On the 15th of August, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works, Su Wenyun, returned to the capital to report on his duties.

Tang Shen, no longer serving at Qinzheng Hall, made a special visit to the Court of Judicial Review because of the matter concerning Cui Xiao, the cavalry officer from Jinling. Cui Xiao, being only a minor sixth-rank official, had already been impeached, with the formal accusation arriving from Jinling a few days prior. Normally, such a case would require three months of deliberation, during which Cui Xiao would remain in prison. However, upon Tang Shen’s request, the officials expedited the case, and it was immediately brought to trial.

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Upon leaving the Court of Judicial Review, Tang Shen encountered Su Wenyun.

Seeing Tang Shen, Su Wenyun was visibly surprised. Glancing at the plaque above the entrance to confirm he was indeed at the Court of Judicial Review and not mistakenly at the Censorate, he remarked sarcastically, “I thought I had entered the wrong place and arrived at the Censorate instead. I must congratulate Tang daren on your promotion to Court Gentleman Consultant. It’s been a while since we last met, and you seem to be in high spirits and quite at ease.”

Su Wenyun’s tone dripped with mockery, leaving Tang Shen puzzled as to how he had offended this troublesome figure once again.

Tang Shen saluted respectfully and said, “This lower official greets the esteemed Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Works.”

Su Wenyun replied with a smirk, “After enduring the winds and sands of the border, returning to Shengjing feels like a breath of fresh air. Does Tang daren share the same sentiment?”

Tang Shen lifted his head to meet Su Wenyun’s gaze. After a moment’s pause, he responded calmly, “Indeed, I feel the same. I wonder, since my departure, how the bandits that disrupted the peace outside Youzhou have been dealt with.”

Su Wenyun raised an eyebrow, “All matters have been resolved.”

Still polite, Tang Shen said, “Then, I shall take my leave.” With that, he turned and walked away without further ado.

This brief encounter marked their first meeting since both had returned to the capital.

After Tang Shen left, Su Wenyun handled his affairs for a few days before the thought of Tang Shen resurfaced. He summoned an official from the Court of Judicial Review and asked, “Why did Tang Jingze visit a few days ago?”

The official, eager to please, disclosed everything about the case involving Cui Xiao.

Su Wenyun was momentarily stunned. After pondering for a while, he chuckled and said, “A cavalry officer from Jinling? Bring him here for me to see.”

The official wiped the sweat from his forehead and hesitated before responding, “That criminal Cui Xiao has already been transferred to the Ministry of Justice prison.”

Su Wenyun’s brows furrowed deeply. He paced back and forth for a moment before abruptly stopping. Looking out the window at the clear blue sky, he recalled the confrontation he had with Tang Shen two years ago at the Yuzhou prefectural office. With a cold sneer, he turned on his heel and headed for the Ministry of Justice prison. Upon arrival, he summoned an official and ordered Cui Xiao to be brought for questioning. To his shock, the official reported, “Cui Xiao took his own life by ramming his head against the wall a few days ago.”

Su Wenyun was shocked.

By now, he had a clear inkling that Cui Xiao’s presence in the capital might be tied to Tang Shen—or even to the late Liang Song, who had died five years prior. He also knew about Liang Song’s secret attempts to rescue Zhong Taisheng in his travels across various regions. This wasn’t exactly a closely guarded secret. As one of the emperor’s most trusted enforcers, if Su Wenyun had truly wanted to deal with Tang Shen, he could have merely mentioned it to the emperor two years ago, and the latter would have kept Tang Shen under scrutiny. Perhaps it wouldn’t have led to Tang Shen’s downfall, but it certainly wouldn’t have resulted in the emperor placing so much trust in him now.

Back then, Su Wenyun had treated it as a favor to Tang Shen, partly to repay the debt of nearly getting him killed when he had used Tang Shen as bait in Yuzhou. However, with Cui Xiao’s sudden death in prison, Su Wenyun mused, “Could Tang Jingze really be this ruthless?”

Moments later, he came to a realization and scoffed, “Tang Jingze’s influence hasn’t yet extended to the Ministry of Justice; he’s only been in office for a few years. It must have been Wang Zifeng. Oh, Wang Zifeng, what a doting senior brother you are!”

But that’s a story for another time.

At this moment, Tang Shen remained unaware that Cui Xiao would die in the Ministry of Justice prison within a few days.

On the night of the Mid-Autumn Festival, Tang Shen carried a box of mooncakes to visit Wang Zhen, with whom he had arranged to enjoy the festival and admire the moon at the Minister Residence.

By mid-August, the autumn breeze was cool and refreshing. In the courtyard, Wang Zhen had set up a small table amidst the fragrance of blooming flowers and the serene moonlight. The tranquil setting was enough to lift one’s spirits. The two of them sat in the courtyard, enjoying mooncakes and sipping fruit wine. After tasting the wine, Tang Shen remarked in surprise, “This wine is sweet and fragrant, refreshing yet smooth. It’s rare to come across such fine wine. Does Senior Brother have more of it at home?”

Wang Zhen raised his cup and smiled, “Yes. If Little Junior Brother likes it, take two jars with you when you leave.”

Delighted, Tang Shen responded, “That would be wonderful.”

In his previous life, Tang Shen hadn’t been fond of drinking. In this life, he was forced to drink on occasion, but ancient wines often disappointed him—they were either too weak or too coarse. Only Wang Zifeng seemed to have access to the best wines, so whenever Tang Shen came across wine he enjoyed, he made sure to indulge.

What Tang Shen didn’t know was that, despite its pleasant aroma, the fruit wine packed a potent aftereffect.

As they continued to drink and recite poetry under the moon, Tang Shen began to feel dizzy after finishing two jars. Blinking blearily, he gazed at Wang Zhen and murmured, “I’m seeing two of you, Senior Brother.”

Wang Zhen hadn’t expected Tang Shen to get drunk either. After a moment of surprise and before he could react, he heard Tang Shen suddenly call out in a solemn tone, “Wang Zifeng!”

Wang Zhen’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt a twinge in his scalp before chuckling in amusement. “You rarely call me by my courtesy name; you always call me Senior Brother. Who would have thought that after getting drunk, you’d finally dare to use it? This is a rare moment—why not call me that a few more times?”

Seeming to understand his words, Tang Shen repeated the name several times in succession.

“Wang Zifeng…”

“Wang Zifeng!”

“Wang Zifeng!”

Hearing him call his name repeatedly, Wang Zhen felt an odd warmth spread through him. He set down his cup and, with a bemused smile, watched Tang Shen’s drunken antics.

“Wang Zifeng.”

“En?”

“Say something.”

“…What do you want to hear?”

Tang Shen thought for a while before replying, “Sing me a song.”

Wang Zhen froze. A song?

With a helpless smile, he said, “I didn’t know I could sing. I can play tunes, though. Would you like to hear something? I’m good at Phoenix Seeking His Mate and Eternal Longing.”

Tang Shen gazed at Wang Zhen steadily before murmuring, “I feel so dizzy. I want to sleep now.”

Wang Zhen frowned, about to say something when Tang Shen abruptly declared, “Ah, I’m asleep!” and collapsed, sound asleep before Wang Zhen could react. After a moment of stunned silence, Wang Zhen couldn’t help but feel amusement and exasperation. He called for his page boy, intending to have Tang Shen carried to bed. When the page boy arrived and began to help Tang Shen up, Wang Zhen suddenly stopped him.

The page boy paused, looking at his young master in confusion.

After a moment’s contemplation, Wang Zhen said, “I’ll carry him.”

Surprised, the page boy helped lift Tang Shen onto Wang Zhen’s back. With Tang Shen’s arms draped loosely around his neck, Wang Zhen rose and carefully carried him toward the guest room. He paused briefly near his own quarters but ultimately chose to head for the guest room, where he laid Tang Shen down to rest.

Tang Shen was thoroughly drunk, utterly unaware of his surroundings.

Wang Zhen stood by the bedside, gazing down at Tang Shen for a long moment before reaching out to pinch his cheek lightly.

“Say ‘Wang Zifeng’ one more time?”

Tang Shen’s only response was the steady rhythm of his breathing.

Wang Zhen chuckled softly and, after a brief moment of indulgence, left the guest room to attend to matters brought to him by the steward. What he didn’t expect was that shortly after his departure, Tang Shen’s eyes fluttered open. Though still groggy, a sudden clarity overtook him.

He raised his hand and touched his cheek, the spot where Wang Zhen had pinched him moments ago. Tang Shen’s heart surged like waves, refusing to calm down. The moment he closed his eyes, the image of Wang Zhen holding a cup of wine and looking at him reappeared in his mind. Bathed in moonlight, Wang Zhen no longer seemed like a mere mortal, appearing ethereal and otherworldly. Yet the depth of emotion in those eyes unsettled Tang Shen, leaving him bewildered.

When he first blurted out “Wang Zifeng,” it was purely under the influence of alcohol. The moment the name left his lips, Tang Shen himself was startled. He inexplicably called out “Wang Zifeng” a few more times. Later, when sobriety crept in, he realized he should not have acted so flippantly, potentially offending Wang Zhen. Yet to his surprise, Wang Zhen didn’t seem annoyed but rather appeared to enjoy it.

Thus, things gradually unfolded in that manner.

Tang Shen closed his eyes, and Wang Zhen’s gentle, soothing voice echoed in his ears. Suddenly, Su Wenyun’s words flashed through his mind:

“Because Wang Zifeng has a preference for men.”

Those words exploded in Tang Shen’s mind like thunder.

Back in the Youzhou prefectural office, Su Wenyun had been persuaded that he had misunderstood Wang Zhen. However, a seed of doubt had already been planted in Tang Shen’s heart. That seed had since taken root and grown. Now, as he touched his cheek, the skin beneath his palm burned with an uncontrollable heat, while his heart pounded with a storm of emotions he could not comprehend.

“Wang Zifeng…” he murmured, his voice hoarse.

In that moment, emboldened by the lingering effects of alcohol, Tang Shen let his thoughts run wild. He really was unable to decipher Wang Zifeng’s true nature.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhen entered his study, having changed into a white silk robe after removing the wine-scented clothes he had worn earlier. The new attire lent him a refined air, shedding the bureaucratic mundanity of the court and giving him the appearance of a noble scion. Upon entering the study and seeing the person there, he was neither surprised nor hesitant, merely asking, “What did you find?”

“Gongzi, after several months in Jinling, I have indeed uncovered some matters.”

“Speak.”

This man was the servant Wang Zhen had specially sent to Jinling several months earlier. Jinling, the Wang clan’s stronghold, rarely harbored secrets from Wang Zhen. However, because Liang Song had acted with such discretion five years ago, it had taken considerable effort for Wang Zhen to uncover the truth. Upon hearing the servant’s report, Wang Zhen sat quietly, unmoving, for a long while.

After the servant finished his account, he added, “There is one more thing.”

Wang Zhen remained silent.

The servant glanced up and called out instinctively, “Gongzi?”

Wang Zhen snapped out of his reverie. “En?”

The servant respectfully continued, “A few days ago, just as I was about to leave Jinling, I happened to spot someone on the street—Tang gongzi’s servant, Yao San. I recognized him as having been at Tang gongzi‘s side before, so I kept an eye on him and spent a few days investigating his purpose in Jinling.”

This servant had been with Wang Zhen since childhood, handling matters with such meticulousness that he seldom needed explicit instructions. It was for this reason he had been chosen for this mission.

He reported, “Yao San went to Jinling to investigate a cavalry officer named Cui Xiao. Upon digging further, I discovered that Cui Xiao is notoriously corrupt and appears to have been impeached. He left Jinling half a month ago and headed for Shengjing.”

Wang Zhen’s expression changed slightly. “You’re saying he arrived in Shengjing half a month ago?”

“Yes, gongzi. I verified it using the Wang clan’s connections directly with the Jinling prefectural office.”

Wang Zhen paced the study twice before pausing. “Did Yao San see you?”

“No, gongzi. Besides, Yao San doesn’t know me.”

Wang Zhen let out a long sigh. “I understand. You may go.”

“Yes, gongzi.”

The next morning, Tang Shen pretended to be truly hungover, appearing remorseful as he said to Wang Zhen, “I drank too much last night and don’t remember what happened. When I woke up, I found myself in the guest room. I’ve never been drunk before, so I don’t know how I act after drinking. I hope I didn’t say or do anything inappropriate to offend you, Senior Brother?”

Initially, Wang Zhen hadn’t given the previous night’s events much thought, genuinely believing that Tang Shen had simply gotten drunk. However, hearing Tang Shen’s obviously guilty explanation, Wang Zhen suddenly grew suspicious. He scrutinized Tang Shen carefully for a moment before smiling. “You didn’t.”

Tang Shen let out a breath of relief. “That’s good.”

After Tang Shen left, Wang Zhen summoned a servant and asked about Tang Shen’s behavior that morning. Unfortunately, there was too little information for him to determine whether Tang Shen had been pretending to be drunk.

Wang Zhen didn’t mind, chuckling lightly. “If he was pretending, that would not be bad.”

He then began his investigation into Cui Xiao in Shengjing. Meanwhile, after the morning court session, Zhao Fu summoned the three princes to Chuigong Hall.

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Sunlight streamed through the glazed windows, casting a soft glow, while the scent of ambergris filled the quiet hall. As Zhao Fu flipped through the memorials on his desk, he said, “I have ruled for thirty-one years, yet I have few heirs. Now, only you three remain. In recent days, you’ve handled some court affairs well, and the Empress Dowager’s memorial service was conducted to my satisfaction. Last night, I thought it over: keeping you constantly by my side may not be a good thing. Henceforth, you shall leave Shengjing and handle real affairs on your own!”

The three princes were struck dazed.

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Li Xiaoren sought out Wang Zhen alone, clearly intending to discuss something important.

Wang Zhen grasped his intent and said, “It’s still early. On the way to Dingguo Temple, I noticed a teahouse at the foot of the mountain.”

Li Xiaoren immediately understood. “If Wang daren wishes, shall we rest there together?”

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Wang Zhen smiled. “Very well.”

The two headed to the teahouse.

Nestled beneath Dingguo Temple, the teahouse thrived, benefiting from the temple’s bustling incense offerings. Though situated in a mountain hollow, it attracted many patrons who stopped by on their way to offer incense and prayers. Once inside, they deliberately chose a private room.

As soon as they entered, Li Xiaoren sighed gloomily. “Did Wang daren meet that Master Shanting today?”

Wang Zhen replied, “I’ve seen Master Shanting before at the Immortal Ascension Platform. Does Li daren have something to say?”

Li Xiaoren hesitated, uncertain about Wang Zhen’s attitude toward Shanting. He felt conflicted but knew he had no other options. After a brief hesitation, he began, “To be honest, Wang daren, ever since Shanting entered the palace, he has gained His Majesty’s favor. Every day, he prepares elixirs and recites scriptures for His Majesty. I won’t speak of trivial matters, lest you misunderstand me—I am not one of those scheming ministers bent on eliminating rivals.”

Even as he said this, Li Xiaoren paused, feeling somewhat guilty. Clearing his throat, he continued, “It’s just that something feels off.”

Wang Zhen replied calmly, “Li daren has served His Majesty faithfully for over two decades; your loyalty is well-known in court.”

Though aware that Wang Zhen was being diplomatic, Li Xiaoren still found his words reassuring. He relaxed, confident that Wang Zhen remained an ally. After all, they had known each other for years, while Shanting had only arrived in the capital this year. Even if Wang Zhen intended to side with Shanting, it would take effort and yield little benefit.

Li Xiaoren explained, “Since His Majesty fell gravely ill over a decade ago, he has been pursuing immortality. In the past, he would go to the Immortal Ascension Platform daily to cultivate and absorb spiritual energy, but it never lasted more than two hours. Despite his cultivation, he remained diligent in governance. However, since Shanting’s arrival, His Majesty has been spending six hours a day at the Immortal Ascension Platform!”

Wang Zhen showed a look of surprise.

Seeing his reaction, Li Xiaoren felt satisfied and pressed on, “I’ve tried advising His Majesty not to endanger his health by overindulging in cultivation. The spiritual energy enters through Baihui, passes through Shenting, and exits at Yongquan, forming a cycle. Excessive pursuit can backfire; His Majesty should be cautious. But instead of heeding my advice, he summoned Shanting immediately to recite scriptures.”

“You mean to say…”

Li Xiaoren looked troubled. “I fear that if His Majesty continues pouring so much effort into elixir-making and cultivation, it could harm his health.”

The two parted ways after leaving the teahouse.

Once alone, Li Xiaoren’s expression darkened, revealing his true nature.

“Who knows if Wang Zifeng can come up with a plan to get rid of that wretched monk!”

Li Xiaoren’s disciple had been waiting outside the teahouse for a long time. Seeing his master emerge, the young disciple quickly ran up to hold an umbrella and fan him. Overhearing Li Xiaoren’s complaint, the disciple’s eyes flickered and he asked, “Master, do you think that Wang Zifeng can really help us deal with that baldy?”

“How would I know!”

The young disciple was dumbfounded. “Ah?”

“Ai, I’m merely grasping at straws. These days, I can’t even see His Majesty once in three days, while Shanting remains by his side daily, reciting scriptures at Immortal Ascension Platform. What I told Wang Zifeng earlier came from the heart. If things continue this way, His Majesty’s health will surely suffer. Ai, as for Wang Zifeng… I still can’t fully understand him, but I can only hope he will lend us a hand this time. If he does, I will remember his kindness and repay him in the future.”

Zhao Fu had pursued immortality for over twenty years. Now, he had suddenly turned to a life of vegetarianism and Buddhist devotion. Although the court ministers found it absurd, none dared to question the emperor’s actions. The Censorate seemed oblivious to Shanting’s presence, with not a single censor filing an accusation against him.

In the 31st year of Kaiping, a great upheaval struck the court. The commotion wasn’t due to Zhao Fu’s shift from Taoism to Buddhism but because three princes had entered the court and begun taking on official duties.

Zhao Fu was sixty-seven years old, while his sons were relatively young—the eldest, Prince Zhao Shang, was only thirty-two. No longer children, the three princes had grown into adults. Though Zhao Fu had neglected them for years, his sudden decision to have them participate in court affairs seemed like a significant signal.

Shengjing, at the Right Prime Minister’s residence.

In Shengjing, there was a popular rhyme often recited by children, comparing the two prime ministers of the Song Dynasty: “Rice, oil, and salt fill the Left Prime Minister’s residence, while the Right Prime Minister’s home is a paradise amidst the mortal world.” It referred to Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji’s frugal and upright nature, with his household possessing barely any valuables. In contrast, Right Prime Minister Wang Quan came from a noble lineage and lived in wealth. Though Wang was by no means corrupt, his grand manor, styled after Jiangnan gardens, stood in stark contrast to the Left Prime Minister’s humble abode.

At this moment, Right Prime Minister Wang Quan stood before his study window, gazing at the lotus-filled pond.

The study, named Baqiu Study, bore a plaque inscribed with the Emperor Zhao Fu’s calligraphy. The name came from the “Eight Ways of Seeking Books” by a bibliophile of the previous dynasty, reflecting a scholarly and refined pursuit of knowledge.

Inside the study, six rows of bookshelves lined the room, and the faint scent of ink filled the air.

Staring at the lotus pond in thought, Wang Quan furrowed his brow and sighed. “If a storm is approaching, how can these lotuses protect themselves from being battered and broken?”

“Why the sudden sigh, uncle?”

Turning around, Wang Quan replied, “Don’t tell me you haven’t noticed the brewing storm on the court’s horizon!”

Standing between the bookshelves, Wang Zhen smiled and said, “All I see is calm. Why prepare for a storm prematurely?”

Wang Quan asked seriously, “Did you hear any news, Zi Feng?”

“None.”

“Then how can you be so composed?”

Wang Quan had held sway over the court for many years, and he had also contended with Ji Wengji for just as long. Yet now, facing Ji Wengji, he could confidently say he understood his opponent well. However, when it came to his nephew, Wang Zhen, there were moments of incomprehension. Somehow, Wang Zhen had grown closer to the emperor than he had. As the saying goes, the inscrutability of the emperor’s heart is difficult to discern! Compared to him and Ji Wengji, Zhao Fu placed greater trust in young officials like Wang Zhen and Su Wenyun.

Wang Zhen said, “That’s because Zi Feng has always trusted in only one thing.”

Wang Quan, intrigued, asked, “Oh? And what is that?”

Wang Zhen raised a hand, pointing skyward, and smiled. “I trust him.”

Wang Quan’s eyes dilated. After a long silence, he said, “There was once Li Xiaoren, and now there’s Shanting. After the Empress Dowager’s passing, you’ve witnessed His Majesty’s transformation.” His voice suddenly trailed off, and an expression of astonishment crossed his face. Then, abruptly, he smiled wryly and shook his head. “You truly are His Majesty’s close confidant. When it comes to deciphering imperial intent, I can no longer match you.”

Wang Zhen responded calmly, “I’m merely guessing.”

Wang Quan waved dismissively and laughed heartily. “Enough of such matters. A meal has already been prepared for us, full of the Gusu cuisine you love. By the way, when will you bring Tang Jingze to visit us?”

Wang Zhen smiled helplessly. “It’s still too early for that!”

Wang Quan teased, “The longer you wait, the more things might change!”

While Wang Zhen dined on delicacies at the Right Prime Minister’s residence, Tang Shen was home alone, having just taken a bite of his meal when Yao San suddenly returned. Tang Shen immediately put down his chopsticks and went to the study with Yao San, ignoring his hunger to hear the report.

“Little boss, I’ve looked into it. That Cui Xiao is indeed a Jinling Prefecture cavalry officer.”

Tang Shen asked, “Are you certain it’s him?”

Yao San nodded emphatically. “Absolutely certain. I even spent some silver to treat a clerk from the Jinling Prefecture office to drinks at a restaurant. I claimed to have a distant relative serving as a cavalry officer there. When I described Cui Xiao’s appearance, the clerk immediately recognized him and said, ‘Isn’t that Cui daren?’”

Over the years, Yao San had traveled far and wide with Tang Shen, handling matters more reliably each time, and Tang Shen trusted him greatly.

Tang Shen nodded. “Did you find out what crime he committed?”

Yao San smiled wryly. “Given that Cui Xiao has traveled all the way to Shengjing to seek you out, it’s clear the matter hasn’t caused a huge stir yet, so I couldn’t find any solid information. However, I did learn that Cui Xiao is notoriously corrupt, a first-class swindler. As long as you give him money, he’ll do anything without hesitation. So if he’s in trouble, it’s probably related to money.”

Tang Shen suddenly understood. He had a hunch about Cui Xiao’s purpose in seeking him out and how Cui Xiao had initially crossed paths with Liang Song five years ago.

Five years ago, Liang Song had suddenly received word that Zhong Taisheng, who had been imprisoned in the imperial dungeons for over twenty years, had fallen gravely ill and was unlikely to survive without immediate treatment. Far away in Gusu, Liang Song had no way of knowing what was happening in Shengjing. All he could do was make repeated trips to Jinling to gather information and seek ways to save Zhong Taisheng’s life.

Liang Song, one of the four great scholars of the realm, couldn’t act openly in this matter. He had to proceed discreetly. Thus, instead of approaching high-ranking officials and powerful figures he knew, he privately sought out information, eventually bribing Cui Xiao for insider news—something entirely plausible.

Tang Shen had not been involved in the matter back then. His only involvement came when Liang Song’s nephew, Xu Hui, sought his help in investigating a Taoist priest who had returned to Gusu for a family visit. Only Xu Hui knew about this, and Tang Shen had long since sent the Tang’s Logistics staff who had gathered the information out of Gusu. Their current whereabouts were unknown.

It was unclear how Cui Xiao had learned of Tang Shen’s connection to Liang Song, but without solid evidence, mere words wouldn’t be enough to shake Tang Shen’s current position.

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Feeling reassured, Tang Shen smiled. “If it’s about corruption, then it’s nothing serious—he was probably reported for a bribe he couldn’t cover up, and now it’s reached Shengjing, where he can’t suppress it.”

After a moment of thought, he added, “This is an easy matter, but why should I help Cui Xiao?”

Tang Shen said indifferently, “Let him stay in the Court of Judicial Review for a while longer!”

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In the stillness of the deep night, Cui Xiao anxiously lowered his head and softly finished speaking. He waited for a long time but saw no reaction from Tang Shen. Cautiously, he raised his eyes, only to see Tang Jingze’s sharp, discerning gaze under the flickering candlelight, his expression as cold as jade. Cui Xiao’s heart jumped. Despite being much older than Tang Shen, he felt an inexplicable pressure that made it hard to breathe.

Tang Shen sneered, “So, Cui daren, you’ve come tonight to ask me to bend the law for personal interest?”

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Cui Xiao immediately replied, “I wouldn’t dare.”

Tang Shen’s eyes widened, and he scolded sternly, “Wouldn’t dare? Then why are you here tonight? As you said, I did meet Liang Bowen, the renowned scholar, a few times and received some of his guidance. But what of it? Liang daren has been dead for years. What does his matter have to do with me? Do you even know my current position?”

Having been worn down by his personal troubles for days and exhausted from his long journey from Jinling to Shengjing, Cui Xiao—who held a humble rank—had little knowledge of current political shifts. He looked at Tang Shen with growing unease until he heard Tang Shen coldly declare, “I am now a Censorate official at the Imperial Censorate!”

Cui Xiao was struck as if by lightning, standing there frozen in shock.

The Imperial Censorate, overseeing all officials, was akin to a sword hanging over the heads of court ministers. By coming to Tang Shen with his crime, Cui Xiao had essentially delivered himself into the jaws of a lion. Desperate, he raised his voice, “Tang daren, I was once acquainted with Liang daren and even helped him with official matters. You can’t do this!”

Tang Shen cast him a cold glance, silencing Cui Xiao with a chill. He called for Yao San, instructing him to have Cui Xiao taken to the Court of Judicial Review. Though Cui Xiao, as a cavalry officer, attempted to resist, he was too worn down by recent events to offer much of a fight. Strong and well-trained, Yao San subdued him with ease.

Eyes reddened, Cui Xiao cried out, “Tang daren, you’re burning bridges after crossing them!”

Tang Shen turned to Yao San and ordered, “Take him to the Court of Judicial Review.” After a brief pause, he added, “I will accompany you.”

That night, Tang Shen personally escorted Cui Xiao to the Court of Judicial Review.

The officials on duty at the Court  of  Judicial  Review promptly came to greet Tang Shen upon hearing of the situation. After locking Cui Xiao up, Tang Shen sternly instructed them, “This man is a criminal under the jurisdiction of the Censorate. From this moment on, ensure he is strictly guarded. Unless I personally come to question him, no one is to see him. This is a grave matter. Can you handle it?”

The Court of Judicial Review official quickly responded, “This lower official will follow your orders.”

Tang Shen gave Cui Xiao, who now wore an expression of utter terror, one last glance before turning and leaving.

Back home, Tang Shen turned to Yao San and said, “Take my official token and head south to Jinling Prefecture at dawn. I need you to investigate something for me.”

Still processing the night’s events, Yao San was momentarily stunned. Curiosity piqued, he asked, “What would you have me look into, little boss?”

Tang Shen explained, “The prisoner in the Court of Judicial Review is Cui Xiao, a cavalry officer from Jinling Prefecture. I want you to investigate what crime he has committed. Find out the truth and report back to me promptly.”

“Yes.” Yao San turned to leave.

“Wait.”

Yao San stopped and looked back at Tang Shen.

Tang Shen considered for a moment before adding, “I have no acquaintances among the officials in Jinling Prefecture, so simply presenting my token may not be enough. If you encounter difficulties, go to the Wang clan in Langya and seek their assistance. But remember, only resort to that as a last measure.”

Yao San nodded solemnly. “Understood, little boss. Rest assured.”

With Yao San dispatched to Jinling and Cui Xiao locked in the dungeon, Tang Shen finally felt some relief.

Cui Xiao’s sudden arrival was too coincidental. Liang Song had passed away five years ago, and no one had mentioned him to Tang Shen since. Cui Xiao’s abrupt appearance forced Tang Shen to remain on guard. He wasn’t sure if Cui Xiao was truly a cavalry officer from Jinling Prefecture or how much he knew about Tang Shen’s past with Liang Song.

Liang Song had once been Tang Shen’s mentor, a fact that was no secret—Zhao Fu was well aware of it, though he had never mentioned it. However, Tang Shen had since distanced himself from Liang Song by becoming a disciple of Fu Wei, thus severing ties with his former teacher. Thirty-one years ago, Liang Song had been associated with the Songqing Party, a group Zhao Fu despised. But despite this, Zhao Fu had not persecuted every member of the faction. Liang Song and the former Grand Secretary Yang had remained in office until their suicides five years ago.

Zhao Fu’s desire for a good reputation prevented him from launching a full-scale purge. He had only targeted the faction’s leader, Zhong Taisheng, while dealing carefully with others, such as “exiling” Liang Song to Gusu, far from the center of power, to live out his later years in peace.

Tang Shen’s decision to dissociate from Liang Song and his youth at the time he became his pupil spared him from any repercussions. Yet the sudden emergence of Cui Xiao left Tang Shen cold with fear.

Before long, Yao San set off for Jinling Prefecture.

Meanwhile, Tang Shen visited Wang Zhen’s residence, bringing a box of mooncakes as a gift. With the Mid-Autumn Festival approaching, he used the pretext of delivering the gift to spend the entire day at the Minister Residence. He accompanied Wang Zhen in various leisure activities—feeding birds, appreciating flowers, grinding ink while Wang Zhen wrote, and listening as Wang Zhen played the zither.

After finishing a piece, Wang Zhen stilled the vibrating strings with his hands and turned to Tang Shen. In a soft voice, he asked, “Why does little Junior Brother have such refined taste today, listening to me play the zither?”

Tang Shen replied, “I’ve always enjoyed listening to your music, Senior Brother. You mustn’t misunderstand me. That piece you just played was elegant and enduring; it enchanted me completely.”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, “Is that so? Then you must truly be a kindred spirit. If so, do you know the name of the piece I just played?”

Tang Shen was momentarily startled but quickly recalled that Wang Zhen had lingered over an ancient melody in a zither score four hours earlier. He answered with confidence, “The lyrics go: ‘Soft are the rush leaves, bright are the apricot blossoms; a painted boat drifts gently. Twin mandarin ducks bathe at the green bank, and the sound of rowing songs fills the air. The spring water is calm, the spring weather half rain and half sunshine. Fair maidens accompany each other at the southern shore, glancing tenderly…’ Senior Brother played ‘The Crane Ascends to the Sky.’ Did I get it right?”

Having an excellent memory, Tang Shen recited the lyrics with such certainty that it seemed as if he genuinely understood the music.

Wang Zhen gave him a meaningful look. “Correct. You truly understand this piece?”

Tang Shen replied confidently, “I even recited the lyrics. How could I not know?”

Wang Zhen smiled faintly. “Very well, then. I suppose you do.”

During dinner, Tang Shen brought up Gusu Prefecture, saying, “I haven’t returned to Gusu in two years. I find myself missing home. Senior Brother, do you miss the Wang clan in Langya or Jinling Prefecture? You’ve been away for quite some time; surely you’d find things have changed upon your return.”

Wang Zhen paused momentarily before responding, studying Tang Shen’s face as if searching for a clue. But as he wasn’t a mind reader, he could only laugh and say, “I visited Jinling Prefecture during the last New Year. Perhaps next year, we can return to Jiangnan together for the celebrations?”

Tang Shen smiled warmly. “That would be wonderful. I visited the Wang clan in Langya once years ago. Its vast estate and rich heritage left an indelible impression on me.”

After dinner, Tang Shen took his leave, and the two agreed to reunite at the Minister Residence for moon-viewing during the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Upon leaving the manor, Tang Shen’s expression turned serious, and he concluded, “Wang Zifeng knows nothing about Cui Xiao’s matter!”

Since Jinling Prefecture was the Wang clan’s ancestral home and essentially Wang Zhen’s territory, if Cui Xiao truly had ulterior motives, the Wang clan would have been aware and informed Wang Zhen. However, Wang Zhen’s ignorance suggested that Cui Xiao had genuinely come to seek help for personal troubles, rather than harboring any ill intent.

Though Tang Shen felt more certain, he still kept Cui Xiao imprisoned and waited for Yao San’s return.

On August 12th, before Yao San could return from Jinling, the Empress Dowager’s memorial feast took precedence.

Ten days prior to the Empress Dowager’s memorial, Zhao Fu tasked his three sons with preparing the banquet. It was their first major assignment, and the fact that it was given to all three simultaneously was significant. Each prince spared no effort to ensure success. Though the task wasn’t difficult, they divided responsibilities meticulously and handled everything flawlessly.

However, an interesting incident occurred during this period, which Wang Zhen later recounted to Tang Shen while casually feeding his pet bird.

It was said that the day after the three princes accepted their assignment, the Second Prince Zhao Shang went to Qinzheng Hall to meet with Meng Lang, the Minister of Rites.

Meng Lang was startled to see such an esteemed guest.

Zhao Shang explained his purpose directly: “Last year, it was you, Minister Meng, who managed the arrangements for Grandmother Empress Dowager’s birthday banquet. Now that I have taken on this task, I feel inadequate and inexperienced. I fear offending some taboos or overlooking important traditions. I lack deep knowledge of the rites and only understand a fraction of their meaning, so I have come to seek your guidance.”

Meng Lang breathed a sigh of relief. “So that’s the matter. As the Minister of Rites, it is my duty to assist Your Highness.”

In truth, Zhao Shang had already handled everything properly and didn’t need Meng Lang’s assistance. Nevertheless, by making this visit, he demonstrated humility and tact, which helped strengthen his relationship with the minister. He had worked with Meng Lang before during the negotiations with the Liao envoy last year, but now, by being the only prince to proactively seek Meng Lang’s counsel, he drew closer to him.

Meanwhile, Wang Zhen scattered bird feed for his pet oriole, his voice calm and clear: “Little Junior Brother, what do you think of the Second Prince now?”

Tang Shen was stunned. “It seems I underestimated him.”

Wang Zhen reached out and lightly tapped Tang Shen’s forehead, prompting him to touch the spot in confusion.

Wang Zhen said, “All people have private ambitions. Acting out of self-interest always involves some ulterior motive. Meng Lang is no exception, and neither is Zhao Shang.”

Tang Shen asked curiously, “Does Senior Brother also have private ambitions?”

Wang Zhen paused, then smiled serenely. “Naturally.”

Tang Shen grew more curious. “What is your ambition, Senior Brother?”

Wang Zhen replied with a faint smile, “There is an old saying: ‘At thirty, a man stands firm.’ Next year, I will turn thirty.”

Tang Shen was baffled. “…?” What?

Wang Zhen merely smiled and said no more.

The phrase “At thirty, a man stands firm” traditionally implies that a man should first establish a family and then build a career. Wang Zhen felt a deep sense of regret about this. Though he had dedicated twenty years to his studies, honoring heaven and his sovereign, he realized he had neglected the teachings of his ancestors by pursuing a career before starting a family. Wang Zhen, being a man who adhered strictly to propriety, knew he had to correct this deviation, and it wasn’t too late to do so.

On August 12, the day of the Empress Dowager’s memorial, Zhao Fu donned a ceremonial robe and led the court officials to Dingguo Temple to offer prayers and sacrifices for the Empress Dowager.

As Court Gentleman Consultant, Tang Shen stood near the front of the officials, while those ranked fourth and below knelt in rows behind him, forming a dense mass of black-robed figures. During the ceremony, even Zhao Fu had to kneel. Clad in a heavy, elaborate ceremonial garment, Zhao Fu took measured steps toward the altar. Upon gazing at the Empress Dowager’s memorial tablet, he was overcome with emotion, and tears welled up in his eyes as he knelt and prayed for her blessing.

When the Son of Heaven knelt, all officials bowed their heads in obeisance.

Hundreds of people filled the grand temple, yet it was so quiet that one could hear a pin drop.

At that moment, a soft chanting voice rose, resonating like a divine hymn from the Western Pure Land. The sound silenced the birds and insects alike. The man’s voice, reciting sutras with each turn of his sandalwood prayer beads, was solemn and serene, offering prayers for the Empress Dowager. When he finished reciting the entire Sutra of the Fundamental Vows of Kṣitigarbha Bodhisattva, Zhao Fu rose from his prayer mat, and the officials finally lifted their heads.

Tang Shen fixed his gaze on the figure and finally saw him clearly.

On the altar, the Chief Astronomer knelt to the emperor’s left, while a monk stood on his right. The monk had a round face, benevolent brows, and kind eyes, exuding a serene and ethereal aura that immediately calmed anyone who looked at him.

Tang Shen stared in a daze, and a name suddenly flashed in his mind.

This was the renowned monk, Master Shanting.

After the prayers at Dingguo Temple concluded, the officials followed the emperor back to the palace to attend the memorial banquet.

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As the crowd left the temple, a figure dressed in a Taoist robe stealthily approached the carriage of a second-rank official. Li Xiaoren had been waiting for a long time, and when he finally saw Wang Zhen, his eyes lit up. He hurried over and called out, “Wang daren!”

Wang Zhen turned, saw that it was Li Xiaoren, and responded with a gentle smile, his refined features exuding warmth. “Ah, it’s Li daren.”

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Tang Shen frowned. “Do you know something, Senior Brother?”

Given the current trust between them, Wang Zhen wouldn’t hide anything from Tang Shen, and Tang Shen would ask directly whenever he faced a problem. Unlike before, when he used to tread carefully and test the waters, now he simply spoke his mind. After some thought, he said, “His Majesty has three sons—the Second Prince, the Fourth Prince and the Fifth Prince. Last year, when the envoy from Liao visited the capital, the Second Prince Zhao Shang was tasked with hosting him. I had the fortune of meeting him several times.”

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Wang Zhen raised a brow. “Oh? So, you know the Second Prince?”

“Not exactly. We’ve only met a few times,” Tang Shen replied. After a brief pause, he added, “During the reception, the Second Prince personally handled everything. Despite the arrogance and hostility of the Liao envoy, he remained calm and, together with Minister Meng, managed to resolve the crises.”

The princes of the Song Dynasty traditionally did not participate in court affairs, so officials rarely had the opportunity to interact with them directly. In his four years as an official, Tang Shen had only met one prince—Zhao Shang. He didn’t have a particularly good impression of him, but he acknowledged that the prince was pragmatic, neither arrogant nor impatient. Still, he lacked brilliance—neither excelling nor failing.

In truth, all three of Zhao Fu’s sons were fairly mediocre. If they possessed any outstanding abilities, even if Zhao Fu deliberately overlooked them, they wouldn’t remain so unknown in court.

Tang Shen asked again, “Senior Brother, do you know something?”

Wang Zhen smiled faintly. “I know nothing for certain. The matter of naming an heir has always been taboo among emperors. Do you think His Majesty would discuss such a thing with me?”

Tang Shen agreed. No matter how much favor Wang Zifeng enjoyed, it wouldn’t go that far. “Then what’s Senior Brother’s take on this matter?”

Wang Zhen replied with his usual composure, “What’s your opinion, little Junior Brother?”

Wang Zhen always had a way of turning the question back on Tang Shen, seeking his perspective instead. Tang Shen rubbed the bird feed between his fingers, mimicking Wang Zhen’s earlier gesture as he poured all of it into the feeder. Dusting off his hands, he said nonchalantly, “If you have something to say, just say it plainly, Senior Brother. As far as I’m concerned, we’ve always been loyalists to His Majesty. This empire still belongs to His Majesty, and whoever the crown prince may be is none of our concern.”

Wang Zhen arched a brow in amusement. “I didn’t expect you to have such a broad outlook. Is that truly your heartfelt view?”

“Of course,” Tang Shen affirmed.

Wang Zhen suddenly chuckled, a deep meaning hidden behind his smile. “So, you’re a loyalist at heart, little Junior Brother…”

Tang Shen felt a sudden unease. He wasn’t sure what Wang Zhen meant by that—did he doubt his loyalty? While Tang Shen had entered the capital to uncover the truth behind the palace coup thirty-one years ago and restore the reputation of the scholars who perished, he genuinely considered himself a loyalist and had earned Zhao Fu’s trust.

Looking into Wang Zhen’s clear eyes, Tang Shen tried to speak. “Senior Brother…”

Wang Zhen interrupted with a smile. “I recently acquired a painting by Mi Fu. Would you like to see it?”

“Huh?”

Without waiting for a reply, Wang Zhen took Tang Shen’s hand and led him into the study. Tang Shen followed, momentarily caught off guard. By the time he collected himself, he instinctively glanced at their clasped hands. Wang Zhen’s hand was slightly cool, a refreshing contrast to the sweltering summer heat. When they entered the room, Wang Zhen naturally let go, leaving Tang Shen a little embarrassed. He looked up at Wang Zhen.

“You don’t like Mi Fu’s paintings?” Wang Zhen asked.

Tang Shen, still feeling the lingering coolness in his fingers, quickly said, “No, where’s the painting? Let me see.”

Wang Zhen chuckled softly, and they began admiring the artwork together.

After dinner, Wang Zhen walked Tang Shen to the gate. In the dark of night, Wang Zifeng held a bright lantern, escorting Tang Shen out. As they parted, Tang Shen asked, “Was Senior Brother’s words today prompted by something you noticed?”

The lantern’s light illuminated Wang Zhen’s chin, and Tang Shen noticed the fragrance pouch tied to his waist—a gift from four years ago. In the quiet night, with only the sound of the wind, Wang Zhen’s calm voice drifted over. “Little Junior Brother, I’m no god.”

“Ah?”

“Everything is just speculation. As long as you remain true to yourself, nothing will be too difficult.”

Tang Shen left the residence in confusion.

Once home, he pondered Wang Zhen’s words carefully. He concluded: Perhaps Wang Zifeng really doesn’t have concrete information. He might only suspect that Zhao Fu is preparing to take action regarding the succession. 

Reflecting on Wang Zhen’s advice to remain true to himself, Tang Shen sighed wryly to himself, “Remain true to myself? My loyalty is to Zhao Fu alone. I even said this myself to Wang Zifeng this afternoon!”

After thinking for a long time in his study, Tang Shen believed he understood Wang Zhen’s intentions and also formed his own opinion based on his interactions with Zhao Fu in recent days.

Pushing the matter aside, he raised his right hand and stared at it. His fingers twitched slightly, and something felt amiss. He clenched his hand into a fist. A moment later, he summoned Yao San and asked about the recent business at Xixia Tower.

Yao San was bewildered at being called in the middle of the night to discuss business, but he dutifully answered. As he was about to leave, Tang Shen said, “Brother Yao, I recently learned how to read palms. Stretch out your hand, and I’ll take a look.”

Surprised, Yao San asked, “Since when did you learn this, little boss?” Without much thought, he extended his right hand.

Tang Shen took his hand, examined it carefully, and made up some nonsense about “forthcoming marriage, long life, and wealth.” Then, without warning, he gently tugged Yao San’s hand before letting go. Yao San noticed nothing strange about it and left after bowing.

Once Yao San was gone, Tang Shen looked at his palm and frowned. “Why does it feel… a little disgusting?”

Yao San would never know that he had been innocently dragged into a bizarre test, only to be met with an inexplicable “disgusting” evaluation from Tang Shen. This was truly such wrongful treatment.

When Wang Zhen had grabbed Tang Shen’s hand earlier, it was an unintentional gesture. Yet Tang Shen couldn’t forget it. An odd thought crept into his mind, but he quickly shook his head to dispel such nonsense.

By August, the late Empress Dowager’s death anniversary approached.

Though she had recently passed away, Zhao Fu’s grief lingered. This time, he wanted to commemorate her with a grand ceremony instead of a simple observance. Normally, such an event would be handled by the Minister of Rites, Meng Lang. However, in early August, Zhao Fu summoned his three sons to the palace.

It was rare for all three princes to be summoned together, and even more unusual that they were called to Chuigong Hall.

Perplexed, they entered the hall, where Zhao Fu addressed them. “In half a month, it will be your grandmother’s death anniversary. She cherished you greatly during her life. You may recall that during last year’s family feast, she personally prepared a bowl of soup…” Zhao Fu’s voice grew hoarse as he spoke. Closing his eyes to gather himself, he continued after a pause, “This year, I entrust this important task to you. Can you manage it well?”

The three princes were taken aback but dared not refuse. “We will not disappoint you, Imperial Father.”

Zhao Fu waved his hand dismissively. “You may go.”

Now, it seemed as though the three princes each had their own plans as they left the Chuigong Hall together. After they had gone, Zhao Fu stared at the teacup on the table for a long time before softly saying, “Since I was a child, during family banquets, the Empress Dowager would always wash her hands and personally prepare soup. When I was young, her rank as a consort was low, so she had to prepare many soups. Later on, she only needed to cook for a few people. I liked to eat her cooking, and so did Zhao Qiong. The late emperor appreciated the Empress Dowager’s virtuousness, and in this matter, she always handled things thoroughly and kindly.”

As these words fell, no one dared to respond. Even the two chamberlains responsible for noting imperial activities lowered their heads, not daring to breathe loudly.

Zhao Fu’s gaze became distant as he continued, “The late empress was of noble birth, dignified and magnanimous—qualities beyond the reach of ordinary people. If the Empress Dowager hadn’t had a reputation for virtue, I’m afraid the late emperor wouldn’t have paid her much attention.” After a long silence, Zhao Fu murmured, “So it turns out that both Zhao Qiong and I resemble the Empress Dowager, while Zhao Xuan resembles the Empress. He truly takes after her…”

In the next moment, Zhao Fu suddenly swept the teacup off the table, and it shattered with a violent crash.

Ji Fu, startled, flinched and hurried forward. “Your Majesty, are your hands hurt? This servant will call the imperial physician right away. Someone, come! Who poured this tea? How could it be so hot that His Majesty couldn’t hold it steadily?” He then glanced at a young eunuch, Xie Bao, whom he had taken as his godson.

Xie Bao caught Ji Fu’s gaze, and though his heart raced, he quickly understood his godfather’s intent. He immediately knelt and cried out, “It was this servant who poured the tea. This servant is at fault. Please, Your Majesty, punish me!”

Zhao Fu hadn’t actually been burned. He lifted his head and glanced indifferently at the kneeling Xie Bao before casually saying, “Give him five strokes.”

Xie Bao grimaced inwardly but was dragged out by the guards and given a harsh five strokes.

That night, Ji Fu visited the imperial hospital to get some high-quality wound ointment for his godson. Xie Bao lay on the bed, unable to move. When he tried to get up and bow, Ji Fu held him down, smiling, “Do you resent your godfather? This was all for your own good. Ordinary people aren’t allowed to witness His Majesty’s loss of composure. Today, by covering for His Majesty and taking five strokes, you’ve secured yourself future benefits.”

Though Xie Bao’s backside burned painfully, and he was full of grievances, he forced a smile. “I understand, godfather did it for my own good.”

Ji Fu placed the medicine by the bedside and reminded him, “Don’t try to guess His Majesty’s thoughts. His Majesty is a rare enlightened ruler. Your little schemes may evade my eyes, but they can’t escape His Majesty’s. By the way, did you hear anything today in Chuigong Hall?”

Xie Bao’s eyes darted around before he replied, “No, your gofson didn’t hear a thing.”

Ji Fu chuckled.

The news of the emperor’s grand preparations for the Empress Dowager’s memorial soon spread throughout the court. Within a day, word also got out that Zhao Fu had assigned the task to the three princes, causing widespread shock.

Some keen officials speculated, “Could this be an indication that His Majesty intends for the three princes to begin participating in state affairs?”

By now, Tang Shen had left Qinzheng Hall. When he heard the news, he couldn’t help but recall the conversations he had once had with Wang Zhen.

Tang Shen chuckled, “You said you’re not a god? If this isn’t godly divination, what is?”

As the Empress Dowager’s memorial drew near, the three princes became busy with preparations.

In mid-August, Tang Shen returned to the Tanhua Residence, where Yao San reported that a guest had been waiting for him all afternoon.

“A guest?” Tang Shen was surprised and asked Yao San to bring the person in.

The visitor was a middle-aged man dressed in a short tunic. Upon seeing Tang Shen, he appeared momentarily stunned, seemingly not expecting that the now well-known Tang Jingze would be so handsome. He had known Tang Shen was young, but being young was one thing—being so good-looking was another. After a brief hesitation, the man cupped his hands in salute and said, “This humble servant, Cui Xiao, a cavalry officer from Jinling Prefecture, greets Tang daren.”

Tang Shen replied, “A cavalry officer from Jinling Prefecture? So it’s Cui daren. What brings you all the way from Jinling to Shengjing? Is there something urgent?”

Though Tang Shen had been to Jinling Prefecture many times, he had never met this officer.

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Cui Xiao hesitated, appearing conflicted. After a while, he gritted his teeth and said, “Six years ago, I had the honor of meeting Governor Liang of Gusu several times and helped him with some matters. Back then, I heard that Tang daren was one of Governor Liang’s students.”

Tang Shen widened his eyes in shock.

With a bitter smile, Cui Xiao continued, “To be honest, I’m in some trouble—something personal that I can no longer conceal. I have no choice but to seek your help. I beg you, Tang daren, in honor of an old acquaintance, to save my life. I will serve you faithfully in the future, even if it means becoming your horse or ox.”

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“The vast desert scenery… I haven’t seen it in years. Jing Ze, tell me more about it.”

Tang Shen respectfully recounted his journey to Youzhou, vividly describing the majestic landscapes he had encountered along the way.

Zhao Fu listened with great interest, then turned to Ji Fu. “Have you ever seen such sights?”

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Ji Fu pulled a pained expression and replied, “This servant entered the palace at a young age and has been serving Your Majesty ever since. It’s been over fifty years, yet I’ve never left Shengjing.”

Zhao Fu looked surprised. “You’ve never been outside Shengjing City?”

Ji Fu nodded with a forced smile.

“Then next time I go to the summer palace, I’ll bring you along.”

Ji Fu was so moved that he knelt down, thanking Zhao Fu profusely for the favor.

Turning back to Tang Shen, Zhao Fu asked, “How was the food in Youzhou? Did you manage to get used to it?”

Tang Shen replied, “Although it may not be as refined as Shengjing’s cuisine, it has its own unique flavors.”

Zhao Fu smiled. “Did you find anything particularly delicious?”

Tang Shen hesitated, then thoughtfully said, “Indeed, there were several delicacies rarely seen in Shengjing. Many dishes are region-specific, such as cucumbers grown only in the northwest and the distinctive lamb dishes of the region. I was fortunate enough to see a plump lamb once. Its meat was tender, and when roasted slowly over a fire, it was incredibly delicious.”

Zhao Fu gave Tang Shen a long, measured look before laughing heartily. He turned to Ji Fu and said, “Look at our dear Tang daren. If you told someone he was an official, who would believe it? He sounds more like a seasoned gourmet! Jing Ze, you’ve only just come of age, yet after a trip to Youzhou, all you can talk about is food. Did you manage to complete your mission properly?”

Tang Shen immediately bowed. “I dare not disappoint Your Majesty’s expectations.” He then proceeded to report on the Silver Pull Division matters he had overseen.

When he finished, Zhao Fu said, “Jing Ze, you truly are one of my most trusted ministers.”

This was high praise. Tang Shen quickly adopted a humble yet delighted demeanor, offering the proper pleasantries. Ji Fu also cast him a few thoughtful glances. As someone close to Zhao Fu, Ji Fu had some insight into Tang Shen’s recent mission. It wasn’t merely about supervising the Silver Pull Division, though the exact purpose eluded him.

In the past, Zhao Fu had favored Tang Shen, but primarily as a useful tool, not as a true confidant. Compared to trusted figures like Wang Zifeng and Su Feiran, Tang Shen was far less significant. But from now on, that might change.

Ji Fu thought to himself: I should build better ties with Tang daren. After all, they’re all serving the emperor. The imperial court is unpredictable, and no one can stand alone. Wang Zifeng is clever, and since Tang Shen is his junior, he’s probably just as shrewd. He’ll be easy to get along with.

After asking a few more questions, Zhao Fu dismissed Tang Shen, allowing him to return to Qinzheng Hall.

Once Tang Shen left, Zhao Fu suddenly mused aloud, “How old was he when I first met him?”

It was an odd remark, and none of the attending eunuchs or officials knew how to respond, except for Ji Fu, who understood that when Zhao Fu made such statements without specifying a listener, he expected Ji Fu to answer.

Bowing slightly, Ji Fu replied with a quiet laugh, “It was five years ago, Your Majesty. Tang daren seemed to be about fifteen at the time.”

Zhao Fu thought for a moment. “Was it during that lecture at the imperial college?”

“Indeed, it was when Your Majesty gave a lecture at Biyong Hall.”

Zhao Fu said thoughtfully, “Look at him now. He seems to have changed a lot.” Without waiting for Ji Fu’s response this time, Zhao Fu continued as if talking to himself, “He’s grown taller, and he no longer has that sharp, youthful edge.” Suddenly, Zhao Fu burst into laughter, confusing Ji Fu, who dared not comment. After laughing for a while, such that wrinkles appeared on the corners of his eyes Zhao Fu said, “Look at him now—he’s becoming more and more like Wang Zifeng!”

Ji Fu was startled and inwardly he thought: How are they alike?

Still, he smiled and echoed, “Indeed, as soon as Your Majesty pointed it out, this servant noticed the resemblance.”

When Tang Shen returned to Qinzheng Hall, he first went to see Xu Bi, his direct superior. Xu Bi immediately invited him to sit and even offered him a bowl of sour plum soup.

Xu Bi remarked, “Shengjing is not like Youzhou. By June, the heat is oppressive. Are you adjusting well?”

Tang Shen cautiously replied, “I’ve been back for several days and have already adapted.”

Xu Bi continued, “Did you meet Xian Zhi on your way back? How is he doing?”

Xian Zhi was the courtesy name of Yu Chaosheng.

Tang Shen responded, “I met Yu daren once. He appeared to be in good spirits and has grown accustomed to Youzhou’s climate.”

Xu Bi nodded in acknowledgment. As Tang Shen was preparing to leave, Xu Bi added, “Since you’ve just returned from Youzhou, why not review the memorials from that region for now? You should find them easier to handle.”

Tang Shen bowed respectfully. “Understood.”

Xu Bi smiled faintly. “There probably won’t be many more memorials for you to read in the future.”

Tang Shen looked up sharply, only to see Xu Bi sipping his sour plum soup with a gentle expression, making it difficult to discern his true thoughts. Left without any other choice, Tang Shen took his leave.

As Xu Bi had hinted, three days later, an imperial edict was issued, appointing Tang Shen as Right Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Bureau, with the honorary title of Court Gentleman Consultant, a fourth-rank position.

This announcement surprised many but was not entirely unexpected. Tang Shen, only twenty years old, had risen from top scholar at sixteen to a fourth-rank official in just four years—a rare feat. During Emperor Kaiping’s reign, only Wang Zifeng had risen faster. Even Su Wenyun had taken until age twenty to reach fourth-rank as a Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review and another four years to attain third-rank.

Tang Shen’s successful handling of Silver Pull Division affairs had earned him this promotion. While the honorary title of Court Gentleman Consultant was nominal, it implied he might soon be promoted again.

Due to Tang Shen’s youth, Zhao Fu had refrained from granting him a third-rank position outright. Alongside Tang Shen’s appointment, another edict was issued to Youzhou, appointing Yu Chaosheng, the Right Vice Minister of Personnel, to also take on Left Deputy Imperial Censor of the Silver Pull Division.

This arrangement was intriguing. Both were now Deputy Imperial Censors, yet Yu Chaosheng was a third-rank official, while Tang Shen remained fourth-rank. Zhao Fu’s move subtly indicated that although Tang Shen was nominally lower in rank, he held imperial favor comparable to that of a third-rank official and was essentially a third-rank official in all but name.

Unlike Yu Chaosheng, who retained his position in the Ministry of Personnel while concurrently overseeing the Silver Pull Division, Tang Shen’s new role meant he would no longer serve as an Attendant Secretary, thus relinquishing his duties in Qinzheng Hall, as Xu Bi had suggested. Though he no longer had a seat in Qinzheng Hall, he now wielded real authority.

Whether this was a promotion or a demotion depended entirely on Zhao Fu’s intentions.

Tang Shen received the edict with mixed emotions, reflecting on how Zhao Fu, despite showing signs of weariness, remained the same Emperor Kaiping who had governed the Song Dynasty with an iron grip for thirty-one years.

As the Right Deputy Imperial Censor, Tang Shen was expected to be stationed in Youzhou. However, with the additional honorary title, he soon joined the Censorate in the capital, working alongside other Deputy Imperial Censors And Imperial Censor-in-Chief.

Tang Shen and Yu Chaosheng’s promotions did not attract much attention. Instead, many noticed that Wang Zhen’s authority had been subtly diminished by their appointments.

In the court, the Wang faction had grown too powerful, naturally attracting rivals. Some celebrated this development in secret, feeling vindicated. Others, puzzled by the move, sent letters home seeking their mentors’ opinions.

When Xu Bi received Yu Chaosheng’s letter, he smiled and shook his head. Dipping his brush in ink, he wrote a brief reply and sent it back to Youzhou.

Upon reading the letter, Yu Chaosheng felt as if a veil had been lifted. Sitting alone late at night, he pondered the letter’s contents for a long time before burning it. Watching the curling, blackened paper, Yu Chaosheng recalled how, twelve years earlier, he had placed second in the imperial examinations at the age of twenty-five. That should have been his moment of glory, yet a young Wang Zifeng, seven years his junior, had stolen the spotlight, leaving him forgotten in the shadows. He, as the second place scholar, was even less remembered than the previous year’s jinshi!

Yu Chaosheng harbored no resentment. Over the years, he had carefully observed what made Wang Zifeng so favored by Zhao Fu. 

Now, it seemed he had finally glimpsed a part of the truth.

The Langya Wang clan and Right Prime Minister Wang Quan—these were all external forces. Most people observing the world could only foresee a month or two, at most half a year. But Wang Zifeng had planted the seed of Tang Jingze as a chess piece four years ago.

Yu Chaosheng sighed deeply, “What a brilliant move, advancing by retreating! Others thought your power was divided, yet two years ago, when Zhao Jing tried to divide your authority, he ended up being demoted to Qinzhou, while your influence grew stronger. Now, Tang Jingze, who shares the same mentor as you and has deep brotherly ties with you—this time, are you planning to strike at me or at my mentor?”

Though far from the imperial capital, Yu Chaosheng could only glean fragments of the situation in Shengjing. Yet even with such limited information, he could see part of the picture.

Recently, Wang Zhen had acquired a pet yellow oriole, which he grew fond of, keeping it outside his study and playing with it daily. When Tang Shen came to see him, Wang Zhen was feeding the bird, holding a handful of seeds in his palm and carefully offering them to the little creature. Tang Shen watched for a while before Wang Zhen asked, “Would you like to give it a try, little Junior Brother?”

Tang Shen replied, “Sure.”

Wang Zhen divided the seeds and poured half into Tang Shen’s hand.

“Why did you suddenly take an interest in playing with birds, Senior Brother?”

“The one I truly wish to play with is far out of reach, so I can only amuse myself with this bird to quench my thirst in disguise.”

Tang Shen froze for a moment, puzzled by the odd remark.

“Are you talking about… me?”

Wang Zhen appeared genuinely surprised. “Why would you think that?” He poured the remaining seeds into the bird’s feeder, patted the residue off his hands, and said sincerely, “What made little Junior Brother misunderstand?”

Tang Shen studied Wang Zhen’s earnest expression, feeling uncertain but eventually convincing himself he was overthinking. 

After all, he was a living person, and this was just a bird—how could they be the same? Besides, if Wang Zifeng wanted to tease him, it wouldn’t be that easy—Tang Shen might just turn the tables and make fun of him instead!

Wang Zhen, noticing the changing expressions on Tang Shen’s face, smiled leisurely and said with satisfaction, “Today’s amusement has left me thoroughly pleased.”

Tang Shen was left utterly bewildered.

Wang Zhen continued, “You came at the right time. This morning, from Jinling Prefecture a batch of fine silverfish was sent over, and I had the kitchen prepare them. Consider this meal my way of hosting little Junior Brother and thanking little Junior Brother for your support.”

Tang Shen asked in surprise, “Support? What do you mean, Senior Brother?”

“Why did you come here?”

Tang Shen felt a bit embarrassed. “I’ve been promoted, but it meant taking some of your authority.”

“How coincidental. That’s precisely what I wanted to talk about. Last month, I went to the Immortal Ascension Platform, and His Majesty said a few things that cleared up years of confusion for me.”

“What confusion?”

“Throughout history, no emperor has avoided the taxing and delicate issue of naming an heir. Yet His Majesty has never shown any concern for this matter.”

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

Tang Shen was stunned. He hadn’t expected Wang Zhen to bring up this subject. After a moment’s thought, he asked, “There aren’t many princes—only three. Do you think His Majesty already has someone in mind?”

Wang Zhen pressed his finger to his lips and smiled slightly. “Shh, heavenly secrets must not be revealed.”

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Yu Chaosheng came to Youzhou to take over Tang Shen’s duties, while Wang Zhen came to oversee the handover between them. Now that the transition was complete, Wang Zhen and Tang Shen set off for Shengjing together. Since Tang Shen had been injured, they stayed a few extra days in Youzhou to allow him to recover. Once he felt better, they began their journey.

Due to Tang Shen’s recent injury, they traveled slowly to ensure his comfort. Taking their time, they paused along the way to enjoy the scenery, turning what would have been a five- or six-day trip into a ten-day journey. Upon arriving in Shengjing, Wang Zhen first escorted Tang Shen back to Tanhua Residence. After stepping off the carriage, Tang Shen looked at Wang Zhen helplessly and said, “Senior Brother, isn’t this considered using public resources for personal purposes?”

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

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow in surprise. “What is little Junior Brother talking about?”

Tang Shen explained, “A journey that should have taken five or six days ended up taking twice as long. This must be what they call a government-funded trip.”

Wang Zhen paused, clearly amused. “Government-funded trip? That’s a new term.” With a slight smile, he continued, “In the northwest, it’s nothing but endless yellow sands without a glimpse of the clear sky. As we neared Shengjing, we traveled mostly on rural paths, rarely passing through towns. I didn’t realize little Junior Brother enjoys such desolate travel. Quite a peculiar taste.”

“Ah?”

“Next time, I’ll be sure to indulge you.”

Tang Shen: “…?”

What did you just say?!

With that, the two parted ways.

Back in Shengjing, Tang Shen didn’t immediately return to Qinzheng Hall to resume his duties. His assignment in Youzhou to oversee the Silver Pull Division had taken him away for four months. Now it was June, and Shengjing was unbearably hot. He needed to report to the Ministry of Personnel first, after which he would have to go through several layers of approval before he could return to his original post.

While in Youzhou, Wang Zhen had once told him that Shengjing had changed and that Tang Shen should “change his attire” and not behave as he did in the past. However, after spending a few days in the city, Tang Shen noticed no significant difference. Shengjing was still as bustling and prosperous as ever. The Qianmen Street starting from the Grand Canal was crowded with people. Tang Shen even took some time to secretly visit the Baibao Pavilion, treating it as an incognito inspection. The shop’s business had stabilized, attracting thousands of Shengjing residents daily. Tang Huang had also launched a new custom-order service.

Since last year, Baibao Pavilion had begun selling glass mirrors. These mirrors provided a clear reflection and were more affordable than silver mirrors, quickly becoming a favorite among the aristocracy in Shengjing. However, the glass mirrors were not Baibao Pavilion’s most prestigious product. When Tang Shen first established Baibao Pavilion, he had received an imperial decree from Zhao Fu to replace all the palace windows with glass ones.

Naturally, the emperor did not take advantage of Tang Shen—every copper coin for the project was paid in full. Yet the task had been grueling, taking Baibao Pavilion half a year to complete. Since then, the sparkling glass windows of the imperial palace had become a living advertisement.

Which noble and official could step into the palace and not notice the pristine glass windows?

The windows were so exquisitely crafted that high-ranking officials immediately inquired about them. Before long, officials of the second rank and above, with the exception of the frugal Left Prime Minister Ji Wengji, rushed to Baibao Pavilion to place custom orders. This massive influx of orders kept Tang Huang and Yao San busy for an entire year.

Two days after Tang Shen reported to the Ministry of Personnel, before he could receive a summons to enter the palace, a significant event occurred.

The Censorate’s Supervising Censor, Gao Ming, submitted a memorial listing seventeen accusations against the Chief Astronomer Li Xiaoren, implicating several of Li Xiaoren’s disciples in serious crimes committed in their hometown. During the morning court session, Gao Ming vehemently criticized the misconduct of the accused disciples and called upon the emperor to intervene and bring justice by removing these corrupt individuals.

Li Xiaoren, a fourth-rank official, was present in Zichen Hall at the time. Terrified, his legs nearly gave out. However, as officials in the Song Dynasty were not required to kneel before the emperor, he stood trembling and loudly protested his innocence, claiming he was unaware of his disciples’ actions and would never condone such behavior.

This was not considered a major issue, as Gao Ming’s primary target was Li Xiaoren’s disciples rather than Li Xiaoren himself. Although Gao Ming wished to bring down the sycophantic fake Taoist priest, he had no direct evidence against Li Xiaoren and could only accuse him of failing to discipline his subordinates properly.

Zhao Fu listened quietly as the argument dragged on. Eventually, he coughed lightly, drawing the attention of all present.

“Chief Astronomer, are these allegations true?” asked the emperor calmly on his throne.

Li Xiaoren’s face twitched as he stepped forward. “Your Majesty, I was unaware, but if these allegations are proven true, I will not tolerate such behavior.”

Turning to Gao Ming, Zhao Fu asked, “Minister Gao, you seem confident in your evidence. What do you suggest we do?”

Gao Ming, who had initially hoped Zhao Fu would dismiss Li Xiaoren, noted the emperor’s indifferent tone and realized he was unlikely to act harshly. Reluctantly, he replied, “I defer to Your Majesty’s judgment.”

Zhao Fu waved a hand dismissively. “Let the Court of Judicial Review investigate the matter. Handle it according to the law.”

In the end, Li Xiaoren was merely fined three months’ salary and ordered to reflect on his actions at home. What no one expected was that, the following day, Zhao Fu summoned a monk from Dingguo Temple. This monk, named Shanting, though only in his forties, was reputed to be a highly respected figure and a likely candidate for the next abbot.

Zhao Fu had never believed in Buddhism, only in Taoism. Li Xiaoren had once lit an eternal lamp for him and refined elixirs in his honor. Yet, without warning, Zhao Fu began to embrace Buddhism as well.

Most people devoted themselves to either Buddhism or Taoism, rarely both. But Zhao Fu was different—he believed in both with equal fervor.

Shanting, a renowned monk, was summoned to the imperial palace to offer spiritual guidance to the emperor. Surprisingly, he also assisted in refining elixirs. Normally, monks of the Buddhist order would never engage in Taoist alchemy, but this was the emperor’s will. And when the emperor commanded, even a monk had to comply.

Thus, Shanting and Li Xiaoren worked together, concocting elixirs and teaching Zhao Fu the secrets of immortality.

Though Zhao Fu continued to attend court regularly, his personality became increasingly unpredictable.

One day, Wang Zhen was summoned to Immortal Ascension Platform, where he found Zhao Fu seated amidst three large bronze furnaces, clad not in his imperial robes but in a simple Taoist gown. Flames roared beneath the furnaces, while a gentle breeze stirred the room through the glass windows, casting flickering light on the emperor and making him appear like an ascetic Taoist.

Wang Zhen waited silently until Zhao Fu finished his meditation. However, this time, instead of returning to the inner palace, Zhao Fu personally took a fan and approached one of the furnaces to check on the concoction. He beckoned Wang Zhen over and pointed to a furnace. “Zi Feng, do you know what’s being refined here?”

Wang Zhen’s voice was clear and gentle, “Your Majesty, I do not. I await your enlightenment.”

Zhao Fu smiled faintly. “This is a Nine-Turn Elixir prepared by Shanting. Every day I take one, I feel reinvigorated, as if I’ve grown ten years younger. Would you like to try one?”

Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow in surprise. “Your Majesty, I would be honored.”

Zhao Fu gave him a meaningful look before shaking his head. “Alas, there’s only one pill per day. I cannot spare one for you.” After a pause, he added, “I recall the first time I met you—it was twelve years ago. You stood in Zichen Hall with Yu Chaosheng. I named him bangyan (2nd) and you as the zhuangyuan (1st). It’s hard to believe so much time has passed. In my thirty-one years on the throne, I’ve seen ten top scholars, but you are the only one to whom I granted the title ‘Peerless Zhuangyuan.’ Do you know why?”

Wang Zhen’s fingers twitched slightly, but he maintained his composure. “I do not, Your Majesty.”

“Because,” Zhao Fu said with a faint smile, “seeing talented young people like you makes me feel young again.”

The next day, Zhao Fu summoned Tang Shen. Instead of meeting him at Immortal Ascension Platform, he called him to Chuigong Hall.

Tang Shen, dressed in a new official robe, followed the eunuch into the hall, his head bowed as he pondered Wang Zhen’s cryptic words from the previous night. Just then, a benevolent voice sounded. “Jing Ze, you’ve returned from Youzhou, but you seem much more reserved. Raise your head and greet me.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.” Tang Shen raised his head, only to freeze in shock for a brief moment. However, he quickly composed himself, and no one noticed his lapse.

The brightly lit Chuigong Hall revealed Zhao Fu seated on the throne, still wearing his enigmatic smile, but he had aged considerably. His hair now contained numerous strands of gray, and what struck Tang Shen most was the sudden absence of vitality in the emperor’s eyes.

In the past, Zhao Fu had always been full of vitality. He seemed to believe he was still young and never felt the weight of age. That’s why he built three official roads and established the Silver Pull Division. He thought he could still accomplish many things. But all of a sudden, it was as if he had truly aged to match his years.

Tang Shen recalled how Wang Zhen had visited him late at night the previous day, specifically to tell him that Zhao Fu had become both easier and harder to deal with. At the time, Tang Shen didn’t quite understand what Wang Zhen meant. Faced with such life-or-death matters of serving the emperor, Wang Zhen wouldn’t normally speak in riddles. Yet when Tang Shen pressed for clarity, Wang Zhen paused before simply saying, “You’ll understand once you see him.”

It was only after meeting Zhao Fu in person that Tang Shen realized what Wang Zhen meant. The feeling was indescribable.

What had changed Zhao Fu?

Tang Shen pondered deeply and could only surmise that it was the Empress Dowager’s death. Her passing had dealt a heavy blow to the emperor, causing him to become somewhat withdrawn.

Seeing Zhao Fu like this filled Tang Shen with mixed emotions, a feeling difficult to put into words.

Zhao Fu asked, “Jing Ze, you went to Youzhou. Did you come across anything interesting?”

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

Tang Shen thought for a moment before replying, “I am from Jiangnan and visited the northwest for the first time. I witnessed the grandeur of the desert landscape. Youzhou is unlike the regions of our Great Song; its scenery is vast, magnificent, and open. Such a wonderful place captivated me, and I was reluctant to leave. But since the task was completed, I had no choice but to return.”

AN: Zhao Fu: Do you know why all the F4 (flower 4) officials I favor are particularly good-looking? Because when I look at them, it feels like seeing my younger self! I was good-looking too!

Zhao Xuan & Zhao Qiong: …

The late emperor & empress dowager: …

Everyone: Shameless!

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