Chapter 334: Foothold

Behind the hanging gauze curtains in the hall, a person sat cross-legged like a coiled dragon. Above, the caisson ceiling depicted the twenty-eight constellations, and beside him sat powerful Grand Secretaries and Ministers.

Ren Shou Palace was unusually quiet at this moment. Everyone was lost in thought due to the sudden turn of events, hesitant to speak rashly.

"By imperial decree, suppress the rebellion."

Could it be that His Majesty had long intended to eliminate the Wang family and weaken the Chen family, and thus secretly issued an oral decree, tasking the Imperial Forest Army—a palace guard unit usually overlooked—to carry out this matter in secret? If so, then the next step would be to condemn the Wang family, then use them to implicate the Chen family, thereby overthrowing the Crown Prince's faction.

Grand Secretary Chen sat on an embroidered stool, his gaze sharp and piercing, as if trying to see through the Chen family's illegitimate son before him. Through the mirror-smooth blue bricks, he observed Chen Ji's reflection—his face calm and resolute.

Grand Secretary Xu, Grand Secretary Qi, and Grand Secretary Hu closed their eyes in deep thought, their minds unknown. No one was willing to make a statement.

Chen Ji quietly knelt in Ren Shou Palace. His master, Yao Qimen, once said that his destiny was "a nascent state of creation, where firmness and flexibility first meet with difficulty in birth, moving through danger." When he asked what this meant, his master summarized it in seven words: "Placed in a death trap, then live." Chen Ji was gambling. He had gambled correctly.

A moment later, Grand Secretary Hu slowly spoke, "Your Majesty, your old subject dares to ask, when was this oral decree issued?"

Emperor Ning, seated calmly behind the gauze curtains, said, "Chen Ji, tell Grand Secretary Hu."

Chen Ji slowly replied, "A few days ago, I went to Tianqiao to watch wrestling and incidentally overheard that common ruffians in the outer city intended to gather and rebel, and were also privately hoarding bows and crossbows. I reported this to Lord Zhang Zhuo. Lord Zhang then conveyed an oral decree on behalf of Your Majesty, instructing us to act discreetly and investigate the rebels' movements to avoid alerting them."

Just as Grand Secretary Hu was about to speak, Zhang Zhuo interjected loudly, "Have you thoroughly investigated who the mastermind behind this is? Is it the Wang family?"

Chen Ji understood, and calmly replied, "During my investigation, I discovered that the 'leader,' Wang Huan, was backed by Lord Wang, the Prefect of Shuntian. Wang Huan has now confessed in the Imperial Prison that the crossbows and their associated equipment belong to the Wang family, and the assassins are also from the Wang family."

Wu Xiu glanced at everyone, then turned and exited Ren Shou Palace from behind the imperial screen, hurrying off to an unknown destination. Chen Ji cast a glance at him, stating, "It has nothing to do with my Chen family!"

Grand Secretary Chen's eyelids twitched slightly, and his clenched fists slowly relaxed.

The Vice Minister of War continued to ask, "If not the Chen family, then why did Chen Wenren appear in the Eight Great Hutongs? Was he not protecting the Wang family?"

Chen Ji calmly replied, "Reporting to this Lord, Chen Wenren appeared in the Eight Great Hutongs due to a personal vendetta with Li Xuan, the Commander of the Imperial Forest Army. Li Xuan had killed Chen Wenren's deputy commander during the Goryeo envoy case. It has nothing to do with rebellion."

The Vice Minister of War stated gravely, "Regardless of the reason, Chen Wenren's unauthorized deployment of official troops and participation in private armed combat warrant a hundred strokes with a rod and exile to Lingnan. Otherwise, everyone in the military will follow suit, leading to a breakdown of discipline."

Grand Secretary Chen slowly rose, leaning on his embroidered stool, lifted the hem of his official robe, and knelt in Ren Shou Palace: "Your Majesty, your old subject's senses are dull; I was truly unaware that a junior member of my family would dare to act so recklessly! I humbly beg Your Majesty's pity and permission to resign. I only wish to spend my remaining years teaching the young children of my clan to recite classics and understand right from wrong, thus not betraying Your Majesty's grace!"

Emperor Ning calmly said from behind the gauze curtain, "Chen Lizun, quickly help Grand Secretary Chen up. The burden of the Ministry of Revenue still rests on the Grand Secretary's shoulders. If the Grand Secretary resigns, whom can I rely on? The Grand Secretary is only seventy-six; please continue to bear this burden for our Great Ning dynasty!"

Chen Lizun hurriedly helped Grand Secretary Chen to his feet.

At this moment, Wu Xiu emerged from behind the imperial screen, holding a confession statement with a bloodied handprint: "Your Majesty, your humble servant went to the Imperial Prison and retrieved Wang Huan's confession, which is identical to what Chen Ji stated! Furthermore, he also confessed to the Wang family's private harboring of Taihang Mountain bandits!" Wu Xiu looked at the confession and said, "Chen Feng, the Taihang Mountain bandit, once gathered five bandits, controlling official roads, burning, killing, and plundering! After being encircled by the Myriad Years Army, he secretly entered the capital in the 27th year of Jianing and hid in Nianzi Hutong! Wang Zhong, the Prefect of Shuntian, audaciously forged a household registration for him, changing his name to Chen Zhu! This Chen Zhu had long worked for the Heji group, serving as a 'sitting official' within their organization. A few days ago, fearing exposure, the Wang family murdered him to silence him. His body is buried in the mass grave outside the city."

Emperor Ning did not take the confession statement, merely waving his hand: "Let the Grand Secretaries examine this confession! Immediately apprehend Wang Zhong, the Prefect of Shuntian, and ascertain whether his home conceals any bows, crossbows, or armor. Arrest all individuals involved in this rebellion and bring them to justice. The male offenders shall be beheaded publicly, and their female dependents consigned to the Imperial Music Bureau!" Having spoken, he lowered his gaze to Grand Secretary Chen: "Grand Secretary Chen, as that Lady Wang is a member of your Chen family, I will not intervene. Return home and discipline her properly!"

Grand Secretary Qi, who had remained silent throughout, suddenly reminded him, "Your Majesty, Chen Ji and others have rendered meritorious service in suppressing the rebellion!"

Emperor Ning remained silent for a moment: "Draft the imperial decree! Li Xuan is promoted to Commander of the Imperial Forest Army, a fourth-rank official, bestowed with a dragon-patterned sword. Qi Zhenzhuo is promoted to Commander of the Imperial Forest Army, a junior fourth-rank official, bestowed with a Qilin jade belt. Ensign Chen Ji is promoted to Captain of the Imperial Forest Army, a sixth-rank official. All others are promoted by one rank!"

Emperor Ning rose from his throne: "Very well, today's matters are concluded. If there's nothing else, you may return home and rest early!"

Chen Ji suddenly looked up and said, "Your Majesty, Chen Wenren!"

Emperor Ning paused, and the officials in Ren Shou Palace likewise became solemn. Emperor Ning stood behind the gauze curtains, a half-smile playing on his lips: "Draft the decree: Chen Wenren shall be given a hundred strokes with a rod and exiled to Lingnan. All Imperial Forest Army soldiers under his command shall be demoted to ordinary soldiers!"

Emperor Ning gazed at Chen Ji for a long time: "Wu Xiu, go investigate who these people are; do not wrong meritorious officials!"

The Prince of Fu, standing nearby, secretly gave Chen Ji a thumbs-up. Before he could even smile, Emperor Ning's compassionate voice was heard: "Prince of Fu, you have behaved improperly before the throne. You are fined three years' salary and forbidden to leave the capital without an imperial decree!" Just as the Prince of Fu was about to kneel and wail, Emperor Ning calmly said, "Since you rarely come to the palace, go visit your mother, the Empress Dowager. Do not cause trouble again!" He stood up, facing the throne, and slowly retreated from Ren Shou Palace. Only after crossing the threshold did he turn and stride away. Chen Ji, still prostrate on the ground, secretly glanced back and saw the Prince of Fu's steps quickening, gradually breaking into a trot. He did not look like a prince at all!

Only then did Grand Secretary Chen speak up to remind him, "Your Majesty, the Crown Prince is still waiting outside the palace!"

Emperor Ning looked at Wu Xiu: "Why has the Crown Prince come?"

Wu Xiu replied, "Reporting to Your Majesty, the Crown Prince has come to plead for the Imperial Forest Army!"

Emperor Ning said nonchalantly, "Let him go back. It's not too late to plead again once he understands the full situation. The Imperial Forest Army does not need him to save them!" Emperor Ning shook the three-mountain bell beside him: "I am tired. You may all return and rest. We will discuss the Goryeo matter tomorrow!"

After Emperor Ning turned and went behind the imperial screen, the officials remained standing, all waiting for the Grand Secretaries to depart first.

Grand Secretary Qi slowly rose. As he passed Chen Ji, he said kindly, "My two lads from the Qi family will still need your extra care!" Grand Secretary Qi patted his shoulder: "I know their temperaments well. Qi Zhenzhuo, that boy, certainly won't regret acknowledging you as his master! Tomorrow, our family is hosting a literary gathering, and we've invited the master from Yuanjue Temple and the head of Donglin Academy. You and your elder brother Chen Wenzong should come." Chen Ji looked at Grand Secretary Chen and Chen Lizun. Chen Lizun nodded slightly. Chen Ji bowed to Grand Secretary Qi, saying, "It is better to obey than to be respectful!"

"Young and promising, with boundless prospects."

Grand Secretary Qi turned and departed. The officials looked at the ensign with unreadable expressions. Grand Secretary Chen and Chen Lizun walked past Chen Ji. Chen Lizun reminded him, "When you go back tonight, remember to ask the kitchen to prepare some food for you. Don't ruin your health by staying up late!"

Ren Shou Palace gradually emptied. Zhang Zhuo waited until everyone had left before pulling Chen Ji outside. As they passed the Crown Prince, he firmly held Chen Ji, preventing him from conversing with the Crown Prince. Behind them, young eunuchs extinguished one candle after another with long copper rods. The magnificent palace gradually descended into darkness. The light illuminating the Crown Prince also vanished bit by bit, until he was swallowed by the darkness.

Two young eunuchs walked ahead, carrying two palace lanterns, with Chen Ji and Zhang Zhuo following silently behind them. As they passed through the solemn and desolate red walls and grey tiles, Chen Ji couldn't help but look back towards Zhong Cui Palace and Jing Yang Palace, but his view was completely obstructed by a Jiefan Tower. Zhang Zhuo waited for him, resuming their walk only after Chen Ji had finished looking.

The two exited the Meridian Gate, followed the palace path through the Duan Gate, and then out the Chengtian Gate. Walking along the long, vermilion palace path felt like emerging from a deep-sea vortex, a vortex that pulled at everyone, requiring immense willpower to break free.

Zhang Zhuo turned his face to Chen Ji, teasing, "You're incredibly bold. What if His Majesty hadn't agreed to your request? Wouldn't you have been dragged out beyond the Meridian Gate and beheaded?"

Chen Ji looked at the night scenery of the capital: "Didn't Lord Zhang teach me all this?"

Zhang Zhuo chuckled, "I certainly didn't teach you to gamble with your life. Tell me, what gave you the confidence to bet that His Majesty would step in to protect you?"

Chen Ji thought for a moment and replied, "Throughout history, emperors have cared most about three things: money, people, and who covets their throne. Everything else is secondary! His Majesty used Grand Secretary Xu because he could help him earn money, and it's for the same reason he now employs Lord Zhang! I imagine Zhang Xia has already sent the Wang family's money to the imperial treasury. With money, things are easier to discuss! Secondly, His Majesty views the powerful aristocratic families as a hidden danger. When someone hands him a knife, there's no reason for him to refuse!" There was another reason Chen Ji did not voice, but it was the most crucial.

Zhang Zhuo stood outside the Chengtian Gate with his hands clasped behind his back: "You're right, but not entirely. Is sixty thousand taels a lot? Yes! For the Ministry of Revenue, it's ten days' rations for border soldiers, requiring careful calculation; for the Ministry of War, it's five hundred cannons; among the populace, it's a death warrant forged from the blood and sweat of farmers from eight counties! But in the imperial treasury, it's nothing significant!"

Zhang Zhuo chuckled, "There's more than just sixty thousand taels behind this matter. The vacant position of Prefect of Shuntian alone is worth sixty thousand taels!"

Chen Ji asked curiously, "It's that straightforward?"

Zhang Zhuo glanced at him sideways: "Do you know how the current Minister of Works was promoted? The year before last, he presented His Majesty with 'Longevity Gold' amounting to eighty thousand taels of silver. Not long after, he was promoted to Minister of Works! Of course, few people respect him, and those eighty thousand taels of silver will only allow him to enjoy the position of Minister for three years! Furthermore, confiscating the Wang family's assets—Wang Zhong has served as Prefect of Shuntian for nine years and secretly harbored bandits. This is a fat sheep indeed! The Jiefan Guard will surely squeeze him dry, and even the women of the Wang family will fetch a good price in the Imperial Music Bureau!"

Chen Ji then asked, "Why did Lord Zhang just now imply that I should stop at the Wang family? Wouldn't it be better to target both branches of the Chen family?"

Zhang Zhuo retorted, annoyed, "His Majesty doesn't only care about money. He also needs to keep the second branch of the Chen family to check the main branch! For years, Grand Secretary Chen has supported the Crown Prince, while the second branch has secretly curried favor with the Prince of Fu, creating an irreconcilable conflict! If we were to help Grand Secretary Chen eliminate the second branch, he would probably wake up laughing from his dreams!"

Standing on Chang'an Avenue outside the Chengtian Gate, Zhang Zhuo sighed, "The Prince of Fu is a clever man, far cleverer than the Crown Prince, at least! If he had made even one mistake tonight, it wouldn't have ended well for him!"

Chen Ji earnestly said, "I wish to hear the details!"

Zhang Zhuo stroked his beard: "Firstly, as it says in the Doctrine of the Mean, 'Utmost sincerity is like divine power.' Not lying before His Majesty is the way to preserve one's life! Secondly, before entering the palace, he completely cleared out Furuixiang without hesitation, honestly handing over the money! Thirdly, he threw a tantrum and ruined his own image! There is no such thing as an emperor losing his composure in this world. He merely demonstrated that he had no ambition to contend for the succession, cutting off his own path to becoming Crown Prince! As for the Crown Prince, he possesses cruelty but lacks intelligence!"

Chen Ji nodded.

Zhang Zhuo looked at him: "You're quite ruthless. His Majesty had no intention of bothering with that fool Chen Wenren, yet you still wanted to finish him off. How did you dare to make such a request to His Majesty?"

Chen Ji seriously replied, "Lord Zhang, people usually prefer those they have helped, rather than those who have helped them. It's not a bad thing to make His Majesty owe me a favor!"

Zhang Zhuo burst into laughter: "Finally, you sound like a true resident of the capital." He then changed the subject: "It's just that with all this commotion you've caused, you won't earn much from the outer city businesses now!"

Chen Ji turned his head and asked, "How so?"

Zhang Zhuo casually explained, "If you could handle this matter on your own, then according to our previous agreement, my Zhang family would take fifty percent, and you'd take the rest. But if you couldn't handle it and brought it before the throne, then my Zhang family takes ninety percent, and you take ten percent! Of course, you must have guessed that this money doesn't go to my Zhang family, but directly to the imperial treasury. The Zhang family won't take a single cent."

Chen Ji hummed in acknowledgment: "I'm not greedy. As long as there's money to be made, it's fine! The Eight Great Hutongs plus Liulichang—even ten percent of that is a considerable amount!"

Zhang Zhuo looked at Chen Ji with interest: "You're not angry that ninety percent of the territory you worked so hard to secure has been taken away?"

Chen Ji calmly replied, "Lord Zhang, what I want to accomplish cannot be done with just money; I need the shade of a dense, towering tree... By the way, that arrow tonight, His Majesty didn't send someone to shoot it, did he?"

Zhang Zhuo laughed softly: "What are you thinking? Why would His Majesty need to do such a thing? He only needs to sit on his throne behind the gauze curtains, act as a qualified arbiter, and wait for everyone to seek his judgment and decision. Power will naturally return to his hands! Young man, the so-called 'art of the emperor' isn't that mysterious. His Majesty only needs to perpetually remain the superior arbiter, and he will already be invincible!"

Chen Ji suddenly understood. That's right, the referee never loses; they only watch others contend for victory or defeat!

Zhang Zhuo patted his shoulder: "Let's go. I'll also attend the Qi family's literary gathering tomorrow. We can talk more then. How to handle the Goryeo envoys is another headache!" He walked towards the Zhang family's carriage, stepped onto a small stool, and climbed inside. The carriage slowly departed along the blue-brick road of Chang'an Avenue, disappearing among the undulating, endless grey-tiled pavilions.

Chen Ji gazed at the desolate Chang'an Avenue, rubbed his cheeks, and walked into the night.

In Baishun Hutong, within Baiyu Garden, Brocade Robe and Lord Qi sat in a pavilion playing chess. Lord Qi looked at his general, checkmated by a sacrificed knight in thirteen moves, and fell into deep thought. Brocade Robe, meanwhile, sat opposite him with his legs crossed, humming a tune.

Brocade Robe scratched his scalp with his pinky finger, then turned to Er Dao: "Is that old geezer cursing me?"

Er Dao honestly replied, "Both praising and scolding!"

As they spoke, a man from the Sanshan Society ran in and whispered into Lord Qi's ear. Lord Qi raised his eyebrows, then his expression gradually turned solemn.

Before Lord Qi could speak, Brocade Robe smiled and stood up: "Er Dao, let's go. We have a foothold in the capital now."

Lord Qi remained silent for a moment: "Liulichang and the Eight Great Hutongs can be yours, but in exchange, you must teach us the Mandarin Duck Formation!" With that, Brocade Robe walked out of the pavilion.

Lord Qi, curious, asked from behind him, "I haven't said anything yet, so how can you be so certain that your reckless employer will get away unscathed?"

Brocade Robe turned back and grinned: "Before I knew him, I didn't entirely trust him either. But now it's your turn to know him! Perhaps you think we're reckless, but we're just not very familiar with this place yet!" Brocade Robe walked out, waving casually over his shoulder to Lord Qi: "It's fine, we'll get familiar with it sooner or later!"

Book Five, Prologue, End.