Character Index
Zhou Mingda: The Sixth Princess, the product of a political marriage between the steppe tribes and the palace.
Zhou Kuang: The Third Prince, one of the main contenders for the throne.
Jialuo: Mingda's personal maid and closest friend.
Zhao Chao: Kayla's bodyguard and subordinate.
Zhou Yunqi: The Fifth prince, currently sitting out of court affairs.
Governor Huang: Governor of Shengzhou, a border province. Recommended to Kayla by Yunqi.
General Yan: Commander of the Xiazhou outpost, located next to Shengzhou. Recommended to Kayla by Kuang.
Wei Guang: The Imperial Edict Bearer and Kayla's godfather.
Hu Qing/Liang Hongfei: Lord of the Liang clan and younger half-brother of Minister Liang. Kayla's supporter and friend.
Tabuyir: A Senior Investigator in the Imperial Investigation Bureau. Comes from a minority tribe in the border region.
Captain Jiang: A captain in the Imperial Guard, he was part of Xianchun's faction in the original timeline but is instead aligned with the Sixth Princess after she helped get him married to his girlfriend.
Li Que: A Senior Investigator in the Imperial Investigation Bureau.
Xiang Daozong/Qu Boyong: Lord of the Xiang clan, reinstated by Kayla's plan to get herself out of jail.
Sun Ruhui: Left Secretariat of Justice, Kayla's supporter.
Chen Caichun: Chamberlain in the Court of Judicial Review, Kayla's supporter.
Secretary Song: A young secretary of mixed Persian and Han descent in the Ministry of Justice.
Right Secretariat An: Right Secretariat of Rites. Introduced this chapter.
Housekeeper Li: Formerly Matron Li, Kayla's loyal servant.
Tao Qian: Kayla's bodyguard, introduced by Hu Qing.
Ke Yongqian: Hu Qing's retainer, formerly worked for Kayla.
Sun Zhong'e: Kayla's retainer and sometimes bodyguard.
Qiu Yun: A young serving girl selected for Kayla by Housekeeper Li.
Yan'er: A former prostitute who saved Hu Qing's life in exchange for a large sum of money. Kayla bought out her contract and made her the adopted daughter of Wei Guang's steward, both to thank and protect her, and to deepen ties with Wei Guang.
Princess Ashina: Princess of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate, Kayla's bride-to-be.
----------------------------------------
A servant crept along a side path, moving as quietly as he could. The moment he had spotted Lord Zhao leaving the pavilion with the Sixth Princess, he’d realized his chance had come. He made sure that the two were out of sight before quietly slipping out after them.
If he could get even a whisper of their conversation to the Third Prince, there would definitely be a decent reward. He smiled at the thought of the silver and tiptoed closer. In the distance, Lord Zhao was pushing the Sixth Princess’ chair through the vast gardens.
If only I could get close enough to hear them, he silently groused to himself.
A hand grabbed onto his collar and yanked him out from the bushes. The servant let out a squeak of fear as his feet dangled several inches off the ground. He went completely still as he met the furious gray eyes of the tall serving maid.
“How dare you spy on an Imperial Princess?” The woman snarled.
“No-no-I-I-I-I-I wasn’t–I was just—!” He squeaked out in a high voice. She let go of his collar and let him hit the ground tailbone first. The servant barely even registered the pain, hastily backing away from her.
“Get lost.”
He didn’t hesitate to obey the woman’s orders, scrambling out of there as fast as he could manage. Jialuo watched him like a hawk until ensuring that he was gone. She scanned the perimeter again, a watchful eye on the Princess and Lord Zhao.
Jialuo almost missed the young man hidden in the tree branches twenty paces away. She did a double-take, locking eyes with him this time. The man pulled down his face covering and gave her a nod.
Jialuo recognized him as one of Lord Zhao’s bodyguards and gave a disgruntled huff. She left to patrol the area, leaving Zhao Chao to watch over the meeting from above.
A distance away, neither Kayla nor Mingda had any idea of the altercation with Kuang’s servant. Kayla found herself enjoying the princess’ presence. The woman had a refreshing starkness to her that made the process a simple affair. Another person might have thought the princess rude, but Mingda could not have been better suited for Kayla’s temperament if she had been bred in a lab for it.
“A shared pool of clientele, is it? You’re certainly full of interesting ideas, Your Highness,” Kayla said. “Would you care to elaborate?”
“I would think it was pretty straightforward,” Mingda said without any trace of annoyance. “I would be able to draw from your supporters, and you would be able to draw from mine. We would each make the necessary introductions and pull the necessary favors to ensure we both have access to the people we want, and there would be no need to start from scratch for either of us.”
Kayla nodded slowly, her mind flitting to the officials Kuang and Yunqi were putting forward.
“And what about government officials? Do the governors and generals of the North count among your clan’s network?”
“Not all of them,” Mingda admitted. “But we have a long-established presence and sufficient resources and connections to curate a relationship on your behalf for most. Through my clan, you gain access to all twelve of the steppe tribes, as well as the various smaller tribes that live near the border region. Through marital connections, we also have much of the local gentry and a good number of officials in our fold. You could have all of that, and more, for the simple price of making introductions on our behalf to a few of your faction members.”
A few? Yeah right, Kayla thought in amusement. She’s one hell of an ambitious woman–there’s no way she would stop at just that much.
“Then they would be more your clients than mine,” Kayla pointed out. “And the same goes for you with my supporters in the capital.”
Mingda shrugged. “You’d have trouble finding a better intermediary than what I’m offering. Our interests are more closely aligned than that of anyone else’s, given that my clan’s presence in the capital would be reliant upon your success at court. Our dealings in the border regions would also be bolstered by having you as an ally. We have no chance of betraying you without causing great damage to our own interests, and like I said, we’re more than willing to send you a hostage.”
Kayla pretended to consider it for a moment. She was already determined to accept. In all honesty, Kayla hadn’t even thought of refusing since the moment Mingda approached her.
Kayla stopped the wheelchair, moving to stand before the princess.
“I gratefully accept your offer,” Kayla said with finality. “However, I have a few specific names in mind that I wish to make contact with.”
Mingda looked Kayla over from head to toe, a glint of excitement in her eyes.
“Ask and you shall receive.”
“Governor Huang of Shengzhou and General Yan of Xiazhou,” Kayla replied.
Mingda pondered it for a moment, a small frown on her face. “Those two are difficult to deal with,” she finally said. “They refuse to marry local women or take concubines, and they refuse gifts and invitations with impunity. Are you sure you want them?”
“That’s exactly why I need them. If I don’t have them as my allies, I will surely have them as my opposition, and I’d rather avoid that,” Kayla said.
Mingda let out a soft sigh. “I can’t make any promises in that regard, but we will do our best.”
Kayla didn’t question it. The princess’ candidness came from her bones.
“That’s fine, if you can just get them to consider the idea, I will handle the rest myself,” Kayla said. Mingda nodded.
“It will be arranged. Do you require a hostage?”
“If you would kindly do so, I would be much obliged,” Kayla said.
“Then I will arrange for one of my nephews to join your group when you arrive in the North, and he will remain as part of your household thereafter,” Mingda said.
“I greatly appreciate it.” Kayla did not offer to return the favor. If the princess wanted a hostage, she would have asked for one.
“Then it is done. Let’s do our best together,” Mingda said firmly.
Kayla bowed her head slightly. “Agreed. I’ll write letters to introduce you to the Imperial Edict Bearer and to two of my most trusted supporters before I head to the border, and I’ll make more introductions when I get back. But I ask that you do not make any additional deals with my godfather unless I broker them.”
“If you also agree to let my clan be the sole broker of your deals this time around, then we have a deal,” Mingda said.
“Done,” Kayla agreed. The two exchanged a smile, genuinely delighted. There was none of the suspicions and wheedling needed for other parties, nor a battle for dominance between two prideful personalities. The deal had simply come together at a clap.
“Shall we head back then?” Kayla asked. Mingda nodded, and Kayla once again took the handles of the wheelchair, carefully turning it around.
Mingda’s serving maid approached when they neared the pavilion, respectfully greeting the princess with a bow.
“Then we’ll be leaving first,” Mingda said to Kayla.
“Please have a safe trip, Your Highness,” Kayla replied. Mingda gave her a nod.
The serving maid took the handles of the wheelchair and pushed Mingda away, stopping briefly to speak with a servant. Kayla returned to the pavilion alone. Her absence hadn’t gone unnoticed, but no one seemed bothered or inclined to comment. In fact, it almost felt as though the Third Prince had accounted for this in his plans. Kayla smiled obligingly when Yunqi pulled her into the conversation and sat through the gathering without further incident.
----------------------------------------
The gathering at the Third Prince’s villa didn’t cause as big of a splash as it normally would have. Though the Sixth Princess’ appearance and the Third Prince’s acknowledgement of the new Lord Liang made its way through the grapevine, all of this was overshadowed by the capital’s excitement for the delegation to the border.
The arrival of a foreign delegation was often a spectacle for which the people looked forward to. That went doubly so for one as important as the arrival of the Turkic Princess. The streets to the palace would be cleared and the markets closed for the day, but few would complain save for a merchant or two.
“A royal bride, and for a Duke rather than a Prince! They must be serious about the alliance this time.” People chattered about the upcoming wedding excitedly and not without a note of pride in their voices, already hungry for a glimpse at the exotic bridal party. Demand for Turkish goods shot up amid the fervor, and even the Turkic-themes brothels saw a boom in business.
The excitement permeated the palace as well, met with joy from the Emperor and frosty silence from the Empress Dowager.
The author's narrative has been misappropriated; report any instances of this story on Amazon.
“Has your grandmother reached out to you about welcoming your bride?” The Emperor asked. Kayla was once more in the Emperor’s personal quarters, sitting next to the desk in his private library. The trip to the border was fast approaching, and the Emperor seemed more excited than Kayla herself.
“Not yet,” Kayla replied in a neutral voice. “I’m sure she has been busy.”
The Emperor let out a soft sigh. “Well, in any case, don’t mind her. Your grandmother’s getting on in her years, we can’t expect her to take care of us all the time.”
Kayla bowed her head slightly. “Of course.”
“In any case, this trip isn’t just about welcoming the princess. You should take this chance to befriend the Tiele chieftains. The steppe tribes are very important to our Northern borders, as you surely know. Your cousin Mingda’s mother died in childbirth, and she herself is childless, so merely marital connections aren’t enough. Be sure to treat them with courtesy, but don't grovel either,” the Emperor said.
“I will do my best not to let you down, Uncle,” Kayla promised. “I also wish to take this opportunity to gain a better understanding of this country. Though I have learned everything expected of a noble through books and tutors, even hearing about it a hundred times is less enlightening than seeing it once. After all, I've barely ever left the capital before.”
“But of course! If you read ten thousand books, you should also walk ten thousand miles, I’m sure that you will be all the better for it,” the Emperor said in satisfaction. “To tell you the truth, I was somewhat worried that you would have a hard time on the journey, since the border region is much less developed than the capital, but hearing you say this greatly assures me. Do as you like on this journey, just make sure not to offend your bride or the steppe tribes.”
“Thank you,” Kayla replied.
The Emperor leaned closer, lowering his voice slightly in a mock-conspiratorial fashion.
“Though the Ministry of Rites is technically in charge for this trip, don’t let that hold you back. Just give them enough face that they won’t kick up a fuss and do as you wish–give them this opportunity to get used to it,” the Emperor said. “The same goes for the local officials en route. Even if their rank may be higher than you, few of them have higher titles, and even then, there is no need to be intimidated.”
So he wants me to set the tone for what’s coming?
Kayla nodded dutifully. “I understand, Uncle. I will gladly do so.”
“I’m also sending Liang Hongfei with you. That boy is sharp, and quick on his feet,” the Emperor said. “They say that clothes are better new, acquaintances are better old. Who knows what might happen on this trip? I’m sending Investigator Tabuyir and Captain Jiang with you for security, but it would still be better if you had someone who came from your own house.”
Kayla’s heart skipped a beat with excitement, but she gave him a slightly worried look instead.
“Uncle, but he’s only just been instated as a Lord, is it really alright for him to go on a diplomatic mission?” Kayla asked. “It’s not as though I can bring him as a personal attendant, he’s technically a Marquis.”
The Emperor tossed his head back and laughed. “An attendant? Of course not! Don’t worry, Wenyuan, I won’t let him lose face. I’m giving him the position of Martial Provision Captain. It’s only Sixth Rank, but that’s high enough for a starting point. If he successfully sees you there and back, I can always promote him. The Ministry of Rites won’t have a problem with letting an extra officer come along.”
Sure, it’s a ceremonial post, but it’s a military post rather than a civil one. That’ll allow Hu Qing to bypass any difficulties from his educational background and rise in rank based on skills alone. It saves me a ton of money and effort! It’s perfect!
“Thank you for your magnanimity, Uncle! Please allow me to thank you on Liang Hongfei’s behalf as well! This is truly an excellent opportunity,” Kayla said, her voice tinged with excitement. The Emperor chuckled. “Good, I’m glad you think so. Bring a few of your own bodyguards as well. The guards will do their duty, certainly, but they’re not yours. When it comes to a true emergency, that’ll make all the difference. Do you understand?”
Kayla nodded. “I’ll be sure to do so, Uncle.”
An eunuch entered the building to remind the Emperor of an upcoming meeting, and Kayla tactfully excused herself.
She went straight to the Imperial Investigation Bureau, where she was familiarizing herself with the role of Director, helped along by the reluctant Vice-Director and a much less reluctant Li Que. It was a hectic turnaround, having to take up the dual appointment in such a short time, but Kayla barely felt the exhaustion.
Now that Kayla had access to the full resources of the Bureau, she was a little awed by the reach of the Bureau and its Investigators. Their network was much larger and more extensive than she had suspected, and her amazement leaked through. Some Investigators found it endearing, while others cursed at being assigned a naive dunce for a Director.
But it was through the Bureau that Kayla heard the news first.
“Your Grace,” Li Que approached Kayla’s desk, speaking in a hushed voice.
“Yes?” Kayla asked.
“This came up just now. Lord Xiang has been appointed as an Ascendant Court Advisor by petition of the Empress Dowager,” Li Que reported.
It’s also a Sixth Rank ceremonial position, Kayla realized. A civil post…she’s setting him up opposite Hu Qing.
“I’ll send him a message of congratulations,” Kayla said to Li Que, shaking herself from her thoughts.
Li Que bowed slightly and left the room, his task complete.
So she’s lifted her hand off my neck and grabbed onto Qu Boyong? Just because he also has the bloodline doesn’t mean he’ll be able to do the same, Kayla thought darkly. If she wants him, let her have him. It would be for the best if the two of them can infuriate each other to death without involving the rest of us.
When Kayla finally returned to the Zhao household, she was relieved to find that neither Sun Ruhui nor Chen Caichun were particularly worried that Xiang Daozong would become a threat anytime soon.
“He thinks he can fight, but he’s not that good,” Hu Qing chimed in. His face was a little too close to the communication device–Kayla suspected he was on the roof, given the strange angle and lighting.
“I thought he was pretty decent,” Kayla said in surprise.
“I mean, he is. But that’s relative,” Hu Qing replied. “It’ll be hard for him to make much headway in court right now, when you’re overshadowing him by this much. There’s already too many civil officials with mediocre political sense and decent backgrounds.”
“I think the Empress Dowager would have given him a military post if she could have,” Chen Caichun added. “She used to be able to do so, perhaps the Emperor’s curtailed what she’s allowed to do.”
“I also think that’s the case,” Kayla admitted. “She hasn’t summoned any Investigators to her palace since I was made the Director either. Maybe the Emperor issued her a warning.”
“Scorn does not mix well with pridefulness, my lord. We need not waste time worrying about this matter, but it wouldn’t do to be careless either,” Sun Ruhui warned her. “If pushed to it by wounded pride or resentment, she will do her best to force you to engage in a fight on her terms, or to otherwise complicate your tasks, none of which we can afford to allow. You must never underestimate her as an opponent.”
“Got it,” Kayla said. “Speaking of, I got a request for a meeting from a Secretary Song in the Ministry of Justice. I’m worried that if I ignore it, the Empress Dowager might swoop in somehow to make use of it. Does anyone know who he is?”
“I know him, he’s a young man in the clerical section. He doesn’t socialize much, and he never seemed interested in getting promoted either. Very fastidious though,” Sun Ruhui remarked. “His mother’s a Persian, so he speaks the language, but other than that, he doesn’t stand out in any way. But this is rather surprising from him.”
“His father was accused of and cleared on charges of bribery after marrying his mother,” Chen Caichun added. “I saw it in the records.”
“Oh? Who accused him?” Kayla asked.
“A former friend, I believe. There was no evidence and the claims were believed to stem from personal enmity stemming from a love rivalry, so the case was dismissed,” Chen Caichun said. “But that aside, I think you should meet him. There's more to him beneath the surface.”
Kayla nodded slowly. “Then I will do as you suggest. But I’m running out of time here, I leave the capital in a few days and won’t be back for about two weeks. I have enough on my plate just arranging things to run smoothly in the meantime. Secretariat Sun, can you interview him for me?”
“Gladly,” he replied.
“Thank you. Chamberlain Chen, could you kindly keep an eye on Qu–Lord Xiang’s movements for me in my absence? And those of my godfather as well,” Kayla said, turning towards her.
Chen Caichun bowed her head slightly. “Of course.”
“Needless to say, both the princes need to be scrutinized carefully in my absence. Especially the Seventh Prince. But the Bureau will be keeping a close eye on them, and so will every official at court, even if it’s only out of curiosity. I doubt you have much to fear from them. The Empress Dowager is another story. Take care of yourselves while I’m gone,” Kayla said.
“As you wish, my lord,” the two echoed each other. Kayla gave them a smile and ended the call.
----------------------------------------
A few days later, the delegation set off for the border. Kayla had been caught up in a whirlwind of paperwork and administrative tasks, as well as the posthumous investigation into the Grand Duke’s crimes. After an immense effort, everything was now set up to go forward smoothly in her absence. It was a nightmare to arrange, but worth the effort.
I’ll be able to focus on what’s before me, Kayla thought to herself with a strum of excitement.
“Lord Zhao, this will be quite the trip, won’t it?” Right Secretariat An asked, wiping at the sweat that beaded up on his forehead with a handkerchief. The delegation was technically under his lead, as it fell under the affairs of the Ministry of Rites. The Minister himself had been unable to come along due to a bad back, which Kayla was more than happy for. Under the Emperor’s orders, the Right Secretariat, who lacked political connections in the capital and was thereby unwillingly neutral between the princes, was put in charge instead of the Left Secretariat, who supported Xianchun.
“Indeed, I’ll be in your care,” Kayla said to Right Secretariat An politely. “I must thank you for putting all this together. Though I know this marriage is a political matter, it is my bride we’re welcoming after all, so allow me to give my personal thanks as well.”
“Not at all, Your Grace. It’s thanks to you that I’ll have the opportunity to glimpse the Princess’ beauty,” Right Secretariat An let out a high chuckle.
I’m glad the Emperor made political considerations for my sake, but will this guy really be alright, dealing with the Khaganate’s men?
Kayla kept her thoughts to herself, glancing over the party of people. Several supporting officials from the Ministry of Rites were also coming along, as well as two female staff members from the Inner Palace and a senior eunuch to attend to the princess’ needs.
The security detail was much more eye-grabbing. Senior Investigator Tabuyir and Captain Jiang of the Imperial Guards were in charge of security, each having brought on ten of their best men.
Both men were rather handsome, and about the same height as well. Riding on horseback, they looked quite the impressive pair.
Was that deliberate? Image control? Whatever, good for them.
Hu Qing was also riding with the guard detail. He had brought along the formal robes of a Sixth Rank military officer, but was instead dressed in simpler clothing that made it difficult to distinguish him from the bodyguards Kayla had brought along. Upon both Hu Qing and Housekeeper Li’s adamant insistence, Tao Qian, Zhao Chao, and Ke Yongqian were coming along. Sun Zhong’e was left in charge of holding down the fort, in part because a female guard would have attracted too much attention.
High-ranking officials were allowed to bring up to two personal attendants to serve them en route, and Right Secretariat An had brought two servants with him. Kayla hadn’t planned on bringing any but changed her mind at the last moment. With her, she brought Qiu Yun, and on loan from Wei Guang’s household, Yan’er.
The former prostitute had learned to act more demurely in the Wei household, at least on the surface, but Kayla had already seen her kick Hu Qing in the shin when no one else was looking.
Good for her. Hu Qing hardly seemed to mind anyways.
Borrowing Yan’er from Wei Guang had been a way of assuring the old man that their alliance was still secure, and that she didn’t intend to keep anything from him, but it had the added bonus of making the journey more entertaining. Qiu Yun, who Yan’er had immediately dubbed Yun’er despite the girl’s confusion at the moniker, had been brought along to assure Princess Ashina. Rather than pretending there were no women at Kayla’s side, it was better to let her see that the ones Kayla kept near her were completely harmless.
More importantly, if she ends up liking Yun’er or Yan’er, then it’ll be easier to adjust in a household where she knows some of the original residents rather than one where everyone outside of her own servants are complete strangers.
The party proceeded at a brisk pace, but not a harsh one. They had set out a little earlier than originally expected, and were going slower as well. It seemed to be at the Emperor’s insistence. Kayla wasn’t sure if it was to let the news spread further and assure the populace more thoroughly, or if the Emperor was telling Kayla to take a good, hard look at the country.
Whichever it was, Kayla intended to make the most of it.
----------------------------------------
Cultural Notes
Tiele people: Refers to a group of approximately 12 tribes (the number varied at times) that lived in Northern China during the Tang Dynasty. In actual history, their allegiance eventually fell apart with changing geopolitical circumstances. The twelve tribes included the Uyghur, as well as another 11 tribes, several of whose names have been lost in history since. Many other smaller tribes also lived in Northern China or along the border during the Tang Dynasty, but the Tiele received titles from the court and further helped in several military expeditions against the Turkic Khaganate during this time period.
百闻不如一见/Hearing about it a hundred times is less enlightening than seeing it once: An Ancient Chinese saying that means that to see is to understand, but also that rumors aren't to be trusted. It can also mean that something is much more shocking/impressive in real life that just hearing about it.
读万卷书行万里路/Read ten thousand books, walk ten thousand miles: An Ancient Chinese saying that means a scholar or aspiring official should not just be well-read, but also well-traveled, in part to balance out their bookishness, and also to make sure that they actually understand the circumstances of their people rather than just being lost in writings.
衣不如新人不如故/Clothes are better new, acquaintances are better old: An Ancient Chinese proverb that, while mentioning clothes, is really used to say that it's common sense to rely more on old acquaintances, not just because you know each other's habits and can work together well, but also because you know each other's history and have that as a basis of trust.
昭武校尉/Martial Provision Captain: A Sixth-Rank ceremonial rank in the military in Ancient China with no actual power or responsibilities. Might be used for benchwarmers, nepotism, or as a place to settle people about to retire but still in service. Ancient Chinese courts were typically split into 文/Civil and 武/Martial/Military. The Tang Dynasty greatly emphasized military affairs, which unfortunately accelerated the rise of regional warlords in the later years, while the Song Dynasty valued civil affairs much more, at great cost to their military.
乘议郎/Ascendant Court Advisor: A Sixth-Rank civil post in the Tang Dynasty. Same as above, this post doesn't have any actual power or responsibilities. However, ceremonial posts could act as a reserve of talents.
以公报私/Using public affairs for private enmities or debts: An Ancient Chinese proverb meaning to make use of public resources for personal means (wrongfully so, not applicable for things that are meant to help out individuals on a personal level). For example, awarding a contract to a close relative rather than the best bidder, or tormenting a former rival with the police. Can also apply for accusing someone of a crime, especially if that person is an official, out of personal enmity rather than any actual wrongdoing.