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forty
Zhang Hong's death, like a boulder thrown into a deep pool, stirred up turbulent undercurrents beneath the seemingly calm imperial court. Zhao Zhen listened to Bao Zheng's detailed report in the imperial study, gazing at the ledger filled with evidence of crimes and the piece of sky-blue clothing he had been holding, remaining silent for a long time.
The emperor's face appeared somewhat obscured in the candlelight. In the end, he uttered only eight words: "Investigate according to the law and pursue the matter to the end."
With the emperor's explicit decree, Bao Zheng had no more reservations. The Kaifeng Prefecture, in conjunction with the Imperial City Guard, launched a swift and decisive purge, based on account books, lists, and secret letters discovered at the Yongfeng Grain Store. Within days, several mid- to low-ranking officials on the list were quietly taken away, either imprisoned or dismissed for investigation. The speed of the operation left many people unprepared, already behind bars.
A tense atmosphere gripped the imperial court. Officials who had dealings with Zhang Hong lived in constant fear, dreading the arrival of constables from Kaifeng Prefecture. The impeachment campaign against Bao Zheng and the Kaifeng Prefecture, which had initially been brewing, surprisingly subsided considerably under this oppressive atmosphere. Everyone could see that the Emperor was truly enraged and determined to eradicate this festering wound in the court.
However, the true mastermind, the "big shot" hidden behind Zhang Hong, remained shrouded in mystery, his whereabouts unknown. Zhang Hong's death severed the most direct lead. While the sky-blue fabric was indeed found in the Eighth Prince's residence, the Eighth Prince had a clear alibi for that night, and given his upright character and dedication to the country, he was quickly ruled out as a suspect. The trail seemed to have ended there.
That afternoon, Zhan Zhao was organizing files at Kaifeng Prefecture, trying to find clues from Zhang Hong's past social interactions and the flow of funds at Yongfeng Grain Store. The fatigue of the past few days, coupled with the throbbing pain in his arm from a stab wound sustained during his nighttime raid on Yongfeng Grain Store, caused him to subconsciously rub his left arm.
Just then, the Eighth Prince arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture to discuss border military affairs with Bao Zheng. After the meeting, the Eighth Prince walked out of the study and happened to see Zhan Zhao rubbing his arm in the corridor. Sunlight shone through the pillars, clearly illuminating the slightly open collar of Zhan Zhao's robe, revealing a glimpse of warm white skin.
The Eighth Prince's gaze sharpened, and he abruptly stopped. He examined it closely; it was clearly a piece of white jade of excellent quality, with an antique style and cloud patterns carved on it… His heart skipped a beat; he was all too familiar with those patterns!
"Guard Zhan," the Eighth Prince called out, his voice trembling slightly.
Upon hearing this, Zhan Zhao immediately lowered his hand, turned around, and bowed respectfully: "Your Highness."
The Eighth Prince took a few steps closer, his gaze still fixed on the jade pendant that was faintly visible around Zhan Zhao's neck. He asked in as calm a tone as possible, "Guardian Zhan, forgive my impertinence, but the jade pendant you are wearing... has a rather unique design. May I ask where it came from?"
Zhan Zhao was slightly taken aback. Although he felt that the Eighth Prince's question was a bit abrupt, he still answered truthfully, "Your Highness, this jade pendant is a keepsake from my mother. I have worn it since I was a child and it has never left my side." As he spoke, he subconsciously took the jade pendant out of his clothes. The jade pendant was pure white and flawless, with smooth and natural cloud patterns. In the middle, there seemed to be a tiny "静" (jing, meaning stillness) character hidden, which could only be seen clearly when one got very close.
"Your mother...her keepsake?" The Eighth Prince's pupils constricted as he stared at the jade pendant, especially at the faintly visible character "静" (jing, meaning stillness). His face drained of color, his eyes becoming incredibly complex—a mixture of shock, realization, and an indescribable sorrow and remembrance. He murmured, "It's...so much like it..."
Seeing his unusual expression, Zhan Zhao couldn't help but ask, "Does Your Highness recognize this jade?"
The Eighth Prince snapped back to reality, realizing his lapse in composure. He quickly regained his composure, suppressing his emotions. He gave Zhan Zhao a deep look, his gaze seemingly piercing through time to reveal some long-buried truths. He shook his head, his tone returning to calm: "No, I just think this jade is of exceptional quality, with elegant patterns. Since it's a memento from your mother, Guard Zhan should take good care of it." He paused, then added seemingly casually, "Your mother… what kind of person was she?"
Although Zhan Zhao's doubts deepened, he still respectfully replied, "My mother was gentle and virtuous, but she was frail and sickly, and she passed away when I was young." His memories of his mother were actually somewhat hazy, leaving only a gentle and sickly outline.
"Frail and sickly... passed away..." The Eighth Prince repeated softly, his eyes dimming again. He sighed softly, patted Zhan Zhao's shoulder, "Good boy...you are very good." After saying that, he turned and left without saying anything more, but his back seemed to be heavier than when he came.
Zhan Zhao frowned slightly, watching the direction the Eighth Prince had left. The Eighth Prince's reaction just now was rather strange, especially his shock and loss of composure upon seeing the jade pendant; it certainly didn't seem like he was merely admiring a beautiful piece of jade. He looked down at the jade pendant on his own chest, and his mother's gentle yet indistinct face flashed through his mind. Could this jade pendant have some special origin?
He shook his head, temporarily suppressing his doubts. The most important thing right now was to investigate the Liao Kingdom's spies and traitors.
Just then, Gongsun Ce walked over with a solemn expression, holding a newly received border gazette.
"Guard Zhan, look at this."
Zhan Zhao took the report and immediately frowned. The report stated that the Liao border garrison had been making frequent unusual movements recently, constantly harassing Song outposts with small groups. Although no large-scale conflict had broken out, the provocative intent was strong. At the same time, the Liao side was again pressuring the Song border troops regarding the issue of border market taxes, using even more aggressive language than before.
“Yelü Zongzhen is testing us.” Bao Zheng also appeared at some point, his voice solemn. “He lost Yongfeng Grain Store, an important stronghold in Bianjing, and his connection with Zhang Hong has also been severed. He must be furious. Deploying troops on the border to put pressure on us is not only an attempt to get revenge, but also a warning to us that he still has leverage.”
Zhan Zhao put down the official report, his eyes sharp: "My lord, we cannot sit idly by and watch the Liao people be so arrogant. We must find the traitors within the court as soon as possible and cut off the foundation for their troublemaking."
“It’s easier said than done.” Gongsun Ce sighed. “The other side is cautious. With Zhang Hong dead, all the overt clues have been cut off. The covert investigation has made very little progress so far.”
Bao Zheng walked to the window, looked at the desolate autumn scenery in the courtyard, and slowly said, "Perhaps we should change our direction."
Zhan Zhao and Gongsun Ce both looked at him.
Bao Zheng turned around, his gaze deep: "Since the other side was able to quickly silence Zhang Hong, it means they were aware of our movements. In that case, why don't we turn the tables and lure them out?"
"What does Your Excellency mean?"
“We haven’t fully disclosed that list,” Bao Zheng said. “There are a few names at the end of the list, whose official positions are neither high nor low, and seem insignificant. However, according to the account records, their financial dealings with Zhang Hong are quite suspicious. The amounts are not large, but the frequency is high. It doesn’t seem like ordinary bribes, but rather like… intelligence fees.”
Zhan Zhao immediately understood Bao Zheng's intention: "Does Your Excellency intend to deliberately relax the surveillance on these people, creating the illusion that we have shifted our attention elsewhere, and thus induce them to contact the person behind the scenes?"
“Good.” Bao Zheng nodded. “At the same time, we should increase our attention to the military situation on the border and make it seem as if we are preoccupied with the Liao people’s unusual activities on the border. This two-pronged approach may make them lower their guard and reveal their true colors.”
“This plan is feasible.” Gongsun Ce stroked his beard and pondered, “but it must be done naturally, without letting them see any flaws.”
With the plan finalized, Kaifeng Prefecture and the Imperial City Guard began quietly adjusting their deployments. On the surface, the investigation into the main suspects on the list seemed to have reached a stalemate, with more of Kaifeng Prefecture's personnel being dispatched to assist with military affairs from the border. Meanwhile, surveillance of the selected "bait" deliberately revealed some lapses.
Zhan Zhao volunteered to Bao Zheng to strengthen patrols of key locations throughout Bianjing, especially the area near the embassy district. The Liao embassy where Yelü Zongzhen and Xiao Talan were staying was a particular focus of his attention.
That day, Zhan Zhao was patrolling the streets near the embassy district when he saw a lively scene in front of the Liao embassy. Several Liao guards were carrying large boxes into the embassy; judging by their weight, they seemed to contain gold and silver. Xiao Talan stood at the entrance, talking to a man who appeared to be a Song official, his face bearing his usual arrogant smile.
The Song official had his back to Zhan Zhao, so his face was obscured, but his figure looked somewhat familiar. Zhan Zhao moved closer discreetly, using the corner store as cover, and listened intently.
"...Rest assured, Your Excellency, I have done my best to procure the items your country needs, and they will be delivered soon." The Song official's voice was quite low, with a hint of flattery.
Xiao Talan snorted and said in broken Chinese, "That would be for the best. King Yelü's patience is limited. If things go wrong, none of you can bear the consequences."
"Yes, yes, I understand," the official bowed repeatedly. "But things are tense these days, and the Kaifeng Prefecture is cracking down hard, so we must be careful..."
“That’s your business!” Xiao Yilan interrupted him impatiently. “We just want the results!” After saying that, he ignored the official and turned to enter the embassy.
The Song official stood there for a moment, wiping the sweat from his brow, before turning and quickly leaving. In that instant, Zhan Zhao saw his profile clearly—it was Liu Mingyuan, the Vice Minister of Works!
Zhan Zhao's heart skipped a beat. Liu Mingyuan's official rank wasn't high, but he was in charge of some military equipment manufacturing matters, a rather sensitive position. Why would he be in private contact with Xiao Talan? Judging from their conversation, it seemed they were procuring something for the Liao people?
He immediately and quietly followed Liu Mingyuan. Liu Mingyuan appeared very vigilant, deliberately choosing to walk through crowded alleys and frequently looking back. Zhan Zhao, relying on his superb lightness skills and familiarity with the terrain, stayed close behind him without being noticed.
Liu Mingyuan meandered through the streets and finally slipped into a calligraphy and painting shop called "Moxiangzhai" not far from the embassy district. Zhan Zhao remembered that the owner of Moxiangzhai seemed to have close ties with certain civil officials.
He didn't rush in, but instead asked for a private seat by the window in the teahouse across the street to observe secretly. After about the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, Liu Mingyuan came out of the Ink Fragrance Studio with a scroll in his hand. He seemed much more relaxed and left in a hurry.
Zhan Zhao pondered for a moment, then decided not to alert Liu Mingyuan for the time being. Liu Mingyuan was just a minor character; there must be someone behind him. This Moxianzhai was probably a contact point.
That evening, Zhan Zhao told Bao Zheng and Xuan Yuan Tianyi what he had seen during the day.
“Liu Mingyuan… Moxianzhai…” Bao Zheng pondered, “It seems that the other party has not completely gone into hiding and is still active. What Liu Mingyuan is procuring is probably not ordinary goods.”
Xuan Yuan Tianyi leaned back lazily in her chair, her fingertips lightly tapping the armrest: "What can a physician from the Military Equipment Bureau procure? Nothing more than bows and arrows, and even... something more important." She looked at Zhan Zhao, "That Moxiangzhai is quite interesting. I'll have An Yu investigate its background."
Two days later, news from An Yu arrived. The owner of Mo Xiang Zhai was surnamed Wu, a failed scholar who ostensibly ran a calligraphy and painting business, but in reality, he had secret dealings with several officials. There was a hidden warehouse in the backyard of the shop, where unidentified goods frequently went in and out at night. More importantly, An Yu discovered that Boss Wu had a close relationship with a purchasing eunuch in the palace.
"Purchased by the palace?" Zhan Zhao astutely grasped the key point.
“Hmm.” Xuan Yuantian nodded. “She’ll be in charge of purchasing some of the palace’s supplies, which will give her the opportunity to come into contact with some…special things.” Her tone was calm, but Zhan Zhao understood the deeper meaning behind it. If one were bribed, the things one could obtain from the palace’s procurement would not be limited to military equipment.
The clues seem to be extending towards the palace. This confirms previous suspicions that they have informants within the palace, and their positions are likely quite high.
Just as Zhan Zhao and Bao Zheng were discussing whether to take action against Moxiangzhai and Liu Mingyuan, the Eighth Prince arrived at Kaifeng Prefecture again, his expression even more solemn than before.
"Bao Qing, Guard Zhan," the Eighth Prince dismissed his attendants and said in a deep voice, "After I returned, I carefully recalled the events and reviewed some old files. Regarding the batch of East Sea Pearls with discrepancies in the accounts... I suspect that it may be related to an old matter." His gaze inadvertently swept over Zhan Zhao again, carrying an indescribable meaning. "This matter may be related to the palace."
The palace! The palace again!
Bao Zheng and Zhan Zhao both felt a chill run down their spines. The traitor implicated in Zhang Hong's case, Wang Jin's disappearance, and now the Eighth Prince bringing up old palace matters again... all of this seemed to point to the depths of that magnificent palace.
"Does Your Highness know the specific details?" Bao Zheng asked.
The Eighth Prince shook his head, his brows furrowed. "Due to the passage of time, many things are difficult to verify. But I vaguely remember that when the late Emperor was in power, he punished several eunuchs and palace servants for the loss of a batch of tribute, which seemed to involve the Pearl of the East Sea. And at that time... Consort Jing happened to be..." He paused here, glanced at Zhan Zhao, and did not continue.
Consort Jing? Zhan Zhao's heart skipped a beat. He remembered that his mother's name also contained the character "Jing." Was it a coincidence?
The Eighth Prince changed the subject: "I have already ordered men to secretly investigate the final destination of that batch of pearls. I will inform Minister Bao immediately if there is any news. The most urgent matter is to find Wang Jin, alive or dead!"
However, Wang Jin seemed to have vanished into thin air; the Kaifeng Prefecture and the Imperial City Guard searched high and low, but could not find a trace of him. Mr. Wu, the owner of Moxianzhai, also disappeared without a trace. Liu Mingyuan seemed to sense something was amiss and became unusually well-behaved, simply going to the Ministry of Works for his daily report without any further unusual behavior.
The case has once again reached a stalemate. The other party seems like a ghost lurking in the shadows, always managing to cut off all leads one step ahead.
As night deepened, Zhan Zhao returned to Xiaoyou Villa, his brows furrowed with an unyielding weariness and gravity. The series of setbacks, the cunning of the mastermind behind the scenes, and the Eighth Prince's cryptic words and the complex look in his eyes when he glanced at the jade pendant all unsettled him.
Xuanyuan Tianyi looked at his furrowed brows, but didn't ask any questions. He simply handed him a cup of calming tea.
“The Eighth Prince has come again today.” Zhan Zhao took the teacup and recounted the Eighth Prince’s remarks about the old palace affairs and Consort Jing, as well as his own doubts. “His reaction was very strange when he saw my jade pendant. And Consort Jing… My mother’s name also contains the character ‘Jing’.”
Xuan Yuan Tianyi listened quietly, her gaze calm and serene. She reached out, her fingertips gently brushing against the warm jade pendant on Zhan Zhao's chest, the movement carrying an indescribable tenderness and...understanding.
“This jade pendant is indeed extraordinary,” she said slowly, her voice calm. “It was once an item in the palace.”
Zhan Zhao suddenly looked up at her: "Tianyi, you... do you know the origin of this jade pendant?"
Xuanyuan Tianyi did not answer directly, but looked at him with deep eyes: "Some truths need time to be revealed. Knowing too much now will not benefit you. You only need to remember that no matter what happens, you are Zhan Zhao, the guard of Kaifeng Prefecture, and my husband."
Her words struck Zhan Zhao's heart like a resounding bell. Looking into her calm and resolute eyes, a wisp of the fog in his heart seemed to dissipate. Yes, he was Zhan Zhao; he had his own principles to uphold, and people to protect. The mystery of his origins was important, but his current duties and the people around him were more worthy of his attention.
He took a deep breath, temporarily suppressing his chaotic thoughts, and grasped Xuan Yuan Tianyi's hand in return, nodding firmly: "I understand."
No matter how much fog or danger lies ahead, he will remain true to himself and forge ahead. And she by his side will be his strongest support and source of strength.
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