Volume III, Real Ancient Capital, Chapter 64: Evil Heads
By Xiao Xiang Dong'Er | Translated and Arranged by Angel Chua
The night was deep. Over the Sanctuary of Gold, a melody of bamboo sounds echoed in the stillness. The cool, distant moon hung high in the sky, casting a bleak and sorrowful glow. Though Zhen Huang was never under curfew, after JuiWei Plaza, which marked the boundaries of the Imperial City, the area was heavily guarded and silent. At this hour, few people walked the streets, and those who did were certainly not ordinary.
On this particular night, hundreds of cavalry rode in a formation down a narrow path. The quiet, long street was disturbed only by the occasional clatter of hooves. In the cold forest, armored soldiers clattered for what seemed the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, yet they did not take the imperial main road. Instead, they moved along the city wall, staying in a strict line.
In the center of the procession were more cavalry, each guard holding a high shield, lanterns placed at the front and back. The team's core was shrouded in darkness, making it impossible to see who was being protected, but the tight security suggested an important figure.
At the front were strikers, holding spears, arranged in a row of seven, ready to attack or defend at any moment. On both sides of the procession, twenty cavalrymen acted as a protective wall, their swords facing outward, each wearing heavy armor that gleamed silver under the faint light. The team was so well-prepared that, even if someone were to shoot from the wall or road, they were fearless unless faced with a heavy crossbow.
This level of precaution was nearly flawless. Since the deaths of Mu He Sein and his wife, the aristocrats in the capital had become terrified, as if sensing danger around every corner. Wei Shu You, a royal front-line knight, seemed to value his life above all else.
The sharp winds blew as snow lightly dusted the cold ground, adding to the grim atmosphere.
"Master." A household servant stepped forward, bowing to Li Ce. Facing him coldly, the servant said, "Go north to Yuananmen. Enter quietly, and you won't be discovered. Wait for us there. Once the surrender is made, Yan Shi Zi and the little girl won't be able to escape."
Wei Shu You nodded coldly, his expression resembling that of a fierce wolf, cruel and bloodthirsty. His lips curved into a hard, gloomy smile.
Clouds piled up in the sky, obscuring the moonlight.
A dark figure, clad in black nightwear, stood atop the high palace wall, his eyes narrowed as a cold wind swept across his slender frame. The wind only made him seem more arrogant and menacing.
Thirty black-clad men surrounded him, hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment.
Suddenly, the distant sound of loud music from the palace broke the night's silence. Faint drums and ringing bells signaled that the time had come. The men knew that the musicians were covering their actions, leaving only a faint scent lingering in the air.
A sharp scream suddenly pierced the night, startling the horses and disturbing the soldiers.
The Wei soldiers were horrified, glancing nervously at the dark void around them.
At that moment, the whistling sound of crossbows erupted from the top of the wall. Arrows flashed in the air, hitting their targets. Soldiers were thrown from their horses, screaming as they fell.
Wei Shu You, protected in the center of the formation, was furious. "What's happening?" he shouted angrily.
A figure in the dark sneered, raising a golden crossbow and firing another arrow. Before it could hit its target, the figure leapt into the air like lightning, landing on the high walls. With a swift movement, he launched a hook and descended, landing silently on the ground.
With a heavy thud, the man's sword embedded itself into a soldier's armor. Another soldier rushed forward, only to have his throat pierced by a golden arrow.
Screams echoed through Crape Myrtle Palace as attackers descended from the walls, brazenly wielding knives and cutting down their enemies.
Amidst the chaos, Wei Shu You found himself caught in a stampede of panicked horses. Many soldiers, struck by crossbow bolts, fell to the ground, only to be trampled by their own comrades. The formation disintegrated into chaos, and over a hundred cavalry were swiftly defeated.
A voice rang out amidst the tumult, "Wei traitor! You framed the loyal, eliminated your rivals, and stole from the empire! Tonight, Mu He comes to deliver justice!"
In the distance, Wei Shu You heard the sound of imperial soldiers approaching. His heart raced as he shouted, "Mu He, you dog! If you dare, come face me!"
Just then, a large net fell from the sky, wrapping tightly around Wei Shu You. Four black-clad warriors swiftly tightened the net and, using hooks, hoisted him over the wall.
A light whistle sounded, and the black-clad warriors regrouped. Despite their superior position, they did not linger. Two men poured liquid from casks, lighting a fire before disappearing into the city's shadows.
The attack took only moments. Soon, the palace grounds were engulfed in flames, while the royal music played on, undisturbed, as if peace and prosperity reigned.
The Imperial Guards General, looking alarmed, quickly shouted, "Wei Shu You has been kidnapped! Move quickly! Inform the Elders! The rest, pursue the assassins into the outer city!"
A group of black-clad soldiers galloped into the city, disappearing into the night. Near the pine and cypress trees, a carriage awaited. Wei Shu You, trapped in the net, was thrown to the ground.
"You..." he tried to speak but was silenced by a fierce kick to the mouth, shattering his teeth. Unable to speak further, he groaned in pain.
Two guards tied him up, sealed his mouth, and threw him into a carriage filled with burning charcoal.
The leader of the black-clad group removed his mask, revealing a sharp-eyed, noble-looking man dressed in white. Yan Xun.
"Warm your hands," one of the men said, offering Yan Xun a brazier.
Yan Xun nodded lightly and took the brazier. He closed the curtain, set aside the black attire, and tossed it aside. Then, he reached out and gently waved his hand, signaling to the driver. The carriage slowly began its journey down the official road, heading toward the Forbidden Palace.
Behind them, a sudden commotion erupted. A guard stepped forward, shouting, "Who goes there? It's a joyous night in the palace! Do you wish to die?"
The man seemed startled for a moment before replying, "It's Yan Shi Zi. Wei Gongzi was attacked on Purple Wei Road. I was ordered to rush to the Royal Palace to inform His Majesty."
"An attack?" Yan Xun lifted the carriage curtain, his brow raised in slight amusement. "Who is responsible for this? And where is Wei Gongzi now? Is he injured?"
The man replied, "Yan Shi Zi, the murderer fled towards the outer city. The general is in pursuit. As for Wei Gongzi, he has been kidnapped, and their whereabouts remain unknown."
Yan Xun nodded coldly. "Then go inform His Majesty."
"Yes, sir," the soldier responded before speeding off on his horse.
Yan Xun turned back into the carriage and, with a cold expression, instructed, "Continue to Lu Hua Temple."
As the carriage moved on, they passed Wei Guang and several officials from the Wei family, hurrying out of Lu Hua Dian, heading toward the palace.
Yan Xun, wrapped in his white fur, his handsome face expressionless, watched as the officials left. He slowly stepped into the main hall of Lu Hua.
The Emperor, Xia Huang, was absent, leaving only the Wei family ministers in attendance. Wei Shu You's abduction had left them in disarray, and Zhao Qi was now in charge of the situation. Meanwhile, palace ladies, adorned in colorful attire, moved through the hall, providing food and refreshments to everyone. The vast royal music ensemble continued playing as if nothing had happened.
Prince Li Ce, dressed in a deep purple royal gown (Jinpao), laughed and joked with the crowd. He teased the dancing courtesans in a flirtatious manner, exuding an air of romantic mischief. If not for the extravagance of the scene, one might have thought him a mere romantic noble enjoying the spectacle.
The atmosphere of the banquet was lively. The Baiguan (meaning "White Stork Bird") continued to drink, their spirits high as laughter echoed throughout the hall. It was a night fit for a greedy and indulgent sovereign.
Yan Xun sat quietly, observing. He glanced up at Li Ce's flushed face, smirked slightly, raised his glass, and shook his head with a chuckle.
"How did you end up here?" Zhao ChunEr, dressed in a powder-pink shirt adorned with butterflies and a gold dress embroidered with beads, asked as she approached. Her cheeks were like soft milk, and her lips shone a delicate cherry red. Her face glowed with the radiance of a rare jade.
Yan Xun glanced at her as she sat beside him and smiled faintly. "Just took a short nap," he replied.
"I thought you wouldn't come," Zhao ChunEr said, her voice soft like flowing water. She cast a glance at Prince Li Ce, who was still in high spirits. "That man just asked for someone's name. Honestly, I don't know if that's proper etiquette."
Yan Xun chuckled again, taking a sip of his drink but offering no reply.
Zhao ChunEr looked up at him idly, unfazed by his silence. After a long pause, she suddenly blushed and tugged at his sleeve. "Look," she said shyly, "this is the new silk color tribute from Yu. Isn't it beautiful?"
Yan Xun was momentarily surprised but quickly remembered Chishui Lake, recalling the bright eyes of the woman who had once eagerly called his name. Slightly panicked, he softly replied, "Be careful on the road."
Yan Xun showed a rare gentle expression, sighing deeply, "Beautiful."
Zhao ChunEr, who believed they were sharing a happy moment together, suddenly sobbed. She sat down, unable to eat the food set before her.
Meanwhile, soldiers quietly entered through the side door to report to Zhao Qi, whose expression darkened further. The surrounding officials gradually took notice, and the lively atmosphere of the banquet began to fade. However, only Prince Li Ce of Bain Tang remained inebriated. As he swayed beside Zhao Qi, nearly spilling his wine onto him, the situation grew increasingly awkward.
Eventually, the guests began to scatter, with Li Ce falling into a drunken mess. He lay down, food stains covering his sleeves, until the Seventh Prince ordered him to be carried to Diaofang Hall. Instead of returning to the Forbidden Palace, he was taken straight out of the main hall, where they made their way into the city.
Yan Xun stood silently in the dark square, wrapped in his white fox fur. His face was rigid, his eyebrows arched into his temples, as he watched Zhao Qi leave. His lips curved slightly.
A rustling sound came from the dark sky as jackdaws (a glossy black European bird) flew overhead, their noisy calls echoing in the night.
"Brother," Zhao ChunEr gently tugged at his sleeve, her voice soft. "It's cold. Will you send me back to the palace?"
Yan Xun stepped back respectfully, as if suddenly distant, and replied with cool formality, "Yan Xun must attend to personal matters and does not wish to disturb the princess. Please return on your own."
With that, he turned and stepped into his carriage.
The carriage gradually disappeared into the night. Zhao ChunEr remained standing in place. The palace servants approached and draped her in a large fur coat, but as they did, it slipped and fell onto the ground. The crimson fabric lay in the snow, starkly resembling a pool of blood.
Zhao ChunEr bit her lips stubbornly, holding back tears that glistened in her eyes but refused to fall.
"Princess?"
Jade Ma Mo sighed softly as she stepped forward, taking the princess's hand. "It's time to go back."
Zhao ChunEr pressed her lips tightly together. Obediently, she nodded, following Jade Ma Mo to the carriage without a word. The cold wind blew, and a single tear slipped down her cheek, landing on the pale snow.
"Ma Mo," the little princess's voice was small and trembling. "Did ChunEr do something wrong?"
Jade Ma Mo sighed again and gently stroked Zhao ChunEr's hair, unable to find the right words.
If there was a mistake, it was only in loving the wrong person. Poor child, what does the future hold for you now?
The carriage moved slowly forward, disappearing into the cold moonlight.
At the Yingge Hospital chamber of secrets, A'Jing dragged a man blindfolded in black cloth into the room.
Wei Shu You frowned deeply, having finally adjusted to the bright light. When he looked up, his eyes widened in disbelief as he recognized the man sitting before him, calmly sipping tea.
"Swallow?" Wei Shu You cried out in shock, recognizing Yan Xun by his code name.
Swallow, seated leisurely, raised his head slightly and smiled. "Wei Gongzi, you seem busy these days. It's been a while. How have you been?"
Wei Shu You's fury erupted. "You've got some nerve!"
"My courage has always been small, Wei Gongzi. Perhaps you should have taken that hint," Yan Xun replied casually.
"Wei Valve won't let you go, Yan Xun! You'll die without a burial ground!" Wei Shu You shouted angrily.
Yan Xun laughed, as though he'd just heard a joke. Slowly, he said, "Whether I die without a burial, I don't know. But I'm certain you will."
Yan Xun leaned forward slightly, his smile cold and graceful. "Do you remember? I told you that if you didn't kill me that day, you'd one day die by my hand. You cut off my finger, and now I'll take your head."
"What!" Wei Shu You screamed in terror as a sharp blade sliced through the air. A hand fell to the ground, followed by a gush of blood.
A few drops splattered onto Yan Xun's wrist. He frowned in disgust, wiping the blood away with a piece of white silk. Turning to his subordinate, he ordered, "Take him away. Finish it."
As Wei Shu You lay dying, he cursed, "Yanbei dog! My uncle will never forgive you!"
"Wei Guang?" Yan Xun sneered. "He's too old, his head no longer sharp. And yet, you still worship him like a god? Pathetic. His decadent mind is already full of doubt."
Yan Xun's voice turned colder as he continued, "You fool, Wei Shu You. You had some time left, but you shouldn't have provoked me—especially not by threatening the person I care for most. Did you really think you could defeat me? Innocent fool. You've always been useless, and now you'll never have the chance to prove otherwise."
Tossing the bloodstained silk to the ground, Yan Xun turned and strode out of the room. As he walked, he gave a final cold command: "Drag him away."
Curses and fearful wails echoed behind him, but Yan Xun paid them no heed. His back straightened as he walked down the path of revenge. Those who had once humiliated and hurt him would pay dearly. From now on, no one would be allowed to take away what he loved. No one.
The frosty night wind howled, and tonight would be a sleepless night.
The next day, all of Huang's true city was in a state of alarm. Wei Shu You, the eldest son of Wei Shu, had been ambushed in the imperial city. One hundred soldiers and horses had been slaughtered, and Wei Shu You had been abducted. Despite the efforts of the imperial army, they hadn't caught so much as a glimpse of the murderer.
It was said that the Forbidden Army had heard Mu He's name in the night, and this triggered a series of violent purges aimed at the remnants of Mu He's followers.
In the main room of the Wei family mansion, Wei Guang handed a letter to his most trusted lieutenant, Wei Nu. His voice was cold as he said, "Send word to Ye Er immediately. The Wei family's life or death is on the line. His Majesty has already made his move against us. If Ye Er does not return, we will be the next Mu He."
A horse sped out of the city gates, dust rising as it raced northward.
Meanwhile, as Yan Xun drank Langmu tea, he received a report. With a cold smile, he said lightly, "The more lives, the better."
Those few words sent a chill down A'Jing's spine. He had followed Yan Xun for three years, but only now did he begin to understand the kind of man his master truly was.
At the Xiaoqi camp, a burst of thunderous applause greeted a bright young woman standing in the middle of the training grounds. Chu Qiao, with her seven arrows, shot them all directly into the center of the bullseye.
"Chu teacher! Amazing shot!"
Far off, a soldier on horseback rode toward the scene. Jumping from his horse, he hurried over, panting. "Someone is looking for you."
"For me?" Chu Qiao, surprised, set down her crossbow and jumped down from the arrow platform. "Where are they?"
"Chu teacher!" another soldier called, waving his bow. "Want to bet again?"
"Even if you lose your robes to me, you still don't repent! Sooner or later, you'll be walking around in nothing but your pants!" Chu Qiao called back playfully, her crisp voice ringing out. The soldiers around the camp burst into laughter, teasing the tall archer.
The correspondent followed the crowd, smiling and revealing a set of white teeth. "I don't know," he said. "It seems Secretary Li Jian is in prison, and many people are involved."
Chu Qiao frowned slightly. Who would be coming to see her? Hadn't Yan Xun mentioned that the matter involving Prince Li Ce was resolved? Why would someone be seeking out a mere archery coach?
"Go and see for yourself," someone suggested.
Chu Qiao mounted a horse and, accompanied by the messenger, rode toward the camp.
From a distance, Xiao Qiao Camp was unusually lively. The Jinlong banners fluttered in the wind, and women of graceful bearing carried large gold trays. Secretary Li Jian's attendants, dressed in their formal attire, followed behind rows of magnificent boxes placed before the camp. Chu Qiao wondered what extraordinary treasures could be inside.
Zhao Qi frowned as he addressed his deputy, his voice cold and commanding. "The Seventh Prince and His Royals? How did they return so soon?"
The deputy, sweating nervously, stammered, "I'm not sure, Your Highness. It's all happened so quickly. The community was informed only just now."
"Yes, it seems the barracks are attracting some attention," Zhao Qi mused.
A lazy voice sounded nearby, and Zhao Qi's headache worsened. He turned to see Prince Li Ce standing there, smiling.
"Your Highness," Zhao Qi began with a forced smile, "I don't know why you've come to my brother's camp this time, but what brings you here?"
"When the time comes, you'll know," Li Ce replied, dressed in his flamboyant red robes. His clothing was as vibrant as fire, with the hem embroidered with images of the mythical bird luan and the Fengxiu dragon, dazzling in gold. His fragrance lingered in the air, and his red fox hood added to his charming yet mischievous appearance. His eyes glinted with evil charm, like ripe peaches, and in the cold weather, he shook a folding fan, his mysterious look making others itch with discomfort.
Zhao Qi vowed he couldn't tolerate it any longer.
For the past two days, he had been dragged into endless affairs. First, the Holy Palace's sanctuary was poorly ventilated, and they had to spend half the night fixing it, only to wake up cold. Then, Prince Li Ce complained that the palace ladies were too unattractive to eat around, and when better food was found, he still grumbled. He refused to drink any tea older than three days and even complained that the guards' boots didn't have soft pads, which woke him up as they walked outside his chambers.
Zhao Qi felt as though half his life had been spent placating Prince Li Ce in just those two days. He had struggled with his brothers for many years, but this ordeal felt like an entirely different kind of torture.
"Oh! Come here!" Li Ce's eyes lit up suddenly. Before Zhao Qi could react, Li Ce pulled him aside. Shua! He snapped his folding fan shut. "How's my outfit today? Is it tasteful enough? Not too tacky, is it? Look at these boots—imported from the Northwest, made of rare mink fur. What do you think of the quality?"
Zhao Qi sighed helplessly and nodded. "Yes, very beautiful."
As they stepped into the camp, Chu Qiao and Zhao Qi noticed the Green Camp army horses. Chu Qiao's brow furrowed slightly, and a sense of caution arose in her heart. What had happened? Why was Zhao Qi here personally? Could Yan Xun have made a mistake?
As she neared the crowd, she saw the chief eunuchs and officials frowning at her, confused by her presence. Chu Qiao felt a little relieved—if Zhao Qi had mobilized the Green Camp troops, it couldn't be a major issue. Surely it wasn't as bad as she feared.
"The end of Chu Qiao is here to see the three..." she began, only to be interrupted.
"Haha! Where are you running off to this time?" a flaming figure suddenly darted toward her from behind. A hand wrapped tightly around her, and she froze in shock. Before she could react, her body moved instinctively, as if she had been attacked like a small beast. She twisted out of the grip, and with a quick move—kacha—two cracks were heard. Her counter-attack sent the man tumbling to the ground!
"Who?" Chu Qiao demanded coldly.
Looking up from the ground was none other than Prince Li Ce, his expression mischievous and playful. "Really rude! Is this how you treat me? Do you not recognize me?"
Laughter erupted from the officials of Bian Tang as they witnessed Prince Li Ce sprawled on the ground. Zhao Qi's face darkened, and Chu Qiao stood stunned, unsure of how to react.
Meanwhile, the messengers from Bian Tang wore solemn expressions, clearly aware that events had veered far from the expected course.
Zhao Qi was the first to recover, stepping forward to reprimand Chu Qiao. "How dare you behave so rudely to Prince Li Ce? Do you know the crime for such disrespect?"
Chu Qiao, momentarily taken aback, quickly released her grip, intending to apologize. But before she could speak, Prince Li Ce leaped to his feet and shouted in an imposing tone, "You're the one who's bold! I'm here to marry her! I've brought the bride price—lift it up!"
Hundreds of large boxes were opened, revealing magnificent treasures that dazzled the crowd. People couldn't help but exclaim in awe at the display.
Chu Qiao stood frozen, her eyes wide in disbelief. She looked around, taking in the bewildered expressions of the summer officials, the stunned Zhao Qi, and the triumphant Prince Li Ce.
Finally, she frowned and cried out in confusion, "Who can tell me what's going on?"
AC Afterthoughts
This chapter skillfully blends humor, tension, and political intrigue, highlighting the complex relationships between the characters. Prince Li Ce's playful proposal to Chu Qiao adds a lighthearted twist, but underlying this is a deeper sense of manipulation and strategic power plays within the imperial court. Zhao Qi's exasperation reveals the weight of maintaining order amidst chaotic royal dynamics, while Chu Qiao's confusion reflects her precarious position in this world of shifting alliances.
Themes of power, manipulation, and unpredictability are central, with characters like Li Ce masking their true intentions behind flamboyant behavior. The humor serves as a brief reprieve but hints at serious consequences, suggesting that the seemingly light moments will have greater political significance.
Overall, the chapter sets up a complex web of motivations and intrigue, leaving the reader eager to discover the consequences of the unfolding events.