The central figure of the Xingzhou case, Sun Shangde, had already died in prison, but officials from the Court of Judicial Review and the Ministry of Justice followed the trail and eventually uncovered a deeply intertwined network of relationships.
The Xingzhou case began with Sun Shangde and a group of low-ranking officials, around the fifth or sixth rank, engaging in corruption and embezzling government funds. This might not have been an isolated incident; similar cases could have occurred in other prefectures across the thirty-six provinces of the Song Dynasty, but most were successfully concealed without causing any major issues. Corrupt officials were always difficult to completely eradicate, but seventeen years ago, a heavy snowfall in the Northwest turned what might have been a minor case of corruption into a major scandal.
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Officials from the Court of Judicial Review compiled a report on the case and presented it to the emperor.
The emperor was furious.
The case implicated many, and the highest-ranking official involved was Yu Chaosheng.
That very night, Yu Chaosheng was summoned to the palace. In Chuigong Hall, the emperor threw the impeachment memorials at him.
Zhao Fu: “What do you have to say for yourself?!”
Yu Chaosheng’s official robe was crumpled by the memorials. He bowed his head, hunched over, and took out a memorial from his sleeve, presenting it to the emperor. “Your guilty subject, Yu Chaosheng, begs for Your Majesty’s forgiveness.”
Ji Fu took Yu Chaosheng’s memorial and handed it to the emperor.
The emperor opened the memorial and began reading. As he read, Zhao Fu let out a cold sneer. With a wave of his hand, he threw Yu Chaosheng’s memorial back at him. Zhao Fu’s voice was low, almost mocking, “I see you’ve been planning this for a long time! Over the past seventeen years, have you never had even a shred of doubt about what happened back then? If you, Yu Xianzhi, had spoken up earlier, I might have shown you some leniency.”
“Yu Xianzhi, oh Yu Xianzhi, do you think I’m a fool, or do you think you’re a fool?”
“Do you want me to think you’re a fool, or do you want me to think you’re clever?”
Yu Chaosheng had prepared for this, but facing the emperor’s wrath, he couldn’t help but tremble, “Your subject wouldn’t dare.”
Zhao Fu: “I am deeply disappointed in you!”
Yu Chaosheng’s heart sank. He looked up at the emperor, but the emperor no longer glanced his way.
When the Xingzhou case was first brought to light by the censor, Xu Bi had asked Yu Chaosheng if he was involved. Yu Chaosheng had said, “Absolutely not.” Indeed, he was not part of the group of corrupt officials in Xingzhou.
At that time, Yu Chaosheng had just passed the imperial examination and had been serving as a low-ranking official in the capital for a year before being sent to Xingzhou. As an outsider, he couldn’t have quickly integrated into the group of fifth and sixth-rank officials, so he truly wasn’t involved. However, in the years following the snow disaster in Xingzhou, Yu Chaosheng moved through various positions, gradually rising in rank and gaining a clearer understanding of the bureaucratic landscape.
Looking back, he realized what the slight anomaly he had noticed in Xingzhou was—something he had sensed but, due to his lack of experience and seniority, had not dared to conclude at the time.
He had never embezzled government funds, but he wasn’t entirely unaware of what was happening.
Zhao Fu knew this all too well.
The memorial Yu Chaosheng had written was a plea of innocence, stating that he had never been involved in corruption and had no connection to the Xingzhou case. But what Zhao Fu asked him was, “Did you already suspect the truth?” and “In your memorial, you only say you’re innocent, but you don’t mention that you knew about it and chose to do nothing.”
Yu Chaosheng wasn’t foolish, so Zhao Fu understood that his minister had known all along.
What Zhao Fu despised was that seventeen years ago, he had personally gone to the Temple of Heaven to pray, filled with fear. But now, looking back, it wasn’t a natural disaster, nor was it due to any lack of virtue on Zhao Fu’s part—it was man-made!
The next morning, during the court session, the emperor issued an edict temporarily removing Yu Chaosheng from his position as Minister of Justice and ordering him to reflect on his actions at home. The other officials implicated in the Xingzhou case were also punished. The most heavily involved had already been arrested by the Court of Judicial Review and thrown into the imperial prison, where they would likely spend the rest of their lives.
In Zichen Hall, as Yu Chaosheng personally removed his official hat, the Left Prime Minister Xu Bi held his jade tablet, his eyes fixed on the ground, not stepping forward to plead for his student.
On the other side, the Right Prime Minister Wang Quan, the Senior Grand Secretary of the Left Wang Zhen, and others all maintained their composure, as if they had no involvement in the matter.
Tang Shen stood at the forefront of the third-rank officials, behind the second-rank officials. He watched Yu Chaosheng’s retreating figure as he left Zichen Hall, suddenly wondering if Yu Chaosheng knew who had brought him down.
It was Wang Quan, Wang Zhen, and perhaps even his mentor Xu Bi, who had pushed him from behind, distancing himself from him.
But the one truly responsible for his current predicament was himself.
Being an official in this world is difficult, being a corrupt official is difficult, and being a good official is even more difficult.
Wang Zhen had never said it, but Tang Shen had long guessed why, starting two years ago, the Wang faction had set up such a large scheme to remove Yu Chaosheng, a key piece of the Xu faction.
Two years ago, Zhao Fu had fallen seriously ill, lying in bed for a long time, and everyone thought he wouldn’t make it. Even the Grand Preceptor Zhou, who was stationed in the Northwest, returned to the capital after many years to check on the emperor’s condition. But Zhao Fu had pulled through, and from then on, Wang Zhen had resolved to cut off the Xu faction’s right arm.
Zhao Fu would eventually die, and that day might not be far off.
No matter which of the three princes succeeded him, none would have Zhao Fu’s determination to push through the Silver Pull Division, despite the court’s opposition. Back then, there was only the Silver Pull Division, but now there was also the cage box. The former had already shown its threat to the powerful families, while the latter would only need a few years to demonstrate its potential to transform society.
Yu Chaosheng had been a good official, but Wang Zhen aimed to be a corrupt one.
Only by seizing power and turning the court into a one-voice chamber could one do what needed to be done.
Being a good official is difficult, and being a corrupt one is no less challenging!
As the New Year approached, the Xingzhou case had thrown the capital into turmoil, with everyone on edge. The recent victory in the Northwest was somewhat overshadowed, and with the daily heavy snowfall sealing the city, the vast capital felt even more desolate and cold.
Tang Shen, following the emperor’s summons, entered the palace. When he left, the chief eunuch Ji Fu escorted him out.
Tang Shen: “How is your health, Ji gonggong? The weather is freezing; you should take care of yourself.”
Ji Fu smiled obsequiously, “Thank you for your concern, Tang daren. The ointment you sent last time was truly miraculous.”
Tang Shen smiled slightly.
Previously, Tang Shen had sent the first batch of cloth woven by the textile machine into the palace. The next day, he heard that as soon as he left, Chief Eunuch Ji Fu had emerged from Chuigong Hall with a swollen face. The incident was quite strange, and Tang Shen didn’t know why Ji Fu’s face had suddenly swollen, but influenced by Wang Zhen, he sent the best bruise medicine from Baibao Pavilion to Ji Fu.
Ji Fu, who had compared Tang Shen to a eunuch and slapped himself ten times, had initially held a grudge. But after receiving the high-quality bruise medicine, his anger subsided a bit, and he casually mentioned what had happened that day.
Tang Shen was also surprised; he hadn’t realized he held such a high place in Zhao Fu’s heart.
That day, Tang Shen prepared a generous gift and sent it to Ji Fu’s residence outside the palace.
Ji Fu pretended to decline, but Tang Shen insisted, “Ji gonggong, you were injured because of me. This is my apology. If you don’t accept it, does that mean you’re still angry with me?”
Ji Fu immediately accepted the gift.
Ji Fu sighed, “The snow is falling heavily. Tang daren, be careful on your way.”
Tang Shen: “Thank you, Ji gonggong.”
Ji Fu casually remarked, “Seeing this snow reminds me of something the emperor mentioned yesterday while reviewing memorials. He said this year’s snow is indeed heavy, but the north is accustomed to heavy snow, and the people are well-prepared. If this snow had fallen in the southwest or in places like Xingzhou, it might have caused another disaster.”
Tang Shen looked up at him.
Tang Shen: “These are indeed troubled times.”
Ji Fu smiled, “It will all settle down eventually. Tang daren, take care.”
On the 24th day of the twelfth lunar month of the 36th year of Kaiping, Minister of Justice Yu Chaosheng was demoted to the position of Governor of Changzhou.
That day, Yu Chaosheng left the capital in a simple carriage without informing anyone, having already packed his belongings, not delaying even a single day.
On the 29th day of the twelfth lunar month, the eve of New Year’s Eve, the emperor held a banquet in Yanchun Pavilion, inviting all the officials to celebrate the New Year together.
At the banquet, the officials toasted and feasted, and the emperor was in high spirits.
Tang Shen, as the third-rank Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, with the honorary title of second-rank Right Attendant Gentleman of the Scattered Cavalry, sat among the second-rank officials. He spoke in a low voice with the Minister of Rites, Meng Lang, while glancing at the three princes seated at the head of the table.
Meng Lang followed his gaze, “I heard His Highness the Second Prince was injured while fighting the Liao in Youzhou. It seems the injury was to his arm.” Meng Lang pointed to the second prince Zhao Shang’s left arm, which indeed remained stiff and unmoving.
Tang Shen: “All three princes have served the country with pure hearts.”
Meng Lang glanced at Tang Shen and muttered under his breath, “You’re becoming more and more like Wang Zifeng!”
Tang Shen didn’t catch his muttering, his gaze lingering on the three princes.
During the war between the Song and Liao, Zhao Fu had sent all three of his sons to Youzhou. Once there, they naturally tried their best to contribute and achieve some merit. However, none of them had ever led troops in battle, and no matter how much they tried to curry favor with Grand Preceptor Zhou, he paid them no attention.
The three princes were as anxious as ants on a hot pan.
Finally, the second prince Zhao Shang found an opportunity to lead troops into battle. Whether by accident or design, he was injured and returned to the capital with his wounds.
In Yanchun Pavilion, Zhao Shang, with his immobile left arm, eagerly looked toward the emperor. Unfortunately, Zhao Fu never glanced his way.
The light in Zhao Shang’s eyes gradually dimmed.
The Silver Pull Division in the thirty-six provinces, the Song-Liao war, the Jiao Prefecture Agreement, the Xingzhou case…
The 36th year of Kaiping ended with a heavy snowfall.
As the officials left Yanchun Pavilion, Tang Shen donned his fox-fur cloak. When he exited the Xuanwu Gate, he saw a carriage bearing the lantern of the Senior Grand Secretary of the Left waiting outside the palace. The peachwood window was slightly ajar, and a wisp of sandalwood incense drifted out.
It was the scent Wang Zifeng always carried.
Tang Shen boarded the carriage, where Wang Zhen was holding a jade pendant, examining it in the dim candlelight.
Tang Shen looked closely, “Why are you looking at that, Senior Brother?”
Wang Zhen gently put away the pendant. “This is a gift little Junior Brother gave me.”
After Tang Shen settled in, the carriage quickly set off for the Minister Residence.
The Yanchun Pavilion banquet was a feast hosted by the emperor for his officials. The food and wine served were prepared by the imperial kitchen and were naturally exquisite. But it was a palace banquet, and no official dared to eat heartily in front of the emperor. Tang Shen, still hungry, expertly searched Wang Zhen’s carriage and found some pastries from Caiqi Villa.
As Tang Shen ate a pastry, Wang Zhen casually remarked, “Yelü Shege has ascended the throne.”
Tang Shen nearly choked on his pastry. He quickly took a large sip of tea and, after recovering, looked at Wang Zhen in disbelief. “Yelü Shege has ascended the throne? The second prince of Liao?”
Wang Zhen smiled and nodded, “Yes.”
Tang Shen: “…”
He put the pastry down, still shaken, and muttered, “Really? Why do you say it so casually, as if you were saying ‘let’s eat crab tonight’?”
The ascension of a new Liao emperor was a major event. The emperor at the banquet didn’t even know about it, yet Wang Zifeng mentioned it so nonchalantly.
Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow, “Then how should I have said it, little Junior Brother?”
Tang Shen thought for a moment, “…Just say it like that.”
Wang Zifeng always seemed unfazed by anything. The ascension of a Liao emperor? So what if he ascended…
Tang Shen felt that after spending so much time with Wang Zifeng, he had become more composed, and his values had undergone a significant change.
Meanwhile, after the Yanchun Pavilion banquet, Zhao Fu also learned of the Liao second prince’s ascension.
At the time, Zhao Fu was in his concubine’s palace, preparing to sleep. When the scout reported the news, Zhao Fu, like Wang Zifeng, simply said “Oh” and didn’t give it much further thought.
Who the new Liao emperor was didn’t matter.
It didn’t matter at all.
The Liao had already signed the Jiao Prefecture Agreement with the Song, and without the Black Wolf Army of a hundred thousand, the Liao was no longer the formidable empire it once was.
Zhao Fu closed his eyes, recalling many things.
Thirty-six years ago, when he had just ascended the throne, the court was in turmoil, and the Liao took advantage to attack.
Twenty-six years ago, he led troops personally and, after a bitter victory, finally secured a peace treaty.
In his thirty-six years on the throne, the Song had faced natural disasters and man-made calamities, but the people had lived in peace and stability for thirty-six years!
What had he left for his successors?
He left a complete territory with three provinces returned to the Song, a Silver Pull Division spread across thirty-six provinces, the cage box that Tang Shen called a beacon of hope, and the peaceful and prosperous 36th year of Kaiping!
That night, the emperor stayed in Consort Zhen’s palace. Consort Zhen was the mother of the second prince Zhao Shang.
Since the palace coup five years ago, Consort Zhen had grown increasingly fearful of the emperor. She carefully attended to him as he prepared to sleep.
The candles were extinguished, and moonlight quietly filled the room.
Consort Zhen, after a long time of anxiety, was about to fall asleep when she suddenly heard Zhao Fu say, “Did Zhao Shang injure his arm in Youzhou?”
Consort Zhen was startled, almost jumping out of bed. She softly replied: “Yes…”
Zhao Fu said nothing more.
Consort Zhen waited anxiously for a long time, but this time she couldn’t fall asleep.
“You’ve been with me for thirty years.”
Consort Zhen forced a smile, “Your subject entered the palace in the third year of Kaiping.”
Zhao Fu casually remarked, “Have I been a good emperor?”
Consort Zhen’s heart skipped a beat. Having survived in the palace for so many years and given birth to a prince, she understood the emperor. She raised her eyes and, in the moonlight, saw the wrinkles on Zhao Fu’s face, deep as mountain ravines.
She thought of Zhao Fu when she first entered the palace thirty-three years ago.
Zhao Fu wasn’t particularly handsome.
The empress dowager wasn’t a beauty, and among the late emperor’s sons, the most handsome was the crown prince. Before entering the palace, Consort Zhen had once seen the crown prince from afar at a palace banquet. He was like a celestial being descended from heaven, captivating her at first sight. Back then, which young lady in the capital didn’t admire Zhao Xuan?
But Zhao Xuan was long dead, and she had entered the palace, becoming Zhao Fu’s concubine.
Zhao Fu managed the court with a firm hand, but he paid little attention to the harem. When the empress was alive, she managed the harem well; after her death, the harem remained orderly as ever. Looking back, perhaps every woman in the harem was terrified of Zhao Fu, even though he rarely showed anger in front of them, they still didn’t dare to act out.
Thirty-three years together, and the second prince Zhao Shang was also already over thirty.
Now, looking at Zhao Fu, Consort Zhen felt that the memory of the crown prince’s celestial face had blurred. Over the years, the one she remembered, the one she sewed clothes for at night, the one she tried so hard to please, the one she feared—it was always Zhao Fu.
Consort Zhen spoke from the heart, “In your subject’s heart, Your Majesty is the best emperor.”
Zhao Fu looked over at her.
Zhao Fu smiled, “You’ve grown old.”
Consort Zhen found the courage from somewhere to say, “Your Majesty has too.”
Zhao Fu laughed heartily.
Consort Zhen, her heart pounding, quietly thought: Perhaps tonight, the emperor was truly happy.
Sleepiness overcame her, and Consort Zhen slowly fell asleep.
The next day, as it was New Year’s Eve, the officials were on holiday and didn’t need to attend court. The eunuchs waited outside the bedchamber.
Consort Zhen woke up and saw that the emperor hadn’t risen yet. She quietly left the palace. By mid-morning, the emperor still hadn’t woken, so Consort Zhen went in to call for him. After calling a few times with no response, her expression changed, and she panicked, calling Ji Fu in from outside. Ji Fu was also terrified, his face pale.
Consort Zhen’s hand trembled as she touched Zhao Fu’s body.
She collapsed to the floor.
Ji Fu’s face turned white with fear, but the next moment, Consort Zhen screamed, “Call the imperial physician, quickly!”
The emperor hadn’t died, but his old illness had flared up, leaving him unconscious.
On the 37th year of Kaiping, during the New Year, chaos filled the palace. The three princes, having learned from past events, wished to visit the ailing emperor but feared repeating the disaster from five years ago. Only after two days did they finally enter the palace to attend to his illness.
Zhao Fu’s illness struck fiercely this time.
Tang Shen had entered the palace to meet the emperor as early as the fourth day of the new year, but unfortunately, the emperor was unconscious, and he couldn’t see him.
The last time the emperor had fallen gravely ill, Grand Preceptor Zhou had not returned to the capital until February, bringing with him a renowned physician. This time, perhaps sensing the urgency, Grand Preceptor Zhou returned to Shengjing on the seventh day of the new year, once again bringing the same physician.
The physician stayed in the palace for an entire month, yet Zhao Fu showed no signs of awakening.
At court, the officials were deeply worried.
Within the palace, the three princes were even more anxious, feeling as if they were sitting on pins and needles. Never had they realized so keenly how close they were to the throne. Yet the palace coup five years ago had instilled deep fear in them—none dared to act rashly. Perhaps no other sons in the world feared their father as much as they did, trembling like frightened rats.
On February 13, the 37th year of Kaiping—
Tang Shen was at the Ministry of Works, discussing with artisans how to improve the cage box mechanisms to enhance efficiency and reduce energy loss when an official messenger arrived:
“His Majesty has awakened. The Left Senior Grand Secretary requests the Right Vice Minister to enter the palace.”
Tang Shen was taken aback and immediately set off.
By the time he arrived outside Chuigong Hall, many officials had already gathered.
Tang Shen spotted Wang Zhen and walked over to his side. The two exchanged glances, and Wang Zhen pressed a finger to his lips, whispering a soft “Shh.” Tang Shen lowered his eyes, stepped behind Wang Zhen, and remained silent.
As the sun set and the bright moon hung high in the sky, the chief eunuch, Ji Fu, stepped out of Chuigong Hall.
His sharp voice pierced through the night:
“Summoning Left Prime Minister Xu Bi and Right Prime Minister Wang Quan to an audience.”
Xu Bi and Wang Quan immediately stepped forward and entered the hall.
An hour later, they emerged with differing expressions.
Xu Bi declared, “Disperse. His Majesty is still unwell; no need to wait any longer.”
The officials responded in unison, “Understood.”
After leaving the palace, Tang Shen and Wang Zhen hurried to the Right Prime Minister’s residence.
Wang Quan, upon seeing them, let out a wry laugh. “I know why you’ve come—to ask what was said and heard inside, yes? I won’t keep it from you. Come with me.”
The two followed Wang Quan into his study, where he pressed a spot on the bookshelf and retrieved a small, intricately crafted box.
Wang Zhen’s gaze flickered. He looked up and asked, “Inside that box is…?”
Wang Quan sighed. “Yes, it contains the imperial edict of succession.”
Tang Shen was startled.
Wang Quan continued, “The box is in my hands, but do you see the lock on it? The key is with Xu Bi. So, I have no idea what’s written inside, and neither does the Left Prime Minister.” Wang Quan sighed again. “Who could have expected His Majesty to have made such arrangements?”
The edict of succession was jointly safeguarded by Xu Bi and Wang Quan.
The two were political rivals—if one attempted foul play, the other would undoubtedly intervene.
Moreover, upon the new emperor’s ascension, both would have contributed to his rise. Even if one side later attempted to overpower the other, it wouldn’t be easy. With a single move, the emperor had effectively nullified half of the Wang faction’s painstaking efforts in the power play regarding Yu Chaosheng’s demotion.
Wang Zhen chuckled.
Wang Quan frowned. “You can still laugh?”
Wang Zhen retorted, “Should I cry instead?”
Wang Quan shot him an exasperated look and sighed. “Ai… I don’t know if this is good or bad. Nor do I know how much longer His Majesty can hold on.”
Tang Shen felt these words resonate deeply. The next day, he quietly made his way to Qinzheng Hall, where he coincidentally encountered the chamberlain on duty.
The man’s surname was Qi, and he had been the top scholar of Kaiping’s 36th year. Appointed as the chamberlain just last November, he had barely started when he was met with the emperor’s grave illness, leaving him with little to record each day.
“Tang daren, greetings.”
Tang Shen acknowledged him with a slight nod. “Heading to your duty post?”
Qi Feng replied, “Yes, daren.”
Tang Shen said no more and stepped aside to let him pass. Qi Feng, momentarily surprised, quickly bowed in gratitude and hurried into the palace.
Since waking, Zhao Fu had only met with Xu Bi and Wang Quan, refusing to see anyone else for two consecutive days.
Some officials speculated that the emperor, like before, would overcome his illness. But Tang Shen knew otherwise. Grand Preceptor Zhou had remained in the capital instead of leaving—perhaps Zhao Fu truly would not survive this spring.
On February 17, Zhao Fu summoned Senior Grand Secretary of the Left Wang Zhen and Deputy Minister of Qinzheng Hall Su Wenyun for an audience.
The two were not summoned together—Su Wenyun exited the palace just as Wang Zhen entered.
As they passed each other, Su Wenyun cast Wang Zhen a meaningful smile. Wang Zhen remained composed and entered the palace calmly. That night, upon returning home, Wang Zhen and Tang Shen dined together.
After the meal, Wang Zhen casually retrieved something from his sleeve and placed it on the table with a soft “click.”
His action was so natural that Tang Shen didn’t sense anything unusual at first. But when he glanced at the object, his expression changed drastically. He grabbed it at once.
“What is this?”
Wang Zhen smiled leisurely. “A death-exemption token.”
Tang Shen: “…”
Of course, he recognized it!
So those dramas were right—such tokens really existed, and they were instantly recognizable!
Tang Shen pondered for a moment. “You received this during today’s audience with His Majesty?”
Wang Zhen nodded slightly.
The corner of Tang Shen’s mouth twitched and then he recalled something. “You said His Majesty only summoned you and Su Wenyun today. If he gave you this token, then what did he give Su Wenyun?”
Wang Zhen replied, “Why assume he gave something to Su Wenyun?”
Tang Shen: “Huh?”
Wang Zhen frowned slightly, assuming a look of noble self-sacrifice. “I, Wang Zifeng, am a man of integrity, devoted to the nation, willing to sacrifice my life for the country. It is precisely because of this that I received this token. Perhaps Su Wenyun received nothing at all. Rather, perhaps His Majesty took something from him instead?”
Tang Shen: “…”
“Truly the pinnacle of shamelessness!”
Neither Tang Shen nor Zhao Fu’s personal eunuch, Ji Fu, knew if Su Wenyun had obtained anything.
The day after his audience with the emperor, Su Wenyun departed for Youzhou.
A few days later, a letter from Wang Xiao arrived from the Northwest, landing in Tang Shen’s hands. Upon opening it, he couldn’t help but laugh.
After ascending the throne, Yelü Shege, the second prince of the Liao State, first eliminated dissenters and restructured the administration. His rise to power was largely due to the strong support from the southern officials. Thus, after taking the throne, Yelü Shege promoted the southern officials on a grand scale, shifting the power balance in the Liao court, which had long been dominated by tribal nobility.
The Liao State was beset with internal and external troubles, a time of great unrest.
More than a month into his reign, Yelü Shege suddenly recalled something. He summoned his long-time confidant, the former Left Vice Minister of Xijin Prefecture and now the Prince’s Grand Protector of Liao, Xiao Zhen. In a hushed voice, the new Liao Emperor asked, “I recall that you knew a tea merchant from the Song State.”
Xiao Zhen’s plump face immediately broke into a sweat. “Yes, Your Majesty, I do indeed know a Song tea merchant.”
Yelü Shege’s delicate face curled into a cold smile as he softly said, “That tea merchant has a son.”
Xiao Zhen looked up, surprised. “Your Majesty still remembers the tea merchant’s son?” His expression turned regretful. “The merchant’s name was Qiao Jiu, a shrewd and capable businessman. Last year, his son passed away from illness at home. Overcome with grief, Qiao Jiu returned to his homeland. Since then, I have not seen him again.”
Yelü Shege stood in stunned silence.
Xiao Zhen’s gaze was clear, his expression full of regret.
Yelü Shege stared at him for a long while without speaking.
Under the intense scrutiny, Xiao Zhen’s scalp tingled, but he dared not utter a word.
After a long pause, Yelü Shege finally said, “You may leave.”
“Yes, Your Majesty.”
Yelü Shege did not fully trust Xiao Zhen’s words. Though there was no apparent reason for Xiao Zhen to deceive him, the emperor still ordered a private investigation. The findings confirmed Xiao Zhen’s account—last year, the Song tea merchant had indeed left the Liao State and had not returned. Whether he truly left due to his son’s death remained uncertain, but he had undeniably disappeared.
The Liao Emperor closed his eyes, recalling a fleeting yet unforgettable moment from the past.
When he reopened them, Yelü Shege shook his head indifferently, erasing any lingering wistful thoughts.
Su Wenyun’s journey to Youzhou was to erase Qiao Jiu’s traces and reorganize their network within the Liao State.
Although Qiao Jiu was gone, Xiao Zhen had long been planted as a pawn beside Yelü Shege. Xiao Zhen had committed countless acts of treason. If exposed, Yelü Shege would undoubtedly have him executed in the most brutal manner. There was no turning back for him now.
After arranging everything, Su Wenyun told Wang Xiao, “This may be my last time coming to the Northwest. The rest is up to you.”
Wang Xiao saluted respectfully. “I will fulfill my duty.”
If not for Wang Xiao’s letter, Tang Shen wouldn’t have even known how much had transpired in the Liao State.
At the end of February, Su Wenyun returned to the capital, accompanied by Li Jingde.
The day after Li Jingde’s return, he was summoned to the palace for an audience with the emperor.
It was said that the Grand Marshal of the Western Expedition left the palace with red-rimmed eyes that day. No one knew what Zhao Fu had told him, but from then on, he remained stationed in the Northwest for the rest of his life.
While the emperor recuperated in the palace, Tang Shen continued working in the Ministry of Works, refining the design of the cage boxes with the craftsmen.
On the 6th day of the third month in the 37th year of Kaiping, the emperor’s health suddenly improved, and he was able to walk in the imperial garden.
The following afternoon, Zhao Fu summoned Tang Shen to an audience in Chuigong Hall.
Dressed in a newly tailored official robe, Tang Shen kept his head down as the eunuchs led him into the palace.
When he entered the hall, he was surprised to find that Zhao Fu was not resting on the dragon bed but was instead seated on the dragon throne, reading a book.
After Tang Shen performed his formal greetings, Zhao Fu dismissed the attendants.
In the vast Chuigong Hall, only Zhao Fu and Tang Shen remained.
Tang Shen’s gaze flickered slightly, but he remained composed. Lately, every official who had been summoned to Chuigong Hall had met with the emperor alone.
The emperor was giving his final instructions.
Tang Shen maintained a slight bow. Zhao Fu smiled as he observed him. His voice was low and slow, but unlike before, it now carried an unsteady breath, sounding feeble.
“Jing Ze, raise your head.”
Tang Shen complied.
“Do you know what book I am reading?”
Tang Shen glanced at the cover. Upon recognizing the title, his heart trembled slightly. He bowed and replied, “Your Majesty, I do not know.”
Zhao Fu said, “It is The Teachings of Kangshi by Zhong Taisheng.”
A heavy silence fell over the hall.
After a long pause, Zhao Fu set the book down and spoke indifferently, “Jing Ze, you have served in court for many years. Let me ask you… In your heart, have I been a good emperor?”
Without hesitation, Tang Shen replied, “Yes, Your Majesty is a wise ruler.”
Zhao Fu: “How so?”
Tang Shen: “Your Majesty waged war against Liao, reclaiming lost land and restoring our Song territories; you established the Silver Pull Division, expanding our nation’s financial stability… Every action Your Majesty has taken is for the prosperity of future generations.”
Zhao Fu let out a chuckle. “And how do I compare to Zhao Xuan?”
Tang Shen was taken aback.
After a long silence, he said, “Your Majesty, I do not know who Zhao Xuan is.”
Zhao Fu leaned forward, resting his upper body on the table, his aging but piercing gaze fixed on Tang Shen.
Tang Shen stood calmly in place, showing not a trace of fear or embarrassment.
“Truly?”
“I do not know.”
Zhao Fu spoke lightly, “He was the crown prince under the previous emperor—my elder brother, Zhao Xuan.”
Tang Shen lowered his head and remained silent.
Zhao Fu laughed. “If Zhong Taisheng had served as minister, and Zhao Xuan had been emperor, how would I compare?”
Tang Shen did not answer.
Zhao Fu suddenly roared, “Tang Jingze, tell me!”
Tang Shen calmly responded, “I was born in the 11th year of Kaiping. I have never witnessed the era Your Majesty speaks of. From the moment I gained consciousness, there has only been one emperor—the Kaiping Emperor. I am no seer; I cannot judge events that never occurred. But I do know that in five hundred years, none will surpass Your Majesty’s achievements.”
Zhao Fu laughed softly.
“Jing Ze, in this court, the one I trust most… is you!”
Tang Shen met his gaze and bowed deeply. “This subject pledges his life to Your Majesty’s service, until death!”
Tang Shen left Chuigong Hall just as the sunlight outside was at its brightest, showcasing the beauty of spring.
The glare of the sun was so piercing that he couldn’t clearly see the color of the sky. He wavered slightly before steadying himself.
Ji Fu, noticing his exit and recalling how long Tang Shen had been inside, assumed the emperor must have rewarded him, just as he had done for Wang Zhen and others. He winked at Tang Shen and said, “I’ll find someone to escort Tang daren out of the palace.”
Tang Shen nodded. “Thank you, gonggong.”
A young eunuch led Tang Shen out. Ji Fu watched his slim and upright figure retreat into the distance and turned to his adopted son, Xie Bao, saying, “Today, I finally feel that even though he’s only been in court for ten years, His Majesty truly trusts and favors Tang Jingze.”
Xie Bao whispered, “Godfather, why is that? I see that His Majesty also greatly favors Wang Zhen daren, Su Wenyun daren, and others.”
Ji Fu shook his head. “It’s different. I don’t know what it is exactly, but Tang daren has something entirely distinct from them. He isn’t as clever as Wang Zifeng, nor as ruthless as Su Feiran, but he’s just different.”
Xie Bao was puzzled. “How is he different?”
Ji Fu opened his mouth but found himself at a loss for words. “Just mind your own business!”
As spring arrived in March, the imperial court of the Song Dynasty regained its previous tranquility.
No one spoke about the emperor’s health, nor did anyone dare think too much about it.
The capital of Shengjing was peaceful and harmonious. The only anxious ones were likely the three imperial princes, who eagerly eyed the throne. But to their shock, on the 24th of March, the emperor, in seemingly good health, even attended court!
The three princes were dumbfounded.
Even Wang Zhen was surprised. He turned to Tang Shen and quipped, “Does immortality cultivation actually work? Little Junior Brother, should we give it a try?”
Tang Shen, a staunch atheist: “…”
However, just two days later, the emperor proved to Wang Zhen that cultivation was useless—no one in this world could escape death.
On the night of March 28, in the 37th year of the Kaiping era, the emperor suddenly fell gravely ill. His breathing became labored, and his face turned ashen.
The chief eunuch, Ji Fu, immediately summoned the court officials to the palace.
All officials ranked fourth or higher were abruptly awakened from their sleep, hurriedly changing into their court robes and making their way through the night to the palace.
In the side room of Chuigong Hall, imperial concubines and princes wept uncontrollably.
Outside the hall, a solemn assembly of civil and military officials stood, led by Left Prime Minister Xu Bi and Right Prime Minister Wang Quan.
Su Wenyun stood among the civil officials, expressionless, his gaze fixed on the ground, lost in thought.
Wang Zhen stood at the front of the officials, watching the tightly shut doors of Chuigong Hall with an eerily calm expression.
Tang Shen, standing behind them, revealed no discernible emotion on his face.
At the first quarter of chou shi (around 1:15 AM), imperial physicians emerged from the hall carrying their medical cases.
Seeing this, the officials could already guess the outcome.
At that moment, the chief eunuch Ji Fu stepped out from the hall and loudly announced, “Right Vice Minister of Works Tang Shen, is summoned to an audience!”
A collective gasp echoed through the night.
Even Wang Zhen turned to Tang Shen in surprise. But almost immediately, a knowing look crossed his face as he locked eyes with Tang Shen in silent understanding.
Tang Shen was just as shocked as everyone else. He was utterly bewildered. Yet, when he looked up and saw Wang Zhen’s gaze, a sudden calm settled over him.
Straightening his robes, Tang Shen stepped out from the ranks of officials and ascended the steps of Chuigong Hall.
Ji Fu’s eyes were red as he quietly said, “Tang daren, please enter.”
Ji Fu pushed open the doors, and Tang Shen stepped inside.
The moment he entered, the thick scent of medicine engulfed him. Incense curled through the air, and guided by memory, Tang Shen reached the emperor’s sleeping chamber. He did not step inside immediately but instead stood at the doorway and called out, “Your subject, Tang Shen, humbly requests an audience.”
Silence.
Tang Shen repeated his request.
At last, a faint, almost inaudible voice came from within. “Enter.”
Tang Shen: “Yes.” He pushed open the door and entered.
“…Come closer,” the emperor said, his voice weak and disjointed.
Tang Shen approached the imperial bed and, upon seeing the emperor’s face, was struck with shock.
He almost didn’t recognize Zhao Fu anymore.
He had only read about the phrase “a spent oil lamp” in books, but now, seeing the emperor’s waxen, emaciated face, he suddenly understood what it truly meant.
Zhao Fu was nearing the end.
The emperor stared at him for a long time before chuckling, “Do you know why I summoned you alone?”
Tang Shen lowered his head. “I do not.”
Zhao Fu’s breath was shallow. “At this moment… I ask you once more… Was I a good emperor?”
Tang Shen’s throat tightened.
Twenty-one days ago, in this very hall, Zhao Fu had asked him the same question. His response then had been—
“Yes. In my heart, Your Majesty is a wise and enlightened ruler.”
Zhao Fu suddenly found a surge of strength. He propped himself up and, staring intently at Tang Shen, enunciated each word, “Then say it again with me—‘I murdered my brother and usurped the throne, purged the Songqing faction, forced Zhong Taisheng to his death, and drove your mentor Liang Bowen to suicide… yet I am still a wise ruler!’”
Tang Shen slowly lifted his head and gazed at the emperor.
Zhao Fu’s voice sharpened, “Repeat it after me.”
Tang Shen remained silent, looking at him.
Zhao Fu’s fury flared. “Tang Jingze, do you dare defy an imperial decree?”
The vast Chuigong Hall held only the two of them, yet with a single command, the imperial guards outside could storm in and drag him to prison.
The Song Dynasty did not execute officials outright, but that did not mean they couldn’t die in prison—like Sun Shangde in the Xingzhou case. Like Zhong Taisheng.
Even so, Tang Shen did not speak.
Zhao Fu’s eyes burned with rage.
Finally, Tang Shen bowed and said, “Your Majesty murdered your brother and usurped the throne, purged the Songqing faction, forced Zhong Taisheng to his death… and drove my mentor Liang Bowen to suicide. Yet, you are still a wise ruler.”
Zhao Fu collapsed back onto the bed, laughing so hard that tears welled in his eyes.
Tang Shen asked, “Does Your Majesty understand why Liang Bowen chose to die?”
The laughter ceased. Zhao Fu’s eyes bore into Tang Shen.
Tang Shen continued, “I was born in the eleventh year of Kaiping, long after the late crown prince’s era. I never met Zhong Taisheng, but I’ve heard countless tales of their brilliance from many people.”
Zhao Fu did not interrupt.
“I’ve heard that the late crown prince was shot dead by Your Majesty at the Xuanwu Gate.”
“Tang Jingze!” Zhao Fu almost roared in reprimand.
Tang Shen remained calm and unhurried. “I have heard that before that day, Your Majesty and the former crown prince were very close. The former crown prince treated Your Majesty with great kindness, and Your Majesty greatly admired him.” Pausing for a moment, he continued, “These are all things I ‘heard’ from the Records of Daily Life of the late emperor’s reign. Your Majesty knows that I possess an eidetic memory—whatever I have read, I never forget.”
Tang Shen added, “I did not know that Your Majesty’s admiration for the former crown prince was merely an act?”
Perhaps out of sheer rage, Zhao Fu actually seemed somewhat invigorated. At that moment, a strange thought crossed Tang Shen’s mind—if his words truly managed to rekindle Zhao Fu’s life force, then someone in Chuigong Hall would have to die today. And that someone would most likely be him.
Enraged to the point of laughter, Zhao Fu looked at Tang Shen and said, “I have feigned many things in my life, but that was never one of them.”
Tang Shen pressed on, “Then why did Your Majesty shoot Zhao Xuan with an arrow?”
The sudden mention of that name caused Zhao Fu’s body to tremble violently. He practically blurted out, “You are not worthy of speaking that name!”
Tang Shen was momentarily startled.
Zhao Fu, too, seemed startled by his outburst. Slowly, he calmed down.
After a long silence, he smiled. “I always felt you were different. But why, I never understood. Do you truly not know why I killed Zhao Xuan and stole his throne?”
Tang Shen did not answer.
Zhao Fu commanded, “Tang Jingze, look at me.”
Tang Shen lifted his gaze.
Zhao Fu smiled and asked him, “If I offered you the throne now, would you take it?”
Tang Shen was stunned. But before he could answer, Zhao Fu answered himself, “You wouldn’t.”
Tang Shen fell silent before saying, “I am not fit to be a ruler.”
Zhao Fu sighed. “Indeed. If someone else said this, I might think it was insincere, but when you say it, I believe you mean it. If I asked Wang Zifeng or Su Feiran, they might also refuse, but in the moment I ask them, they would waver, they would at least consider it. But only you—you have never had a single thought about this throne.”
“Who in this world doesn’t want to be emperor?”
“I have lived for over sixty years and have never seen anyone who didn’t. Even if only for a fleeting moment, everyone has had that thought.”
“But you don’t. You truly never have.”
Zhao Fu was silent for a long time before speaking in a calm voice. “Why don’t you want to be emperor?”
Tang Shen looked at Zhao Fu’s lifeless visage. After a long while, he finally said, “I wonder, why must there be someone who stands above all others?”
Zhao Fu’s expression seemed to crack for a moment.
After a long silence, Zhao Fu seemed to lose all strength. “Is that what sets you apart from the others?”
Tang Shen bowed respectfully. “If there is a difference, I believe that is it.”
Zhao Fu sneered, “If that is what you believe, then why do you still act humbly before me? Why do you call yourself my ‘subject’?”
“The development of social structures is not something that changes overnight. In today’s Great Song, having an emperor, a wise ruler, is the most suitable path forward,” Tang Shen replied. “Enter a village and follow its customs, as they say. Your Majesty may think I am speaking nonsense, but my conscience is clear. I may never live to see that day arrive, but I am willing to push the Great Song toward that distant future.”
“You do realize that for saying such things, I could have you executed on the spot!”
Tang Shen: “I understand. But now it is Your Majesty’s turn to answer my question—why did you kill Zhao… the late crown prince?”
Zhao Fu let out a laugh, as if he had heard something absurd. “Who in this world does not want to be emperor?”
Tang Shen was stunned.
Zhao Fu repeated himself. “Apart from you, Tang Jingze, who in this world does not want to be emperor?! I wanted to be emperor—is that a crime?!”
“I was never wrong! I have never been wrong!”
“Why shouldn’t this world belong to me? Why did I kill Zhao Xuan? Because I wanted to be emperor! To be emperor!”
Tang Shen: “Then, was the late crown prince, Zhong Taisheng, the Songqing Party… were they wrong?”
Zhao Fu’s gaze was sharp. “Victors rule, the defeated perish.”
Tang Shen stared at Zhao Fu in silence, as if trying to see through him. Zhao Fu, who had lived for over sixty years, for the first time found himself unable to meet the gaze of a young man. Then, Tang Shen smiled—his first smile since stepping into Chuigong Hall.
“Yes, victors rule, the defeated perish. The late crown prince lost, so he was shot dead at the palace gates. Zhong Taisheng lost, so he was poisoned in prison. Everything in this world comes down to those words. But, Your Majesty, as you said—who in this world does not want to be emperor? Now that you have won, why not at least restore their reputation in history?!”
For the first time, Tang Shen felt anger. “Grand Secretary Yang died because he wanted to strike the great bronze bell of history with his life, to declare to the world that the Songqing Party was wronged!”
“Mr. Liang died because he wanted to prove the innocence of the Songqing Party with his death!”
“In places you cannot see, minor officials, old scholars in the countryside—they have all died. Their names will never be recorded in the history books, but they died with a clear conscience, just for that shred of fairness and justice in their hearts!”
“Yes, who in this world does not want to be emperor?”
“But why must you deny them even the last vestige of their reputation?”
“Eleven years ago, I did not understand what could be more important than a reputation, what could make a man die to defend his integrity.”
“But I never needed to understand. I only needed to know that their deaths could not clear their names.”
“And what I can do is dedicate my life to ensuring that history remembers them forever!”
Zhao Fu’s voice was like a hammer blow. “Tang Jingze, victors rule, the defeated perish! If I want you dead here today, you will be just like them—accompanying them in the afterlife!”
Tang Shen raised his voice. “Yes, victors rule, the defeated perish! If I die here, it is merely one more life lost. But I believe there will always be those who refuse to accept injustice! Your Majesty, you can kill Tang Jingze, but can you kill all the people under heaven?!”
“Emperor Kaiping, Zhao Fu, who killed his brother and father—disloyal and unfilial!”
“Emperor Kaiping, Zhao Fu, who slaughtered the loyal and virtuous—cruel and unjust!”
“But Emperor Kaiping, Zhao Fu, who quelled the Northwest rebellion and reclaimed lost lands…”
“He built dams and repaired roads, established the Silver Pull Division, and spread Silver Exchange Banks…”
“He trusted an unremarkable man like me and built the cage boxes, benefiting the people.”
“He allows a rebellious official to speak so brazenly before him, yet still has not taken his life!”
Tang Shen looked at Zhao Fu, who was stunned, his eyes red as he smiled, “To have such a wise ruler, how fortunate the Great Song is.”
“In your place, I could never have matched even a tenth of your achievements in my lifetime. Just simply attending thirty-seven years of court sessions without fail, how could Zhao Xuan compare to you?”
“Your Majesty, why do you still dwell on others? You are you—Emperor Kaiping of Great Song.”
“It is precisely because of you that I willingly bow my head and call myself your subject.”
“I do not know Zhao Xuan. I only know Great Song’s Emperor Kaiping!”
Five years ago, in Chuigong Hall, when Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji walked away without looking back, he left behind one sentence—
“Who in this world does not love Zhao Xuan?!”
Now, Tang Shen’s words resounded—
“I do not know Zhao Xuan. I only know Great Song’s Emperor Kaiping!”
Zhao Fu stared blankly at Tang Shen. Suddenly, he laughed, but murky tears fell with his laughter.
“Now, can you guess who deceived Zhong Taisheng thirty-seven years ago and helped me seize the throne?” Like a patient teacher, Zhao Fu smiled at Tang Shen, gently posing the question.
Tang Shen was silent for a moment. His fingers clenched into a fist, only then realizing his palm was drenched in sweat.
“I know now.”
Zhao Fu smiled. “History is not so easily rewritten. If you change it, my son will not agree, nor will my son’s son. Tang Jingze, victors rule, the defeated perish—those words are my gift to you. If you truly manage to change history, remember to burn a book for me. Let me see how I was defeated after my death.”
Tang Shen: “Your Majesty!”
“Leave now.”
Tang Shen clenched his teeth and turned to go.
“I almost forgot.”
Tang Shen stopped and turned back.
On the dragon bed, Zhao Fu smiled. “I never understood those cage boxes, but such intricate mechanisms make me uneasy. They are not a good thing, are they?”
Tang Shen remained silent.
Zhao Fu: “I gave Wang Zifeng a death exemption token—there is only one in the entire empire. But behind the three-character plaque of Qinzheng Hall, I have left a decree for you.”
Tang Shen was shocked.
“I won’t tell you what it says. I trust that unless absolutely necessary, you will not open it.”
“Now, leave.”
Tang Shen stood still, unmoving.
Zhao Fu helplessly said, “This time, I am really telling you to go!”
Tang Shen gave him a deep glance, then turned and left.
Chuigong Hall fell silent once more.
Long after, a towering figure stepped out from behind the golden screen.
Grand Preceptor Zhou, his hair completely white, strode to the bedside and grasped the emperor’s outstretched hand.
Zhao Fu looked at his teacher, feeling life slipping away rapidly. He could no longer suppress his fear of death. “Grand Preceptor, Grand Preceptor, I am afraid… I am afraid…”
Grand Preceptor Zhou firmly grasped his hand.
“Your Majesty, this old minister is here.”
“Do you see Zhao Xuan?”
“Your Majesty.”
“He is waiting for me there, waiting for me to find him…”
Grand Preceptor Zhou’s heart squeezed, and he was unable to speak.
After muttering incoherently for a long time, Zhao Fu suddenly became calm again.
In a weak voice, he asked, “After I die, how long will you stay to guard Great Song?”
Grand Preceptor Zhou looked at him. Having defended the Northwest for many years and seen countless partings of life and death, for the first time, he shed tears. “Why does Your Majesty ask such a question? After your death, Great Song will have nothing to do with you anymore. How could this old minister not know your wishes and desires? You did it. You really did it.”
A bright light shone in Zhao Fu’s eyes, but the next moment, it dimmed abruptly.
He clutched Grand Preceptor Zhou’s hand, speaking haltingly but firmly, “Kill… killing Zhao Xuan… For thirty-seven years, I… I have never regretted it for a single day…”
A helpless smile appeared on Grand Preceptor Zhou’s resolute face.
The emperor of Great Song stared wide-eyed at the golden canopy above his bed, then slowly closed his weary eyes.
On the 28th day of the third month of the 37th year of Kaiping, the emperor passed away, and the entire nation wept in mourning.
A country cannot go a single day without a ruler. The Left Prime Minister Xu Bi and Right Prime Minister Wang Quan presented the imperial edict of succession, passing the throne to the second prince, Zhao Shang, who established the new era name—Yuanhe.
At that time, by a fish pond outside the city of Gusu, two elderly men sat fishing by a table.
One old man said, “In the end, it was still the eldest son.”
The other old man replied, “Does it matter who gets it? That one only had himself in his heart.”
“I think he regretted it in the end.”
“I think he didn’t.”
“You stubborn old fool, dare to bet with me?”
“Why not? But how will we determine the outcome?”
“I heard your student Tang Jingze was the last to see him.”
“Heh, surnamed Ji, you still don’t understand him. The last person he saw was definitely not Tang Jingze.”
The old man fell silent for a long time before sighing and nodding, “Yes, it must have been Grand Preceptor Zhou!”
The two shared a knowing smile.
“No bet, no bet—as if we could go ask the underworld’s King Yama!”
Outside Shengjing City, Liuqi Courtyard.
The new emperor ascended the throne, and after more than a month of intense affairs, the court officials finally had a moment of peace.
Originally, Liuqi Courtyard was only five courtyards deep, but after Wang Zhen attained the rank of first-rank official, he hired craftsmen to renovate it. Now, in its garden, there was an enormous pond. It could not compare to the imperial Taiye Pond, but it was enough for one to drift leisurely in a small boat, floating with the waves.
Tang Shen lay on a small wooden boat, beside him was Wang Zhen, lying shoulder to shoulder.
It was now May, the time when frogs croaked in full chorus and the greenery flourished under the soaring orioles.
The starlit sky reflected in the water, serene and breathtaking.
Tang Shen couldn’t help but recite, “Drunk, unaware that the sky is mirrored in the water; the boat, laden with dreams, presses upon the Milky Way.” (TN: Drunken Boat by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai.)
Hearing this, Wang Zhen turned to look at him. “The stars are beautiful, the poem is beautiful, but the person is even more beautiful. Little Junior Brother always has such brilliant verses.”
Tang Shen retorted, “What other brilliant lines have you heard from me? Oh—’A towering building, a hundred feet high; one may pluck the stars from the sky’?” (TN: Night Stay at the Mountain Temple by the Tang Dynasty poet Li Bai.)
A glint flashed in Wang Zhen’s eyes, and he sighed dramatically, “Indeed, an excellent verse!”
Tang Shen, in a playful mood, continued, “Ai, composition is naturally formed, and a clever hand occasionally brings it forth.” (TN: Composition by the Song Dynasty poet Lu You.)
Wang Zhen nodded approvingly, “Truly marvelous!”
“‘The stars hang low over the vast plains, the moon surges along the great river.’” (TN: Night Mooring by the Maple Bridge” by the Tang Dynasty poet Zhang Ji.)
“Exquisite!”
Tang Shen laughed heartily. “Don’t you think I’m an absolute genius?”
Wang Zhen feigned astonishment. “Indeed! When have I ever thought otherwise? If not a genius, how could you have uttered the words ‘For the rise and fall of the country, every common man has his obligation’ at the age of thirteen?”
Tang Shen’s smile froze. He slowly turned over.
Wang Zhen chuckled, hugging him from behind and resting his chin on Tang Shen’s shoulder, whispering, “I still remember that afternoon. I came from the Ministry of Revenue to Sir’s residence, where he was fuming, holding a letter, saying, ‘Liang Bowen is unbelievably arrogant! He took on a student and now writes to brag about it every single day.’ I asked how Liang daren was boasting this time.”
“Sir said, ‘That thirteen-year-old child told Liang Bowen—For the rise and fall of the country, every common man has his obligation!'”
“Sir thought, how could a thirteen-year-old have uttered something like this so casually? So, he decided to investigate. But he scoured the ancient texts and found no such phrase.”
“In that moment, a name formed in my heart. Guess whose?”
Tang Shen huffed in annoyance.
Wang Zhen, finding his reaction adorable, laughed. “I had many speculations about this person, but I never expected that upon meeting, he would call me… ‘Fu Qin page boy.’ The way he pretended so seriously was quite endearing. If I had truly been a mere page boy, I surely would have been deceived. But I am Wang Zifeng—hai, hai, I was wrong! Don’t hit me! Hahaha—”
Tang Shen grumbled, “I didn’t know back then what kind of person you were. If I had, how could I have tried to show off my petty tricks before a master swindler like you?”
Wang Zhen mused, “Little Junior Brother, you’ve praised me once more. How wonderful—I praise you as a genius and you also praise me as a talent.”
Tang Shen sneered, “Heaven has given me talent that must be put to use; even if wealth is spent, it will return again!” (TN: A Song of the Pipa by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai.)
Wang Zhen paused. “Sometimes I wonder—do you have some hidden literary master inside you? Why is it that most of your compositions are mostly ordinary, but occasionally, you produce unparalleled masterpieces—? Hai, no, not ordinary! The late emperor himself appointed you as the third-rank scholar; how could that be ordinary!”
Tang Shen withdrew his fist. “Do you want to hear a few more immortal verses, or do you want to see where I’ve hidden that great literary master of mine?”
Wang Zhen’s eyes sparkled. He realized that soon, he would completely unravel the person in his arms, consuming him entirely, completely possessing him.
But outwardly, he remained nonchalant. “Either is fine.”
Tang Shen thought for a moment. “Then I shall start from the beginning…”
Yuanhe year 1, ninth month, fourth day.
Left Vice Prime Minister Chen Linghai was impeached by the Censorate on multiple charges. Knowing his guilt, he resigned in shame and returned to his hometown.
Yuanhe year 4.
The emperor passed away, and the crown prince ascended the throne, adopting the era name Anjing.
Anjing year 5.
Outside Shengjing City, Liuqi Courtyard.
Tang Shen tossed a newly compiled Hanlin Academy history book into the fire, watching as the flames devoured the thin pages.
Wang Zhen embraced him, and Tang Shen embraced him back.
After a long silence, he murmured, “Lately, Senior Brother, I feel like we will never see that day.”
“You mean the prosperous age you spoke of?”
Tang Shen was silent for a while. “Yes, and no… To be honest, when Mr. Liang was alive, I boasted more than just ‘For the rise and fall of the country, every common man has his obligation.'”
“What else did you boast about?”
Tang Shen was about to speak, but then he closed his mouth again. “Never mind, I won’t say it, lest you laugh at me.”
Wang Zhen thought to himself: Haven’t I teased you enough on ordinary days? What’s one more?
But he was such a considerate lover, tenderly mindful of Tang Shen’s thin skin, and deeply aware that too much is as bad as too little. So he softly said, “Alright, I’ll listen to you.”
Tang Shen was deeply moved, and without realizing it, he fell even more in love with Wang Zifeng.
After experiencing love, he came to understand that love is not a constant value. As the years passed, his love for this person did not diminish but instead grew day by day.
Tang Shen thought for a moment and said, “I’ll tell you, but you mustn’t laugh.”
Wang Zhen solemnly replied, “I won’t laugh.”
Tang Shen leaned close to his ear and quickly whispered. Wang Zhen was taken aback, then couldn’t help but let out a laugh.
“You said you wouldn’t laugh!”
Wang Zhen stifled his laughter and looked earnestly at Tang Shen. “It’s because I love you that I laugh.”
Tang Shen: “…”
“Laugh if you want to.”
Wang Zhen smiled and kissed his lips. “I don’t think you’re boasting. Aren’t we, step by step, guiding the way for future generations, steadily moving towards that day?”
These words were spoken with utmost sincerity. Under the vast expanse of stars, Wang Zifeng’s celestial beauty had not faded with age but had instead become more reserved. One deep look from him was enough to stir Tang Shen’s emotions.
Tang Shen couldn’t help but kiss him.
Wang Zhen wrapped his arms around his waist, deepening the kiss.
You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )
Around them, cicadas chirped and frogs croaked, while beneath their feet, the moonlight shimmered on the water.
Amidst this cacophony of sounds, the words Tang Shen whispered into Wang Zhen’s ears echoed through the murmuring pool.
I will bring peace to the kingdom, calm to the four seas, a millennium in the twinkle of an eye, and songs sung to the skies!
– The End –
TN: And that’s another passion project completed! I had a lot of fun revisiting this novel and sharing it with you guys! The Kingdom That Never Sleeps and the story of Tang Shen and Wang Zhen had always been my top favs but now I will have to say a temporary goodbye to them. On to the next novel! 🌱🌸🌞
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The BL Muse 