56
After the Liao Dynasty withdrew its absurd marriage alliance clause, peace talks between the two countries finally began in a relatively pragmatic atmosphere. After several rounds of arduous negotiations, a peace agreement was finally reached: the Song and Liao dynasties would maintain their existing borders, the border market tax system would be slightly adjusted, the Liao Dynasty would drop the pursuit of Yelü Zongzhen's "detention," and the Song Dynasty would symbolically increase its annual tribute in exchange for long-term peace on the border. The months-long war finally came to an end.
The border soldiers were able to catch their breath, and Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were also ordered to withdraw to Bianjing with part of the army.
The triumphant procession was warmly welcomed by the people of Bianjing. Zhan Zhao, mounted on his horse, watched the cheering crowds lining the streets, his heart filled with mixed emotions. The bloodshed and cruelty of war were still vivid in his mind, making this hard-won peace all the more precious. He subconsciously touched the brocade pouch given to him by Xuan Yuan Tianyi in his robes, his heart yearning to return home.
After returning to the military camp and handing over military affairs, Zhan Zhao couldn't wait to rush back to Xiaoyou Villa.
In the courtyard, the osmanthus blossoms had faded, but a few late-blooming chrysanthemums were in full bloom. Xuan Yuan Tianyi was still sitting at her usual stone table, seemingly reviewing account books. Sunlight shone on her, creating a serene and beautiful scene.
Hearing footsteps, she looked up and saw Zhan Zhao, who looked travel-worn but had bright eyes. A barely perceptible smile curved her lips.
"I'm back."
"Yes, I'm back."
The simple conversation seemed to contain a thousand words. Zhan Zhao walked up to her, looked at her deeply, a thousand thoughts surging in his mind, but in the end, they all turned into one sentence: "Thank you."
He thanked her for protecting him with such domineering presence in the court; he thanked her for stabilizing the rear during his campaigns, allowing him to focus on his work without worry; and he thanked her even more for always being by his side.
Xuanyuan Tianyi put down the ledger, stood up, and raised his hand to brush away non-existent dust from Xuanyuan Tianyi's shoulder armor, the gesture natural and affectionate. "It's good that you're safe."
The two exchanged a smile, everything understood without a word.
That evening, Emperor Zhao Zhen hosted a banquet in the palace to celebrate the victorious soldiers' achievements and the conclusion of the peace treaty. Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang were naturally among the invitees.
At the banquet, singing and dancing filled the air, and cups clinked in celebration. Emperor Zhao Zhen was in high spirits, praising his meritorious officials such as Di Qing and Zhan Zhao, bestowing upon them countless amounts of gold, silver, and silk. When it was Zhan Zhao's turn, Zhao Zhen looked at him with a deep gaze, carrying a hint of complex emotion that was difficult to detect. In the end, he only offered a few words of gentle encouragement, without mentioning anything about Zhan Zhao's background or the Liao princess, as if those turmoil had never occurred.
Zhan Zhao understood immediately and respectfully expressed his gratitude. He knew that His Majesty was protecting him and maintaining the purity of his identity as "Zhan Zhao." He was pleased with this.
After the banquet, Zhan Zhao and Bai Yutang left the palace together. The moonlight, like water, shone on the quiet palace road.
"It's finally settled." Bai Yutang stretched. "Cat, what are your plans now? To go back to Kaifeng Prefecture and continue as your third-rank guard?"
Zhan Zhao gazed at the faint lights in the direction of Kaifeng Prefecture in the distance, his eyes calm: "In my position, I must fulfill my duties. Protecting Bianjing and safeguarding the people is my responsibility."
Bai Yutang patted his shoulder and laughed, "I knew you'd say that. Well, with you here in Bianjing, I can come back occasionally and have a drink in peace."
The two parted ways outside the palace gates, and Zhan Zhao walked alone towards Xiao You's villa. After this series of upheavals and battles, he cherished this hard-won peaceful life even more.
However, the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease. Several days later, the Eighth Prince suddenly came to Kaifeng Prefecture in person, found Zhan Zhao who was organizing the files, and looked quite solemn.
"Zhan Zhao, may I speak to you in private?"
Seeing that he looked strange, Zhan Zhao knew that something important must be going on, so he followed him to a quiet room.
The Eighth Prince dismissed his attendants, pondered for a moment, and then spoke: "Guard Zhan, although the remnants of Prince An have been brought to justice, they have been operating for many years, and I fear that their influence has not been eradicated. Recently, I have been investigating the old case of the Pearl of the East Sea and have discovered some clues that seem to point to... the palace."
"In the palace?" Zhan Zhao's heart skipped a beat.
"Hmm." The Eighth Prince lowered his voice. "The matter of Consort Jing back then was probably not as simple as being implicated. The loss of that batch of East Sea Pearls and their subsequent whereabouts seem to be related to someone deliberately covering up the truth about Consort Jing's departure from the palace. I suspect that there are still people in the palace who are still connected with the Anjun Prince's Mansion from back then, or its remaining forces."
Zhan Zhao frowned deeply. Having just learned the truth about his origins, he was naturally extremely concerned about what his mother had suffered back then. If someone in the palace was truly involved, then that person's cunning and malicious nature were terrifying.
"Does Your Highness know exactly who this refers to?" Zhan Zhao asked in a deep voice.
The Eighth Prince shook his head, his expression grave: "The trail ends here. The other party is extremely cautious. But what is certain is that this person holds a high position and knows a great deal about the old palace affairs. Guard Zhan, your current... status is special, and you have made many great contributions. You have probably become a thorn in the side of some people. You must be extra careful when you walk around the palace in the future."
Zhan Zhao nodded silently. He understood the Eighth Prince's concerns. The fact that the remnants of the Prince of An had managed to remain hidden until now meant their power was not to be underestimated. His sudden appearance as a "prince" who might have a close connection with Consort Jing would undoubtedly touch a nerve with some people.
"Thank you for the reminder, Your Highness. I will be careful." Zhan Zhao said solemnly.
"What, you still won't address me as Imperial Uncle in private?"
Upon hearing the Eighth Prince's words, Zhan Zhao was slightly taken aback, then softly called out, "Eighth Imperial Uncle."
Seeing that Zhan Zhao's expression remained unchanged, the Eighth Prince patted him on the shoulder with satisfaction: "Good boy."
After seeing off the Eighth Prince, Zhan Zhao was still deeply troubled. His mother's image, the portrait in Jing'an Palace, and the hidden hand in the palace mentioned by the Eighth Prince shrouded his mind like a fog. He had a premonition that the destruction of the remnants of the Prince of An's faction was not the end, but the beginning of a deeper and more hidden struggle.
He informed Bao Zheng of this matter. Upon hearing this, Bao Zheng's expression also turned solemn: "This matter concerns the palace and must be handled with utmost care. This office will keep a close eye on it secretly. Guard Zhan, now that you know your own background, you must be even more careful with your words and actions, and lest you give others a handle against you."
"Understood."
The days that followed seemed to return to normal. Zhan Zhao went to Kaifeng Prefecture on time every day to handle official business, patrol the streets, and investigate cases, as if nothing had changed. Only he had become more composed and reserved, and his eyes held a deeper, more insightful understanding of the world.
Taking advantage of his position, he began discreetly examining scattered records related to palace affairs from over twenty years ago, especially those concerning the Prince An's residence and Consort Jing. However, as the Eighth Prince had said, most of the relevant records were vague or deliberately destroyed, making it difficult to find direct evidence.
That day, Zhan Zhao was ordered to enter the palace to report to Emperor Zhao Zhen on the progress of the investigation into a theft case involving a member of the imperial family. After finishing his report, he was about to take his leave when Emperor Zhao Zhen suddenly called him back.
"Zhan Zhao".
"Your subject is present."
Zhao Zhen put down the memorial in his hand and looked at him with a complicated scrutiny: "You seem to be quite interested in old cases lately?"
Zhan Zhao's heart stirred slightly, knowing that his secret investigation had not escaped the Emperor's notice. He frankly said, "Your Majesty, I simply feel that some old matters are shrouded in mystery, and may still be connected to the current situation, so I wish to investigate them thoroughly."
Zhao Zhen was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "If the water is too clear, there will be no fish. Some things are best left in the past. Digging to the bottom of things may not bring good fortune." His tone carried a hint of warning, as well as a trace of barely perceptible weariness.
Zhan Zhao raised his head, his gaze clear and firm: "Your Majesty, I am not clinging to the past. It is only if someone uses the past to stir up trouble and endanger the present, that I believe we must find out the root cause to eliminate the problem completely."
Zhao Zhen looked at him for a long time, then sighed softly: "You... are ultimately like her, gentle on the outside but strong on the inside. Once you've made up your mind, you won't turn back." This "her" naturally refers to Consort Jing.
"Enough." Zhao Zhen waved his hand. "If you want to investigate, then go ahead. Just... be careful in everything you do, and don't act impulsively. If you need anything, you can come to me, or speak with Tianyi."
"Your Majesty, I thank you!" Zhan Zhao felt reassured. With the Emperor's words, he felt more confident in his actions.
Leaving the Imperial Study, Zhan Zhao walked along the palace alley, pondering his next move. The clues about the palace mentioned by the Eighth Prince had gone cold. Perhaps he should look for a breakthrough from those old acquaintances who might know the truth but had been overlooked? For example… the elderly eunuch in Jing'an Palace?
As he was pondering this, he suddenly heard a suppressed argument coming from ahead.
"...Granny, please help me just this once! Just this once! I will repay you double for all that silver later!" A young palace maid's voice was choked with sobs.
"It's not that I don't want to help you, it's just that there's really no other way! That person's appetite is getting bigger and bigger, and the jewelry from last time is almost not enough to satisfy him... If this continues, we'll all lose our heads!" A slightly aged voice anxiously advised.
Zhan Zhao paused, then silently disappeared into the shadows of the corner. Behind the artificial hill ahead, he saw an elderly woman, seemingly a head maid, struggling with a flustered young palace maid.
"But...but my brother is still in their hands...if we can't come up with the money, they'll beat him to death!" the palace maid sobbed uncontrollably.
"Alas, what a tragedy..." The old nanny stamped her foot and sighed, "Who told you to be so blinded by greed and take their money to pay off your brother's gambling debts? Now they've got something on you... Take my advice, go and confess to the supervisor, maybe you'll still have a way out..."
"No! We can't confess! If we confess, my brother will be finished!" The little palace maid shook her head violently, her eyes filled with despair.
Zhan Zhao listened to their conversation, his mind filled with suspicion. Private dealings with outsiders were strictly forbidden in the palace, let alone being extorted for money. Who were the "them" the palace maid spoke of? How dare they act so brazenly within the palace?
He remained calm and composed, memorizing the appearances of the palace maid and the old nanny. Only after they parted did he quietly leave.
Upon returning to Kaifeng Prefecture, Zhan Zhao immediately ordered his men to secretly investigate the background of the palace maid and the old nanny. Soon, news arrived: the palace maid's name was Cui'er, she worked in the Imperial Clothing Bureau, and had a younger brother who was addicted to gambling in the outer city. The old nanny's surname was Qian; she was a veteran of the palace and had served several concubines.
Zhan Zhao keenly sensed that this might be a breakthrough. He ordered his men to continue secretly monitoring Cui'er and investigating the current situation of her younger brother.
Two days later, the surveillance team reported that Cui'er's younger brother had been found; he did indeed owe a large gambling debt, but he had been taken away by a group of unidentified people a few days earlier and his whereabouts were unknown. Meanwhile, Cui'er seemed to be having a close relationship with a eunuch in charge of purchasing supplies in the palace.
"A purchasing eunuch?" Zhan Zhao's eyes flashed with a sharp light. Purchasing within the palace was a lucrative position, and also one of the easiest ways to establish connections with the outside world. If the remnants of Prince An wanted to operate within the palace, using purchasing channels to transmit information and transfer money was one of the most likely methods!
Moreover, the last lead ended at the palace's purchasing eunuch department.
He immediately reported the clue to Bao Zheng. Bao Zheng acted decisively, ordering the Imperial City Guard to secretly detain the purchasing eunuch who had been in contact with Cui'er and to conduct a secret interrogation.
At first, the eunuch gritted his teeth and refused to divulge anything. But under the torture of the Imperial City Guard, he finally confessed that he was indeed instructed to use his position as a purchasing agent to pass messages and money between certain people in the palace and certain individuals outside the palace. However, he claimed that he did not know the specific identity of the person in charge and that he always communicated through different intermediaries.
Among the recipients of the money he passed on was a palace maid named Cui'er! According to his confession, the person who instructed him told him to warn Cui'er that if she didn't want anything to happen to her brother, she should obey him obediently, as there would be a "small matter" that she needed to do soon.
"A trivial matter?" Zhan Zhao and Bao Zheng exchanged a glance, both seeing the seriousness in each other's eyes. After a period of silence, the remnants of the Prince of An's faction had indeed begun to stir again! What did they intend to do with this controlled palace maid?
"We must find Cui'er's brother as soon as possible and ensure his safety, while keeping Cui'er calm and luring the snake out of its hole!" Bao Zheng said in a deep voice.
The Imperial City Guard immediately launched a full-scale search for Cui'er's brother. Zhan Zhao, on the other hand, decided to personally meet with Granny Qian. As a veteran of the palace, she might know more about the situation.
He entered the palace again, found a pretext, and found Granny Qian, who was on duty in the laundry department.
Upon seeing Zhan Zhao, Granny Qian appeared somewhat nervous.
"Granny, there's no need to panic," Zhan Zhao said calmly. "I've come simply to inquire about Cui'er. She seems to be in trouble?"
Granny Qian's eyes flickered, and she stammered, "This old servant...this old servant doesn't know what Lord Zhan is talking about..."
Zhan Zhao looked at her and said slowly, "You have been in the palace for many years and should know that the laws in the palace are very strict. Cui'er's affair with an official outside the palace and extortion of money is a serious crime. If she repents now, she may be able to atone for her crime. If she remains obstinate, once the matter is exposed, she will probably be implicated in more than just her case."
Granny Qian's expression shifted several times before she finally sighed and said in a low voice, "Lord Zhan, please understand... This old servant couldn't bear to see that child take her own life! She was forced into this situation... Those people are ruthless; they threatened her brother's life..."
"Who are those people?" Zhan Zhao pressed.
“This old servant…this old servant doesn’t know exactly who they are.” Granny Qian shook her head. “I only vaguely heard Cui’er mention that those people seem to have some connection with the previous dynasty, and they also have a foothold in the palace.” She hesitated for a moment, then lowered her voice even further. “Many years ago, this old servant served in the palace of the late Consort De, and it seems…I vaguely heard some rumors that are related to the Prince An’s mansion back then…”
Consort De! One of the late emperor's concubines, she had a very long and senior position in the palace. By the time the case of Prince An came to light, her position in the palace was already secure.
Zhan Zhao was shocked! Could it be that the mastermind in the palace that the Eighth Prince mentioned was related to Consort De?
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