Chapter 109:
Hostages

 

REALIZING YAN WUSHI had tricked him by pretending to vomit blood, Shen Qiao refused to say a single word to Yan Wushi the rest of the way to Chang’an and the Duke of Sui’s residence.

In his heart, this man and the word “cunning” were already irreversibly linked. His mind held more schemes than a honeycomb had cells. Shen Qiao knew that even if he used every trick he had, he still wouldn’t be Yan Wushi’s match. Hence, silence was golden—he simply refused to speak. No matter what Yan Wushi said, Shen Qiao only answered with “Mm,” or “Oh.” He refused to believe that the man could find any openings this way.

Yan Wushi also knew that he’d gone too far. Though he’d forced Shen Qiao to show his concern with his moment of panic, no one enjoyed being embarrassed. Even with someone as good-natured as Shen Qiao, exposing them like that would of course make them angry. It’d be stranger if he wasn’t angry.

Chang’an was the same as always, with its tall city walls and majestic grandeur. Thousands of sights combined into a single scene—truly worthy of its status as the imperial capital. Shen Qiao had never seen such a stolid, awe-inspiring aura in even the capital of the Southern Dynasty, Jiankang.

Jiankang could be considered as the capital of several dynasties. It had been established since the time of Sun Wu, during the Three Kingdoms era. The palace had three outer walls and three inner walls, with the river Qinhuai to the south and the lake Houhu to the north. When Yuwen Yong entrusted Yan Wushi with escorting the Zhou envoys to the Southern Dynasty, Shen Qiao also stayed in Jiankang. Comparing the two capitals, Jiankang had more splendor and charm but lacked Chang’an’s power and gravity. There was a saying that “The presence of kingly qi determines the location of the capital. For where the kingly qi resides, the dragon’s vein—the flow of fortune—will be found.” These words carried a strong whiff of superstition, but there was a grain of truth in them. Though Daoists didn’t practice divination, some cursory dabbling was inevitable, and Shen Qiao too knew a thing or two about observing and interpreting qi. Back then, when he’d examined Yuwen Yong’s qi and complexion, he’d felt that Yuwen Yong didn’t have much longer to live. Now, when comparing Jiankang with Chang’an, he also felt that the former was a little lacking in kingly qi compared to the latter. Perhaps it was this little gap that could determine a dynasty’s fate.

But such talk of the supernatural was better kept to himself. Even if the emperor believed them, few emperors would actually move their capital over something like this.

Ultimately, a dynasty’s fortunes relied on correct timing, geographical advantages, and human harmony. None of these could be missing. Now that the Zhou Dynasty had lost Yuwen Yong, what use was the correct timing and geographical advantage? They were already pointless; the yellow flowers of tomorrow.

“Why is A-Qiao’s expression so grave?” Yan Wushi’s voice sounded from beside him, destroying the mood.

Shen Qiao didn’t even want to acknowledge him. He pretended he’d heard nothing.

Yan Wushi kept his bright smile despite being given the cold shoulder—there was no hint of displeasure. He followed Shen Qiao and entered the city.

Shen Qiao protecting Yuwen Song while fighting his way out of the siege had left a deep impression on the people. He hadn’t even changed his attire for this visit; he was still dressed in a blue Daoist robe, a longsword on his back. With his exceptional face, even the guards immediately recognized him. They watched helplessly as he casually entered the city. Not a single one had the courage to stop or interrogate him.

Most people would admire the truly capable. Shen Qiao’s actions that day had been so dazzling, even the low-ranking foot soldiers who’d participated in the siege felt nothing but heartfelt respect for this Daoist priest. After all, he’d managed to escape from a city full of archers and countless martial experts using only his own strength. Though they’d later heard the emperor had been furious over failing to kill his uncle’s entire family, having let his younger cousin escape like a fish from a net, they all privately gave Shen Qiao a thumbs-up. Accounts of that brilliant battle had long been pieced into a story that was circulating around the markets. The common folk might not have heard of the world’s number one martial artist Qi Fengge, but they definitely knew of this supremely righteous and powerful Daoist Master Shen.

But Chang’an was Chang’an, not anywhere else. Since entering the city, countless eyes and ears had been alerted to their presence. However, Yan Wushi showed no concern, nor did he alert Shen Qiao. He simply took him straight to the Junior Preceptor’s residence in the city.

Though Huanyue Sect had lost its influence, Yan Wushi was not a court criminal. Shen Qiao had fled with Yuwen Song, but Yuwen Yun had come to the conclusion that a single seven- to eight-year-old child couldn’t cause too much trouble. In any case, he spent all day indulging in pleasure, so he lacked the time to concern himself with other matters and didn’t bother to pursue them further. Thus, though these two people had entered the city and attracted all sorts of attention, no one came to arrest them. One reason was that there was no legitimate reason to do so, and the second was that even if anyone wanted to arrest them, they wouldn’t have been able to do so.

Ever since the new emperor’s ascension to the throne, the Junior Preceptor’s residence had been sealed off. The gates were locked and covered with paper seals. Yan Wushi gently tugged at them with both hands, and even the heavy chains snapped with a clang, to say nothing of the seals. He pushed the gates and entered. The sight of his complete disregard for the court’s ban made Shen Qiao’s mouth twitch as he watched.

Was this because he’d already resolved to support Puliuru Jian, so he saw no need to avoid suspicion, even in broad daylight?

Shen Qiao wanted to ask, but after opening his mouth, he restrained himself.

Yan Wushi didn’t look back, but it was like he had eyes on the back of his head, for he said, “At the Sword Trial Conference, Hehuan Sect went to harass Chunyang Monastery, and Sang Jingxing and Yuan Xiuxiu must have been injured in the ensuing scuffle. The handful of small fry remaining aren’t even worth mentioning. Currently in Chang’an, the only one worthy of my concern is Xueting, but that old bald donkey relies too much on the Buddhist orthodoxy and clings to his face, so he can’t do anything underhanded like espionage. As for Yuwen Yun, I also used to instruct him when he was the crown prince. He knew he couldn’t provoke me, and in any case he was only interested in having fun. He would never act recklessly until he was completely certain. If someone were to accuse me in front of him, he’d just turn a blind eye.”

Shen Qiao frowned. From what Yan Wushi was saying, Yuwen Yun also didn’t seem entirely incompetent. But to annihilate his uncles’ families right after ascending the throne… These actions were truly chilling.

Yan Wushi seemed to notice his thoughts again. “Yuwen Yun elevates Buddhism, but he also brought in Hehuan Sect. He clearly doesn’t want the Buddhist discipline to be the sole dominant faction, and he does have some skill when it comes to controlling his subordinates; he was able to disperse the various sources of power over multiple factions. If he truly lacked competence, he couldn’t have kept up the act in front of Yuwen Yong for so many years without being deposed. But these are the limits of his abilities. If Yuwen Yong had listened to me and established Yuwen Xian as ruler instead, the Zhou Dynasty could have enjoyed three more generations of stability.”

Shen Qiao hadn’t expected that Yan Wushi would have suggested that to Yuwen Yong. No wonder Yuwen Yun had immediately targeted Huanyue Sect upon ascending to the throne. He probably loathed Yan Wushi to the bone. Unfortunately, this emperor didn’t use his smarts on official matters, instead wasting it on pointless things.

At present, the Göktürk Khaganate was in the north, while the Southern Dynasty was in the south. Even the conquest of the north itself had been due to the late emperor. However, a normal emperor, even one who didn’t want to unify the lands eventually, wouldn’t do something like abdicating the throne for his son and taking the position of emperor emeritus instead. Even when Shen Qiao was in Xining Town, he’d heard about the emperor’s large-scale construction of imperial gardens, as well as about him engaging in inappropriate behavior with his concubines and palace maids in broad daylight. If Yuwen Yong in the underworld found out that his son was ruining the empire that he’d spent decades of blood, sweat, and tears on this way, he’d probably come back to life out of sheer rage.

Yan Wushi added, “Yuwen Xian was weak, but he was skilled with military administration, as well as an excellent commander. Even if he couldn’t have inherited Yuwen Yong’s legacy, he wouldn’t have squandered the family’s wealth entirely. Unfortunately, Yuwen Yong couldn’t break free from the shackles of tradition and insisted on his son inheriting the throne. His vision was far too narrow and shallow. He labored his entire life and ended up being killed by his son, and all his hard work has come to nothing. Such misfortune he brought upon himself!”

He showed little respect for the previous emperor, his criticisms flowing forth the moment he opened his mouth. Anyone else hearing this would have been terrified out of their wits, but Shen Qiao couldn’t help but internally roll his eyes. He thought, Didn’t you get ambushed by those martial experts in the capital of Tuyuhun? You even ended up with a crack in your skull and almost lost your life. You call Yuwen Yong shallow, but where was your foresight then?

Yan Wushi didn’t even turn back as he joked, “A-Qiao, I didn’t expect you, an upright gentleman, to develop the bad habit of silently cursing someone behind his back. That’s not good!”

Shen Qiao knew Yan Wushi was trying to provoke him into talking, but this only made him clam up more.

By now, the two had already passed through the atrium and arrived in the backyard.

Shen Qiao didn’t know why Yan Wushi had brought him here, but looking at the surrounding vegetation and furnishings, there was no sign of the neglect or disarray that should come from the owner’s absence. Instead, everything was neatly maintained, indicating that someone had been coming over frequently to take care of the place. Yet the seals and locks outside had been untouched, which was rather intriguing.

Yan Wushi pushed open a door to the house, but the inside wasn’t empty—several people were waiting.

Upon their arrival, those people all stood up to greet them. The person in the middle took a few steps forward and cupped his hands, saying, “I heard that Sect Leader Yan has encountered many crises while outside lately. Alas, I am not from the jianghu and was unable to help at all. It is fortunate that you are safe and sound. I can finally lay my worries to rest.”

He then greeted Shen Qiao and said, “Daoist Master Shen was utterly brilliant that day, practically unforgettable. The people of Chang’an are still discussing it with relish even now. Seeing you again, your magnificence has only increased!”

This man was an old acquaintance, so Shen Qiao naturally recognized him. Moreover, Yan Wushi had already mentioned him in advance, so he’d come mentally prepared. Now, he also cupped his hands and smiled. “Duke of Sui,” he greeted him. “I heard that when I left the capital with Qilang that day, the Duke of Sui had been secretly assisting us, and that’s why we were able to escape safely. This humble Daoist has yet to thank the Duke of Sui for this.”

Puliuru Jian gave a hearty laugh. “I only lifted a finger! No need to let it linger on your mind!”

He introduced the person with him to Shen Qiao: “This is Zheng Yi, a senior official from the Department of Internal History.”

And there was another person here who needed no introduction but was also an old acquaintance—Yan Wushi’s eldest disciple, Bian Yanmei. The moment Yan Wushi had entered, Bian Yanmei had come forward and bowed. When he saw Shen Qiao looking at him, he smiled and cupped his hands at him as well.

Despite Yan Wushi’s pride, he dispensed with his usual posturing and spoke pleasantly to Puliuru Jian. “While outside, I received a letter from Dalang, saying that there was some trouble on your end.”

Everyone took a seat, and Puliuru Jian gave a bitter smile. “Yes, there has indeed been some trouble. I’ve thought long and hard but still cannot find a way, so I can only presumptuously bother Sect Leader Yan.”

Yuwen Yun was rather lacking when it came to governing the country, but he was quite adept with tactics for protecting his imperial power. After killing several of his uncles in succession, he turned his attention to his officials. The first to receive his attention was his own father-in-law, the Duke of Sui, Puliuru Jian.

Puliuru Jian wasn’t Yuwen Xian. He refused to simply sit and wait for death, or perhaps he’d already intended to revolt. Faced with an emperor like Yuwen Yun, he couldn’t possibly be happy to submit himself and serve as his minister. Therefore, though he appeared respectful on the surface, he’d been making many preparations in secret. First, he’d contacted the military to attempt to take over the remnants of Yuwen Xian’s troops. After Yuwen Xian’s death, those who were originally loyal to him had been subject to the emperor’s suspicions and oppression, leaving them in a state of constant fear. When they saw Puliuru Jian offering an olive branch, they naturally rushed to take it. As Puliuru Jian worked, many people in the court also fell to his side, becoming the backbone of his faction. Zheng Yi was one of them.

However, Yuwen Yun was not completely unaware. Puliuru Jian’s daughter was Yuwen Yun’s empress. Yuwen Yun was unable to grasp any of Puliuru Jian’s weaknesses, and so his attitude toward the empress had deteriorated. He would verbally abuse and browbeat her at every turn, even threatening her with death several times. It was only thanks to Puliuru Jian’s wife, Lady Dugu, entering the palace and pleading for mercy that she’d narrowly escaped with her life.

Puliuru Jian sighed. “A few days ago, it was the empress’s birthday. His Majesty had no intention of arranging any grand celebrations, but only bestowed a few gifts on her and allowed my wife to visit. However, a message came from the palace, saying that the empress wanted to see her brothers, so my wife brought our first and second sons into the palace to celebrate her birthday. But after she met with the empress, someone lured my wife away with an excuse, and when she returned, she was told that the empress missed her brothers and wished to have them stay for a meal. My wife asked to see the empress, but to no avail, so she pleaded with His Majesty and was expelled from the palace. Since then, I have seen neither the empress nor my sons. I did all I could, but His Majesty refuses to let anyone go. I don’t even know if they’re alive or dead.”

In other words, two of Puliuru Jian’s sons and one of his daughters had been taken hostage by Yuwen Yun.

Puliuru Jian had five sons. The eldest, one of the sons who’d been taken to the palace, was only nine years old.

At this point, his face was filled with distress, his earnest love for his sons pouring into his words. “I’ve done everything I could. I even begged His Majesty, but he wouldn’t let anyone go. He insists that it was my sons who wanted to remain in the palace so that they could keep the empress company. Buddhist Master Xueting is watching over the palace, and martial experts have gathered there like storm clouds. If I use force, I can’t guarantee that my children will remain unharmed. I never imagined that Yuwen Yun would suddenly launch an attack, even resorting to a method like this. I truly have no alternative but to beg Sect Leader Yan for help!”

The room was so quiet, one could have heard a pin drop. Yan Wushi smiled a little and said with perfect composure, “I’ll put it bluntly. All the necessary preparations are complete, Duke of Sui. You need only wait for the perfect opportunity. Even without those two sons, you still have three, so it doesn’t hinder the overall situation. As long as you remain firm, Yuwen Yun cannot use this to threaten you.”