Character Index
Ashina: Princess of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.
Hu Qing/Liang Hongfei: Lord of the Liang clan, formerly Kayla's retainer.
Commander Tumidu: Chieftain of the Uyghur tribe. Brokering Kayla's connections in the North as part of her deal with Zhou Mingda.
Zhou Mingda: The Sixth Princess, granddaughter of Commander Tumidu. Allied with Kayla.
Commander Heli: The young chieftain of the Tongluo tribe. Holds a position equivalent to Military Governor.
Governor Huang: Governor of Shengzhou. Recommended to Kayla by the Fifth Prince.
General Yan: General of Xiazhou. Recommended to Kayla by the Third Prince.
Chuluo Khagan: Khagan of the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.
Kurebir: Commander of the Hun tribe (see Cultural Notes).
Zhou Yunqi: The Fifth Prince. Recommended Governor Huang as a potential ally to Kayla.
Shegui Khagan: Khagan of the Western Turkic Khaganate.
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Despite moving as quickly as they could, it was late afternoon by the time they reached the Chanyu Protectorate. There, they received the news that Princess Ashina’s delegation was arriving ahead of time, leaving Kayla with barely a full day to make her moves. And of that time, a good chunk would be spent in preparation for welcoming the bridal party.
“A bit tight on time, aren’t we?” Hu Qing muttered.
“We’ll make it work,” Kayla sighed. “I’m meeting with the Tiele chieftains separately before the civil officials get here. I’m a little surprised at how quickly they arrived, but perhaps I shouldn’t have been. They’re far better riders.”
“They really are, and good at horseback fighting too. Most of the soldiers I’ve seen in the capital wouldn’t hold their ground more than two blows into a fight,” Hu Qing agreed.
Kayla shook her head at the thought of it. “That aside, you said they were receptive, no? Did they accept my gifts?”
She had prepared a set of nearly identical golden rings before leaving the capital, one for each of the Tiele chieftains, and one for herself. The golden rings were inscribed with a subtle leaf design that didn’t convey any political ideology or affiliation. The only meaning that they had was what Kayla ascribed by gifting them to her Northern allies.
“Yes, they all accepted the rings,” Hu Qing said, holding up a small bag. “And here are the tokens they gave in return.”
Kayla poured out the contents into Hu Qing’s patiently outstretched palm. Twelve rings of various shapes and designs tumbled out, some quietly luxurious, some loud and gaudy.
“These are the rings from the hands of the chieftains or those of their kinsmen,” Hu Qing said. He began to point each one out in turn. “This one is from Commander Tumidu himself, this one is from the Uturgar clan Commander of the Pugu, this one from the Prefect of the Bayirku, this one from the Tongra Commander, this one from the Qun chieftain, this one from the Siqar, this from the Dulange, this from the Qibi, this from the Abusi, this from the Gulunwugu, this from the Huxue, and this one from the Xijie.”
Kayla glanced up from the rings to meet Hu Qing’s eyes. “Did they wear the rings? Or are they just keeping them?”
“I think they’re just keeping them,” Hu Qing admitted.
“Well, I’ll wear mine anyways,” Kayla replied. She quickly began to elaborate at the quizzical look on Hu Qing’s face. “Symbols and rituals are extremely important when it comes to politics and power, especially if you’re trying to create something new. That’s the purpose of rites. Rites aren’t just etiquette, they’re a way to govern society. Once people have something concrete to tie their thoughts to, it’ll be easier to establish hierarchies and solidarity, for better or for worse.”
“So this is your own little rite for the Tiele chieftains,” Hu Qing surmised.
Kayla smiled. “Something like that. Gold’s always nice for this kind of thing.”
Hu Qing nodded at the rings in her hand. “Sure, but what do you need these for? To make it feel more like an exchange on equal terms or something?”
Kayla shrugged. “That too, but I’ve got another use for them. These are my bargaining chips for Governor Huang. A guy like that needs some pushing. I don’t have enough time to wear him down bit by bit, so I’ll have to break out the dramatics.”
Hu Qing nodded and asked no more questions.
“Alright, straighten up your collar and let’s go,” Kayla said.
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The meeting with the Tiele chieftains was short and sweet–straightforward to the point of brazenness, just like her meeting with Mingda. Kayla was pleased by the results. From Commander Tumidu to the Prefect of the Xijie, they were all sincere in their willingness to ally with her.
It’s no surprise, they’re the ones with the least say in international relations, but the ones who get affected the most whenever something goes down.
Kayla’s adorning of the gold ring that matched her gifts to them did not go unnoticed, and she could sense the subtle glints in their eyes as they took note of her accessories. She had no doubt that she would be seeing most of the chieftains in private again, individually rather than as part of a group.
Commander Tumidu might be displeased, but I won’t be in violation of our agreement since he was the one who brokered all of the introductions. No one wants to talk terms in a group, even Mingda and I tried to go around the Third Prince in our negotiations.
The young Commander Heli of the Tongluo was probably the most desperate to meet with him. He had succeeded his father’s title despite barely being of age, and of all the chieftains, he was the only one who brought two attendants to the meeting. One was his nephew, a man in his late thirties, a good fifteen years older than his uncle. The other was a serious man who might’ve been anywhere between thirty and fifty, who seemed to be there entirely to counter the presence of Heli’s nephew, who carried himself with a self-assured manner that better suited a chieftain than a retainer.
Looks like our little Commander has his hands full, Kayla noted. I do wonder if it’s worth securing his position for him? Sure, he’d be in my debt, but he’s still a kid. He wouldn’t even be out of high school in my world.
Then again, he would be grown by the time Kayla really needed him to pull his weight. And she did feel bad for the chieftain who was barely out of boyhood. She didn’t have much time to muse over the matter, having a fully stacked schedule.
Her meeting with the civil officials was much less pleasant. Other than the typical sycophants and a few jealous, mediocre men, Governor Huang and General Yan were also present, though they might as well not have come, with how cold and stand-offish they were. Even when Kayla complimented them to their faces, they rebuffed her icily.
After finally wrapping up the banquet, Kayla excused herself back to her rooms. Hu Qing plopped down on her desk the second that the servants left, a frown on his face.
“Governor Huang and General Yan are refusing to give you any face at all,” Hu Qing said uneasily. He glanced at Kayla, but found her face impassive.
“The flow of history is like that of the Yellow River rushing towards the ocean–one can struggle against the current, but never reverse it,” Kayla said calmly. “Do you know how many scholars, officials, and rulers have attempted to steer the direction of the waters only to be capsized and drowned instead? But I won’t let that happen. The judicial system is already in my hands. I have the Emperor’s full backing, and now I have an incident that I can use to bind the Khagan as well. With two rulers tied in, I have enough leverage. I won’t allow these two to become obstacles out of pride or stubbornness.”
She stood up, straightening her robes. “I’ll crush that worthless self-esteem of theirs if that’s what it takes. I’m going to go see Governor Huang.”
“Will he agree to meet with you?” Hu Qing asked.
“He can’t force me away,” Kayla replied. “You go and chat more with the Tiele chieftains, especially with Commander Kurebir and Commander Heli. I reckon we’ll be seeing more of those two in the future.”
“The Hun tribe has quite a few notable brides in the capital, so perhaps we’ll hear from those ladies as well. But the Tongluo…well, that kid’s position seems pretty damn shaky,” Hu Qing said. “Anyways, good luck with Governor Huang."
“Thanks. Send someone to notify General Yan that I’ll be visiting him shortly, I’m worried he’ll stab me if I don’t tell him beforehand,” she said. Kayla gave him a small wave and headed out. She nodded at the Investigator who fell into step behind her.
“Just wait for me outside,” she said to him before knocking on Governor Huang’s door. They were all hosted in the same building for the night, though Kayla and the delegation had the best rooms.
Before one of Governor Huang’s servants could answer, Kayla stepped through the door. Governor Huang and his servants stared at her, startled by the brazen entry.
“Governor Huang, I hope you can spare a moment for me,” Kayla greeted him, nodding at his servants. The servants glanced between her and their master nervously, frozen with fearful indecision.
“Duke Zhao,” Governor Huang greeted her politely, somehow lacing his voice with as much disapproval as humanly possible. “I do apologize for my rudeness. Though it is not my intention to refuse your visit, I did not know you were coming in advance and find myself unprepared for this sudden change to my evening schedule.”
Kayla elected to play ignorant, pretending not to understand that he was sending her away.
“Oh goodness, I am terribly sorry! You’re not busy right now, are you?” She glanced around the room in an exaggerated fashion. “I don’t see any other visitors, and you’re not working on official business–thank the heavens that I didn’t barge in while you were doing something important!”
She gave him a shameless smile, continuing to pointedly remain in the doorway. There was a brief silence in which Governor Huang stared at her incredulously.
Kayla looked at him with an innocent expression. “Ah, you’re not going to chase me out, are you?”
“No, I wouldn’t dare to be so rude,” Governor Huang finally acquiesced. If Kayla was refusing to take his thinly-veiled hints to leave, he could hardly order her out. With great reluctance, he sat down with her, but did not dismiss his servants. A servant served them tea, looking as unwilling to be there as Kayla was to have him here.
Of course, ignorance is not just bliss, ignorance means safety. If I were a servant, I wouldn’t want to get involved either.
“I’m glad you’re free right now,” Kayla said. “If not, I would’ve had to visit you after the Turkic delegation had arrived. I would’ve liked to avoid that if possible, you see. Otherwise, you’d probably have gifts from the Khaganate showing up on your doorstep for at least a few months. My father-in-law-to-be can be quite insistent.”
The servant’s hand shook as he refilled the teacup, barely hiding his alarm.
Kayla glanced at him with a smile. “What’s wrong? Is your hand alright?”
“T-thank you for your concern, Your Excellency, this one is fine,” the servant replied, sweat visibly beading on his brow. Governor Huang let out a nearly inaudible sigh.
“I apologize for the embarrassing display, I’m afraid my servants are insufficiently disciplined,” he said resignedly. He dismissed them with a wave, and they fled the room with great relief. Governor Huang watched them leave before turning his attention to Kayla, fixing her with a piercing look.
“So, Duke Zhao, what did you wish to talk about?”
“Since it’s so late at night, and you’re a busy man, I’ll spare you the trouble of following me in circles,” Kayla said. “I wish to discuss an alliance, Governor Huang. I need your help. In exchange, I–”
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Governor Huang hastily cut her off. “Your Excellency, I am flattered by your offer, but please allow me to refuse. This one–”
“Why don’t you hear me out first?” Kayla was the one to cut him off this time, her voice dangerously low. Governor Huang made to protest again, but she held out a hand to stop him.
“Listen to me, Governor Huang. The Khagan is interfering within our borders, and I’m pretty sure his agents entered through Shengzhou.”
Governor Huang’s face scrunched up in confusion and denial, but Kayla pressed on relentlessly.
“And despite that, you’ve made no report and taken no action. Are you unaware or unwilling to interfere? Tell me now, which is it? Negligence? Or…” Kayla leaned forward with her teeth bared in a smile. “Complicity?”
“Your Excellency! You go too far in your baseless accusations!” Governor Huang cried out.
“Oh please, I have evidence that they’re operating within the borders. All regions along the border are therefore suspect, especially their highest officials,” Kayla said pleasantly. “Now, I don’t suspect you, not really. You are loyal and strict, and entirely too upright to engage in such dealings. But I need help if I want to get to the bottom of this, and you’re the best candidate. After all, His Highness the Fifth Prince personally recommended you.”
Governor Huang closed his eyes, a look of quiet despair passing over his face.
“I am grateful for the Fifth Prince’s kind words and recognition of my work, but I have already sent him my refusal,” Governor Huang said quietly. “It is very admirable that you have uncovered such an alarming matter, but I truly do not see how I can be of any help beyond raising the level of security in my region of governance.”
Kayla let out a soft sigh. “I understand, Governor, I really do. But have you considered that you might not be Governor for much longer?”
Governor Huang’s eyes opened with a sharp glint in them. “Is that a threat, Duke Zhao?”
Kayla scoffed. “A warning, Governor. Just a warning. I am about to stir up a big wave in the capital, and it will have a significant effect on the border regions. With only two eyes and two ears, how much attention can I afford to pay as to how each individual official is affected? There will be greedy and corrupt persons scrambling to take advantage of the ripples to advance their own interests over those of the country, and they will likely try to attack and debase you and your fellow civil officials in order to create openings for themselves. If you help advance my policies, I will protect you within an inch of my life.”
“Your Excellency, just what are you trying to do?” Governor Huang asked, a note of quiet alarm creeping into his voice.
“I am going to establish a communication network across the whole country, entirely made up of communication devices, and mandate regular reporting as well as cross-checking,” Kayla replied.
“They will never let you do that,” Governor Huang said immediately. “They’d kill you first. I admire your spirit, but you’ll be dead in the marketplace by the end of the year.”
“As if! The court doesn’t have a choice. This matter will most certainly be made into law, Governor, and while I can’t tell you exactly why and how, know that this will doubtlessly become reality,” Kayla said.
“Your Excellency, I don’t dare to remonstrate you, but please understand that administering such a wide-scale change is not so simple as wagging your tongue before the Emperor,” Governor Huang said icily.
“Of course not. But I know a few things about how people tend to react with extreme, even irrational patriotic sentiment when there has been an act of domestic extremism committed by foreign parties,” Kayla replied. “And I have such an incident up my sleeve.”
“Surely you cannot mean to orchestrate such a thing?!” Governor Huang cried out in disbelief. “Even if your intentions are patriotic, such a thing would be an act of treachery!”
“Good heavens, no! Such an incident has already occurred, and through no fault of mine,” Kayla snapped. “But the gods help me if I do not make full use of it. Though you do not pay attention to the rumors of the capital, surely even you know of how much the Emperor favors me. And as my father-in-law, I’ll drag the Khagan in as well. I’m sure you can see now why I’m so confident.”
Governor Huang looked at her uneasily for a moment before speaking. “You have everything all set up then, what do you even want from me?”
“Your cooperation. Help me out with implementing my policies in the North, and support me in my reforms. Of course, I also need your on-the-ground advice for exactly how these reforms would play out in the regional context,” Kayla replied. “In exchange, I will protect you no matter what, and support your advancement should that be what you wish for.”
“I joined the civil service to serve this country, not to further my own position or that of other individuals,” Governor Huang said, a little bitterly.
“I’m not doing this for myself either,” Kayla replied, her tone quiet and sincere. Governor Huang’s brow crinkled in confusion as he took in her change in demeanor.
“I have no solid proof, but I have a feeling that my marriage will not ensure peace for long. I believe Chuluo Khagan is hankering to be on the offensive–for now, that might be directed towards Shegui Khagan, but eventually, towards us,” Kayla said. “I know there are plenty of profiteers who are practically throwing themselves and their daughters at my feet for a chance to join hands with me, but they’re the exact type of people I don’t want to involve in this. With great change comes great opportunity, and that opportunity must not fall into their hands. If honest men like you refuse, only the jackals will be left to profit.”
Governor Huang was quiet for a moment. “It is not simply out of modesty or unwillingness that I refuse, Your Excellency. I am only a mere Governor of a single province, a small and impoverished one at that. Even if I accept, I will not be able to do what you ask of me. I dare not make empty promises that I cannot fulfill.”
Kayla let out a sigh. “I know, it’s a lot, isn’t it? I’m not asking you to do this alone. I’ve already thought of a good solution for you–on three legs, the vessel can stand firmly. You will have General Yan and the Tiele tribes to act in conjunction with.”
Governor Huang glanced up at her sharply. “General Yan?! That man accepted?!”
“Yes,” Kayla said, lying to his face without blinking an eye. “And the Tiele chieftains. Hardly so impossible now, is it? Now, I do understand your concerns, Governor. You just want to do your duty properly and by the books, rather than getting involved in the ambitions and schemes of some brat from the capital, and that’s fair enough. But history waits for no one. An era of upheaval is upon us, and if we refuse to act, we will be complicit in the dynasty’s decline.”
“You are indeed a glib speaker, Your Excellency,” Governor Huang said between gritted teeth. “I can see why you have seen such rapid rise in the capital. To think you would act so quickly to curry favor in the North–!”
Kayla stood up, leisurely pacing around his chair. “Accusing me of factionalism, good Governor?” She asked lightly.
Governor Huang remained silent, his mounting anger simmering palpably in the room.
“Do you really think that I am acting on my own here? I have the Emperor’s full permission and support for all this,” Kayla said, only barely stretching the truth. “You say that you only wish to serve the country loyally, but it seems to me that your reticence has another reason to it–reputation. Am I right?”
“I do not know what you speak of,” Governor Huang said icily. “Your Excellency is free to make whatever conjectures he wishes, since he evidently has Imperial permission to do so.”
Kayla ignored his complaint and hurtled onward. “You do everything strictly by the book because you want to be known and remembered as a principled and incorruptible man. You know you’ve reached the pinnacle of what you can achieve while alive, so you’re betting your stakes on gaining posthumous praise from scholars of future dynasties. You’re doing this knowing full well that future generations will think of you as a paradigm of virtue amid the corruption of the declining Wu dynasty!”
“How dare you?!” Governor Huang lost his cool. “Even if you have the Emperor doting on you without regard for reason or propriety, there is a limit to how far you can go! I have been holding back on account of your relation to the Imperial family and your station, but you have exceeded my limits! You dare to even curse the Wu dynasty to ruin?!”
“So it’s fine for you to think it, but not for me to say it?” Kayla taunted him. “Governor Huang, I may be brazen in my speech, but I am trying to forestall our doom, while you are seeking to profit off it. And yet you dare to criticize me?”
“You–!”
“Fine, I’ll stop nagging at you and get straight to the point–you don’t have to settle for achieving only this much in this lifetime. I can propel you to far greater heights, so that your praises are sung far and wide, both during your lifetime and afterwards. Remember, I’ll still be alive when your generation has passed away, I can shape what tales are told about your achievements and virtue,” Kayla said. “So weigh it out in your heart–is it not worth it to momentarily sacrifice your pride to accept my offer in exchange for having your honor elevated for posterity?”
“You tempt men to ruin!” Governor Huang snarled.
“Or to glory,” Kayla shot back, her voice taking on a brazen edge as she stepped forward, looming over his seated figure.
Governor Huang twisted his face away from her, unable to control his facial expression. She paced around to stand behind him, smiling despite his increasing agitation.
“We have to play the hand we are dealt, Governor. The die must be cast, one way or another. No amount of hesitancy or hand wringing can save us from what we were decided for.” She shifted her weight forward, hands settling on Governor Huang’s shoulders. He went rigid, the tensed muscles in his back stiffening even further.
“I'm not trying to give you a hard time here. I want to help you, you know? I want to help myself. I want to help us,” Kayla said, softening her voice.
“You’re playing with fire,” Governor Huang said after a long moment, his voice taut and strained. He was close to giving in, and Kayla could sense at much.
The moment I got him alone, he already knew he had no other options left. He just needs one last push.
“Perhaps,” Kayla replied, pulling the rings from the Tiele chieftains out of her sleeve.
She reached over Governor Huang’s head with them clasped in a closed fist.
“Hold out your hand, Governor,” Kayla said.
Governor Huang took a sharp breath, wavering for a moment before complying. He didn’t want to accept, knowing that his life would never be the same again. But he didn’t want to refuse and doom his career either. If the Emperor was backing the young Duke, then refusing to cooperate would be the same as insubordination. Still, he held onto a sliver of hope and denial, believing he still had some inkling of a choice.
He showed his open palm, feeling defeat and defiance creep up his fingers in conjunction.
Kayla opened her fist and allowed the rings to drop into his palm one by one before patting his shoulders in a mockery of a friendly gesture.
“What is this?” Governor Huang demanded, the quaver in his voice giving away his realization. Kayla let out a soft chuckle.
“You know very well, Governor. But I’ll indulge you,” Kayla said. “These rings are symbols of my alliances. As for whom they represent, I’m sure you understand that I can’t give you names until you’re onboard. But the significance of these…well, you can figure that out for yourself, can’t you?”
“You did say as much, but to this extent…that they would give you damning material evidence? Since when?” Governor Huang asked. His voice was laced with jagged resignation.
“Not that long,” Kayla said honestly. “Most of this was only hammered out after Lord Liang arrived in the region. You see, trust is easy to establish when interests align. It’s really not as deep nor as complicated as that. I never intended to keep you in the dark about this.”
She just never intended to give him room to refuse.
Governor Huang took a deep, shuddering breath before letting it out in a sigh. He knew, despite Kayla’s backhanded flattery, that he wasn’t the only option, just a replaceable piece. If the other two sides of the triangle had been hammered out, then he had no more room for maneuvering out of this.
“If that’s the case, then what use are further protestations? I accept your offer, Minister, but make no mistake. I only do so for the sake of protecting the security and interests of the border, not to support your personal ambitions.”
“Of course, I would have it no other way. I know this deal is less than desirable to you, but rest assured that I have nothing but your best interests in mind. This will be worthwhile for you, Governor, one way or another,” Kayla promised.
The governor gave a tight nod. He evidently didn’t believe her, but the waters were too deep for him to climb out now.
“May we have a long and fruitful partnership,” Kayla said.
“Indeed,” Governor Huang said quietly.
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Cultural Notes
单于都护府/Chanyu Protectorate: Tang Dynasty administrative region around modern-day Helinger in Inner Mongolia, encompassing much of central and Northern Inner Mongolia, China, and a small part of Southern Mongolia (the country). It was established to settle those who had surrendered/defected from the Eastern Turkic Khaganate.
The Tiele tribes:
礼法/Rites: Rites were an important part of Confucianism and Ancient Chinese society, meant to be a way of establishing a stable social hierarchy. People of different classes had different sets of etiquette and lifestyles, and it was frowned upon or even dangerous to act in a way that did not befit your station. For example, a noble who used a standard of guards/symbol or conducted religious ceremonies that were restricted for the Emperor's use only could be executed for treason. Other cultures had rules to similar effect, though the focus was often different depending on the context.
谄媚/Flattery and sycophancy: A derogatory term referring to the act of flattery and sycophancy for personal gain, almost always used as an insult or term of derision.
给面子/Give face: To do things in a way that affords someone dignity or spares their pride. It essentially means to follow the social script of courtesy instead of being a prick. It can also mean to behave yourself/provide the desired or suitable response in a situation instead of going by your emotions alone.
Wonky generations in extended families: In extended families, especially ones where men can take concubines until late in life, it's possible to have nephews many years older than you or cousins who are old enough to be your parents. Sometimes it's even possible to call someone your son's age "great-uncle" or something like that.
逆水行舟/To sail against the currents: An Ancient Chinese proverb, part of the saying "逆水行舟不进则退/If you are sailing against the currents, you must continuously struggle forward or be swept back."
恪守本业/Strictly adhering to one's professional standards: An Ancient Chinese proverb praising someone for being extremely committed to the job.
势利之徒/Disciples of profit: An Ancient Chinese proverb used to describe profiteers.
三足鼎立/On three feet the vessel stands: An Ancient Chinese proverb used to describe a ding, or a bronze ritual vessel, which typically has three legs. This is also often used to describe a three-way alliance/split of power.
结党营私/Factionalism and corruption: An Ancient Chinese proverb describing the corruption of political factions that tend to have a strong insider bias and promotes people based on connections or monetary bribes instead of ability.
公廉/Just and frugal: An Ancient Chinese concept used to describe officials who are extremely just and professional, and often frugal as a result of not having extraneous income from accepting bribes. These officials tend to use the budget towards the betterment of the region instead of filling their own pockets.
后世功名/Praise for posterity: Ancient Chinese scholars and officials (rulers too) did not just worry about their reputation while they were alive, but often also about how they would be remembered posthumously. The wish of most officials would be to have a good posthumous reputation in order to bring honor to their clan and lineage instead of being reviled and cursed.