The rushed first audience with the Emperor concluded as quickly as it began. After the Emperor, hidden behind the gauze curtains, disappeared deeper into the palace, only the golden gauze around the imperial couch continued to sway gently. The oppressive weight of supreme imperial power gradually receded. Five hundred and fifty brazier fires were lit one by one, and the chilling current no longer raged wildly. Chen Ji finally let out a long, slow breath, only then feeling calm enough to survey the palace, which had cost a fortune to construct.

Above, on the beams and rafters, patterns of cranes and deer, symbolizing spring, were outlined with Xiwanzu polychrome painting techniques. To the east stood a black lacquered and gold-leafed shrine, housing gilded bronze statues of the Three Pure Ones. In front of them, a blue-and-white incense burner adorned with cloud-and-crane motifs emitted fragrant smoke.

Amidst the swirling smoke, Wu Xiu folded the finished imperial edict and turned to hand it to a young eunuch beside him, saying, “Dispatch thirty Jie Fan Guards to Guyuan to deliver this edict. No mistakes allowed.”

The young eunuch whispered, “Yes, sir.”

Wu Xiu then looked at everyone else and politely said, “The Emperor has returned to the palace. Esteemed Grand Secretaries, please return home. Someone, light the lanterns and escort the Grand Secretaries out of the palace.”

Two lines of young eunuchs, carrying palace lanterns, formed two rows outside the door.

As Grand Secretary Chen, Chen Luchu, passed by Chen Ji, he merely glanced at him without speaking further. In contrast, when Grand Secretary Qi rose and passed Chen Ji, he suddenly stopped, looked Chen Ji up and down, and remarked, “Quite a distinguished young man, indeed.” Chen Ji was slightly startled, unsure of the meaning behind the other man’s words.

Inside Renshou Palace, Li Xuan looked at Chen Ji awkwardly, “You…” He and Qi Zhenzhuo were about to say something more, but Grand Secretary Qi, standing by the door, coldly interjected, “Do not speak carelessly within the palace.” Hearing this, the two could only utter, “We’ll speak again tomorrow at the Imperial Guard Headquarters,” and bowed their heads, hastily departing.

In an instant, the once lively Renshou Palace was empty. Young eunuchs, holding bronze rods, were extinguishing the candles one by one. Zhang Zhuo patted Chen Ji’s shoulder, “Let’s go.”

As Chen Ji left Renshou Palace, he saw the Crown Prince still waiting outside the palace gate, his expression unreadable. He was about to bid the Crown Prince farewell, but Zhang Zhuo forcibly pulled him away, changing the subject, “Come, I have something more to tell you.” After taking a few steps, Chen Ji looked back and saw the Crown Prince standing motionless outside the Renshou Palace gate, like a clay figure. The candles in Renshou Palace were extinguished one by one until darkness consumed everything, even the Crown Prince’s silhouette fading into obscurity.

On the way out of the palace, the young eunuchs wisely held their palace lanterns and kept a distance. Zhang Zhuo smoothed his red official robe as they walked beneath the red walls and grey tiles, “Chen Ji, do you know why these young eunuchs voluntarily keep their distance?”

Chen Ji walked beside him, “I don’t know.”

Zhang Zhuo said lightly, “These are lessons learned at the cost of their lives. Without status, the more you know, the faster you die. Furthermore, the palace eunuchs have developed a set of survival rules. For instance, if you’re not a Supervising Eunuch, it’s best not to speak more than ten sentences a day. When attending, it’s best to retreat behind a screen. Confidential messages should be passed at the third watch, commonly known as ‘third watch ear report.’ Minor matters rely on the Supervising Eunuch, medium matters on concubines, and major matters on imperial power. And, ‘better to be a vicious dog than a lone wolf.'”

Zhang Zhuo sighed, “Life is difficult everywhere, Chen Ji. Within these palace walls, you must be extremely cautious in all things. A single misstep can mean the loss of your life.”

Chen Ji whispered, “Are you implying, Master Zhang, that I was a bit reckless tonight?”

Zhang Zhuo smiled, “You were truly confused tonight. The current Emperor’s actions are flawless. Tonight, whether you exposed Hu Junxian or not, the outcome wouldn’t have changed in the slightest. Without you, there would be Li Xuan and Qi Zhenzhuo. Without them, there would still be Feng Wenzheng.”

Chen Ji remained silent.

Seeing his expression, Zhang Zhuo sighed softly, “Chen Ji, history books only record outcomes, not justice.”

Chen Ji shook his head, “Sir, I wasn’t doing it for justice. The matter in Guyuan, with half the population sacrificed, can hardly be called just. I simply don’t like betraying anyone.”

Zhang Zhuo said, seemingly in jest, “If someone offers you a high price, you absolutely shouldn’t hesitate to betray me. Everyone has their price, and if you can sell me for an exorbitant amount, I’d be very happy.”

“Master Zhang,” Chen Ji changed the subject, “Logically, the Guyuan affair should have been suppressed. How did today’s events unfold?”

Zhang Zhuo pondered, “Today’s incident was also sudden. A low-ranking official from Guyuan secretly entered the capital with a merchant caravan and beat the Dengwen Drum outside the Meridian Gate, claiming that Hu Junxian conspired with the Directorate of Ceremonial to kill all seventeen members of his family.”

Chen Ji frowned, “Something’s not right.”

“Of course, it’s not right,” Zhang Zhuo smiled, “The Dengwen Drum is guarded by the Imperial Guard. How could any commoner just beat it? That drum hasn’t been struck in fourteen years; I thought it would never sound again.”

Chen Ji asked, “The Emperor’s people?”

Zhang Zhuo wasn’t so certain: “We’d have to investigate who was on duty guarding the Dengwen Drum today to know… But I suspect whoever arranged this wouldn’t leave such an obvious flaw. Chen Ji, who do you think was the loser today?”

Chen Ji thought for a moment, “The Hu family? The Hu family lost half of Guyuan.”

Zhang Zhuo smiled and said, “Grand Secretaries Xu, Chen, and Qi coveted Guyuan’s trade routes. Wu Xiu wanted to overthrow the Inner Grand Secretary. The Emperor fulfilled Hu Junxian’s role as a loyal subject, winning over the hearts of his people. Is the Hu family the loser? No. By revealing this matter today, anyone with a bit of intelligence in court knows the Crown Prince has become a discarded pawn. Who would still want to follow him in the future? Ultimately, it served to benefit Prince Fu.”

At this point, the two finally exited the Meridian Gate. Standing outside the Meridian Gate, Zhang Zhuo turned to Chen Ji, “This is the Emperor’s genius. Of everyone present today, there were no losers, only winners. The two losers were the Crown Prince and the Inner Grand Secretary. One couldn’t even enter the palace gate, while the other couldn’t return from Jingtai Mausoleum. It’s hard to say whether this was an open plot or a hidden scheme… Of course, it’s too early to conclude if that ‘poisonous’ Grand Secretary was a loser.”

Chen Ji asked curiously, “Are there candidates for Guyuan’s Deputy Commander and Military Advisor? Master Wang?”

Zhang Zhuo shook his head, “It depends on what price the Xu, Qi, and Chen families can offer. Whoever gives the highest price will get these two positions and control Guyuan’s trade routes.”

Chen Ji murmured, “Two Peaches Kill Three Warriors.”

Starting from Luocheng, the Emperor eliminated the Liu family, the vassal lords, and the Grain Transport Gang – killing three birds with one stone. In Guyuan, he eliminated the Tiance Army, burying Master Feng as a hidden blade, waiting for the opportune moment. Then in the capital, Emperor Ning first rendered the Crown Prince powerless and scattered his factions. He then curbed the power of the Inner Grand Secretary, balancing the inner court. Next, he allowed Hu Junxian to resume his cultivation, winning over his loyalty. Finally, he set up the ‘Two Peaches Kill Three Warriors’ scheme, instigating infighting among the three families.

Chen Ji softly said, “So this is the capital; so this is the art of imperial rule.” On his first day in the capital, he received a unique lesson in imperial machinations.

Zhang Zhuo also sighed, “Such an Emperor, if he cares for the world, it would be a blessing for the common people. But what if…” He did not continue.

Zhang Zhuo patted Chen Ji’s shoulder, comforting him, “Don’t be discouraged. It’s a good thing His Majesty didn’t give you the position of Right Army Commander. It means you’ve caught his eye. Firstly, being a flag officer in the Imperial Guard means you won’t be embroiled in political disputes too early, saving you from unexpected misfortune, and allowing you to focus on your cultivation. Secondly, it prevents you from becoming part of the Crown Prince’s faction, and perhaps you will be heavily relied upon in the future.”

Chen Ji was puzzled, “Since Master Zhang clearly knows the Crown Prince has lost favor, why did you speak up for me before the Emperor earlier?”

Zhang Zhuo smiled mysteriously and said meaningfully, “I knew His Majesty wouldn’t give you the Right Army Commander position. But I needed to let the Grand Secretaries know you are my person. That way, if anyone tries to harm you, they’ll first have to consider whether they want to offend the future Grand Secretary of the Cabinet.”

Chen Ji exclaimed, “Master Zhang is truly a maverick scholar.” Incredibly unrestrained.

Zhang Zhuo laughed heartily, “Remember this: in the capital, ‘right’ and ‘wrong’ don’t matter, and strength below the Divine Path realm doesn’t matter either. What matters most is whose person you are. Only this one thing determines your life and death, your success and failure.”

Chen Ji bowed with cupped hands, “I’ve learned a valuable lesson.”

By this time, the Grand Secretaries had long since boarded their palanquins and returned to their respective homes. Zhang Zhuo’s attendants and palanquin also waited in the distance, everyone bustling around him. Only Xiaoman was alone, cradling Wuyun, holding Zaozao’s leash, and squatting in the distance, dozing off.

But Chen Ji’s gaze shifted from Xiaoman to another person outside the Meridian Gate. Zhang Zhuo followed his gaze. Bailong, dressed in snow-white robes and wearing a dragon-patterned mask, stood outside the Meridian Gate and distantly cupped his hands in a salute to Chen Ji and Zhang Zhuo. Bailong? Or Master Feng?

Zhang Zhuo, not wanting any association with Bailong, whispered to Chen Ji, “I’ll wait for you tomorrow at the Ministry of Personnel. Don’t forget to bring your household registration documents to collect your imperial decree and seal. This step is called ‘Tang Can.’ After that, go to the Censorate to get a ‘Book of Regulations.’ Only then can you go to the Imperial Guard Headquarters.”

Chen Ji bid him farewell, “Understood, Master Zhang. Please rest early.”

Once Zhang Zhuo had left, Chen Ji walked straight towards Bailong and cupped his hands in salute, saying, “Thank you, Lord Bailong, for your assistance this afternoon.”

Bailong replied with a smile, “No need for such formality. It was nothing.”

At this moment, Chen Ji was certain that the Bailong before him was not the same one from the afternoon. The voice, build, and height were the same, but Bailong hadn’t saved him that afternoon; he had only helped him go to Jingyang Palace to see Bai Li. This Bailong, standing before him, hadn’t even had time to coordinate with Master Feng about the matter. But why were the voice, build, and height all identical? Chen Ji’s gaze slowly moved to the dragon-patterned mask. Could this object be the cause? Was Master Feng a puppet controlled by a Curse-Warding art? Absolutely not. In Renshou Palace, all magical arts were suppressed by supreme imperial power, making Curse-Warding arts impossible to cast. Therefore, Master Feng was truly Master Feng, not a puppet.

So who was this Bailong before him? How many people were hidden beneath that Bailong mask? If he weren’t outmatched, Chen Ji would very much like to lift that mask and see what lay beneath it. Chen Ji wanted to probe a few more questions, but Bailong seemed disinclined to talk further that day. He waved his hand and said, “I still have duties guarding the palace today. If you have nothing else, you should return home early.”

Chen Ji bowed, “Yes, sir.”

He turned and walked to Xiaoman, “Let’s go, home.”

Xiaoman looked up bewilderedly. Seeing Chen Ji, he was immediately delighted, “Young Master, you’re finally out! So, is the sixth-rank official position settled?”

Chen Ji whispered a few words.

Xiaoman, holding Wuyun, grumbled indignantly, “Why? How can they go back on a promise!”

Wuyun meowed, “Exactly!”

Bailong stood before the Meridian Gate, quietly watching Chen Ji lead Zaozao into the capital’s night, then turned and walked towards the Taiye Pond on the west side of the imperial city. Taiye Pond is divided into Beihai, Zhonghai, and Nanhai, with Longevity Hill, Qionghua Island, and Ziguang Pavilion nestled within. In earlier years, it was a training ground for the navy, but now this vast Taiye Pond has become a restricted imperial area. Only during major court ceremonies are external officials permitted to enter or exit.

With his hands behind his back, Bailong walked from south to north, crossed the white jade bridge, and arrived at Qionghua Island. Inside the island, he came to a rockery, behind which he knocked on a heavy iron door. The iron door slowly opened, revealing a secret agent seated inside. Behind the agent was an even larger and heavier iron door. The secret agent glanced at Bailong, “Your token.” This imperial prison only recognized tokens, not individuals. Even the top three Zodiac members wouldn’t be granted entry without one.

Bailong took an ivory token from his sleeve. The token bore no characters, only three trigrams: the Gate of Death, the Gate of Shock, and the Gate of Injury—the Three Malicious Gates. Upon seeing the token, the secret agent immediately knocked on the second door with profound respect, using varying weights and speeds, a total of eight knocks. The second iron door of the imperial prison slowly opened. The secret agent stepped aside, “Please, my lord. Lord Prisoner Rat has gone to Luocheng and has not yet returned.”

Bailong descended the stone steps. This imperial prison in the capital was much better than others, clean, tidy, spacious, and bright, with Bagua lamps perpetually lit on the walls. Only a chilling wind occasionally swept through, making one’s hair stand on end. Bailong passed through a long corridor, where over a hundred secret agents were on duty, none of them slacking. Reaching the deepest part, he waved away the nearby secret agents.

In a solitary cell, Master Feng, dressed in white prison garb, sat reading a book under a solitary lamp. Hearing footsteps, he looked up and asked with a smile, “Did that young man Chen Ji suspect you?”

Bailong hummed in affirmation.

Master Feng smiled, “That young man is very astute; you’ll have to be careful.”

Bailong calmly asked, “Are you accustomed to being confined here?”

Master Feng replied indifferently, “It’s fine. After all these years, I haven’t rested a single day. Now, to steal a moment from my busy life to read and write, it’s quite a blessing.”

Bailong suddenly asked, “Will you die?”

Master Feng raised an eyebrow, casually removed his own head, held it in his hands, passed it from his left hand to his right, his smile still intact. “Do you mean like this?” After saying this, he placed his head back on his neck and laughed heartily, “Just a small trick. Please excuse me.”

Bailong then asked, “Where do you go after feigning death?”

Master Feng came to the edge of the iron bars and said with a smile, “The place I’m going is very far, so far that even in dreams, one cannot fly back. But when we meet again, it will be the day to remake the world. Trust me, that day is not far off.”

Bailong was silent for a long time. “Take care.”

Master Feng burst into hearty laughter, “I don’t need to take care. It’s you who needs to take care. Go back; this is not where you should be.”

Bailong turned and walked out. Master Feng stood inside the iron bars, watching his retreating figure disappear into the distance.

There are rules on the stage. On stage, there are two doors: the left door is for ‘entering as a general,’ and the right door is for ‘exiting as a minister.’ When an actor enters the stage from ‘entering as a general,’ it’s as if they’re stepping onto a battlefield; when they exit from ‘exiting as a minister’ after the performance, it’s like a victorious hero returning. And at this moment, Master Feng watched Bailong’s back, as if seeing him enter the door called ‘entering as a general,’ stepping onto the stage from then on. As for whether he would return victoriously, he did not know.

The rumbling sound of the iron door closing echoed from the long corridor. Master Feng calmly turned back, sat down under the solitary lamp, and picked up his book.

Sorrows and joys unfold in the play; only I do not take the stage.