Chapter 19 The Imperial Sword: I Decide to Reinstate the Sixteen Guards

Emperor Xuanyuan visited incognito without issuing an imperial edict beforehand, and was suddenly assassinated, catching the Marquis of Xuanping's family completely off guard.

The local soldiers were mobilized to clear the area, forming a human wall to block the crowds who were craning their necks to get a clear view from the roadside.

Someone died on the wedding day, falling to their death right in front of the sedan chair poles, leaving a pool of blood on the ground, unnecessarily bringing bad luck.

Chen Liangyu flipped the creature, which resembled both a human and a beast, over and immediately frowned deeply.

Where was this wild beast or monkey? This thing clearly looked like a boy, but its face was extremely old, with deep wrinkles and furrows like cracked bones.

In an instant, she thought of someone else.

The same was true of Eunuch Wei, who served Princess Jiangning.

Before they could think it through, the Yong'an Prefecture had already brought a coroner and carried the mysterious corpse to the Yong'an Prefecture morgue.

Chen Liangyu bit her knuckles, carefully examining the possible connection between the assassin and Eunuch Wei. After going through all the details, she found that apart from the similar physical appearance, there was nothing else.

Eunuch Wei was the princess's personal eunuch, and he rarely had the opportunity to leave the palace without his master's permission. Besides, a eunuch relies on the royal master for his livelihood, so there was no reason for him to assassinate the emperor.

Someone rushed in from the mansion, saying, "Miss, His Majesty has summoned you."

Chen Liangyu put aside her wild thoughts and headed home.

The guests from all directions knelt neatly outside Chen Yuanqing's study, each in a posture of apology.

Although the Xuanping Marquis's mansion had been stripped of its power, it was not a major loss, and its prestige and favor remained. Today was Chen Linjun's auspicious day, and officials, whether they usually interacted with him or not, whether they were familiar with him or not, as well as some newly rich, all came to pay their respects to the Marquis's mansion.

With so many people present, they were caught off guard by an assassin, which startled the emperor.

Thus, the area outside the study became like a court session, filled with court officials.

Soon, someone came out of the study and told everyone to stop kneeling and stand at attention, so as not to delay the auspicious time for the newlyweds, and to make room for a quiet place.

The wedding banquet was a complicated affair. After bowing to heaven and earth, Yan Nian was led to the bridal chamber in the backyard, while Chen Linjun was pulled away to drink.

When Chen Liangyu arrived, Emperor Xuanyuan was chatting with Chen Yuanqing over tea.

She first knelt in respect, then pleaded for forgiveness for her failure to protect the emperor. Emperor Xuanyuan raised his hand, signaling her to rise, and casually tossed her a sword. "Do you like it?"

Chen Liangyu reached out to catch it, his wrist and arm sinking downwards; the weight was considerable.

A single glance revealed an undisguised delight in his eyes.

The black scabbard is engraved with nine dragon patterns, which are not noticeable unless you look closely. Two or three corundum beads are inlaid on the hilt, and dark blue tassels with brocade hang down. When the sun shines on it, the scabbard emits a faint red light.

It is obvious at a glance that it is an unparalleled sword.

She placed her palm on the hilt of the sword, intending to draw it to examine the blade, but considering the presence of the Emperor, she could not reveal the sword's edge and pressed it back into its sheath.

It's a handy and good weapon!

"This sword was wielded by the founding ancestor of the Great Lin Kingdom. It was forged from black stone and mysterious iron, and there is only one of its kind in the world. You have rendered meritorious service in protecting me today, so I bestow it upon you." Emperor Xuanyuan said with a smile, "Whoever wields this sword can execute officials or even behead princes without reporting to the emperor."

"Your Majesty, I thank you for your generous gift!"

Chen Liangyu thanked him and tactfully stepped aside.

Emperor Xuanyuan continued speaking to Chen Yuanqing, "I am leaving the palace in private attire today, and it is inconvenient to conceal congratulatory gifts in this attire. Therefore, Chen Linjun is promoted to First-Rank General of the Cavalry and granted the title of Marquis of Wu'an. Linjun's wife should also be rewarded, and she will be granted the title of Second-Rank Lady. Lin Zhong, go and proclaim the decree!"

Commander Lin Zhong of the Imperial Guards received his orders and left the study, heading towards the front courtyard where the banquet was being held.

Chen Liangyu knew that Emperor Xuanyuan was using this day to show his favor to the Marquis's residence and also to appease the soldiers in the northern border.

I never expected it to be such a great favor.

Since the Censorate jointly impeached Chen Yuanqing, there have been frequent disturbances in the northern border.

Having just driven away the enemy, he returned to Yongdu only to be impeached and dismissed from his post, which angered those hot-blooded men. They shouted, "When the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away," and "When the enemy is destroyed, the general dies," and were about to storm into Yongdu. The Censorate jointly submitted a memorial impeaching him, so let's stage a joint military remonstrance!

The garrison troops of the three prefectures and sixteen cities in the north gathered overnight in the open fields outside Dingbei City, and even hastily made flags for marching south to remonstrate.

Chen Linjun paid respects to Heaven and Earth in the front hall, while in the backyard he began packing his bags, as he was to urgently return to the northern border the next day to handle military matters and appease the troops.

After dismissing Lin Zhong, Emperor Xuanyuan beckoned Chen Liangyu closer. "The Sixteen Guards were originally imperial guards established at the founding of the dynasty. Later, due to tight military funds at the front, Yongdu abolished redundant officials and cut unnecessary expenses, streamlining the Sixteen Guards and merging them into the Southern Guard, with the Imperial Guard taking over some of the Sixteen Guards' duties. At the time, I thought that if the Imperial Guard became too powerful one day, I might reinstate them, so I didn't abolish the Southern Guard. Now, the time has come, and I've decided to reinstate the Sixteen Guards. What do you think?"

"Your Majesty, I am willing to serve you like a dog or a horse!"

"good."

Emperor Xuanyuan was overjoyed. “There is one matter. The Southern Office has now been merged into one, and you will be appointed as its commander. Sixteen guards will be established. Keep an eye on the candidates for the commanders of these guards, and submit a list of names after the spring hunt.”

After speaking, he paused and added, "Especially the Thousand Bull Guards, who are in charge of guarding the imperial guards and serving as the inner circle's personal bodyguards, must not be taken lightly!"

Chen Liangyu did indeed have someone in mind to be the head of the Emperor's personal guards.

"Your Majesty, I can recommend a general of the Thousand Bull Guard today."

Who is it?

"Gao Guan, the current deputy commander of the Southern Army."

"Gao Guan," Emperor Xuanyuan murmured the name, squinting as he thought, "is that the one... who followed Prince Shen and dismantled my palace to burn as firewood?"

Chen Liangyu felt ashamed, but forced himself to say, "Your Majesty, it is indeed this person."

This fat monk could be doing anything!

"I've heard that initially no government office was willing to take on the refugee issue, only the Sixteen Guards were eager to help. You were imprisoned, so it must have been Gao Guan who made the decision?"

Chen Liangyu said, "It was indeed Gao Guan who took the initiative to help the refugees. He dismantled trees for firewood, but it was only because a cold rain came suddenly and he was afraid that people would freeze to death under the emperor's nose, which would damage His Majesty's reputation for virtue and love for the people."

To avoid arousing Emperor Xuanyuan's suspicion, she did not mention Prince Shen.

He bowed down again, his heart filled with piety: "Gao Guan is of pure heart and simple mind, loyal and righteous, and is worthy of Your Majesty's service."

Emperor Xuanyuan nodded. "I'll go back to the palace and have the archives check Gao Guan's official documents. You may leave now."

Chen Liangyu bowed and withdrew. After walking a little further away, he couldn't wait to draw his sword and brandish it a couple of times. The sword gleamed silver and could cut through iron like mud.

Yan Baizhang saw it on the road, snatched it to examine it, and exclaimed, "The Lancang Sword?"

"Bestowed by His Majesty."

Yan Baizhang, known as the "Master of Ten Thousand Counts," was Chen Liangyu's most admired person in his youth, and it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say he knew everything. He could tell you the species, habits, and texture of a bird flying overhead or a grasshopper jumping on the ground, and which cooking method—steaming, braising, boiling, or frying—was more delicious.

He knew the weather the next day—whether it would be sunny, rainy, windy, or snowy—by the movement of a single star.

Over the years, he has served as Chen Yuanqing's strategist and also as a teacher to his two siblings. Three vertical lines between his brows have remained in place for years, and they never seem to relax even when he is not frowning.

While Yan Baizhang was focused on examining the sword, Chen Liangyu asked about the beggar she had encountered at the lantern festival: "Uncle Yan, yesterday when I was on patrol, I met a man who had lost part of both arms. He asked me for money to make arrangements for his funeral. That man knew my father's courtesy name. You and my father were from the same school, do you recognize this man?"

Yan Baizhang's expression changed drastically. "What does he look like?"

Chen Liangyu gestured with his head as he described the scene.

Yan Baizhang said, "Don't talk to strange people casually." He didn't say anything else, returned the Lancang to her, and went to the next residence.

Chen Liangyu glanced around and saw that the main gate of the secondary residence was tightly closed.

She had been wondering why the man from the second mansion, whom she called her second brother, was nowhere to be seen when the wedding procession left the mansion, but when she was summoned back. She thought she had just missed him for a while, but after several rounds of the wedding banquet, he still hadn't come out.

Could it be that Chen Yuanqing finds that old romantic affair shameful and doesn't want the fruit of that illicit affair to be shown to others?

She speculated.

Upon further reflection, it didn't make sense. Many people had seen him that morning, and the amusing story of Marquis Xuanping having an extramarital affair had already spread throughout Shangyong City.

Then it would only be against the Emperor's will!

My thoughts were interrupted by a series of increasingly loud singing voices, "That guy was making a ruckus with gongs and drums, firecrackers, red flags waving, and a sea of ​​people..."

Chen Liangyu felt a headache coming on when she heard that voice.

The Marquis's residence sent an invitation to Right Chancellor Zhang Diancheng, so it's not surprising that Zhang Jialing appeared here.

After sheathing the sword, Chen Liangyu went to the new house in the backyard.

With no one else around, the study was quiet.

“Brother.” Emperor Xuanyuan was moved and broke the deadlock first.

Chen Yuanqing had an upright posture and never bent his back in front of outsiders, even after being seriously injured. He never showed his pain to anyone, which earned him the nickname "Thousand-Foot Pine".

Upon hearing Emperor Xuanyuan's words, he hurriedly knelt down, kowtowed deeply, and said, "This old minister dares not."

Emperor Xuanyuan hurriedly stepped forward to help him up, saying with a hint of reproach, "What are you doing? Didn't I tell you that you are not allowed to kneel in private? Get up quickly!"

With the help of Emperor Xuanyuan, Chen Yuanqing struggled to his feet. He was ill, and the banquet had lasted too long, leaving him barely able to keep up.

After regaining his footing, he took a breath and said to Emperor Xuanyuan, "The proper etiquette between ruler and subject must not be disregarded. Your Majesty's address of my elder brother is an overstepping of your bounds."

Emperor Xuanyuan's face was frosty.

In his childhood, he would run and call out to his Chongming brother. The response he received was not the rigid etiquette between ruler and subject, but Chen Yuanqing's smiling face and a handkerchief with the scent of pine nuts to wipe his sweat.

“Your mother, Princess Guijun, is my own aunt. It is only natural for me to call you brother. How is this presumption?” Emperor Xuanyuan turned his back and lowered his head. The emperor who ruled over all people was like a child who had done something wrong. He said, “Or is it that you still haven’t forgiven me?”

Chen Yuanqing stood up straight again, looking forward at Emperor Xuanyuan's back, and said, "Your Majesty is the ruler of a country and cannot be wrong. If you are not wrong, why should I forgive you?"

Emperor Xuanyuan sat back down at his desk, looking dejected. He picked up his teacup, skimmed off the foam, and took a small sip of tea.

The tea had gone cold and tasted a bit bitter, so he put it down.

"If the child who attempted to assassinate me was indeed one of the secret guards Lin Jianshu took away, I will send people to find them immediately! I am willing to make amends. If those children are still alive, I am willing to save them. I will summon the imperial physicians and use the most precious medicines! Brother, I know I was wrong!"

“Your Majesty, why do you do this?” Chen Yuanqing sighed softly. “It has been almost twenty years. Even if we can find those people, how do you plan to explain this to the people? The slightest mistake will not only damage Your Majesty’s virtue, but will also alienate the people. Your Majesty, the past is the past.”

"It is my fault. Lin Jianshu's betrayal and departure have already been punished. Why can't even my elder brother stay?"

Chen Yuanqing lowered his posture and said, "His Majesty promised me that he would allow me to retire and return home on the day the bandits in the north were pacified. I have repeatedly declined, but only because I am now old and can no longer fight, and there are no shortage of promising young talents in the army..."

"I don't want to hear your empty words and platitudes," the emperor, the supreme ruler, even acted like a child, turning his head away, unwilling to listen to anything Chen Yuanqing had to say.

After a moment, he pointed in the direction of the secondary residence and asked, "How long do you intend to keep that child a secret from me?"

Chen Yuanqing said, "Your Majesty, I know that I cannot hide anything from you."

Emperor Xuanyuan sighed deeply, "That child's background... if you intend to raise him, then don't hide it anymore, lest it arouse suspicion." He took a breath and added, "Now that he is under your care, he can only bear the surname Chen for the rest of his life!"

***

Emperor Xuanyuan drank some wine and became slightly drunk before setting off to return to the palace.

The guests gradually took their leave.

Chen Yuanqing stood with his hands behind his back in the courtyard, his face glowing red from the red silk lanterns that filled the yard.

Yan Baizhang came out of the secondary residence and walked to Chen Yuanqing's side. "My lord, Liangyu said that she met Jiang Bojin at the lantern festival yesterday."

Chen Yuanqing exhaled a puff of mist, which quickly dissipated in the wind. "He's not dead yet."

"I reckon there's an 80% chance," Yan Baizhang said. "With the secret guards out, can't they also find out Lin Guitou's whereabouts by following the clues?"

A cold wind blew into his eyes, making them red. Chen Yuanqing looked up into the distance and said, "Don't look anymore, he won't want to come back."

A note from the author: