Tang Shen’s heart suddenly skipped a beat. He raised his hand blankly, touching his forehead.  

Wang Zhen said he was “bold because of favoritism”… Could it be that he really crossed the line?  

But looking at Wang Zifeng’s cheerful demeanor, it didn’t seem like he was actually upset.  

“…Senior Brother.”  

“Yes?”  

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Tang Shen hesitated for a long time, unsure of what to say. Should he insist that he wasn’t acting bold because of favoritism? Should he admit he misspoke and promise to be more careful in the future? Yet, the phrase “bold because of favoritism” was so embarrassing he couldn’t even bring himself to say it. After a long silence, Tang Shen finally said, “Senior Brother, it seems… it’s my turn to play.”  

The clean and handsome young man gazed at him seriously with bright, clear eyes.  

After a moment, Wang Zhen said, “Alright.”  

Tang Shen let out a sigh of relief.  

The two resumed their game.  

Wang Zhen didn’t mention the Liao court again, but the few brief remarks he had made earlier were enough for Tang Shen to picture the turbulent undercurrents of Liao politics. The court of Liao was not as iron-blooded and rigid as its military. For one, its officials were divided into Northern and Southern factions.  

Northern officials, numerous and mostly from noble or tribal backgrounds, held the majority of power. Southern officials, tasked with handling interactions with Song, were fewer in number but still a significant force. Beyond this, Tang Shen had already encountered Liao’s third prince, Yelü Han.  

Yelü Han was courageous but lacked wisdom. From Wang Zhen’s words, the competition among Liao’s first, second, and third princes mirrored the clash of black and white pieces on a chessboard.  

Struggles for power among princes were inevitable throughout history. Similarly, the contention and suppression among influential officials and factions were common occurrences. However, for the first time, Tang Shen realized that the Song Dynasty, too, had many princes and factions. Yet, the Song had Emperor Zhao Fu.  

The second prince, Zhao Shang, tasked with receiving the Liao emissary this time, was no fool. He had been biding his time and had repeatedly outmaneuvered the Liao envoy during negotiations. Above him, the crown prince, Zhao Jing, was also renowned for his talents, once praised by Hanlin Academy’s Grand Secretary Zhou for his calligraphy.  

In addition, the court was filled with aristocratic officials, scholars who rose up from humble backgrounds, aging powerholders, and ambitious newcomers—all like black and white pieces locked in combat.  

Yet, everything remained under Zhao Fu’s control.  

No matter the reasons behind Zhao Fu’s strategies, his arrangements had led to a Song Dynasty free of internal strife.  

Tang Shen felt a mix of emotions, sighing inwardly as he lowered his head and focused on the game.  

Tang Shen said, “The contradictions within Liao’s court and palace are a timely boon for the Song. If leveraged properly, it could be a brilliant strategy.” Returning to the earlier topic, this was the conclusion Tang Shen had reached.  

After making his move, Wang Zhen seemed to only then hear Tang Shen’s comment. He looked at Tang Shen with slight surprise and asked, “Aren’t we playing chess, Junior Brother? Why suddenly bring up Liao’s affairs? Little Junior Brother truly cares for the nation, never forgetting its concerns—even after office hours and during a game of chess. Such a pillar of talent should not be buried.”  

Tang Shen thought to himself: I am a fourth-ranked attendant secretary in Qinzheng Hall. Even the governor of Gusu has to bow and scrape when I visit my hometown. Yet say I am buried?  

“But you’re still a bit too young,” Wang Zhen added.  

Naturally, Tang Shen didn’t mind his meteoric rise. In fact, he wouldn’t object to becoming Grand Chancellor in Qinzheng Hall next year. However, if he could take over Su Wenyun’s position as fourth-rank Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, then he didn’t mind whether he could advance another rank or gain a noble title.  

Though only a fourth-rank post, the Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review oversaw all criminal cases in the empire.  

As Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review, investigating certain matters would be much easier. This was why Tang Shen had initially sought to build rapport with Su Wenyun. Unfortunately, the Cizhou incident had soured Su Wenyun’s opinion of him, making future collaboration difficult.  

With a resigned shake of his head, Tang Shen continued the game. Unsurprisingly, Wang Zhen claimed another resounding victory.  

Donning his fox-fur cloak, Tang Shen bade farewell to Wang Zhen and prepared to head home.  

Wang Zhen said, “Little Junior Brother, why not leave a court robe at my residence next time? That way, you won’t have to go home every day just to change before court.”  

Winter’s chill made Tang Shen’s daily carriage rides back home inconvenient. Leaving court attire at Wang Zhen’s residence would allow him to rest there and avoid unnecessary trips. After some thought, he replied, “Then I’ll bring a set next time to leave with Senior Brother.”  

Wang Zhen, holding a lantern, escorted Tang Shen to the gate.  

The sight of the lantern reminded Tang Shen of Wang Zifeng’s self-praise: “I’m a worthy man who is hard to find even with a lantern in hand.” He couldn’t help but chuckle.  

Just then, Wang Zhen spoke: “Little Junior Brother, you are only nineteen, already holding a fourth-rank post. Advancing further within two years, without great achievements, is near impossible.”  

Of course Tang Shen knew, he replied, “Senior Brother misunderstands. I am not a man who covets fame and fortune.”  

“I can, however, point you to a clear path. Achieving second-rank status within five years is entirely possible.”  

Tang Shen’s eyes widened. “Senior Brother?” There was such a method?  

Holding the lantern, Wang Zhen smiled. “It’s simple—sever all ties with me. Go your way, and I’ll go mine. From then on, we’ll have no further connections.”  

Tang Shen: “…”  

Though it sounded like a jest, the more Tang Shen thought about it, the more his scalp tingled.  

Wang Zhen wasn’t entirely joking.  

Tang Shen was favored by the emperor and had risen to Qinzheng Hall within three years. With his good relationship with Wang Zhen, his future was bright, and he might even reach second-rank status within ten years. But to become a powerful minister within five years, severing ties with Wang Zhen would indeed be the quickest route.  

If Tang Shen opposed Wang Zhen and remained estranged from Su Wenyun, the emperor would view him as an ideal counterbalance to the two. This would prompt Zhao Fu to elevate and empower Tang Shen, turning him into a genuine rival to Wang Zhen and Su Wenyun.  

Yet…  

Tang Shen said, “Senior Brother, such words wound me. Everyone has their path. As they say, ‘Do your best and leave the rest to fate.’ I have never harbored such intentions toward you. Senior Brother, you are my senior brother. As I said earlier, Senior Brother Zi Feng, I am not a man who covets fame and fortune.”  

In essence: I don’t want to use you.  

Perhaps initially, Tang Shen had seen Wang Zifeng as a stepping stone. But now, he deeply respected and admired this man, truly treating him as his guiding light.  

Liang Song had been his childhood mentor, but Wang Zhen was the teacher who had led him into the vast, intricate world of officialdom.  

Only now did Tang Shen realize he had grown accustomed to looking up to Wang Zhen, to having this senior brother who was both a mentor and a friend by his side. He trusted Wang Zhen so deeply that he was even willing to stake his life on him.  

That night at the Chizhou posthouse, amidst chaos and danger, when Wang Zhen opened the woodshed door to rescue him, everything changed.  

To Tang Shen, this senior brother was no longer a mere stepping stone but a once-in-a-lifetime confidant.  

With cupped hands, Tang Shen said, “That’s all I have to say. Senior Brother, I’ll take my leave now.” 

Wang Zhen stood frozen in place.  

Tang Shen adjusted his cloak, boarded the carriage, and let the driver take him back to the Tanhua Residence.  

Behind him, Wang Zhen held the lantern, watching from afar with a gaze deep and lingering.  

After a long while, the steward approached and said, “Gongzi, the night wind is strong. You should return indoors.”  

Wang Zhen murmured, “Look at him, always stirring my heart.”  

The steward didn’t know how to respond. He had overheard the earlier conversation between Wang Zhen and Tang Shen. Having practically watched Wang Zhen grow up, the steward knew that Tang Shen interpreted Wang Zhen’s words as mere teasing or perhaps a subtle test of his loyalty. But the steward understood—Wang Zhen wasn’t probing for disloyalty. He was searching for his position in his junior brother’s heart.  

Seeing such a cautious yet earnest young master, the steward couldn’t help but feel a pang of sympathy.  

Bowing his head slightly, the steward gently urged, “Gongzi, it’s time to head back.”  

Wang Zhen let out a long sigh. His voice, carried away by the fierce winter wind, was tinged with infinite longing and melancholy.  

But Wang Zhen didn’t have to wait long. Two days later, Tang Shen arrived at the Minister Residence with a lantern in hand.  

When Wang Zhen looked up at him, Tang Shen awkwardly said, “Senior Brother, you’re like a rare gem—a man one could never find even with a lantern in hand. Please don’t be upset with me.”  

Wang Zhen slowly broke into a smile. “When was I ever upset with you?”  

Tang Shen hesitated. “You weren’t?”  

Wang Zhen chuckled. “Come, let’s play a game of chess.”  

Tang Shen sighed inwardly. Not upset? Then why the chess as punishment?  

Little did Tang Shen know that Wang Zhen had simply been setting up a chessboard when he arrived. The timing was purely coincidental, though Tang Shen’s overthinking made him grumble internally.  

After playing a few rounds, Wang Zhen asked, “Did you bring your court attire?”  

Tang Shen paused, then admitted, “I forgot.”  

“Next time, then.”  

“Okay.”  

As the game concluded, Tang Shen coughed lightly and explained the reason for his visit. “Senior Brother, you oversee the Silver Pull Division. How is the progress of its tasks?”  

Wang Zhen looked up at him. “Why the sudden interest in the Silver Pull Division?”  

After a moment of hesitation, Tang Shen decided to share his thoughts candidly. “Recently, General Li spoke to me about the matter of maintaining an army. Senior Brother, the Liao have always coveted our Song Dynasty. Any strategy against them feels like a temporary fix—unable to address the root cause. Our fear of the Liao lies not in their numbers but in their formidable cavalry. Recently, you mentioned the internal strife within Liao. It occurred to me that all conflicts in the world ultimately boil down to the exchange of pieces.” (TN: The term “exchange of pieces” is used in chess or similar board games. It refers to the act of trading pieces of equal value between players, often as a strategic move to simplify the board or gain positional advantages.)

Ten days later, a treaty was reached between the Song and Liao Dynasties, concluding the confrontation outside Youzhou City in the 30th year of Kaiping. Both sides made concessions.  

The Liao sought monetary compensation, which the Song Dynasty could afford. In exchange, the Song negotiated for the release of hostages and permission to purchase a batch of Ferghana horses—a rare and highly prized breed.  

However, Liao envoy Yelü Qin made an additional demand that shocked the entire Song court.  

Yelü Qin stated, “Our Liao Emperor has long heard that the Song produces beautiful women—gentle, elegant beauties. Thus, one purpose of my mission is to request a Song princess for marriage to our emperor.”  

The next morning in court, the ministers were in an uproar.  

Seated high on the throne, Zhao Fu remarked, “Fair maidens are indeed sought by noble men. Our Song women are known for their grace, even recognized by the Liao Emperor. It’s truly a pity that I don’t have a princess of marriageable age. Ministers, what do you suggest we do?”  

Tang Shen knew Zhao Fu wasn’t particularly concerned about sending his daughter to marry the Liao emperor. Despite saying “what a pity,” he was indifferent. However, many officials were deeply worried for their own daughters.  

For a time, noble families and court officials were filled with unease.  

On his day off, Tang Shen visited Xixia Tower, only to encounter an unexpected figure.  

Stepping forward, Tang Shen saluted and said, “Tang Shen greets the Heir Apparent of Prince Jing. May I ask why the Heir is here?”  

The man was none other than Zhao Qiong, Heir Apparent of Prince Jing.  

Zhao Qiong raised his wine cup and gave a bitter smile. “Drowning my sorrows… only to find they multiply! Tang Shen, you must have heard about the Liao emperor’s proposal to marry a Song princess, right?”  

Tang Shen took a seat. “I’m one of the officials responsible for receiving the Liao envoy.”  

Zhao Qiong sighed heavily. “His Majesty has no suitable daughters, so naturally, they’ll look to the daughters of imperial relatives. If none are chosen—or if His Majesty wishes to spare the imperial family—they’ll turn to officials’ families, select a suitable girl, and bestow her the title of princess before sending her away.”  

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Selecting from officials’ families was common, as such girls were often unrelated to the imperial lineage and thus deemed expendable. But Zhao Fu was not a sentimental ruler; sending his own daughter or a niece didn’t seem to bother him.  

Zhao Qiong lamented, “My younger sister is only seventeen, deeply cherished by our family. We had hoped to keep her home for a few more years, but now she’s at risk, unmarried as she is!”

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“Who said His Majesty scolded me so thoroughly? Wang Zifeng, were you eavesdropping from the rafters to hear it with your own ears?” General Li, initially embarrassed and annoyed, quickly recovered and declared confidently, “Do your words make it true? His Majesty summoned me to reward my great victory over the Liao army. What would you even understand?”

Wang Zhen approached, exchanging a glance with Tang Shen.

Tang Shen’s look conveyed, Senior Brother, he insulted you earlier. I didn’t respond, so it’s none of my business.

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Wang Zhen smiled. Tang Shen couldn’t decipher its meaning but figured that their close relationship meant Wang wouldn’t hold a grudge.

With a leisurely smile, Wang Zhen asked, “Since General Li claims His Majesty rewarded you, where is the reward?”

Li Jingde: “…”

You useless civil officials are all the same—no good apples among you!

Waving his hand forcefully, Li Jingde strode away. “I’m leaving; this is boring.”

His dashing figure disappeared into the garden of Qinzheng Hall, but Tang Shen couldn’t help feeling that the general’s retreat seemed a bit hasty. Li Jingde could talk back to other civil officials, even daring to ambush and beat up Minister Meng Lang of the Ministry of Rites late at night. But when it came to Wang Zifeng, he didn’t dare. The Ministry of Revenue controlled the army’s funds, and Li Jingde’s past attempts to oppose Wang Zifeng hadn’t ended well.

The wise recognize opportunities, and Li Jingde, being a man of his time, naturally knew when to yield.

Wang Zhen had merely been passing by. He hadn’t been following Tang Shen or Li Jingde but had overheard his name mentioned while walking through the garden, prompting him to stop and listen for a moment.

Looking at Tang Shen with a calm gaze and dignified demeanor, Wang Zhen asked, “How is Meng daren managing?”

He referred to Meng Lang’s negotiations with the Liao delegation. Tang Shen replied, “Meng daren and Yu daren are working in harmony; things are going smoothly.”

Wang Zhen nodded. “One must have a good New Year.”

Tang Shen caught on. “Senior Brother, you mean…”

Wang Zhen smiled. “Little Junior Brother, will you come to the Minister Residence for drinks tonight?”

With Meng Lang hosting the Liao delegation, Tang Shen had been idle and was just thinking of strengthening ties with Wang Zhen. Hearing this, he promptly agreed, “Sure, I’ll trouble you again, Senior Brother.”

That evening, as dusk fell early in Shengjing during the twelfth lunar month, government officials departed their offices with lanterns in hand. Tang Shen returned home, changed into casual clothes, and headed to the Minister Residence. The chef there had prepared a table of Jiangnan cuisine. Although Tang Shen hadn’t liked the mild flavors of Jiangnan dishes in his past life, he had no choice but to eat them when visiting Wang Zhen. Over time, thanks to the chef’s exquisite skills, Tang Shen’s palate had gradually adjusted.

After dinner, Tang Shen anticipated his senior brother’s cultured hobbies. Ancient recreational activities weren’t as limited as modern people might think but weren’t abundant either. Most people would go to bed early due to the expense of candles and oil lamps. For entertainment, some played games like hit-the-horse or card games, while others engaged in more refined pastimes like music, calligraphy, painting, or chess.

Wang Zhen excelled in all these refined arts. As his semi-student, Tang Shen had picked up bits of each skill under his influence.

The two went to the study, where an unfinished game of Go from two weeks ago awaited them.

Seeing the board, Tang Shen immediately felt overwhelmed. He surrendered on the spot. “Senior Brother, I’ve lost.”

Wang Zhen was surprised. “The game isn’t over. Why say you’ve lost?”

“With your skill, it’s obvious I’ve lost. Let’s start a new game instead.”

Wang Zhen sighed. “Little Junior Brother, you’re too self-deprecating.” He began resetting the board. “Then let’s play a new round.”

Tang Shen thought, why must you insist on crushing me completely? What kind of twisted pleasure is this?

In the past, whenever Tang Shen played chess with Wang Zhen, they always played as equals, a style known as opponent chess, where both players were of similar skill levels, and no handicap was given. But today, Tang Shen said, “Senior Brother, I’d like to play handicap chess. How about you give me a five-piece advantage?”

Handicap chess meant that the weaker player would play as Black and move first. Additionally, Tang Shen wanted Wang Zhen to give him a five-piece head start.

Wang Zhen was surprised and asked, “Why do you want to play handicap chess, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen replied, “…When it comes to chess, I’m no match for you, Senior Brother. We should have been playing handicap chess all along.”

Wang Zhen said, “I don’t think so.”

Tang Shen: “…”

 “Senior Brother, I insist. Let me have a five-piece advantage.”

Wang Zhen stared at Tang Shen for a moment, then smiled and said, “It’s out of respect for you, little Junior Brother, that I believe we should continue to play as equals.”

Tang Shen thought, I feel that you should respect me in other ways, like helping me get promoted. But for chess? Please spare me. However, he couldn’t voice that thought. Wang Zifeng’s casual words carried deeper meaning, and Tang Shen carefully weighed his response.

Wang Zifeng’s comment wasn’t just about the game but also their relationship and standings.

After some thought, the nineteen-year-old Tang Shen replied, “Senior Brother, I’m nine years younger than you and haven’t even come of age yet. Can’t you indulge me a little?” His words carried a hint of childish pleading, and he wasn’t wrong. At nineteen, Tang Shen was technically still a minor in this era.

Wang Zhen was momentarily stunned, then laughed. He stared blankly at Tang Shen. After a long while, he let out a slow sigh, his tone tinged with melancholy. “Jing Ze, you’ve truly…” His voice trailed off.

Tang Shen asked, “Truly what?”

Wang Zhen picked up the white stones. “Fine, let’s play a handicap game.”

Tang Shen: “???” What did you stop yourself from saying?

Wang Zhen said no more, and Tang Shen didn’t press him. Judging by Wang Zhen’s attitude, it likely wasn’t something bad.

With a five-piece handicap, Tang Shen finally managed to put up a decent fight. He won the first round by three points but soon lost momentum. Wang Zhen dismantled three of his lines in quick succession, taking the lead.

Chess mirrors life.

Long ago, Tang Shen’s mentor, Liang Song, had told him this during his first serious game of Go. A person’s true character often reveals itself in their playstyle. For example, Liang Song’s moves were steady and conservative, while Fu Wei, whom Tang Shen had played once, was unpredictable and abandoned the game halfway, muttering, “Jing Ze, your chess is atrocious!”

But with Wang Zhen, Tang Shen could never grasp his personality. Sometimes steady as a mountain, other times daring and risky, Wang Zhen was like a tiger resting by a calm lake—noble and serene until awakened, roaring through the forest. 

Just as his opponent was still reeling in shock, he calmly and effortlessly collected a group of white pieces. Turning to Tang Shen, he gave a gentle smile and said, “Little Junior Brother.”

Moments later, Tang Shen realized he’d lost again.

“Senior Brother, your skill far surpasses mine.” This was half flattery, half genuine admiration.

“And yet, little Junior Brother, you haven’t come of age yet. In nine years, I might not match you.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Seriously? Wang Zifeng, why are you holding a grudge over that earlier comment?

This could not be brushed aside. Sensing Wang Zhen’s sensitivity over this topic, Tang Shen quickly said, “Senior Brother, I never said you were old.”

“En?”

“You’re in your prime—graceful and distinguished.” Tang Shen earnestly added, “In my eyes, you’re truly a god among men in the Song court and all its officials!”

Only twenty-eight, yet already a powerful minister of the nation—he’d undoubtedly be considered a promising young talent in later generations.

Tang Shen had once entertained a thought.

Tang Huang was now fifteen and at an age where marriage could be discussed. If one put aside Tang Huang’s personal preferences and let Tang Shen choose, who would be the best match in the Song Dynasty?

From a political perspective, it wouldn’t be Su Wenyun, who was twenty-five this year, but Wang Zifeng, who was already twenty-eight!  

If one could marry Wang Zifeng, the future would indeed be smooth and worry-free for a lifetime.  

If not for the fact that he was a man, Tang Shen might have been tempted himself.

Wang Zifeng looked at Tang Shen from below his lashes, who returned his gaze with sincerity and a childlike expression. Wang Zifeng chuckled softly and set up another chessboard.

“Let’s play another round.”

Tang Shen silently accompanied his senior brother for another game.

“Life is like a game of chess.” A refined voice broke the silence, and Tang Shen raised his head in surprise to look at Wang Zifeng. While placing a white piece on the board, Wang Zifeng, his eyes lowered to the chessboard, said, “A chess game is also like life, like the ever-changing world, like the rise and fall of politics. Little Junior Brother, what have you observed in your meetings with the Liao envoys?”

Tang Shen straightened his posture and replied, “The Liao is a nation built on horseback, where all are soldiers, with strong horses and mighty troops. Perhaps, as General Li said, ten or twenty years from now, the Song Dynasty might also be able to train such an iron cavalry. But as of now, the Liao already possesses such a formidable force. However, due to the Liao’s political system, their court is not as stable as ours.”

“How so?”

“There is deep and irreconcilable conflict between their Southern and Northern officials.”

Wang Zifeng placed a piece on the board, capturing three of Tang Shen’s pieces. After collecting his captured pieces, he said, “You asked to play a handicap game, but little Junior Brother’s skills are clearly improving.”

Tang Shen pondered, is that a compliment?

He didn’t have long to mull it over before Wang Zifeng continued, “Southern officials are like you, playing a handicap game with black pieces. Northern officials are like me, holding most of the Liao’s territory with a vast and imposing presence.”

Tang Shen was startled. “Senior Brother, you’ve known this for a long time?”

Wang Zifeng responded, “The Silver Pull Division isn’t there for nothing.”

Tang Shen was shocked. “Besides matters related to ‘paper money,’ the division even secretly investigates Liao’s internal politics?”

Wang Zifeng gave him an odd look. “Little Junior Brother, mind your words. When did I ever say that?”

Tang Shen immediately closed his mouth.

“The Liao Crown Prince and Second Prince are like you—born into low status, playing black pieces and taking every advantage they can. The Third Prince, Yelü Han, is like me—born into nobility, supported by the Grand Preceptor and many Liao officials, yet foolish and inept, playing white and squandering his advantages.”

Tang Shen: “…”

Tang Shen: “Senior Brother, you just said the Silver Pull Bureau doesn’t investigate Liao politics.”

Wang Zifeng: “Did I?”

Tang Shen replied earnestly, “You did.”

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Wang Zifeng gazed at Tang Shen with a faint frown.

In the past, Tang Shen might have backtracked, pretending he had misspoken. But this time, he held Wang Zifeng’s gaze firmly, refusing to yield to his senior brother’s intimidating presence.

After a moment, Wang Zifeng suddenly laughed. He reached out and lightly tapped Tang Shen’s head with his finger, laughing heartily. “You’ve truly grown bold with favoritism!”

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Whether Wang Zifeng was impotent or not, Tang Shen naturally had no way of knowing.

After keeping the Liao emissaries waiting for five full days, the emperor hosted a banquet at Shengping Tower to entertain the Liao envoys. As the reception official, Tang Shen naturally attended the banquet.

At Shengping Tower, the sounds of music and dancing filled the air, and one could see the graceful figures in flowing celestial robes.

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Not all imperial family members and officials could sit at Shengping Tower to receive the Liao emissaries. At the banquet, only a few of the emperor’s favored princes, along with some first and second-rank officials, and the reception officials led by the Minister of Rites, Meng Lang, were present. Tang Shen sat at the back of the hall and from afar, he saw Zhao Fu, wearing a dragon robe, raising a cup and talking with the Third Prince of Liao, Yelü Han.

This was Yelü Han’s first time visiting Shengjing and meeting Zhao Fu. He had expected that the emperor of Song would be like his father, a strict and mighty ruler, someone whom ordinary people dared not look at directly, and who could immediately have someone beheaded for a single wrong word. However, Zhao Fu was surprisingly kind and even seemed to flatter him, which made Yelü Han puff out his chest.

Indeed, the Great Liao had a strong military, and its soldiers were invincible. The Song people must surely grovel and flatter in front of them. Even the Emperor of Song, what could he do? If the Liao iron cavalry marched south, Shengjing would be bloodily wiped out within a month.

Yelü Han thought this in his heart, but he was not foolish enough to show his disdain. He said to Zhao Fu: “Thank you, Your Majesty, for your care. I have been staying comfortably at the guesthouse, but it has been some time, and still, I have not met Your Majesty. It feels a bit strange. This morning, I was wondering if Your Majesty the Emperor of Song might be unwilling to meet with us?”

Zhao Fu was surprised: “How could the Third Prince have such a misunderstanding?” He turned to Meng Lang and said, “Minister Meng, I instructed you early on to attend to the Liao emissaries. How is it that the Liao envoys have such thoughts?”

Meng Lang secretly felt distressed. He stood up and glanced at Tang Shen.

Tang Shen was sitting at a very distant spot. Naturally, Wang Zhen was not beside him. Wang Zhen was sitting across from Meng Lang, calmly eating vegetables. But beside Tang Shen was another person! This second-rank general, with a fair face and sharp eyes, was staring at Meng Lang with fierce eyes, as if saying: “You’re pushing this difficult task onto me, are you trying to shirk responsibility again?”

Meng Lang was at a loss for words and could only sigh inwardly. He never expected that it was Tang Shen who had been assigned this task. What was Li Jingde doing here?

Wang Zifeng was someone who concealed his motives with a soft approach, and if today, he told Zhao Fu that he had entrusted the matter to Tang Shen, that it went wrong, it was Tang Shen’s fault. Wang Zifeng’s revenge would not be quick, but it would come slowly like the soft rain of the plum season, lingering for a month.

But Li Jingde was different. Once Li Jingde sought revenge, Meng Lang might be dragged out in a sack and beaten senseless in some deserted corner of the palace before he barely even exited the door of Shengping Tower.

Meng Lang sighed and said to Zhao Fu: “It is my fault, Your Majesty.”

Zhao Fu acted sternly: “You have neglected my guests, so you will be fined a month’s salary.”

Meng Lang: “I accept the punishment.”

Yelü Han had deliberately caused trouble to see if the Emperor of Song would punish one of his officials for the sake of the Liao emissaries. He did not care which official was punished. This was what his subordinate, Yelü Qin, had specifically instructed him to do before coming to Shengping Tower: Make the Song officials lose face, reduce their prestige, or it would be bad for the negotiations later.

Since Meng Lang had already been punished, Yelü Qin pretended to be considerate: “Your Majesty, it’s just a small matter, there is no need for such punishment.”

Zhao Fu smiled kindly, with a gentle demeanor: “The emissaries of Great Liao are my esteemed guests. How could I allow anyone to neglect them?”

Yelü Han felt pleased in his heart and stroked his beard, smiling. Behind him, Yelü Qin and Yelü Yin also looked at Zhao Fu with more contempt. Zhao Fu loved cultivating immortality and was always thinking about how to become an immortal, which was not a secret among the Liao officials. It now seemed that this Emperor of Song was indeed a foolish and incompetent ruler, unworthy of attention.

After the banquet at Shengping Tower ended, both sides had a pleasant conversation, and everyone was happy.

After Zhao Fu left Shengping Tower, the Song officials waited for the Liao emissaries to depart before leaving one by one.

Tang Shen and Li Jingde walked together, with Li Jingde still pretending to be his accompanying official. However, as soon as they stepped out of Shengping Tower, a eunuch stopped them. The young eunuch gave a slight bow and said: “Greetings to General Li and Tang daren. General Li, His Majesty has summoned you to the Immortal Ascension Platform. Please follow me.”

Li Jingde had shaved his beard, and almost no one recognized him, not even Meng Lang, until Li Jingde personally kicked him. But Zhao Fu’s sharp eyes were not so easily deceived.

Li Jingde touched his nose and said to Tang Shen: “I’ll go first.”

Tang Shen: “Please take care, General Li.”

Li Jingde followed the eunuch to the Immortal Ascension Platform.

The next day, Tang Shen did not see Li Jingde at Qinzheng Hall. Meng Lang led the officials to personally receive the Liao emissaries. They did not meet at Qinzheng Hall or in the palace but instead chose the Ministry of Rites. All the previous formalities and receptions now seemed meaningless. As soon as the Liao envoys arrived, they immediately demanded: “Regarding the recent battle at Youzhou, our Liao army suffered heavy losses. How will you, the Song, compensate us for this loss?”

Such an accusation was outrageous!

Tang Shen, after all, was young and had only been an official for three years. He wasn’t thick-skinned enough, so upon hearing this, he felt a bit indignant.

However, Meng Lang and Yu Chaosheng were experienced. One played the role of the “angry” official, while the other played the “mediator.”

Yu Chaosheng said: “What is this talk from Yelü daren? The two countries, Song and Liao, signed a peace agreement twenty years ago, agreeing not to go to war, to live in peace. This was signed by your previous emperor himself. Does this mean that now that the previous emperor has passed away, the agreement is invalid? Now that your Liao troops have attacked Youzhou, how can this be blamed on the Song Dynasty? We have yet to settle this account with you!”

Yelü Qin sneered: “You still dare to mention our Liao’s previous emperor? The previous emperor was merciful and signed a peace treaty with your Song. But what has your Song Dynasty done in the past twenty years? Two months ago, a Liao official was killed on your land. You owe us an explanation!”

Just as Yu Chaosheng was about to retort, Meng Lang intervened to mediate: “Yu daren, what are you saying? Since the Liao Emperor sent emissaries and the Third Prince himself came, they must be sincere in negotiating with us…”

For two whole days, both sides quarreled about who was responsible for the Youzhou battle.

On the third day, the Liao were willing to make a concession. This was not because they had a sudden change of heart and were no longer shamelessly shifting all the blame onto the Song, but because on the northwest front, the Song army had launched a night raid, attacking the Liao camp and achieving a major victory. The Liao now realized that the Song Dynasty might not be as weak as they had thought. Twenty years ago, this country had defeated them.

The matter of negotiation was something Tang Shen could not interfere with. Just to make Liao admit their own mistakes took three whole days, with numerous Song soldiers losing their lives.

Tang Shen stood in the room, listening to Meng Lang and Yu Chaosheng recount the numbers.

These numbers were just cold facts, but beneath these silent numbers were the lives of countless people.

The Song Dynasty was wealthier than the Liao, and could afford to fight a war. But Song soldiers were not as experienced as the Liao troops, who had fought on the grasslands for years. They had money, but war was not just about money; it was about military strength.

Tang Shen stood quietly, listening attentively to every word, his gaze calm and distant, silently observing the every move and expression of Yelü Han and the others.

In the afternoon, a government worker called Tang Shen out of the room. He walked to the back courtyard of the Ministry of Rites and found General Li Jingde already waiting there.

Tang Shen immediately walked over and saluted: “Lower official Tang Shen, greets General Li.”

After several days of absence, Li Jingde’s jaw was now covered with a faint stubble, suggesting he intended to grow out his beard into a full one. 

Li Jingde said, “Tang daren, why so formal with me? I came today to thank you. You’ve been taking care of me all this time, and I feel I’ve been a burden. Tomorrow, I’ll be returning to the Northwest. If I didn’t come today to express my gratitude, I wouldn’t get another chance.”

Tang Shen was surprised. “General Li, you’re returning to the Northwest?”

“Of course. The Liao army outside Youzhou is stirring; I must go back.”

Li Jingde’s eventual return was inevitable, but Tang Shen hadn’t expected it to be so soon. He was curious about what Zhao Fu had said to Li Jingde that night at the Immortal Ascension Platform but had no way to ask. Instead, he said, “Then I wish you a safe journey, General.”

Li Jingde waved his hand and laughed. “Haha, I’ll take your kind words. By the way, I’ve heard people say that Tang daren is quite wealthy?”

Tang Shen grew cautious, unsure of the intent behind this sudden remark.

“Don’t worry,” Li Jingde said. “I’m just making conversation. No matter how rich you are, can you be richer than that guy Wang Zifeng?” He smirked. “Don’t be fooled just because he’s your senior brother. I’d say this to his face: his family is loaded, and now he’s the Minister of Revenue, helping the court make money all day. Every time we go to war, I have to beg him for funds and endure his attitude. That guy is really something else!”

Tang Shen only smiled silently, thinking, tonight, I’ll be sure to pass along your message to my senior brother.

Li Jingde sighed. “I’m no good at anything other than fighting. I’ve spent half my life doing it, and it’s all I know. Sure, our Song soldiers aren’t as strong as the Liao’s now, but I promise you, in ten or twenty years, our cavalry will be no weaker than theirs! But during these ten years, every battle we fight will cost a fortune. Winning a battle costs even more. Making money is up to you lot!”

Under the sunlight, General Li’s confident and hearty smile lit up his face.

Tang Shen gazed at the young general for a long moment before saying, “General Li, there’s something I’ve been very curious about…”

“Go ahead.”

“That day when His Majesty called you to the Immortal Ascension Platform, was it because I implicated you with the task of accompanying me to the guesthouse to host the Liao envoys?”

Li Jingde’s expression instantly became rather colorful.

Tang Shen pressed, “General?”

“His Majesty probably scolded him thoroughly,” a clear, low voice interjected from behind them.

You c an fi nd t he la te st cha pte rs at ( th e bl mu se . c o m )

Tang Shen immediately turned to look and saw Wang Zifeng standing under a vibrant rose trellis, dressed in a deep red official robe. He held a folding fan in one hand, a faint, half-smile playing on his lips as he glanced at them. His gaze briefly settled on Li Jingde.

Li Jingde: “…”

Tang Shen laughed.

Well, it seems he didn’t need to deliver the message after all—Senior Brother already knows.

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