The next day, Tang Shen visited the Marshal of the Western Expedition’s residence to visit Li Jingde.

Li Jingde wasn’t home initially, and after waiting for about an hour, the general entered the residence in full military attire, striding purposefully. As soon as he saw Tang Shen, he remarked, “Tang Shen, I heard you had quite the argument with Su Wenyun at the banquet hosted by Youzhou Prefecture’s governor, Ji Zhaosi, yesterday. The two of you clashed fiercely and parted on bad terms?”

Tang Shen’s first thought was: So, General Li can use two idioms in one sentence?

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Sighing, Tang Shen replied, “Indeed, General. I didn’t expect such an embarrassing incident to reach even your ears. Truly, good news never travels far, but bad news spreads like wildfire.”

Li Jingde waved dismissively. “Oh, don’t take it to heart. Not many people know, but this is my territory. What goes on here doesn’t escape my eyes. So, what did Su Wenyun do this time? Tell me, and I’ll help you settle the score since he’s on my turf now.”

Tang Shen raised his cupped hands slightly. “Thank you for your kindness, General, but it’s nothing significant. There’s no need to trouble you over it.”

Since Tang Shen declined to elaborate, Li Jingde didn’t press the matter. Despite his claim, the general was busy training troops and defending against the Liao. He hardly had the time or inclination to seek revenge on Su Wenyun for Tang Shen’s sake; his offer was made more out of courtesy so when Tang Shen refused he didn’t say any more on it.

“You came to see me for a reason, I assume?”

Tang Shen paused before responding, “Indeed, I have a request.” With that, he rose and moved closer to Li Jingde, bowing deeply in respect. Startled, Li Jingde quickly helped him up. “Tang daren, what is this about? There’s no need for such formalities. This kind of bow is reserved for the heavens, the emperor, or a mentor—not for me. Just tell me what you need.”

Tang Shen replied, “Since you’ve asked directly, I won’t hold back. I came today to borrow your token of authority.”

Li Jingde’s eyes dilated slightly, and his expression turned unreadable. His rugged face, now covered with a full beard after months in Youzhou, made his thoughts even harder to discern. Yet, it was clear that Li Jingde, contrary to his outward demeanor, was neither foolish nor impulsive.

After a long pause, Li Jingde asked, “Is it for urgent use?”

Tang Shen answered, “It’s more of a precaution.”

Li Jingde laughed heartily. “Understood. At the end of last year in the capital, you helped me out several times. A mere token is a trivial matter. Come with me, and I’ll get it for you.”

Tang Shen followed him to the study.

The study was lined with bookshelves, which were filled with neatly arranged volumes, including the Four Books and Five Classics as well as beginner texts like the Three-Character Classic and Thousand-Character Essay. A quick glance revealed that most of the books appeared brand-new, their spines uncreased—a clear indication that they served more for show than use.

Li Jingde retrieved the General of the Western Expedition’s token and handed it to Tang Shen. “This token won’t mobilize armies, but within Youzhou, it will allow you to act with impunity.”

Tang Shen bowed again. “Thank you, General. I’ll return it to you within half a month.”

Li Jingde waved him off. “No need, no need. It’s just a token. If you lose it, I’ll make another one. I can even scold Wang Zifeng about it. Your senior brother, now he’s a real piece of work. I might say it here to your face in Youzhou, but back in the capital, I’d say it to his face too! This whole Silver Pull Division nonsense and its silver contracts—what a mess! The people have no way of making a living.”

Tang Shen thought to himself, That’s not how ‘the people have no way to make a living’ is used…

Li Jingde ranted about Tang Shen’s senior brother, Wang Zifeng, for a while. But since Tang Shen had just borrowed the token, he felt it unwise to argue. Thankfully, Li Jingde soon shifted his attention to criticizing Su Wenyun instead. Wang Zhen was truly meticulous in his conduct, leaving no openings for criticism. No matter how much Li Jingde wanted to curse him, all he could say was that Wang Zhen was overly calculating and that the Silver Pull Division was troublesome.

But when it came to Su Wenyun, Li Jingde had a lot more to say.

“Don’t think I’m joking— I can’t stand that little white face either. Two years ago, when I was in the capital, he had just become Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. A soldier from Youzhou was involved in a case that reached the Court of Judicial Review. That little white face showed no mercy! He practically tormented my soldier to death right in front of me. I’ve remembered his name—Su Wenyun—ever since. Don’t underestimate him. Beneath that polished exterior, he’s even more ruthless than your senior brother!”

Tang Shen murmured, “My senior brother might still be worse.”

Li Jingde didn’t quite catch that. “What did you say?”

Tang Shen quickly corrected himself. “I meant, you’re absolutely right, General. I’ll be cautious.”

Li Jingde waved dismissively again. “Bah, I’m just venting. You’re not like those scheming officials—more straightforward. That’s why I like you.”

After this, Li Jingde returned to the military camp, and Tang Shen took his leave.

Watching Li Jingde ride off on his steed, Tang Shen fiddled with the token in his sleeve, sighing in his heart. How could Su Wenyun really compare to my senior brother?

Years ago, Su Wenyun had been inexperienced enough to draw Li Jingde’s ire. But if it had been his senior brother, Wang Zifeng, the general would likely have been manipulated into gratitude, offering thanks with a banner of appreciation!

Tang Shen also realized the benefits of publicly quarreling with Su Wenyun during the governor’s banquet the previous day. While the incident hadn’t caused a major uproar, the right people had undoubtedly taken notice, including Li Jingde.

With this setup, Tang Shen and Su Wenyun could now act without suspicion, covering for each other whenever necessary. Their carefully orchestrated conflict lent credibility to their actions, enabling them to execute their plans without drawing undue attention.

No one else was suitable for this task except Tang Shen and Su Wenyun. This was because many officials knew that three years ago, during the collapse of the Cizhou bridge, Tang Shen and Su Wenyun had developed a grudge against each other, and their relationship had remained tense ever since. With this background, if the two of them had a heated argument, it would seem perfectly natural.

Was this part of Zhao Fu’s calculations when he assigned us this mission? Tang Shen wondered. If so, his shrewdness was truly terrifying.

After preparing for several days in Youzhou City, on the 6th day of the 4th month, Lin Xu, the Director of the Silver Pull Division, came to visit Tang Shen with a few men. Lin Xu arranged for the men to wait at the posthouse before meeting Tang Shen alone.

“This lower official greets the imperial envoy,” Lin Xu said, bowing. “Yesterday afternoon, a letter from Wang xianggong arrived from Shengjing. The matters discussed in the letter have already been handled. The men I brought today are all absolutely trustworthy. Would daren like to meet them?”

“Bring them in.”

Lin Xu quickly ushered the men into the room.

He brought in four middle-aged men. Two of them were burly and well-fed, exuding the air of wealthy merchants. The other two were lean but energetic, with ruddy faces that hinted at a comfortable lifestyle. All four appeared to be merchants, but their demeanor was unusual—they bowed their heads respectfully, standing quietly to one side without the typical nervousness of merchants meeting a high-ranking official.

Tang Shen scrutinized the men, his gaze finally settling on one lean and sharp-featured man. This man’s deeply defined features bore a faint resemblance to Li Jingde. Though neither had Liao ancestry, their appearances were somewhat similar. The man stood with his hands clasped respectfully in front of him, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.

Noticing Tang Shen’s focus, Lin Xu quickly explained, “This is the person recommended by Wang xianggong.”

Tang Shen looked over, surprised.

Lin Xu continued, “In the letter, Wang xianggong mentioned that all four men are trustworthy, and you may choose any of them. However, if you select this man, you can rest assured. Wang xianggong specifically stated that the matters you’ve heard, speculated about, or guessed were uncovered by him.”

This simple statement stirred waves in Tang Shen’s heart.

So Lin Xu truly is a confidant of my senior brother!

For my senior brother to openly mention to him that the Silver Pull Division has a network for gathering intelligence on Liao, it seems I can trust Lin Xu more deeply.

Tang Shen maintained his composure and said, “Then it shall be him.”

The middle-aged man was quick-witted and immediately stepped forward. “This commoner’s name is Qiao Yin, the ninth in my family, so people call me Qiao Jiu. I am willing to serve daren and will not disappoint.”

Tang Shen asked, “Do you understand tea?”

Qiao Jiu replied, “Yes. I’ve been involved in many businesses. In my youth, I traveled south and once helped a friend in the tea trade, though I haven’t dealt in tea for years.”

“Good. Within a day, I need you to become a tea merchant. You hail from Gusu Prefecture in Jiangnan, selling premium-grade Biluochun tea.”

Qiao Jiu agreed repeatedly, showing no hesitation.

Lin Xu departed with the other men, leaving Qiao Jiu at the posthouse.

By evening, a letter from Wang Zhen finally arrived at the posthouse for Tang Shen.

Tang Shen eagerly opened the letter, written on fine rice paper. Wang Zhen’s elegant handwriting unfurled across the page, its graceful strokes reflecting the writer’s refined character.

In the letter, Wang Zhen mentioned that he had sent Lin Xu to assist Tang Shen in selecting people. He told Tang Shen not to overthink it, as he had no intention of interfering. He explained that the Silver Pull Division had long had arrangements in Liao, and it was only natural to hand this task over to Tang Shen now.

“…Today, I admired a weeping crabapple tree with Sir. Its cascading branches reminded me of a beauty’s flowing hair. Thinking of you still in Youzhou amidst endless yellow sands and a spring wind that refuses to cross the border, I couldn’t help but sigh. Sir asked me why I was troubled, and I confessed that I missed my junior brother. Knowing how you love to tease me, yet always fail to gain the upper hand, I thought to share Sir’s jest with you.”

The first long section of the letter was about serious matters, and Tang Shen read it with full concentration. When he reached the end, Wang Zhen suddenly began talking about some amusing personal stories, and Tang Shen’s eyes lit up. During the half-month he had spent in Youzhou City, Tang Shen had been tense almost every day, never relaxing for a moment. Now, upon reading Wang Zhen’s letter, his heart felt warm, and he murmured softly, “Senior Brother, I miss you too.”

The letter continued.

“Sir said, ‘An old saying fits Zi Feng’s sentiment perfectly.’

‘I asked, “What saying?”’

‘He sighed and said, “A mother’s heart worries as her child travels far.”

‘Junior Brother, do you think I should fret over you or not?’”

Tang Shen chuckled, touched by Wang Zhen’s self-deprecating humor. Running his fingers over the ink, he mused aloud, “My senior brother told such a joke, even mocking himself, just to ease my burdens and keep me from overexerting myself.”

His longing for Wang Zifeng grew even stronger, like the burning intensity of the liquor that Youzhou soldiers loved, searing Tang Shen’s heart and mind.

However, after only a moment, Su Wenyun’s words resurfaced in his mind, causing Tang Shen’s expression to turn cold once again.

Three days ago, Su Wenyun could never have imagined that Tang Shen would rebuke him so decisively and without question, accusing him of slandering Wang Zhen and damaging his reputation. Su Wenyun had actually been taken aback and believed Tang Shen’s lies, thinking he had truly misunderstood Wang Zhen. By putting himself in Wang Zhen’s shoes, he even went so far as to apologize to him.

But no one knew that Tang Shen had actually been momentarily swayed by Su Wenyun’s insinuations! His vehement defense had been more out of loyalty than evidence.

Wang Zhen was twenty-nine and still unmarried. The reasons are likely three.

The first was that he hadn’t found anyone he deemed worthy, as his standards are too high.

The second was that he was impotent. Unlike others who might marry and blame their wives for infertility, Wang Zhen would never harm another person like that.

Or… 

“Wang Zifeng prefers men?”

Tang Shen frowned deeply, his face twisted with conflicted thoughts. After much deliberation, he sighed. “Which is better—impotence or being a cut sleeve? Either way, it doesn’t matter. Even if my senior brother prefers men, he’s still my senior brother.” (TN: cut sleeve: A historical euphemism for homosexuality, originating from a tale involving Emperor Ai of Han)

Unconsciously, his fingers tightened around the thin paper, nearly crumpling it. But once he made peace with the thought, he felt a strange sense of relief—perhaps even anticipation.

A faint smile played on his lips as he murmured, “I will stay by his side for life and treat him as family.”

Resolving his thoughts, Tang Shen pulled out paper and ink to write a reply to Wang Zhen.

The next morning, Tang Shen discreetly packed his belongings, leaving instructions for his page boy to remain in Youzhou while he crossed into Liao territory alone. Before departing, he handed the letter to a government worker.

“How long to Shengjing?” Tang Shen asked.

The government worker replied, “Since this isn’t military correspondence, we can’t use express routes. It will take six days. If you need, I can expedite it to arrive in four.”

“No need. Six days is fine.”

“Yes, daren.”

When delivering the letter, Tang Shen ran into Su Wenyun.

The two met in the corridor and exchanged glances.

Su Wenyun sneered with a feigned smile, “Tang daren, what a coincidence.”

Tang Shen cupped his hands in salute. “This lower official greets the esteemed Right Vice Minister of Works.”

Su Wenyun cast him a sidelong glance, took a step forward, and left. Just as they brushed past, Tang Shen whispered, “Tonight, at midnight.”

Su Wenyun’s steps briefly faltered, but he continued forward without turning back.

That night, the city of Youzhou was silent, the only sound the howling spring winds rustling through the poplar trees, creating a constant rustling noise.

On the eastern side of the city, two horse-drawn carriages laden with military provisions clattered toward the city gate.

As the carriages approached, the guards at the gate stopped them and called out loudly, “What are these carriages? What business do you have leaving the city at this hour?”

The man accompanying the carriages, dressed as a servant, stepped forward with documents in hand, smiling apologetically. “Daren, I am a runner from the Silver Pull Divison. A batch of military funds just arrived, urgently needed by General Li, the Marshal of the Western Expedition. We have no choice but to transport it at night. Please see the official seal of the Silver Pull Division and the token of General Li.”

The soldiers of Youzhou’s garrison and the Silver Pull Division never got along. The lead guard examined the documents and confirmed the seals were authentic, including General Li’s token.

The reason the Silver Pull Division was so hated was because other than the fact they supervised all the military provisions there was also another reason. It had always been notorious for its unconventional ways. Nighttime deliveries like this were not uncommon.

The guard hesitated, wanting to create some trouble, but another guard whispered, “It’s General Li’s order. We both know his temper. Let them pass.”

The first guard thought for a moment, then sighed in resignation. “Alright, go ahead.”

The city gates creaked open, and the guards didn’t even bother inspecting the carriages. The two vehicles rolled out into the night without a hitch.

This covert departure of the military funds didn’t raise any alarms in Youzhou. Not even General Li Jingde himself was aware that he had supposedly requested such a transfer in the dead of night.

April 8th. Thick clouds blanketed the sky, obscuring stars and moon alike.

At the Youzhou posthouse, Su Wenyun hadn’t slept all night. He sat at his desk, pouring cup after cup of tea for himself. As dawn broke, he reached for another cup, only to find the teapot empty. His stomach was already uncomfortably bloated with cold tea.

Meanwhile, Tang Shen and his party had successfully exited Youzhou without alerting any parties.

Upon reaching the Song-Liao border, the two carriages transformed. The young man who had claimed to be a Silver Pull Division runner revealed himself as Qiao Jiu’s biological son. Qiao Jiu now posed as a tea merchant from Jiangnan, with Tang Shen and others as fellow traders and Lu Shen among the group as their martial escorts.

The “military funds” in the carriages were now sacks of tea leaves.

At the border, Qiao Jiu produced pre-arranged clearance documents from the Youzhou government, allowing them to cross seamlessly into Liao territory.

Upon entering Liao territory, everything initially seemed no different from the civilian areas of Song. The towns and inns were well-stocked and bustling. But as they ventured further inland, towns became sparser, replaced by nomadic tribes scattered across the landscape. The occasional small towns provided opportunities to replenish supplies.

One stark difference stood out, though.

At the Song-Liao border, the locals had greeted them with hostility, glaring with deep-seated enmity. Yet, deeper into Liao territory, among those untouched by past wars, the attitude shifted to one of arrogance and disdain, openly displayed without reservation.

Battling fierce winds, the group journeyed for six days before arriving, dust-covered and weary, at the Liao capital of Nanjing, known as Xijin Prefecture City.

At the towering city gates, Qiao Jiu, hunched over and obsequious, handed bribes to the guards. Standing before the grandiose gates of Xijin, Tang Shen tilted his head back, staring at the large characters etched above the entrance. He felt a wave of emotion and couldn’t tear his gaze away.

“Gongzi, have you spotted something of interest?”

Tang Shen turned toward the speaker—Qiao Jiu’s son, currently playing the role of a servant. Tang Shen, meanwhile, was posing as Qiao Jiu’s son.

Wrapped in coarse cloth to shield against the sand, Tang Shen’s face was mostly hidden, save for his eyes. He nodded, pointing at the two characters above the gate. “These characters are well-written and even in Han script.”

Qiao Xing replied, “Nanjing wasn’t always called Xijin. The name was changed over a decade ago by the Grand Preceptor of Liao, who also wrote these characters himself.” Lowering his voice, he added, “If gongzi likes the Grand Preceptor’s calligraphy, it’s not impossible to obtain one of his works.”

Tang Shen chuckled softly. Liao rulers writing in Han characters—how good could it really be?

Though the Grand Preceptor’s calligraphy was decent, it was no match for greats like Fu Wei and Wang Zhen.

Realizing his flattery had missed the mark, Qiao Xing wisely fell silent.

After handing over three money pouches, Qiao Jiu finally satisfied the greedy guards and secured passage into the city. The guards, now content, didn’t bother questioning their purpose.

Once inside, the group settled at an inn prearranged by Qiao Jiu.

Standing by the window of his room, Tang Shen looked out over Xijin. The servant helping him unpack couldn’t fathom what he was seeing. But Tang Shen knew.

What he saw wasn’t just Xijin—it was the vibrant, thriving Beijing of a thousand years into the future!

Indeed, the Nanjing Xijin Prefecture of the Liao State was exactly what would become Beijing a thousand years later.

The Liao State was largely composed of tribal alliances, with few large cities within its borders. The most important were its five capitals: Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture, Zhongjing Dading Prefecture, Dongjing Liaoyang Prefecture, Xijing Datong Prefecture, and Nanjing Xijin Prefecture. Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture was the main capital of the Liao Dynasty, while the other four served as auxiliary capitals.

Standing in Xijin, Tang Shen felt a wave of complex emotions. However, he didn’t even know if, a thousand years later, this land beneath his feet would truly become the Beijing he remembered.

Closing his eyes with a heavy sigh, Tang Shen asked, “How’s Qiao Jiu’s side?”

The attendant, who was also privy to the situation and reportedly a trusted aide of Qiao Jiu, replied, “The master has made all necessary preparations. Since it’s already late today, he wishes daren to rest for now. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the Liao State’s trading houses to seek an opportunity.”

Tang Shen nodded. After the attendant left, he blew out the candle, and the room was immediately engulfed in darkness.

Far away in the capital city of Shengjing, within the Minister of Revenue’s residence, Wang Zhen returned from the palace. That day, the emperor had summoned him for a lengthy conversation.

Since the empress dowager’s passing and Zhao Fu’s grave illness, the monarch’s demeanor had noticeably changed. Tang Shen, stationed in Youzhou, remained unaware, but Wang Zhen felt it keenly.

Upon his return, Wang Zhen began changing out of his formal attire with the help of a page boy when his steward knocked and entered with a letter in hand. “Gongzi, a letter from Youzhou.”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. His voice was smooth and clear. “From Jing Ze?”

“Yes.”

A slight smile crept across Wang Zhen’s lips. “Hold off on changing. You may leave.”

The page boy bowed and exited. Wang Zhen, still partially dressed, approached the letter. His slender fingers hovered over the envelope, lingering on the inscription: “To my honored senior brother.”

Opening it, Wang Zhen barely finished the first line before chuckling. He stared at the words for a long moment.

The letter began, in calligraphy style identical to Wang Zhen’s own:

“Honored Senior Brother,

I bow in utmost respect…”

Wang Zhen stopped reading and looked at the opening lines with a pensive smile. Turning to his steward, he asked gently, “You studied alongside me in the Langya Wang family. Am I mistaken in recalling that such phrases are reserved for letters addressed to one’s parents?”

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The steward replied honestly, “You’re correct, gongzi. Those terms are indeed used for one’s elders.”

Wang Zhen laughed softly, shaking the letter. “A letter from my ‘son’ deserves careful attention. You may leave.”

AN: Tang Shen: Daddy, am I your most beloved child?

Wang Zhen: Of course, darling. Where do you want Daddy to show you how much I care? [smiles]

If you would like to show some ♡  then please consider supporting this translator! ლ(⌒εー)ლ

Late into the night, the surroundings of the posthouse were deathly quiet.

Su Wenyun almost laughed aloud at Tang Shen’s words. He lifted his peach-blossom eyes and cast Tang Shen a mocking glance, as if observing a naïve child.

“You’re accusing me of slandering Wang Zifeng? Tang daren, do you mean Wang Zifeng, the Minister of Revenue, Wang Zhen? The one I know? Even though it’s late, there are still gods above us. Spare me the jest—slandering him, of all people?”

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Tang Shen let out a dry laugh before snapping, “Su daren, though we may differ in our political views, now that we’re in Youzhou, we must work as one for His Majesty. The Silver Pull Division is under Wang Zhen, Wang daren’s jurisdiction, and any task we undertake here will inevitably require its assistance. For you to tarnish his reputation so carelessly—isn’t that inappropriate?”

Su Wenyun didn’t reply immediately. He paced back and forth a few times before stopping to look seriously at Tang Shen.

“Tang Shen, Tang Jingze?”

Tang Shen merely glanced at him, uninterested in a response.

After all, he had thoroughly offended Su Wenyun three years ago; what harm would another offense do now? If Su Wenyun couldn’t take him down in Cizhou back then, what could he possibly do now?

Su Wenyun finally spoke. “Wang Zifeng is twenty-nine this year, correct?”

“Correct.”

“He’s twenty-nine, yet he’s never married or even been betrothed. Do you know why?”

Hearing this, Tang Shen raised his eyes. “Why?”

Su Wenyun’s voice dropped conspiratorially. “Because he has a fondness for men!”

Tang Shen’s heart skipped a beat, but outwardly he remained composed.

“And who says that’s necessarily true?”

“Then explain—if not for such a reason, why would a man nearing thirty still remain unmarried?”

Tang Shen responded coolly, “There are countless reasons in the world. How could I possibly know what my senior brother is thinking?” He paused, suppressing the urge to add, Perhaps it’s simply that he’s impotent. Such a statement, however, would only fuel Su Wenyun’s wild fabrications.

Instead, he continued, “Moreover, my senior brother’s marital status has no bearing on you, Su daren. If I recall correctly, you’re twenty-five this year, aren’t you?”

A faint coldness flickered across Su Wenyun’s strikingly beautiful face. “Whether or not I marry is none of your concern.”

“And yet, my senior brother’s marital status is yours?” Tang Shen retorted. “Are you even acquainted with him? No. I’ve known my senior brother for five years; he’s been like a father and brother to me. My understanding of him far surpasses yours. He is most certainly not inclined as you claim.

“Su daren, while we are in Youzhou, we must work together to serve His Majesty. Please refrain from making such jokes. First, it’s not funny—my senior brother is definitively not as you say. Second…” Tang Shen’s tone turned icy as he locked eyes with Su Wenyun. “You dislike others making baseless assumptions about you, don’t you? Then have you never considered that you should not do unto others what you wouldn’t want done to yourself?”

Tang Shen’s firm and resolute words left Su Wenyun momentarily stunned.

Su Wenyun was known for his cunning and exceptional abilities, but he was still young and inexperienced in certain areas—especially relationships. Two years ago, when the Right Vice Prime Minister Xu Bi had told his protégé Yu Chaosheng about Wang Zhen’s supposed preferences, it had been with an air of certainty, leaving no room for doubt. But now, as Su Wenyun watched Tang Shen’s fiery indignation, he found himself second-guessing.

Could he have been wrong?

Wang Zhen had never publicly confirmed his orientation. All the officials’ assumptions were based on speculation. Tang Shen’s fervent defense, coupled with his close relationship with Wang Zhen, made Su Wenyun begin to question his judgment. As Tang Shen mentioned, he wasn’t well-acquainted with Wang Zifeng, and considering they were political rivals, perhaps he had misjudged the situation. Since Tang Shen and Wang Zhen were fellow senior and junior brothers with a close bond, it was unlikely that Wang Zhen would conceal such matters from him.

There are countless reasons why someone might choose not to marry—just like Su Wenyun himself. He remained unmarried because he found no one to his liking. In his eyes, even the most outstanding women in the world were no more than dirt or dust, unworthy of his attention.

Could it be that Wang Zifeng felt the same way?

After a long pause, Su Wenyun finally relented. “Let’s say I misspoke.”

If the officials from the Court of Judicial Review or the Ministry of Works saw Su Wenyun like this, they might have rushed to check if the heavens were raining blood. For Su Wenyun to back down—it was unprecedented.

Tang Shen, however, remained unruffled. After a moment’s silence, he said, “Let’s put this matter behind us. Su daren, I was overly emotional earlier—my apologies.”

The two dropped the subject.

Outside, heavy footsteps broke the silence. Tang Shen walked to the window and opened it, looking out. He saw General Lu carrying a large bucket of water, his expression grim as he trudged into the courtyard.

“Pour the water into the vat and fetch another bucket,” Tang Shen instructed calmly.

General Lu glared at him with undisguised anger, but Tang Shen ignored it and shut the window.

Moments later, the sound of footsteps faded as General Lu left for more water.

Turning back to Su Wenyun, who was sipping tea, Tang Shen was struck by an odd realization: he and Su Wenyun always seemed to meet under strange circumstances in the dead of night.

Shaking off the thought, he said, “After tonight, news of our disagreement will spread throughout Youzhou. Ji Zhaosi, the governor, is the perfect messenger. He belongs to neither the Youzhou Army nor the Silver Pull Divison, making him an ideal channel. With this rumor, we can work in secret and cover for each other. So, Su daren, for the first mission into Liao…who will go?”

Su Wenyun replied, “The first entry into Liao requires the Silver Pull Division’s cooperation. Who do you think is best suited for the task?”

After a moment’s pause, Tang Shen sighed. “Then this lower official shall go first.” Though he agreed outwardly, he cursed internally: As if you don’t know how dangerous it is for the first to go into unknown territory!

The two deliberated late into the night, debating the choice of personnel and routes into Liao. It wasn’t until the second watch that they reached a consensus.

Su Wenyun donned a black cloak, pulling the hood low to shadow his face.

As the door creaked open, the two stepped out, only to see General Lu trudging back with another bucket of water. The courtyard vat was already full, leaving no place for the fresh water. Without a word, General Lu dumped the bucket on the ground, water splashing everywhere, and glared fiercely at Tang Shen.

Tang Shen glanced at the pre-dawn sky and said calmly, “Dawn has yet to arrive, General Lu, please empty the vat and pour the water back into the well.”

“You…!” General Lu’s voice trembled with fury.

Tang Shen asked coldly, “Is General Lu planning to defy orders?”

Lu Shen took a deep breath, picked up the bucket, and turned to leave. Just then, Su Wenyun’s amused voice rang out. “Pouring it back into the well? How unsanitary. But leaving it in this large vat—come morning, the officials here will surely discover it. What shall we do?”

Tang Shen looked at Su Wenyun.

Su Wenyun suggested, “Here’s an idea. General Lu, every courtyard in this posthouse has one to three water vats. Distribute the water into these vats, one bucket per vat. That way, no one will notice. Isn’t that flawless?”

Lu Shen turned back, glaring at Su Wenyun with eyes so fiery they seemed to pierce through him.

But Su Wenyun remained unfazed, smiling as he walked away.

Tang Shen pondered briefly before saying, “Do as Su daren suggests.”

Lu Shen: “…”

Lu Shen muttered inwardly, I’d love nothing more than to pour this bucket over these two damned shitty officials!

Despite his frustration, Lu Shen followed orders. By dawn, he had quietly distributed the water across the posthouse’s vats without anyone noticing.

The next morning, when Tang Shen stepped outside, he saw Lu Shen standing guard at the door like a stone sentinel. His posture was steady, but his weary expression betrayed his exhaustion.

Tang Shen said, “General Lu, come inside.”

Lu Shen silently entered the room, and Tang Shen shut the door after confirming they were alone.

“General Lu, are you cursing me in your heart, holding a grudge against me?”

“This subordinate wouldn’t dare.”

“So you are cursing me.”

“…”

Tang Shen said, “My senior brother once told me: insulting an enemy is the weakest form of retaliation. To truly deal with someone, you must crush their hope, grip their throat, and drive them into a corner. Strike silently and decisively, leaving no trace.”

Lu Shen looked utterly baffled. As an unlettered warrior, he couldn’t grasp Tang Shen’s words at all.

Tang Shen didn’t expect him to. Ai, he thought, how could a mere deputy general understand my senior brother’s art of governance?

“But let’s set that aside. General Lu, you were once a deputy general of the Youzhou garrison, tasked with guarding the city gates. However, you’ve always had strained relations with the civil officials here, haven’t you?”

Lu Shen didn’t respond, lowering his head instead.

Tang Shen continued, “You don’t need to say it. Everyone in Youzhou knows. Why do you resent civil officials? I know, it’s because you’re a ‘returned person.’” (gui zheng ren)

Lu Shen stiffened and immediately raised his head.

“Returned persons,” Tang Shen said, “must tie a black band around their heads during examinations to signify their status. They’re barred from the top rankings in the palace exams and forbidden from holding posts above the fourth rank. In this grand Song Dynasty, only one returned person, General Li Jingde, has achieved a second-rank position as Grand Marshal of the Western Expedition. And that was earned through blood and sweat on the battlefield.”

Tang Shen paused. “You disdain civil officials because you think they do nothing while the generals shed blood on the front lines. Am I wrong?”

“I never said that!” Lu Shen protested.

“Then that’s exactly what you think,” Tang Shen concluded.

Lu Shen fell silent, clearly outmaneuvered.

Tang Shen smirked. Against the seasoned schemers in Shengjing, he might not stand a chance, but dealing with someone like Lu Shen was child’s play.

“Originally, I didn’t plan to entrust this task to you. But your obedience in last night’s water-fetching showed me you’re at least a soldier who follows orders. So, tomorrow’s mission to cross into Liao territory will be handed to you.”

Lu Shen’s eyes widened in shock. “Cross into Liao?!”

Tang Shen chuckled. “Yes, into Liao. Don’t you think civil officials are useless, always hiding behind generals like cowards? Well, this time, I’ll show you what civil officials are capable of. I’ll let you see whether our work is truly idle. This mission will depend entirely on you for my safety. My life is in your hands.” He clasped his hands and gave a respectful bow.

Panicking, Lu Shen quickly supported Tang Shen up. Though confused, he began to understand Tang Shen’s intentions. Tentatively, he asked, “Daren, may I ask… Why are you going into Liao? What’s the purpose of this mission?”

Tang Shen laughed heartily. “To do exactly what you think!”

Lu Shen’s eyes lit up. Clasping his fists, he declared, “This humble general is willing to accompany you into Liao and will not fail your trust!”

Watching Lu Shen’s eagerness, as if ready to sacrifice his life at a moment’s notice, Tang Shen couldn’t help but sigh internally. Ah, military men are so easy to fool!

Tang Shen had always intended for Lu Shen to accompany him to Liao, not just for protection but to handle dangerous tasks. The emperor had assigned Lu Shen to protect Tang Shen, but the real purpose was for Lu Shen to act as a spy and gather intelligence in Liao territory.

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While Lu Shen was strong and brave, he lacked wit and harbored biases against civil officials. Tang Shen feared he might prove troublesome. Yet, with just a few words, Lu Shen had transformed into a devoted subordinate, ready to go through fire and water for him.

Compared to the cunning foxes in Shengjing, the straightforward soldiers of Youzhou were truly endearing!

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The 31st Year of Kaiping, third month.

Since the previous year, the Empress Dowager had been bedridden with a lingering illness, unable to rise. During the New Year, her condition improved somewhat, and Emperor Zhao Fu was overjoyed, generously rewarding the Imperial Medical Bureau. Yet, who could have known this was but a fleeting recovery? By the third month, the Empress Dowager was frequently ill, and on the 19th day, she passed away.

At the time of her passing, Zhao Fu was meditating in the Immortal Ascension Platform, practicing immortality cultivation.

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During his cultivation, no one was permitted to disturb him. Since its construction, only a few high-ranking ministers, the grand marshal, and individuals like Wang Zhen had ever entered the Immortal Ascension Platform.

That night, a eunuch hurriedly arrived outside the hall, carrying a whisk and braving the darkness. The young eunuch guarding the entrance noticed something was amiss—it was Wang Qi, the chief eunuch of Yanfu Palace.

Without waiting for notification, Wang Qi burst into the hall, panicked and shouting, “Your Majesty, Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager is unresponsive!”

Zhao Fu opened his eyes, gave Wang Qi a glance, then quickly rose and rushed to Yanfu Palace.

The emperor stayed by the Empress Dowager’s side the entire night. Before dawn, she took her final breath. Holding her frail, bony hand, Zhao Fu stared blankly at the lifeless figure lying on the bed. In the palace, the sound of weeping filled the air. Whether genuine or not, all the eunuchs and palace maids knelt on the ground, crying loudly.

Zhao Fu, however, did not cry. He simply gazed at her for a long time.

After about an hour, when the attendants were starting to run out of tears, Zhao Fu summoned Ji Fu.

“Has the Empress Dowager passed?” the emperor asked, his voice hoarse.

Having served Zhao Fu for many years, Ji Fu was deeply moved to see his sovereign in such a state. Crying, he replied, “Your Majesty, the Empress Dowager has passed.”

Zhao Fu took a deep breath, then broke into sobs.

That night, the mournful toll of bells echoed throughout the palace, eight resounding strikes that shook the heavens.

Sixth Prince Zhao Ao was summoned to the palace. Upon entering Yanfu Palace, he found it deserted, save for Zhao Fu sitting alone beside the Empress Dowager’s bed. Zhao Ao’s eyes reddened at the sight of his deceased mother.

“Mother!”

With the Empress Dowager’s passing, the nation entered mourning, and court sessions were suspended for five days.

All officials donned mourning attire and prayed for the Empress Dowager’s soul. The emperor stayed in Yanfu Palace, personally copying Buddhist scriptures for her. Zhao Ao, the only surviving prince and Zhao Fu’s younger brother, accompanied him in this act of piety.

One night, Zhao Fu, unable to endure the strain, retired early. Waking in the middle of the night, he found Zhao Ao still bent over a desk, diligently copying scriptures.

Zhao Fu watched for a while before Zhao Ao sensed his gaze and turned around. Rising immediately, Zhao Ao greeted him with a bow, “Greetings, imperial brother.”

Zhao Fu waved dismissively. “Why such formality?”

Zhao Ao, eyes moist, murmured, “Imperial brother…”

Zhao Fu pulled up a chair beside Zhao Ao’s desk. It had been years since they had spoken so intimately. He reminisced about their childhood, especially memories involving their mother.

Zhao Fu said, “When Mother gave birth to you, she had nearly exhausted her strength. She had already sent for Father, but because Empress Xiaojing suddenly fell ill, Father went to Qingning Palace instead. Hearing this, Mother, despite her exhaustion, somehow summoned the strength to deliver you.”

Zhao Ao, startled, replied, “Empress Xiaojing treated us well. I didn’t know this.”

Zhao Fu chuckled. “This had nothing to do with Empress Xiaojing. You know as well as I do what kind of man our imperial father was.”

Zhao Ao lowered his head in silence, unwilling to comment. Zhao Fu could speak harshly of the former emperor, but he didn’t  dare because he wasn’t the emperor.

Zhao Fu continued, “Remember when you were six? I was nine then. Zhao Xuan took us hunting outside the capital. He caught a fawn for me and a rabbit for you. Thinking back, it’s no surprise Father favored Zhao Xuan—he was Empress Xiaojing’s only son, brilliant and capable. At twelve, he could draw a five-stone bow. You often followed him, calling him ‘Elder Brother Crown Prince,’ forgetting that I was your actual older brother.”

Terrified, Zhao Ao stood up, almost kneeling. “Your Majesty, I have never thought that way!”

Zhao Fu, seeing his panic, extended a hand with a smile. “Ai, sit back down. Why are you so nervous? Back then, who didn’t admire Zhao Xuan? Even I liked him. Like you, I waited outside Hanxiang Hall daily, hoping he would come and take me to play.”

Zhao Ao froze, unsure how to respond.

Seeing his bewilderment, Zhao Fu felt both contempt and pity.

He suddenly lost the will to continue the conversation. There was so much he wanted to say, but many of his brothers were dead—some by his own hand, others through his machinations. Zhao Ao, foolish as he was, hardly warranted scheming. But now, with their mother gone, Zhao Ao was all he had left.

What would Mother say if she heard this conversation? Zhao Fu wondered.

After a moment’s thought, he stood up and said calmly, “Keep copying the scriptures.”

This was the emperor Zhao Ao was most familiar with. Relieved, Zhao Ao wiped the sweat from his brow and respectfully answered, “Yes.”

The palace echoed with soft sobs—concubines mourning the Empress Dowager and eunuchs and maids weeping quietly.

Beyond the palace, officials in mourning robes grieved for the late Empress Dowager.

In the residence of the Left Prime Minister, Ji Wengji held a letter, reading it intently. After a while, his wife entered with a bowl of thick soup. They exchanged a smile.

Ji Wengji grasped his wife’s rough hand and smiled. “You’ve worked hard, my wife.”

“Is that a letter from Bo’an?” she asked gently.

“Yes,” Ji Wengji replied. “He caught a cold upon arriving in Qinzhou, delaying his correspondence. But he’s better now and wanted to ease my worries.”

“You should rest,” he urged. “Don’t overexert yourself.”

“I couldn’t sleep,” she replied. “Last year, when I visited the palace, the Empress Dowager was so kind and amiable. I can hardly believe she’s gone.”

“Some will sleep even less soundly than you,” Ji Wengji said cryptically.

“Oh?”

He offered no explanation, his face betraying a sly smile. His wife, recognizing this look from their youth, leaned shyly against his shoulder like they used to do when young. “Will you tell me or not?”

Instead, Ji Wengji mused, “When one commits deeds—whether good or ill—what they fear most isn’t others finding out but having no one left to share in the memory.”

Puzzled, his wife said nothing more.

Sighing, Ji Wengji added, “The stars foretell more court suspensions. You’d best prepare for cooking both our meals.”

Emperor Zhao Fu’s grief led to five days of court suspension. When those days ended, his melancholy deepened, causing him to fall ill.

This “holiday” extended to half a month.

Tang Shen, being in Youzhou, naturally had no knowledge of these events. However, the empress dowager’s passing inevitably affected officials like him stationed far from the capital. Originally, the Youzhou governor, Ji Zhaosi, had planned to host a banquet to welcome Tang Shen and Su Wenyun. But with the empress dowager’s death, no official dared to hold celebratory banquets.

It wasn’t until April that Ji Zhaosi finally hosted a banquet at the prefectural yamen to entertain Su Wenyun and Tang Shen.

As a fourth-rank official, Ji Zhaosi’s influence was limited. His position was less prestigious compared to Tang Shen’s previous role as a fifth-rank chamberlain recording the emperor’s daily life. Ji Zhaosi had no direct ties to the Youzhou Army or the Silver Pull Division. Previously, Youzhou’s officials only needed to curry favor with the army, but with the establishment of the Silver Pull Division, Ji Zhaosi found himself caught between two powerful factions.

When he met Su Wenyun and Tang Shen, Ji Zhaosi greeted them with an ingratiating smile. “This lower official, Ji Zhaosi, greets the esteemed Vice Minister of Works and the Honorable Attendant Secretary of the Palace Secretariat.”

Both took their seats as Ji Zhaosi poured wine for them.

Su Wenyun chuckled lightly. “I’ve been waiting a long time for this banquet, Ji daren.”

Hearing this, Tang Shen cast Su Wenyun a glance.

Ji Zhaosi, quick-witted, replied, “I had long planned to host you, daren, but the Empress Dowager’s passing was sudden. Overwhelmed with grief, I had no heart for banquets and devoted myself to mourning her.”

Both Tang Shen and Su Wenyun were prominent figures close to the emperor. Ji Zhaosi’s words were carefully crafted, not in hopes of their praise, but to avoid inadvertently offending them.

At the banquet, Ji Zhaosi warmly introduced the dishes. “Daren, you must try our local delicacies. I hear Tang daren is from Gusu, where the cuisine differs greatly from the north. Even within the north, Youzhou has its unique flavors. This roast lamb, for instance…”

Tang Shen gazed at the dish and murmured, “My senior brother enjoys this very much.”

Ji Zhaosi’s eyes lit up. “Does Minister Wang enjoy Youzhou’s roast lamb? I had no idea. When the minister visited Youzhou years ago, he was too busy for me to meet him. I’ve always regretted it.”

Su Wenyun interjected disdainfully, “Tang daren seems very knowledgeable about Wang daren.”

Tang Shen glanced at him. “My senior brother and I share a deep bond.”

With a meaningful smirk, Su Wenyun retorted, “A deep bond, you say? Speaking of which, isn’t Wang daren already 29 this year and still unmarried?”

Fury flashed in Tang Shen’s eyes as he set down his chopsticks and coldly said, “Su daren, slandering someone behind their back is unbecoming.”

Su Wenyun sneered, “Slandering? Hardly.”

Ji Zhaosi, alarmed, watched as the two exchanged barbs, their argument escalating. Eventually, the meal ended in discord. As they left, Su Wenyun remarked to Ji Zhaosi, “The banquet was splendid; the company, less so.” With that, he stormed off.

Tang Shen, on the other hand, simply said, “Ji daren, I’ll take my leave.”

Left alone, Ji Zhaosi was thoroughly bewildered. His head throbbed as he muttered to himself, “Could the rumors be true? Su Feiran and Tang Jingze have always been at odds, and the Wang and Su factions are indeed rivals. Had I known, I wouldn’t have invited them together! But if I had hosted one before the other, would I not risk offending the other party?”

That night, Tang Shen’s room remained dark. Outside, Lu Shen stood guard with his sword.

Before retiring, Tang Shen had instructed him, “I’ve drank tonight. General Lu, I entrust the night watch to you.”

Furious, Lu Shen glared at him but had no choice but to comply.

The night was silent, with only a few scattered stars. As Lu Shen dozed slightly off with eyes half closed, he was suddenly alerted by a faint rustling. Drawing his sword, he swung at the intruder—a dark-clad Su Wenyun, who narrowly avoided the strike, losing a lock of hair in the process.

“Outrageous!” Su Wenyun admonished.

Lu Shen, disliking civil officials in general, pretended not to recognize him and prepared to strike again.

“Enough,” Tang Shen’s voice called from the doorway.

Reluctantly, Lu Shen lowered his sword.

Tang Shen instructed, “General Lu, fetch me some water from the well. Go alone, and make sure no one sees you.”

Lu Shen hesitated before obeying.

Once Lu Shen was gone, Su Wenyun entered the room, immediately confronting Tang Shen. “You knew I’d come tonight and still posted that menace outside?”

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Tang Shen replied calmly, “General Lu is here to protect me. Where’s the fault in that?”

“Don’t play dumb, Tang Jingze!”

Tang Shen’s expression darkened as he slammed the table. “Su Wenyun, if you’re here to play games, keep my senior brother out of it. You may disagree with his politics, but I won’t allow you to tarnish his reputation. Not in front of me, not anywhere.”

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Although Su Wenyun had never intentionally showcased it, his noble family background naturally imbued him with an inherent elegance, just like Wang Zhen. Every gesture carried a distinct refinement. Even earlier, as he watered the plants with his face concealed by burlap, Tang Shen could still sense an unusual air about him when passing by.

Why would Su Wenyun, accustomed to wearing gold and jade, suddenly don such attire and water plants in front of Tang Shen’s room?

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Tang Shen understood clearly but maintained an indifferent expression. He said calmly, “It was just a casual question.”

Su Wenyun looked Tang Shen up and down, a smirk playing on his lips. “I was also casually passing by.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Su Wenyun asked, “Does Tang daren have any other questions?”

“None,” Tang Shen replied.

With a light laugh, Su Wenyun turned and left.

Tang Shen watched his retreating figure disappear through a small courtyard gate. After a long moment, he shook his head, finding the situation both amusing and exasperating. Su Wenyun truly had too much time on his hands. He had deliberately waited here just to observe who Tang Shen would meet upon arriving in Youzhou.

Currently, Youzhou City was under the influence of two forces: the Youzhou Military Camp and the Silver Pull Division.

The Youzhou Military Camp belonged to the Grand Marshal of the Empire, essentially making it half under Li Jingde’s jurisdiction. Based on the tension between Li Jingde and Su Wenyun back in Shengjing, the two were clearly not on good terms. Meanwhile, the Silver Pull Division was Wang Zhen’s domain, and Su Wenyun’s relationship with Wang Zhen wasn’t much better.

Thus, while Su Wenyun had arrived in Youzhou as early as February, he had accomplished little since then.

Su Wenyun’s competence was unquestionable, but his lack of manpower left him isolated and ineffective—a major hurdle in Youzhou.

Back in his room, Tang Shen lit an oil lamp, the flickering flame casting shadows on the walls. He let out a long sigh.

Only now did Tang Shen fully grasp Zhao Fu’s intentions in sending him to Youzhou. It wasn’t just to carry out his mission but also to assist Su Wenyun!

The proposal to use the Silver Pull Division as a means to plant spies in Liao territory had been Tang Shen’s idea. However, he was also aware that Su Wenyun’s experience likely surpassed his own when it came to executing such plans. Yet, Su Wenyun lacked sufficient support in Youzhou. Therefore, Zhao Fu had sent Tang Shen to collaborate with him.

Tang Shen, a member of Wang Zhen’s faction, could monitor Su Wenyun. Conversely, Su Wenyun was tasked with monitoring Tang Shen.

This created a delicate balance between the two.

Zhao Fu’s mind was like a deep, dark abyss, within which lay a seemingly dormant dragon. Coiled within the depths, it watched the world above with cold, unyielding eyes.

In Shengjing, within a secluded courtyard on the outskirts of the city, a bamboo grove concealed a seemingly ordinary estate. Yet upon entering, one would find an exquisite scene: jagged rock formations, flowing water, and a distinctly Jiangnan-style garden. Winding corridors led to a small pavilion standing serenely in the center of a pond.

Wang Zhen, dressed in a white brocade robe, rolled up his sleeves slightly. With practiced elegance, he picked up a teapot and poured tea in a manner so fluid and graceful it was a delight to watch. He pushed a cup of tea across the table toward the man sitting opposite him. The man picked up the cup with both hands and took a sip.

“Exquisite,” said the man, who was none other than the Right Prime Minister, Wang Quan.

Wang Zhen smiled. “You flatter me, Uncle.”

Wang Quan remarked, “It’s been half a year since I last visited your ‘Liuqi Courtyard.’ What brings you here today?”

Wang Zhen replied, “I recently had a Taihu rock transported from Gusu.”

“Oh? Where is it?”

Wang Zhen pointed to a large, slanted rock in the middle of the pond.

Standing by the pavilion’s edge, Wang Quan examined it. “Its shape is peculiar, its color unique, and its texture excellent—a truly fine specimen of pierced rock. Has it been named?”

“Not yet,” Wang Zhen said.

“Shall I name it for you?” Wang Quan asked with a smile.

Wang Quan was only making a  casual offer. Twelve years ago, Wang Zhen achieved first place in the imperial examinations and officially began his career as an official. He didn’t stay long in the Zhuangyuan Residence granted by the emperor for the top scholar before moving into a private residence prepared by the prestigious Wang clan of Langya in Shengjing—later known as the Minister Residence.

The Wang family of Langya, with its deep roots and resources, provided Wang Zhen with endless support. However, once Wang Zhen was promoted to a third-rank official, the family’s assistance became less crucial. Eight years ago, Wang Zhen purchased this Liuqi Courtyard entirely on his own.

Descendants of the Wang family from Langya possess a unique attachment and sense of ownership toward their personal belongings.

Though small, Liuqi Courtyard was designed with meticulous care. Creating a stunning Jiangnan-style garden in a prime location like Shengjing required significant expense and effort from Wang Zhen. However, it remained his private domain. Wang Quan rarely set foot there, and without an invitation, he would never visit.

Yet even Wang Quan was surprised when Wang Zhen declined without hesitation. “Thank you, Uncle, but someone else will be naming it.”

“Who might that be?” Wang Quan asked, intrigued.

“They have yet to return to Shengjing,” Wang Zhen replied.

For a moment, Wang Quan was taken aback before a look of understanding crossed his face. He shook his head, feeling regret for his remarkable nephew but he would not say anything.

Wang Quan changed the subject. “Tang Shen, Tang Jingze seems to have arrived in Youzhou.”

“Yes,” Wang Zhen confirmed.

After a pause, Wang Quan sighed. “Zi Feng, extending your reach too far may not always be wise. A lifetime of mutual understanding and support does not mean absolute control. You navigate politics and relationships with such finesse—how could you not understand this?”

For a rare moment, a hint of surprise flickered across Wang Zhen’s otherwise elegant and composed features. Then, he smiled and said, “You’re right, Uncle.”

After Wang Quan left, Wang Zhen sat alone in the courtyard, his eyes fixed on a Taihu rock in the pond.

After a long while, he chuckled mockingly, “You speak as if it’s so simple. Second Uncle, oh Second Uncle, you haven’t even managed your own relationship woes properly!”

Meanwhile, just as Wang Quan returned to the Right Prime Minister’s residence, he suddenly felt a chill down his spine. Frowning, the influential court minister thought to himself, Could it be that my little nephew Wang Zifeng is badmouthing me behind my back?

It must be said that high-ranking officials like him possessed an intuition far sharper than ordinary people.

Naturally, Tang Shen had no knowledge of what was happening in Shengjing. Nor did he know that without doing anything, he had inadvertently caused Wang Zifeng to be reprimanded by Wang Quan and lectured on how to manage family relations. Although it was widely known in Shengjing that Wang Quan’s own marriage was far from harmonious, that never stopped him from acting as a self-proclaimed expert on family matters.

Of course, if Tang Shen had known, he probably wouldn’t have cared. After all, when had he and his senior brother ever been in a family-like relationship? They were clearly just fellow senior and junior brothers.

The next morning, Lin Xu, the overseer of the Silver Pull Division, came to meet Tang Shen again. This time, he was joined by Lu Shen and his men, and the two groups clashed at the posthouse. Tang Shen stepped out of his room to witness the tense standoff and immediately felt a headache coming on.

“Let’s go. We’re visiting the Silver Pull Division today,” Tang Shen said.

“Yes, daren. Please allow me to lead the way,” Lin Xu replied.

As they walked, Tang Shen casually remarked, “Right Vice Minister Su Wenyun of the Ministry of Works has been in Youzhou for a month now. I’ve known him since our time in Shengjing. Coincidentally, we were sent here together, though our assignments differ. I can’t help but wonder—what has Su daren been doing in Youzhou?”

Wang Zhen and Su Wenyun were by no means allies. Lin Xu didn’t take Su Wenyun seriously either and directly revealed what Su Wenyun had been doing these past few days.

Like Tang Shen, Su Wenyun had come to Youzhou on business, and Zhao Fu had also assigned him a team. However, unlike Tang Shen, he didn’t have the support of the Silver Pull Divison and didn’t get along well with Li Jingde. As a result, despite working for a month, his progress had been slow, and he had achieved little.

Tang Shen listened thoughtfully, nodding occasionally.

Upon arriving at the Silver Pull Division, Tang Shen, as the emperor’s envoy, was normally expected to face resistance. However, under Lin Xu’s guidance, he easily obtained the past year’s account books and began reviewing them.

The accounts were impeccably detailed, with every expense and income meticulously recorded. It was either a sign of genuine transparency or the work of a master accountant.

As the Silver Pull Division was under Wang Zhen’s jurisdiction, Tang Shen trusted that his senior brother’s character ensured the records were genuine.

Wang Zifeng was not entirely an incorruptible official. In fact, Tang Shen suspected that his senior brother might have engaged in bribery or falsified documents in the past. However, as the Minister of Revenue, Wang Zifeng had ample opportunities to amass wealth elsewhere. It was unlikely he would tamper with matters concerning the Silver Pull Division, a crucial institution tied to the prosperity of the Song Dynasty for decades, even centuries, to come.

After reviewing the account books, Lin Xu accompanied Tang Shen to meet with several officials of the Silver Pull Division.

That evening, the Silver Pull Division hosted a banquet in honor of Tang Shen’s arrival. Amid the clinking of cups and flowing wine, Tang Shen returned to the posthouse, slightly inebriated. Since his arrival in Youzhou, Lu Shen’s assignment had shifted from monitoring the Silver Pull Division to ensuring Tang Shen’s safety and awaiting his orders.

So naturally, when Tang Shen became drunk, General Lu dispatched men to escort him back to the posthouse. 

Tang Shen, his cheeks flushed, lay on the bed in a drunken stupor. Despite his intoxication, his refined features and demeanor remained intact, far from resembling a disheveled drunkard.

Yet Lu Shen, after throwing him onto the bed, grumbled lightly under his breath and sneered, “inept official!” before leaving with his men.

Soon, the posthouse fell silent once more.

The night deepened, and a startled finch fluttered outside the window.

In the pitch-dark bedroom, Tang Shen suddenly opened his eyes. He coughed softly, his throat parched. Rising, he poured himself a cup of tea. Although his ears were still red and his movements a bit unsteady, his gaze was sharp and sober—nothing like the drunken man from earlier.

After sipping tea to clear his head, Tang Shen changed into dark clothing and quickly slipped out of his room.

Moving quietly, he navigated through several small courtyards, avoiding patrolling guards, until he reached a particular room. The room was unlit, seemingly unoccupied, or its occupant might have already gone to bed. Yet Tang Shen gently knocked on the door. Before long, the door opened.

In the moonlight, Su Wenyun stood there, looking Tang Shen up and down. He sniffed lightly and smirked. “Tang daren has been drinking?”

Tang Shen replied coldly, “This lower official, Tang Shen, greets Su daren. Last night, you went out of your way to seek me and subtly hinted at your residence. Thus, I avoided prying eyes today and came to find you.”

Su Wenyun ceased his mocking tone and stepped aside. “I’ve had the nearby area cleared of people. Come in, and we’ll talk.”

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Tang Shen entered without hesitation.

Once the door was shut, their expressions turned grave.

By day, Su Wenyun had been derided by Lin Xu as someone who “idles away his time.” But now, he spoke with unwavering resolve:

“Using the Silver Pull Division as a gateway—enter Liao territory as merchants!”

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Li Jingde was not one to idle. His visit to the posthouse was a deliberate gesture to meet Tang Shen, who had just arrived in Youzhou. After exchanging a few casual words, Li Jingde didn’t press Tang Shen about his duties. Instead, he said, “Last month, I received His Majesty’s decree. Whatever you need to do, just do it. Even if the Grand Marshal holds you accountable for any mistakes, it won’t be a big deal.”

Hearing this, Tang Shen was genuinely surprised. After a brief pause, he responded, “Thank you, General Li.”

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Li Jingde didn’t linger and soon took his leave.

Though Li Jingde often claimed to be a rough, unrefined soldier, it was clear that someone who could rise to the rank of a second-rank general was far from foolish. While he didn’t know the exact purpose of Tang Shen and Su Wenyun’s visit to Youzhou, he understood that it was no trivial matter. Thus, he decided to give Tang Shen the freedom to act.

The saying “great wisdom appears as folly” seemed apt in this case.

Shortly after noon, another visitor arrived at the posthouse. Tang Shen met the newcomer in the main hall.

Standing in the room was a middle-aged man clad in armor, his posture straight and imposing. Outside, eight guards stood rigidly in the courtyard, their silver spears gleaming faintly with a bloody sheen. The eight stood like statues, unmoving. When Tang Shen stepped into the courtyard, their hands instinctively gripped their spears, but upon recognizing him, they discreetly relaxed.

As Tang Shen entered the hall, the middle-aged man lifted his sharp gaze and greeted him in a booming voice: “This subordinate, Lu Shen, greets the imperial envoy.”

Tang Shen had arrived in Youzhou under the guise of an imperial envoy, officially tasked with overseeing the establishment of the Silver Pull Division.

“So, it’s General Lu. Please, have a seat,” Tang Shen said.

Lu Shen cast a glance at Tang Shen, silently moved to a chair, and sat down.

Tang Shen said, “I was supposed to arrive in Youzhou last month, which must have kept General Lu waiting for an entire month.”

“You’re too kind, Imperial Envoy,” Lu Shen replied.

Tang Shen continued, “What has General Lu been up to over the past month?”

Lu Shen replied, “After receiving the imperial decree, I led troops to the Silver Pull Division to secure its safety and assist the envoy in inspecting the office.”

Tang Shen was surprised. “You’ve already been to the Silver Pull Divison?”

“Yes,” Lu Shen replied curtly.

Tang Shen furrowed his brows slightly, studying Lu Shen.

Lu Shen explained, “I brought eight soldiers to meet the envoy today and left ten stationed at the Silver Pull Division. To be honest, I wasn’t given much detail about my task when I received the decree a month ago. I await the envoy’s instructions.”

Tang Shen replied, “I must first meet with Su daren to discuss matters before making any decisions. General Lu, you may return for now.”

Lu Shen stood, cupped his hands in a slight bow at Tang Shen, and left without a word.

Once Lu Shen was gone, Tang Shen sighed heavily.

This Youzhou City was no less treacherous than the perilous Cizhou of years past—a veritable dragon’s den and tiger’s lair!

Tang Shen, now a fourth-rank Palace Secretariat official, was no longer the lowly chamberlain of years past. Not only had his rank risen, but he had also become one of the emperor’s trusted aides in Qinzheng Hall. His mission in Youzhou was not like his earlier one in Cizhou, where he was merely a pawn to spy and deflect trouble. This time, he had been sent to accomplish something significant.

Emperor Zhao Fu wouldn’t send him into such a dangerous mission alone. He issued a decree assigning Tang Shen an assistant from the Youzhou military camp: Lu Shen, a sixth-rank deputy general.

Upon meeting Lu Shen, Tang Shen could tell the man held some resentment toward him. This puzzled Tang Shen. They had never met before and had no prior grievances, so why the hostility? After much deliberation, Tang Shen concluded, Perhaps he doesn’t want this assignment? He shook his head with a wry smile.

Whatever the reason, his first day in Youzhou had already led to friction with his subordinates!

Fortunately, Tang Shen didn’t have to wait long. By evening, another visitor arrived at the posthouse. This time, it wasn’t one of Youzhou’s many military officials but an actual civil official.

Upon meeting Tang Shen, the visitor first bowed and introduced himself with a smile: “This lower official, Lin Xu, Director of the Silver Pull Division, greets Tang daren. I heard you had arrived earlier, but the busy affairs at the office kept me occupied. I’ve only now found time to pay my respects.”

Tang Shen was surprised. “So, it’s Lin daren. What brings you here?”

If Li Jingde had come out of familiarity and Lu Shen out of obligation, Tang Shen couldn’t fathom Lin Xu’s intentions.

Lin Xu smiled faintly, lowered his voice, and said mysteriously, “When I was stationed in Shengjing, I had the honor of meeting Minister Wang.”

“Minister Wang Quan, the Right Prime Minister?”

“No, Minister Wang Zhen of the Ministry of Revenue.”

Tang Shen’s lips parted slightly in surprise. He looked at Lin Xu, momentarily unsure how to respond.

Lin Xu continued with a smile, “I heard news of Tang daren‘s arrival before you came. Initially, I thought you’d arrive yesterday, so I hosted a banquet in your honor. However, a new shipment of military funds arrived today, keeping me too busy to greet daren at the city gate. It’s my fault entirely. If you’re unfamiliar with Youzhou, I’d be happy to show you around and provide any necessary explanations.”

Lin Xu’s claim to be associated with Wang Zhen convinced Tang Shen almost entirely. After all, someone who dared to make such a claim in Youzhou had to have a legitimate connection; otherwise, Wang Zhen would never allow him to hold such a position.

Tang Shen thought for a moment and asked, “Do you know anything about Lu Shen?”

Lin Xu’s expression turned slightly strange. “Of course I do.”

“What’s the matter? Is something amiss?”

Lin Xu replied with a wry smile, “That General Lu has been stationed at the Silver Pull Division for a month already with about twenty soldiers!”

Tang Shen coughed awkwardly, recounting Lu Shen’s earlier visit and adding, “…What exactly can you tell me about this Lu Shen?”

Lin Xu, sharp and perceptive as a subordinate of Wang Zhen, immediately understood Tang Shen’s concern: Lu Shen’s apparent hostility. He explained, “Tang daren, you may not know this, but General Lu’s behavior is to be expected. Do you know why? He isn’t a native Song citizen—he’s a gui zheng ren.” (TN: refer to chapter 79, a Han person returned to Song rule.)

Tang Shen’s brow furrowed slightly. “He is actually a gui zheng ren?”

“Precisely. Youzhou is unlike Shengjing or any other region in the Song Dynasty. The city has far more military officials than civil officials, and among those officials, gui zheng ren are particularly numerous. Lu Shen is one of the most famous among them—a troublemaker, to be precise.”

Lin Xu continued, “Before the Silver Pull Division was established, I had already been serving in Youzhou and am quite familiar with these military officials. Lu Shen, now forty-two years old, rose to his position as a sixth-rank deputy general due to his strength and bravery. However, his strategic acumen is lacking, so he hasn’t been entrusted with significant responsibilities. Despite this, he’s well-known, partly because he’s one of the few gui zheng ren who openly dislikes civil officials.”

Tang Shen asked, “He dislikes civil officials?”

“This is a long story, and I won’t bore you with the details. Suffice it to say, Lu Shen has clashed with Youzhou’s civil officials for years. I’ve had my own run-ins with him because he used to oversee the city gates. You can imagine the opportunities for personal gain that position offers. His dislike for you likely stems from two reasons: first, his general disdain for civil officials, particularly Song ones; and second, the fact that overseeing the gates was quite lucrative. Need I say more?”

Lin Xu left his explanation at that, leaving the unspoken meaning to be understood.

Tang Shen did not pursue the matter further. He sighed and said, “Lin daren, could you take me for a tour of Youzhou City?”

“Of course, daren. Please, this way.”

The two left the posthouse together.

Youzhou City, located in the northwest of the Song Dynasty, was a place where yellow sand filled the skies, leaving no trace of blue above.

As Tang Shen walked through the city, he noticed that most passersby had their hair wrapped in burlap cloth, regardless of gender. The sandstorms in Youzhou were so relentless that without such coverings, one’s hair would be caked in sand within a day. Having arrived unprepared, Tang Shen was reminded by Lin Xu to check his own hair. He ran a hand over it and found his palm covered with coarse grains of sand.

Lin Xu accompanied Tang Shen as they wandered around Youzhou City for half a day. As dusk fell, they returned to the posthouse.

“Tang daren, might you visit the Silver Pull Divison tomorrow?” Lin Xu asked.

“I was planning to.”

“Then I shall await you there.”

The two exchanged polite farewells.

When Tang Shen returned to the posthouse, the lanterns were already lit, and the full moon hung high in the sky. The spacious posthouse housed only a few workers: two attendants hunched over, sweeping the ground, and another government officer wearing a burlap head wrap, carefully watering the short trees in the courtyard. In a place like Youzhou, neglecting such chores would quickly result in a layer of fine sand covering everything.

As Tang Shen passed through the courtyard, he was about to enter his room when he suddenly stopped in his tracks.

Turning, he gazed at the worker watering the trees.

The man stood nearly six feet tall, lean and wiry, with his head and face wrapped in thick burlap, leaving only a pair of eyes visible. He was focused on his task, never glancing in Tang Shen’s direction. Yet upon closer observation, Tang Shen noticed the man’s striking almond-shaped eyes, sharp at the corners, and neatly defined brows visible beneath the wrappings. Despite the dim light and his bowed posture, the man exuded an unmistakable air of composure. His back was straight, unlike the stockier figures of the other workers sweeping the ground.

Tang Shen stood motionless at his doorway, staring at the man’s back for a long time.

Finally, he spoke. “Su daren, when did you arrive?”

The watering attendant paused. He turned his head slightly and chuckled. “And when did Tang daren realize it was me?”

Tang Shen maintained a neutral expression as he bowed. “This lower official, Tang Shen, greets Su daren.”

Su Wenyun casually tossed the watering can aside, letting it roll across the ground. Without removing the burlap covering his face, he walked up to Tang Shen’s door, meeting his gaze directly.

“I naturally arrived last month,” Su Wenyun said lightly. “Unlike you, Tang daren, who tarried in Shengjing for an extra month. Truly, you enjoy His Majesty’s favor, always managing to surprise with your actions.”

Ignoring the veiled sarcasm, Tang Shen asked, “Why is Su daren dressed like this?”

Su Wenyun did not answer. Instead, he clapped his hands and turned to leave for his room.

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After a brief silence, Tang Shen raised his voice. “Is Su daren here to spy on me?”

Su Wenyun stopped in his tracks, turned back, and looked at him with a puzzled expression. “What makes you think so?”

Tang Shen thought to himself, Who doesn’t know what kind of person Su Wenyun is? A high-ranking official of the third rank, the emperor’s confidant, and closer to the emperor than I could ever hope to be. Would someone like you stoop to wearing such shabby clothes and watering trees in a courtyard unless it was to monitor me?

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Tang Shen stretched out his hands to take the exquisite white jade from Wang Zhen.

Gold and silver have prices, but jade is priceless. Four years ago, Tang Shen had gifted Wang Zhen a rare and exquisite piece of jade, one he had spent considerable effort to find. However, compared to the piece Wang Zhen was now giving him, it paled in comparison.

In his hands, the white jade felt warm to the touch, smooth and delicate. When tilted, a lustrous glow danced on its surface, reminiscent of a tiny white dragon. Although Tang Shen was no jade expert, he could tell this was a superior piece, masterfully crafted. The design depicted “Flowing Clouds of Fortune,” with layers of clouds resembling ruyi, symbolizing longevity and auspiciousness. (TN: ruyi is a Chinese curved decorative object that serves as either a ceremonial scepter in Chinese Buddhism or a talisman symbolizing power and good fortune in Chinese folklore)

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“Senior Brother, this gift is too precious—I hardly dare accept it,” Tang Shen said, feigning hesitation out of politeness.

Wang Zhen replied, “I don’t gift you something this good for every birthday.”

Tang Shen was taken aback. “Ah?”

Wait a moment, this isn’t how it’s supposed to go.

Normally, wasn’t the expected response, ‘Junior Brother, don’t worry, just accept it’? Why was Wang Zhen changing the script now?

Wang Zhen concealed a smile. “This year is your coming-of-age ceremony.”

The implication was clear: while his previous birthday gifts were good, they weren’t this good. This year was special because it marked his adulthood. Next year, the gifts would return to their usual standard.

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen sighed in mock frustration. “Senior Brother, coming from the wealthy Wang clan of Langya, you’re still so stingy.”

Wang Zhen snapped open his folding fan with a crisp sound and retorted naturally, “I haven’t yet inherited the Wang family estate. Besides, even if I do, Junior Brother, are you hoping to claim a share of the inheritance?”

Tang Shen: “???”

How did we end up talking about this?

Admitting defeat, Tang Shen knew he couldn’t outtalk Wang Zhen. Only occasionally could he play dumb or act childish to brush over things. Resigned, he quickly accepted the jade, lest Wang Zhen find an excuse to take it back and tease him further.

Seeing Tang Shen’s swift action, Wang Zhen found it amusing and endearing, lingering on his Junior Brother with a gentle gaze.

Noticing the stare, Tang Shen asked, “Senior Brother, why are you looking at me like that?”

Wang Zhen replied, “Is Junior Brother in such a hurry to keep the jade because you’re afraid I’ll take it back?”

Tang Shen thought, You already know the answer, so why ask?

With a mock sigh, Wang Zhen added, “To think that’s how you view me. It’s late; I won’t bother you further. I’ll take my leave.” He feigned a hurt expression and turned to leave.

Caught off guard, Tang Shen wasn’t sure if Wang Zhen was genuinely upset or just teasing him again. He couldn’t risk creating a rift, so he quickly grabbed Wang Zhen’s sleeve. Wang Zhen paused, looking at the hand tugging his robe.

Tang Shen said earnestly, “Senior Brother is like a deity to me. You know how much I revere you—please don’t say such things!”

Flattery never failed, and it was the safest move.

As expected, Wang Zhen’s expression softened. He responded meaningfully, “Revere me?”

Tang Shen blurted,”My reverence for you is as endless as the flowing river, as unstoppable as a flood in the Yellow River.”

Wang Zhen froze for a moment, seemingly stunned by the barrage of exaggerated rainbow fart.

After a moment, he chuckled, folding his fan and lightly tapping Tang Shen on the head. The gesture was gentle, like an elder admonishing a child. “Too much is as bad as too little.”

Tang Shen immediately understood—this was a warning to tone down the flattery next time. Overdoing it was not effective.

He nodded. “…Understood.”

Wang Zhen added with a faint smile, “But in the future, you could revere me a bit more—or perhaps not just revere me.”

Tang Shen lifted his head. “Ah?”

Wang Zhen glanced at him, smiled enigmatically, and left without further explanation.

After seeing Wang Zhen off, Tang Shen returned to his study, mulling over those cryptic words.

“Revere you more? Not just revere?” Tang Shen frowned, racking his brain. After a long while, he sighed. “Wang Zifeng, you’re so shameless. What do you mean, ‘not just revere? Do you want me to worship you like a deity?”

On second thought, if he really had a father figure like Wang Zhen, life might indeed be much easier.

Shaking his head to dismiss the thought, Tang Shen’s expression turned serious as he gazed at a corner of his bookshelf. Picking up the oil lamp from his desk, he walked over, straightening the disarrayed books. Behind them, he ran his fingers over the wall, revealing a hidden compartment.

This secret compartment had been custom-made on Tang Shen’s orders. Its mechanism was intricate, taking even Tang Shen several minutes to open.

Inside were stacks of documents and books.

Sitting at his desk, Tang Shen calmly spread out the papers and began reading.

These were intelligence files he had painstakingly collected over the past four years. From the Daily Records of Emperor Kaiping Zhao Fu to less classified dossiers from the Court of Judicial Review, Tang Shen had leveraged his position as a fourth-rank official to access these materials. Over four years, he had pieced together fragments of information related to the crown prince’s coup thirty-one years ago.

Some truths were undeniable—for instance, the crown prince could not have staged the coup. If the crown prince had truly rebelled, only to be killed by Emperor Zhao Fu, his loyal supporters, like Liang Song, would never have willingly sacrificed themselves. The mass suicides of prominent scholars five years ago were a clear message: the coup had a deeper conspiracy!

Tang Shen strongly suspected that the mastermind behind it all was Emperor Kaiping Zhao Fu himself.

But beyond that?

How had Zhao Fu, merely the second prince at the time, orchestrated such a grand scheme to topple the powerful crown prince and the influential Songqing Party?

“Wang Zifeng… did he discover anything?”

Meanwhile, back at the Minister Residence, Wang Zhen set down the books he had brought from Tang Shen’s home. He sat silently, gazing at the stack of books, his thoughts drifting far away.

After a long while, he picked up the miscellaneous book. These books he had already read back in the Tanhua Residence. At a young age, he had always had an eidetic memory, so looking at the contents now, he could recall every single word.

However, he still slowly turned the pages again. Although his gaze remained on the book, his thoughts had flown far away.

After an unknown amount of time, a sigh sounded in the study.

An hour later, Wang Zhen handed a sealed letter to his page boy. “Deliver this to the Wang family in Jinling.”

The page boy hesitated. “Gongzi, it’s late, and the city is under curfew. Should we send it tomorrow?”

“Take the Ministry of Revenue’s clearance letter. Deliver it tonight.”

“Understood.”

On March 14th, Tang Shen departed Shengjing.

This journey to Youzhou was accompanied only by his page boy, Feng Bi. The carriage clattered out of the city gates, heading northwest.

The journey from Shengjing to Youzhou took one and a half days on horseback, but traveling by carriage required five to six days. The carriage was incomparable to modern vehicles and the bumpy dirt roads were nothing like modern paved ones either, leaving Tang Shen sore and exhausted.

That evening, as he wrote a letter home, he added a postscript:

“…The task entrusted to Yao San is of utmost importance. Treat it as a top priority.”

After sealing the letter, Tang Shen stretched, muttering, “This road is not fit for travel!”

It is often said that when officials are exiled to desolate regions, they frequently die far from home, unable to return to their roots. This saying isn’t without merit. Exile itself is already a deeply depressing affair; for many, the emotional burden alone leads to despair, illness, and death. Even those with broad minds and optimistic spirits might not succumb to the idea of exile but could still fall victim to the arduous journey—one akin to facing eighty-one tribulations. It’s not unheard of for weaker individuals to perish before even reaching their posts.

The page boy Feng Bi respectfully remarked, “Gongzi, now that the new official road has been completed, the journey to Youzhou is much smoother.”

Tang Shen let out a sigh.

Indeed, if Zhao Fu hadn’t ordered the construction of this road, the journey to Youzhou would have been even more treacherous.

Six days later, Tang Shen arrived in Youzhou.

It was already March, and Shengjing was full of budding willows and vibrant spring colors. However, in Youzhou City, far in the northwest of the Song Dynasty, the scene remained bleak and cold. The wind carried sand and felt like a scraping knife, stinging the skin sharply. Due to the harsh chill Tang Shen was clad in a thick winter robe as he entered the city quietly.

Tang Shen’s arrival stirred no immediate commotion among the officials, but the news of his presence swiftly reached the Youzhou Prefecture office.

The governor of Youzhou, Ji Zhaosi, was a jinshi from the sixth year of the Kaiping era. The governor of Youzhou was a fourth-rank civil official, but he wasn’t the highest-ranking figure in the city. That distinction belonged to the one and only Grand Marshal of All Military Forces, Grand Preceptor Zhou!

The Song Dynasty had abolished the Three Departments system of the previous era and no longer officially appointed Grand Preceptors. Since the founding of the dynasty, only three individuals had been posthumously honored with the title, granted as a posthumous accolade. However, the Grand Marshal of All Military Forces was different—he was the only living person in over a hundred years to bear the unofficial title of Grand Preceptor.

In the tenth year of the Kaiping era, the Grand Marshal led the army to a decisive victory against the Liao forces, securing a peace treaty between the two nations.

Zhao Fu was overjoyed and personally went out of the capital to greet the Grand Marshal upon his triumphant return. He even vowed that the Grand Marshal would be posthumously conferred the title of Grand Preceptor. Although the Grand Marshal was not yet officially titled as such, it was essentially a foregone conclusion.

While most civil officials in Youzhou held low ranks, its military officials boasted ranks of considerable prestige. However, the Grand Marshal rarely stopped into Youzhou City, as he spent most of his time in the military camp.

Tang Shen arrived at the Youzhou posthouse, where officials had already been waiting to receive him. Just as he settled in, a posthouse officer reported that someone had come to visit him.

Tang Shen was taken aback. When he met the visitor, he quickly stepped forward and offered a salute.

“This lower official greets the General of the Western Expedition.”

Li Jingde, dressed in military attire with a hawk-feathered cap, long boots, and a white cape draped over his shoulders, exuded a valiant air. The only thing slightly distracting was his full beard. Seeing Tang Shen, Li Jingde laughed heartily and said, “Why is Tang daren still so formal with me? No need for such courtesy. I heard the news of your arrival in Youzhou and came straight from the camp to see you. How have you been?”

Tang Shen replied, “Thank you for your concern, General. All is well.”

Li Jingde laughed. “Back in Shengjing, that wasn’t my territory, so I could only trouble you to look after me. Now that you’re in Youzhou, this is my domain. If anything arises, just mention my name. You have nothing to worry about.”

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Tang Shen’s lips twitched slightly. I’m here to oversee the Silver Pull Division, not to commit crimes or wreak havoc—what kind of trouble could I possibly get into?

Though he thought this, he politely responded, “Thank you, General, for your kindness!”

Li Jingde waved his hand in a carefree manner. “Ah, there’s no need for such formality!”

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