Fish Meat – Chapter 176
by Little PandaThe Fourth Year of Zhao Wu
Double Silk Net (11)
The extermination of the Zhuxie Sect was hardly satisfying. Zhen Wenjun had expected these people, who carried the banner of “enforcing Heaven’s will”, to be extraordinarily brave and willing to sacrifice themselves. However, when she led troops to the frontline and sent light cavalry to scout the enemy camp, the reports left her dumbfounded.
On the eve of battle, these Zhuxie Sect members weren’t boosting morale or planning tactics, nor had they retired early to preserve strength for tomorrow’s battle. Instead, they were shouting and dancing well into the night.
The cavalry men mimicked the sect members’ movements for Zhen Wenjun to see. She had never witnessed such dancing before – it didn’t resemble anything common to Da Yu people, but rather seemed more like something from a ritual ceremony.
Zhen Wenjun grew more curious about what these Zhuxie Sect members were doing.
She personally snuck into their camp under cover of darkness. When still a li away, she could hear enormous cheers and see flames reaching skyward.
“These people truly don’t take the Yu Army seriously at all,” Zhen Wenjun thought with bitter amusement. When she got closer to observe clearly, she could hardly believe her eyes.
The rebels had built a massive bonfire, surrounding a person painted entirely blue who alternated between dancing and kneeling in worship. This blue figure wore three pheasant feathers and a bird-head mask, cutting an imposing figure in the firelight. In their hands was a straw effigy wearing the Dragon Robe, covered in talismans whose writing couldn’t be made out.
It was all just mystical theatrics.
In all the historical texts Zhen Wenjun had read and the countless stories she’d heard, every leader of a popular uprising would claim some special identity – either as a reincarnated hero or a descended immortal. This way they could rally more followers and justify their rebellion.
As a child, Zhen Wenjun had believed these claims were true, until she received her mother’s knowing look.
Later, as she made her way through life and entered the core of political struggles, she better understood that everything from classical studies to mysticism, from historical records to legends, all that was widely distributed among common people served only to strengthen central authority.
Beyond the central authority, rebels had also grasped these essential principles.
No wonder Wei Tingxu was so desperate for the secret scroll.
As Zhen Wenjun watched the blue-skinned rebel, her thoughts naturally drifted to Wei Tingxu.
The Wei and Zhangsun families had already formed a vast network, and further expansion would only alert the central authority. Even if Li Yanyi were to uproot both families at great cost to herself, she still had the power to do so. That’s why the Wei family wasn’t rushing, Wei Tingxu wasn’t rushing – she was strengthening her position and waiting for the right moment. Li Yanyi was promoting the Bo clan while keeping the Geng clan, maintaining an appearance of balance. Li Yanyi had to play each move carefully – if Wei Tingxu found the right opportunity to publish the secret scroll, she would have legitimate cause for rebellion. Then all of Da Yu would know Emperor Ming was a usurper, and regional lords would rise against her. Wei Tingxu could quickly seize advantageous positions, and destroying the Li dynasty wouldn’t be impossible.
“They say this blue-armed rebel is the reincarnation of the Immortal Que, able to command wind and rain, fly and vanish at will, coming specifically to save the common people. Many who joined the sect were bewitched by this person,” a soldier reported. “Commander, do you have a strategy?”
Zhen Wenjun had faced the Zhuxie Sect before, though Hang Lie’s presence had made the situation difficult to control. Thinking carefully, besides Hang Lie, the others weren’t worth fearing.
To be safe, Zhen Wenjun summoned Ah Xi to draw maps of the local terrain for the night raid.
Indeed, Zhen Wenjun had brought Ah Xi back.
Since the Road of Ten Thousand Directions, they hadn’t met. Ah Xi had disappeared after returning to Da Yu, continuing her journey across the land. Before Zhen Wenjun’s wedding, she had sent a box of local specialties from Fengshui as a wedding gift, revealing her location.
Before setting out to suppress the bandits, Zhen Wenjun specifically went to find her. When Ah Xi saw her in person, she nearly lost her mind: “Why are you here again! Have you dug another trap for me to fall into? No, this time I refuse, absolutely refuse!”
“Really? You’d turn down a chance at official rank and wealth? Fine,” Zhen Wenjun said, “I’ll ask someone else then.”
Ah Xi grabbed her immediately.
Official rank itself held little appeal for Ah Xi – she dreaded the obvious and hidden struggles within the central authority that gave her headaches. But money was still very important to her. After reaching Fengshui, she had spent almost all her savings, and even now as they spoke, Ah Xi’s tattered clothes marked her clearly as a beggar. If Zhen Wenjun hadn’t found her and treated her to a feast, she might not have had the strength to speak.
“But I can’t be an official! Don’t officials have to stay in that cursed Imperial Court all day without going anywhere?”
“Of course not. The central authority has created a new position of Maritime and Terrain Commander, specifically responsible for mapping territories for military campaigns. You were the first person I thought of. Follow me on this bandit suppression mission, and after earning military merit, we’ll return to Runing together, where I’ll recommend you to the Ministry of Personnel.”
In the first year of Zhao Wu, due to financial strain, Li Yanyi had implemented a series of policies selling official positions and noble titles, from local to central positions. Naturally, to maintain stability in the central authority’s foundation, most positions weren’t for sale, but this batch of sold positions still disrupted the central government, making the appointment process less rigorous.
The Maritime and Terrain Commander position was Zhen Wenjun’s proposal, with the private intention of placing Ah Xi in this role. Not just Ah Xi – she needed a group of strategists and trustworthy companions. She needed to strengthen herself not just by building muscle, but by donning armor and sharpening weapons.
She submitted a memorial to Li Yanyi, who neither approved nor rejected it, instead passing the matter to the Ministry of Personnel.
The Ministry of Personnel had always handled official appointments and promotions. When Wei Lun was healthy, he had full control of the Ministry, but now bedridden, Zuo Xu’s brother, Zuo Yun, had temporarily taken over. Until Wei Lun could return to court, Zuo Yun served as Minister of Personnel.
Zuo Yun was the brother of Li Yanyi’s teacher, and his appointment to the Ministry showed clear favor. Zhen Wenjun wasn’t intimidated at all and went directly to the Ministry. Though she expected some back-and-forth, Zuo Yun surprisingly agreed to create the position right away.
Since the Ministry of Personnel had agreed, even with hints of conspiracy, Zhen Wenjun had no reason to back down.
Ah Xi truly was a walking map – she knew this area’s terrain very well and quickly drew up the plans. Zhen Wenjun led troops in a pincer attack, driving the Zhuxie Sect’s main force into a valley, with imperial troops at both ends and towering cliffs on either side – making escape impossible. Zhen Wenjun dragged out the “Immortal Que,” had a bucket of water poured over him and ordered people to scrub him vigorously. Blue water flowed everywhere, and the “immortal” became nothing more than a pathetic defeated commander.
The sect followers waited for their Immortal Que to summon lightning to strike down these “demon women’s hounds,” but no such scene materialized, leaving them utterly disappointed.
The Zhuxie Sect, which had long terrorized the common people, shattered under Zhen Wenjun’s sharp sword. The previously victimized locals lined the streets to welcome her. Several young women picked wildflowers from the field ridges and insisted on making her a crown. It looked quite mismatched with Zhen Wenjun’s cold, stern armor. But seeing their earnest faces and mud-stained shoes from picking flowers, her heart softened, and she bent down to let them place it.
Ah Xi and the others couldn’t stop laughing at the sight.
Local people brought Zhen Wenjun many specialty fruits and vegetables, along with a pair of fragrance pouches. These pouches were reportedly made from famous local silk craftsmanship, extremely fine quality. An elderly woman brought the pair – one embroidered with white chrysanthemums, the other with lotus flowers, together symbolizing “hundred years of good marriage”, blessing her and the Secretary Supervisor with lifelong happiness. Zhen Wenjun accepted with thanks while trying to place the local accent.
News of the Zhuxie Sect’s destruction quickly spread across the empire, and Zhen Wenjun’s name became known to all people of Da Yu. When mentioned, people first thought of her as the heroine who destroyed the Zhuxie Sect, only then remembering she was also the first person in a woman-to-woman marriage!
Zhen Wenjun’s rising fame was no coincidence. This voluntary mission, besides wanting to avoid Wei Tingxu for a while, was her way of winning military glory and public support, building up her strength through military achievements.
This first battle was crucial.
The choice to suppress the Zhuxie Sect wasn’t random.
She remembered hearing about the Zhuxie Sect’s strange activities among the common people, causing harm and arousing public anger. Though the sect leader played at being divine, he couldn’t have been foolish enough to shoot himself in the foot. The sect emerged from the common people, claiming to “carry out Heaven’s will” – how could they turn around and bite the commoners?
Zhen Wenjun had discussed this with Ah Qiong and Bu Jie, and they all agreed the central authority must have been behind it, stirring up conflict between the Zhuxie Sect and their grassroots base, turning these self-proclaimed righteous rebels into public enemies. Once this opposition was established, Zhen Wenjun’s military campaign would quickly win popular support.
Everything proceeded according to her pre-campaign plans, except that victory and return to the capital took only three months.
Since she was returning, she would do so properly. Thinking of her mother and Xiao Xiao, along with her series of future plans, she hurried back to Runing.
Returning from the bandit suppression, Ah Xi’s contributions were undeniable. Zhen Wenjun wrote memorials to both the Ministry of Personnel and Li Yanyi, requesting military merit for Ah Xi and her promotion to Maritime and Terrain Commander.
Just as they entered Runing City, Zhen Wenjun saw Ah Yin from the Zhuiyue Army waiting for her.
She pulled her reins, advanced a few steps toward Ah Yin, and dismounted: “Has Her Majesty sent you to wait for me?”
Ah Yin bowed to Zhen Wenjun and replied: “Indeed, Her Majesty ordered this official to welcome the Commander and escort you to an immediate imperial audience.”
Zhen Wenjun bowed toward the Forbidden Garden: “As is proper.” She turned and called out, and Ah Xi wobbled down from her horse, her thighs covered in blisters from riding. She walked like a tortoise, grimacing in pain with each step.
Zhen Wenjun said: “I must report to the Emperor. Take this letter to the Ministry of Personnel and see Right Deputy Minister Chen Guangjian. He will make arrangements for you.”
Ah Xi’s travel-weary face immediately brightened, receiving the recommendation letter as if it were heavy gold.
Ah Xi took the letter to the Ministry of Personnel, but as soon as she reached the entrance, two armored guards blocked her way.
Ah Xi held up the letter in her hand: “I’m here to see the Right Deputy Minister. This is my letter of recommendation.”
The guard frowned as he looked at Ah Xi: “Young lady, leave quickly and don’t cause trouble.”
Ah Xi straightened her back with a “heh”: “Who’s causing trouble? Don’t look down on people with your dog eyes! I’m the soon-to-be Maritime and Terrain Commander. Go ask Chen Guangjian if you don’t believe me – if I’ve spoken one false word, you can punish me as you see fit!”
The guard sneered: “Don’t blame us for being impolite then! Guards! Take this mad woman who’s impersonating a Commander and causing trouble at the Ministry of Personnel, and give her twenty heavy strokes!”
Ah Xi stood shocked, and before she could explain, she was dragged away and given twenty real strokes. Now not only were her thighs raw from riding, but the twenty strokes had left her backside bloody and mangled. She was thrown out of the Ministry grounds covered in blood.
Bewildered by the beating, Ah Xi dragged her half-dead body back to Forbidden Garden to find Zhen Wenjun, who had just returned from the Forbidden Garden. Seeing Ah Xi’s miserable state, she was greatly confused.
“You lied to me…” Ah Xi lay on the bed, sobbing, “They wouldn’t let me become an official at all, and they beat me instead.”
Zhen Wenjun quickly prepared medicine to stop the bleeding. When she tried to tear away Ah Xi’s pants, the fabric had stuck to the bloody flesh. Ah Xi screamed like a slaughtered pig, making Zhen Wenjun hesitate:
“I haven’t even pulled yet. Try to bear it.”
Ah Xi wailed like a ghost as the medicine was applied. Zhen Wenjun’s heart ached – after all, she had sent Ah Xi there, never expecting that instead of taking office, she’d be beaten so severely. This matter couldn’t end here.
After treating Ah Xi’s wounds, Zhen Wenjun went directly to the Ministry to find Chen Guangjian, who had just finished his duties. Hearing Zhen Wenjun’s account, he was extremely embarrassed:
“I didn’t know the Commander had returned to court. I meant to tell you… the Maritime and Terrain Commander position has already been filled, which is why the guards thought Lady Ah Xi was causing trouble. It’s my fault for not informing you in time. Another day, I will certainly visit to properly apologize to Lady Ah Xi.”
“Someone’s taken the position? Who? Who could be more suitable than Ah Xi?” Zhen Wenjun demanded.
“It’s the Zhangsun family’s daughter, Zhangsun Ran.”
“Zhangsun Ran? Ah Liao?” Zhen Wenjun was stunned it was Ah Liao. “But Ah Liao is completely incompetent! Ah Xi can draw terrain maps of eighty percent of Da Yu from memory. Can that pampered noble do that?”
Chen Guangjian was speechless before her questioning, and with her current influence, he dared not argue. He could only say: “This isn’t a decision I alone can make, Commander. Please don’t put this old man in a difficult position. Today there’s a Spring Literary Gathering at the Maritime Affairs Bureau – though it’s really just a reception for the newly appointed Commander Zhangsun. All court officials have been invited, and you’re welcome to attend.”
Chen Guangjian’s implication was clear – this must be the result of the Wei and Zhangsun families’ alliance, beyond his control. If she had anything to say, she should confront Zhangsun Ran directly at the Maritime Affairs Bureau.
Zhen Wenjun stopped arguing and left with Bu Jie and Zuo Kunda.
On the way, Zuo Kunda couldn’t help asking what had happened between her and Wei Tingxu, noting her absence. Zhen Wenjun wondered why Zuo Kunda, being from the Zuo family, had such fondness for Wei Tingxu. Then she remembered how Zuo Kunda, as a messenger, had once ridden day and night to deliver a message to Wei Tingxu, suffering serious injury. Wei Tingxu could have ignored him, but despite being unable to walk herself then, she had personally delivered medicine to Zuo Kunda in a wheeled chair, earning the small knight’s lasting admiration.
Not just Zuo Kunda, but Lingbi, Xiaohua and many Wei family guards thought highly of Wei Tingxu. Zhen Wenjun knew her secret schemes, but these recipients of her small kindnesses didn’t, seeing her only as a virtuous, courteous, and clever noble lady. The bloodshed at their wedding had been tacitly covered up by both wives, with few knowing of the incident. So those who knew Wei Tingxu’s true nature remained few – no wonder the foolish Zuo Kunda still thought fondly of her.
Zhen Wenjun gave a noncommittal response as they arrived at the Maritime Affairs Bureau. From afar, she spotted Ah Liao in official robes, standing before a wooden platform among the crowd.
The Maritime Affairs Bureau was bustling with many hoping to establish connections with the Zhangsun family. Being tall, Zhen Wenjun could see clearly even from the back.
After Ah Liao’s brief remarks, someone asked about her plans for the new position. She replied that the Maritime Bureau was established to provide comprehensive terrain analysis for the Yu military, and she would fulfill this duty, living up to the Emperor’s trust.
Bu Jie whispered to Zhen Wenjun: “All of Da Yu’s terrain maps are in Ah Xi’s head, she can draw them at will. It’s a shame the Bureau has fallen into someone else’s hands.”
Just as Zhen Wenjun was about to speak, Ah Liao suddenly produced a carved wooden sphere. Zhen Wenjun was immediately drawn to it, feeling the intricate ball looked somehow familiar.
Ah Liao casually tossed the sphere onto the table. Instead of breaking, it suddenly expanded outward, transforming into a miniature city model. Everyone, including Zhen Wenjun’s group, watched in amazement.
It was a miniature three-dimensional model of Runing City, showing all its districts and streets. The buildings were scaled to different heights, with even the finest details rendered lifelike.
Zhen Wenjun immediately thought of All-Encompassing and Wei Tingxu’s rouge box that neatly unfolded at a touch – its rich and surprising mechanism matched this tiny city perfectly.
“This would be far more useful than flat maps for military campaigns,” Zhen Wenjun spoke truthfully in Bu Jie’s ear.
Before Bu Jie could respond, a familiar voice wedged between them.
“My wife speaks truly. This is Commander Zhangsun’s long-researched Divine Military Box.”
Bu Jie turned and bowed: “Lady.”
Zhen Wenjun didn’t need to turn around to know who would speak so formally and possibly call her “wife”.
Thank you for the update love, but there’s a missing chapter (175)