The spring of the sixth year of Yongji seemed to arrive overnight. The snow resting on the eaves had not yet completely melted when the old elm outside Weiyang Palace sprouted new branches.
According to old custom, at every year’s end, the court should cease sessions on Little New Year’s Day and resume on the fifteenth of the first month. However, after the eighteenth year of Jingyuan, with government affairs becoming complex and military conflicts arising everywhere, no year’s end had ever enjoyed a full rest. This year was the same—with the military farm case’s verdict imminent and frequent military situations in the northwest before spring began.
On the seventh day of the first month, Zhu Yushen summoned the War Ministry and Commander-in-Chief’s Office to Jinshen Palace to discuss dispatching northwestern generals. The imperial audience was originally scheduled for the wei hour, but as soon as noon passed, the high officials were already waiting outside Jinshen Palace—with Chili and Northern Liang forming an alliance and Zhu Yushen about to personally lead the campaign to Beiping, deciding who to send to the northwest was the most critical priority of the military situation.
Shortly after, Su Jin also arrived.
After her return to the capital, the Cabinet’s assistant ministers had changed from two to three. Su Jin, Shen Xi, and Shu Wenlan all held the rank of first-grade assistant minister. Together with Chief Minister Liu Chaoming, they comprised four ministers assisting in governance.
The ministers assisting in governance oversaw all court affairs. For instance, today’s general dispatch, though not directly concerning Su Jin’s Imperial Censorate, required her presence at the deliberation as one of the four assisting ministers.
Minister of War Chen Jinsheng came forward, saying, “This old man thought the Cabinet would send Lord Shen or Lord Shu today. Lord Su is already occupied with investigating the military farm case without a moment to spare, yet amid such busyness still makes time to concern herself with generals dispatched to the northwest. This truly exemplifies the capable bearing more responsibility.”
Su Jin smiled. “The military farm case isn’t the only case in the court. Qingyue and Shu Yu are tied up with matters and cannot break away.” Looking around, she asked again, “Has His Majesty not yet summoned us?”
“He said it must wait until the wei hour,” Chen Jinsheng replied.
Actually, in the past when discussing matters, it wasn’t necessarily the exact hour specified. Coming early was best. But today was somewhat exceptional.
“This old man just asked Eunuch Wu. From what he suggested, His Majesty doesn’t necessarily want to set the time this late. Hasn’t Lord Que Wu been away from the palace for half a year? I heard he was leading an important mission to the northwest and returns today. His Majesty wants to wait for him to report back before deciding which general to dispatch on campaign.”
As he spoke, outside Fengtian Gate came the sound of a horse’s neigh.
Everyone looked toward the sound. Que Wu rode his horse to the gate tower, dismounted, and strode swiftly up the stone steps. His appearance showed the dust of travel had not yet been washed away. Very urgent, seeing the assembled officials waiting outside Jinshen Palace, he briefly bowed to Su Jin before entering the hall.
“This subject heard of Chili and Northern Liang’s alliance and, fearing delay of military affairs, traveled day and night. Originally wanting to return before year’s end, unexpectedly I’m still several days late. I beg Your Majesty’s forgiveness.” Que Wu bowed.
Zhu Yushen was reviewing memorials at the imperial desk. Hearing his words, without lifting his vermilion brush, he replied, “No harm.” Then asked, “Is there an answer?”
Before dispatching Que Wu to the northwest, Zhu Yushen had told Que Wu to inform Zhu Nanxian of the true reason he escaped the Minghua Palace fire, to see what he would choose.
At that time, Zhu Yushen had said, “If he’s willing to remain in the northwest, bring back ‘World’s Hero’ and return it to me. When the realm is eventually settled, I’ll fulfill his lifelong wish.”
“If he refuses, after I depart on campaign, keep ‘World’s Hero’ there. When the northwestern military situation stabilizes, find an appropriate opportunity to execute him as a rebel.”
Que Wu removed the weapon from his back, unwrapped the black cloth, revealing a sword completely ink-black with dark gold cloud patterns forged into it.
“Your Majesty, this subject requests—to return ‘World’s Hero.'”
Zhu Yushen’s brush tip paused slightly. He raised his eyes to glance at Que Wu but wasn’t very surprised, as if he had long anticipated his thirteenth brother’s choice. “Did he say anything else?”
Que Wu replied, “In response to Your Majesty, His Majesty Jin’an only said he would hold the northwest and requests Your Majesty to let Lord Su remain in the capital to properly serve as censor.”
Zhu Yushen responded with an “mm,” lowered his eyes, and meticulously finished reviewing the memorial in his hands before saying, “Summon all the lords for audience.”
In an instant, the officials from the War Ministry and Commander-in-Chief’s Office filed in. Zhu Yushen set down his brush and stated directly, “Regarding the general to be dispatched to the northwest, I’ve thought it over repeatedly and feel no one in court is suitable. However, Zuo Qian has led troops in the northwest these past years with outstanding military achievements, and with Mao Zuofeng as lieutenant general, I believe these two are sufficient to resist the enemy. What do you lords think?”
Chen Jinsheng said, “In response to Your Majesty, General Zuo indeed has talent for leading troops, but he formerly commanded the Jinwu Guards in the palace and only went to fight in the northwest with the late emperor in the second year of Jin’an. His command ability and experience fall far short compared to the late emperor. During the Jin’an years, when Chili and Northern Liang invaded simultaneously, it required Your Majesty and the late emperor campaigning together to defeat the enemy forces. Now with hostilities resuming, with Your Majesty personally leading the campaign stationed at Beiping, this subject isn’t worried. This subject only fears the northwest will become the weakest link. In this subject’s opinion, better to order Dudu Qi to campaign in the northwest.”
Zhu Yushen said, “Qi Wujiu, what do you say?”
“In response to Your Majesty, if the court has need, this humble general will spare no effort. However, this humble general excels at naval warfare. In combat on inland rivers and seas, this subject can still manage with ease. But regarding the northwest, this humble general has only been there once before, staying half a year. In many aspects, I fear I’m inferior to General Zuo, much less comparable to the late emperor.”
What Qi Wujiu said was fact—neither self-deprecating nor evasive in intent.
Zhu Yushen nodded. “Yes, moreover the court cannot be without generals for a single day. If Dudu Qi goes to the northwest, what if hostilities arise again in the East Sea?” He looked toward Su Jin. “Su Shiyu, what do you think?”
Su Jin was concise. “In response to Your Majesty, this subject has faith in General Zuo.”
Though Chen Jinsheng still felt it improper, seeing Zhu Yushen’s imperial will was decided and both Su Jin and Qi Wujiu had no objections, he couldn’t say more.
Zhu Yushen thus said, “Que Wu, immediately transmit my decree: elevate General of the Western Expedition Zuo Qian to Grand Master for Splendid Happiness. Starting immediately, promote him to Supreme Commander of the Northwestern Army. Order the Northern Grand Camp to mobilize two hundred thousand soldiers from various regional commands and guard posts—one hundred thousand to the northwest, another one hundred thousand to accompany me in personally leading the campaign to Beiping seven days hence. The first batch of thirty thousand soldiers going to the northwest shall depart immediately tomorrow at the yin hour.”
“Yes!”
Zhu Yushen thought again. “The Jinwu Guards formerly had a junior commander who always followed Thirteen, greatly trusted by both Thirteen and Zuo Qian, named—”
“In response to Your Majesty, named Ashan,” Chen Jinsheng said. “Back then there were two commanders who constantly followed the late emperor. One was Yao Jiang, who has now succeeded General Zuo as Jinwu Guards Commander. The other is Ashan, now Assistant Commander of the Jinwu Guards.”
Zhu Yushen nodded. “Send him to the northwest as well.”
Employ without doubt; doubt without employing.
When Zhu Yushen should be suspicious, he was suspicious. When he should be ruthless, he was ruthless. But entrusting territorial lands to someone’s hands, when trust was appropriate, trust should be given.
Since Thirteen willingly remained in the northwest to guard the frontier, naturally someone he found useful should be sent.
With the imperial command issued and the first thirty thousand soldiers to campaign in the northwest assembling imminently, after the officials finished discussing matters and withdrew from Jinshen Palace, each went about their busy affairs.
Su Jin was about to return to Liuzhao Pavilion when someone behind called out, “Lord Su, please wait.”
It was Que Wu.
He strode down the stone steps, came before Su Jin, bowed low, and spoke directly. “Lord Su, this humble general went to the northwest and met His Majesty Jin’an.”
Su Jin stood with hands behind her back, expression calm.
Actually, from when she learned Que Wu had left the capital, she guessed he was going to the northwest to find Zhu Nanxian.
“His Majesty Jin’an is doing well in the northwest. The previous great victory at Duck Slope was actually mostly His Majesty Jin’an’s achievement,” Que Wu said.
Su Jin nodded. “I know.”
“Lord Su must have already guessed why His Majesty would spare His Majesty Jin’an’s life.” Que Wu continued.
“This subject also asked His Majesty Jin’an if he was willing to return to the capital to take Lord Su away, but His Majesty Jin’an said he wouldn’t come back. Being a censor is your lifelong aspiration. He requests that from now on, you remain at court with peace of mind and properly serve as a censor.”
Having spoken, Que Wu bowed to Su Jin again. “This humble general has said all there is to say. These words aren’t what His Majesty Yongji ordered this humble general to tell Lord Su. This humble general, as a military man, respects His Majesty Jin’an’s character.”
From within the palace precincts came the sounds of military assembly—the imperial guard commander of the duty station was returning to the Northern Grand Camp to assemble and organize troops.
Hearing Que Wu’s words, Su Jin’s heart seemed without ripples.
For an instant, she even felt everything seemed as it should be.
Human existence has cycles. Going round and round, it seemed to return to the spring beginning of many years ago. He was returning to Nanchang, and she went to the pavilion outside the city to see him off. His eyes and heart were full of reluctance, yet he only said, “This time returning to Nanchang I must organize troops and await orders. I cannot easily leave without permission. You… remember to write me often. I’m not skilled with words, but I will certainly read each letter carefully and carefully reply to each.”
He always put her first in everything, never demanding. Back when he was still the Thirteenth Prince, he never once mentioned wanting to take her to Nanchang with him.
The bugle sound accompanied by the evening wind came again, dyeing the entire palace precinct with the air of weapons and war.
Su Jin looked around—somehow it had already darkened all around. Nearby were rushing patrol guards who, seeing her, bowed from afar, not daring to approach. Su Jin summoned a nearby guard and asked, “The bugle has sounded a second time. Has the first batch of campaigning soldiers already assembled?”
The guard replied, “In response to Lord Su, today is special. Because this batch of campaigning soldiers includes imperial guards, this second bugle sound reminds several imperial guard lords to go to Xianchi Gate.”
Imperial guards? Su Jin was momentarily stunned, then immediately understood. Yes, just now in Jinshen Palace, Zhu Yushen had specifically appointed several imperial guards to campaign, including a Jinwu Guard named Ashan who used to constantly follow Zhu Nanxian and was one of his most trusted people.
Thinking of this, a notion suddenly arose from the bottom of her heart.
Su Jin immediately turned around and walked quickly toward the guard station.
The evening wind blew her moon-colored cloak flying, revealing the noble crane insignia underneath. Her eyes were both composed and hurried. Officials all around retreated to the roadside and bowed, but Su Jin seemed not to notice. Only upon entering the guard station did she ask Ashan, “Are you departing immediately for the northwest with the army?”
Ashan bowed. “Yes, this humble general is leaving now. I was about to bid farewell to Lord Su, never expecting my lord to come in person. This is this humble general’s fault.”
Seeing Su Jin seemed to have urgent business, he dismissed those around them and asked, “Does Lord Su have any instructions?”
Su Jin said, “I have something I wish to entrust you to bring to the northwest, but I must return home to fetch it. I’m afraid there isn’t time now. When do you depart?”
Ashan said, “I must go to Xianchi Gate now. Just now I received His Majesty’s order to leave the city by night. If Lord Su returns to your residence now, I fear it truly won’t be in time.” He thought again. “But marching to the long pavilion outside the city, we must assemble with soldiers from the Northern Grand Camp and recount the numbers. We should rest for an hour. If Lord Su doesn’t find it too troublesome, this humble general will request orders from the Regional Commander to wait for Lord Su at the small stream opening outside the long pavilion at the yin hour.”
The small stream outside the long pavilion had long dried up. Fortunately, at the stream opening stood a stone monument over ten feet tall, which had become a landmark that people from all directions recognized when entering the capital.
Su Jin nodded. “Good, thank you.”
The sky had completely darkened. Early spring’s cold air had not yet fully receded. By deep night, it condensed into a shallow mist that still hadn’t dispersed even by the yin hour.
At the small stream opening in the suburbs, aside from the stone monument, there was only wild grass. When passing by a few days ago, it was withered and desolate. After one night of spring wind, even by the faint moonlight, one could see vigorous life.
The sound of horse hooves came from afar. When Su Jin arrived, Ashan was already waiting.
Su Jin dismounted and called loudly toward the deep ink-colored night sky, “A’Fu—”
In an instant, fluttering sounds arose. An extremely white parrot circled overhead. As if responding to her, it emitted a clear cry—it had actually followed Su Jin’s horse all the way here.
Su Jin raised her arm. A’Fu was extremely clever. It folded its wings and perched on her arm, its glossy black eyes turning this way and that, calling out ingratiatingly, “Prince, Thirteenth Prince—”
Su Jin’s eyes softened. To Ashan she said, “It’s called A’Fu. It was a gift from His Majesty Jin’an years ago. He rescued it from tree branches in winter, saying it survived the winter without dying—it’s a fortune bird.”
She removed the bird perch hanging by the saddle and added, “A’Fu has followed me many years. It’s very clever, recognizes people, and recognizes this bird perch. It fears neither cold nor heat, only it’s greedy for food, sleep, and play. Each time it wakes from sleep or play and comes to you begging for food, just feed it some wheat grains and hemp seeds. Give it some water.”
Ashan accepted the bird perch. “Yes, this humble general remembers.”
Su Jin thus smiled, let A’Fu hop onto her palm, put both palms together, and tossed them upward. A’Fu soared into the air at once, first joyful, then sensing something was wrong, circling as if reluctant to leave.
Su Jin watched it. “A’Fu, go. From now on, accompany him by his side in my place.”
May your fortune always accompany him.
May he remain safe and smooth in this life, no matter at the ends of the earth.
Then tell him: in ancient times when soldiers campaigned, wives at home awaited their return. Ayu, for this entire lifetime, will wait for him to come back.
Past the middle of the yin hour, a trace of faint light appeared at the horizon’s edge, sprinkling on A’Fu’s white feathers. The bird circling in midair seemed to finally understand its master’s words. It spread its wings and, chasing the swift horse, flew toward where heaven, earth, and wind arose.