Character Index

Zhou Xianchun: The Seventh Prince.

Liu Boyue: Xianchun's friend and advisor. His existence is kept secret from the public.

Sir Zhang: An eunuch, allied with Xianchun.

Consort Chen: Xianchun's mother, formerly a laundry maid. She was poisoned by the Grand Duke.

Sun Ruhui: Right Secretariat of Justice, Kayla's advisor.

Jin Yu: The blind mage who worked for Lin Yaoguang.

Li Que: A Senior Imperial Investigator.

Zhang Wuxian: Attendant Censor, a formerly cheerful man who was friends with Lin Jie.

Lin Jie: Former Attendant Censor, he was murdered after uncovering the threads of a conspiracy.

Lin Yaoguang: The Grand Duke's money launderer, connected with the conspirators. He had been in the capital since before the Grand Duke died for unknown purposes. But if you go look through the earlier chapters, he had in fact been summoned by the Grand Duke himself.

Tabuyir: A Senior Imperial Investigator of Khitan descent, his nephew is in Kayla's household.

Wei Guang: The Imperial Edict Bearer and Minister of the Office of Censor.

Liang Hongfei/Hu Qing: Lord of the Liang clan, former Vice Censor. Currently in an oversight delegation sent to monitor and rein in General Yan.

Tao Qian: Kayla's retainer.

Wu Zhihuan: Lord of the Wu clan, he was involved in the First and Second Prince's deaths and made the scapegoat.

Qiu Yun: Kayla's serving maid.

Sir Yang: An old eunuch who serves the Emperor.

Captain Jiang: A young Imperial Guard captain.

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Xianchun trembled with rage, standing amidst the scattered scrolls from his upturned desk.

“It can’t be true…it can’t be! Father would never say that!” Xianchun snarled amidst uneven pants.

In the corner of the study, Liu Boyue winced in sympathy.

“I can understand your feelings, my prince, but Sir Zhang confirmed it from the eunuchs on duty at the time. It’d be better to think of our next move,” Liu Boyue said gently.

Xianchun whirled towards him.

“So now Father says that my mother’s low status is a problem? How come he didn’t think that when he bedded her?!”

“Perhaps the words were taken out of context, my prince. Please calm down, this situation can still be salvaged. Whether it’s the Emperor’s declining mental state or the misinterpretation of his words, we have ways to handle this,” Liu Boyue pleaded.

Xianchun let out a despairing laugh, shaking his head.

“It doesn’t matter anymore. It’s all over,” he said bitterly. “Father never intended to make me heir from the start. He was just stringing me along like a hunting dog on its leash!”

“My prince! Please don’t say that!” Liu Boyue protested.

“So others can say it but I can’t?” Xianchun asked. “Those who flocked over to my side are now dispersing like startled birds from the sound of a bow! Everyone knows it–”

Liu Boyue forcibly cut in.

“Don’t think like that, my prince. How can you give yourself up to self-pity and self-abandon after coming this far?! Think about it! Why would the Emperor only take issue with your mother’s status now when he was content to let you contest the Third Prince for this long? The problems that existed when we started are still present today. We’re yet to reach the stage where the hunting dog is cooked after the hare is caught. The First and Second Princes, the Fourth Prince, their mothers all had very high statuses, and their maternal clans were highly illustrious. And what of it? They all met their end anyways. If anything, your mother’s origins are your greatest strength because you have no Imperial in-laws who can bring chaos upon court politics!”

Xianchun didn’t respond, or even meet Liu Boyue’s eyes. But they had known each other far too long. Just from the subtle tensing of Xianchun’s shoulders, Liu Boyue knew he had hit the mark.

“Just wait a while longer, my prince. The execution of the Wu clan will take place soon, very publicly at that. Hundreds of people being killed at once…a spectacle like that will push any thought of these rumors out of the spotlight. Then in the tally after the autumn, the Emperor will want to know why the words he spoke in a private conversation made its way out of the palace walls. If you lose now in terms of momentum, you’ll never gain your footing back! Just go on acting as if you have the gods on your side. The ever-suspicious officials of the court will think up their own theories as to why you haven’t changed your behavior, and second guess their final bets.”

A brief silence suspended the room before Xianchun turned back towards Liu Boyue. The prince’s face was blank, but it slowly curved into a small smile.

“Your words are earnest and your point well taken, Boyue.”

He patted Liu Boyue’s shoulder, the aggrieved rage already transforming into a far more dangerous determination.

“Very well then, let’s wait and see.” Xianchun absentmindedly picked up a scroll off the floor, smiling wryly when he saw that it was a scroll of the Book of Jin. “After all, it’s yet to be seen by whose hand the deer will die.”

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Standing in the Director’s office in the Imperial Investigation Bureau, Sun Ruhui held the end of the scroll in place as Kayla rolled it back up, tying it shut once she was done.

He listened with patient silence as Kayla recapped the information she’d gleaned from Jin Yu, a mask of unreadable placidity on his face.

“So now the next step is how to figure out who Jin Yu is talking about," Kayla explained.

“My lord, we’re in the light while they’re in the shadows, trying to find any openings from our position is more difficult than fishing a needle out of the ocean,” Sun Ruhui said. “We’ve already done what we could to increase our defenses, and you’ve received the right to command the Imperial Guard just as you wished to. Perhaps you should turn your attention to the Seventh Prince and the Third Prince instead.”

Kayla sighed. “I know you mean well, but I can’t just leave this matter be. I know someone in Dengzhou is behind all this. How can I just turn away and pretend to be ignorant? Moreover, there’s not much I can do about the princes save to prevent them from escalating to armed conflict. The Seventh Prince believes me to be on the Third Prince’s side. If I try to persuade him without offering something substantial, he won’t agree. In fact, knowing his temper, it’ll only anger him further and exacerbate the situation. The Third Prince, on the other hand, won’t offer any concessions at this point in time. There’s truly not much I can do to mediate.”

Sun Ruhui let out a sigh, lowering his gaze.

“I only fear that the Seventh Prince will take extreme action if he’s not reined in.”

Kayla considered it for a moment.

That’s true…and it’s time to get rid of Sir Zhang as well. I can’t let Xianchun’s man in the palace keep sauntering around near the Emperor.

“I'll have to increase the eyes and ears on him,” Kayla decided. “If he hatches any plots or schemes, I’ll crush them in the cradle before they can even fully take shape.”

“If you can do so, you would both be saving his life and saving the Emperor,” Sun Ruhui replied. “I don’t think His Majesty can take any more blows. If he learns that the Seventh Prince is plotting against his life, or that of the Third Prince’s, there would certainly be lethal consequences…but can His Majesty withstand that?”

“No,” Kayla murmured. “No, he can’t. Whatever happens to the Seventh Prince…” She let out a sigh. “Whatever happens to him, it has to happen under the next Emperor.”

“Precisely, my lord.”

“Thank you, Ruhui. Your advice is well-given as always,” Kayla said. “I’ll leave the arrangements to Li Que, I need to go speak with Zhang Wuxian.”

“Zhang Wuxian? Is it the matter of Assistant Censor Lin?” Sun Ruhui asked.

“Yes, that too,” Kayla agreed. “There’s something I need to confirm before I get rid of Lin Yaoguang.”

She didn’t catch the look of concern that crossed Sun Ruhui’s face.

“Then I’ll take my leave of you now,” Sun Ruhui said.

Kayla bid her goodbye to Sun Ruhui and headed to the Office of Censure, sending a flurry of orders to Li Que and Tabuyir en route.

“Director Zhao!” The guards at the gate greeted her with a startled bow.

“No need for formalities, I’m just here for an appointment. I can find my own way,” Kayla said, giving them a small wave. She headed in, taking the long way around to avoid unsettling more workers. She came upon Wei Guang as she entered the side annex.

“Wenyuan,” Wei Guang greeted her with a note of surprise.

“Godfather,” she said.

“What are you doing here?” Wei Guang asked.

“I’m just here to speak with Zhang Wuxian,” Kayla replied. “Don’t worry, it’s nothing dangerous.”

Wei Guang frowned slightly. “You came here to speak to him? Why didn’t you just summon him?”

Caught off guard by the question, Kayla shrugged awkwardly.

“I wanted to get out of the office a bit anyways,” she replied.

“Ah, I see…In any case, you’re a Director and he’s an Attendant Censor. You can just summon him next time, lest he gets too full of himself,” Wei Guang said. “I’ll leave you to it then.”

“Thank you, godfather.”

Wei Guang stopped a few steps down the hall, turning back towards Kayla.

“Is it that you want to raise him to Vice-Censor?”

“Only if you’d be alright with it,” Kayla replied.

Wei Guang gave a thoughtful nod and went on his way.

Kayla made her way to a small meeting room that rarely saw any use and settled into a seat. After a few moments, a knock came at the door and Zhang Wuxian walked in.

“My lord, you called for me?” Zhang Wuxian said deferentially, bowing his head.

“Thank you for coming, Attendant Censor Zhang. No need for formalities now,” Kayla said, gesturing at a seat.

Zhang Wuxian did not sit. “Thank you, my lord.”

“I’ve been troubling you to handle the investigation into Lin Jie’s findings, thank you for your hard work,” Kayla said, trying to make another friendly overture.

Zhang Wuxian bowed his head politely, his attitude still as glacial as before.

“Well, I was hoping to ask if you’ve made any progress?” Kayla asked.

Almost as if he had been waiting for it, Zhang Wuxian immediately produced a scroll.

“I’ve found the patterns of my friend’s research notes and archive requests, as I’ve detailed in my report. But I’m afraid that this one is too foolish to make sense of it. I apologize for disappointing you.”

He really doesn’t want to be here, Kayla noted helplessly. Well, I suppose that’s to be expected after seeing what happened to Lin Jie.

“Not at all, Attendant Censor Zhang, you’ve been a great help.”

Zhan Wuxian lowered his eyes. “I’m afraid that I cannot be of any more use to you, Your Excellency. I am ashamed to take up an official position as a man of little talent. With your permission, I would like to resign.”

“What?” Kayla said in surprise.

“My mother is getting on in her years, and I am deeply regretful at being unable to serve my filial duty as a son. Seeing as I am unable to contribute further to the dynasty as a subject, I hope at least to act piously towards my parents,” Zhang Wuxian said demurely.

Kayla paused for a moment, at a loss for words.

“Attendant Censor Zhang, your current position has a great deal of potential for upwards mobility. You can climb far higher than you currently are,” Kayla said gently. “In fact, with Lord Liang currently stationed in the North, the position of Vice Censor is open.”

A shadow crossed Zhang Wuxian’s face.

“My lord, I’m afraid that such things are not in my fate.”

“I can ensure that it is. That was my intention from the start when I assigned this task to you,” Kayla insisted.

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“I am truly grateful, my lord. I can never repay your kindness, but I beg you to allow me to fulfill my duty as a son.”

It’s not just here with me, Kayla realized. He doesn’t want to be involved at all.

She glanced at the scroll. If I were in his position, I suppose I’d do the same, wouldn’t I?

What did it matter that Kayla was trying to make it up to Zhang Wuxian? Lin Jie was already dead, and Zhang Wuxian had every reason to fear that he would be next once Kayla had no more use for him.

A heavy weight sank into her stomach.

“Well, if Attendant Censor Zhang says so, I can hardly press a filial son to forgo his familial duties. While it’s regrettable to lose such a talent, it’s rare to see a man of such piety. Very well, I will see to it that your resignation is approved. I would also like to make a gift to your mother–”

“Thank you very much, my lord,” Zhang Wuxian hastily cut in. “My mother is a woman of little fortune, she wouldn’t dare to accept such a gift from someone as illustrious as Your Excellency.”

He bowed deeply.

“Then if you have no further use of me…”

Withholding a sigh, Kayla gave him a polite smile.

“You may go.”

With a quick bow, Zhang Wuxian retreated with record speed.

Left alone in the dusty room, Kayla stared at the empty doorway for a moment, a myriad of emotions in her chest.

She opened the scroll, reading through its contents. Finally letting out the sigh she’d been holding back, Kayla pinched at the bridge of her nose.

Dengzhou again…thanks to Lin Jie and Zhang Wuxian, I can narrow the search down a little. Between tracking Jin Yu and investigating the nobles one by one, we’ll figure something out, at the very least.

Two days later, Kayla found her confidence fading as the investigation pushed forward.

The most suspicious culprits were a handful of Archdukes, and another handful of Imperial in-laws. Even so, she had more than a dozen suspects to glean through.

Everyone has a small house and everyone has a motive, Kayla thought in exasperation. The years of persecution, which often included randomized withholding of stipends, had whittled down the wealth of most of the Archdukes and Imperial in-laws. And almost all of them ended up in Dengzhou with their commiserates.

How do I proceed then? Check them one by one…well, I could do that, but if I do it openly it could become a problem.

The Emperor was in a dangerous mood these days. It wouldn’t be unthinkable for him to forego restraint and simply kill all the suspects regardless of their actual involvement.

Especially given their sensitive statuses. Once you’ve threatened the Emperor’s power, you’ll never undo his suspicion towards you.

A knock jolted Kayla out of her thoughts.

“My lord, it’s Tao Qian.”

“Come in,” Kayla called. “You’ve worked hard. How is the situation with Jin Yu?”

Tao Qian bowed his head. “My lord, Jin Yu went straight towards Hebei after leaving the household. She was attacked en route, a few miles outside of Handan.”

“Well?” Kayla asked expectantly.

“As per your orders, we captured the assassins, but…”

An ominous feeling crept up her spine.

“Yes?”

Tao Qian dropped to his knees. “I apologize, my lord! We lost track of Jin Yu!”

“Are you kidding me?” Kayla said in disbelief.

Tao Qian blanched.

“I—I’m truly sorry!”

Kayla sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “I want a detailed report of what happened. In any case, have the men who were tailing her continue searching for her whereabouts. They’ve been following her for a few days now, they should know her pattern of movement better than others.”

Tao Qian relaxed slightly, bowing his head.

“Thank you my lord!”

“What about the assassins?” Kayla asked, gesturing for him to get up.

“We have them in custody, shall I have them brought back to the capital?” Tao Qian asked.

“Absolutely not. I can’t even finish taking the trash out, and yet I should bring more trash in? Just keep them in Hebei.”

“And how would you like us to…” Tao Qian trailed off.

“Question them. Figure out who sent them, no matter what it takes. But make sure they don’t die–depending on who it is, we may need them as witnesses,” Kayla ordered.

“As you wish,” Tao Qian replied. “Then please excuse me.”

Kayla watched Tao Qian hurry off, worriedly tapping her finger on her desk.

Damn it, I should’ve expected this. But if we can at least get something out of the assassins, then we won’t have failed completely.

A tingle at the back of her skull crawled down her neck, almost as if mocking her optimism.

By the next morning, Tao Qian came reporting back with a dejected expression.

Ah fuck.

“So what did they find?” Kayla asked, trying to keep her voice as pleasant as she could manage.

“I’m very sorry, my lord. It seems the assassins were hired through an intermediary who used a fake name. We’ve done some preliminary digging, but it seems to be a pseudonym commonly used by intermediaries in the underworld,” Tao Qian said sheepishly.

“Well, don’t they have a physical description or something of the like?” Kayla demanded.

“I'm afraid not, my lord. They usually take requests remotely, often through a paid service that allows them to regularly receive the newest job posts on their communication devices when they visit docking points. The requests are usually anonymous on both ends,” Tao Qian replied.

What kind of fucking job board bullshit–

“Can we figure out who runs the paid service?” Kayla asked.

“Even if we did, they wouldn’t have the information you need,” Tao Qian said regretfully. “These services usually have very strict secrecy policies so that even their employees don’t know who sent or received what. If that were not the case, they would be silenced by their customers very quickly. The information brokers only handle the money, the requests–”

“The money, how do they handle the money? We could use forensics to figure out where the money came from if we can get our hands on the cash,” Kayla cut in.

“There’s usually a different intermediary who handles the money in order to keep things fully private,” Tao Qian explained. “For example, the requester may travel fifty miles south of where they’re actually staying in order to place the cash in an allotted location, and the cash intermediary would then pay the information brokers in a different location with different cash.”

“These people have better coordination than the fucking government,” Kayla said in disbelief.

“I’m very sorry, my lord.”

Kayla waved off his condolences.

“This is ridiculous,” Kayla muttered. “Wait, if such a system exists, then why did Wu Zhihuan use an actual middleman?”

“Probably because the requests are received by multiple groups,” Tao Qian replied. “It’s not really all that great if you want to get the deed done in secrecy, it’s only good for keeping your own identity secret.”

“I think I know where some of the Bureau Investigators are getting their tips from,” Kayla said wryly, thinking back to a few reports where the strange phrasing had stood out to her just enough to pique curiosity but not provoke further investigation.

“That’s very likely,” Tao Qian agreed. “It’s also why law enforcement rarely records or does anything about these systems.”

What is this, a police radio frequency?

Kayla shook her head in exasperation.

“Get confessions from the assassins on any jobs they’ve worked on previously,” Kayla ordered. “After I review their testimonies, I’ll decide what to do with them.”

Tao Qian bowed and slipped back out.

Lin Yaoguang really is thorough, Kayla thought wryly. But even now that the incident has occurred at the East window, he’s still as calm as the Tai Mountain. He hasn’t even tried to run yet. I wonder why? Does he really think I can’t kill him?

It seemed she still had small mercies to be grateful for. Kayla tried to cling to that thought as she dressed in her official robes with the help of Qiu Yun, sinking into a state of somber silence that made the little serving maid all the more nervous.

It was the day of the Wu clan’s execution.

The family’s already shrunken with its declining influence, but even then, the whole clan to the ninth degree is almost two hundred people in total.

Wu Zhihuan might not be the only culprit, but Kayla almost wished that he were. Anyone else she dragged out of the shadows may very well be subjected to the same fate.

Kayla headed to the palace, where the Emperor was preparing to witness his revenge.

“Uncle,” Kayla greeted him with a deep bow as she entered his bedroom.

“Wenyuan, you’re here!” The Emperor smiled broadly. Kayla straightened and froze in surprise at the sight before her. Clad in his formal robes, the Emperor almost looked like how he did in the past. The air of surety and confidence that used to radiate from him was back. Upon first glance, it almost obscured the Emperor’s significantly thinner frame and whitened hair.

“I apologize if I’m late,” Kayla replied.

“Not at all, I only just got dressed,” the Emperor said. “Well then, let’s go.”

Kayla bowed and stepped into place half a step behind the Emperor, close enough to lean forward and whisper in his ear, or more importantly, to support him if his legs gave in.

She escorted him to the Imperial carriage designated specifically for the Emperor’s use, helping him into his seat before turning towards the horse Sir Yang had prepared for her.

“Wenyuan, join me,” the Emperor ordered before she could start climbing in the saddle. Both Kayla and Sir Yang jolted in surprise before the old eunuch was enthusiastically shoving Kayla into the seat next to the Emperor.

“It’s been a long time since I’ve gone onto the city wall to face the public, whether for a celebration or an execution,” the Emperor remarked. “The last time, the official one, was for the New Years celebration the year before I deposed my Empress. You were still a little boy back then.”

“I think I remember it was a very lively event,” Kayla remarked.

“Yes, it certainly was,” the Emperor replied. “The year after, I actually went onto the city wall again in secret. That was when I had banished my sons–I said I never wanted to see them again, but I couldn’t stop myself from rushing over to watch their carriages disappear from sight.”

“I see,” Kayla murmured, a little unsure of how to reply. She didn’t need to. The Emperor sank into his own thoughts again until they arrived at the city wall.

The Emperor was carried to the top of the wall by a palanquin bore by Imperial Guards, Kayla following behind on foot. The city emerged into view beneath them, stretching out majestically. But the crowd of frightened people in the market square captured her sight, making it impossible to look away. They were far away enough to see the entire square, but close enough to see with startling clarity.

The mass of people crowded in by countless spectators separated into individual men, women, and children with faces pinched with hunger, fear, and humiliation. A few vaguely humanoid shapes were kept upright at the front of the crowd by the stakes they were tied to. Upon closer look, it was Wu Zhihuan and his immediate family.

Keeping note of the eyes on her, Kayla resisted the urge to react with horror.

So that’s what it looks like, a death by a thousand cuts. And probably a variety of other tortures as well, given the depth of the Emperor’s hatred. She looked at him now and found herself startled by the look of vindictive joy on his face. Kayla had expected as much, but the sheer intensity of his emotions exceeded what she had expected. Sitting in the chair his guards had prepared, the Emperor looked enormously satisfied.

The Wu clan members must have caught sight of the Emperor as well, and some of them began to cry for mercy. What must have been loud, heart wrenching wails only sounded like a distant din by the time they reached the top of the city wall.

She turned her gaze from them and scanned the square’s surroundings instead. The Imperial Princes were in attendance near the market square as well, as evidenced by their carriages.

“Begin the executions,” the Emperor ordered. An Imperial Guard hastily sent out the order through his communication device, and the slaughter began. Kayla watched the writhing bodies and pooling blood with hidden disgust.

Rivers of blood…a sense of distance began to dawn over her. Kayla’s eyes traced the streams of red, noting the noticeable slant towards one side of the market square. The ground was uneven and had bad draining. A flooding hazard. Then the detachment wore off again, and a chill went down her spine.

That could’ve been me and the Zhao clan. If I had killed the Grand Duke any later—

Kayla glanced over to the Emperor again. He was smiling.

It’s not just his rage at the Wu clan, is it? He’s adding his hatred for the Imperial in-laws and nobles who had forced him to this point into the mix as well.

This was a hatred deeper than what she could imagine, one that was finally finding its outlet.

This is a violence that doesn’t start or end with the Emperor or Wu Zhihuan. Could Kuang really end it? Could anyone?

After what seemed to be forever, the executions finished. The Emperor’s intensity faded almost instantly.

“Uncle, the wind is strong here, perhaps we should return to the palace,” Kayla suggested.

“Very well. I grow tired,” the Emperor said. She reached out to help him onto the palanquin before following the procession back down the City Wall. They returned the same way they came, with Kayla sharing the Emperor’s carriage. It was only after the Emperor was resting in his bedchambers that Kayla dared to wipe at the cold sweat clinging to the underside of her collar. Captain Jiang thoughtfully stepped before her, blocking Kayla from the sight of the other Imperial Guards.

“Thank you,” Kayla murmured as she passed him. Captain Jiang inclined his head slightly in response.

Back inside her own carriage, Kayla found her heart pounding rapidly. There was a tremor in her hands that she couldn’t quite control, her palms clammy and cold. Her pulse spiked again as they approached the Zhao household. Kayla’s mood calmed, almost automatically, and she cleaned up her appearance before getting out from the carriage.

“My lord, Sun Ruhui is here to see you,” Housekeeper Li said as she followed Kayla to the study.

“Sun Ruhui? Show him in,” Kayla replied. She stepped into the door of the dark study, stopping as she faced the desk. An unbearable feeling of dread swept over her.

“Tao Qian!”

He dropped down from the roof, landing with a soft thump behind her. She didn’t turn to look, staring at the mahogany desk.

“My lord? What’s wrong?” Tao Qian asked worriedly.

“Lin Yaoguang. I want him dead.”

“As you wish,” Tao Qian replied.

There was the soft sound of footsteps, and he was off. Kayla stared at the desk a while longer, turning as she heard Sun Ruhui approach.

“My lord,” Sun Ruhui said. “I saw Tao Qian heading off in a rush just now, is something wrong?”

“Not really,” Kayla replied, forcing a smile. “I’m just getting rid of a pest that’s been bothering me for a while now.”

“Surely my lord isn’t speaking of Lin Yaoguang?” Sun Ruhui asked.

“That’s exactly the man,” Kayla agreed. To her surprise, Sun Ruhui rushed forward, clasping Kayla’s hands in his own.

“My lord, please reconsider!” Sun Ruhui pleaded.

Kayla gave him a look of astonishment, her mind blanking in disbelief.

“What on earth are you saying?”

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惊弓之鸟/Birds startled by the bow/arrow: An Ancient Chinese proverb describing birds or people scattering like a startled flock.

自暴自弃/Self-pity and self-abandon: An Ancient Chinese proverb that decries the state of giving up on one's future and dignity.

兔死狗烹/When the hare is dead, the hunting dog is cooked: An Ancient Chinese proverb that refers to the discarding of persons/groups that are have outlived their use.

外戚/Imperial In-laws: A constant political force, whether positive or negative, in Ancient Chinese history.

秋后算账/Tally after the autumn: An Ancient Chinese proverb that means to ignore a crime or mistake for the time being but to take you to task for it when the moment is right/advantageous.

鹿死谁手/By whose hand the deer dies: A reference from the historical record of the Jin dynasty, the Book of Jin. It means that the victory, aka who gets the right to command the nation, has yet to be decided.

大海捞针/Fishing out a needle from an ocean: An Ancient Chinese proverb.

福薄之人/A person of little fortune: A Chinese saying that means someone doesn't have a large net amount of good fortune.

邯郸/Handan: A city in Hebei that has existed since the pre-Qin era. Has historically been important in the Hebei region.

东窗事发/Trouble has occurred at the East window: An Ancient Chinese proverb that means to have your conspiracy exposed, or brought to light, for your plans to go wrong.

稳如泰山/As steady as the Tai Mountain: An Ancient Chinese proverb. The Tai Mountain is a very large mountain, so here the reference means that someone is as unshakeable as the mountain itself.

坐同乘/Sitting in the same carriage: A great honor for a subject in Ancient China was to share a carriage with their ruler. This is due to the strict rites that usually governed this hierarchical relationship. Furthermore, since the pre-Qin times, inviting a subject to share a carriage was not only a sign of trust and favor, but also an acknowledgement of their abilities.

登城楼/Climb atop the City Wall: If you visit modern day Luoyang or Xi'an, both former capitals, you can climb atop the city walls as a tourist site. But in the past, these played important defense capacities and were not open to the public. However, there is a long tradition of the Emperor climbing atop the city wall to witness important festivals, etc., within the capital city. His semi-public presence would often galvanize the crowd as well.