Spring of the Blade - Chapter 45

Chapter 45

A perfectly laid-out plan had ended in such a debacle; Qingyuan could not wrap her head around it.

The carriage continued forward, flanked by Palace Guard personnel. Outside, torches blazed, casting light onto the cramped interior. Baoxian finally shook off her panic, gently nudging Qingyuan as she whispered, "Miss, where did things go wrong?"

Qingyuan shook her head. The brush with death moments ago still left her with lingering terror. She had thought everything was within her grasp, but a sudden turn of events occurred mid-journey. Had Shen Run not arrived in time, they would likely be ghosts under the blade by now.

The mistress and servant exchanged a glance; their faces were ghastly pale, their hair disheveled—a sight both pathetic and ridiculous. They hurriedly smoothed their clothing and tucked away loose strands of hair. It was only then that Qingyuan felt a shiver crawling up her spine. Suddenly drained of energy, she leaned against Baoxian and said, "Were those black-clad men sent by Grandfather? I remember him saying that those men share a deep bond with the Chen family and are absolutely trustworthy. They shouldn't have turned against us. Did I miscalculate the timing, or were they simply no match for those bandits and got outsmarted along the way?"

Baoxian couldn't make sense of it either, only holding her tight. "Miss, don't think about it so much. Fortunately, the righteous have their own heaven-sent luck; we managed to snatch a life back from the jaws of death."

Qingyuan felt even more despondent at these words. Burying her face in the crook of Baoxian's neck, she said with a trembling voice, "It is just a pity for that carriage driver..." Closing her eyes, she saw only the glint of silver blades and the winding, crimson blood flowing out.

When one is alive, one never knows what the morrow holds. They had left the house in the morning safe and sound, yet by nightfall, a life had been surrendered in that reed marsh. Thinking of it now, it was truly terrifying. A string in her heart pulled taut, suspending her very soul in mid-air. If those black-clad men were indeed sent by Lady Hu, then the Palace Guard's interrogation might uncover the mastermind. But if they were truly her grandfather's trusted men who had betrayed her, then continuing to dig deeper would only lead to a humiliating truth!

She sat bolt upright and pushed open the window to look out. The armor-clad guards held torches aloft, a winding dragon of light stretching back and forth; she could not see Shen Run’s silhouette. The night wind in the wilderness was cool, blowing away the sweltering heat of the day. All around was darkness, and the chirping of insects rose in waves like the tide. A sudden, creeping dread washed over her, and she retreated back, closing the window.

There were too many things she couldn't understand. Why had the Commander appeared in the reed marsh at such a moment? Was he passing by, or had he been lying in ambush? Her heart felt restless; she only wanted to return to Danyue Pavilion. Yet they had been traveling for a long time—far longer than the journey back to the Xie mansion—and still, the carriage showed no signs of stopping.

Qingyuan and Baoxian looked at each other. Looking forward, they saw that the guards outside the carved carriage doors had been replaced by those in golden armor. Qingyuan hesitated, then leaned forward to tap on the carriage door, whispering cautiously: "May I ask, sir, where are we heading?"

The guard driving the carriage swung his horse whip and answered nonchalantly: "To the Palace Guard Headquarters."

This was truly shocking. Qingyuan exclaimed in surprise: "Are we not returning to the Xie residence in the city?"

The guard gave a grunt and replied slowly: "The Palace Guard Headquarters must conduct a thorough investigation of this case. All relevant parties must go to the official offices to undergo interrogation. Please be patient, Miss. In another hour, we should be there."

The Palace Guard Headquarters was located in the Capital, not Youzhou. Even if they had to travel dozens of miles, they were determined to haul the suspects into their offices. By normal procedure, Qingyuan and her servants were victims; they should have been allowed to return home first and summoned only when testimony was needed. But whether it was because the Imperial office differed from local ones, or because Shen Run had intentionally orchestrated it, he had whisked the suspects and witnesses away to the Capital in one go. Someone like her, who usually only moved within the vicinity of her own residence, had suddenly been given the chance to visit the Capital.

The Capital was neither too far nor too close to Youzhou. On a fast horse, it would take an hour, but by carriage, it required double that time. Having departed at the xu hour (7-9 PM), they only reached the city gates near the zi hour (11 PM - 1 AM). The Palace Guard offices sat on the edge of the Imperial City, requiring them to pass through many checkpoints. By the time they disembarked, the night was thick as ink.

Loud shouting erupted. Qingyuan looked back and saw that the black-clad men, who had resisted fiercely before being captured, were now trussed up like swine. The prison guards used carrying poles passed between their hands and feet, hoisting them into the cells just as one would move livestock. This was a place of iron-fisted authority, responsible for the safety of the Imperial City day and night. Thus, even at this hour, it was brightly lit, with people coming and going.

It felt as if she had broken into another world. The women from the inner chambers, who had never seen such a spectacle in their lives, stood helplessly in a huddled group. Finally, at the end of the long street, a man in charge approached. It was Shen Che. He beamed upon seeing Qingyuan and said in a clear voice: "Fourth Miss, I did not expect us to meet again so soon."

There seemed little to be happy about in such a situation. Qingyuan offered a polite bow and looked around, saying: "I do not know why we were brought here. When can we be released to return to Youzhou?"

The sight of the young lady, confused and helpless after her ordeal, was truly captivating. Shen Che’s smile softened further. "Fourth Miss, do not be anxious. We have our standard procedures for handling cases. I shall settle your people first, and then I will call for you to be questioned in detail." He turned his head to instruct the guards behind him: "Take the lady’s entourage to the back quarters to rest. After we have questioned the lady, we will summon them for examination."

The guards complied, their cold eyes sweeping over the maids and the old nurse. Mama Tao and Baoxian hesitated, looking at Shen Che and then at their mistress in distress. Baoxian stammered: "Miss... this servant wishes to stay by your side to attend to you."

Shen Che’s gaze shifted, his smile vanishing in a blink. He frowned and said: "This is the Palace Guard Headquarters, not a bandit’s den. You may go with the guards. Your mistress will come to no harm."

But Baoxian knew that to the Fourth Miss, this place was little better than a bandit’s den. Although Commander Shen was a dignified official of the second rank, he did not seem to show much deference to the young lady. In the dead of night, in someone else’s territory, they were effectively meat on a chopping block. If the other party were to sharpen their knives and commit some unscrupulous or debauched act, wouldn't the young lady's entire life be ruined?

Baoxian was so anxious she shed tears, pacing and refusing to move. But what sort of place was the Palace Guard Headquarters? It was not a place where one could bargain.

Qingyuan gave her a reassuring smile. "Go on. This is an office that upholds the law under the Emperor's authority; there is nothing to fear." She spoke deliberately, intending only to bolster her own courage.

Circumstances were stronger than the individual, and in the end, there was no choice. Baoxian took one last longing look at her mistress and reluctantly followed the guards to the rear.

Standing alone on the vast, long street, Qingyuan found she could actually calm herself. She turned to Shen Che and said: "Tonight’s events were sudden. I ask the Commander to see justice done for me."

Shen Che touched his nose, thinking to himself that he wouldn't dare take charge of such a matter; if he blundered, his coming days would be unbearable. He simply offered a perfunctory reply: "Since the case has reached the Palace Guard Headquarters, Miss, you may rest assured. We must hold a night interrogation, so you will be burdened with fatigue. Soon, someone will come to see justice done for you. Please, follow me."

Qingyuan understood exactly who he meant by the person who would "see justice done." She had dealt with Shen Run a few times before and had always kept her guard up, but because the Xie family was in Youzhou, she could manage him. To be whisked away to the Capital and thrown into this cold, forbidding office, with not a single person to rely on—she was, after all, still young, and in the dead of night, her usual maturity seemed to evaporate. Every step she took, her heart throbbed in her chest. The closer she got to the main hall, the tighter she clenched her palms; by the time she climbed the steps, her hands were slick with cold sweat.

Shen Che led her to the entrance of the hall and gestured inward: "Please wait a moment, Miss. Once the Commander has finished his current business, he will come to question you on the details."

Qingyuan bowed and let him pass. Shen Che still had his night patrol duties, so having delivered her, he led his guards toward the palace gates. Qingyuan watched him leave. Amidst the clanking of armor came the timekeeper’s clapper—a desolate, sharp tok-tok sound that dragged along the exterior of the office before sinking into the vast night.

She let out a long breath, steadied her nerves, and stepped over the threshold.

As she walked deeper into the hall, she found the architecture immensely deep and grand. The smooth wooden floors, the massive square pillars, and the enormous ceiling lamps suspended above—every detail felt novel and staggering. By now, her earlier trepidation had faded, replaced only by an urge to explore. She secretly touched the railings on both sides of the path, sighing to herself: this was truly the government office that handled the affairs of the realm in the Imperial City. That immense grandeur was something she could never have imagined in her entire life had she not seen it with her own eyes.

This was a world entirely different from the inner chambers—no delicate sentiments, no comfortable parlors of a wealthy home. Here, it was cold, severe, and filled with the scent of gunpowder. The deeper she went, the more she felt an epic sense of grandeur. At the very end, there sat a long desk and a gold-lacquered armchair. She could almost envision the Commander sitting behind that desk, wielding the power of life and death.

It was strange, however, that such a formidable figure should always have a connection to her. It seemed like a coincidence, yet perhaps it was not. Now that she thought about it, the root of everything lay in that one solo visit. He had surely harbored curiosity and amusement; after all, no other lady of a prominent family had ever appeared in public so brazenly and without regard for decorum as she had.

She dropped her hands and carefully smoothed her clothing. Her plain attire in this somber, immense environment looked like a clear, limpid spring, possessing a calming effect in the June weather. Not far behind her, someone watched her every move with keen interest. The young lady’s every gesture held a gentle grace, and even the way she stood solemn and composed revealed a girlish shyness that ignited a sort of masculine self-confidence in him. He was quite satisfied. With his hands behind his back, he strolled over. As he passed by her, he asked: "Fourth Miss, do you have my jade pendant with you?"

She was startled by his sudden voice and turned around in a hurry. He had already removed his armor and was wearing only a pale ivory round-collared robe. The aloof, towering nobility from before had vanished, replaced now by a languid and casual air. Even in such a solemn Palace Guard office, it was merely a common resting place for him. He had changed his attire, effectively turning the hall into his study.

Qingyuan felt a bit awkward. At his question, she instinctively felt for the small pouch at her waist. That animal-faced pendant was truly inseparable from her now. In truth, it wasn't fear of a random inspection; it was the fear that if she were away from home, and someone took the excuse to search Danyue Pavilion and discovered the item, it would be a disaster.

Shen Run had sharp, seasoned eyes, but that sharpness was now steeped in smiles, suddenly becoming warm and affectionate. His gaze was particularly captivating and soul-snaring. He watched her untie the pouch, pull open the drawstring, and tip the pendant out into her delicate, warm palm, carefully presenting it to him. Like a teacher reviewing a lesson, he felt satisfied by his student's obedience. After looking at it, he praised her: "Fourth Miss has not cast my words to the wind. Shen is very gratified."

Gratified was better than being in a towering rage. Qingyuan did not answer; she put the pendant back into the pouch and tucked it back at her waist. She was more concerned with the events of the day and eager to get to the bottom of the truth. She offered a bow and said: "Can the Commander tell me about this case?"

Shen Run strolled leisurely across the open space before the desk, as if he hadn't heard her. He paced while lamenting: "I have not rushed about like this for personal matters in many years. To go back and forth between the Capital and Youzhou in a single day—and yet, I do not feel the slightest bit tired." After finishing, he glanced back at her.

Qingyuan’s heart skipped a beat. She did not know what "personal matter" he was referring to. She had no habit of being self-indulgent, nor did she care to pry into others' private thoughts; she only wanted to return to the subject: "Does the Commander know the origin of those men?"

One was intent on favoring their own interests, the other intent on ignoring the issue, resulting in an awkward scene of speaking at cross-purposes. Shen Run turned around, frowning as he scrutinized her: "Fourth Miss, we have been apart for quite a few days. Now that we meet again, do you have nothing else to say to me?"

Qingyuan thought for a moment and shook her head, saying there was nothing. "The banquet at your residence was only six or seven days ago; everything I had to say, I said that day. So now, I truly cannot think of what else to say. However, regarding my recent danger, I have yet to thank you for saving my life. If you had not arrived in time, the consequences would have been unimaginable. I do not fret over anything else; I only grieve for the servant who accompanied me. To lose a living life just like that truly makes me feel guilty."

Upon hearing her words, Shen Run suddenly curled his lips into a smile, folding his hands together: "What the Fourth Miss feels guilty about, I am perfectly aware. That servant’s death has nothing to do with you, and it was not your men who killed him. You may rest assured."

His words were sudden. Qingyuan had been calculating how to probe the identity of the black-clad men through him, but she hadn't expected him to hit the nail on the head, exposing the worries in her heart and dragging them into the light of day.

Qingyuan looked at him in horror, guessing how much more he knew of the inside story. Shen Run’s smile deepened. He leaned toward her, bringing his lips to her ear, and said word for word: "Fourth Miss, you forget what Shen’s profession is. In this world, whether in the light or the dark, as long as I desire to know, nothing escapes my eyes. You wanted to perform a 'bitter meat' ruse this time to topple Lady Hu; the idea was not bad, but you underestimated your opponent. Lady Hu also comes from a family of military generals; there is only a fine line between a soldier and a bandit. With your current foundation, it is very difficult to shake her."

The more he spoke, the more discouraged she became. Since she had been seen through, there was no point in arguing. She lowered her head and sighed: "It is I who was too simplistic... May I ask, Commander, what has become of the men I arranged beforehand?"

Shen Run said: "Since they were of no use, I sent them back. Once they learned that the Palace Guard Headquarters was intervening, they wouldn't dare join in the fun, no matter how much courage they had."

Qingyuan nodded wearily. "It is just as well they didn't show up. But then, for those black-clad men tonight—can you torture the truth out of them?"

Shen Run shook his head. "People trust people; they went through many hands to bribe these bandits. Even if we use torture, they might not be able to name their superiors."

Qingyuan knew all too well the difficulty of digging deeper, and it was precisely for that reason she had intended to stage her own grand performance. She just hadn't expected to run into him, a bitter rival. Had she known, she would have acted a day earlier. But she was still puzzled, and after weighing her words, she asked: "Since the Commander knew you wouldn't be able to get the truth, why drag us all the way to the Capital? Traveling such a great distance—isn't that a wasted effort?"

The man slowly shook his head, the corners of his eyes lifted with a hint of lingering affection and seven parts banter. "I never waste my efforts. Making such a grand commotion to bring you to the Palace Guard Headquarters will surely alarm the entire Xie family. While it may not topple Lady Hu in one fell swoop, it can serve as a warning, at the very least ensuring she does not dare to act recklessly again. And there is another matter—the most important one. Fourth Miss, would you like to guess what it is?"

Surely he has some other earth-shattering opinion, she thought. Qingyuan dared not guess; she only smiled and said she did not know.

So that's how it is, he thought. Playing against a girl who is adept at playing the fool truly requires thick skin. Shen Run had always considered himself prudent, but in the face of this person, his entire being was inexplicably stirred with amorous potential. He looked at her as if she were a dream: "I wanted to show you the place where I serve and let you know what I am busy with every day. This vast Palace Guard Headquarters has many units, all under my sole command. I carry a heavy responsibility on my shoulders, but while I am on duty, I can also snatch a moment of leisure to attend to private matters—and you, Fourth Miss, are my private matter. I traveled a great distance from the Capital to Youzhou for no other reason than that I missed you.”