Fish Meat – Chapter 165
by Little PandaThe Third Year of Zhao Wu
The Lamp Behind the Curtain, the Sword in its Case (24)
Guan Xun was at the Imperial Prison tonight. When he heard Wei Tingxu had arrived, he wasn’t surprised, rather thinking Wei Zizhuo was quite patient to wait until now, given how many days Zhen Wenjun had been imprisoned.
Initially thinking Wei Tingxu came for Zhen Wenjun’s matter, Guan Xun led his men to Luoyi Lane’s entrance. When he saw the tightly bound Zhuiyue Army Commander, he paused briefly before understanding, and addressed Wei Tingxu who was in the carriage beside Xiao Nan:
“What brings the Imperial Secretary to the Imperial Prison so late?”
Wei Tingxu descended from the carriage and returned the greeting: “This official carries Her Majesty’s secret orders to arrest traitors. Fearing complications in the arrest, I had no choice but to come at night. I apologize for disturbing the Tingwei at such a late hour.”
Guan Xun looked at the gagged Xiao Nan and asked: “Her Majesty’s orders?”
The Zhuiyue Army was Li Yanyi’s imperial guard. After this Empress ascended the throne, she replaced all male Huben Soldiers in the palace with female soldiers, naming them “Zhuiyue.” Now the Zhuiyue Army was unmatched in influence, even the Imperial Court had to show them deference. Xiao Nan’s position as Commander showed the Emperor’s high regard.
However, there’s always someone higher. If anyone else had brought in a prisoner claiming treason, Guan Xun would have carefully considered it and consulted the Emperor first. But this was the Emperor’s close official, Wei Tingxu, who had helped establish great merit – that was different altogether.
“Indeed.”
Wei Tingxu handed over the Emperor’s decree to Guan Xun: “Zhuiyue Army Commander Xiao Nan conspired with traitors to assassinate the Emperor, an unforgivable crime. Her Majesty commands the Imperial Court to swiftly investigate this case and make this traitor reveal all accomplices. Tingwei Guan, Her Majesty’s safety is Da Yu’s safety. Don’t let ill-intentioned people find any opportunity.”
During the Zhaowu Era, the Imperial Court gradually changed. Li Yanyi had weakened the Court’s absolute power to handle cases independently without other institutions’ interference. They could still imprison nobles and execute corrupt officials, but when the Emperor issued orders – whether for arrest, trial, or retrial – those took absolute priority. For those the Emperor specifically ordered about, the Court had no right to execute or release without Imperial approval.
Now with Wei Tingxu holding the Emperor’s decree, Guan Xun could only comply and immediately had Xiao Nan taken into the Imperial Prison.
“In that case, I will begin interrogating Xiao Nan immediately. No need to see the Imperial Secretary out.”
Seeing Wei Tingxu had no intention of leaving, Guan Xun asked puzzled: “Does Her Majesty have other instructions?”
Wei Tingxu replied: “Tingwei, Her Majesty wants this humble official to report the investigation results immediately.”
Guan Xun let out an “oh” and said: “Does the Imperial Secretary mean to jointly investigate this case with me?”
Wei Tingxu: “This humble official will merely observe and record. The actual interrogation will still trouble the Tingwei.”
Guan Xun responded without politeness or impatience: “The Imperial Prison rarely sees sunlight and houses many dead, the damp and cold qi is heavy. The Imperial Secretary’s health is delicate, you must be careful not to be affected by the inauspicious energy.”
Wei Tingxu smiled faintly: “Thank you for your concern, Tingwei. Though this humble official’s health is somewhat weak, such minor disturbances won’t be an issue.”
The gagged Xiao Nan whimpered continuously. She knew what the Imperial Prison was – once inside, it was nearly impossible to leave. Moreover, she’d heard Tingwei Guan was like Yanluo [King of Hell], as fierce as wolves and poisonous as bees [absolutely impartial and ruthlessly cruel]. Anyone in his hands would suffer a fate worse than death. Yet such a person was being so courteous to the Wei family member… With the Emperor’s decree as protection, Xiao Nan understood she was facing a life-or-death situation.
As dawn approached, Li Yanyi, who had slept less than two hours, was already up. She called someone to ask if Wei Tingxu had returned, and upon learning they were still at the Imperial Prison, nodded and went to have breakfast.
Halfway through the meal, someone reported that the Imperial Secretary was waiting outside for instructions.
Li Yanyi put down her porridge bowl and said: “Let her wait in the Imperial Study for me.”
After Wei Tingxu entered and performed the proper greetings, she submitted Xiao Nan’s confession and immediately knelt down: “This subject deserves death. Regarding the assassination attempt on Your Majesty, this subject cannot escape blame.”
“Why is this, Zizhuo?” Li Yanyi rose to help her up, but Wei Tingxu refused to rise, insisting she deserved death and begging for punishment.
After several attempts to persuade her, Li Yanyi opened the documents and reviewed them: “So Xiao Nan was actually part of the Xie family’s remnants? She conspired with Imperial Uncle Geng Bai to coordinate an assassination attempt against me, pushing the blame for failed protection onto Army Commander Zhen Wenjun, thus bringing down both the Imperial Secretary and female officials?” Li Yanyi silently glanced at Wei Tingxu and continued reading, “And Geng Yu would seize the opportunity to lead private troops for protection, stealing the credit for protecting me?”
Wei Tingxu replied: “This subject only learned today that Xiao Nan was one of the beggars adopted by Xie Fuchen. She had hidden as a hunter in Pingcang for nearly ten years, actually being a hidden piece in the Xie family’s network. After Xie Fuchen’s execution, Xiao Nan infiltrated the Zhuiyue Army recruitment for ‘revenge,’ training diligently until reaching Commander rank. If not for Your Majesty’s danger, this subject would never have imagined the Zhuiyue Army harbored a traitor raised by the Xie family. Your Majesty, this matter involves the Zhuiyue Army, and court officials may use this to create pressure and bigger waves. Though this subject wasn’t responsible for the Army’s recruitment, ultimately the mastermind behind this assassination attempt aimed to bring me down. Placing Your Majesty in danger was my fault. Please punish this subject to calm the court’s turmoil.”
Li Yanyi sighed: “This was Xiao Nan’s deliberate deception, and you weren’t responsible for the Zhuiyue Army recruitment. How could I blame you? I’ve been on the throne for three years, yet the Xie family’s remnants remain uncleaned. Now we even have those rebellious Lanwan traitors trying to shake Da Yu’s foundation. Without your help through these difficulties, how could I have established this prosperous era? Now with the Zhuiyue Commander’s incident, I know tomorrow’s court will bring overwhelming impeachment. Zizhuo, you are my right hand, my prosperous era still needs you as vanguard. I won’t let anything happen to you – rise quickly!”
Wei Tingxu was pulled up by Li Yanyi, tears in her eyes: “This subject is incompetent, making things difficult for Your Majesty.”
Li Yanyi looked at the documents with a bitter smile: “Speaking of my uncle, while he may be greedy, he’d never dare touch rebellion that could cost his entire clan their heads. Moreover, he’s my blood uncle, and the Geng family holds half of Da Yu’s territory. If anything happened to me, how would that benefit the Geng family? Wouldn’t that be like lifting a rock to drop on their own feet? Looking at Xiao Nan’s confession’s deeper meaning, I fear someone used the discord between you and the Imperial Uncle to deliberately frame him. Ah… this has really wronged Sister Wenjun. Zizhuo, you must explain everything clearly to Sister Wenjun, don’t let her resent me.”
Wei Tingxu hurriedly said: “Zhen Wenjun has always been kind and loyal to Your Majesty. If Your Majesty hadn’t protected her against the officials’ opposition that day, she would have been placed in an exposed position, becoming everyone’s target. Wenjun will understand Your Majesty’s intentions and remember your grace – how could she have any complaints?”
Li Yanyi nodded and smiled: “Truly, no one understands Wenjun better than Zizhuo.”
Li Yanyi tapped her finger on the documents, her expression suddenly becoming inscrutable: “Zizhuo, remember to tell Guan Xun that these documents stop here with me. I don’t want a third person knowing about this matter. As for Xiao Nan, you should know how to handle it – we cannot let her damage the Zhuiyue Army’s foundation.”
Wei Tingxu responded with a “Yes,” and began backing away with a bow. Just as she was about to take her leave, Li Yanyi suddenly threw out: “The person who dragged the Imperial Uncle into these troubled waters is quite clever – their methods rather resemble Zizhuo’s style.”
The atmosphere instantly dropped to freezing point at these words, turning their previously harmonious conversation in an eerie direction.
Wei Tingxu, who was leaving the Imperial Study, stopped and raised her head to meet Li Yanyi’s gaze – their cold eyes clashing.
Emperors never hesitate to voice their suspicions of officials. In other words, the more obvious an emperor’s suspicion, the more quickly officials must restrain themselves to avoid fatal consequences. How could Wei Tingxu not understand such a simple principle? Li Yanyi’s words had revealed extremely dangerous implications.
Wei Tingxu hastily knelt down and declared clearly: “Since following Your Majesty at age twelve, this subject has never forgotten your grace in recognizing my talents. I have devoted my heart and mind solely to Your Majesty’s eternal empire, without any divided loyalty. I hope Your Majesty sees this clearly.”
Li Yanyi waved her hand with a smile: “I was merely speaking casually, yet Zizhuo took it so seriously. Rise quickly. The bond between us over these years is unfathomable to others – don’t we both understand this? Some things need not be said for Zizhuo to understand. To be honest, only after ascending the throne did I understand the difficulties of high position – how many people watch me and those around me. I was once troubled by this, even somewhat regretted becoming emperor. But for the common people’s peace and prosperity, for the rise of Da Yu’s women, I had no choice but to face these challenges and follow heaven’s mandate. In this life, I must create an equal and peaceful prosperity for Da Yu’s people – what I need most are confidants. If I can’t even trust Zizhuo in this world, whom can I trust? Zizhuo, Da Yu’s people are waiting for us…”
Li Yanyi’s heartfelt words brought tears to her eyes. They reminisced about many past events, and Wei Tingxu didn’t leave the Imperial Garden until afternoon.
Li Yanyi promised to have the Imperial Court release the prisoner immediately, though while arrests and imprisonment happened quickly, release required a complex process. Zhen Wenjun would probably only be released from the Imperial Prison after two days. Wei Tingxu couldn’t hold on and returned to the Zhuo Jun Mansion first.
Having not slept all night, Wei Tingxu stumbled as she entered, almost hitting the screen wall [decorative wall facing the entrance]. Fortunately, Ah Zhu, who opened the door, pulled her back, otherwise she might have gotten a large bump on her head.
“Young Lady must take care of her health.” Ah Zhu couldn’t bear to see Wei Tingxu’s gaunt appearance and spoke while sobbing.
“I’m fine, stop crying.” Wei Tingxu steadied herself against the screen wall, waiting for her dizziness to pass before slowly walking toward the courtyard.
“Wei Tingxu.”
A childish voice called out to her.
Wei Tingxu knew who it was without turning around.
Xiao Xiao stood in the golden afternoon sunlight, the cavalry sabers in both hands flashing a cold glint that made Ah Zhu quickly avert her eyes.
“Give me back my Ah Mu!” Xiao Xiao pointed the saber at Wei Tingxu’s nose, her tear-reddened eyes filled with clear hatred and determination. Ah Zhu was terrified and tried to reason:
“Xiao Xiao, the Young Lady is also worried about Wenjun’s situation. How can you point a blade at her? It’s too dangerous. Put down the sword first, and we can talk about this properly, okay?”
As Ah Zhu slowly approached Xiao Xiao trying to take away her weapons, one of Xiao Xiao’s sabers remained pointed at Wei Tingxu while the other suddenly turned toward Ah Zhu, frightening her into a scream as she raised her hands, not daring to move.
“Where is my Ah Mu?” Xiao Xiao demanded of Wei Tingxu.
“Your mother is safe,” Wei Tingxu answered patiently.
“I don’t believe you! You’ve never been truly sincere to Ah Mu! You may fool others but not me! What scheme have you plotted against Ah Mu this time? Give Ah Mu back!” As Xiao Xiao finished, her twin sabers were about to strike Wei Tingxu when an angry shout came from above, followed by a fist slamming into Xiao Xiao’s back.
Despite the intense pain, Xiao Xiao still had strength to counterattack. Her saber slashed backward but was caught precisely between iron-like hands. Shocked, Xiao Xiao found she couldn’t pull the saber free or thrust forward – her only option was to abandon the weapons. Just as she released her grip to escape, a heavy kick struck her abdomen, sending her flying.
“Xiaohua, stop.”
Xiaohua threw the captured sabers to the ground and was rushing forward to teach her another lesson when Wei Tingxu stopped her.
“But Young Lady…”
Wei Tingxu closed her eyes in irritation, using almost her last strength to say:
“Years from now, if there’s still one person in this world who cares about Zhen Wenjun’s life and death, that person will definitely be me.”
These words were meant for Xiao Xiao – or perhaps not.
After speaking, she didn’t look at anyone else, but walked toward the main courtyard, entered her room, and closed the door, not wanting to see anyone again.
Wei Tingxu ran a high fever for two days, staying behind closed doors and refusing to see anyone.
Ah Zhu continued to care for her daily needs, and when delivering medicine and porridge would occasionally encounter Xiao Xiao, always taking a detour. Ah Zhu had become truly afraid of this foreign child who could threaten violence even at home, fearing danger if she got too close – the further away, the better.
Wei Tingxu took the medicine Ah Zhu brought, but only had a few sips of other food and soup before setting them aside.
Ah Zhu knew she had no appetite and tried various ways to help stimulate it. After wracking her brains without success, finally Xiaohua, despite being ill herself, made a bowl of chrysanthemum fish slice porridge, personally delivering it to Wei Tingxu’s room, setting it down without a word and quietly leaving as she had come.
Wei Tingxu caught the familiar fragrance in her light sleep, and when she woke to see the bowl of porridge, her appetite finally stirred.
As she lifted the porridge, she thought of Zhen Wenjun.
Right now, Wenjun wouldn’t be mistreated in prison, but she certainly wouldn’t be comfortable either, and definitely couldn’t eat such fragrant fish porridge.
At this thought, she set the porridge down and went back to sleep.
On the day of Zhen Wenjun’s release, Wei Tingxu woke very early, got up to dress and groom herself, choosing one of the few rouge colors Zhen Wenjun had praised, lightly dabbing it on her lips, and went to Luoyi Lane’s entrance to welcome her.
Zhen Wenjun emerged from the Imperial Prison carrying the smell of mold and strange odors, but Wei Tingxu didn’t mind at all, pulling her into an embrace.
“Zizhuo, don’t.” Zhen Wenjun hadn’t expected such warmth, which was unlike Wei Tingxu’s usual manner. During these days in prison, Zhen Wenjun hadn’t had any chance to bathe, and even she despised her own smell, yet Wei Tingxu held her tight…
“Wenjun.” Wei Tingxu said, “After the Haina Reform is complete and the Path of Ten Thousand Directions is opened, let’s leave this place.”
Zhen Wenjun was stunned: “Leave this place?”
“Yes, let’s leave everything in the central government behind and travel to see the mountains and waters, observe customs and traditions, visit the most beautiful places in this world. Then we’ll find a place to settle down where we can watch magnificent sunsets, living in harmony together without concern for worldly affairs, only discussing poetry and beauty.”
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