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Chapter 50
Su Ci rushed behind the large desk in the side room, pulled out the armchair, and leaned against the wall-mounted bookshelf, quickly feeling around the fourth and fifth shelves.
—Last time, while lying on the couch reading and talking to Yang Yanzong, she saw him stand up, open a secret compartment, and casually place a letter inside. He hadn’t raised his hand much, so the mechanism should be at the height of the fourth or fifth shelf.
Su Ci moved everything on the shelves one by one, but sometimes, the more urgent you are, the harder it is to find. Outside, she heard hurried footsteps and Da Ming’s urgent shout: “The imperial guards are just a mile away!”
Sweat began to form on Su Ci’s forehead. She leaned in, eyes wide, and quickly twisted and tried various spots on the bookshelf. Fortunately, at the last moment, her memory didn’t fail her. She leaned in and noticed that the forehead of a small carved auspicious beast on the edge was slightly smoother than the others. She pressed it, but nothing happened. She twisted it left and right with force, and with a “click,” the secret compartment opened!
Inside were several private seal boxes and a large stack of private letters and documents. Su Ci quickly took them out: “Quick, come and check these!”
She swiftly opened the boxes and checked the seals, finding nothing problematic, all official seals. She closed them and put them back. Meanwhile, A Zhao quickly flipped through the letters. She said, “Give me the ones that are definitely not problematic!”
A Zhao handed her some, and Su Ci quickly stuffed them back into the compartment and closed it. A Zhao and Da Ming hurriedly restored the bookshelf and armchair. Su Ci grabbed the remaining items on the desk and rushed to the small kitchen.
The front courtyard and the east courtyard had small kitchens, with fires burning around the clock. At this time, the cook was preparing dinner and boiling water. A Zheng had already gone ahead to find an excuse to call the cook out. Su Ci squatted down and stuffed the pile of letters into the stove. Fortunately, there were no fingerprint or residue tests in those days.
Su Ci poked the fire with a stick, and the flames quickly consumed the letters. As she stirred the fire, she thought, “Alright, Yang Yanzong, you can’t be mad at me this time.”
Speaking of which, she wondered what had happened on his end to warrant a search of his study. It was worrying.
The letters burned quickly. Su Ci stirred the ashes, mixing them with the wood ash until they were indistinguishable. She added several handfuls of kindling, and once it burned, she placed some hard wood on top, leaving no trace.
By then, she could hear the sound of hooves. The imperial guards had arrived at the Yang residence.
A group of people quickly entered the Yang residence. The leader of the imperial guards and the Supervisory Office took out a gold token, waved it, and without a word, headed straight for the front courtyard, focusing on the study where the guards were stationed.
Su Ci washed her hands, patted herself down, and quickly walked out. She saw a familiar face, Tong Jien, but he looked stern. She didn’t try to get close. He and several craftsmen entered the study to search. Su Ci thought for a moment and followed, standing at the door.
The leader of the imperial guards and Tong Jien glanced at her. She smiled, “The eldest young master’s study contains many important documents. He instructed me to keep an eye on them to prevent anything from being lost.”
Tong Jien ignored her: “Search thoroughly, leave no stone unturned! Pay attention to secret compartments and hidden doors! Leave nothing unchecked!”
The court still had talented people. The craftsmen brought this time were from the Ministry of Works, specializing in this. One of them had even designed the imperial tombs’ mechanisms. Few secret compartments or hidden doors in the world could escape his detection.
Su Ci watched as the old craftsman tapped here and there, taking about half an hour to locate the secret compartment in the bookshelf. It took him some time to confirm the location and another half hour to open it.
By then, the outer study had already been searched, and nothing suspicious was found. Tong Jien immediately ordered the contents of the secret compartment to be taken out and the letters to be opened and examined one by one. Of course, there was nothing wrong with them.
The eunuchs and imperial guards searched for nearly two hours, even through Yang Yanzong and Su Ci’s bedroom, but found nothing. Finally, they had to leave.
By this time, it was already midnight. Su Ci stood outside the gate, watching the dust clouds of the fast horses returning to Yangdu, and instructed A Zhao, “You and Da Ming hurry back and keep an eye on the situation in Yangdu. If anything changes, send someone back to report.”
“My father and Yanxin are at the camp, right? Just keep things steady for now.” She wasn’t worried about that; her father had weathered many storms, so she didn’t need to worry about him.
As for the household, she instructed A Zheng, “Reassure the servants but don’t let anyone move around unnecessarily. Keep the gates secure. No one is allowed to enter or leave without my permission. Everyone should stay put and not cause trouble.”
“Yes!”
There wasn’t much more Su Ci could do, but keeping the home front stable and not causing trouble for Yang Yanzong was essential. She didn’t know what was happening on his end, but she had confidence in him, so she wasn’t panicked. After giving her instructions, she thought for a moment and headed to Yang Chongying’s study.
The front courtyard had been searched, and Mrs. Yan, who was recuperating, probably didn’t know yet, but Yang Chongying’s west courtyard and the front courtyard must have been disturbed. She needed to inform him.
As soon as she entered, she saw Yang Chongying’s servant running out. Yang Chongying was standing by the small gate of the west courtyard, about to leave. She quickly went to meet him.
Leaving aside the trivial matters in Suiping, let’s return to Yangdu.
In the temporary detention prison west of the imperial city, the dim light and gray-black wooden bars created a somewhat cold atmosphere, though it wasn’t damp. The guards brought blankets but didn’t dare speak, maintaining an unusual silence.
Yang Yanzong and Imperial Uncle Kun were not shackled or in prison clothes, as they had not been formally charged. Entering this place was like having one foot in heaven and one foot in hell. They might never leave, but it was also possible they would come out unscathed. No one could say for sure.
Yang Yanzong and Imperial Uncle Kun were in adjacent cells, one on the left corner and one on the right. They could see each other if they wanted, but they hadn’t spoken a word since entering, each leaning against the wall with their eyes closed, resting.
The news that the imperial guards and the Supervisory Office had returned from Suiping empty-handed had already reached them. Tong Jien had brought back the letters from the secret compartment for the Emperor to review. Although the letters were confidential, they were all official documents, and none were problematic. It was said that the old Emperor threw the box after reading it.
Yang Yanzong raised an eyebrow. No one knew better than him what was in that secret compartment. As for who had handled it so quickly, there was no second choice.
That girl was always so clever, perfectly in sync with him.
Yang Yanzong couldn’t help but smile, his lips curling up as he laughed twice. But after laughing, thinking of her made him angry again. He was still very annoyed with her. He snorted coldly in his heart, refusing to think about Su Ci any longer, and opened his eyes. He had been prepared for Zhang Boqian’s move, but he had not stored the most confidential items in that secret compartment. It would be a bit troublesome, but he had ways to deal with it. However, thanks to Su Ci’s quick thinking, he was spared this trouble.
During this time, the old Emperor had people watching the two of them, but both Yang Yanzong and Imperial Uncle Kun waited quietly, not panicking.
After receiving the report, the old Emperor sneered. Did they think he wouldn’t act against them? Especially Yang Yanzong, who gave him the courage and confidence? It was utterly laughable! Let’s see how tough your bones are!
The old Emperor sneered repeatedly.
Regarding this, Imperial Uncle Kun was also somewhat surprised.
In the detention prison west of the imperial city.
The prison guard came again with a food box. Imperial Uncle Kun lifted his eyelids, hearing the movements behind the corner wall, and raised an eyebrow. This Yang fellow was quite calm. As long as the Three Princes’ residence stood, the old Emperor would release him no matter what. But Yang Yanzong, that was another story.
Imperial Uncle Kun dragged the food box over, opened it, picked up the chopsticks, and said coolly, “Zhang Boqian has been the Emperor’s confidant for twenty years.”
This matter was a gamble on the Emperor’s trust. Zhang Boqian had been the Emperor’s confidant since his father’s time, far more trusted than Yang Yanzong, who had just come over.
Indeed, Imperial Uncle Kun had guessed part of the agreement between Yang Yanzong and the Emperor after the incident in Shangyang Hall. He chuckled. Yang Yanzong, such an ambitious opportunist, dared to take risks.
Yang Yanzong smiled faintly, picked up the still-warm food, and ate it without responding, his expression unchanged—since he had done this, he had arrangements and confidence. Otherwise, why bring down Zhang Boqian if he couldn’t take his place and instead attract the Emperor’s attention? What was he after?
Yang Yanzong paused with his chopsticks, squinting slightly, recalling the fleeting glimpse of the old Emperor in Shangyang Hall—the old Emperor looked even more aged, his back slightly hunched, wearing a bright yellow dragon robe with a persistent dark hue between his brows.
He suddenly remembered what Su Ci had said—after escaping from the palace, she had privately told Yang Yanzong that at his age, surgery consumed life force. The old Emperor, suffering from illness and injury for so long, even if he recovered, wouldn’t last long. Like a leaky sieve, no matter how skilled the imperial physicians were, they couldn’t fix the hole.
Yang Yanzong raised an eyebrow, noncommittal, and continued eating without a word. After finishing his meal, the prison guard came to collect the food box. As it was being taken away, a small paper ball was silently thrown over.
Yang Yanzong picked it up and opened it: “Everything is ready. The Fourth Prince is about to make his move.”
There was no signature, just scribbled words, but it was a message from Ji Yuanhao, as they had previously discussed. He raised an eyebrow, impressed that Ji Yuanhao had managed to infiltrate the prison guards.
Truly a capable person. If Ji Lin wasn’t cautious of him, he might suffer greatly in the future. But for Yang Yanzong, this was good news, as he and Ji Yuanhao were currently allies.
With Ji Yuanhao’s push, the Fourth Prince soon made his move. First, a censor presented a memorial to the Emperor, urging him to care for the people like his own children and to show compassion for the disaster-stricken citizens. The 56 million taels of silver were hard to come by, and the Emperor should not shield Zhang Boqian.
Who was Zhang Boqian’s master?
The words were vague, but combined with the rumors spread by the three princes’ residences in recent days, the accusation was directed at the Emperor—blaming him for leading the sunken silver case, which ultimately went off track, allowing the Northern Rong people to seize the opportunity and lose 21 million taels of silver.
Accusing Zhang Boqian didn’t require a death plea; warning the Emperor did. The Emperor was furious, denouncing the censor’s nonsense and immediately confiscating his family’s property!
But this was just the beginning. The Fourth Prince and the Sixth and Seventh Princes launched a fierce attack, targeting the Left Guard!
Now, with Zhang Boqian, the Commander of the Left Guard, accused of treason, even if he miraculously survived, he couldn’t be reinstated. Yang Yanzong was inexplicably detained in the temporary prison, along with several mid-level officers. The entire Left Guard camp was leaderless! If they didn’t act now, when would they?
The Fourth Prince’s swift action not only preemptively cleared the Fourth Prince’s residence and protected General Chen Chengyi but also aimed at gaining benefits. With the Commander of the Right Guard also recently deposed, several high-ranking positions were vacant. Apart from the heavily damaged Sixth Prince’s residence, the Fourth and Seventh Princes’ residences, like sharks smelling blood, were eager to seize the opportunity!
The court was in chaos, and at this moment, an urgent military report arrived from outside the capital!
—The Northern Rong had invaded again!
The Northern Rong people refused to admit they had taken the 21 million taels of silver. Using this as an excuse, combined with severe internal disasters, they launched simultaneous attacks with fourteen armies, raiding the northern border towns. General Xu Shigong urgently dispatched troops to resist and gather the people, sending an urgent military report requesting support.
The Northern Rong army came with great force, and the border troops were struggling!
Notably, General Xu Shigong mentioned Yang Yanzong, who had participated in two wars against the Northern Rong over five years, frequently clashing with the current Left Sage King and emerging victorious. He was very familiar with them.
This time, the Left Sage King led the left route of the Northen Rong’s three-pronged attack. Two years ago, the northern border generals suffered significant losses, leaving a gap. Xu Shigong’s urgent report included a memorial, specifically requesting several experienced generals, with Yang Yanzong at the top of the list, emphasizing his necessity!
At the end of his memorial, the old general urged the Emperor not to be too stubborn and prejudiced, emphasizing the importance of the border. If Yang Yanzong was innocent, he should be released immediately.
The old general, now seventy, was still vigorous. He was a veteran minister of three reigns, the same age as the Emperor, with a mother who was a grand princess. He had been a key minister under the previous Emperor and was a staunch royalist but not blindly obedient. He was straightforward and unafraid of the Emperor, having made great contributions to the state.
The Emperor was infuriated but helpless. Holding the memorial, his expression fluctuated for a long time before he finally ordered, “Go! Release Yang Yanzong, have him immediately take charge of the Left Guard, and then head to the border!” He threw the memorial onto the desk, coldly staring at the door through which Sun Shiping had hurried out, thinking, “Yang Yanzong, you better not let me find out that you had a hand in this, or else, hmph!”
Of course, Yang Yanzong didn’t have the power to incite the Northern Rong to send troops or to bribe the old general. He had merely predicted that the Northern Rong would mobilize.
The Northern Rong couldn’t hold out much longer. Even if not for plunder, they needed to quell internal conflicts. Yang Yanzong knew the Northern Rong well and judged that their failure to gain anything would inevitably lead to an angry military response.
Sure enough.
Yang Yanzong was released from the detention prison west of the imperial city that very day. It took him just one day to stabilize the leaderless Left Guard camp. During this time, he made adjustments and promotions without hesitation, sending the regulations directly to the cabinet. Apart from a few key positions, the rest of the personnel were quickly organized, and the Left Guard camp swiftly regained order.
At the Fourth Prince’s residence.
The Fourth Prince and his heir, Ji Lin, sat facing each other in the large study of the outer courtyard. The Fourth Prince quickly received the news and couldn’t help but say, “That Yang fellow is quite impressive.”
He had stabilized the Left Guard camp so quickly, demonstrating first-rate skill and ability. The position of Commander of the Left Guard might indeed fall into his hands.
The Fourth Prince pondered for a moment, “In that case, it might be better for us to focus on securing the position of Commander of the Right Guard.”
Ji Lin had no objections to this. He had previously discussed it with Mr. Xia and others, who shared the same opinion.
The Fourth Prince leaned back in his armchair, rubbing his temples, and immediately called someone in, giving a few instructions. He then said, “Go and call Bochen.”
The candidate they were pushing for the Commander of the Left and Right Guards positions was Ji Yuanhao.
After the Fourth Prince finished giving his instructions and everyone had left, Ji Yuanhao had not yet arrived. Ji Lin pondered for a moment and then asked softly, “Father, are we really going to push Ji Bochen for this?”
Ji Yuanhao, Ji Lin’s peer, was someone whose abilities Ji Lin acknowledged and feared. People who emerged from the law of the jungle were often double-edged swords. If not handled properly, they could easily cause harm.
He was young, naturally more cautious.
And according to Ji Lin, his father had always been using and guarding against Ji Yuanhao.
Ji Lin felt a bit uneasy.
The Fourth Prince, of course, knew this. He sighed, “But we don’t have a more suitable candidate.”
The Fourth Prince understood Ji Lin’s concerns. He knew Ji Yuanhao better than Ji Lin did, but with Ji Yuanhao and Yang Yanzong’s joint efforts, especially the former, there was no better candidate for competition from the Fourth Prince’s residence.
Letting this opportunity slip away would be even more regrettable.
The Fourth Prince lowered his eyes. There was one thing he hadn’t discussed with his son: he had carefully observed the old Emperor’s complexion and keenly guessed that the old Emperor probably didn’t have much time left—five years, three years, maybe even two.
The final moment was approaching. After years of struggle, the outcome was now in sight. In such an environment, they couldn’t afford to be cautious. After considering it, the Fourth Prince decided to push Ji Yuanhao forward.
—Moreover, there was another side to this. If they deliberately didn’t push Ji Yuanhao for such an obvious opportunity, Ji Yuanhao would surely understand, and this would only breed disloyalty.
For various reasons, the Fourth Prince’s residence ultimately decided to proceed.
The Fourth Prince said slowly, “He won’t be able to leave the Fourth Prince’s residence for a while. His wife and children are also in the residence. In the short term, we can still control him.”
“Alright, let’s do it.”
Once the decision was made, there was no need to hesitate. The Fourth Prince said, “Alright, Lin’er, you go back to Suiping and take care of everything.”
“Yes!”
Not long after Yang Yanzong was released, the case against Zhang Boqian was conclusively settled. He returned to the Left Guard camp with overwhelming force, intimidating many people. It took him just one day to organize the camp and successfully win over one of Zhang Boqian’s trusted lieutenants.
The principle of “an army marches on its stomach” is timeless. Yang Yanzong never fought a battle he wasn’t confident in. As soon as he confirmed Zhang Boqian’s stance during their first encounter on the river, he ordered his men to return north and quietly investigate Zhang Boqian’s family and close associates before anyone else reacted.
It didn’t take long to find a weakness.
This lieutenant, named Cai Yuanwei, had moral failings that Yang Yanzong exploited. With heavy family responsibilities, Cai Yuanwei, as the family’s pillar, couldn’t afford to fall.
Yang Yanzong had contacted him before the audience in Shangyang Hall. With Yang Yanzong’s powerful return, Cai Yuanwei’s loyalty wavered.
Yang Yanzong, sitting behind the armchair, said slowly, “Zhang Boqian can never be reinstated. So why persist?” The man, leaning against the armchair, spoke coldly. His eyes were sharp and powerful, revealing his wolf-like nature with just a glance.
Sweating profusely, Cai Yuanwei hesitated for a long time before finally kneeling with a loud thud, “Subordinate Cai Yuanwei, at your service, Commander!”
“Good!”
Yang Yanzong smiled, stood up, and helped Cai Yuanwei up, “Alright, you may go.”
“Yes!”
After receiving the response, Yang Yanzong picked up the documents on the desk and quickly left Cai Yuanwei’s office.
That day, the investigation team led by Tong Jien and Huang Dewei finally found a breakthrough. Cai Yuanwei, unable to withstand the psychological pressure, revealed what he had occasionally seen and heard.
The old Emperor was furious: “That damned Zhang Boqian!!”
Before this, he had always believed that Zhang Boqian was framed, but now the scales had tipped. He might not fully believe it, but once suspicion arose, it couldn’t be dispelled.
Ultimately, the old Emperor ordered Zhang Boqian to be handed over to the three judicial offices for trial!
That evening, the Emperor issued an edict, and the cabinet officially appointed Yang Yanzong, the Deputy Commander of the Left Guard, as the new Commander of the Left Guard.
He was also ordered to prepare and mobilize his troops immediately to head to the border as quickly as possible.
At the same time, the competition for other key positions, which had been ongoing for several days, was concluded early due to the Northern Rrong army’s aggressive invasion. Notably, the position of Commander of the Right Guard was given to Ji Yuanhao. He was also one of the generals named by the old General Xu, so he, too, would head north on horseback. As the two men rode out of their respective camps, their eyes met, and they both smiled. Their first collaboration had been very successful. Their gazes met briefly before they turned their horses and sped away.
Both Ji Yuanhao and Yang Yanzong first returned to Suiping. The Qingfeng and Baishun camps were his long-time loyal troops and were the first to be mobilized for the northern expedition.
The sound of hooves quickly left Yangdu behind, and A Kang and A Zhao couldn’t help but let out a long sigh of relief.
Although it hadn’t been very long, the ups and downs had been mentally exhausting.
Yang Yanzong was also somewhat fatigued. He had been working intensely, both mentally and physically, since before his audience with the Emperor in Shangyang Hall, with little rest. He hadn’t truly slept in the temporary detention prison, always staying somewhat alert. After his release, he spent an entire day enforcing strict discipline and bloody suppression.
Adding to this were the two months of pursuit and the exhausting journey back. Even with his immense energy and resilience, after days of turmoil, he couldn’t help but feel mentally and physically drained. Some news only added to the fatigue.
Yang Yanzong stretched his shoulders and back, rubbed his temples, and asked, “How is the family? How have things been at home during these days?”
A Kang and A Zhao exchanged glances, finding it difficult to speak.
Yang Yanzong opened his eyes and frowned, “What’s wrong?”
A Kang hesitated and whispered, “The old lady found out about the situation. Probably due to the fright she received last year, she was extremely panicked, fearing another disaster, and kept shouting to leave…”
Yang Yanzong couldn’t help but close his eyes. His overly fatigued and slightly dizzy head throbbed with pain. His face darkened, and he couldn’t help but rub his temples.
A Kang quickly added, “Fortunately, Young Madam was there. She kept things under control and ordered that no one was to leave the house. The old lady couldn’t leave!”
When Yang Yanzong returned home, the house was still in turmoil.
Yang Chongying had rushed to Yangdu upon hearing the news a few days earlier.
Mrs. Yan, who had suffered greatly last year, had become extremely skittish. Having barely recovered from her illness, she was terrified upon hearing the news and immediately ordered the maids to pack up valuables, thinking they needed to lay low for a while. She remembered clearly how Concubine Ping and Concubine Min had avoided exile by doing the same.
The back courtyard was in chaos, and Su Ci quickly found out. She rushed to the scene, where the guards were blocking Mrs. Yan’s carriage. A Zheng insisted on not letting it pass, gritting his teeth, “Young Madam has ordered that no one is to leave!!”
Mrs. Yan was furious, “Which madam? You listen to Su Ci! Does that mean you don’t listen to me?! Who gave Su Ci the authority to issue orders in this house?!”
Su Ci arrived, rubbed her temples, and without wasting words, directly ordered the guards and maids to escort Mrs. Yan back to the main courtyard.
At her command, A Zheng and the others immediately complied. The new maids and servants, seeing this, timidly followed suit.
Mrs. Yan had a trusted maid, but she was of no use.
Mrs. Yan, along with her luggage and carriage, was quickly dragged back to the main courtyard. There were even items from the west courtyard mixed in, leaving Su Ci speechless. She waved for them to be taken back.
Her series of actions directly challenged Mrs. Yan’s dignity. Mrs. Yan, eyes red with anger, pointed at Su Ci standing outside the threshold and shouted, “This is rebellion! Su Ci, how dare you! I will have you sent back to your family!!”
“Send me back if you want,” Su Ci shrugged, not particularly concerned.
Mrs. Yan’s high-pitched voice was painful to the ears. Seeing her still intent on leaving to avoid trouble, Su Ci grew annoyed, “Times have changed!!”
Are you Concubine Ping or Concubine Min?! Is this the same situation as last year?!
“The eldest young master is only temporarily detained and is fine. Why are you running? Where are you running to?!”
“Can things be the same as last year?”
If Yang Yanzong’s family ran away at such a sensitive time, wouldn’t that be like admitting guilt? It would only make things worse and drag him down. So, they had to stay calm and steady to avoid causing him more trouble.
Su Ci explained the reasoning, and Mrs. Yan’s shouting finally stopped. She looked doubtful, and Su Ci shrugged, “I wouldn’t harm the eldest young master, would I?”
Suppose you don’t trust me, at least trust this fact. They were all in the same boat now.
Su Ci took a deep breath, “The eldest young master has had a hard time these years. He’s worked very hard. If we can’t help him, let’s not make things worse for him, okay?”
After speaking, Su Ci stood for a moment and then sensed something behind her. She turned and met Yang Yanzong’s sharp gaze. His eyes were bloodshot. He had been back for a while and had heard the last few sentences.
They stared at each other for a long time. Her porcelain-white cheeks were still so small in the sunlight, and her familiar large eyes shone brightly. After a long gaze, he chuckled hoarsely, “So, you know it’s not easy for me?”
Su Ci was a bit surprised. When had he returned? She replied, “Of course I know.”
It had never been easy for him. No matter how fierce he was, walking on the edge of a knife, protecting his family in the midst of storms, how could that be easy?