Chapter 45

General Cao Zhan’s case had been reviewed and finalized, then sent to the Twelve Departments for reexamination before being submitted to the Privy Council and Ministry of Military Control, eventually making its way to the Emperor. However, since the court was preoccupied with military affairs in both the north and south, the memorial had been sitting for days without any response. Su Xinghe wasn’t in a hurry; she spent her time in the Office of Military Control sorting through past records while waiting for an update.

Meanwhile, it seemed that Commander Nan Yushu was incredibly busy. A steady stream of commandants rushed in and out, always in a frantic hurry. Jinyi, ever eager for gossip, often went to probe for information. Clicking his tongue in amazement, he reported, “They brought in another group of people today. I heard they didn’t even spare the street vendors, everyone’s being interrogated about whether they’ve seen anything suspicious.”

But hawkers selling braised offal and rice noodle rolls were just ordinary folks trying to make a living. They were too focused on their businesses to notice any so-called ‘suspicious’ figures. Even if a murderer stood right in front of them, they might not realize it. Su Xinghe chuckled at the thought. “That’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. Looks like Commander  Nan Yushu has hit a dead end.”

Jinyi smirked. “If he can’t find any leads, he’ll just have to come to our lord for help again. And once the case is solved, all the credit will go to our side.”

Su Xinghe shook her head. “The New Year is coming. Once we wrap up this matter, let’s take it easy for a couple of days. We all get the same salary. Why should we do all the work?”

It was clear she had no intention of getting involved, and the others were more than happy to stay out of it as well.

Just then, Su Xinghai, who had been down in the dungeon, returned to the duty room to report. Before he could say a word, Su Xinghe asked, “Did he die?”

Su Xinghai replied, “The treatment was timely he pulled through.”

Seated comfortably in her circle-backed chair, she remarked coolly, “I bet he regrets it now. Thought he was being clever at the time, but he never imagined it would come to this.”

It was all a disaster born out of jealousy and rivalry. When Su Xinghe had told General Cao Zhan that it was his wife who had written the letter to report him, she hadn’t been far from the truth.

General Cao Zhan had entertained the idea of officially recognizing his illegitimate son from outside the household. His second wife, who had borne him a son within the family, feared that with too many mouths to feed, their resources would be stretched too thin. So she turned to the Ministry of Military Control, hoping to use their power to get rid of those concubines and mistresses who were taking imperial stipends while secretly keeping other lovers.

But once a government office like this got involved, it was never a simple matter. Investigating from top to bottom, they not only removed General Cao Zhan and his mistresses but also implicated the entire General’s household. Before long, the whole family was driven out of their manor like a flock of ducks and thrown into Zuo Zhaoyi Prison to await trial. It was only then that the second wife realized the gravity of her mistake by bringing down her husband; she had doomed herself and her children as well.

Ashamed beyond endurance, she glanced at her two sons, huddled together in fear. When no one was watching, she loosened her skirt sash and tied it around the prison bars, attempting to hang herself. Fortunately, a patrolling jailer happened to pass by, hurriedly cutting her down in time. Since she hadn’t been hanging for long, she was dragged back from the brink of death.

Such a short-sighted woman, how could she not understand that the family’s fortunes were tied together? External misfortunes might be unavoidable, but to turn against one’s own household? That was corruption at the very root.

“Keep a close watch on her. She must not be allowed to die,” Su Xinghe murmured, her eyes half-closed. “The case isn’t finished, and sentencing hasn’t been decided. If she dies, we’ll have no one to interrogate when the time comes.”

She sighed. “Let her live. Living and suffering is its own form of atonement.”

A few days later, as the year-end approached and the departments closed their accounts, the palace finally issued a ruling.

Although General Cao Zhan, as an imperial in-law, had committed a crime of the highest degree, it so happened that the Empress was about to be formally enthroned. Out of consideration for this, his punishment was slightly reduced, his household was to be confiscated, and both he and his wife were sentenced to lifelong house arrest.

As for his concubines, mistresses, illegitimate children, and household servants, they were all convicted. Some were exiled, some were sold, and others were sent to the palace as slaves.

A once-powerful noble family had collapsed overnight.

Su Xinghe held the sentencing document in her hands, staring blankly at it for a long while. For some reason, an overwhelming sense of sorrow like the lament of a fox mourning a fallen rabbit suddenly welled up within her.

The downfall of a family could happen in an instant. One day, they were high and mighty, riding tall on their horses, and the next, they were reduced to less than pigs and dogs.

Back when the scandal of Shen Zhai Gong had erupted, her own family hadn’t fallen nearly as far as Cao’s family, yet even then, they had been thrown into panic and helplessness, unsure of what to do.

It was a terrifying experience that, after going through once, she never wished to face again. Even now, years later, just recalling it was enough to make her insides burn with agony, a torment worse than death.

Although the Cao family’s case had not resulted in any public executions, all punishments were still overseen by the Ministry of Military Control.

On this desolate winter day, the sun hung high in the sky, but the northern wind continued to howl, carrying with it a bone-chilling cold.

The prisoners driven out of Zuo Zhaoyi no longer resembled their former selves. Their once-luxurious robes had long since been reduced to dull, dirt-covered rags. Their hair was disheveled, their arms crossed tightly over their chests, shoulders hunched, necks shrunk into their collars against the biting cold. Strung together by straw ropes, they shuffled forward in a line like crabs.

Half a month in prison had broken them. Even the children who had once cried the loudest dared not make a sound anymore; one whimper would earn them a whip across the back.

Su Xinghe stood to the side, counting the prisoners. Those old enough had already been branded and were set to be exiled to the northern frontier. The rest of those under fifteen were to be handed over to the palace’s Department of the Inner Court.

They were herded into the open space ahead and lined up in a row, ready to be inspected one by one.

The Director of the Inner Court looked at the children, some barely reaching his waist, and let out a long sigh.

“Fortune and misfortune are ever intertwined. These were once the children of wealthy, noble families such bright, promising little ones. And now, look at them…”

He shook his head and continued, “Their parents are beyond reach now. Come with me, you’ll go to the palace and enjoy a life of comfort.”

Of course, his so-called “comfort” was nothing more than a refined way of saying they would serve as laborers, toiling endlessly.

Su Xinghe stated, “There are six children under fifteen, including one who isn’t even a year old. Lord Huo Yan, please confirm the headcount.”

The Director of the Inner Court looked over the children who could walk on their own. Their eyes shimmered with unshed tears, their faces filled with fear and uncertainty. He felt a pang of pity and tried to reassure them, “Don’t be afraid. Once you settle in, things will get easier. From now on, you can only rely on yourselves. If you’ve already survived the ordeal of your family’s downfall, what could possibly be worse?”

He counted them one by one and had the eunuchs take them away. But when he reached the last child, he hesitated.

“This one is far too young. Bringing an infant into the palace means finding a wet nurse to feed him. We’re not just taking in laborers at this point we’re practically adopting a child. This won’t work; there’s no one to care for him.”

Su Xinghe was also troubled by the situation.

“His mother has already been sent to Qianmen Street. Perhaps we could let her enter the Inner Court as well? At least she could raise him for now.”

The Director of the Inner Court considered it and shrugged, “If you say so, anything can be arranged. An extra pair of hands in the palace makes little difference. Let her stay and take care of the child for two years once the boy is older, he’ll be able to fend for himself. But the issue is… she’s already been taken away. She might have already been sold off by now.”

Just as they were fretting over how to deal with the lone infant, a voice came from behind them.

“If there’s no other choice, hand him over to me.”

Everyone turned to look. The Privy Councilor was striding down the covered walkway, dressed in fine robes lined with fur, still carrying that air of decisive authority. When he reached them, he cupped his hands in greeting.

“General Cao Zhan was my subordinate. He served under me for over a decade. Though I despise his greed and ambition, the child is innocent in all this. I understand that the Inner Court has its own difficulties; an infant with no caretaker might not survive. The palace does have provisions for young children, but rather than sending him off to a slave dealer, why not entrust him to me? I’ll take him back and find someone to raise him properly.”

The Director of the Inner Court let out an exaggerated sigh of relief.

“Ah, now this is truly an act of kindness! Otherwise, who knows where this child would end up? If the Grand Councilor is willing, I certainly have no objections. But the final decision rests with Lord Su, Lord Su, what do you say?”

What reason did Su Xinghe have to refuse?

She had always thought Huo Yan was someone cold and unfeeling or at the very least, not a man driven by sentiment. But for him to come here personally and specifically ask for an abandoned child showed that there was warmth beneath his hardened exterior. That blend of steel and tenderness sent a strange tremor through her heart.

She glanced at him and smiled.

“I was just thinking that if there was no other way, I’d have Su Xinghai take the child back and raise him alongside my two nephews. But since  Huo Yan is here, this is an even better arrangement. I’ll leave it in your capable hands.”

Huo Yan nodded. Their eyes met for only a brief moment, but something lingered in the exchange, something worth pondering over.

The constables brought the child over. Huo Yan was still clad in armor and struggled to find a comfortable way to hold him. He shifted positions a few times, but it was awkward. He was about to remove his armor when Su Xinghe stepped in.

“Let me.”

There was something innate about the way a woman held a child, no need for instruction, no hesitation. She took the baby and rested him against her shoulder, patting his back through the thick cotton layers.

The child didn’t cry or fuss. He simply nestled there, quiet and small so small that it made one’s heart ache.

The Director of the Inner Court clapped his hands, satisfied.

“Now that everything is settled, I shall return to the palace and report back.”

He cupped his hands in farewell and led the children away from the grounds.

Su Xinghe, still holding the child, felt a little awkward but remained composed. She arched her delicate brows and smiled.

“Lord Huo Yan, since it’s inconvenient for you to carry him yourself, let me bring him to your residence.”

Huo Yan remained calm as ever.

“I only worry it may delay your official duties.”

She assured him, “It’s no trouble. The office is quiet today. Now that I’ve finished handling Cao’s family, there’s nothing urgent left.”

But even as she said this, an image flashed in her mind of the Crown Prince, glaring at her as if he wanted to tear her apart. Her heart skipped a beat. She knew she’d have trouble explaining things when she got back. But a promise was a promise, and there was no backing out now.

Huo Yan was grateful but, being a man of few words, he simply cupped his hands in acknowledgment. With the child in her arms, Su Xinghe climbed into her official sedan chair while he led the way on horseback.

Just for the sake of a condemned child, they traveled together to the Duke’s residence.

Even without a matriarch in charge, the estate of a royal kinsman remained grand, dignified, and impeccably maintained. The moment the child entered the gate, elderly servants rushed forward to take him, showering her with gratitude.

“Thank you, Commander of the Embroidered Guard!”

One of the old women took the child and, upon touching his swaddling cloth, clicked her tongue.

“Oh dear, this little heart must have suffered, his swaddling is completely soaked!”

It seemed the household had gone too long without a child; even one picked up off the streets was treated like a treasure.

Su Xinghe had carried the child all the way, and to be honest, after spending so long in prison, he had quite the unbearable stench. Even after handing him off, the smell lingered in her nose. Huo Yan spoke to her, but she was momentarily distracted.

When he invited her inside for tea, she waved him off.

“Now that he’s safe, I can rest easy. The office can’t be left unattended for too long if something comes up and they can’t find me, that wouldn’t do.”

Huo Yan acknowledged this and ordered hot water to be brought so she could wash her hands. After ensuring the child would be well taken care of, he accompanied her out of the residence.

Su Xinghe had a thought in mind. Casually, she asked,

“It’s already the twenty-fourth. Has your office made any preparations for the New Year?”

Huo Yan replied, “The busier the holiday, the tighter the city defenses. The  Ministry of Military Control isn’t like the Ministry of Works or the Ministry of Revenue; our busiest time is precisely during the festival season.”

As he spoke, he turned his head to glance at her.

“Your brother is the Privy Council. Surely, you’re familiar with the old rules?”

Su Xinghe chuckled.

“When my brother was appointed Deputy Minister, I had just entered the palace, so I never saw how he spent the holidays.”

Internally, she sighed yet another man who didn’t understand nuance. Could he not tell she was just making conversation? One Crown Prince was already in enough trouble, and now here was another impossibly straightforward man. Huo Yan, who should have been a perfect match for her, was turning out to be just as frustrating.

He gave a short “Hm.”

“There’s no urgency at the office. It’s the same duties year-round. Since I’ve troubled you with this trip, allow me to escort you back to the Ministry of Military Control.”

A small joy rose in Su Xinghe’s heart.

“Why don’t you call me Su Xinghe, like my brother does? I know we’re both officials, and it’s not good to get too familiar, but without your help in the General Cao Zhan case, I wouldn’t have been able to pull it off. I’ve only just joined the Ministry of Military Control, and securing my footing is most important. With this achievement, at least I won’t be dismissed so easily in the future.”

A girl trying every possible way to establish herself in the officialdom is quite perplexing. However, her personality seems to thrive in such an environment, as if she were a fish in water. In contrast, confining her to the inner chambers would truly be a waste of her courage and talent.

Huo Yan said, “The resolution of General Cao Zhan’s case was not my merit. I merely opened a door; you don’t need to remember it.”

After all, a favor is still a favor, and it’s good to acknowledge it.

He offered to walk her back. The distance from the Duke’s residence to the Command Office wasn’t far. Su Xinghe did not take a sedan chair, nor did he ride a horse. The two short streets between them could be walked back slowly.

The sun was warm, seemingly gentler than before. As they strolled down the main street, the official hats of the Command Office and the Privy Council didn’t quite match when seen together, drawing occasional glances from passersby.

As they passed by a pickle shop, they overheard a customer asking, “Do you have ‘emerald peel’?”

The shopkeeper, looking rather unimpressed, retorted, “It’s just watermelon rind emerald peel, really? The price has gone up now. Your two copper coins will get you just a small piece. Want it or not?”

Su Xinghe suddenly felt a bit embarrassed, but Huo Yan chuckled lightly. “The army cooks of the Northern Army probably never expected that their humble watermelon rind dish would one day become a trend in the capital.”

Su Xinghe scratched the back of her neck and awkwardly muttered, “During the Winter Solstice, I mentioned watermelon rind dumplings to His Highness the Crown Prince. He said he’d never tried them, so I thought I’d bring some back for him to taste.”

Huo Yan nodded. “You and the Crown Prince have known each other for over ten years.”

She agreed. Thinking of their frequent clashes, a smile naturally surfaced on her face. “It’s because we’re too familiar. Unlike outsiders, we don’t have to tiptoe around everything. He always says we’re childhood friends, but I refuse to admit it, and he gets all worked up about it.”

Huo Yan was taken aback. “Childhood friends?”

Su Xinghe choked for a moment, her face flushing at the thought of the unsavory rumors surrounding her. She had never bothered to clarify things with her family, but she wanted the person in front of her to understand. “We’ve grown up together since we were twelve. We know all of each other’s most embarrassing moments. If that doesn’t make us childhood friends, what does?”

Childhood friends were meant to take the blame when needed. Any tricky, messy problem that couldn’t be solved just turns to them, and you’d usually find a way out. That was the essence of being childhood friends.

Huo Yan slowly nodded. Su Xinghe wasn’t sure if she was imagining things, but it felt like his gaze toward her had changed. After all, being the Crown Prince’s kept woman and being his childhood friend were two entirely different identities. If Huo Yan had ever found her intriguing, but his thoughts had been constrained by that awkward label, wouldn’t that be a shame?

Su Xinghe smiled shyly, tucking her hands away. “I mentioned last time that I’d treat you to a drink. How about we find a time after the New Year and invite Su Xinghai along?”

They worked in the same office, one as the chief officer and the other as the deputy, but they had never quite gotten along from the beginning. Now, with a young woman stepping in to play the mediator, there had to be more to it.

Huo Yan agreed. “Since the Privy Council was divided into five military branches, our offices are no longer in the same place, so we rarely run into each other. We had a couple of drinks at the Winter Solstice banquet in the palace, but I’m not much for socializing holidays or not, I usually spend them alone. A gathering over the festival wouldn’t be a bad idea.”

Now they were talking about personal matters. He was subtly implying that he, too, was alone wasn’t that a hint?

Su Xinghe stayed silent, debating whether to ask him about his late wife. But she hesitated, afraid it might come off the wrong way, so she held back.

Besides, the Command Office specialized in this kind of work. From high-ranking officials to commoners, even the most intimate pillow talk between husband and wife could be dug up. Investigating the family secrets of a top official? That was child’s play.

They walked slowly. Su Xinghe had already sent her sedan chair back to the office ahead of her. As for him, his attendant led his horse from a distance, following behind.

She couldn’t remember the last time she had strolled through the streets like this. Walking from the Duke’s residence back to the Command Office, accompanied by such a valiant general, felt far more liberating than being stuck in the palace, dealing with the childish Crown Prince.

When they reached the office, they exchanged a polite bow in farewell, no lingering reluctance, no sentimental goodbyes. She stepped over the threshold, and he turned back toward the Privy Council, neither of them looking back. This kind of clean, uncomplicated interaction was the most refreshing.

If Huo Yan was like a cup of clear tea, then the Crown Prince was a bowl of greasy buttered tea with half a cup of honey and curd so thick and cloying that it could smother a person.

He hadn’t always been this way. Su Xinghe often thought that ever since their families formally acknowledged their bond, he had seemed almost bewitched. She couldn’t figure out what had gone wrong.

She had wondered could it be that, he actually had feelings for her? There were moments, when things were going well between them, when she felt a warmth, a tenderness. But he was just so insufferable. The moment she started to think he might truly care, he would turn around and throw a tantrum, snapping at her with sharp words.

That was all it took to remind her, he was the master, she was the servant. Their positions were at odds from the start. The fact that he hadn’t used her as a stepping stone was already fortunate enough. How could she even dream of love?

She sighed, rubbing her hands together. It was mealtime, wasn’t it? But today, no matter how long she waited, the Crown Prince’s special palace meal still hadn’t arrived.

She called for Ye Jinchun. “No one from the palace?”

Ye Jinchun shook his head. Having served her for long enough, he was no longer so reserved. Lowering his voice, he said, “If you ask me, you shouldn’t wait today. I’ll go buy you some chicken and mushroom stew from outside.”

“Just think about it, you spent half the day running around with Lord Huo Yan on personal errands. News of that has surely made its way back to the palace by now. His Highness must be in a bad mood. Do you really think he’d still send you food? No way he’s making sure you go hungry!”

“Oh…” She rubbed her forehead. “That makes sense.”

Clearly, there was no point in hoping for that meal anymore. She quickly sent Ye Jinchun to Shunfeng Restaurant; her stomach was already playing the Empty City Stratagem.

Since she was mentally prepared, she knew she had to be tactful when she returned to the palace that night. Before the Crown Prince had the chance to scold her, she should confess her “sins” upfront.

So she said, “Your Highness, I am guilty.”

The Crown Prince, shrouded in the dim blue glow of the candlelight, lifted his head from the mountain of memorials. He didn’t speak, only cast her a glance clearly waiting for her to continue.

She lowered her gaze and admitted, “Today, the matter of the Cao family’s household was settled. The Thousand-Households official came to take them away. The youngest one is still nursing, and the Thousand-Householdscouldn’t care for him, so they decided to abandon him. Just then, the Privy Envoy happened to be there, and he was willing to take the child in. But he doesn’t know how to hold a baby, so I delivered the child to his residence.”

She described it so lightly, as if it were nothing of significance.

The Crown Prince let out a low hmm and scoffed, “Another child, huh? Wonderful.”

Su Xinghe blinked in frustration. “I only held the baby for a moment…”

Just a moment surely, that wasn’t a big deal. But the child was sent to the Duke’s residence, which meant an extra stretch of time alone with Huo Yan. They even strolled along the street together. Did she really think he didn’t know?

However, the Crown Prince had figured something out, constantly arguing wasn’t the solution. Maybe he had been too strict with her, making her feel that men outside the palace were easier to get along with. So this time, he chose to stay silent, letting her figure it out on her own.

Su Xinghe, on the other hand, couldn’t help herself. Noticing that he didn’t explode with anger as usual, she felt something was off. She glanced at his expression and cautiously asked, “Your Highness, why didn’t you send my meal at noon?”

The Crown Prince didn’t even look up and replied casually, “The kitchen’s firewood got soaked. No way to cook.”

Su Xinghe hesitated, unsure whether to believe him. Since he ignored her, she took the initiative to sidle up beside him, bowing and scraping with a smile. “Your Highness, are you tired? Shall I give you a massage?”

Just as she was about to lay her hands on him, a voice called from outside.

“Your Highness,” Dequan announced softly.

The Crown Prince put down his brush and called him in. Dequan’s quick, measured steps brought him forward in an instant, where he bowed and reported, “Your Highness, Eunuch Wei from the Shangyi Bureau sent word. His Majesty will be staying in Wenshi Palace tonight.”

The Crown Prince turned to Su Xinghe. “Find a way to investigate how things are going between His Majesty and the Empress.”

Su Xinghe responded, “The people closest to the Empress have served her for over a decade; it’s difficult to bribe them. But I’ve planted someone among the second-rank palace maids. From what I’ve heard, since the Empress’s investiture, His Majesty has only summoned her once. As for tonight, once the palace gates open tomorrow, there should be news.”

He nodded. Planning ahead was always wise.

His father hadn’t favored Wenshi Palace in a long time, yet now, after suddenly appointing a new Empress, he had returned to something he had abandoned for years. Perhaps rediscovering it would spark some newfound pleasure.

After all, she was the Empress. Previously, her status had been overshadowed by Zuo Zhaoyi, but now, she was bound to enjoy a period of prominence.

Winter was ending, and as his father’s health gradually improved, it wasn’t impossible that the old clam might produce another pearl.

The Crown Prince remained silent. Though his expression wasn’t particularly heavy, his quietness was unsettling.

Su Xinghe reassured him, “Your Highness, don’t worry. I will handle everything.”

Hearing this, he smiled faintly. “With those words from you, I can rest easy.”

 

The next day, the Tongshi Records were discreetly retrieved from the archives.

The Tongshi documented the Emperor’s nightly visits who he had favored, at what time, and for how long. Every detail was meticulously recorded.

Having spent over a decade in the palace, Su Xinghe had cultivated relationships in every corner.

When the Shangyi Bureau once mistakenly used the wrong incense, she turned a blind eye. That simple act of leniency had earned her deep gratitude deeper than any bribe could buy, forging stronger and more reliable ties.

She had fostered a similar understanding with those managing the Tongshi Records. So when she needed a favor, no words were necessary. They already knew her purpose.

A Tongshi ledger bound in yellow brocade lay on the table. Sunlight streamed through the wooden lattice, illuminating the neatly inscribed words Detailed Records.

Su Xinghe flipped it open.

The entry was clear last night, the Emperor had indeed stayed over. The record stated plainly:

“Rose at the fourth watch… Stayed the entire night?”

The Tongshi official confirmed, “Yes. I was on duty in the Wenshi Palace all night. His Majesty didn’t rise until the fourth watch.”

Then he hesitated. “Lord Su, there’s… one more matter.”

Su Xinghe lifted her gaze. “Lord Qin, please speak freely.”

The Tongshi official still looked hesitant, carefully choosing his words before finally saying, “If it were anyone else, I wouldn’t dare reveal this even under threat of death. But since it’s you, Lord Su, even if you didn’t ask, I would have to tell you…”

He took a breath and continued, “When His Majesty stayed at Wenshi Palace, Her Majesty the Empress was not the only one in the bedchamber. Changyu Wen Ti Ying was also present. The Empress left at midnight, and from then on, only His Majesty and Changyu remained in the hall. Do you understand what I’m saying, Lord Su?”

Su Xinghe, though inexperienced in such matters herself, understood immediately.

She lowered her gaze and glanced again at the Tongshi ledger. “But the record only notes the Empress as attending His Majesty.”

The official smiled. “Such things, if His Majesty doesn’t care, and the Empress doesn’t speak of it, who would dare document it outright? Naturally, the entry reflects only what is officially acknowledged. As long as the Tongshi doesn’t show an empty record, the duty is fulfilled.”

Now, this was troublesome.

A Changyu in the Empress’s service was a female official responsible for managing the Zhonggong (central palace affairs). She was not meant to serve as a concubine. If the Emperor had crossed that boundary, even he might find it awkward to openly acknowledge.

As for the Empress, she would certainly be pleased if someone else could help secure the Emperor’s affections. And if an unexpected “blessing” were to come of it well, that would be an even greater fortune.