On the streetlights
"How is Zhao Peiming?" The emperor didn't even bother to lift his eyelids, and pushed away the memorial that was presented to him.
The attendants had no choice but to read it aloud word by word, while everyone on and off the stage held their breath in suspense.
"Your Majesty, a total of five people have returned."
"How many people?" the Emperor asked in disbelief.
"Your Majesty, five people," the attendant replied, seemingly slurring his words and resigned to his fate.
The Emperor rose slightly and said, "In such a sorry state, how can we fight again?" Then he glanced at Fu Qinxiang and said, "Pass on my message: give him two months to reorganize the army and train another batch of swift cavalry."
"Two months...is that too tight?" Fu Qinxiang asked.
The Emperor frowned and said, "Didn't he claim to be divinely powerful? Two months should be enough."
"Yes," Fu Qinxiang bowed her head to listen, "What are Your Majesty's plans?"
"I want him to take back the sand mustard plug," the Emperor said.
Zhao Chen listened intently, his lips trembling, his emotions nearing their peak. Every time he was about to speak, Fu Qinxiang would squint and make a "shh" gesture towards him. In any case, the weaker Zhao Chen was, the more beneficial it would be for her, Fu Qinxiang.
Qian Ruinian saw everything clearly, cupped his hands and stood up, saying, "This humble subject believes that we have rendered meritorious service in this battle and should be rewarded to show the Emperor's grace."
Tang Yao rose and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty, I also believe this. It was already difficult to fight against overwhelming odds this time, and there should be some reward."
"Hmm? How does Consort Li know so much detail?" The Emperor's eyes were fixed on Fu Qinxiang. "Is it Minister Fu?"
Fu Qinxiang smiled and replied, "Consort Li is exceptionally intelligent and has been by His Majesty's side for a long time. If she understands the current situation, she can share His Majesty's burdens. Why not?"
"Haha, very good. From now on, the Imperial Advisor will give Consort Li some guidance," the Emperor said happily.
"Your Majesty, regarding the matter of bestowing titles and rewards..." Zhao Chen pressed for an answer.
"What's the rush? Once he conquers Shajie Pass, will your Zhao family still have to worry about food and clothing?" The emperor was clearly impatient, so Zhao Chen and his men stopped responding.
Fu Qinxiang's eyes darkened. Suppressing the advisors was indeed advantageous to her, but if Zhao Si really died in the next war, the reorganized army might not be obedient to her, a national advisor without military power. At that time, she might not have the power to suppress them.
"Your Majesty, I request that the Sa Ta cavalry be returned to the Zhao army," Fu Qinxiang said respectfully.
Upon hearing this, everyone in the audience was taken aback.
Tang Yao observed everything without making a sound.
“It’s not impossible,” the emperor said, indeed feeling it was too cruel. Without the Zhao army, he would be outnumbered and outmatched by the army left by the Empress Dowager. “According to the Grand Preceptor, the two armies should join forces.”
The emperor had drunk too much and needed to rest, so in less than an hour, the hall was emptied of the crowd. As the bells rang, people discussed among themselves, each with their own worries.
"Imperial Preceptor, please wait." Tang Yao descended the steps with light, graceful steps.
Fu Qinxiang turned around patiently to meet her gaze. Tang Yao avoided that look. The Imperial Advisor wielded immense power, and minor rules couldn't restrain her, but if she broke the rules, even the Emperor would find it difficult to undo the mistake. She spoke, "My brother has been ruling the Central Plains for nearly a month now, and his army is strong and well-equipped. Why not let him serve as a regent?"
Fu Qinxiang thought to herself that this was truly an effortless gain, and casually sat down, saying, "The Zhao family has its own trained army, and their training methods are extremely cruel. Can you bear to let your brother submit to the wolves?"
"As long as it can protect our home and country, I believe my brother will be willing to die for it." Tang Yao said with a righteous and awe-inspiring air.
“A young woman who can play music in the brothel is indeed extraordinary.” Fu Qinxiang nodded thoughtfully. “But the reorganization over the next two months should be done carefully and smoothly. If we rashly bring in the emperor’s brother-in-law, it will probably be counterproductive.”
Tang Yao nodded in thought and finally agreed. Watching Tang Yao's departing figure, Fu Qinxiang sighed slightly and got up to leave the hall. The guard draped a fur coat over Fu Qinxiang's shoulders, looked down and saw that her expression had softened, and said, "Why does the Grand Preceptor have to divide the army into two? If you want to weaken the side of the Advisor, it would be easier to add Tang Ying to the Zhao army."
"Then what if the two armies become kindred spirits? Wouldn't that be a losing proposition?" Fu Qinxiang tightened the colorful rope. "Keep both hands tight, it's better to be prepared."
The guard nodded and said, "The Imperial Advisor and Consort Li have been quite close lately. What are your plans?"
Fu Qinxiang glanced at her sideways and said, "What's wrong with you today? You're completely clueless about something so obvious. You don't seem like a genius; you're more like a brute who only knows how to wield a knife."
"It is true that I am a rough man, but I have learned a few principles from the Imperial Preceptor. Recently, the Imperial Preceptor has been befriending others and has turned me away. Naturally, I was somewhat obtuse," the guard said as he opened the door for Fu Qinxiang and helped her up.
"You have no right to argue about this." Fu Qinxiang's tone was like a continuation of winter, always so cold.
"Yes. My duty is to protect the Imperial Preceptor with my life, and besides, this is just a lowly position." The guard showed no emotion; she knew what she had to do.
“Being able to follow me is not a lowly job; its value comes from one’s own feeling.” Fu Qinxiang’s tone softened slightly. “You were much more lively when you were young. Now you’re so intimidated by the title of Imperial Advisor that you’re even reluctant to speak your mind.”
The guard curled his lips and said, "Frost Moon has also been troubled by the title of Imperial Advisor, and has become a bit ruthless. Naturally, she has also omitted personal words."
Fu Qinxiang chuckled, "Don't dwell on what's gone and get dragged into an abyss. It would be a huge loss. Right now, you and I are the best option." She descended the golden steps, gazing at the distant green trees and red walls. The layers of shimmering gold and jade ornaments contrasted sharply with the surrounding gray tiles, making them particularly eye-catching and flamboyantly beautiful. Fu Qinxiang loved it. "We're fighting like cornered beasts."
Konoe laughed, his gaze distant, and replied, "Then we're definitely the winners."
Fu Qinxiang continued to gaze into the distance without answering.
—————
All was quiet. It was Jiang Heng's turn to keep watch tonight. He had already infiltrated the inner circle and was the most favored person by Jiang Heng. At this moment, he was sitting in front of Xiao Hanjin's tent. Inside the tent, Xiao Hanjin was exhausted and had drunk too much. His snores were like the rhythm of an erhu, one after another, which made Jiang Heng chuckle.
He gazed at the moon, thinking that such a beautiful night shouldn't be shrouded in the fog of his heart. He picked up his sword, intending to examine it by the moonlight, but just as he drew it, a figure darted around the corner and immediately pinned him to the ground. The sword slipped from Jiang Heng's hand with a thud, making the sound of a wild goose crying.
"You really do have ulterior motives." It was Wang Sheng who spoke.
Jiang Heng recognized his voice and felt relieved, so he relaxed and said, "I am admiring swords under the moon. Is there anything inappropriate about that?"
Seeing that he had stopped struggling, Wang Sheng became even more alert. Looking around, fearing that Jiang Heng might still have a scheme, she replied, "Admiring swords? I didn't see you showing such interest during the day! Why are you suddenly so interested in them tonight in front of the young master's tent!"
“Brother Wang’s understanding is so, I have no way to refute it. My lowly life is what it is, I will accept being killed or tortured as I please,” Jiang Heng replied earnestly.
Wang Sheng was merely a guard of the Imperial Household Department, and he had to be vigilant about any unusual situation. Even if he captured an assassin, he had no authority to decide their life or death. Jiang Heng's calm and composed demeanor left Wang Sheng quite puzzled.
Wang Sheng was stunned, and his grip loosened slightly. Jiang Heng noticed this and took the opportunity to say, "Scholars and warriors have different thoughts. It is understandable that Brother Wang cannot understand my enjoyment of appreciating swords under the moon. If Brother Wang spares my life, I will repay your kindness and put in a good word for you in the future."
Wang Sheng then remembered that Jiang Heng still needed to write poems for Xiao Han, and considering that he had done a favor for the commander-in-chief, he let go and helped him up.
Jiang Heng calmly brushed off the dust and bent down to pick up his sword. He noticed Wang Sheng poking at it with a hint of hesitation, and then smiled and said, "Brother Wang is loyal and courageous, and he is very protective of his master. I admire him."
Wang Sheng didn't know how to answer, so he just nodded.
Jiang Heng sat down again and picked up the sword to admire it. The moonlight gilded the blade with a silvery glow. A true sword doesn't speak; whether worn on the body or held in the hand, one can immediately tell that it is exquisitely crafted.
"Brother Wang, what do you think is a good name for this sword?" Jiang Heng broke the silence.
Wang Sheng, who had practiced martial arts since childhood, knew nothing about names, but he pondered earnestly, picking words from the poems Jiang Heng had taught him over the past few days. Suddenly, an idea struck him, and he grabbed his sword, rushing to the hanging animal hide and slicing it open. The hide parted and then closed perfectly again in an instant. Wang Sheng was even more confident, saying, "This sword is thin; the cut when it slices through flesh is extremely small, like a wild goose treading on snow!" He rarely let his scholarly knowledge slip by, and he chuckled happily.
Jiang Heng smiled and said, "Brother Wang has a good memory." He took the sword, looked down at it, and said, "It is indeed like a wild goose leaving no trace. Let's call it Flying Goose Treading on Snow."
"Who goes there?!" Two men ran from a distant tent, swords in hand. As they drew nearer, they realized it was Wang Sheng and Jiang Heng. Feeling they had misunderstood, they quickly bowed and apologized.
“It’s good that the military is on high alert. No problem, no problem,” Jiang Heng said, stepping forward to return the greeting.
"Alright, you two go and rest first. With Young Master Jiang and I keeping watch tonight, nothing will go wrong." Wang Sheng patted the two of them and escorted them back to their tent.
Jiang Heng calculated in his mind that farmers were often forced to migrate due to local conflicts, while merchants were mostly mobile traders and were all nimble-fingered. If they reached the destination on foot, and considering they only ate two meals a day, it would take at least half a month. If they included the elderly and children, it would probably take a month. And once they entered the sandy area, they would be able to catch the spring rains, which would greatly reduce the sandstorms. Thinking this way, he should set off quickly after writing the poem for Xiao Han. Since his precious horse had not yet been returned, he had to borrow one from the Sa Ta Qi to reach Ban Ri Hua before making further plans.
"Brother Wang, are there any taboos associated with this banquet?" Jiang Heng asked.
"Taboos... I'm sorry, I didn't know. After spending a lot of time together in the military, we're not so strict about etiquette," Wang Sheng said, scratching his head.
Jiang Heng nodded. Since that's the case, let's keep quiet and do more to avoid conflict.
—————
The weather was exceptionally fine that day, with a gentle breeze and clear skies. Jiang Heng followed Xiaojia's guide southward for about half a day, and finally saw a large courtyard with green tiles at the end of the street in the distance, unlike any other buildings.
The Xiao family had served as officials for five generations, making them incredibly wealthy. They owned mansions in three important locations, with this one near the frontier being the least prestigious. Even so, in this rugged and rocky place, they had managed to build a courtyard with a small bridge and flowing water. Jiang Heng walked through the courtyard and past some earlier-arriving guests, and was guided to a quieter corner. Seeing the writing brush, inkstone, paper, and ink on the mahogany table, he felt much more at ease and quickly got into the study.
Suddenly the gate was opened wide, and the noise in the courtyard stopped for a moment. Everyone looked outside the gate—Xiao Han was dressed in a simple blue robe, with glass beads hanging from her hair and a gold and crystal longevity lock around her neck. Her brows revealed the weathered air of someone who had been through many battles.
Everyone was stunned and cast admiring glances at him, while Jiang Heng continued to ponder the words with his head down, without looking up again.
Xiao Han entered the gate, followed by a taller man who appeared younger than him.
"Who's that behind the host?" the two whispered among themselves. "Probably the triumphant commander of the Satar cavalry."
"What a handsome young man! Is he from the Zhao family?" "Yes, that Zhao Si."
"Zhao Chen is really good at having children." "He's said to be a young general, only in his early twenties this year."
"It would be a great honor to marry your daughter to him, what a pity." "Don't even think about it, he's just a military general after all, no matter how brave and invincible he is, he can't be relied on."
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