesty, then the candidate for the diplomatic mission to Annan…”
Hearing this, Zhu Nanxian’s gaze grew somber.
The matter of the diplomatic mission to Annan was precisely what worried him most at present.
The journey to Annan was long and distant. The envoy and Hu Yuanjie had to depart before mid-ninth month. Otherwise, once deep winter arrived and heavy snow blocked the roads, they might be trapped halfway.
“Your Majesty.” At this moment, Su Jin stepped forward. “This subject requests to serve as envoy to Annan.”
Zhu Miner said, “But Minister Su’s injuries and illness haven’t healed. You should recuperate for a full month regardless—you’re unsuited for the hardships of travel.”
Su Jin replied, “Your Majesty, Seventeenth Prince, though this subject only recently regained consciousness, I feel my body is already without serious problems. There are still half a month until mid-ninth month. As long as this subject recuperates properly, I should fully recover.
“Moreover, my injuries and illness are the least important matter. Originally, the treasure册 sent to the Emperor of Annan bore this subject’s name, which the Emperor of Annan has already seen. This subject and Hu Yuanjie were injured together. He’s returning, yet the envoy accompanying him must be changed—this would inevitably make Annan feel our Great Sui lacks sincerity and think our Great Sui ministers are all weak, avoiding the mission due to injuries. This subject must go personally so that no one can look down upon our Great Sui.
“More importantly, the court is short of military generals. The northwest army is resentful. General Mao is gravely wounded. Zhu Xun is to be executed. In such circumstances, even Your Majesty must personally campaign, traveling in the winter months, putting yourself in danger. We who are your subjects should all the more help Your Majesty protect our nation and secure the rear. Annan absolutely cannot erupt into warfare again. On this diplomatic mission, this subject will certainly resolve the issues between the Great Sui and Annan properly, leaving Your Majesty without worries. Please trust this subject, Your Majesty, and please be at ease.”
Zhu Nanxian looked at Su Jin.
Her gaze was clear and resolute, inherently containing a mass of blazing fire.
Just like when they first met at the water pavilion—that glance back that had left him awestruck. Also like their reunion three years ago, when she emerged from chaotic streets covered in blood, dragging a steel blade, walking toward him step by step.
She truly was one of a kind.
Beneath this unyielding pride rarely found even in men was brilliant radiance like gorgeous sunset clouds—she was the giant fish that would grow wings reaching to the heavens, soaring ninety thousand li on the wind, striking across three thousand li of water.
How could he not trust her?
“Luo Songtang, transmit my decree: appoint the originally designated envoy, Vice Minister of Justice Su Shiyu, as the envoy to Annan. Starting immediately, work with the Ministry of Rites to prepare for the mission. Order Imperial Physician Fang Xu to accompany her and attend to Minister Su’s condition along the way.”
“Your subject receives the decree.”
“Zeng Youliang.”
“Your subject is here.”
“Also transmit my decree: starting immediately, promote Vice Minister of Justice Su Jin to Minister of Justice, overseeing all judicial and criminal matters of the Great Sui. And proclaim this decree throughout the realm.”
“Your subject receives the decree.”
Zhu Nanxian thought: I want all the people under heaven to know, I want the people of Annan to know, that the one departing from the Great Sui soon is not a vice minister but a full minister, a pillar and backbone indispensable to the court. Should she suffer any mishap, when he returns with his troops, he will spare no cost to slaughter those who dare harm her—those people, that nation.
Before stepping out of Fengtian Hall, Zhu Nanxian seemed to remember something and turned back: “Zuo Qian, Shi Fei, after you two finish with the Imperial Guard affairs, come immediately to the Chief Military Commission. Before the campaign, I want to finalize the matters we discussed recently about reorganizing the Shenji Camp and establishing the Modao Guard.” He looked toward Shen Xi and Liu Chaoming. “Minister Shen, Minister Liu, you two should also come.”
“Your subjects obey the command.” The several people bowed together.
Zhu Nanxian was about to leave when he heard Gong Quan call from behind: “Your Majesty.”
He lifted his robe and knelt, seriously and solemnly kowtowing: “Facing this national calamity, Your Majesty does not avoid or retreat but steps forward. This old subject wishes to represent the countless subjects and common people of our Great Sui in kowtowing to thank Your Majesty for your grace!”
As soon as these words were spoken, the rest in the hall also lifted their robes and bowed to Zhu Nanxian: “We subjects kowtow to thank Your Majesty for your grace.”
Zhu Nanxian looked calmly at these subjects kneeling before him and merely said, “All ministers, rise.” Without stopping for a moment, he led Qin Sang toward the Chief Military Commission.
With the urgent report from the northwest, all the ministries and bureaus of the court became busy.
In the frosty ninth month, all the government offices kept their lamps burning until midnight. The Ministry of Rites prepared for the diplomatic mission. The Ministry of Personnel drafted the first roster of official appointments and dismissals of the Jinan era. The busiest were the Ministry of War, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Imperial Censorate. The Ministry of War and Ministry of Revenue discussed the accompanying guards and military provisions for the imperial campaign. The Imperial Censorate, which originally investigated all matters of discipline and regulation, had been entrusted by Zhu Nanxian with state affairs under Liu Yun’s management—nearly everyone worked through the night, day after day.
On this day, Liu Chaoming brought memorials with attached preliminary decisions to Fengtian Hall. Just as he was having someone announce him, the chief eunuch Wu Chang saw him and said, “Lord Liu, what unfortunate timing. Earlier, the Fourth Prince Consort came to take leave of His Majesty due to the Fourth Prince’s injuries, saying she must return to Beiping Prefecture today. His Majesty personally went with Minister Shen to see her off. Should this old servant present the memorials directly to His Majesty for you, or will you return later?”
Liu Chaoming replied, “This official has another matter to discuss with His Majesty. I’ll return later.”
It was already the tenth day of the ninth month—two days remained until Zhu Nanxian’s scheduled departure and Su Jin’s mission. Liu Chaoming returned the memorials to the Imperial Censorate. Standing before his desk and pondering for a moment, he didn’t attend to the new case files delivered this morning. Instead, he took a cloak from the nearby wooden rack, draped it over himself, and walked out of the Imperial Censorate.
The frost was deep and the dew heavy. Though it hadn’t rained for several days, the entire palace grounds were damp.
The cold moisture had soaked the dark crimson palace walls until they were bright. Liu Chaoming walked across the flagstones, passed through the Gongxuan Gate separating the inner and outer palaces, and finally stopped outside the Orchid Garden where Zhu Yiheng was under house arrest.
The Orchid Garden was very quiet—or rather, the entire rear palace was extremely quiet.
After Zhu Nanxian ascended the throne, the rear palace had no mistress. Of the late Emperor’s consorts, aside from Dowager Consort Yu and Dowager Consort Qi who remained, the rest had either become nuns, moved to the imperial mausoleum or the western traveling palace, or departed along with the late Emperor.
The two guards outside the Orchid Garden saw Liu Chaoming and saluted him: “Lord Liu.”
In the daylight, along the long corridor, there wasn’t even a passing eunuch.
Liu Chaoming nodded. “This official has come to see the Tenth Prince.”
The two guards exchanged glances. When His Majesty had placed the Tenth Prince under house arrest here, he had only said not to let the Tenth Prince leave—he had never forbidden visitors. So they stepped aside partway: “Lord Liu, please.”
After Liu Chaoming entered the garden, one guard thought for a moment and called out: “Lord Liu.”
Liu Chaoming turned back.
“This humble servant hopes you can understand our position. Though His Majesty didn’t explicitly forbid visitors to the Tenth Prince, please don’t stay inside too long.”
Liu Chaoming didn’t respond to this and turned to head toward the main hall in the back.
Though Zhu Yiheng had been recuperating for nearly ten days, his body was still very weak. Most of the time he was asleep. However, on this day, he seemed to know that Liu Yun would come. Even after taking medicine in the afternoon, he didn’t sleep but had a palace maid prop two pillows behind him and sat leaning back with his eyes closed, resting.
When the door creaked open, Zhu Yiheng opened his eyes.
The two palace maids in the room saw Liu Chaoming, bowed, and then withdrew outside.
Liu Chaoming sat at the table and came straight to the point: “You told me earlier that Your Highness planted someone in the Chief Military Commission seven years ago. Is it the current Vice Commissioner Chen Jinsheng?”
Hearing this, Zhu Yiheng revealed a faint smile. His voice held the weakness of unhealed injuries but carried a trace of mockery and teasing: “What’s this? Has Lord Liu, after hiding in the misty deep mountains for so many years, finally decided to make his move?”