It was almost midday, but Qu Boyong had only just gotten up. The plan was moving forward several times faster than he’d originally hoped for, and making sure a rumor took off also took no small amount of effort. He’d barely gotten any sleep the last two days, and the little rest he did get was disturbed by vaguely discomfiting dreams that left Qu Boyong jolting awake with a sense of tribulation.
Qu Boyong marked it off as nerves, especially now that Ji Fangluo was all set to make her move. Soon, very soon, he would finally receive vindication.
A knock on the door startled him out of his thoughts. Qu Boyong hesitated for a moment, but the knock rang out again. He could sense that there was only a single person there, but not who it was. Whoever it was evidently had no interest in announcing their identity either. He briefly considered refusing to answer the door, but the knock rang out a third time.
It was probably one of the landlord's agents, one of the more unpleasant and rude ones who were always annoyed at having to come to a haunted neighborhood. Qu Boyong sighed and opened the door, angling himself in a way that the visitor couldn’t immediately stab him.
Qu Boyong’s heart skipped a few beats in shock as he saw Hu Qing standing before him.
What is he doing here? Qu Boyong was a little relieved that it wasn’t someone from the Zhao household. From what he’d seen of Hu Qing, the man wasn’t interested in Zhao Wenyuan’s recruitment offers in the slightest.
Hu Qing didn’t say anything, glancing Qu Boyong over with a look mixed with amusement and condescension that had Qu Boyong’s blood boiling immediately. It was only a moment later that Qu Boyong noted the plaque hanging from Hu Qing’s belt. His heart skipped a beat as he recognized the bronze plaque of a personal guard assigned by the Imperial Palace. It couldn’t possibly be from the Liang clan, which only left one possibility.
Just what did Zhao Wenyuan sway him with?
Qu Boyong glanced at the expensive sword at Hu Qing's waist, as well where there were more blades hidden in the folds of the man's robes. Had the Minister decided to silence him after all? It wasn’t that he couldn’t beat Hu Qing, but the outcome of a fight between them wasn’t certain either. Qu Boyong calmed himself, giving Hu Qing a cold look.
“How did you find my residence?” Qu Boyong asked icily.
Hu Qing smiled broadly, but it didn’t reach his eyes.
“I asked the Minister, but he didn’t know either. So I looked around a bit, and there you were,” Hu Qing replied. “You didn’t show up to work, so the Minister could only assume you’d either quit or had died.”
Qu Boyong reached for his knife, tensing for a fight.
“Were you too afraid to show your face around after screwing him over? I can understand, but you really should’ve shown up to see the Minister’s face, his expression was priceless,” Hu Qing chuckled. Irrational rage joined the emerging panic in Qu Boyong’s chest.
Qu Boyong had dealt with plenty of troublemakers in his lifetime, but Hu Qing seemed to be the only one who had an aggravating aura so deeply engrained into his bones. Hu Qing reached into his robes and Qu Boyong stiffened even further, but instead of a blade, he pulled out a pouch of coins and handed it over.
“This is your severance pay, no recommendation letter though. The Minister can’t recommend you to serve in another household in good conscience,” Hu Qing said. At Qu Boyong’s frown, Hu Qing sighed and tossed the pouch onto the table. “The Minister only sent me here to give you this, there’s no need for you to be so on edge. He’s not the type to order you to be silenced or something. But then again, you knew that, didn’t you? You wouldn’t have had the guts to do it otherwise.”
“Why the hell would he give me severance pay?” Qu Boyong demanded, ignoring Hu Qing’s jabs.
Hu Qing shrugged. “Didn’t he say something about that when hiring you? I have no idea what he’s thinking, giving you severance pay even after all that, but it’s not my money anyways. Let rich men throw around as many coins as they want, that’s all they’re good for, am I right?” He gave Qu Boyong a curious glance. “But I am curious, did you always plan to screw him over, or did you just grab onto an opportunity as it presented itself? I didn’t think the Minister was so gullible.”
Qu Boyong’s face twisted against his volition. He hadn’t planned on even allowing Zhao Wenyuan to survive a few months ago, but the Zhao heir had completely thrown off Qu Boyong’s plans. For quite a while, even Qu Boyong hadn’t known exactly where he would be going with this. Rather than answer Hu Qing, he went on the offensive instead.
“And why did you choose to work for him? The Zhao clan’s a sinking ship, shouldn’t someone like you be able to tell?” Qu Boyong shot back. “Whatever power and privilege he has today will soon become smoke and ashes, the Zhao clan’s era is coming to an end, and he will go down with them! Wouldn’t you be better off sticking with the Liang clan?”
“So you’ve looked into me,” Hu Qing said with exaggerated surprise. “Wow, did my good looks and winning personality finally pique your interest?”
Qu Boyong shot him a glare. “You’ve figured out where I live and I can’t even figure out who you really are? How incompetent do you think I am?”
Hu Qing shrugged. “You’re not incompetent at all, it’s surprising that you even managed to gain that paranoid Minister’s trust despite being such a shady guy. You’ve left the poor man in quite a pinch.”
Qu Boyong looked at him with suspicion. “Surely you do realize that this situation is completely disadvantageous for you. Why are you joining him at a time like this?”
Hu Qing gave Qu Boyong an infuriating grin that made Boyong subconsciously curl his fists.
“How do I say this? I find him pitiful, amusingly so,” Hu Qing replied. “It makes me want to see how much worse things can get for him from here on.” There was a genuine delight in the man’s voice, enough to make Qu Boyong’s insides curdle.
Qu Boyong shook his head. “You disgust me.”
“Rich words coming from you. Aren’t you the one who wormed your way into his trust and then betrayed him? You have no right to criticize me,” Hu Qing said, his smile only widening as he spoke in a tone that set Qu Boyong on edge.
Qu Boyong couldn’t stop the spasm of guilt that crossed his face.
Hu Qing caught on to Boyong’s expression, his smile taking on a sadistic glee.
“Oh? Could it be that you feel guilty? Here’s a hint for you, buddy. Next time, ask for more money before selling out your employer, that way you can at least tell yourself that it was worth it,” Hu Qing laughed, tossing his head back with impunity.
The last bit of Qu Boyong’s patience snapped like a twig. “I didn’t do this for a few coins, I did it because I had to! And I don’t want his money either, take it back with you or keep it, I don’t care!” He realized immediately he had made a mistake by falling for the other man’s taunts, but Hu Qing didn’t show any sign of catching on to Qu Boyong’s slip-up, taking joy in riling him up instead.
“Oh, I would absolutely love to keep the money! But the Minister insisted, you know, I don’t want to get in trouble so soon after starting my job,” Hu Qing said. “He’s generous enough that I’d earn plenty more than that in the near future anyways. Oh, and here’s his letter for you, it’s supposed to be a written notice or something.”
Qu Boyong frowned at the folded note in Hu Qing’s outstretched hand. “He…wrote me a letter?”
Looking at the small piece of paper, Qu Boyong almost felt a little afraid to read its contents.
“I will drop this if you don’t take it,” Hu Qing warned him. Qu Boyong grabbed the paper, shooting Hu Qing a glare as the man continued to smile, looking extremely entertained.
“Good luck from here on, Qu Boyong. I’d recommend you leave the capital soon, but I’m happy to see what kind of fate you’ll meet if you remain,” Hu Qing said gleefully. He gave Qu Boyong one last smirk before vaulting over the wall to disappear into the night, leaving Qu Boyong to glare after him in the doorway.
After a long moment, Qu Boyong opened the letter, half-expecting a talisman of some sort to activate. The Minister was surprisingly good at using spells for a man who couldn’t use magic, and no matter how laidback the man usually was in interacting with his servants, there was no telling what he could be driven to do by the flames of fury. His magic detection talisman didn’t show anything, but Qu Boyong steeled himself anyways.
The paper unfolded, and it was just a paper. Qu Boyong stared at the neat handwriting on the paper, the discomfort in his chest increasing.
To Qu Boyong,
This letter serves as a written notice to inform you that your employment is terminated as of today, the 5th year of the Xianqing era, the 16th day of May, effective immediately. The reason for your termination is a breach of contract.
You will receive a severance payment in the amount specified in your employment contract, as well as your unpaid wages, which will include payment for your accrued paid time off. In accordance with the employee benefits agreement, you may continue to pay medical bills to my tab until the end of the month, upon which your eligibility will be revoked.
Sincerely,
Zhao Wenyuan, Minister of the Court of Judicial Review
Qu Boyong could feel his head swimming. What kind of letter was this? There wasn’t a single hint of anger in the words, only professional indifference.
He’s still going by the contract? Did the Minister go crazy? Qu Boyong hastily crossed off that possibility. Zhao Wenyuan had always been a little strange in his interactions with the servants and guards. Before Zhao Wenyuan had started going against the Grand Duke, he had been reserved and quiet, rarely voicing any requests or needs to the servants. He would suddenly lash out with inexplicable fury at other times before resuming his subdued demeanor. The sudden flashes of rage always seemed to come after a drinking session with Liu Hongyu and were relatively harmless, usually just a few sharp words in a raised voice while the Zhao heir stormed away from them as though he were fleeing.
After Zhao Wenyuan had inexplicably found a spine overnight, he’d actually become capable of pulling rank properly, even before Housekeeper Wang, whose presence alone used to cause him to deflate. The reticence had also faded, and Zhao Wenyuan started making frequent requests, much to the servants’ delight, as he was a generous tipper. But the strangeness of the interactions persisted. For one, who on earth would ride in the same carriage as their servant? And then there were the overly generous contracts. Any other servant would’ve delighted in their luck to be working for someone so easygoing, but it only put Qu Boyong ill at ease.
The letter didn’t help. It was a written notice stamped with Zhao Wenyuan’s personal seal, sufficient evidence to spare a servant from sharing their employer’s fate, even if the punishment was clan extermination to the ninth degree. That typically implicated the servants for indentured servitude or exile at the very least.
Reluctantly, Qu Boyong opened the pouch of money as well. It was the exact amount promised in the letter, and there were no spells or tricks that he could notice. As the coins clattered onto the table, a small piece of folded paper fell out. Qu Boyong hesitated, not sure if this was the final trap. The magic detection talisman didn’t go off, and there didn’t seem to be any poison powders or needles inside.
He opened the paper slip. A shorter message was written on it, in a much tinier and messier script.
I don’t know what you’re trying to do, but get out of the capital and stay out. There is no honor or glory to be had in the coming fight. If you want to restore your family’s reputation, wait it out and make your move afterward.
A shudder of coldness went down his spine, spreading into his ribcage and veins. For the first time, Qu Boyong was actually afraid of Zhao Wenyuan. Just what is that guy trying to do?
Qu Boyong had an instinctive feeling at that moment that he had been careless in approaching the Zhao heir. The rumors and Qu Boyong’s betrayal were meant to throw off Zhao Wenyuan’s plans and tie him down while they moved forward with the plan, but the letters didn’t give off any sense of outrage or unease on the Zhao heir’s part. It could just be a bluff, Qu Boyong knew that Zhao Wenyuan was good enough at pretending to have the upper hand, but something about Hu Qing’s amused self-assurance and Zhao Wenyuan’s letter threw him off.
The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.
He glanced around the house, composing himself as he took in his options. It was time to change bases, and definitely time to revise the plan.
----------------------------------------
Having rushed over to her second meeting of the day, Kayla wearily chugged almost half a kettle of the strongest tea she could convince the server to brew while waiting for Li Que and Tabuyir to show up. The meeting took place inside one of the offices of the Imperial Investigator Bureau’s affiliated buildings. It was official business, but technically not Bureau business, so the meeting couldn’t be held within the Bureau headquarters. The other unspoken reason was the extensive internal investigation being conducted at the headquarters.
Kayla smiled in greeting at the two senior Imperial Investigators when they entered the room.
“Investigator Li, Investigator Tabuyir, thank you for joining me today.”
The two greeted her before sitting down at the table. Tabuyir subtly exchanged a glance with Li Que. The Zhao heir had noticeably lost weight since their first meeting, or even the last time they’d seen him, which aligned with the general consensus of the court that Zhao Wenyuan’s ruin was imminent. Once the man crumbled under the pressure, the palace would mercilessly withdraw its backing. For someone who most of the court had known as a meek and unimposing coward for several years before suddenly and inexplicably growing a spine, Zhao Wenyuan had lasted surprisingly long already. Kayla didn’t take note of the look the investigators shared, already focused on the task at hand.
Li Que and Tabuyir gave Kayla a quick rundown of their findings, eagerly launching into their summary to avoid any mention of the assassination attempt or the internal investigation of the Imperial Investigation Bureau. Their investigation of the Ministry of Justice did not inspire confidence in the institution, revealing a deeply corrupt staff that should have been completely replaced years ago. As disastrous as it was for the Ministry itself, it was an excellent opportunity for Kayla. The palace had already given its word–Kayla had explicit permission to grab up seats without concern for the princes.
From what Kayla had discerned from the Empress Dowager’s words, the throne’s intention was that Kayla needed to have firm control over the neutral faction. The neutral faction was primarily composed of two types of people; loyalists who supported the Emperor alone, and cowards who were too indecisive to throw their support behind the Grand Duke or one of the princes.
Loyalists were further divided into two different groups. There were the conservatives who went by the book, supporting the Emperor because that’s what an official was meant to do. Hu Weizhi, the Minister of Public Works who had been neutral since becoming an official, counted among this group. On the other hand, there was the tiny group that had emerged with Kayla’s political ascent, strongly guided by the hand of the Empress Dowager. It didn’t have any ideology or guiding philosophy, but if the Empress Dowager was allowing Kayla to choose, then she probably also expected Kayla to shape the development of the faction as well.
“Well, Investigators, what would you recommend?” Kayla asked.
Tabuyir and Li Que glanced at each other before Tabuyir began to speak.
“Minister, there are a lot of positions in the Ministry of Justice that need to be refilled, but perhaps the most important ones are the position of Left Secretariat, as well as three of the Bureau Directors. For those, their compatibility with Minister Liang and Right Secretariat Zhang are also very important factors,” Tabuyir said.
Kayla nodded. “Indeed, the position of Left Secretariat is the one that requires the most care then, since they’ll be seeing each other every single day for hours on end. I remember having some difficulties adjusting to that role at first, someone who deals well with stress and has experience working in both an administrative and investigative capacity would probably be more suitable.”
Sun Ruhui fit that description perfectly, but he wasn’t alone in that category. Kayla badly wanted to drop a more obvious hint that she wanted Sun Ruhui in the seat, but refrained for fear of seeming too eager.
“Minister, do you mind if we speak plainly on this issue?” Li Que jumped in.
“Of course, I’d be grateful for your advice,” Kayla replied.
“The Left Secretariat should be someone who answers directly to you if he is to fight on equal footing with Minister Liang and Right Secretariat Zhang,” Li Que suggested. “And Minister, you need to have more sway over your own people as well. Even if the neutral faction has the direct support of the Emperor and Empress Dowager, it still requires cohesiveness to act efficiently in the long run.”
“It is as Investigator Li says,” Tabuyir chimed in. “It would be to the detriment of the neutral faction if it were seen as disorganized. If I may make a suggestion, I would recommend Chamberlain Sun Ruhui as Left Secretariat of Justice.”
Kayla barely kept herself from smiling. That’s exactly what I needed.
“I have no concerns about Sun Ruhui’s abilities, but I am concerned that this wouldn’t be taken well,” Kayla replied. “After all, he is someone I raised up from the provincial level, I’m afraid his peers will be biased against him and fail to see his true worth.”
Even if the result was exactly what she was hoping for, she needed to feign concern and hesitation. Sun Ruhui would be just fine, as steady and assuring as he appeared, the man was more than capable of handling the conniving old codgers at the Ministry of Justice.
Everyone tacitly understood Kayla’s words as insincere, but it was a necessary part of the process. While no person would want to refuse something beneficial for them, accepting it too eagerly put your character into question, especially in a delicate political situation like this. Kayla was always a little worried that she would run into someone who took her “concerns” at face value and run with it, but she also couldn’t afford not to go through the process when the Empress Dowager was breathing down her neck.
To her relief, the feared scenario did not come to pass. Both the Investigators hadn’t just risen in rank because of their investigative and administrative skills, but also their ability to suitably understand and react to the hidden meaning behind people’s words.
“Your concerns are well heeded, Minister. Chamberlain Sun is lucky to have a superior who cherishes his talents and is so concerned for his wellbeing. However, his transfer to the capital was approved by both the Emperor and the Minister of Personnel, and that will also be the case for this promotion. Even if someone takes issue with his qualifications, how can they question the judgment of His Majesty?” Li Que said.
Kayla nodded, pretending to be assured. “You’re right, Investigator Li. Thank you for enlightening me while I’ve been bogged down by foolish concerns. Chamberlain Sun is a talent acknowledged by the Emperor himself, surely his peers will also keep that in mind.”
“It is as you say, Minister. Then with your approval, we will proceed with Chamberlain Sun,” Li Que offered. Kayla understood that the offer wasn’t to be taken at face value and that Li Que was only offering an expedited pathway out of courtesy.
“Thank you, Investigator Li, but that surely would be too much trouble. How can he be appointed without going through a proper selection process? At the very least, the other candidates deserve fair consideration,” Kayla said, having no intention of allowing anyone else to be fairly considered.
“The Minister is more far-sighted than I am, this subordinate is deeply regretful for his inadequacies,” Li Que replied, not at all regretful. “We have the profiles of the other candidates as well, would it be more suitable for the Minister to take a list and compile the final list of potential appointees for the Ministry of Personnel? We will be happy to forward it on your behalf.”
“Not at all, Investigator Li is too humble. I’m grateful for your thoughtful preparations and will happily follow your advice,” Kayla replied. It was impossible for the Ministry of Personnel to choose anyone else if a list with Sun Ruhui’s name on top came directly from the Investigator’s Bureau. Everyone who made it to the top managed to stay there due to their wits and ability to understand the nuances of the political situation, and anyone who had eyes would be able to tell what the situation was once the Imperial Investigator’s Bureau got involved.
The neutral faction is taking control of the judicial system, with full backing from the throne…what can the Ministry of Personnel do other than comply?
“I will admit, it will be difficult for me to lose such a capable subordinate, though I am happy for Sun Ruhui,” Kayla said, her voice filled with faux regret. She’d gotten Sun Ruhui his seat, and now she needed an excuse to promote Chen Caichun.
“Minister, if I remember correctly, the younger sister of Investigator Chen serves as a Case Reviewer, does she not?” Tabuyir asked. As Li Que was Chen Jian’s direct superior, he couldn’t be the one to make the suggestion without a conflict of interest.
“Indeed, she is extremely talented. She is calm and steadfast despite her young age, she’s sure to do great things in the future,” Kayla agreed.
“That girl was well known as a scribe, and now has a spotless reputation as an official despite being the only female civil official, perhaps she could be a suitable replacement for Chamberlain Sun,” Tabuyir suggested. “Not only would it pave a path for her future success, but it would also serve the Minister well to have fresh blood closer at his side. A young official suits a young institution.”
And there it was, a perfect excuse to use Chen Caichun rather than someone more experienced.
“You make a good point, Investigator. You have more experience in the court than I do, so I’ll humbly follow your advice,” Kayla replied.
Having settled the issue of Sun Ruhui and Chen Caichun, the conversation moved on to the remaining personnel choices. It would take incredible effort to swell the ranks of the neutral faction with officials from the capital, including extensive background checks and making sure to raise a better offer than anyone else might. The best solution was simply to import officials from the provinces.
Both Li Que and Tabuyir were skilled and experienced, and the matters were quickly wrapped up.
“Another thing, Minister. Have you heard of the negotiations with the Eastern Turkic Khaganate?” Tabuyir asked as the discussion winded down.
He must have new information to share.
“I have, I believe we’re sending the daughter of an Archduke for a political marriage?” Kayla replied.
“Indeed, that is what has been decided upon. In addition to sending a princess, it seems that there are ongoing negotiations about welcoming a princess to the Wu Dynasty as well,” Tabuyir explained. “Currently, the marriage candidate from the Eastern Turkic Khaganate is the second-youngest daughter of the Khagan, while you are to be her husband.”
Kayla wavered, not sure what to say in response. She'd gotten a heads up long enough ago, and it wasn't as though she could refuse.
“I trust in the Emperor’s decisions,” Kayla finally replied. “How old is this princess?”
“She’s eighteen this year, but she’ll be nineteen in three months,” Tabuyir said.
“That is young,” Kayla said in surprise. “How old is my cousin again?”
“Princess Chengxia is twenty,” Li Que replied. “Minister, is there a problem with the princess’ age?”
Kayla shook her head. “It’s just…the Eastern Turkic Princess is six years younger than me, isn’t she? I was a little surprised is all.”
Eighteen was basically a college freshman. Kayla felt a rush of sympathy for the girl, who likely had as little choice as Kayla did in the matter, if not even less. At least Kayla would benefit from the union, but the princess had little to gain.
“She’s at a suitable age for marriage, though the Minister will have to be a bit more patient and indulgent with her due to her age and status,” Tabuyir said, his voice tinged with sympathy that seemed to be directed more at Kayla than the princess in question.
“That’s fine,” Kayla sighed. “What’s the timeline on that?”
“While both sides have agreed, some details in the peace agreement are still being hammered out. But if everything goes well, the political marriages will proceed as planned after the princess’ nineteenth birthday, while Princess Chengxia will depart for the Khaganate shortly before that,” Tabuyir replied.
Holy shit, in three months?! Kayla instinctively panicked, but quickly forced herself to calm down. Three months was a long time, and a lot of things could happen in the meanwhile. The fact that it was even taking place this quickly said a lot about the urgency of the diplomatic situation, as well as the determination of both sides to proceed regardless of their pro-war factions.
“When will it be announced?” Kayla asked.
“Within a month,” Tabuyir replied.
Kayla hesitated for a moment, mulling it over. “And the rumors flying around right now, would they impact the arrangements in any way?”
“The rumors won’t make it out of the capital,” Tabuyir said confidently. “But if the Minister has any ways to quiet them, then please feel free to go ahead.”
So he wants me to handle it so they won’t have to work overtime, that’s not unreasonable. Kayla grimaced a little as she remembered the solution, hiding her expression with her teacup.
“Of course, I’m deeply aggrieved to have my reputation smeared in this manner,” Kayla sighed. The palace and the Bureau probably already knew whatever they needed to know about the veracity of the rumors at this point, but no one would dare to bring up Liu Hongyu to Kayla now that the situation had become such a mess.
“I do understand, however, that my peers easily misunderstand me because we do not share the same forms of entertainment outside of work. I have always shied away from lively and crowded places, but it wouldn’t do to debase my coworkers by allowing them to unknowingly engage in slander. I have decided to push myself out of my comfort zone in the coming days and reduce the rumors by visiting the entertainment district,” she said calmly.
In other words, it was absolutely their fault that Kayla was forced to do this, and she was in fact extremely righteous for protecting them from themselves. The last thing Kayla needed was to try and clear the rumors only to have the palace start breathing down her neck about proper conduct and the like. It wasn't all that likely but wasn't unlikely either, given that she had a golden plaque.
It certainly didn’t help that the three princes were ridiculously ascetic for such powerful men in a time period where having multiple concubines was extremely common. Xianchun hadn't started to collect a large harem and had no wife or concubines yet, Yunqi still remained single after losing his wife, and Kuang only had his single wife and a deceased concubine who had been the daughter of his nursing maid. In comparison, Wenyuan had already been marred by his bloodline, his obedience to the Grand Duke, and what Kayla’s modern perspective understood to be depression and alcoholism. Being a playboy certainly wasn’t something Kayla wanted to add to the list.
“This one is impressed by the Minister’s gracious attitude towards his coworkers, I hope that your endeavors will result in a greater understanding between the officials of the court,” Li Que replied politely, as though Kayla hadn’t just used a ridiculous amount of moral posturing to announce she was going to a brothel.
Satisfied with his response, Kayla allowed the conversation to flow on to less significant matters, hammering out minor details before the meeting drew to an end. She’d gotten the answers she needed, and the Investigators had confirmed whatever it was they were checking on.
Kayla was also acutely aware that Sir Yang had entered the adjacent room at the start of the conversation, listening in through the thin walls. The elderly eunuch had given Kayla space to speak privately with Chen Caichun and Sun Ruhui, who were likely deemed relatively insignificant cogs in the greater machinery of the court, but the Bureau was a different matter. The golden plaque inside her robes felt unusually heavy as Kayla got up at the end of the conversation. It weighed down the silk layers, a constant reminder of the palace's heavy expectations and the eyes on her every move.