It truly is a fine place for a tryst.
It was now late February, and the Great Heaven Worship Ceremony was only ten days away. Xie Linchuan remembered vividly that a major incident occurred during Qin Li’s first sacrificial rite after ascending the throne. Regardless of the cost, he had to make full use of this critical juncture. However, the prerequisite was that he needed a modicum of freedom to move, and a few helpers.
Regarding candidates for help, Xie Linchuan had calculated his choices long ago. The first was a young eunuch in the greenhouse named Jing Zhou. Jing Zhou was a servant born into the Xie household. His parents had died early, and he was raised almost entirely by the Old Madame of the Xie family. At a young age, he became General Xie’s book boy, later joining the army as a personal guard. He had always been fiercely loyal. In his past life, it was only after being a prisoner for a long time that Xie Linchuan discovered Jing Zhou had entered the palace as a eunuch to find him.
Ever since Qin Li’s last reward of precious jade, the eunuchs serving in the side hall had become increasingly attentive toward Xie Linchuan. He rarely ordered them around and almost never made requests, but whenever he did speak, his needs were met. For instance, today he requested a pot of high-grade camellias. There were few ornamental plants blooming in this season, and high-grade camellias were even rarer. Xie Linchuan knew that in his past life, Jing Zhou was assigned to the greenhouse specifically because of his skill in tending to camellias.
When Xie Linchuan saw that familiar face appear before him, holding a pot of delicate “Snow-Covered Red” camellias while bowing respectfully, the heart that had been hanging in suspense finally settled. Meeting an old friend safe and sound was always a comfort. Seeing Xie Linchuan again, Jing Zhou struggled to suppress his agitation; his hands trembled so much he nearly dropped the pot. Fortunately, Xie Linchuan reached out quickly to steady it and casually patted his shoulder. “A newcomer? Just put it there. Be careful.”
“Oh, yes. Thank you, Great One.” Jing Zhou nodded like a chick pecking grain. He did not dare to look up or ask questions; he simply kept his head bowed, placed the flowers, and followed the head eunuch out. Only when he returned to the servants’ quarters and found himself alone did Jing Zhou press a hand to his racing heart. He unfurled a small slip of paper hidden in his palm, reading it three times until he had committed it to memory, then immediately burned it.
That night, Xie Linchuan found his opportunity. He extinguished the lamps early, changed into a young eunuch’s disguise, and slipped out during the shift change at the side hall’s entrance. Using the cover of night, he moved toward the Shangqing Hall.
A Tryst in the Dark
Xie Linchuan had barely left when his tracks were reported to Qin Li. “What kind of place is the Shangqing Hall?” Thanks to his memories of his past life, Xie Linchuan was far more familiar with this palace than Qin Li, who had been Emperor for less than a month.
“Reporting to Your Majesty, it seems the Shangqing Hall was used by the previous dynasty to reward and commemorate loyal and heroic ministers,” Li Sanbao said with a fawning smile. “Due to the rush, many parts of the palace have not been renovated yet. That place is currently a deserted hall; usually, no one goes there.”
Qin Li let out a cold sneer. “It truly is a fine place for a tryst.” Li Sanbao wiped cold sweat from his brow and added hastily, “Actually, there are still patrols that pass by.”
“Then move all the guards away from the vicinity!” Qin Li’s pace quickened. He was in his prime and walked like the wind; the ministers and the stout Li Sanbao behind him could hardly keep up. By the time Qin Li reached the Shangqing Hall, Xie Linchuan had already been inside for some time. The guards led by Nie Dong had surrounded the perimeter; not even a fly could escape.
Qin Li was about to push the door open, his hands already pressing against the wood, when he suddenly paused. His sword-like brows knitted together, as if he were hesitating. Though he did not understand why he felt this way, the realization only made him more irritated. He had been lenient enough with Xie Linchuan, yet the man still did not know what was good for him!
With a darkened gaze, Qin Li stepped quietly into the inner hall. Passing through layers of curtains and under the glow of ever-burning lamps, the interior came into view. Dozens of portraits of civil and military officials hung on the walls, each with a brief summary of their life and an imperial eulogy. Voices drifted from ahead, and Qin Li lightened his footsteps.
“…Father, do not worry; everything is well at the Xie household. Times are volatile. I thought that once the capital fell, there would be no hope, but the new Emperor has been exceptionally gracious to me. He has kept his word and manages his army strictly; the citizens of the capital have not been harassed.”
“I have failed the teachings of you both and the favor of Prince Xuehong. However, Grandmother is old and my siblings are still young. If you have knowledge of this from the springs below, please place the blame on me alone…”
Qin Li’s footsteps paused for three seconds. The icy expression on his face gradually thawed, and his eyes narrowed slightly. He peered from behind a pillar and saw Xie Linchuan’s back. He was alone. Hanging before Xie Linchuan was a portrait of a stalwart middle-aged man who shared seventy percent of his features. That was his late father, the famous Marquis of Loyalty and Heroism, Xie Liankun. Below the portrait sat an incense burner with three pillars of smoke curling upward, alongside simple fruit offerings.
Xie Linchuan was actually paying respects to his late father. Qin Li remained silent for a moment. Xie Linchuan still has some conscience; at least he knows I have been gracious. But what did that make him? The one who had made a scene, rushed here in person, and surrounded the hall?
While Qin Li stood behind the pillar gnashing his teeth, Xie Linchuan suddenly turned around. “Who is it? Your Majesty? Why are you here?”
Qin Li had clearly come to catch a traitor, but at this moment, he felt like the one who had been caught red-handed. He uncharacteristically stumbled for words. Before he could think of an excuse, Nie Dong arrived with his hand on his blade, reporting in a deep voice, “Your Majesty, the interior and exterior of the Shangqing Hall have been checked. There is no one else nearby, only General Xie.”
Qin Li glared at him. Who asked you?
Xie Linchuan narrowed his eyes and smiled. “Oh? What virtue or capability do I possess to have Your Majesty lead a group here to seize me? I am afraid I have disappointed you; there is only me.”
Qin Li stared at him and snorted. “I told you long ago that you are not to leave Zichen Palace as you please. Who gave you the gall to disobey? Xie Linchuan, I warned you last time not to be too insolent!”
Xie Linchuan bowed. “This was my fault. However, today is the anniversary of my parents’ death. I could not leave the palace, so I came here to pay my respects. I intended to return immediately, but I did not expect to disturb Your Majesty.”
Qin Li said slowly, “You could have asked me.”
Xie Linchuan replied, “I am but a surrendered official. Your Majesty has already bestowed many rewards, causing much criticism in court. I truly did not dare to ask for more.”
Qin Li did not comment, asking instead, “Are you finished?”
Xie Linchuan shook his head. “Though there is no portrait of my mother here, they shared the same day of death. I wish to pray a bit longer. Does Your Majesty wish to continue listening?”
Qin Li let out a light huff. “I certainly will not stop the General from showing filial piety. I have no interest in such trivial matters.” He casually signaled Li Sanbao to leave guards at the door, then turned and strode out of the Shangqing Hall. His brisk pace suggested he was being chased by something. Xie Linchuan watched Qin Li’s retreating back and smiled softly.
Once the hall returned to silence and he confirmed he was alone, Xie Linchuan tapped on the wall behind several portraits in a specific sequence. A hidden door opened. This secret passage was for the escape of the Li royal line, passed down only by word of mouth. In his past life, Qin Li had been too busy with rebellions, border wars, and politics to renovate the palace. This ruined area was never repaired, so the passage remained undiscovered. Xie Linchuan had only learned of it when Li Xuehong told him, hoping they could coordinate an attack against Qin Li.
Xie Linchuan walked down the passage and met Jing Zhou, who had been waiting for a long time. “Was anyone following you?” Xie Linchuan asked.
Jing Zhou shook his head quickly. “I am certain no one followed. But General, will not the Emperor find out that you have come to see me?”
Xie Linchuan smiled. “Qin Li is suspicious yet overconfident. There are eyes everywhere in the side hall; my absence could not be hidden. Since that is the case, I intentionally showed him a flaw. He had to see it with his own eyes to be at ease.”
Jing Zhou nodded. “Will he believe it?”
“It does not matter if he believes it now,” Xie Linchuan said. “Time reveals a person’s heart. By the way, how are the other brothers since my capture?”
Jing Zhou sighed. “The new Emperor kept his word. Nie Dong split up those willing to serve and incorporated them into the main camps. Those who were unwilling or disabled were not harassed.”
“Many of us who were injured did not want to serve the new dynasty but had nowhere to go. Fortunately, Old Madame Xie was willing to take us in. We serve as private guards at the Xie household now. Vice General Di Yong is also there.”
“As for other remnants of the Jing army, they were not so lucky. They were either killed by King Yao’s army to build viewing mounds of heads or sent to labor camps.”
Jing Zhou talked for a while. Because of his injuries on the battlefield, he could not marry or have children. Upon hearing Xie Linchuan had been taken to the palace, he was furious and became a eunuch just to see the General. “I was assigned to the greenhouse because of my skill with camellias. I did not expect General Xie to ask for them, so I volunteered!”
Xie Linchuan looked at the young man’s clear face and sighed softly. “Jing Zhou, thank you. You would have been safer staying at the Xie household.”
Jing Zhou scratched his head. “All the brothers have followed you for years. If you give the order, we will risk our lives to rescue you!”
Xie Linchuan was moved. In his past life, most of his guards had died covering his escape because he had not surrendered voluntarily. Those who survived held a deep grudge against the King Yao army and helped pull Qin Li down. They should have enjoyed the fruits of victory, but instead, they were used by Li Xuehong to blackmail Xie Linchuan.
Xie Linchuan felt a wave of relief; at least in this life, they were alive. He asked about his grandmother and siblings, and Jing Zhou confirmed they were well. In fact, many people were now trying to curry favor with the Xie household because of the Emperor’s rewards.
“That Yang Qiong and Mei Ruoguang also sent gifts, but they were sarcastic and full of veiled insults. Old Madame Xie was furious and chased them away. Yang Qiong is truly hateful; the brothers have tried to kill that traitor several times to avenge the General and the Crown Prince, but he is very cautious.”
Xie Linchuan narrowed his eyes. “Have the rumors in the capital reached the Xie household?”
Jing Zhou shook his head. “Everyone knows that tyrant is forcing you. You have been wronged, General. When the opportunity comes, we will save you. The Heaven Worship Ceremony is coming up; that might be the time.”
Xie Linchuan shook his head firmly. “I have things to do in the palace. Do not act recklessly. However, it is difficult for me to move around. I need your help with some things.” Jing Zhou straightened up. “Just give the order, General.”
Xie Linchuan’s time was tight. He whispered a few final instructions to Jing Zhou, then hurried back.
The Emperor’s Plan
In the corridor of the Imperial Garden, Qin Yongyi remarked, “I thought there would be a good show of catching a tryst. I did not expect General Xie to risk disobeying orders just to mourn his parents.”
Yan Yu stroked his beard and shook his head. “From my observation, General Xie does not seem like someone who acts so carelessly.”
Qin Yongyi was puzzled. “But there truly was no one else in the Shangqing Hall.”
Qin Li placed his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable. “Perhaps he realized I was behind him and hid his little tricks in time.”
Qin Yongyi gave him a strange look. “Then why does Your Majesty intend to indulge him?” Could it be that his sworn brother is truly being blinded by beauty?
Yan Yu glanced at Qin Li and smiled. “Since General Xie cares so much about filial piety, Your Majesty might as well show him favor. Fulfill his piety and allow him to see his family.”
“Oh?” Qin Li toyed with a jade ring on his thumb, raising an eyebrow.
Yan Yu continued, “Given General Xie’s status, reputation, and current favor, whether Li Fenghao or Li Xuehong wants to restore the kingdom, they will surely do their best to win him over as an ally. They will find ways to contact him.”
“If General Xie truly serves Your Majesty, he will be grateful. If he still has second thoughts, this is the perfect chance to lure out the hidden remnants of the previous dynasty lurking in the capital.”
Qin Yongyi gave a thumbs up. “Two birds with one stone. Prime Minister Yan is brilliant.” Yan Yu saw Qin Li’s composed expression and knew the Emperor had already made his decision; he was merely speaking it through someone else’s mouth.
Qin Li said unhurriedly, “Xie Linchuan dares to play tricks under my nose. If I do not give him a lesson but instead reward him, it would be too easy for him.” He had completely forgotten that he had already done exactly that last time.
The corners of Qin Li’s mouth curled slightly. Thinking of something, his lazy tone carried a hint of subtle pleasure. He turned to Li Sanbao. “Bring him to see me tomorrow night.”