Spring of the Blade - Chapter 34

Chapter 34

The office of the Palace Guard was originally used by the Orchid Terrace. After the Rebellion of the Filial King, because many officials of the Orchid Terrace were implicated, the Palace Guard occupied the location and never returned it.

There was no more auspicious location outside the Gongchen Gate than this former site of the Orchid Terrace. From the Imperial Palace, it took only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn at a brisk pace. Shen Run watched as the sunset sank below the horizon... Lanterns began to rise on the palace gates across the long street. He closed the register in his hand and lazily dismissed the two eunuchs, "You may go; I have a distinguished guest arriving. Once I have finished my review, I will have someone send it back to you tomorrow."

The two eunuchs agreed, bowing slightly and retreating backward; their hunched figures were reflected in the polished wooden floor.

The quiet of the Palace Guard never lasted long; as one set of people departed, another entered. Two rows of young eunuchs holding candles came from the sides of the corridor. In the blink of an eye, the massive hall, half-submerged in darkness, became bright. The commander, dressed in rich brocades, sat at the head of the room, a relaxed and broad-minded expression on his face, as if there was nothing in the world worth worrying about.

Xie Shu arrived at the palace door in a hurry. Before he had even entered, he called out for the Commander.

Shen Run put on a convincing show, standing up and walking out from behind the long desk, "I wasn't patrolling today, so I didn't know the Commissioner had entered the palace." After two steps, he stopped in the soft halo of the lamp tree and, with a question that seemed to know the answer, smiled, "The Commissioner’s complexion does not look well; has something happened?"

Xie Shu’s face was ashen, his head hanging low as he shook it repeatedly. As a military general stationed on the frontiers, he had focused these past years on the battlefield and lacked the cunning and flexibility to handle imperial censure. When the Saint glared at him, his spine had gone cold with electricity, and the words he had planned to say never materialized. After the audience, his cause had collapsed like a falling mountain.

Shen Run had been waiting for exactly this. He gestured for the Commissioner to take a seat, "There are no outsiders here; the Commissioner may speak freely to Shen Run."

Xie Shu rested his hands on his knees and composed himself before saying, "The Saint read my petition, and there were no doubts regarding this item. I expected the Saint would be pleased to see it; after all, I have been traveling back and forth inside and outside the passes for over twenty years. Even with my eyes closed, I could wade across the Yaoshui River. But as that matter was settled, trouble arose elsewhere. Someone accused me of seizing power in the army and slandering the Saint. When the Saint questioned me just now, I was truly terrified." As he spoke, he cupped his hands, "Commander, you must help me out of this predicament regardless of what it takes. I only blame myself for being too hasty. If I had consulted you before seeing the Saint, and had your mediation, it would have been dismissed in three sentences. Now, in front of the Saint, I am tongue-tied; I am afraid that constant rebuttal will provoke the Saint’s irritation. That is why I came straight here after leaving the palace, hoping that the Commander might provide a strategy."

So, this Commissioner was also a master at burning bridges; the moment the Saint granted him an audience, he had been eager to shake off his burdens and enter the meeting alone. If everything had gone smoothly for him, why would he have needed to press for his petition to be delayed for two months!

Shen Run gave a vague smile, "I have the heart to help the Commissioner, but since the Saint has already listened to slander, it will be difficult for the Commissioner to clear his name."

Xie Shu was stunned. The undergarment dampened by sweat earlier clung to his spine, and despite the approaching sixth month, he could not help but shiver. He raised his eyes to look at Shen Run; those small, slender eyes contained a shimmering light, like a lonely moon rising over a bottomless abyss.

"If the Commissioner wishes to turn this around, you must first understand who it is that is pressing down on you."

Xie Shu blinked obscurely, "Fu Chunshan?"

Shen Run nodded slowly, "Last year he was transferred to serve as the Governor of Yongzhou, overseeing a hundred thousand soldiers. His rank is now on par with yours and mine. But Shen remembers that he served under the Commissioner as a Du Zhi (Chief of Staff) in the past?"

Xie Shu said yes. Discussing this was truly infuriating. Someone who used to bow and scrape before you now stood equal to you, aiming to steal your merit and surpass you. This was far more grating than an up-and-coming talent with whom one had no history.

Once jealousy takes root, the heart becomes warped and easier to manipulate. Shen Run rested comfortably on the armrest of his chair and glanced at Shen Che.

Shen Che caught his brother’s signal and laughed, "If I were the Commissioner, I would no longer guess who the person making false accusations is. Simply consider who benefits the most if the Commissioner were to fall; that person is most likely the culprit."

Xie Shu’s initial hesitation gradually hardened into resolve. His hand resting on his knee curled into a fist. After a long silence, he said, "The people who had deep dealings with him earlier are still under my command... as long as the Commander is willing to help, it will not be difficult to bring this person down."

Shen Run said good, "Then I will help the Commissioner one more time. I will naturally submit a secret report to the Saint; at that time, I will need the Commissioner’s full cooperation. Once this is done, the Commissioner will have no further worries, and you will have explained yourself to the Saint’s satisfaction."

Xie Shu showered him with thanks and left the palace. In the vast government office, only the Shen brothers remained. Shen Che let out a long breath, "People like Xie Shu will not let go until their own personal interests are threatened."

Shen Run gave a huff of laughter and looked at the twelve-lamp tree below the steps; those distant lights—each one represented an enemy.

Those who had once framed his father had already been sent to the underworld by the brothers. Of the twelve yellow candles, eleven had been replaced by white wax. Only this last one remained; because he relied on his sister having entered the palace as a concubine, he had been difficult to eradicate. Many things were complementary: since Xie Shu had been reprimanded by the Saint today, he had an excuse to return and thoroughly investigate military affairs. That Defense Commissioner who had a life-and-death friendship with Fu Chunshan became the target. As long as he was handed over to the Palace Guard, he would have ways to make him talk.

The Palace Guard was in charge of national investigations and prison matters. Three days later, the Chief Guard came in to report that the person had been brought into the torture hall. Shen Run put down what he was doing and strolled in slowly to observe. This sunless place had once caused so many high-ranking officials to weep; even the blue bricks were soaked with blood. From the torture rack to the drain on the southern wall, the color was deeper than anywhere else.

The official in charge saw him arrive and presented a handkerchief scented with mugwort with both hands. Shen Run took it to cover his nose and mouth, his fine eyes glancing lightly, "Has he confessed?"

The official shook his head, "He is very stubborn and won't be broken in a short time. I was just about to report to the Commander: he still holds a Fifth-Grade rank; how should we dispose of him?"

"Fifth-Grade?" Shen Run mocked, "We have handled Second-Grade officials; what does a mere Fifth-Grade amount to?"

He stepped inside. Although the mugwort could cover most of the smell, the stench of congealed blood had permeated every inch of the torture room, making him feel very uncomfortable.

Two guards moved a gold-lacquered, wood-carved chair and placed it directly in front of the torture rack. He lifted his robes and sat down, raising his chin, "There are still people with such loyalty in this world; I am truly impressed. Defense Commissioner Zhao, why not think it over? When he was rising through the ranks, he never thought to promote you. After ten years, he leaped from Fifth-Grade to Second-Grade, and what about you? You have been a Defense Commissioner for ten years, and even now, you shield him repeatedly. Why suffer so?"

Those who toyed with torture were masters at reading hearts, but this generalized commonality did not always work on everyone.

Like this Defense Commissioner, who knew the principle that "if one falls, all fall," Shen Run’s words could not shake him. He gasped for air and said, "Commander Shen, although I am merely a martial man, I understand rites, righteousness, honor, and shame. It is a matter that clearly never happened, yet you force me to confess. If I were to tell lies, I would be failing Heaven above and my ancestors below. Forgive me, but I cannot submit."

Shen Run hummed, "Defense Commissioner Zhao is a man of iron will; I admire such people the most." After saying this, he turned to look at the guard beside the rack, "Defense Commissioner Zhao is here for the first time at the Palace Guard; let us offer him our hospitality."

The Defense Commissioner had originally only had his hands hung, with his feet still touching the ground. But following Shen Run’s order, the crossbar above his head suddenly rose, and the man was immediately suspended in mid-air.

How heavy the body was, the two arms knew best. After being suspended for a long time, nausea and vomiting were the lightest of symptoms. Shen Run didn't have much time to waste here; he wanted a quick resolution. He tsked and said, "With the Defense Commissioner’s noble friendship, I am wondering what method to use to entertain you, so it does not appear that our Palace Guard has been impolite... Come now—"

At his loud call, the guards on both sides answered in unison.

"Present two bowls of 'pastries,' and greet the Commissioner properly."

Those guards were experts at torture; every punishment had a specific code name. Once the Commander mentioned "pastries," everyone understood the instruction.

Two guards excitedly moved over two large iron weights, tied them with extremely thin hemp rope, and with one person supporting them, tied them to the Defense Commissioner’s ankles.

"These two bowls of pastries, each weighing ten pounds, will be hung for three days and three nights. Once the blood vessels are severed, both feet will fall off on their own," the Chief Guard told the prisoner with a cold, mocking smile, then added, "But after three days and three nights, you will already be dead, Commissioner; you need not worry, you won't be able to see it yourself."

He had expected someone with such integrity to hold out for at least half an hour, but unexpectedly, it took less than a cup of tea’s time before he begged for mercy. Cold sweat streamed down the Defense Commissioner, and he said with a sobbing voice, "Commander Shen, may I have a word with you privately?"

Shen Run was somewhat disappointed. Since he couldn't ask him to hold out a little longer, he had to lift his finger to let the guards let him down.

The old case from many years ago, when flipped over, still had its residual power. When Fu Chunshan was a nobody, he was already infamous, and with the people in charge intentionally adding fuel to the fire, the files piled up like a mountain in front of the Saint.

The Saint was furious. He stripped him of his title as Governor of Yongzhou and handed him over to the Palace Guard and the Judicial Commission for joint trial. In the current layout, the divisions of intimacy within the court were very strict: imperial relatives lived within the Shangjing area, while close ministers of the Emperor could establish mansions in Youzhou. The Palace Guard received the imperial edict, and Shen Che led the team to seal the mansion and make the arrests. Although Youzhou was a large place, the fall of a Second-Grade high official was enough to shock the court, so the news quickly became known throughout the streets.

For a time, everyone was in danger. After the Rebellion of the Filial King, the brocade-clad guards had walked the streets of Youzhou every day; how long had it been since then? Before the fear had subsided, was a new round coming?

However, no matter who panicked, the Xie family did not. Fu Chunshan was the only general besides Xie Shu who was well-versed in the Tibetan ways of warfare. As long as he lost power, Xie Shu would have a chance to make a comeback.

Sure enough, two days later, Xie Shu received the imperial edict ordering him to return to Jinnan Circuit to lead troops. The bitter cold beyond Jiameng Pass felt unprecedentedly intimate at this moment, and no one complained that the Master would be gone for three years without returning.

Only at this moment did the Old Madam truly let out a long breath, "Ancestors protect us; we have finally reached the end of the dark times. Although serving the Emperor is like serving a tiger, and our careers have had their ups and downs since your great-grandfather’s generation, never has there been a time as dangerous as this. I have lived to sixty, seen many good and bad things, and heard of great families falling in a single day. How could I have expected to see it myself? Looking back now, my heart feels like it is about to jump out of my throat. Fortunately, the Master survived without any alarm. This autumn, the martial examinations for the three young masters can proceed without obstruction. If they can all pass with high marks, your father will have arms and support; as the saying goes, 'father and son fight on the battlefield.' Our family is large, and who would complain about having too many officials?"

Qingyuan stood in the corner, watching the Old Madam, who had been wilted and listless just days ago, radiant with energy, and felt a secret amusement.

When the future was uncertain, people sighed and said it would be better to be a commoner and not have to hold one’s neck under the blade. Now that they had turned the corner, the first thing they calculated was how to gain further titles and honors for the grandsons. Human nature—it really changes from one moment to the next, and there is never a time of true satisfaction.

Concubine Lian said, "I only heard that the Palace Guard had real power before, but I never expected them to be so fearsome! It would be good if the young masters could enter the Palace Guard in the future. Rather than worrying about currying favor with others, it is better to have the power oneself and have a say."

Women always thought too simply. Xie Shu said, "To have a say in the Palace Guard, how many years of grinding would that take? The Shen brothers took command of the guards in their early twenties; in past years, when has that ever happened?"

Although Concubine Lian had lost money, she was very positive about the role Shen Run played, "Regardless, it is all thanks to Commander Shen’s help that the Master has turned danger into safety."

Xie Shu gave a faint smile, "I only learned later that Fu Chunshan had played a role in the Shen Zhibai case years ago. The Shen brothers were determined to eradicate him but struggled to find a way to start. This matter was originally one of mutual benefit; we are grateful for Commander Shen’s help, but who knows if he, Shen Run, shouldn't also be grateful that I helped him?"

And so, this was the Xie family style: when in trouble, they lowered their status and were willing to sacrifice anything, but once they recovered, they changed their narrative, claiming their heroism was put to great use.

The others followed the Master’s words and expressed their sentiments again. Concubine Lian grumbled, "It’s just a pity about that silver..."

She was met with a cold glare from Madam Hu, "Let that rot in your stomach. Be more cautious in front of others; there is no point in spreading it around. If it gets out and an investigation follows, none of us will be able to bear the responsibility."

Concubine Lian felt deeply unhappy, hating Madam Hu for using their silver to act wealthy, but she couldn't argue to her face and just turned her head away in secret fury.

The Old Madam didn't care about their disputes. From the perspective of long-term planning, the Shen family was still very worth associating with.

"If we could visit often, it would be of a hundred benefits to us and no harm." The Old Madam thought of Qingyuan again, "Fourth Girl, the Deputy Commander’s wife has been in close contact with you lately, sending patterns and fruits. Choose an auspicious time and invite her to the mansion for a visit."

Qingyuan agreed, "She sent word again two days ago, saying she wants to go to the temple to fulfill a vow tomorrow and asked if I would like to go together. I was just about to report to you, Grandmother: is it better for me to go or not?"

"Why ask such a thing?" The Old Madam smiled, "This is an opportunity that cannot be requested; you should just go. After all, they extended a helping hand when we were in danger. The road ahead is long, and who can guarantee a life without disaster or difficulty? Having more friends is always good. When you go, you can just happen to inquire and find out when Commander Shen is free. Even if the Master is not here, we must maintain the proper etiquette; we cannot have people saying we 'pull up the bridge after crossing it.' In the future, for your brothers’ prospects, there may be times when we rely on them; there is no harm in extra courtesy. Do it properly this time, and it will be easier to speak next time."

Qingyuan promised. She knew in her heart that the Old Madam had not given up; resolving the Master’s crisis was not enough, and she was still thinking of paving the way for the three young masters. Thus, the Commander could absolutely not be let go; after all, he had been able to stir up such a commotion that every high official in Youzhou was terrified, while only the Xie family felt their hearts were safe in their chests. Who were they relying on? It was Shen Run!