At Shen’s tavern in the East Market, a Taoist priest in tattered robes sat at a table near the entrance. Before him lay a plate of fried broad beans, a pot of wine, a cup, and a pair of bamboo chopsticks. Beside him on the ground were his “magical medicine” banner, a bell, and a dirty cloth bag.
Chang’an was filled with temples and Taoist monasteries, and wandering Taoist priests selling medicine with their banners and bells were so common that no one paid him any attention.
Qiao Hai took a sip of wine and popped a fried broad bean into his mouth – quite fragrant, he thought. On the round stage in front, two performers were telling a story about someone who finally passed the imperial examination after many years of trying.
All his formerly arrogant relatives and friends had changed their attitudes, becoming respectfully submissive – quite amusing. Qiao Hai laughed along with the other customers.
Sitting in this bustling tavern, enjoying snacks and wine, Qiao Hai felt a moment of confusion. If he and his senior brother hadn’t caught Prince Zhao’s attention back then, wouldn’t they be living such a life now? Two years ago, when his senior brother was gravely ill, he had reminisced about their days gathering wild vegetables in the mountains and catching fish in the river, seeming rather nostalgic. Qiao Hai felt his senior brother had earned that right – after all, he had stood beside the former emperor, his words could shift the political winds, and when he walked the streets, even royal clan members and ministers would make way. Except for ultimately failing to help Prince Zhao ascend to the throne, his life could be considered fulfilled.
As for himself, Qiao Hai looked around Shen’s tavern, never having imagined his fate would become intertwined with such an establishment. If successful, after the King ascended the throne, he would naturally receive high office and generous rewards, enjoying great glory. If unsuccessful… Qiao Hai took another sip of wine, well, he was already quite advanced in years, it wouldn’t be considered an early death.
Qiao Hai thought of Prince Zhao’s fourth son, Li Meng, and couldn’t help but frown…
A wealthy-looking young man entered, followed by several servants. The manager hurried forward to greet them.
The young gentleman, heading toward the second floor, smiled and said, “Reserve a large private room for me on the day of the Celebration Feast. Though we’re not this year’s scholars, my friends and I would like to witness such a grand occasion.”
The manager smiled, “Young master can choose a room today. Not many private rooms are left – six have already been reserved, only three remain.”
The young gentleman frowned, seemingly casually glancing at the figure in the tattered Taoist robe. “Are there so many people?”
“Young master, for such a grand occasion, who wouldn’t want to watch? When the long silk banner with names is hung…” The manager accompanied the young gentleman upstairs.
Qiao Hai took another sip of wine. Three rooms… that should be enough. Such matters always relied on the element of surprise – even when the emperor traveled in disguise, he wouldn’t bring many people.
At the entrance, Miss Shen from the tavern entered together with Young Master Shao from the flower cake shop.
As they passed by, Qiao Hai overheard Young Master Shao saying with a smile, “I’ve looked at the accounts. Perhaps next year you’ll be able to buy that villa by the Wei River.”
Miss Shen replied cheerfully, “The cattails by the Wei River are excellent. When the time comes, I’ll pick the most tender ones to make milk soup with cattails…”
Qiao Hai smiled.
Time flew quickly amidst the calculations and planning of various parties, and the day of the Celebration Feast finally arrived.
Indeed, many scholars came, and there were numerous regular customers inside and outside the tavern who came to join the festivities. The common people of Chang’an had always been interested in such refined gatherings.
Manager Qin personally attended to the ink and brushes. The scholars, full of ambition, wrote their names on the long silk banner hung outside the tavern, then entered under the manager’s blessings and everyone’s attention.
At the auspicious time, Manager Qin said a few opening words before turning the floor over to a scholar of high talent and virtue, chosen in advance by his peers. Though his virtue was unknown, his talent was genuine. He began speaking, first narrating then singing, every word like pearls and jade, brilliant and clear. The tavern’s owner, Miss Shen, and Young Master Shao watched from the periphery with smiling eyes.
Qiao Hai sat in a corner position by the railing on the second floor. After scanning the private rooms, looking at the scholars and customers in the main hall, the manager, the servers, and his own people, he fixed his gaze on the entrance – that person hadn’t appeared yet.
Qiao Hai’s heart dangled like it was hanging by a hair, swaying back and forth. Would the emperor come? And could they successfully assassinate him in the tavern?
Even if they couldn’t kill him here, Qiao Hai consoled himself, there were still the Uighurs lying in ambush near the horse market, and his people at the palace gates. Qiao Hai narrowed his eyes – since he had left the palace, he shouldn’t think about returning alive!
After waiting another two-quarters of an hour, just as the scholars were finishing introducing their native places, names, and ages, the curtain lifted, revealing the Imperial Guard Commander Qin Xiang! He bent slightly forward, courteously making way for someone beside him who wore a hooded cloak, revealing only a pair of handsome eyes.
Yes, yes… it was him! Qiao Hai had seen the emperor twice before; he was quite handsome, especially those eyes.
Qiao Hai gave his people a signal, nodding slightly. The invisible tension in the tavern stretched to its limit.
One of the emperor’s attendants walked to a table near the second-floor stairs by the railing, asking the customer already seated there to change seats. The customer was quite accommodating and indeed gave up his seat.
The emperor sat down. From Qiao Hai’s angle, he could only see his back. The Imperial Guards were positioned on both floors – some guarding the second floor, some maintaining vigilance on the first floor, and two or three checking the private rooms. The emperor gestured to the seat opposite him, and after some polite decline, Qin Xiang sat down. It seemed the rumors of the emperor’s favor toward Qin Xiang weren’t false.
Observing the emperor and Qin Xiang, Qiao Hai wasn’t worried about the situation in the private rooms – everyone was disguised, and unless carefully questioned, there wouldn’t be any problems.
A server brought the menu. The emperor flipped through it, and one could faintly hear him ordering milk soup pot, lamb, fish tofu, and such. The server bowed and went downstairs with the menu.
Perhaps because his identity had been exposed last time, the emperor kept his hooded cloak on.
Downstairs, the scholars had taken their seats, and while waiting for the feast to begin, the entertainment started.
“Those attending today’s Celebration Feast are all future important ministers,” said one performer.
The other performer replied, “I’m quite important too, not much lighter than a millstone,” patting his waist as he spoke.
“…I mean, they’re all ‘vessel’ ministers.”
The other hesitated, “Ah, I’m probably just the milk soup’s…”
The whole place erupted in laughter. The emperor laughed heartily too.
This was the moment! Qiao Hai waved his hand.
A long dart flew toward the emperor – but was knocked away by an arrow that came flying from the rafters.
Qiao Hai’s heart shook.
In an instant, Qiao Hai’s people hidden in the main hall and second floor all sprang into action. The assassins hidden in the private rooms rushed out, but even more “customers” drew swords, either surrounding the emperor protectively or engaging with Qiao Hai’s people.
From the private rooms that Qiao Hai had previously investigated – those reserved by various people both young and old, rich and noble – more people emerged, trapping Qiao Hai’s people inside the private rooms. Among them, a “young lady” wielded a long sword with swift and fierce strokes, while a middle-aged scholar who looked consumptive threw powerful punches.
How could Qiao Hai not realize? They had fallen into a trap!
A man dressed as a Hu merchant who had been sitting near the emperor shouted at the panicking crowd: “Arrest the traitors! All civilians take cover!”
The ordinary customers who had been at their wits’ end moments ago treated these words like divine instruction, quickly taking cover behind tables, walls, and counters.
The emperor stood there silently while Qin Xiang stood in front of him, along with many guards in battle formation.
Seeing his side clearly at a disadvantage, Qiao Hai knew there would be no success here today. In such a battle, strategy was key, and the opponent had prepared in advance, hiding archers in the rafters, positioning many more people than his own in the private rooms and scattered seats, utilizing the terrain during battle, and timing it perfectly to trap his people in the private rooms like “turtles in a jar.” With heaven’s timing, earth’s advantage, and human harmony all on their side, how could he not fail?
Qiao Hai stared at the “Hu merchant,” wondering which general from the court had defeated him. The “merchant” looked back at him, and made a gesture, and several people converged on Qiao Hai.
“Master Qiao, to the window!” Several of his trusted followers were still fighting desperately to protect him.
But how could they escape?
The enemy’s sword was finally at his throat. Qiao Hai looked around – not one in ten of his people remained.
Shortly after, the dust settled in the tavern.
The commander stripped off his fake beard and eyebrows, revealing extremely refined features. Though he still wore fur-lined Hu clothing and a Hu hat, Qiao Hai recognized him as none other than Lin Yan, the Junior Governor of the Capital!
Qiao Hai smiled bitterly, never expecting to follow in the footsteps of Zheng Er and others…
Lin Yan stepped forward and bowed to the “emperor,” “My apologies for frightening Your Highness.”
“Don’t stand on ceremony, Junior Governor Lin. It’s been a while since I’ve experienced something this entertaining.”
Qiao Hai’s eyes widened slightly. Of course – since this was a trap, how could the emperor come to take such a risk? That must be a body double.
And someone who would speak like that could only be the unrestrained Prince of Heyang.
The Prince of Heyang’s lips curled slightly, showing some dignified bearing when not speaking. Among the royal princes in the capital, this prince was a special existence. For instance, his status – he was the emperor’s only living full brother. Then there was his character – extremely unrestrained, with a host of male favorites, the most favored reportedly being from a Hu bread seller’s family, leading to the capital’s joke that “daughters can become consorts, but sons aren’t left out either.” And then there was his relationship with the emperor – the pile of memorials from censors impeaching him stood three feet high, yet this prince continued to live freely.
Though the Prince of Heyang had “that kind of problem,” he was very respectful toward scholars like Lin Yan – some people couldn’t be trifled with. Looking at the man before him, the prince added mentally if he were to have something with him, he would probably be the one underneath… Better leave such a person for his brother to use in court.
An attendant beside Lin Yan handed a water flask to the Prince of Heyang, who frowned as he sprinkled some chicken blood on his chest. Looking sideways at Qin Xiang with mischief, he casually smeared some on his face.
Qin Xiang smiled helplessly as he let the prince smear it on, “Let this servant support Your Highness.”
Having witnessed a beautifully executed ambush, Qin Xiang smiled at Lin Yan, “I’ll leave this place to Junior Governor Lin.”
Lin Yan nodded solemnly and bowed to see them off.
Qin Xiang had never liked these court officials, especially those from scholar-official families, who carried an innate arrogance. In their eyes, people like him, no matter how high their position or how great their power, probably didn’t even count as dirt. But now his opinion of this Junior Governor Lin had somewhat improved – though proud, he had humanity and sincerity and was practical.
Just as the battle had ended and everyone was still recovering from the shock, the person suspected to be the emperor, clutching his chest, left with the Imperial Guards.
Watching the Prince of Heyang’s retreating figure, Qiao Hai closed his eyes in despair. Those Hu people lying in ambush along the way probably wouldn’t survive, and the people he had arranged inside the palace for a final assassination attempt if the emperor returned alive wouldn’t survive either. The opponent had anticipated everything. He could only hope the Fourth Prince would escape.
Lin Yan slowly walked over, smiling as he asked, “So you’re the junior brother of the Great Virtuous Clear Wonderful Assistant Primary True Person?”
Qiao Hai’s eyes widened.