The next day, Tang Shen visited the Marshal of the Western Expedition’s residence to visit Li Jingde.
Li Jingde wasn’t home initially, and after waiting for about an hour, the general entered the residence in full military attire, striding purposefully. As soon as he saw Tang Shen, he remarked, “Tang Shen, I heard you had quite the argument with Su Wenyun at the banquet hosted by Youzhou Prefecture’s governor, Ji Zhaosi, yesterday. The two of you clashed fiercely and parted on bad terms?”
Tang Shen’s first thought was: So, General Li can use two idioms in one sentence?
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Sighing, Tang Shen replied, “Indeed, General. I didn’t expect such an embarrassing incident to reach even your ears. Truly, good news never travels far, but bad news spreads like wildfire.”
Li Jingde waved dismissively. “Oh, don’t take it to heart. Not many people know, but this is my territory. What goes on here doesn’t escape my eyes. So, what did Su Wenyun do this time? Tell me, and I’ll help you settle the score since he’s on my turf now.”
Tang Shen raised his cupped hands slightly. “Thank you for your kindness, General, but it’s nothing significant. There’s no need to trouble you over it.”
Since Tang Shen declined to elaborate, Li Jingde didn’t press the matter. Despite his claim, the general was busy training troops and defending against the Liao. He hardly had the time or inclination to seek revenge on Su Wenyun for Tang Shen’s sake; his offer was made more out of courtesy so when Tang Shen refused he didn’t say any more on it.
“You came to see me for a reason, I assume?”
Tang Shen paused before responding, “Indeed, I have a request.” With that, he rose and moved closer to Li Jingde, bowing deeply in respect. Startled, Li Jingde quickly helped him up. “Tang daren, what is this about? There’s no need for such formalities. This kind of bow is reserved for the heavens, the emperor, or a mentor—not for me. Just tell me what you need.”
Tang Shen replied, “Since you’ve asked directly, I won’t hold back. I came today to borrow your token of authority.”
Li Jingde’s eyes dilated slightly, and his expression turned unreadable. His rugged face, now covered with a full beard after months in Youzhou, made his thoughts even harder to discern. Yet, it was clear that Li Jingde, contrary to his outward demeanor, was neither foolish nor impulsive.
After a long pause, Li Jingde asked, “Is it for urgent use?”
Tang Shen answered, “It’s more of a precaution.”
Li Jingde laughed heartily. “Understood. At the end of last year in the capital, you helped me out several times. A mere token is a trivial matter. Come with me, and I’ll get it for you.”
Tang Shen followed him to the study.
The study was lined with bookshelves, which were filled with neatly arranged volumes, including the Four Books and Five Classics as well as beginner texts like the Three-Character Classic and Thousand-Character Essay. A quick glance revealed that most of the books appeared brand-new, their spines uncreased—a clear indication that they served more for show than use.
Li Jingde retrieved the General of the Western Expedition’s token and handed it to Tang Shen. “This token won’t mobilize armies, but within Youzhou, it will allow you to act with impunity.”
Tang Shen bowed again. “Thank you, General. I’ll return it to you within half a month.”
Li Jingde waved him off. “No need, no need. It’s just a token. If you lose it, I’ll make another one. I can even scold Wang Zifeng about it. Your senior brother, now he’s a real piece of work. I might say it here to your face in Youzhou, but back in the capital, I’d say it to his face too! This whole Silver Pull Division nonsense and its silver contracts—what a mess! The people have no way of making a living.”
Tang Shen thought to himself, That’s not how ‘the people have no way to make a living’ is used…
Li Jingde ranted about Tang Shen’s senior brother, Wang Zifeng, for a while. But since Tang Shen had just borrowed the token, he felt it unwise to argue. Thankfully, Li Jingde soon shifted his attention to criticizing Su Wenyun instead. Wang Zhen was truly meticulous in his conduct, leaving no openings for criticism. No matter how much Li Jingde wanted to curse him, all he could say was that Wang Zhen was overly calculating and that the Silver Pull Division was troublesome.
But when it came to Su Wenyun, Li Jingde had a lot more to say.
“Don’t think I’m joking— I can’t stand that little white face either. Two years ago, when I was in the capital, he had just become Junior Minister of the Court of Judicial Review. A soldier from Youzhou was involved in a case that reached the Court of Judicial Review. That little white face showed no mercy! He practically tormented my soldier to death right in front of me. I’ve remembered his name—Su Wenyun—ever since. Don’t underestimate him. Beneath that polished exterior, he’s even more ruthless than your senior brother!”
Tang Shen murmured, “My senior brother might still be worse.”
Li Jingde didn’t quite catch that. “What did you say?”
Tang Shen quickly corrected himself. “I meant, you’re absolutely right, General. I’ll be cautious.”
Li Jingde waved dismissively again. “Bah, I’m just venting. You’re not like those scheming officials—more straightforward. That’s why I like you.”
After this, Li Jingde returned to the military camp, and Tang Shen took his leave.
Watching Li Jingde ride off on his steed, Tang Shen fiddled with the token in his sleeve, sighing in his heart. How could Su Wenyun really compare to my senior brother?
Years ago, Su Wenyun had been inexperienced enough to draw Li Jingde’s ire. But if it had been his senior brother, Wang Zifeng, the general would likely have been manipulated into gratitude, offering thanks with a banner of appreciation!
Tang Shen also realized the benefits of publicly quarreling with Su Wenyun during the governor’s banquet the previous day. While the incident hadn’t caused a major uproar, the right people had undoubtedly taken notice, including Li Jingde.
With this setup, Tang Shen and Su Wenyun could now act without suspicion, covering for each other whenever necessary. Their carefully orchestrated conflict lent credibility to their actions, enabling them to execute their plans without drawing undue attention.
No one else was suitable for this task except Tang Shen and Su Wenyun. This was because many officials knew that three years ago, during the collapse of the Cizhou bridge, Tang Shen and Su Wenyun had developed a grudge against each other, and their relationship had remained tense ever since. With this background, if the two of them had a heated argument, it would seem perfectly natural.
Was this part of Zhao Fu’s calculations when he assigned us this mission? Tang Shen wondered. If so, his shrewdness was truly terrifying.
After preparing for several days in Youzhou City, on the 6th day of the 4th month, Lin Xu, the Director of the Silver Pull Division, came to visit Tang Shen with a few men. Lin Xu arranged for the men to wait at the posthouse before meeting Tang Shen alone.
“This lower official greets the imperial envoy,” Lin Xu said, bowing. “Yesterday afternoon, a letter from Wang xianggong arrived from Shengjing. The matters discussed in the letter have already been handled. The men I brought today are all absolutely trustworthy. Would daren like to meet them?”
“Bring them in.”
Lin Xu quickly ushered the men into the room.
He brought in four middle-aged men. Two of them were burly and well-fed, exuding the air of wealthy merchants. The other two were lean but energetic, with ruddy faces that hinted at a comfortable lifestyle. All four appeared to be merchants, but their demeanor was unusual—they bowed their heads respectfully, standing quietly to one side without the typical nervousness of merchants meeting a high-ranking official.
Tang Shen scrutinized the men, his gaze finally settling on one lean and sharp-featured man. This man’s deeply defined features bore a faint resemblance to Li Jingde. Though neither had Liao ancestry, their appearances were somewhat similar. The man stood with his hands clasped respectfully in front of him, exuding a calm and composed demeanor.
Noticing Tang Shen’s focus, Lin Xu quickly explained, “This is the person recommended by Wang xianggong.”
Tang Shen looked over, surprised.
Lin Xu continued, “In the letter, Wang xianggong mentioned that all four men are trustworthy, and you may choose any of them. However, if you select this man, you can rest assured. Wang xianggong specifically stated that the matters you’ve heard, speculated about, or guessed were uncovered by him.”
This simple statement stirred waves in Tang Shen’s heart.
So Lin Xu truly is a confidant of my senior brother!
For my senior brother to openly mention to him that the Silver Pull Division has a network for gathering intelligence on Liao, it seems I can trust Lin Xu more deeply.
Tang Shen maintained his composure and said, “Then it shall be him.”
The middle-aged man was quick-witted and immediately stepped forward. “This commoner’s name is Qiao Yin, the ninth in my family, so people call me Qiao Jiu. I am willing to serve daren and will not disappoint.”
Tang Shen asked, “Do you understand tea?”
Qiao Jiu replied, “Yes. I’ve been involved in many businesses. In my youth, I traveled south and once helped a friend in the tea trade, though I haven’t dealt in tea for years.”
“Good. Within a day, I need you to become a tea merchant. You hail from Gusu Prefecture in Jiangnan, selling premium-grade Biluochun tea.”
Qiao Jiu agreed repeatedly, showing no hesitation.
Lin Xu departed with the other men, leaving Qiao Jiu at the posthouse.
By evening, a letter from Wang Zhen finally arrived at the posthouse for Tang Shen.
Tang Shen eagerly opened the letter, written on fine rice paper. Wang Zhen’s elegant handwriting unfurled across the page, its graceful strokes reflecting the writer’s refined character.
In the letter, Wang Zhen mentioned that he had sent Lin Xu to assist Tang Shen in selecting people. He told Tang Shen not to overthink it, as he had no intention of interfering. He explained that the Silver Pull Division had long had arrangements in Liao, and it was only natural to hand this task over to Tang Shen now.
“…Today, I admired a weeping crabapple tree with Sir. Its cascading branches reminded me of a beauty’s flowing hair. Thinking of you still in Youzhou amidst endless yellow sands and a spring wind that refuses to cross the border, I couldn’t help but sigh. Sir asked me why I was troubled, and I confessed that I missed my junior brother. Knowing how you love to tease me, yet always fail to gain the upper hand, I thought to share Sir’s jest with you.”
The first long section of the letter was about serious matters, and Tang Shen read it with full concentration. When he reached the end, Wang Zhen suddenly began talking about some amusing personal stories, and Tang Shen’s eyes lit up. During the half-month he had spent in Youzhou City, Tang Shen had been tense almost every day, never relaxing for a moment. Now, upon reading Wang Zhen’s letter, his heart felt warm, and he murmured softly, “Senior Brother, I miss you too.”
The letter continued.
“Sir said, ‘An old saying fits Zi Feng’s sentiment perfectly.’
‘I asked, “What saying?”’
‘He sighed and said, “A mother’s heart worries as her child travels far.”
‘Junior Brother, do you think I should fret over you or not?’”
Tang Shen chuckled, touched by Wang Zhen’s self-deprecating humor. Running his fingers over the ink, he mused aloud, “My senior brother told such a joke, even mocking himself, just to ease my burdens and keep me from overexerting myself.”
His longing for Wang Zifeng grew even stronger, like the burning intensity of the liquor that Youzhou soldiers loved, searing Tang Shen’s heart and mind.
However, after only a moment, Su Wenyun’s words resurfaced in his mind, causing Tang Shen’s expression to turn cold once again.
Three days ago, Su Wenyun could never have imagined that Tang Shen would rebuke him so decisively and without question, accusing him of slandering Wang Zhen and damaging his reputation. Su Wenyun had actually been taken aback and believed Tang Shen’s lies, thinking he had truly misunderstood Wang Zhen. By putting himself in Wang Zhen’s shoes, he even went so far as to apologize to him.
But no one knew that Tang Shen had actually been momentarily swayed by Su Wenyun’s insinuations! His vehement defense had been more out of loyalty than evidence.
Wang Zhen was twenty-nine and still unmarried. The reasons are likely three.
The first was that he hadn’t found anyone he deemed worthy, as his standards are too high.
The second was that he was impotent. Unlike others who might marry and blame their wives for infertility, Wang Zhen would never harm another person like that.
Or…
“Wang Zifeng prefers men?”
Tang Shen frowned deeply, his face twisted with conflicted thoughts. After much deliberation, he sighed. “Which is better—impotence or being a cut sleeve? Either way, it doesn’t matter. Even if my senior brother prefers men, he’s still my senior brother.” (TN: cut sleeve: A historical euphemism for homosexuality, originating from a tale involving Emperor Ai of Han)
Unconsciously, his fingers tightened around the thin paper, nearly crumpling it. But once he made peace with the thought, he felt a strange sense of relief—perhaps even anticipation.
A faint smile played on his lips as he murmured, “I will stay by his side for life and treat him as family.”
Resolving his thoughts, Tang Shen pulled out paper and ink to write a reply to Wang Zhen.
The next morning, Tang Shen discreetly packed his belongings, leaving instructions for his page boy to remain in Youzhou while he crossed into Liao territory alone. Before departing, he handed the letter to a government worker.
“How long to Shengjing?” Tang Shen asked.
The government worker replied, “Since this isn’t military correspondence, we can’t use express routes. It will take six days. If you need, I can expedite it to arrive in four.”
“No need. Six days is fine.”
“Yes, daren.”
When delivering the letter, Tang Shen ran into Su Wenyun.
The two met in the corridor and exchanged glances.
Su Wenyun sneered with a feigned smile, “Tang daren, what a coincidence.”
Tang Shen cupped his hands in salute. “This lower official greets the esteemed Right Vice Minister of Works.”
Su Wenyun cast him a sidelong glance, took a step forward, and left. Just as they brushed past, Tang Shen whispered, “Tonight, at midnight.”
Su Wenyun’s steps briefly faltered, but he continued forward without turning back.
That night, the city of Youzhou was silent, the only sound the howling spring winds rustling through the poplar trees, creating a constant rustling noise.
On the eastern side of the city, two horse-drawn carriages laden with military provisions clattered toward the city gate.
As the carriages approached, the guards at the gate stopped them and called out loudly, “What are these carriages? What business do you have leaving the city at this hour?”
The man accompanying the carriages, dressed as a servant, stepped forward with documents in hand, smiling apologetically. “Daren, I am a runner from the Silver Pull Divison. A batch of military funds just arrived, urgently needed by General Li, the Marshal of the Western Expedition. We have no choice but to transport it at night. Please see the official seal of the Silver Pull Division and the token of General Li.”
The soldiers of Youzhou’s garrison and the Silver Pull Division never got along. The lead guard examined the documents and confirmed the seals were authentic, including General Li’s token.
The reason the Silver Pull Division was so hated was because other than the fact they supervised all the military provisions there was also another reason. It had always been notorious for its unconventional ways. Nighttime deliveries like this were not uncommon.
The guard hesitated, wanting to create some trouble, but another guard whispered, “It’s General Li’s order. We both know his temper. Let them pass.”
The first guard thought for a moment, then sighed in resignation. “Alright, go ahead.”
The city gates creaked open, and the guards didn’t even bother inspecting the carriages. The two vehicles rolled out into the night without a hitch.
This covert departure of the military funds didn’t raise any alarms in Youzhou. Not even General Li Jingde himself was aware that he had supposedly requested such a transfer in the dead of night.
April 8th. Thick clouds blanketed the sky, obscuring stars and moon alike.
At the Youzhou posthouse, Su Wenyun hadn’t slept all night. He sat at his desk, pouring cup after cup of tea for himself. As dawn broke, he reached for another cup, only to find the teapot empty. His stomach was already uncomfortably bloated with cold tea.
Meanwhile, Tang Shen and his party had successfully exited Youzhou without alerting any parties.
Upon reaching the Song-Liao border, the two carriages transformed. The young man who had claimed to be a Silver Pull Division runner revealed himself as Qiao Jiu’s biological son. Qiao Jiu now posed as a tea merchant from Jiangnan, with Tang Shen and others as fellow traders and Lu Shen among the group as their martial escorts.
The “military funds” in the carriages were now sacks of tea leaves.
At the border, Qiao Jiu produced pre-arranged clearance documents from the Youzhou government, allowing them to cross seamlessly into Liao territory.
Upon entering Liao territory, everything initially seemed no different from the civilian areas of Song. The towns and inns were well-stocked and bustling. But as they ventured further inland, towns became sparser, replaced by nomadic tribes scattered across the landscape. The occasional small towns provided opportunities to replenish supplies.
One stark difference stood out, though.
At the Song-Liao border, the locals had greeted them with hostility, glaring with deep-seated enmity. Yet, deeper into Liao territory, among those untouched by past wars, the attitude shifted to one of arrogance and disdain, openly displayed without reservation.
Battling fierce winds, the group journeyed for six days before arriving, dust-covered and weary, at the Liao capital of Nanjing, known as Xijin Prefecture City.
At the towering city gates, Qiao Jiu, hunched over and obsequious, handed bribes to the guards. Standing before the grandiose gates of Xijin, Tang Shen tilted his head back, staring at the large characters etched above the entrance. He felt a wave of emotion and couldn’t tear his gaze away.
“Gongzi, have you spotted something of interest?”
Tang Shen turned toward the speaker—Qiao Jiu’s son, currently playing the role of a servant. Tang Shen, meanwhile, was posing as Qiao Jiu’s son.
Wrapped in coarse cloth to shield against the sand, Tang Shen’s face was mostly hidden, save for his eyes. He nodded, pointing at the two characters above the gate. “These characters are well-written and even in Han script.”
Qiao Xing replied, “Nanjing wasn’t always called Xijin. The name was changed over a decade ago by the Grand Preceptor of Liao, who also wrote these characters himself.” Lowering his voice, he added, “If gongzi likes the Grand Preceptor’s calligraphy, it’s not impossible to obtain one of his works.”
Tang Shen chuckled softly. Liao rulers writing in Han characters—how good could it really be?
Though the Grand Preceptor’s calligraphy was decent, it was no match for greats like Fu Wei and Wang Zhen.
Realizing his flattery had missed the mark, Qiao Xing wisely fell silent.
After handing over three money pouches, Qiao Jiu finally satisfied the greedy guards and secured passage into the city. The guards, now content, didn’t bother questioning their purpose.
Once inside, the group settled at an inn prearranged by Qiao Jiu.
Standing by the window of his room, Tang Shen looked out over Xijin. The servant helping him unpack couldn’t fathom what he was seeing. But Tang Shen knew.
What he saw wasn’t just Xijin—it was the vibrant, thriving Beijing of a thousand years into the future!
Indeed, the Nanjing Xijin Prefecture of the Liao State was exactly what would become Beijing a thousand years later.
The Liao State was largely composed of tribal alliances, with few large cities within its borders. The most important were its five capitals: Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture, Zhongjing Dading Prefecture, Dongjing Liaoyang Prefecture, Xijing Datong Prefecture, and Nanjing Xijin Prefecture. Shangjing Linhuang Prefecture was the main capital of the Liao Dynasty, while the other four served as auxiliary capitals.
Standing in Xijin, Tang Shen felt a wave of complex emotions. However, he didn’t even know if, a thousand years later, this land beneath his feet would truly become the Beijing he remembered.
Closing his eyes with a heavy sigh, Tang Shen asked, “How’s Qiao Jiu’s side?”
The attendant, who was also privy to the situation and reportedly a trusted aide of Qiao Jiu, replied, “The master has made all necessary preparations. Since it’s already late today, he wishes daren to rest for now. Tomorrow, we’ll go to the Liao State’s trading houses to seek an opportunity.”
Tang Shen nodded. After the attendant left, he blew out the candle, and the room was immediately engulfed in darkness.
Far away in the capital city of Shengjing, within the Minister of Revenue’s residence, Wang Zhen returned from the palace. That day, the emperor had summoned him for a lengthy conversation.
Since the empress dowager’s passing and Zhao Fu’s grave illness, the monarch’s demeanor had noticeably changed. Tang Shen, stationed in Youzhou, remained unaware, but Wang Zhen felt it keenly.
Upon his return, Wang Zhen began changing out of his formal attire with the help of a page boy when his steward knocked and entered with a letter in hand. “Gongzi, a letter from Youzhou.”
Wang Zhen raised an eyebrow. His voice was smooth and clear. “From Jing Ze?”
“Yes.”
A slight smile crept across Wang Zhen’s lips. “Hold off on changing. You may leave.”
The page boy bowed and exited. Wang Zhen, still partially dressed, approached the letter. His slender fingers hovered over the envelope, lingering on the inscription: “To my honored senior brother.”
Opening it, Wang Zhen barely finished the first line before chuckling. He stared at the words for a long moment.
The letter began, in calligraphy style identical to Wang Zhen’s own:
“Honored Senior Brother,
I bow in utmost respect…”
Wang Zhen stopped reading and looked at the opening lines with a pensive smile. Turning to his steward, he asked gently, “You studied alongside me in the Langya Wang family. Am I mistaken in recalling that such phrases are reserved for letters addressed to one’s parents?”
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The steward replied honestly, “You’re correct, gongzi. Those terms are indeed used for one’s elders.”
Wang Zhen laughed softly, shaking the letter. “A letter from my ‘son’ deserves careful attention. You may leave.”
AN: Tang Shen: Daddy, am I your most beloved child?
Wang Zhen: Of course, darling. Where do you want Daddy to show you how much I care? [smiles]
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